Skip to main content

Full text of "Iron. An illustrated weekly journal for iron and steel manufacturers, metallurgists, mine proprietors, engineers, shipbuilders, scientists, capitalists .."

See other formats 


This  is  a  digital  copy  of  a  book  that  was  preserved  for  generations  on  library  shelves  before  it  was  carefully  scanned  by  Google  as  part  of  a  project 
to  make  the  world's  books  discoverable  online. 

It  has  survived  long  enough  for  the  copyright  to  expire  and  the  book  to  enter  the  public  domain.  A  public  domain  book  is  one  that  was  never  subject 
to  copyright  or  whose  legal  copyright  term  has  expired.  Whether  a  book  is  in  the  public  domain  may  vary  country  to  country.  Public  domain  books 
are  our  gateways  to  the  past,  representing  a  wealth  of  history,  culture  and  knowledge  that's  often  difficult  to  discover. 

Marks,  notations  and  other  marginalia  present  in  the  original  volume  will  appear  in  this  file  -  a  reminder  of  this  book's  long  journey  from  the 
publisher  to  a  library  and  finally  to  you. 

Usage  guidelines 

Google  is  proud  to  partner  with  libraries  to  digitize  public  domain  materials  and  make  them  widely  accessible.  Public  domain  books  belong  to  the 
public  and  we  are  merely  their  custodians.  Nevertheless,  this  work  is  expensive,  so  in  order  to  keep  providing  this  resource,  we  have  taken  steps  to 
prevent  abuse  by  commercial  parties,  including  placing  technical  restrictions  on  automated  querying. 

We  also  ask  that  you: 

+  Make  non-commercial  use  of  the  files  We  designed  Google  Book  Search  for  use  by  individuals,  and  we  request  that  you  use  these  files  for 
personal,  non-commercial  purposes. 

+  Refrain  from  automated  querying  Do  not  send  automated  queries  of  any  sort  to  Google's  system:  If  you  are  conducting  research  on  machine 
translation,  optical  character  recognition  or  other  areas  where  access  to  a  large  amount  of  text  is  helpful,  please  contact  us.  We  encourage  the 
use  of  public  domain  materials  for  these  purposes  and  may  be  able  to  help. 

+  Maintain  attribution  The  Google  "watermark"  you  see  on  each  file  is  essential  for  informing  people  about  this  project  and  helping  them  find 
additional  materials  through  Google  Book  Search.  Please  do  not  remove  it. 

+  Keep  it  legal  Whatever  your  use,  remember  that  you  are  responsible  for  ensuring  that  what  you  are  doing  is  legal.  Do  not  assume  that  just 
because  we  believe  a  book  is  in  the  public  domain  for  users  in  the  United  States,  that  the  work  is  also  in  the  public  domain  for  users  in  other 
countries.  Whether  a  book  is  still  in  copyright  varies  from  country  to  country,  and  we  can't  offer  guidance  on  whether  any  specific  use  of 
any  specific  book  is  allowed.  Please  do  not  assume  that  a  book's  appearance  in  Google  Book  Search  means  it  can  be  used  in  any  manner 
anywhere  in  the  world.  Copyright  infringement  liability  can  be  quite  severe. 

About  Google  Book  Search 

Google's  mission  is  to  organize  the  world's  information  and  to  make  it  universally  accessible  and  useful.  Google  Book  Search  helps  readers 
discover  the  world's  books  while  helping  authors  and  publishers  reach  new  audiences.  You  can  search  through  the  full  text  of  this  book  on  the  web 

at  http  :  //books  .  google  .  com/| 


i 


Iron 


£kuM, 


i$i7 

ARTtS      SCICNTIA     VII^ITAf 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


THE 


MECHANICS'    MAGAZINE. 


JANUARY   1st— JUNE   30th,   1855. 


EDITED   BY   R.   A.    BROOMAN. 


TOL  JJi\Ir 


«!     r 


**  Ye  here  sbWered  momitalni  asunder,  made  the  hard  iron  pUarli  {6  ymi  it^aoft  pattv :  the 
Forest-glantt,  Marth-jtttunt  bear  theaTe»of  golden  grain ;  Aglr  the  Sea^l^mon  hUMw  |[fkchet 
his  baek  for  a  sleek  highway  to  you,  and  on  Firehorses  and  Wlndhories  ye  cafl!M!:>s&&s^ 


LONDON: 

ROBERTSON,    BROOMAN,    AND    CO. 

166,  Fleet-street. 

AQKSTB'.^BPiyBU&OH,  J.  SUTHERLAND;  GLASGOW,  W.  R.  M'PHUN,  AND  DAVID 

ROBERTSON;  DUBLIN,  HODGES  AND  SMITH,  104,  ORAFTON-STREET ;  PARIS, 

A.  ft  W.  OALIONANI,  RUE  VIVIENNE;  HAMBURGH,  W.  CAMPBELL. 

1855. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ukMif 

r 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


INDEX 


TO  THE  SIXTY-SECOND  VOLUME. 


AbenmtioB    of   light, 
Cha]lboDthe.fM 

Aeeident  st  tba  South  Lambeth 
waterworks,  MS 

Aceount-bookt,  ImpfOTOBMAt  in, 
M 

AddltioD,  toblM  for  liaeilitating, 
M4 

Alr-engiB«,  PantT't  patent  eom- 
nrefeed,  19S 

AUan't  dngle-cell  battery,  516 

AhuBiniiun  in  galTanic  batteiiea, 
on  the  UM  of,  692 

Anerican  paddle-wheel,  WaUia's 
patent,  590 

— ~— —  patent  oiDoe,  new  rule 
of  the,  151 

— —  telegiaphe,  S95 

Anchor  patent,  refutal  to  oon- 
flrm  Porter's,  16S 

Argand  ftimaee,  the,  276 

Amand's  sdentillc  drama,  614 

Arithmetic,"  Rawson's  **  Exer- 
cises in,  541 

Armstrong's  smokeless  furnace, 
135 

ArU.  spedal  priaee  olftied  by  the 
Xoeiety  of.  129;  exhibition  of 
ioTentions  at  the  Society  of, 
150;  annual  report  of  the  So- 
ciety of.  584 

Astronomer  Royal's  pendulum  ex- 
periment, the,  174 

Astronomical  docks,  110 

Astronomy,  mechanical 'illustra- 
tions of,  255 

Atlantic  submarine  telegraph,  514 

Baddeley  (Mr.  W.)  on  London 
flres  In  185S,  122,  147 

Ballast-bags,  water,  102 

Bars,  compound  metallic  rods  and, 
486 

Batteries,  Professor  Callan's  pa- 
tent impraveaanu  in  galvaaio, 
518 


Battery,  Profesaor  Callan's  new 

Migmooth  single-fluid,  249, 846, 

898;   Allan's   single-ceU,  516; 

use  of  aluminium  in  the  galv»- 

nle,592 
Bayliss's  patent  imokeleai  ftir- 

nace,  25 
Beams,  on  the  distribution  of  m»- 

terial  in  wrouffht-iron,  418,  434 
Bearings,  Penn's  patent  wooden, 

842 
Bennett's  patent  machinery  for 

heating  gold,  ftc,  481 
Benumbmg  influence  of  ice,  on 

the,  256 
Bensine,  16, 135 
Bethunc^s  improTcments  in  steam 

navigation,  103, 180,  203 
Biden's  patent  improvements  in 

Aimaces,  529 

marine  steam- 


engine  condensers,  442 
Bisecting  compaases,  Colonel  Parl- 


by's,  850 
Bishopi ' 


lopp's  patent  method  of  com- 
municating rotary  motion  to 
shafts,  885 

Black  Sea  telegraph  cable,  the, 
110 

BUsting  of  rocks,  W.  Nisbet,  esq., 
on  the,  868 

Boats,  Clilford's  patent  method  of 
lowering  -^i"-*^  *«• 

Boiler    exi 


lowering  ships^,  492 
loUer    exploeion 
Booth,  498,  510 


at   Crawshaw 


Boilers,  on  the  construction  of,  8 ; 

on  the  inorustration  of,  29,  85 ; 

Forsyth's,  31 ;  on  tubular  steam, 

76, 181;  Johnson's,  145;  Crad- 

dock's  tubular,  229,  517,  665; 

Syke's  patent  feed  apparatus 

for,  419 
Bolt,  new  patent  barrel,  463 
Books,  improvement  in  account, 

34 
BoilBg  earth,  machinery  for,  581 


Brace,  Fenn's  patent  rachct,  346 

Brass  by  galvMiic  agency,  on  the 
formation  of,  7  • 

Breech-loading  fire-arms.  Wen- 
ham's  patent,  289 

Bright's  registered  parallel  com- 


passes, 540 
•britishl 


ritish  Workman,"  297 
Burch's  safety-ships,  82 
Burgess's    patent    reaping   and 
mowing  machines,  241 

CaDan's  (Proltesor)  new  May- 
nooth  single-fluid  battery,  149, 
346,898 

patent   im- 


provements in  galvanic  batte- 
ries. 538 

Caloric  engine,  the,  78 

Camp-stoves  and  cooking  appara- 
tus, WiUiams's,  368 

Cannon,  portable,  63;  improved, 
64 

Capsiitng  of  the  troop-ship  '*  Per- 
severance," 172 

Capstans,  Herman's  patent,  577 

Carpenter  (Captain)  on  the  scnw- 
propeller,  422 

Carriages,  manumotlve,  802,  851 

Carr's  patent  steering*«pparatus, 
409 

Castors,  Hyde's  patent  Aimituro, 
512 

Castraise  pump,  Dclpech's  patent, 
813 

Chaff-cutting  machine.  Dray's  pa- 
tent, 361 

Challis  (Professor)  on  the  aberra- 
tion of  light,  586 

Charcoal,  Dr.  Btenhouse  on  the 
sanityy  uses  of.  343 

(Dayton  and  Harrop's  patent  Im- 
provements in  ornamenting 
wood,  505 

Clifford's  patent  method  of  lower- 
ing ships'  boau,  491 


302224        ° '''''' ''  Google 


IV 


INDEX. 


Cloek,  utronomfeal,  110 
CoAl-minet,  North  of  England, 

"  Coal  Mtoing,"  Harlor*!,  MS 

Coal-tar,  16,  135 

Cockle  (Mr.  J.)  ou  iDCongraoiit 

•olutiona,  509 
Collier*,  on  'steam  and  laiUng, 

SS2.  S50,  275 
Collodion  photograpba  on  metal, 

■tone,  5ro..0ll 
Coloured  fluids,  150 
Combined   Tspour  -  engines.   Da 

Trembley't.  915 
Communicating  rotary  motion  to 

shafts,  Bisbopp's  patent  method 

of,  885 
Compasses,  apparatus  for  correct- 
ing the  variations  of  ships',  610 
———   Colonel  Parlby't  bi- 
secting, 850 ;  Bright's  registered 

parallel,  540 
■    '  ,  Oray's  patent  mari> 

ners',  488 
Complete  specUcatlons  filed  with 

applieations    for    patents,   ab- 
stracts of,  880, 618 
— ^— ,    patents 

applied  for  with.  82,  46,95,  118. 

142,  166,  268,406,  481,  454,  502, 

627,  550 
CondeDsen,   BIden's  patent  im- 

proyements  in  marine   steam- 
engine.  448 
Construction  of  ahips,  Mr.  J.  Scott 

Russell  on  the,  490 
Cooking    apparatus,   Williams's, 

868 
Cooper's  natewt  drain-pipes  and 

couiiectloBs,  867 
Copper  sheathing  of  ships,  on  the 

protection  of  the,  515 
Correspondents,  notices  to,  84,48, 

96,  12(),  144.  168,  192,  815,  840, 

264,  288,  818,  886,  860,  884,  488, 

456,  480,  604.  558 
Craddock's  tubular  boilers,  829, 

517,565 
Cranks,  Uackworth*s  paUnt,  457 
Crimean    submarine    telegraph, 

the,  470 
Crossings,  railway,  890 
Crystal  Palace,  ladder  emeute  at 

the,  424 
Cubic  equation,  new  solution  of 

a.  581 
Cuvier's  patent  furnaces,  837 
Cylinders,    Hackworth's    patent 

■team-engine,  457 

Daguerreotypes,  without  lenses, 
on  the  production  of,  420 

Damper,  Phelp's  patent  label,  588 

De  Bergue's  patent  propeller,  59 

"  Decimal  Coinage  lamiliarly  Ex- 
plained," WaUord's,  227 

Delpech's  patent  Castraise  pump, 
818 

Density  of  the  earth,  the  Astro- 
nomer Royal's  experiments  on 
the,  174 

Designs  for  articles  of  utility  re- 
gistered, lists  of,  23,  144,  215, 
811,407,508,623 

De  Penning's  screw-propeller  pro- 
tector, 13 

Deposition  of  metals,  Mr.  A.  Watt 
on  I  he  eleetTo-chemieal,506, 588 

Destmction  of  Eusafan  fortresses, 
«n  the,  568 


DisclaimeiB,  notice  of  application 
for  leave  to  enter,  47, 119, 166, 
862,  575 

Disputes  in  the  Royal  and  Royal 
Astroitomical  Societies,  242, 267 

Doings  in  our  mathematical  pe- 
riodicals, 851 

Drain  -  pipes  and  connections. 
Cooper's  patent,  867 

Drama,  Arnaud's  scientific,  614 

Dray's  patent  chaff-cutting  ma> 
chine,  861 

Du  Trembley's  combined  Tapour- 
engines,  816 

Earth-boring  machinery,  581 
Earth,    the   Astronomer  Royal's 
experiments  on  the  density  of 
the,  174 
Elastic  woollen  cloths,  806 
Electricity,  W.  E.  Orove,  esq.  on 

induced,  80 
Electric  telegraphs,  68;   Imiport- 

ant  improvement  in,  487 
Electro-chemical  deposition  of  me- 
tals, Mr.  A.  Watt  on  tbe,  506, 
585 

the 


action  of  Hght  upon,  558 

"Elementary  Physios,"  Hunt's, 
442,465 

Enaineers,  errors  of  mechanical, 
370 ;  science  among  the,  510 

Engine,  Mr.  W.  Falrbalm  on  the 
steam,  840 

Engines,  Du  Txmnbley'b  combined 
vapour,  315 

Equation,  new  solution  of  a  cu- 
bic, 581 

Eriocson's  caloric  engine.  78 

Errors  of  mechanical  engineers, 
370 

Ether   engines,  Du  Trembley's, 
815 

"  Exercises  In  Arithmetic,"  Raw- 
son's,  541 

ExhlbiUon  of  inventions  at  the 
Society  of  Arts,  ISO 

,  the  Paris,  612 


Expanding  shot  or  shell,  Captain 

Norton's,  847 
Expansive  use  of  steam,  Mr.  W. 

Pairbaim    on    the,   840;    Mr. 

Mushet  on  the,  872,  471 
Experiments  with  the  gyroscope, 

Foucault's,  416 
Explosion  of  a  boiler  at  Crawshaw 

Booth,  493,  510 
Eyes,  on  trade*  which  alTect  the, 

56 

Pairbaim,  (Mr.  W.)on  the  steam- 
engine,  340 

Falrbairn's  (Mr.  P.)  patent  sliver- 
winding  machine,  558 

Faraday  (Professor)  on  magnetic 
philosophy  and  the  philosophy 
offeree,  818,291,  871 

Feed  apparatus,  Sykes*  patent, 
419 

Fenn's  patent  rachet-brace,  846 

Fenton's  patent  safety-valves,  886, 
517 

Fire  -  arms,  Wenham's  patent 
breech-loading,  289 

Fire-rooms  of  steam-ehips,  Mr.  B. 
F.  Isherwood  on  the  ventilation 
of  the,  365 

Flici  in  1853,  London,  133, 147 


Flow  of  water  through  pipet  and 
orifices,  on  the,  151,  177, 197 

Fluids,  coloured,  159 

Flushing  and  ventilating  sewers, 
Dr.  Oray's  apparatus  for,  834 

Foard's  smokeless  ftimace  patent, 
prolongation  of,  57 

Force,  Pmfessor  Faraday  on  the 
philosophy  of,  218,  291 

Forsyth's  furnace  and  boiler,  81 

Fortresses,  on  the  destruction  of 
Russian,  563 

Foucault's  experiments  with  the 
gyroscope,  416 

France,  on  the  mining  reeonreet 
of,  562 

Furnaces,  Baylis's  patent,  25; 
Forsyth's,  31 ;  Foard's,  57 ;  Par- 
ker's patent,  86,  158,  280,  358, 
801 ;  Armstrong's,  135 ;  Garland 
and  Olasson's  patent,  234;  the 
Argand.  376 ;  GilberUon's.  276 ; 
Cuvier's  patent,  887;  Biden's 
patent,  529 

Furniture  castors,  Hyde's  patent^ 
513 

Gallery  of  inventions,  501 

Galvanic  batteries:  Professor  Cal- 
lan's  new  Maynooth  single - 
fluid,  349,  846,  898;  Allan's 
single-cell,  516 ;  use  of  alumi- 
nium in,  593 

Garland  and  Glassoo's  patent 
■mokelchs  faroaces,  334 

Gas,  Lowe's  patent  for  supplying 
and  pnri^ng,  58 

Gearing,  Hackworth's  patent,  467 

Gllbertsen's  fhmace,  376 

Gold -beating  machinery,  Ben- 
nett's patent,  481 

GoodaU's  patent  grinding  and  le- 
vigatiag  apparatus,  463 

Governors,  Hackworth's  pateat, 
457 

Gray's  patent  mariners'  compassea, 
433 

Oray's  (Dr.),  sewer -fiusher  and 
ventilator,  824 

Grinding  and  levigating  appara- 
tus, Goodall's  patent,  462 

Grove,  (W.  R.  esq.)  on  Induced 
electricity,  80 

Gunnery,  an  improvement  in,  38 

Gunpowder,  11.  37,  64,  87,  456 

Owynne's  patent  processes  for 
treating  Mat,  554 

Gyroscope.  Foucault's  experiments 
with  the,  416 

Hackworth's  patent  steam-engine 
cranks,  cylinders,  governors, 
and  gearing,  457 

Hancock's  vulcanised  India-rub- 
ber patent,  law-case,  540 

Herman's  patent  windlasses,  cap- 
stans, ftc,  577 

Hearse  patent,  refusal  to  prolong 
Shillibker's,  135 

Heating  apparatus.  Knight's  pa- 
tent, 589 

Hoare's  *'  Mensuration  made 
Easy,"  897 

Horse-power  of  steam-engines,  on 
the  indicated,  157, 227, 254, 299, 
848,  S79 

Howell  and  Jamicson's  patent 
saw  machinery,  1 

Hughes  and  Denham's  patent 
manual  pianofortes,  587 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


INDEX. 


Hnoff  "Etometttary  Ph]rdet/' 

44S,4«6 
Hyde's  pstont  famitim  eutortt 

51S 
Hydraulle  problem,  504 
Hydrogen,  steam-generator  bum- 

Ice,  on  the  benumbing  influence 
ef,SM 

Illustration  of  identifle  works,  on 
tbe  defective,  228 

Ittcongruons  solutions,  J.  Cockle, 
1I.A.,  on,  509 

Incraatratlon  of  boUers,  on  the, 
29,85 

IndiA-rubber  patent,  Hancock's 
TulcanSzed,  law-case,  540 

Indicated  horse-power  of  steam- 
engines,  on  tbe,  157,  227,  254, 
299,  848,  878 

Induced  electricity,  W.  R.  Orove, 
esq.,  on,  80 

Industrial  pathology,  the  eyes,  58 

Intention  to  proceed,  notices  of, 
22.  4«,  71,  95,  118,  142. 167,  190, 
214,  238,  262,  287,  810,  884,  859, 
882,  408,  431,  454,  478, 502,  527, 
550,  575,  598, 028 

InTODtions,  Captain  Norton's  re- 
cent, 488 ;  gallery  of,  591 

'*  InTentions  of  James  Watt,  the 
Mechanical."  199,  225 

Inventions,  Society  of  Arte  exhi- 
bition of,  180 

Iron  beams,  on  the  distribution  of 
material  in,  418,  434 

Iron,  Kenton's  method  of  making 
malleable,  246, 326 

Jandin  and  Duval's  patent  means 
of  dressing  aud  dyeing  raw  silk 
fabrics,  169 

Jekyll,  (Mr.  E.)  on  siege  operas 
tions,  817 

Jet  propnlsion,  100, 182 

Johnson's  steam-bcdlers,  145 

KItson's  Motion  hammer,  97 
Knight's  patent  heating  appara* 

tus,689. 
Kyan's    process    tct   preserving 

Label-damper,  Phelps*  patent,  588 
Ladder  emeute  at    the  Crystal 

Palace,  424 
Lamport's  patent  ship  -  building 

machinery,  49 
Lamp,  the  moderator,  78 
Launching  ships,  on,  36 
Lasy-tongs  to  pumps,  application 

of  the,  448 
Levigating  apparatus,  Goodall's 

patent  grinding  and,  462 
Library  and    reading-room    in 

Ooveniment  patent  office,  297 
Lifting-Jack,  Peile's  patent,  539 
Lightnina,  protection  of  the  new 

Westminster  palace  from,  892 
Light,  Professor  ChaUis  on  the 

abeiration  of,  586 
Lloyd's  patent  turntables  121 
hook.  Long's  improved.  327 
London  fires  in  1858, 123,  147 
Lowering  ships'  boats,  Cliffbrd's 

patent  method  of,  492 
Lowe's  patent  for  supplying  and 

purifying  gaa,  prdloogation  of. 


Lumiaiferous  medium.  Professor 
Thomson  on  the  density  of  the, 
54,252 

Machinery  for  boring  earth,  531 

Mackay's  patent  propeller,  394 

Magnetic  force,  Proressor  Thom- 
son's demonstrations  of  propo- 
sitions in  the  theory  of,  387 

— —  philosophy.  Professor 
Faraday  on,  218,  891,  371 

repulsion.       Professor 

Tyndall  on,  195 

Malleable  iron,  Renton's  method 
of  making,  246,  326 

Manumotive  carriages,  802,  851 

Marine  signals,  591 

Masts  and  spars,  M*Qavin's  pa- 
tent, 393 

Mathematical  periodicals,  doings 
in  our,  851 

Maynooth  single -fluid  battery, 
Professor  CaUan's  new,  249,  346, 
398 

M'Connell's  patent  wrought  iron 
pliton,  130 

Marior's  "  Goal  Mining,"  542 

M'Cormick's  reaping  -  machine, 
law-case,  84 

M'Oavin's  patent  masts  and  spars, 
393 

Measure,  the  standard  of,  559 

Mechanical  engineers,  errors  of, 
370 

Mechanical  illustrations  of  astro- 
nomy, 255 

**  Mechanical  Inventions  of  James 
Watt,  the,"  189,  225 

*'  Mensuration  made  Easy," 
Hoare's,  897 

Metal  leaf,  Bennett's  patent  ma- 
chinery fbr  heating,  481 

Metallic  rods  and  bars,  compound, 
486 

Mines,  North  of  England  coal. 

Mining," Marlor's  "Coal,  542 
Mining  resouiees  of  France,  562 
Moderator  lamp,  the,  73 
Moon's  motion,  on  the,  82, 86, 106, 

138.  155,  201.  251,  277,  297,  298 
Mowing  machines,  Burgess's  par 

tent,  241 
Museums  for  the  working  classes, 

special,  514 

Nature-printing,  on,  579,  606 

Navigation,  Bethune's  improve- 
ments in  steam,  1V3, 180,  203 

Niagara  falls,  attempU  to  sound, 
614 

Nubet,  (Mr.  W.)  on  the  blasting 
of  rocks,  863 

North  of  England  coal  mines,  372 

Norton's,  (CaptaInX  rifle  and  rifle- 
shot, 38,  88;  expanding  shot  or 
shell,  847;  recent  inventions, 
488 

Nota  Mathematics,  No.  vi.,  271 ; 
No.  vU..  582 

Notices  of  intention  to  proceed, 
22,  46,  71,  95,  118,  142,  167,  190, 
214,  238,  262,  287,  310,  834,  369, 
382,  406,  431, 454,  478,  508,  527, 
550,  575,  598,  623 

Notices  to  correspondents,  24,  48, 
96,  120,  144,  168.  192,  215,  240, 
264,  288,  812,  386,  860,  884,  432, 
456,  480,  504,  552 


Notices  to  subscribers,  552, 624 

Observatory,  the  Royal,  561 
Ordnance  and  gunpowder,  11,  37. 

64,  87 

>— — ,  wrought-iron,  568 

Ore-crusher,  Tendall  and  Trotter's 

patent,  265 
Orifices,  on   the  flow  of  water 

through,  151,  177, 187 
Ornamenting  wood,  Clayton  and 

Harrop's  patent  improvements 

in,  505 
Oxygen  by  the  decomposition  of 

water,  on  the  production  of,  564 

Paddle  e.  screw,  441 

wheel,     Wallis's    patent 

American,  590 

Palmer's  patent  propeller,  489, 519 

Paper-making,  substitute  for  rags 
in,  5417618 

Paris  ExhibiUon,  612 

Parker's   patent  smokeless  Air- 
nace,  86.  158,  230,  255,  801 

Parlby's,  (Colonel)  bisecting  com- 
passes, 350 

Parliamentary  smoke,  85 

Parsey's  patent  compressed  air- 
engine,  193 

Patent   law  eases:  M'Cormick's 
reaping-machine,  84-,  Hancock's 
vulcanised  India-rubber,  540 
query,  192 


Patent  ofllce  library  and  reading- 
room,  297 

Patents,  applications  for  (see  pro- 
visional protectiona). 


•  prolonga- 
tions of,  142. 190,  262,  598 

-  applied  for  with  com- 


f! 


lete  spedflcations,  22,  46,  96, 
18, 142,  166,  262,  406,  431,  454, 
502,  527,  550 

recently  flled.  specifica- 
tions of,  16,  88,  64,  88,  111,  185, 
159. 188,  206,  231,  256,  280.  802, 
827,  852,  375,  401,  424,448,  472, 
494,  519, 548,  566,  502,  615 

sealed,  weekly  llsu  of, 

28,47,71,95,  119,148,167.191, 
215,  239,  268,  287.  311,  335,  859, 
883,  407,  481,  455,  579,  608,  527, 
551,  575,  600,  628 

,  progress  of.  7 


,  ykv^iva*  vs.  w 

Pathology,  Industrial,  (the  eyes), 
56 

Peat  and  some  of  its  uses,  554 

Peile's  patent  lifting-Jack,  539 

Pendulum  experiment,  the  Astro- 
nomer Royal's,  174 

Penn's  patent  wooden  bearings, 
842 

Periodicals,  doings  In  our  mathe- 
matical, 351 

Permanent  ways,  on,  4, 27,  62,  84 

"  Perseveranee,"  capsisingofthe 
troop-ship,  172 

Phelps'  patent  label-damper,  588 

Philosophy  of  magnetism  and 
force.  Professor  Faraday  on  the, 
218,  291,  371 

Photographs  on  metal,  stone,  ftc, 
collodion,  611 

Physics,"  Hunt's  "Elementary, 
442,465 

Pianofortes,  Hughes  and  Den- 
ham's  patent  manual,  587 

Pipes  and  conneetlona,  Cooper's 
patent  drain,  367 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


VI 


INDEX. 


Pipes,  on  the  flow  of  water 
ihroagh,  161, 177,  197 

Piston,  M'ConneU'f  patent 
wroaglit-iron,  130 

PolychromatlB  preuet,  327,  374 

Polymagnet,  Profenor  Tyndall's, 
601 

Porter's  anchor  patent,  lefuaal  to 
oonfinn,  163 

Potichomaaie,  t79 

Premium  for  the  pnTentlon  of 
■moke,  464 

Presses,  polychromatic,  337,  374 

Prevention  of  emoke,  pteminm 
for  the,  404 

Prises  of  the  Society  of  Arts,  spe- 
cial, 120 

Probiem  in  hydrauUca,  804 

Progress  of  patents,  7 

Proiongatl<»s  of  ps^enta,  applic»- 
tions  for.  142,  190,  262, 388 

:    Foard's 

smokeless  Aimaee,  57;  Lowe's 
supplying  and  purifying  gas, 
58 :  Clark's  partly ing  water,  155 

Propellers :  De  Penning's  patent 
guard  for  screw,  13;  De  Ber- 
gue's  patent,  59 ;  Maekay's  pa- 
tent, 394 ;  Captain  Carpenter's 
letter  on  screw,  422;  Palmer's 
patent,  489,  519;  on  the  slip  of 
screw,  537 

to  large  sailing  ships, 

on  the  application  of  screw,  320, 
344 

Propulsion  of  ships  by  Jets  of 
water,  on  the.  100,  132 

ProTlsional  protections,  21,45,  70, 
93,  116, 141,  165.  189,  212.  238, 
260.  285,  309.  333,  357.  381,  405, 
429,  452,  476,  525,  549,  574, 595, 
621 

registrstions,  24,  144, 

215,312,408,503,623 

—————  specifleations  not  pro* 
ceeded  with,  abstracts  of,  19, 42, 
69,  92,  114,  139,  163,  187,  211, 
236,  259.  283,  306,  331,  356,  379, 
404.  428, 451,  475,  499,  523,  547, 
572,619 

Pamps,  Delpech's  patent  Cas- 
traiae,  313;  application  of  the 
lasy-tongs  to,  448 

Query  relating  to  the  patent  law, 
192 


Rags  In  paper-making,  substitute 

for.  541,  613 
Railway-signiiU,  422,  591 

-switches  and  crossings. 


390 


-  trains,  intercommunica- 
tion in,  422 

Ratchet  brace,  Fenn's  patent,  346 

Rawoon's  **  Exercises  In  Arith- 
metic," 541 

Reaping  machine;  M*Cormick's 
patent  (law  ease),  34 ;  Burgess's 
patent,  241 

Registered,  lists  of  designs  for 
articles  of  utility,  23,  144,  215, 
311,407,503,623 

Registrations,  lists  of  proTisional, 
24,  144,  215,  312,  408.  503,623 

Re- inventions,  re-pa( anted,  61 

Renton's  method  of  making  mal- 
leable iron,  246, 326 

Rc-patented  re4nTeBtaons,  61 


Bepulaifln,  Proteaor  Tyndall  on 
magnetic,  195 

Roeervoirs,  Mr.  J.  Braithwaite's 
patent  method  of  roofing,  558 

Rifles,  and  rifle-shot,  Captain 
Norton's,  38,  88 

,  self-capping,  60 

Rocks,  W.  Nisbet,  esq.,  on  the 
blasting  of,  363 

Rods  and  hart,  oompoond  metal- 
lic, 486 

Roofing  reservoirs,  Mr.  J.  Braith- 
waite's patent  method  of,  558 

Royal  and.  Royal  Astronomical 
Societies,  disputes  in  the,  242 

Roval  Observatory,  the,  561 

RnhmkorfTs  coil  apparatus,  288 

Russell,  (Mr.  J.  Seott)  on  ship- 
oonstruetlon,  490 

Russian  fortresses,  on  the  de- 
struction of,  563 


Safety-ships,  Bureh's,  32 

valves.  134;  Fenton's  pa- 
tent, 396,  617 
Sanderson,  (Mr.  C.)  on  the  manu- 
facture of  steel,  460, 482 
Sanitary  uses  of  charcoal.    Dr. 

Stenhouie  on  the,  343 
Saw  machinery,  Howell  and  Ja- 

mleson's  patent,  1 
Science  among  the  engineers,  510 
"  Scientific  American,"  the,  51 
Scientific  drama,  Arnaud's,  614 
Screw-propeller  protector,  DePen- 
ning's  patent,  13 

to    larKo    sailing 


ships,  on  the  application  of  the, 
320,  344 

Williams's  patent, 

217;  Maekay's  patent,  394; 
Captain  Carpenter's  letter  on 
the,  422 :  on  the  slip  of  the,  537 

Screw  e.  paddle,  441 

Sealed,  weekly  lists  of  patents, 
23,  47.  71,  95,  119,  143,  167,  191, 
215,  239,  263,  287,  311,  335,  359, 
383,  407,  431,  455,  479, 503,  527, 
551,575,600,623 

Sewage  of  towns  and  cities,  on 
the,  411 

Sewer-flusher  and  ventilator,  Dr. 
Gray's,  324 

Shafts.  Bishopp's  patent  method 
of  communicating  rotary  motion 
to,  385 

Sheathing  of  ships,  on  the  protec- 
tion of  the  oopper,  515 

Shilllbeer's  hearse  patent,  reftual 
to  prolong,  135 

Ship-building  machinery,  Lam- 
port's patent,  49 

Sliip-construction,  Mr.  J.  Seott 
Russell  on,  4V0 

Ships,  Bureh's  safely,  32;  on 
launching,  36;  Bethune's  im- 
provements in  steam,  103;  on 
the  application  of  screw-propel- 
lers to  large  sailing,  320,  344 

Shot,  Captain  Norton's  rifle,  38 ; 
Captain  Norton's  expanding 
■hell  and.  347 

Siege  operations,  on,  317 

Signalising  on  railways,  422,  591 

Silk  fabrics  (raw).  Jaudin  and  Du- 
val's patent  means  ol  dressing 
and  dyeing,  169 

Slags  of  smelting  fUmaces,  on  the, 
323 


Slip  of  ■erew-propoUirs,  on  the, 
537 

Sliver-winding  machine,  Mr.  P. 
Falrbairn's  patent,  553 

Smith,  (Dr.)  on  the  slags  of  smelt- 
ing f^unaoea,  223 

Smoke  quettion,  the,  14,  U,  61, 
62,  86,  87,  108,  109,  111,  158. 181, 
183, 204, 280,  800,  301,  350,  464, 
612 

Society  of  Arts :  special  jprisea 
oifered  by  the,  129;  exhibition 
of  inventions  at  the,  130 ;  an- 
nual report  of,  584 

Solution  of  a  cnbio  eqaatlan,  new, 
531 

Solutions,  J.  Coekle,  M.A.,  on 
incongruous,  509 

Spars  aod  maats,  M*OaviB's  pa- 
tent, 393 

Specifications  filed  with  applica- 
tfona,  abatacts  ot  complete,  330, 
618 

-~— —  not  proceeded  with, 
abstracts  of  provisional,  19, 42, 
69,  92,  114,  139,  163,  187,  211, 
286,  259,  383,  306,  331,  356,  379, 
404.  488,  451,  475, 499,  528,  647, 
572,  594,  619 

— -  raoently  filed,  ab- 
stracU,  16,  38,  64,  88,  HI.  136, 
159,  183,  206,  231,  256,  280,  302, 
327,  352,  375,  401.  424,  448,  472, 
494, 519,  543,  566,  592, 615 

Standard  of  measure,  the,  559 

Steam-engine,  Mr.  W.  Fairbalm 
on  the,  340 

Steam-engines:  Biden's  patent 
improvements  in  marine,  422 ; 
Haekworth's  patent  cranks  fte. 
for,  457 ;  on  the  indicated  horse% 
power  of,  157.  227, 254, 299, 348, 
373 

Steam  generator  burning  hydro- 
gen, 38 

Steam-ships:  Bethune's  patent, 
103.  180,  203 ;  Mr.  B.  F.  Isher- 
wood  on  the  ventilation  of  the 
fire-rooms  of,  365 

Steam  used  expansively :  Mr.  W. 
Fairbaim  on,  340;  Mr.  Mushet 
on,  372, 471 

Steel,  Mr.  C.  Sanderson  on  the 
manufacture  of,  460,  482 ;  tem- 
pering of,  515 

Steering  apparatus,  Carr's  patent, 
409 

Stenhouse  (Dr.)  on  the  sanitary 
uses  of  charcoal,  343 

Stoves,  Williams's  camp,  368 

Submarine  telegraph,theCrimean, 
470;  Atlantic,  514 

Subscribers,  notices  to,  552,  624 

Switches,  railway,  390 

Sykes'  patent  feed  apparatus,  419 


Tables  for  facilitating  addition, 
564 

Teiegraph  cables,  the  Black  Sea, 
110 

Telegraphs;  electric,  63;  Ameri- 
can, 395;  important  improve- 
ment in  electric.  437;  the  Cri- 
mean submarine,  470 ;  Atlantic 
submarine,  514 

Teinperinic  of  steel,  515 

Tendall  and  Trotter's  patent  ore- 
crusher,  365  - 

Theory  of  magnetic  force,  Profee- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


INDEX. 


VU 


of  piopoiltimis  in  the,  887 
Tbamaoii  (Profeisor),  on  tha 
density  of  the  lamfaiiferont  me- 
dium, 54,  858;  on  elementary 
propoeitiont  in  the  theory  of 
magnetle  force,  387 
Tndee  whkh  ajfeet  the  eyee,  on. 

56 
TubnlarttauD-hoDen,  on,  76, 181, 

517,505 
Turntables,  Lloyd's  patent,  181 
Tuyere  for  smiths'  hearths,  an 

improved,  440 
T^dall  (Professor)  on  magnetio 
repulsion.  195;    on  the  poly- 
magnet,  801 

Valves,  safety,  154;  Fenton's  pa- 
tent safety,  386,  517 

Ventilation  of  the  flre-rooms  of 
Bteam-ehips,  Mr.  B.  F.  Isher- 
wood  on  the,  885 


Walford's  "  Decimal  Coinage  fa- 
miliarly Explained,"  827 

Wallis's  patent  American  paddle- 
wheel,  590 

Water  ballast-bags,  302 

— ,  on  the  production  of  oxy- 
gen by  the  deeompoeition  of, 

,   prolongation   of  Clark's 

patent  for  purifying,  155 

^— —  through  pipes  and  orifices, 
on  the  flow  of,  151,  177, 197 

Waterworks,  accident  at  the  Sonth 
Lambeth,  558 

Watt,  f  Mr.  A.) on  the  electro-che- 
mical deposition  of  metals,  506, 
535 

"Watt,  (James),  the  mechanical 
inventions  of,"  199, 225 

Weoham's  patent  Iweech-loading 
fire-«rms,  289 

Westminster  Palace,  protection 
f^m  lightning  of  the  new,  392 


Whittington  dnb,  the,  493 
Wickens's  railway-signals,  422 
Williams's  camp-«toves  and  cook- 
ing apparatus,  368 
Williams's  patent  screw-propeller, 

Windlasses,     Herman's    patent, 
577 

Wood  -  bearings.  Peon's  patent, 
342 

— ,  Kyan's  process  for  pre- 
serving, 336 

,  Clayton  and  Harrop's  pa- 
tent improvements  in  omament- 
hig,  505 

Woollen  cloths,  eUutic,  206 

WorUng-classee,  special  museums 
for  the,  514 

Works,  on  the  defective  illustra- 
tion of  scientific,  228 

Wright,   (Mr.    H.)    on   tubular 
steam-boilers,  76 

Wrought-iron  ordnance,  563 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Ptt|anits'  pajajine. 


No.  1639.]  SATURDAY,  JANUARY  6,   1855.         [s,!!!^  f '4.;. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Broonian,  IGC,  Fleet- street. 


HOWELL  AND  JAMIESON'S  PATENT  MACHINERY  FOR  MANUFAC- 
TURING SAWS. 
Fig.  2. 


vol..  Lxir. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


HOWELL  AND  JAMIESON'S-  PATENT  MACHINERY  FOR  MANUFAC- 

TURING  iSAWS. 
(Pfttent  dated  Jaly  25, 1S0S.) 

Messrs.  J.  B.  HowelLi  of  Sheffield,  and  W.  Jamieson,  of  Ashion-under-Lyne,  have 
patented  a  machine  for  improving  the  manufacture  of  saws,  hy  means  of  which  they  are 
ahle,  they  state,  to  produce  saws  of  every  desoription  with  great  facility  and  accuracy  of 
workmanship. 

One  part  of  the  machine  consists  of  a  punohing*apparatus,  the  punch  and  its  die  heing 
of  such  a  form  as  to  punch  or  cut  out  the  notches  or  spaces  by  which  the  teeth  of  the  saw 
nre  formed.  It  is  combined  or  not,  as  may  be  required,  Mi\i  ft  Shearing  or  cutting  appa- 
ratus, the  action  of  which  is  to  give  a  correct  straight  or  ettrrllitll^ar  form  to  the  edge  of  the 
plate  of  metal  on  which  the  teeth  are  to  be  cut.  Another  part  tff  ihs  mabhine  consists  in 
tlie  directing  apparatus,  by  which  fresh  portions  of  the  |)late  of  metal  ate  brought  succes- 
sively  under  the  action  of  the  punching  and  shearing  ajl^ftratus.  ^he  punohing  and  shear- 
ing apparatus  is  actuated  by  a  cam  or  eccentric  on  a  fetolving  shaft  kept  in  motion  by  a 
steam  engine  Or  otherwise,  whilst  another  cam  on  the  same  shaft  gives  motion  to  the  direcU 
ing  apparatus ;  the  operation  of  punching  or  cutting  out  the  notches  atid  hioving  forward 
fresh  portions  of  the  plate  taking  place  aUernatety.  A  third  part  of  the  invention  consists 
in  tlie  application  of  a  rotatory  file  or  files,  by  the  action  of  which  any  roughnesses  on  the 
surface  of  the  teeth  of  the  saw  are  removed.  They  dombine  this  part  of  their  invention  with 
the  other  parti,  so  as  tO  form  a  single  machine,  or  use  it  separately,  as  may  be  required. 

Fig.  1  of  the  engravings  on  the  preceding  page  represents  a  side  elevation  of  a  machine 
in  which  their  improvements  are  exhibited  as  applied  to  the  manufacture  of  circular  saws ; 
and  fig.  3  is  a  plan  of  the  upper  part  or  table  of  tne  machine.  A,  A^  &c.,  the  tWo  end  frames 
or  standards  of  the  machine  ,*  B  B  a  vertical  cross  rail  for  connecting  the  two  standards 
together  ;  C  a  bottom  cross  rail ;  D  D,  the  platform  or  table  of  th6  machine,  which  is  sup- 
ported by  the  two  standards.  A,  A,  &c. ;  E  E,  a  headstock,  which  carries  the  hollow  axis, 
FF,  on  which  are  the  fast  and  loose  pulleys  or  riggers,  O,  O,  on  which  the  strap  or  band 
acts  which  gives  motion  to  the  machine  ;  U  is  a  fly-wheel  fit  the  outer  end  of  the  hollow 
axis,  F,  for  regulating  the  motion  of  the  machine,  and  is  constructed  so  as  occasionally  to 
answer  the  purpose  of  a  strap-pulley ;  1 1  is  the  punching  headstock,  which  carries  the 
mechanism  for  punching  or  cutting  out  the  spaces  or  notches  by  which  the  teeth  of  the 
saw  are  formed,  with  which  is  also  combined,  when  necessary,  the  cutting  or  shearing  appa- 
ratus ;  J  J,  a  shaft,  having  a  longitudinal  groove  nearly  the  whole  of  its  length.  This  shaft 
slides  through  the  hollow  axle,  F  F,  and  is  carried  round  with  it  by  means  of  a  feather  or 
pin  which  enters  the  longitudinal  groove.  By  means  of  this  contrivance,  and  a  slot  in  the 
table  or  platform,  D,  the  punching  headstock,  1 1,  can  be  placed  in  any  position  along  the 
xtiiddlc  of  the  table  (to  suit  the  size  of  the  circular  saw  to  be  manufactured),  and  clamped 
fast  by  means  of  a  bolt  passing  through  the  slot.  A  catn  or  eccentric  fixed  on  the  shaft,  J, 
actuates  the  slide,  K,  whibk  has  at  its  lower  extremity  a  preparation  to  receive  the  punch 
and  the  shearing  tool.  These  tools,  when  adjusted,  are  secured  by  means  of  set  screws. 
Preparation  i^  made  oh  the  frame  of  the  headstock  to  receive  the  die  corresponding  tO  the 
punch,  and  the  same  with  the  shearing  tool.  The  die  and  under  shearing  tool  are  adjusted 
and  secured  by*means  of  set  screws.  L  L  is  a  vertical  shaft  or  axis,  at  the  upper  end  of 
which  is  fixed  the  plate  of  metal  which  is  to  form  the  cltcular  saw.  It  carries  the  ratchet- 
wheel,  M  M,  which  ttiust  have  as  many  teeth  in  ii  as  there  are  to  be  in  the  circular  saw  to 
be  made.  It  is  moved  forward  one  tooth  at  a  time  by  the  cam,  N,  on  the  hollow  axis,  FF. 
For  this  purpose  the  cam  gives  motion  to  the  lever,  O,  on  the  vertical  axis,  P,  which  has  at 
its  lower  end  the  arm,  Q.  This  arm  gives  motion  to  the  lever,  R,  by  means  of  a  connecting 
rod,  S,  the  quantity  of  motion  being  regulated  by  means  of  an  adjusting  plate  attached  to 
the  arm,  Q.  The  lever,  II,  carries  the  click  or  cntch,  T,  which  takes  into  the  teeth  of  the 
ratchet  wheel,  M,  with  which  it  is  held  in  contajt  by  means  of  a  spring.  U  is  another 
click  or  catch,  which  also  takes  into  the  teeth  of  the  ratchet-wheel,  MM,  which  it 
secures  or  retains  each  time  the  wheel  is  moved  forward  by  the  action  of  the  cam,  N. 
The  catch,  U,  is  held  ih  contact  with  the  ratchet-wheel  by  a  spring,  and  turns  on  a 
centre  secured  to  the  cross  niil,  B.  The  ratchet-wheel,  M  M,  and  the  mechanism  con- 
nected with  it,  are  chiefly  shown  by  dotted  lines  in  fig.  2.      V  V  is  a  friction   pulley 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OOVKLL  Aim  JAUESOM'S  patent  MAOBEKnT  FOB  MAKUFACTUSINa  SAWS.     3 

filed  on  the  Teiti««]  vom^  L;  thii  piilley  is  etnbrtoed  bv  the  (rietton  brake,  W,  which 
it  oompoeed  of  two  straps  of  metal  oonneeted  together  by  two  lorew  boltS)  by  means 
of  which  the  frietion  of  the  brake  on  the  pnlley  is  regulated*  One  end  of  one  of  the  straps 
if  elongated  so  oa  to  form  an  arm  ot  lefe^,  X,  to  Uie  end  of  which  is  attached  the  spring,  Y, 
at  the  opposite  end  of  which  spring  Is  a  tightening  serew,  which  passes  through  a  filbow 
attichea  to  the  underside  of  the  platform,  D.  The  quantity  of  the  friction  of  the  brake,  W, 
and  tension  of  the  spring,  Y,  being  regulated  as  described,  the  action  it  obviously  to  hold 
the  ratchet-wheel,  M,  flnnly  against  the  catch,  U,  at  the  time  when  the  earn,  N,  is  drawing 
back  the  catch,  T,  in  order  to  engage  a  freah  tooth  of  the  ratehet*wheeL  As  the  ralehet- 
wheel  is  moved  forward  the  spring,  Y,  becomes  lightened  until  its  tension  is  sufficient  to 
orereorae  ihe  frietion  of  the  brake  on  the  pulley,  V ;  the  brake  then  slips  on  the  pulley,  and 
the  teusien  of  the  spring  is  diminished,  until  it  is  again  tightened  by  the  action  of  the  cam, 
K«  on  the  ratchet-wheel,  M  i  a,  the  plate  of  metal  whioh  is  to  form  the  eireular  saiir.  It 
is  firmly  held  betwixt  the  two  plates,  h  and  c,  which  revolve  with  the  vertical  axis,  L.  The 
punching  headstbck,  1 1,  is  fixed  in"  such  a  position  that  the  punch  and  shearing  tool  are 
enabled  to  act  upon  the  edge  of  the  plate,  a  a,  which  has  been  previously  brought  to  some- 
what  near  a  circiilar  form.  The  two  cams  are  placed  in  such  positions  with  respect  to  each 
other  that  when  the  first  is  foroing  the  punch  through  the  plate  of  metal,  the  second,  N,  is 
in  the  act  of  drawing  back  the  lever,  R,  to  enable  the  catch,  T,  to  take  hold  of  or  engage  a 


Fig.  3. 


IMi  tooth  of  the  tatchet-wfaeel,  M,  and  that  when  the  first  cam,  by  its  reverse  action  has 
withdrawn  the  punch  clear  of  the  plate  of  metal,  the  second  reacts  on  the  catch,  T,  and 
eonfleqnently  moves  forward  the  ratchet-wheel  one  tooth.  By  this  means  a  fresh  portion  of 
the  plate,  a,  is  brought  wlthlti  Hnae  of  the  action  of  the  punch,  and  the  process  is  repeated 
as  before.  This  is  continued  uhtil  the  teeth  are  formed  all  round  { the  saw  being  then  com- 
plete is  removed,  and  a  fresh  plate  substituted  in  its  place. 

The  inventors  also  describe  a  machitie  in  which  their  improvements  are  exhibited  as 
applied  to  the  manufhcture  of  tfeciprocating  or  straight-edged  saws,  the  cuttlHg  edges  of 
whieh  have  a  straight  or  curvilinear  fotm,  and  add  the  concluding  portion  of  their  inven- 
tion,  which  consists  in  the  appHcatioti  of  a  rotatory  file  or  files  for  tne  purpose  of  removing 
the  roughnesses  and  filing  up  the  teeth  of  saws  used  in  saw-gins  for  ginning  eotton,  and 
other  saws  whieh  reqnire  to  be  treated  in  a  similar  inanner.  The  construction  and  applica- 
tion of  these  files  will  be  utiderstood  iVbm  figs.  3  and  4 ;  fig.  8  representing  a  plan,  and  fig. 
4  an  end  view  of  two  rotatory  files,  as  arranged  and  adjusted  when  in  operation  on  the  teeth 
of  the  saw ;  G  O  is  a  portion  of  a  saw  plate  in  whieh  the  teeth  Sre  partially  cut  (showii  In 

▲  2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


4  ON  PERMANENT  WATS« 

section  in  fig.  4) ;  H  a  rotatory  file  which  acts  on  the  upper  side  of  the  saw  plati 
another  rotatory  file  which  acts  on  the  lower  side  of  the  saw  plate.    The  form  of  tl: 
tory  files  is  similar  to  that  of  two  frustroms  of  cones  or  solids  of  a  conical  form,  th( 
which  ate  placed  together,  forming  an  angular  edge  all  round  from  which  the  hevi 
surfaces  slope  both  ways.    On  these  slant  surfaces  the  file  teeth  are  cut  sU  round, 
of  the  surfaces  being  such  that  while  one  of  them  remoTee  the  rough  edge  or  arris 
back  of  one  tooth,  the  other  removes  it  from  the  front  of  the  next.    The  action  c 
rotatory  files  is  simultaneous,  the  rough  edges  of  the  upper  side  of  the  teeth  being 
by  the  upper  file,  and  tlie  rough  ^ges  of  the  lower  side  of  the  teeth  being 
by  the  lower  one.    It  will  be  seen  that  the  two  rotatory  files  cannot  operate  in 
space  or  notch  between  the  saw  teeth  at  the  same  time,  but  are  placed  so  as  to  ( 
notches  a  tooth  or  two  distant  one  from  the  other.    J  is  a  shaft  or  axis  on  whicl 
tory  file,  H,  is  fixed  ;  and  K  a  shaft  or  axis,  on  which  the  rotatory  file,  T,  i«  fixe 
two  shafts  are  geared  together  by  means  of  toothed  wheels,  so  as  to  operate  b 
same  time,  and  are  fixed  in  a  frame  which  turns  on  a  centre  or  swivel.    To  this 
consequently  to  ihe  rotatory  files,  a  vibratory  angular  motion  is  given  by  means 
When  the  files  have  removed  the  roughnesses  from  the  edges  of  Uie  teeth  with  ^^ 
are  in  contact,  they  are  withdrawn  clear  of  the  saw  by  the  action  of  this  cam. 
then  moved  forwal^d  the  space  of  one  tooth  by  means  of  the  directing  apparatus,  w 
done,  the  rotatory  files  are  each  reinserted  in  fresh  spaces  or  notches,  and  the  op 
repeated  as  before,  and  this  is  continued  until  the  roughneKses  are  removed  frou)  e 
of  the  saw.    When  the  rotatory  files  are  combined  with  the  machine  shown  in  f 
2,  they  are  arranged  so  as  to  operate  at  the  wpae  time  as  the  punching  and  shear 
ratus;  when  the  punch  and  shearing  tool  are  raised  so  as  to  clear  the  plate  of  i 
rotatory  files  are  withdrawn  at  the  same  time,  so  as  to  allow  the  plate  to  be  wove 
the  space  of  a  tooth,  as  before  described.     In  this  case  the  rotaioiy  files  may  be 
by  means  of  a  strap  or  band  from  the  fiy- wheel ;  and  as  they  are  broi!.<r!it  into  aotl 
taneously  with  the  punch  and  shearing  tool,  the  same  cam  may  be  made  to  acti 
But  it  is  obvious  that  the  rotatory  files  and  their  appurtenances  may  be  arrangee 
constitute  a  separate  machine,  if  required. 


ON  PERMANENT  WAYS.* 


A  large  and  important  question  is  that  of 
Permanent  Way.  It  involves  the  whole 
difference  between  railways  and  all  other 
ways — highways,  bvewnys,  parish  roads,  and 
streetways.  A  railway  is  not  a  railway  by 
virtue  of  its  stations  or  signal-lights,  or  any 
other  of  the  jiaraphernalia  which  strikes  the 
eye  of  the  public,  but  simply  because  of  the 
lonji:  narrow  bands  of  iron  placed  on  the 
levelled  surface,  willi  more  or  less  accuracy 
and  substantiality.  Take  away  these,  and  it 
is  but  a  road  of  natural  materials  like  most 
other  roads ;  add  these  bands  or  rails-^ood 
and  efficient  rails, — good  relatively  to  the 
work  they  have  to  do  and  the  loads  placed 
upon  them — and  the  road  of  natural  mate- 
rial  thus  banded  with  artificial,  is  in  practi- 
cal value,  as  compared  with  a  horse-road, 
multiplied  by  ten.  And  when  the  steam 
locomotive  is  substituted  for  the  horse,  we 


*  "  Practteal  Remarks  on  Railways  and  Perma- 
nent Way.  as  adapted  to  the  various  Requirements 
of  TrsDSit.  By  wiiliaic  Bkidgbs  Adams,  en- 
flneer.  Loadon:  Effingham  Wilson,  Royal  Ex- 
change.   1854." 

'*  The  Permanent  Way  Company's  Circular. 
Oetol»er,  18M.  London:  Day  and  Son,  Oate- 
street,  LlncelB's-in&>fl«Ids." 

"  Railway  Machinery.  By  Danisl  Kxmvxak 
CLAax.  Nos.  22,  SS,  and  24.  lUackie,  Edin- 
burgh." 


may  probably  again  multiply  the  efficiency 
of  the  means  of  conveyance  by  ten ;  so  that 
the  steam  railway  is,  or  should  be,  if  rightly 
understood  and  employed,  one  hundred 
times  as  efficient  as  tiie  horse  highway. 

But  if  the  highway,  and  its  natural  mate- 
rial  and  horse-power,  be  the  most  perfect  of 
ito  kind,  and  the  railway,  with  its  steam- 
power,  be  of  very  imperfect  character,  it 
may  happen  that  the  resisunce  encountered 
on  the  highway  is  actually  less,  in  propor- 
lion,  than  that  of  the  railway. 

Supposing  the  levels  to  be  the  same,  the  . 
railway  is  superior  to  the  highway  in  the  ' 
harder  and  smoother  surface  presented  for 
the  wheels  to  run  on,  providing  that  surface 
be  non-deflecting,  anci  that  the  joints  of  the 
rails  be  so  formed  as  to  make  the  rails  prac- 
tically a  continuous  bar.  But  if  the  joints 
occasion  a  series  of  jolte  on  the  wheels, — if 
the  rails  deflect  both  vertically  and  laterally 
— if  the  sleepers  work  loose  in  insufficient 
ballast, — ^the  railroad  may  become  a  far 
worse  road  for  the  locomotive  than  the  high- 
way is  for  the  stage-coach. 

Therefore,  in  determining  what  shall  be 
the  permanent  way  of  a  railway,  the  data 
for  calculation  must  be  —what  are  the  maxi- 
mum load,  maximum  speed,  the  resistance 
of  the  carriages  or  wagons,  and  the  resist. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  PEBlCAliENT  WATS. 


ance  due  to  the  gradienti.  In  conneotion 
with  theae  must  be  calculated  the  power  and 
proportions  of  the  locomotive,  which  mufit 
govern  the  structare  of  the  line.  The  weight 
on  the  driving- wheels  is  one  of  the  chief 
points  to  he  considered,  as  to  iu  damaging 
power  on  the  rails.  It  is  clear  that  if  the 
weight  be  in  excess,  the  rails  may  be  de- 
flected either  laterally  or  vertically,  or  both; 
and  if  they  do  not  deflect,  they  may  be 
crushed  and  laminated,  as  we  practically 
find  to  be  the  case.  The  earlier  railways 
were  constructed  with  very  light  rails.  As 
the  loads  increased,  the  rails  deflected,  and 
the  enffines  were  overpowered,  not  by  the 
actual  Toads,  but  in  consequence  of  the  de- 
terioration  of  the  way.  It  was  assumed  that 
the  engines  required  increased  power,  when, 
in  truth,  they  wanted  foothold:  therefore, 
larger  engines  were  produced,  and  the  de- 
struction of  the  way  greatly  augmented. 

The  argument  respeeting  light  and  heavy 
engines  has  been  purposely  made  a  vexed 
question;  but  it  is  plain  enough  to  those 
who  wish  to  understand  it.  We  cannot  bet- 
ter exhibit  the  truth  of  this  statement  than 
by  giving  the  following  extract  from  the 
work  of  Mr.  Adams,  whose  successful  in- 
ventions for  the  improvement  of  railways  give 
importance  to  his  judgment  in  the  matter : 

"  This  leads  to  the  consideration  of  the 
quality  of  engines.  By  the  terms  '  light ' 
and  *  heavy  *  we  must  understand  the  rela- 
tion that  is  borne  to  the  rails  and  substruc- 
ture on  which  the  engines  run.  An  engine 
may  be  light  as  regards  one  line,  and  heavy 
as  regards  another. 

**  And  even  supposing  the  heavy  engines 
to  possess  more  power  than  the  light  ones, 
it  does  not  follow  that  they  would  draw  a 
heavier  train,  becaase  they  lose  power  by 
having  constantly  to  ascend  deflections. 
Moreover,  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that  the 
engine  has  to  move  its  own  dead  weight,  as 
well  as  the  dead  weight  of  the  train,  and  the 
heavier  the.  engine  in  proportion  to  its  haul- 
age power,  the  greater  will  be  the  disad- 
vantage. 

"  But  there  is  another  consideration.  Up 
to  a  certain  weight,  engines  carrying  their 
own  water  and  fuel  may  be  perfectly  safe  at 
any  speed.  Beyond  that  weight,  the  num- 
ber of  the  wheels  must  be  increased,  and 
aAer  that,  a  tender  must  be  added,  still  in- 
creasing the  number  of  wheels.  And  every 
increase  of  the  number  of  the  wheels,  unless 
provision  be  made  for  free  lateral  traverse, 
to  enable  each  pair  of  wheels  to  seek  their 
path  of  minimum  friction,  will  dispropor- 
tionately increase  the  resistance  of  the  ma- 
chine on  the  rails.  It  would  be  possible  that 
in  certain  positions,  such  as  reversed  curves, 
the  engine  might  be  arrested  by  the  friction 
of  its  wheels  on  the  rails. 


"  The  real  question  is,  how  to  attain  the 
maximum  power  with  the  minimum  weights 
By  power,  we  are  to  understand  the  surplus 
power  remaining  to  draw  a  train,  after  sup- 
plying suflScient  to  overcome  its  own  gravity 
and  friction. 

'*Thus  it  may  happen  that  a  welUcon- 
structed  light  engine  may  be  able  to  draw  a 
heavier  train  than  a  heavy  engine,  by  rea- 
son— 

**  1.  Of  having  less  dead  weight. 

"  2.  Of  having  less  friction. 

"  8.  By  not  crushing  and  deflecting  the 
rails,  and  consequently  running  on  a  better 
road.  For,  by  the  terms  *  light*  and  '  heavy,' 
are  not  to  be  understood  '  tmaU  power'  and 
'  great  power,'  for  the  small  engine  may  have 
great  power,  and  the  large  engine  small 
power.  A  boiler  formed  of  a  given  tliick- 
ness  of  plate,  2  ft  9  in.  in  diameter,  will  bear 
higher  pressure  than  a  boiler  of  4  ft.  in  dia- 
meter, made  of  the  same  thickness  of  plate, 
and  at  the  same  time  with  less  risk  of  burst- 
ing. 

"But^  it  may  be  argued,  there  is  a  limit 
to  the  available  power  of  an  engine  on  four 
wheels,  and  trains  are  required  imperatively 
of  a  weight  and  speed  beyond  that  power, 
and  it  is  better  to  watte  power  in  accom- 
plishing this  object,  than  to  use  power  with- 
out waste  and  not  accomplish  the  business 
required. 

"This  would  be  quite  true,  supposing 
there  could  be  no  other  means  of  accom- 
plishing  it.  But  the  cheaper  and  simpler 
method  is  to  run  two  light  engines  coupled 
together,  instead  of  one  heavy  one,  precisely 
as  two,  three,  or  four  horses  are  attached  to 
a  carriage,  instead  of  one.  Thus,  two  en- 
gines with  cylinders  of  1 1  in.  in  diauteter 
would  move  500  tons  along  a  level  at  15 
miles  per  hour ;  or  200  tons  up  gradients  of 
1  in  100  at  25  tniles  an  hour ;  or  ISO  tons, 
on  the  level,  at  40  miles  an  hour ;  the  weight 
of  each  engine  being  about  15  tons,  and  being 
coupled  by  the  flre-box  ends,  with  a  connec- 
tion at  the  foot-plates,  one  driver  and  stoker 
might,  if  required,  manage  them.  And  two 
engines,  so  coupled,  would  be  safer  in  case 
of  a  wheel  breaking,  than  any  ordinary  six- 
wheel  engine. 

"  It  may  be  objeoted»  that  with  two  en- 
gines coupled  together,  there  would  be  the 
same  result  as  with  two  horses  coupled  toge- 
ther—  a  diminished  amount  of  available 
power,  for  want  of  pulling  uniformly. 

"  The  answer  to  this  is,  that  the  two  en- 
gines are  to  be  so  coupled  as  to  constitute 
one,  though  permitting  the  two  pairs  of 
driving-wheels  to  work  independently  of 
each  other,  and  without  the  mischievous 
friction  which  is  the  usual  result  of  coupling 
two  pairs  of  driving-wheels  on  the  same 
engine. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


6 


OH  9&kA»t^  Wits. 


*'  Lotlg  traiiii  lntend«a  fbt  dftianoes, 
usually  separate  midwayi  and  it  is  a  saving 
of  risk  and  loss  of  time  to  run  them  toge- 
ther,  and  it  is  eeonomical  not  to  have  a 
heavy  engine  doing  the  wdrk  bf  t  light 
one. 

"With  regard  to  consutnption  of  fuel, 
supposing  all  engines  to  be  constructed 
with  equal  aecttracy,  a  given  quantity  per 
ton  per  mile  will  be  burned,  proportioned  to 
the  speed,  the  gradients,  and  the  condition 
of  the  road.  If,  therefore,  the  heavy  engine 
crushes  the  road,  more  coke  will  be  con- 
sumed and  waited.  And  supposing  no 
etushing,  still  every  extra  ton  or  every  extra 
pound  of  resistance  in  the  engine  itself  will 
represent  so  much  extra  coke. 

<'  If,  therefore,  an  engine  Weighing  16 
tons  can,  by  extra  ptessnre,  and  reduced 
weight  and  friction,  be  made  to  draw  as 
heavy  a  train  as  an  engine  of  80  tons,  there 
will  be  a  saving  of  eoke  equivalent  to  16 
tons,  or  three  earriages,  independent  of  the 
saving  in  friction  and  deflection,  which  liiay 
amount  to  as  much  more. 

**  Another  consideration  is,  that  the  light 
engine  may  travel  at  hx  greater  speed 
without  damaging  the  rails  or  road,  and 
though  called  light,  the  parts  that  are  in  mo- 
tion are  in  reality  proportionately  stronger 
than  the  corresponding  parts  in  heavy  En- 
gines, while  their  less  total  weight  reduces 
the  amount  of  the  momentum  and  1-isk. 

"There  is  yet  another  consideration — 
$lip.  The  real  meaning  of  the  term  '  slip,' 
is  <  deflecting  rails.'  If  an  engine  on  six 
wheels,  with  middle  drivers,  hai  much 
weight  on  the  drivers,  proportioned  to  the 
leaders  and  trailers,  it  will  be  apt  to  piich. 
If  it  have  little  load  on  the  drivers,  the 
engine  will  be  supported  on  either  end,  atid 
the  rails  deflecting  beneath  the  drivet-s,  they 
will  slip. 

"  The  light  engine,  on  four  wheels,  will 
not  deflect  the  rails,  and  consequently  the 
drivers  will  not  slip.  But  supposing  vety 
light  rails  which  do  deflect)  still  the  drivetv 
will  fbllow  the  rails,  and  proddee  adheHon. 

"  A  strong  argument  m  fkvour  of  light 
powerful  engines,  is  their  facility  of  great 
speed  with  little  damage ;  they  are  less  costly 
to  clean,  and  may  be  iUore  constantly  at 
work;  consequently,  the  journeys  and  re^ 
turns  may  be  made  quicker,  the  public  will 
be  better  pleased,  And  a  smaller  amount  of 
rolling  stock  will  be  required. 

"  Of  course,  well-construcled  trains  should 
be  used,  corresponding  to  sUch  engines,  and 
in  proportion  to  the  diminution  of  dead 
weight,  would  bfe  the  diminudbn  of  momen. 
turn,  and  the  constant  diminution  of  risk, 
either  of  getting  off  the  rails,  or  of  doing 
damage  in  collision.  And  above  all,  the 
diminution  of  destruction  to  the  road,  which 


is  the  ot'igilial  cause  of  alniMt  illl  Medhaiil. 
eal  aceidents  in  the  rolling  poilioHi  of  rail, 
way  machinery." 

We  now  have  to  offer  s6me  tethkrks  sng. 
gested  by  the  Circular  of  the  Perhianeiit 
Way  Company.  Regarding  bad  Joitits  is 
one  main  difficulty  in  the  permaneht  way — 
as  an  evil,  in  fact,  precluding  any  peHlia. 
lience — Mr.  Adatlis,  as  he  states,  some  years 
back  devised  the  "flsh-joint;"  applicable  to 
the  double-headed  inil.  It  is  dlesr  that  this 
plan  of  uniting  the  rails  was  as  true  in  prin- 
ciple when  it  prbceeded  from  the  iilveUtot^a 
brain  as  it  is  at  the  present  day,  after  being 
extensively  applied  on  many  railways.  Why, 
then,  it  should  have  been  considered  neces. 
sary  to  work  this  invention  by  a  botripany, 
we  Cannot  Well  understand.  It  wak  surely 
competent  tb  railway  companies  ahd  engi. 
neers  to  use  it  direct  from  the  inventor  is 
easily  as  ft'om  a  Cbmpany,  under  the  follow, 
ing  directors  and  manlier:  —  vit.,  iHrtc~ 
tori:  P.  W.  Barlow,  Esq.,  F.R.S. }  W.  H. 
Barlow,  £sq.,  F.R.S.;  Charles  H.  Wild, 
£2sq.;  James  Samuel,  Est}.,  P.R.A.S. ;  Rb. 
bert  Richardson,  Esq. ;  Peter  Ashcroft, 
Esq.  kemageri  Charles  Maj^,  Esq.,  F.R.d. 
The  reasons  why  the  Company  has  been 
formed  are  thus  stated : 

"  The  developtnent  of  traffic  bn  railways, 
accompanibd  by  the  introductibn  bf  a  hea- 
vier  class  bf  engines  and  increased  speiid, 
having  rendered  it  necessary  to  Improve  the 
construction  of  the  permanent  way,  so  as  tb 
render  it  suitable  for  the  heavier  work  it  was 
required  to  sustain,  several  improvements 
were  suggested  by  practical  engineers,  whieh 
became  the  subject  of  patents. 

"The  inventors  or  proprietors  of  such  of 
these  as  were  ascertained  on  experience  to  be 
sound  and  useful,  con«idered  that  advantage 
would  result  from  uniting  their  interests  in 
these  inventions:  flrstly,  because  it  would 
enable  companies  to  use  two  or  more  of  tiie 
improvements  combined,  without  having  to 
deal  with  separate  patentees ;  and,  secondly, 
because  it  liberated  them,  as  prbl^ssional 
men,  from  the  bias  of  interest  in  any  |)aHi. 
cular  patetlt 

"  These  views  led  to  the  establishment  bf 
the  assbciation  knbWn  as  '  The  Permanent 
Way  Company.* " 

This  is  oy  no  nieans  satisfactory  reason- 
ing to  Us,  and  we  suppose  it  is  not  satikfac- 
tory  to  the  body  of  civil  engineers^makers 
of  railwayR — Who  opposed  Ih  Parliament  the 
Bill  by  which  the  members  of  the  l^rmanent 
Way  Company  sought  to  iUborporatb  thert- 
selves,  and  place  themselves  in  a  position  of 
greater  power,  analogous  to  that  of  the  Elec- 
tric Telegraph  Companies. 

If,  indeed,  the  six  directors  and  their  ma- 
nager had  each  invented  ahd  patented  a 
seventh  part  of  a  specific  permanent  way. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


HMGBB88  OV  VATEHtS. 


«•  can  undetitMifl  that  it  might  theo  he 
advantageous  to  combine  all  their  inventiooa 
together;  hut  if,  09  the  other  hand,  the 
Company  were  got  up  for  the  porpoie  of 
h«jing  up  all  patenta  of  aU  kinda  of  perma- 
Bent  way,  and  of  oppoaiog  hy  imited  e^rti 
all  newer  iiiventiona,  or  such  as  are  not  pur- 
chased hy  th^m,  they  would  prove  a  very 
fliaadvaiitagoaua  medium  for  the  puhlio  and 
for  inventors,  comaelliog  both  to  pay  blsek 
mail  I  ibr  it  is  tolerably  clear  that  the  iu- 
ventor  could  afford  to  deal  directly  at  a 
lnwr  fflce  than  those  who  might  buy  from 
him*  and  seek  to  make  a  merehant's  or  mo* 
nopolist's  profits  as  a  Company.  The  list 
of  Ike  present  patentees  ia  thus  given  in  the 
Gireqlar: 

«•  W,  B.  Adams, ;  P.  Ashcroft, ;  P.  W. 
Bavlmri  W.  H.  Barlow;  P.  8.  Bruffi  John 
Gardner ;  L.  D.  B.  Gordon ;  C.  F.  Ouitard ; 
J.  W.  Hohyt  Sir  John  Maoneill;  Charles 
May;  Robert  Biohardsoo ;  James  Samuel; 
Charles  H.  Wfld,  &o.,  ke." 

Although  the  name  of  Mr.  W.  B.  Adams 
ia  at  tho  head  of  the  list,  we  understand 
that  he  has  no  connection  with  the  Com> 
pany,  save  that  they  use  his  patent;  the 
employment  of  which  he  himself,  we  are 
informed,  retains  as  a  railway  engineer. 
(2*0  be  continued.) 


ON  THE  FORMATION  OP  BRASS 
BY  GALVANIC  AGENCY. 

Copper  is  more  electro-negative  than 
zinc,  and  separates  more  easily  from  its  so. 
Intiona  than  a  metal  less  negative.  If  then, 
in  order  to  obtain  a  deposit  of  brass  by  gal- 
vanic  means,  we  employ  a  solution  contain- 
ing the  two  component  metals,  copper  and 
zinc,  ip  the  proportions  in  which  they  would 
form  brass,  there  will  only  be  produced  by 
the  action  of  the  battery  a  deoosit  of  real 
copper ;  the  zinc,  more  difficult  of  reduc- 
tion, remains  in  solution.  What  must  be 
dMidi  tben«  to  obtain  a  simultaneous  preoi- 
pi(a(e  of  the  two  metals  in  the  proportions 
required,  ia  either  to  regard  the  precipiia- 
tiou  of  the  cppperi  or  to  aocelevate  that  of 
the  zine.  This  may  be  effected  hy  forpiipg 
the  bath  vi(h  a  gre&t  ^cess  of  zipp  apd 
v^j  little  eopper. 

Djf,  tieerp  gi?e«  the  following  propor« 
tiopa  aa  h^vipg  perfectly  succeeded  1 
Thfre  ara  to  be  taken  of 

Sulphate  of  Copper  .       1  part. 
Warm  water  4    „ 

And  thoA 

Sulphate  of  line  8    „ 

Warm  water  .16,, 

Cyanide  of  potassium     18    }, 
WaraawatM  •    3d    „ 


£aeh  salt  is  dissolved  in  its  prescribed 
quantity  of  water,  and  the  solutions  are  then 
mixed;  thereupon  a  precipitate  is  thrown 
down,  which  is  either  dissolved  by  agitation 
alone,  or  by  the  addition  of  a  little  cyanide 
of  potassium;  indeed,  it  does  not  muoh 
matter  if  the  solution  be  a  little  troubled. 
After  the  addition  of  250  parts  of  distilled 
water,  it  is  subjected  to  the  action  of  two 
Bunsen  elements  charged  with  concentrated 
nitric  acid  mixed  with  one-tenth  of  oil  of 
vitriol.  The  bath  is  to  be  heated  to  ebulli- 
tioq,  and  is  iotroduced  ipto  a  glas4  with  a 
foot,  in  which  the  two  electrodes  are  plunged. 
The  objeot  to  be  covered  is  suspended  from 
the  positive  pole,  whilst  a  plate  of  brass  is 
attached  to  the  negative  pole.  The  two  me- 
tallic  pieces  may  be  placed  very  near. 

The  depoait  is  rapidW  formed  if  the  bath 
be  very  hot;  after  a  few  minutes  there  is 
produced  a  layer  of  brass,  the  thickness  of 
which  augments  rapidly. 

Deposits  of  brass  have  been  obtained  in 
this  way  on  copper,  zinc,  brass,  and  Britan- 
nia metal ;  these  metals  were  previously 
well  piokled.  Iron  may,  probably,  also  be 
coated  in  this  wsy;  but  cast  iron  is  but 
ill  adapted  for  this  operation.  —  MUiheil- 
umgen  des  Hannov,  Gewerbeverems,  through 
DmUin  Journal  </  Industrial  Progress, 


PItOGRESS  OF  PATENTS. 

It  ia  stated,  on  good  authority,  that  the 
actual  cash  profits  realised  this  year  by  the 
assignees  of  Ketchum's  mowing  machine, 
will  not  fall  far  short  of  one  hundred  thousand 
dollars.  This  may  seem  like  a  very  large 
amount  to  those  who  have  little  knowledge 
of  the  value  of  paten U  or  the  progress  of 
invention  at  the  present  day.  But  to  us, 
such  an  announcement  has  no  feature  of 
surprise.  We  could  name  several  other 
patents  from  which  still  larger  sums  are 
annually  realised,  while  incomes  of  from 
10,000  dollars  to  60,000  dollars  a-year  from 
snoh  sources  are  quite  common. 

Never  in  the  history  of  this  country  or 
Europe  has  such  a  propitious  time  existed 
for  inventors  as  the  present.  There  is  a 
growing  demand  for  patents  of  all  kinds, 
both  at  home  and  abroad.  Rights  which  a 
few  vears  ago  were  worthless,  are  now  of 
precious  value.  The  best  of  railroad  stock 
is  not  to  be  compared,  in  monetary  estimate 
and  actual  profit,  to  ownership  in  certain 
useful  patents.  In  these  hard  times  it  is 
well  to  be  acquainted  with  reliable  sources 
of  wealth  and  secure  subjects  of  investment. 
The  field  of  invention  is  open  to  all,  whether 
learned  or  unlearned,  rich  or  poor ;  but  in- 
stead of  being  crowded  with  adventurers. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


8 


ON  THE  COKSTBUCmON  OF  BOILERS. 


only  a  few  indiTidualSi  comparatively,  enter 
it.  The  chances  of  success  for  inventors  are 
better  now  than  ever,  and  we  wonder  that 
there  is  not  a  greater  strife  among  them 
than  there  is,  although  the  number  of  inven- 
tors have  multiplied  three-fold  within  the 
past  five  years. — Scientific  American, 


ON  THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF 

BOILERS. 

To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 

Sir, — Thp  steam  engine  is  one  of  the 
greatest  and  grandest  achievements  of  me- 
chanical science;  and  since  the  improve- 
ments made  by  Watt,  all  our  energy  and 
mechanical  appliances  have  been  turned  to 
it,  in  order'to  arrive,  as  near  as  possible,  to 
perfection  in  its  construction.  In  this 
course  it  has  assumed  various  forms  and 
modifications  suitable  to  the  exact  position 
and  purposes  for  which  power  is  to  be  used. 
The  boiler,  on  the  contrary,  which  may  be 
justly  termed  the  source  and  producer  of 
power  and  motion,  bearing  the  same  rela- 
tionship to  the  engine  that  the  heart  does  to 
our  body  (if  I  may  be  allowed  the  com- 
parison), has  till  very  recently  been  almost 
neglected.  This  may  have  partly  arisen 
from  the  cause  above  mentioned,  as  also 
from  the  great  abundance  of  good  fuel 
which  exists  in  this  country,  not  requiring 
it  to  be  so  economically  used.  Our  at- 
tention has  now,  however,  been  especi- 
ally called  by  repeated  disastrous  occur- 
rences, to  examine  the  state  of  its  construc- 
tion nnd  strength  (or,  rather,  the  want  of 
both),  when  high  pressure  is  used.  It  is  to 
be  regretted  that  engineers  or  boiler- makers 
have  been  so  backward  in  bringing  to  notice 
the  various  experiences  and  difficulties  en- 
countered in  the  course  of  their  profession, 
from  which  some  data  could  be  deduced, 
and  which  would  have  tended  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  meohanical  science  and  know- 
ledge upon  this  interesting  subject,  con- 
sidering the  importance  of  which,  I  trust 
the  following  remarks  will  not  be  deemed 
entirely  out  of  place,  as  they  are  made  to 
point  out  some  of  the  most  palpable  or 
erroneous  ideas  adopted,  while  all  abstruse 
reasoning,  not  suitable  to  the  mind  of  a 
thoroughly  practical  man,  will  be  avoided. 
There  are  several  principles  and  conditions 
that  require  great  attention  in  the  construc- 
tion and  form  of  a  good  and  efficient  boiler ; 
amongst  others,  I  may  mention  the  follow- 
ing: 

1st,  The  best  or  most  suitable  form  to 
sustain  the  required  pressure. 

2nd.  The  mo»t  correct  mode  of  structure 
for  the  above  purpose,  which  will  depend,  in 


some  measure,  upon  the  quality  of  the  ma- 
terial used. 

3rd.  A  sufficient  area  for  steam,  and  the 
necessary  water  space. 

4th.  A  proper  proportion  between  the  fire 
grate  and  fine  or  tobe  areas. 

5th.  The  length  of  the  tubes  should  bear 
a  relative  proportion  to  their  diameter. 

6th.  A  boiler  (when  possible)  should  be  so 
constructed  in  form  as  not  to  require  stays, 
&c.,  to  remedy  its  defects  ;  bnt  only  as  an 
additional  means  of  safety. 

And  I  would  add,  as  an  appendage,  that 
much  depends  upon  the  caution  exercised  in 
their  working. 

Having  thus  stated  a  few  of  the  particu- 
lars that  should  exist  in  all  boilers,  whether 
for  high  pressure,  or  otherwise,  I  will  now 
proceed  to  consider  how  far  the  construetiini 
now  in  use  will  agree  with  or  conform  to 
the  same.  It  is  generally  understood  that 
the  waggon- shape  boiler  was  about  the  first 
used  for  engines  of  moderate  power  and  low 
pressure.  This  form  is  represented  by  fig. 
1,  which  shows  a  transverse  section,  a  a  be- 

Fig.  1. 


ing  the  outside  shell,  and  b  h  the  internal 
flue.  Now,  it  will  be  readily  seen  and  un- 
derstood that  the  pressure  or  force  in  this 
instance  is  applied  internally  upon  the  shell, 
aa,  and  externally  upon  the  flue,  6  b,  the 
direction  of  the  force  being  illustrated  by 
the  arrows ;  it  will,  therefore,  require  little 
argument  with  those  possessing  the  slightest 
knowledge  upon  the  subject,  to  prove  that 
we  have  in  this  boiler  three  curves  in  its 
form,  totally  at  variance  with  the  principle 
of  strength,  and  which  render  the  correct 
form  of  the  crown  or  top  of  no  avail.  Any 
excess  of  pressure  would  have  a  continual 
tendency  to  force  the  sides  and  bottom  to 
assume  a  shape  somewhat  similar  to  that 
exhibited  by  the  dotted  lines.    With,  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


ON  THB  OONSTBUOnON  OF  B0ILBB8. 


9 


flue  which  is  correct  in  fonn,  it  woald  be 
entirely  different,  as  ire  know  that  the  resist- 
ing power  of  cjHndrieal  bodies  to  compres- 
sion would  be  directly  as  their  diameters. 
For  instance,  a  flue  2  feet  in  diameter,  of 
such  form,  would  resist  double  the  pressure 
of  one  4  feet  in  diameter,  of  a  similar  form ; 
and  the  preunre  being  equal  on  each  square 
inch  of  its  circumference,  would  prevent  any 
very  great  variation  in  profile  or  shape, 
should  t^:e  material  be  of  the  required 
strength  or  thickness.  There  is  yet^another 
defect  in  the  construction  of  the  above  men- 
tioned  boiler,  arising  from  the  flat  ends  be- 
ing at  right  angles  to  the  sides  or  bottom  ; 
the  pressure  or  force  upon  these  would,  of 
course,  be  in  the  ratio  of  the  area  of  the  sur- 
face.  The  flue,  bbt  often  forms  the  only 
stay  or  support  between  the  ends,  and  is 
used  also  as  a  means  of  fixing  other  stays  to 
the  crown  and  bottom,  which  are  in  many 
cases  rendered  useless,  from  the  want  of 
principles  in  their  introduction  or  direction. 
Yet  this  boiler  has  been  used  at  pressure 
varying  from  5  lbs.  to  12  lbs.  on  tlie  square 
inch  of  its  surface.  The  only  claim  that 
can  be  advanced  in  its  favour  at  all,  is  the 
free  and  extensive  water  surface  and  steam- 
room  ;  bat  the  form  is  false  and  dangerous 
for  great  as  also  for  low  pressures,  the  only 
query  being  how  it  has  been  retained  in  use 
so  long. 

The  cylindrical  boiler  having  an  elliptical 
flue,  illustrated  by  fig.  2,  is  the  next  I  will 


take  under  consideration.  The  shell  is  at 
a  a,  and  66  is  the  internal  fine,  extending 
from  one  end  to  the  other  of  the  boiler.  The 
pressure  upon  the  shell  in  this  instance  has 
a  form  best  adapted  to  resist  it,  the  tension 
being  along  with  the  strength,  in  the  ratio 
to  its  diameter ;  but  in  the  flue  it  is  not  so, 
as  it  will  be  perceived  by  the  direction  of 
the  arrows,  showing  the  compressing  force, 
that  the  crown  of  the  flue  bears  the  greatest 
pressure,  the  ends  being  also  acted  upon  in 
unch  a  manner  as  to  be  incapable  of  afford- 
ing the  necessary  support  to  resist  the  same, 
and  the  pressure  therefore  has  a  tendency 
eontinuaUy  to  force  the  flue  into  the  col- 


lapsed form  exhibited  by  the  dotted  lines  in 
the  diagram.  The  fire  bars  are  generally 
placed  in  a  longitudinal  direction  with  the 
flue  ;  and  altliough  there  may  be  suflicient 
width  of  grate,  there  is  yet  not  a  sufficient 
height  between  the  surface  of  the  bars  and 
the  crown  of  the  flue,  for.  the  mixture  of  the 
gases  srising  from  combustion,  and  the  cold 
air  introduced  for  the  prevention  of  smoke, 
of  which  more  will  be  said  hereafter.  Tho 
cylindrical  shell  has  also  been  used  in  con- 
nection with  a  cylindrical  internal  flue,  as 
shown  by  fig.  3,  which  is  a  transverse  section 

Fig.  3. 


of  a  boiler  so  constructed,  the  direction  of 
the  force  being  as  before  in  that  of  the 
arrows.  In  form,  this  is  all  tliat  could  be 
desired,  when  the  ends  are  made  spherical ; 
but  they  are  more  generally  used  with  the 
ends  flat,  which  renders  it,  according  to  the 
above  principle,  defective ;  in  either  case  it 
is  difficult  to  obtain  what  is  now  thought  a 
sufficient  amount  of  heating  surface,  but  it 
is  yet  retained  in  use  to  some  considerable 
extent 

I  may  also  point  out  another  form  of  flue, 
or  flues,  that  is  used  in  a  cylindrical  shell 
(see  flg.  4),  a  patent  for  which  was  granted 
Fig.  *. 


some  few  years  ago,  to  an  engineer  who  is  now 
allowed  to  be  one  of  the  greatest  authorities 
upon  this  subject.  In  this  case  the  force  of 
compression  is  exhibited  by  the  arrows.  I 
have  no  occasion  to  point  out  the  defect  in 
this  form,  as  it  v<ill  be  seen,  from  the  excess 
of  pressure  upon  the  flat  sides,  6  b,  as  corn- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


10 


OM  CTH  GORStWaneil  OV  SOtLBttS. 


pared  with  th«  omwii,  that  it  is  one  of  the 
most  dangeious  forms  that  oould  he  adopted. 
I  am  aware  that  the  same  has  heen  exten- 
sively tried  in  marine  hoilers,  hut  in  this 
ease  there  is  a  limit  as  to  width  in  such  con- 
structions; besides  whioh|  they  are  chiefly 
low  pressure,  but  in  the  former  case  it  has,  I 
believe,  to  be  used  as  a  high-pressure  boiler, 
and  also  when  the  above  conditions  need  not 
be  80  strictly  observed.  It  would  absorb 
too  much  of  your  space,  and  occupy  too 
much  of  the  reader's  time,  to  follow  out  in 
due  order  all  the  various  forms  and  con- 
structions that  have  be^n  advanced  from 
time  to  time,  as  improvements,  some  of  them 
differing  so  slightly  from  those  above  men- 


tioned as  to  merit  no  particular  notice.  Our 
subject  will,  therefore,  bring  us  to  consider 
the  most  recent  improvements  tried,  and  in 
many  cases  adopted ;  and  as  that  class,  ge- 
nerally termed  multitubular,  has  received  the 
attention  due  to  it  by  engineers,  I  will  just 
venture  to  add  a  few  considerations  on  the 
advantages  and  defecu  as  existing  in  some 
examples. 

I  have  stated  before,  as  an  axiom,  that  a 
proper  proportion  should  exist  between  the 
flre  grate  and  flue  area  (or  tube  area),  and 
also  that  the  length  of  the  tubes  should  bear 
a  relative  proportion  to  their  diameters ;  we 
will,  therefore,  see  how  far  the  preaent  ex- 
amples agree  with  this  condition.      Fig.  5 


Fig.  6. 


represents,  in  illustration,  a  section  of  a 
boiler  upon  the  tubula{  principle;  the 
shell  being  shown  at  a  oi,  and  the  furnaces 
At  bb  (in  this  case  there  are  two) ;  the  tubes 
are  also  shown  at  e  c ;  it  ^111  be  perceived 
that  the  combustive  products,  after  leaving 
the  grate,  pass  through  the  tubes,  cc,  direct 
into  the  chimney  ;  but  I  may  mention  that 
in  some  examples  it  is  caused  to  return, 
through  a  second  or  upper  tier  of  tubes 
over  the  furnace,  and  repass  into  the  chim- 
ney. But  to  return  to  the  above  points,  I 
will  give  as  an  illustration  the  proportion 
of  a  boiler  under  my  own  observation,  hav- 
ing two  tiers  of  tubes,  and  consequently  a 
great  excess  of  tube  area,  in  proportion  to 
the  fire  grate ;  the  length  of  tubes  being 
about  IS  feet  6  inches,  and  the  diameter 
about  2\  inches.  The  action  of  this  boiler, 
having  such  a  great  length  of  tube  com- 
pared to  the  diameter,  is  not  at  all  satisfac- 
tory, either  as  regards  fuel  or  the  supply  of 
steam,  and  it  is  found  to  be  impossible  to 
keep  the  tubes  from  being  choked  up  with 
the  accumulation  of  «oo/,  for  more  than  four 
hours'  working.  On  inspection,  the  cause 
is  easily  discernible,  namely,  the  small  sec- 
tional area,  in  proportion  to  the  great  length 
of  the  tube,  which  is  shown  to  have  a  ten- 
dency to  extinguish  the  flame  before   it 


reaches  the  end  of  the  same ;  and  that  there 
can  be  no  adequate  supply  of  steam,  arises 
from  the  small  amount  of  heat  in  the  tubes 
being  drawn  through  rapidly,  too  rapidly, 
to  produce  any  effect ;  in  proof  of  which  I 
will  give  the  following  simple  illustration. 
Suppose  a  metallic  plate  is  passed  rapidly 
through  a  flame  proceeding  from  any  or- 
dinary fire,  what  amount  of  heat  would  be 
communicated  to  the  same  ?  None  I  But, 
supnose  again  that  we  allow  the  plate  to 
dwell  over  the  flame  for  a  length  of  time, 
what  effect  then  should  we  have  ?  The  heat 
of  the  flame  would,  of  course,  be  given  off 
to  it.  Now,  in  this  illustration  the  beat  is 
at  right  angles  to  the  plate,  but  acting  di- 
rectly upon  it  In  the  case  of  the  boiler 
above  mentioned,  the  heat  in  the  tubes  also 
acts  at  right  angles  to  it,  but  it  is  drawn 
through  so  rapidly,  as  to  give  it  no  time  to 
produce  the  desired  result ;  whereas,  were 
the  tubes  shorter  the  draught  would  not  be 
so  strong,  and  the  beat  would  be  given  off 
to  the  tubes  in  a  greater  degree  than  it  is 
now. 

I  will  only  just  produce  another  case, 
and  that  is  a  boiler,  the  area  of  the  fire- 
grate in  which  is  the  same  (or  nearly  so)  as 
that  mentioned  above ;  but  it  has  only  one 
tier  of  tubes,  the  length  of  which   being 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


AN  dBiaiUKB  AKO  flOmOWSBB. 


11 


€  feet  6  inclieB,  aod  the  diameter  about 
S  inohea.  The  power  of  this  boiler  is  also 
about  the  same  as  the  above,  but  the  result 
obtained  is  rery  superior.  Here  we  have 
plenty  of  steam,  eeonomy  of  fuel,  and  good 
working ;  die  draught  is  not  too  quiek  nor 
too  slow,  and  the  tubes  are  kept  clear  ibr 
two  or  three  months,  and  the  dead  pUte  at 
the  end  is  not  so  muoh  heated ;  evidently 
abowing  that  the  heat  has  been  given  off  to 
the  tubes  on  its  passage  through,  and  tho 
flame  often  extends  the  whole  length.  This 
will  be  proof  sufficient  that  we  gain  little 
either  in  the  economy  of  ftiej,  or  the  amount 
of  efficient  heat,  by  making  the  tubes  long 
and  of  small  diameter.  I  will  not  now 
venture  to  draw  attention  to  the  variety  of 
opiniouB  that  exist,  as  to  the  difficulty  there 
is  in  maintaining  a  proper  circulation  of  the 
water  in  contact  with  the  tubes  in  these 
boilers,  nor  yet  to  the  free  escape  of  the 
steam,  but  just  proceed  to  consider  how  far 
the  best  example  above  mentioned  will  agree 
with  our  settled  ideas  as  to  the  prevention  of 
smoke.  I  have  said  that  it  contains  two 
furnaces,  for  the  purpose  of  being  enabled 
to  ire  alternatelv;  there  is  also  a  large 
mixing  chamber  behind  the  bridge,  or  be- 
fore the  holes.  Concerning  the  alternate 
firing,  it  no  doubt  produces  good**  results 
when  strictly  adhered  to,  but  until  we  can 
make  the  stoker  into  a  mere  machine,  and 
get  him  to  work  as  such,  we  cannot  depend 
upon  great  results  from  this  source  only, 
and  considering  the  class  we  hftve  to  con- 
tend with,  it  is  almost  hopeless.  There  is 
another  error  we  are  liable  to  fall  into,  and 
that  is  placing  the  fire  bars  too  near  the 
crown  of  the  furnace,  thereby  leaving  no 
room  for  the  due  admixture  of  the  gases  aris- 
ing from  the  combustion,  and  the  cold  air 
admitted  either  through  the  interstices  of  the 
bars,  or  through  perforations  to  the  chamber 
behind  the  bridge;  upon  which  subject  I 
eannot  do  better  than  refer  the  reader  to  the 
copious  Treatise  published  by  Mr.  C.  W. 
Williams,  in  which  he  will  find  the  whole 
clearly  and  ably  defined.  There  is  yet  an- 
other point  worthy  of  notice,  and  that  is 
the  manner  in  which  the  fuel  is  placed  upon 
the  bars ;  the  prevailing  custom  is  to  build 
upon  the  mass  nehind  the  door,  or  in  front 
of  the  fire  grate.  |t  should  be  laid  evenly 
over  such  surface,  from  front  to  back,  when 
the  air  will  have  no  difficulty  to  pass,  and 
mix  as  before  stated. 

In  the  foregoing  remarks,  I  do  not  sup- 
poee  the  same  rules  would  be  exactly  fa- 
vourable in  locomotive  boilers,  in  which  all 
are  well  aware  a  different  kind  of  fuel  is 
used,  but  there  are  points  in  which  the  same 
mav  be  justly  applied. 

in  conelusion,  I  cannot  help  repeating 
what  I  liave  before  stated,  that  it  is  to  be 


regretted,  for  the  advancement  of  soience, 
that  engineers  and  men  well  vereant  with 
mechanical  arts  should  not  oome  forward 
and  give  their  testimony  towards  arriving  at 
just  and  correct  conclusions  on  their  various 

I   experiences,  which  would  furnish  us  with 
good  and  correct  data. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  Arc, 

I  Bnginebr. 

Ifanohetter,  Nov.  SO,  1854. 


ON  ORDNANCE  AND  GUNPOW- 

DER* 
To  the  ^itor  qf  the  Meckaniet*  liagatine, 

SiR,--It  is  remarkable  tliat,  although  Up. 
wards  of  half  a  century  has  elapsed  since  the 
publication  of  Robins'  woi'k  on  practical 
gunnery,  so  small  an  amount  <^  additional 
knowledge  of  the  properties  of  gunpowder 
should  have  been  acquired^  and  so  great  a 
diversity  of  opinion  should  still  exist  rela- 
tive  to  its  effects  as  a  propellant  power. 
Some  advocate  his  opinion  that,  in  a  loaded 
p:un,  the  whole  of  the  charge  of  powder  is 
Ignited  before  the  ball  is  sensibly  moved 
from  its  place, — an  opinion  upon  which  he 
has  based  his  theory ;  whilst  others  main- 
tain that  the  explosion  is  gradual,  and  ima- 
gine that  velocity  is  gained  by  slow  ignition 
of  the  powder,  and  build  certain  hjrpotheses 
thereon  as  to  whether  the  powder  should  be 
coarser  or  not  to  suit  the  size  of  the  piece 
of  ordnance  or  gun.  Although  the  supe- 
riority of  the  gunpowder  of  the  present  day 
is,  no  doubt,  great  compared  with  that  with 
which  Robins  made  his  important  experi- 
ments, the  nature  of  it  is  precisely  the 
same,  and  a  few  of  his  simple  experiments 
will  show  the  latter  opinion  to  be  erroneous. 
One  author  speaks  of  an  accelerative  pro- 
'  pellant  force  being  required — ^whioh  nobody 
will  deny — but  argues  that  it  may  be  ob- 
tained by  the  systematic  arrangement  of  the 
granulation  of  powder ;  it  seems,  however, 
that  the  material  fact  that  powder  loses  its 
effect  as  a  propellant  power  proportionately 
as  the  space  in  which  it  is  confined  is  en- 
larged, is  lost  sight  of  by  those  who  advocate 
such  a  system.  An  aocelerative  propellant 
power  would,  tloubtless,'  be  a  first-rate  ao- 
quisition  ;  but  I  cannot  comprehend  how  it 
may  be  obtained  by  gunpowder  or  any  ex- 
plosive material  (except  by  firinv  off  several 
charges  in  succession  before  the  ball  has 
time  to  leave  the  gun,  were  sueh  a  thing 
possible),  not  only  on  account  of  the  reason 
oefore  stated,  but  that  the  heat  generated 
would  not  be  so  great  in  the  explosion  of  a 
smaller  quantity  at  a  time,  and  consequently 
the  velocity  of  expansion  would  be  less. 

Setting  aade  for  the  present  the  question 
as  to  whether  a  oharge  of  powder  !•  exploded 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


12 


ON  OSDNANCE  ANU  GUNPOWDEK. 


instantaneously  or  gradually ;  let  us  const, 
der  whether  it  would  he  beneficial  to  have  a 
gradually. exploding  powder  or  not  Let 
us  suppose,  for  instance,  that  one-third  of 
the  charge,  or  a  quantity,  the  expansion 
of  which  would  cause  the  hall  to  be  moved 
from  its  place,  should  become  ignited  before 
the  remainder,  the  explosion  of  that  re- 
mainder would  take  place  in  the  space 
caused  by  the  movement  of  the  ball  from  its 
place  between  the  ball  and  the  ignited  por. 
tion  of  the  charge  of  powder.  So  that  should 
the  ball,  by  the  explosion  of  that  portion,  be 
moved  four  times  the  length  of  its  diameter 
up  the  barrel,  the  explosion  of  the  rest 
would  take  place  in  a  space  of  about  six 
times  the  size  of  that  in  which  it  was  at  first 
confined,  and  lose  its  propelling  power  in 
proportion. 

It  is  impossible  to  get  more  than  a  certain 
quantity  of  power  out  of  a  given  charge  of 
powder,  and  the  more  instantaneous  the  ex- 
plosion, the  greater  the  efiect  produced,  the 
greatest  portion  of  its  force  dependine 
upon  the  intensity  of  the  heat  generated 
by  the  explosion.  Now  still  arguing  on 
the  supposition  that  the  ball  may  be 
moved  before  the  whole  charge  of  powder 
is  ignited,  let  its  take  two  charges,  one 
coarser  grained  than  the  other,  in  order  to 
burn  more  gradually;  and  suppose  the  one  j 
to  explode  instantaneously,  the  other  not  to 
have  entirely  exploded  until  the  ball  is  two. 
thirds  out  of  tlie  barrel.  When  the  ball  had 
reached  that  distanee,  the  amount  of  power 
behind  it  (consideTiog  gunpowder  as  a  per- 
manent  elastic  fluid)  would  be  the  same  in 
both  charges,  with  this  difference  in  the 
efiect,  that  the  eharffe  of  powder  which  ex- 
ploded  at  once  will  have  imparled  a  greater 
velocity  to  the  ball  from  the  whole  force  of 
the  charge  having  acted  ujMn  it  from  the 
beginning ;  and  though,  owing  to  that  su- 
perior velocity,  the  air  before  it  being  more 
condensed,  would  oflbr  an  increased  resist- 
ance, that  would  be  more  than  counteracted 
by  its  decreased  resistance  to  the  explosive 
fluid  behind  it.  Therefore,  allowing  that 
powder  which  would  explode  gradually 
would  bring  the  same  power  to  bear  on  the 
ball  (which  is  far  from  the  case),  the  advan- 
tages would  still  be  in  favour  of  that  which 
explodes  instantly ;  but  it  will  be  found  that 
both  oharges  would  have  exploded  before  \ 
the  ball  would  be  moved,  if  the  powder  be 
equal  in  quality.  It  is  unaccountable  that 
a  fact  so  easily  proved  by  experiment  should 
be  doubted  by  any  one.  The  very  argument 
used  6ceaaionally  by  those  who  advocate 
the  theory  of  powder  gradually  burning 
(and  in  favour  of  its  good  effect)  goes 
against  it ;  namely,  that  a  ball  cannot  in- 
stantly attain  an  extreme  velocity,  and  that 
it  requires  to  be  gradually  set  in  motion. 


Now,  the  flame  of  gunpowder,  it  is  well 
known,  moves  with  a  rapidity  of  expansion 
of  7,000  feet  in  a  second,  and  with  a  heat 
greater  than  red-hot  iron ;  therefore  tor  any 
of  the  powder  to  escape  ignition,  unlets  the 
ball  were  previoosly  propelled  from  its  plftce 
with  an  initial  velocity  of  ever  7,000  feet  a 
second,  would  be  impossible.  It  has  been 
said  that  the  quickness  of  gunpowder  de- 
stroys its  propellaiit  force,  being  soon  burnt 
out;  if  so,  it  entirely  puts  aside  the  hitherto 
r^eived  fact,  that  it  is  converted  by  ignition 
into  a  permanently  elastic  fluid,  and  in  that 
case,  whether  quickly  or  slowly  exploded, 
the  same  quantity  of  equally  g^ood  powder 
would  produce  the  same  proportion  of  fluid, 
the  propellent  power  of  which  would  only  be 
affected  in  proportion  to  the  spaee  in  which 
it  might  be  confined  when  ignited. 

Gunpowder  itself  has  been  improved,  and 
brought  to  great  perfection ;  but  there  ap- 
pears to  have  been  little  knowledge  acquired 
as  to  its  properties,  or  how  to  use  it  to  the 
best  advantage.  The  improvements  iu  small 
arms  have  not  been  kept  pace  with  at  re. 

Srds  cannon;  and,  consequently,  for  the 
ter  still  to  be  of  service  in  the  field,  it  is 
absolutely  necessary  that  some  attempt  be 
made  to  increase  their  range.  A  cannon  is 
loaded  much  in  the  same  way  it  was  two 
hundred  and  fifty  years  ago.  The  great 
power  to  be  contended  against  in  all  pro- 
jectiles is  simply  the  .itmosphere  ;  the  only 
advantage  that  has  as  yet  been  gained  is  by 
offering  less  opposition  to  its  force,  by 
having  balls  (of  rifies  only,  except  Lancas- 
ter's  guns,  which  is  still  an  experiment)  of 
a  conical  form.  Robins  was  the  fir«t  to  dis- 
cover the  great  resistance  met  with  fi'om  the 
atmosphere  by  projectiles,  and  its  effects  on 
them,  especially  before  leaving  the  gun,  as 
also  when  confined  between  the  ball  and 
the  powder;  but  little  ever  seems  to  have 
been  attempted  to  defeat  the  one  or  profit 
hy  the  other.  Every  sportsman,  or  person 
who  has  interested  himself  on  the  subject, 
is  aware,  that  if  a  space  be  left  between 
the  powder  and  ball,  the  gun,  unless  of  ex- 
traordinary strength,  will  burst  or  swell  out; 
and  the  experiment  having  been  made  with 
a  sufficiently  strong  piece,  the  ball  was 
found  to  have  attained  a  much  greater  velo- 
city, the  gunpowder  being  confined  to  as 
snidl  a  space  as  possible  when  ignited,  not 
otherwise.  Robins  accounted  for  it  in  this 
nianncr,  that  the  flame  not  being  confined 
by  a  heavy  body,  which  it  is  obliged  to  im- 
pel before  it  dilates  itself  with  a  velocity 
much  beyond  what  it  can  at  any  time  impart 
to  a  ball  by  its  continued  pressure  conveni- 
ently,  if  the  ball  be  placed  at  a  distance  from 
the  powder,  the  powder  will  have  acquired  a 
considerable  degree  of  this  expansion,  and 
the  first  motion  of  the  ball  will  not  be  pro- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


DE  PKNNIKG'S  CYUNDRIGAL  GUABD,  or  BCREW-PIfcOTEOTOB. 


13 


dneed  by  the  coniianed  pressure  of  the  pow- 
der,  bul  by  the  actual  percussion  of  the 
flaine,  and  it  will'begin  therefore  to  move  with 
a  quantity  of  motion  proportionate  to  the 
quantity  of  the  flame  and  the  velocity  of  its 
respective  parts.  **  A  moderate  charge  of  pow- 
der," he  also  saiys,  ''when  it  has  expanded 
itself  through  the  vacant  .«pace  and  reaches 
the  ball,  will,  by  the  velocity  each  part  has 
aoqutred,  accumulate  itself  behind  the  ball, 
and  be  cdndensed  thereby -prodigiously ; 
whence,  if  the  barrel  he  not  of  extraordi- 
nary  firmness  in  that  part,  it  must,  by  the 
reinforced  elasticity  of  Uie  powder,  in&l- 
libly  burst.'*  Now  here  is  a  power  which 
BO  one  had  as  yet  attempted  to  control  and 
turn  safely  to  account,  to  the  best  of  my 
belief,  until  I  lately  made  some  experiments 
on  it  mysel£  After  repeated  tnals,  I  as- 
oertained  that  by  introducing  a  portion  of 
air  in  a  certain  manner  between  the  powder 
and  the  ball,  the  additional  velocity  ob- 
tained was  very  great,  and  without  the  least 


strain  on  the  gun.  I  shall  be  glad  to  send 
you  an  exact  account  of  the  manner  in 
which  it  is  done,  for  the  benefit  of  any  of 
your  readers  that  may  take  an  interest  in 
such  matters;  but  being  the  subject  of  a 
patent,  I  cannot  do  so  just  at  present.  The 
great  advantage  such  a  manner  of  loading 
a  gun  possesses  is,  that,  independently  of 
the  powder  not  being  bruised  or  crushed  in 
loading,  it  has,  though  confined  previous  to 
its  explosion,  room  to  expand  with  a  cer- 
tain  velocity  before  it  acts  upon  the  ball. 
Whether  Robins  is  correct  or  not  in  his 
opinion  that  the  additional  velocity  is  ac* 
quired  in  the  manner  he  states,  I  cannot 
undertake  to  say  ;  but  I  imagine  that  the 
action  ot  the  heat  and  expansion  of  the 
fluid  on  the  air  confined  between  the  j^owder 
and  the  ball  must  have  more  to  do  with  it 
than  he  seems  to  consider.  I  should  be 
glad  of  the  opinions  of  any  of  your  readers 
on  the  subject. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c,  T. 


DE   PENNING»S   CYLINDRICAL    GUARD,    OR    SCREW- 
PROTECTOR, 


(Patent  dated  May  31, 1854.) 
To  the  Editor  qf  tJie  Mechanics*  Magazine. 


Sir,— The  recent  enormous  loss  sustained 
by  the  country  in  the  wreck  of  the  Prince, 
laden  as  she  was  with  a  most  costly  cargo, 
is  sufficient  to  direct  the  attention  of  en- 
gineers and  others  to  the  causes  of  the  ca- 
tastrophe, with  a  view  to  the  prevention  of 
the  recurrence  of  so  calamitous  a  circum- 
stance. Every  one  knows  (for  every  one  is 
now  a  newspaper  reader)  that  the  Princa  was 


lost  in  consequence  of  her  propeller  having 
become  disabled  by  fouling  with  the  dis- 
mantled spars  and  rigging.  And,  to  me, 
it  is  a  matter  of  no  surpriae  that  such  foul- 
ing took  place,  under  the  circumstances. 
For,  in  addition  to  the  fact  that  the  screw- 
propeller  is  situated  in  the  after-dead- 
wood,  and  so  occupies  a  very  convenient 
position  for  such  a  nushap,  it  is  clear  that  its 


rotatory  action  is  eminently  calculated  to 
carry  down,  and  draw  towards  the  debris  of 
a  wreck  that  may  be  on  or  near  to  the  sur- 
lace  of  the  water,  floating  by. 

Foreseeing  the  danger  arising  from  this 
circnmstance,  and  having  heard  of  similar 
accidents  resulting  from  the  screw  coining 
in  contact  with  floating  niatter,  I  some  time 
since  directed  my  attention  to  the  subject,  nnd 
have  succeeded  in  effecting  an  arrangement 
which,  if  applied,  is,  in  my  judgment,  cal- 


culated to  most  considerably  reduce,  if  not 
to  altogether  do  away  with,  the  possibility 
of  danger  from  such  a  cause  for  tne  future. 
The  accompanying  engravings  show  a 
longitudinal  view  and  thwartship  section  of 
the  ai\er  part  of  a  vessel  fltted  with  the  cy- 
lindrical guard.  From  them  it  will  be  seen 
that  I  place  a  metallic  cylinder  around  the 
path  traversed  by  the  outside  of  the  blades 
of  the  propeller,  and  attach  it,  by  means  of 
flanges,  to  the  vessel.    This  shield  serves 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


14 


TH8  SMOSK  QDBSTI0N. 


the  doable  purpose  of  confining  the  action 
of  the  icrew  to  the  water  within  the  cylin- 
der, therebj  increasing  the  propelling  effect, 
and  of  guarding  the  propeller,  to  a  great 
extent,  from  coming  in  contact  with  floating 
materials  as  above  suggested.  The  cylinder 
is  further  supported  by  three  stays,  as  shown, 
which  may  be  placed  parsllel  to  the  keel  In 
cases  where  the  form  of  the  ship  is  such 
that  they  would  not  require  to  be  too 
long  when  thus  fitted,  or  they  may 
be  carried  into  the  ship's  side,  and 
formed  of  thin  metal,  so  that,  presenting 
themselves  edgeways,  they  will  offer  but 
little  resistance  to  the  progress  of  the  vessel. 
It  is  true  that  d^bria  might  float  in  a  fore 
and  aft  direction,  and  foul  the  propeller, 
but  the  probability  of  this  would  be  but 
small,  and  might  be  still  more  diminished 
by  in'creasing  the  number  of  stays,  which, 
acting  as  guards,  would  effectually  fend  off 
all  foreign  substances  and  wrecks;  while  the 
cylinder  would  even  permit  them,  were  they 
attached  to  the  cordage,  to  lay  alongside 
without  hindering  the  movements  of  the 
screw,  and  when  without  it,  we  should  to  a 
certainty  have  a  deplorable  result. 

I  think,  Sir,  your  readers  will  see,  that 
if  fitted  with  a  guard  of  this  description,  a 
vessel  would  be  greatly  secured  from  acci- 
dents of  the  distressing  character  that  I 
alluded  to  in  the  opening  paragraph  of  my 
letter. 

I  am,  Sir,  youra,  &c., 

O.  A.  De  Penniko. 
Cbaring-crois. 

♦ 

THE  SMOKE  QUESTION. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Mechanics'  Magazine, 

Sir, — I  had  intended  paying  my  respects 
to  your  correspondent,  Mr.  Woodcock,  with 
the  view  of  showing  that  he  has,  in  his  last 
letter,  completely  extinguished  all  efforts  to 
uphold  the  doctrine  of  *' smoke  burning  ;" 
at  least,  he  has  shown  its  advocates  to  be  so 
utterly  unworthy  of  credit,  that  a  short  time 
alone  will  be  necessary  to  put  the  theory 
and  the  theorists  out  of  the  pale  of  forbear- 
ance. I  must,  however,  let  my  remarks 
give  place  to  the  following  letter,  from  Mr. 
Fairbairn,  of  Manchester ;  the  more  so  as  it 
is  so  much  in  point  to  the  present  state  of 
the  discussion. 

Here,  Sir,  we  have  the  letter  of  a  sound 
thinking,  practical  man ;  showing  that  he 
has  clearly  appreciated  the  true  principles 
of  combustion,  founded,  as  they  arc,  on  the 
undeviating  laws  of  nature,  and  which  we 
cannot  abrogate  with  impunity.  Now,  it  is 
only  necessary  to  compare  this  letter  with 
the  inflated  mass  of  mystification  which 
runs  through  every  line  of  the  communica- 


tions of  Mr.  Woodcock  and  Mr.  Mansfield, 
to  see  where  truth  lies,  and  credit  should  be 
given. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &&, 

Chas.  W.  Williams. 
Liverpool,  Dec.  90,  1854. 


MR.  FAIRBAIRN  TO  MR.  C.  W.  WILLIAMS. 

My  dear  Sir, — In  wishing  you  better 
health  and  many  returns  of  the  aeason,  I 
have  much  reason  to  apologize  for  the  time 
that  has  elapsed  since  I  received  your  two 
letters.  Nevertheless,  I  have  been  alive  to 
the  whole  of  your  correspondence  in  the 
Meehamci*  Magazine^  and  my  surprise  is 
that  you  should  have  the  patience  to  notice 
and  reply  to  the  quackery  that  is  at  present 
afloat  on  the  subject  of  the  smoke  nuisance. 
You  have  already,  in  your  excellent  work, 
nearly  exhausted  the  subject ;  and  the  che- 
mistry of  the  question  is  there  made  to  clear 
and  apparent,  that  little  further  remains  to 
be  said.  From  the  first,  I  had  no  difficulty 
In  appreciating  the  value  of  your  investiga- 
tions, which,  in  my  opinion,  established  the 
true  principle  of  combustion,  and  clearly 
showed  in  what  manner  and  to  what  extent 
the  combination  of  the  gases  with  the  oxygen 
of  the  air  was  to  be  effected.    * 

On  the  first  appearance  of  your  work 
(first  edition),  I  took  those  quantities  or 
equivalents  as  fixed  and  determined  laws, 
which  we  could  not  abrogate  with  Impunity  ; 
and  in  all  my  researches  on  this  question,  I 
applied  myself  more  to  the  means,  either  in 
construction  or  mechanical  proportion,  to 
effect,  with  greater  facility  and  greater  cer- 
tainty, the  combinations  therein  recom- 
mended, as  essential  to  perfect  combustion, 
with  the  absence  of  smoke. 

At  the  present  moment,  every  man  having 
a  boiler,  or  having  the  least  claim  to  being 
an  engineer,  is  his  own  doctor ;  and  hence 
follow  the  endless  nostrums  that  are  con- 
stantly brought  before  the  public,  for  the 
attainment  of  an  object  which,  in  my  opi- 
nion, may  easily  be  accomplished,  by  atten- 
tion to  a  few  simple  rules,  founded  upon 
those  undeviating  laws  of  nature  which  have 
been  propounded  for  our  use. 

I  make  no  doubt,  we  shall  ultimately  ac- 
complish the  object  so  long  under  discus- 
sion, and  all  these  schemes,  patents,  and 
projects  which  are  now  in  circulation  may 
eventually  lead  to  good  results.  I  am  glad 
to  find  you  have  time  to  look  after  them, 
and  to  cut  up  the  plagiarist,  copyist,  and 
pretender  for  their  unscrupulous  conduct 

Mr.  Holdsworth,  myself,  and  others  are 
establishing  an  association  here,  and  in  sur- 
rounding districts,  to  prevent  boiler  ex- 
plosions. We  have  got  about  260  firms, 
representing  upwards  of  1,000  boilers,  and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


TBE  BMOiEZ  QUESTION. 


15 


we  propose,  exelasive  of  inspection,  giving 
instructions  on  the  constraction,  manage- 
ment, and  economy  of  fuel,  and  ultimately 
the  ahatemeot  of  the  tmoke  nuisance. 

Now,  I  know  of  none  so  able  to  assist  ns 
in  carrying  out  these  objects  as  Mr.  C.  W. 
Williams ;  and  I  hope  you  will  not  only 
allow  us  to  calculate  upon  your  co-opera- 
tion, but  any  suggestions  you  may  have  to 
offer  will,  in  the  mean  time,  be  gladly  re- 
coived  and  acknowledged. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

W.  Fairbairn. 

Manehetter,  Dec.  28, 1851. 


To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 

Sir, — Mr.  Mansfield's  letter  in  your  last 
number  calls  for  a  reply.  He  complains 
that  in  a  quotation  from  his  now  celebrated 
letter,  I  omitted  certain  words.  The  sentence 
quoted  is  as  follows — the  words  omitted 
being  those  in  italics — viz. :  "  The  lamp- 
black carbon  floats  in  the  current  of  car- 
bonic acid  and  steam,  mixed  with  the  nitro- 
gen of  the  air,  and  with  the  unhumt  restdual 
tar  vapmurt  qf  greater  density.  Such  is  the 
atmosphere  which  leaves  the  fire-place  soon 
after  coaling,  and  passes. .  ..&o."  These 
words  were  omitted  intentionally,  to  save 
the  trouble  of  repeating,  that  where  the  air 
is  properly  introduced  and  mixed  with  the 
gas,  no  '*  residual  tar  vapours  "  can  possibly 
ejost,  Mr.  Woodcock  has  proved  this  by 
the  use  of  my  perforated  air  diffusion  plate, 
in  his  late  patented  re-invention. 

Mr.  Mansfield  asks,  wby  I  omitted  these 
words  7  He  will  permit  me  to  ask  him, 
why  he  introduced  them  ?  He  has  tlirnst  in 
these  tar  vapours,  while  they  exist  only  in 
his  imagination.  To  show  that  Mr.  Mans- 
field is  right  in  saying  that  the  products  are 
'*  carbonic  acid  and  steam  and  the  nitrogen 
of  the  air,"  I  will  supply  him  with  an  au- 
Uiority  even  better  than  his  own.  Let  him 
turn  to  page  286  of  my  Treatise  (last  edi- 
tion), and  be  will  find  Professor  Brands,  in 
answer  to  my  queries  on  the  very  point  of. 
What  is  smoke?  says — '*Your  system  of 
throwing  jets  of  air  into  the  inflammable 
gases  and  vapours  which  constitute  so  large 
a  part  of  the  matters,  which  in  many  ill- 
eonatructed  fire-places,  escape  by  the  chim- 
nej,  along  with  the  finely-divided  carbon, 
or  black  smoke,  renders  them  all  available  as 
sources  of  heat ;  and  where  that  system  is 
perfectly  applied,  the  smoke  can  consist  of 
very  little  else  than  carbonic  acid,  steam,  and 
nitrogen  ;  all  incombustible,  and  also  incapa- 
ble of  supporting  combustion."  Does  Mr. 
MausfiHa  require  any  further  authority  ? 

And  now  for  the  gem  of  Mr.  Mansfield's 
lucubrations.  '<  If  any  of  our  readers,"  he 
observes,  '*  still  beUeves  that  smoke  cannot 


be  burned,  that  is  to  say,  for  practical  pur- 
poses,  consumed,  he  may  satisfy  himself  by 
the  following  child's  experiment.  Let  the 
bowl  of  a  clay  tobacco  pipe  be  filled  with 
eoal  powder,  luted  over  with  clay,  and  put 
into  the  fire  in  a  common  hearth.  Let  the 
nearest  child,  or  adult"  (the  word  adult 
ought  to  have  been  omitted,)  **  of  either  sex, 
be  asked  what  the  fumes  are,  which  will 
soon  be  seen  issuing  from  the  tube-end  of 
the  pipe?  He,  she,  or  it  will  answer — 
'  Smoke.'  Let  a  lighted  candle  then  be  ap- 
plied to  it.  I  tried  the  experiment  when  I 
was  in  the  nursery."  Now  it  is  recorded 
that  this  very  experiment  was  made  by 
Murdock  to  convince  Watt  that  coal  gas 
might  be  available  for  the  purpose  of  illu- 
mination. Mr.  Mansfield's  child  no  doubt 
would  have  shown  both  these  philosophers 
that  they  were  wrong,  and  that  it  was  smoke, 
and  not  gas,  that  was  emitted.  But  I  will 
force  Mr.  Mansfield  to  the  point.  Let  him 
say,  if  these  fumes  are  *'  smoke,"  what,  then, 
is  gas?  To  this  question  I  demand  a  reply. 
If  he  declines,  his  silence  will  prove  to  me 
either  Uiat  he  is  at  length  coming  to  the 
sense  of  manhood,  or  that  he  has  learned 
but  little  since  he  was  an  occupant  of  the 
nursery. 

I  »m,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

C.  W.  Williams. 

Uverpool,  Jan.  ],  1855. 


To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 

Sir, — Haying  noticed  the  discussion  on 
Mr.  Woodcock's  furnace  in  your  pages,  I 
take  the  liberty  of  referring  any  of  your 
readers  who  may  be  curious  on  the  subject, 
to  the  specification  of  the  patent  of  James 
Gilbertson,  15th  January,  1828,  published 
in  the  Repertory  rf  Patent  Inventions,  vol. 
vii.  (Srd  series),  page  65.  They  will  there 
find  a  very  complete  account  of  Mr.  Wood- 
cock's mode  of  heating  the  air  by  passages 
at  the  sides  of  the  fire  communicating  with 
a  perforated  bridge.  This  invention  is, 
therefore,  open  to  the  public,  who  may 
freely  use  it  if  it  should  really  be  found  to 
possess  any  advantage  over  the  old  methods 
of  admitting  cold  air  at  the  bridge.  The 
perforations  in  Gilbertson' s  furnace  are  in 
the  form  of  parallel  slits,  and  he  describes 
the  perforated  plate  as  "  the  air  grating  at 
the  top  of  the  air  cavity,  to  prevent  the  fiiel 
from  falling  into  the  air  cavity,  and  to  Ef- 
fuse the  heated  air  freely  among  the  smoke  qf 
the  fire," 

This  patent,  taken  in  1828,  does  not  leave 
much  to  be  claimed  either  by  Mr.  Wood- 
cock or  Mr.  Williams.  Perhaps  Mr.  Wil- 
liams will  object  to  the  word  smoke  in  the 
specifica(tion ;  but  Gilbertson  appears  to 
have  been  content  to  use  a  word  which 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


16 


SPECIFICATIONS  OV  PATENTS  ££C£MTLY  FILED. 


would  be  understood  by  every  one,  and  not 
to  bave  thought  it  necessary  to  substitute 
for  it  such  terms  as  gas,  hydrocarbon,  cu- 
mole,  or  rigmarole.  A  man  who  should  ask 
his  servant  for  a  vessel  of  truncated  conical 
form,  closed  at  the  bottom,  and  constructed 
of  silicate  of  potash  and  oxide  of  lead,  and 
filled  with  protoxide  of  hydrogen  in  the 
liquid  state  at  a  temperature  of  50°  Fahren- 
heit thermometer,  might  show  his  learning, 
but  would  be  more  likely  to  remain  thirsty 
than  if  he  were  content  to  ask  for  a  glass  of 
cold  water. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

C. 
Dec.  «0, 1834.  ^ 

COAL-TAR.— BENZINE. 
To  Uie  Edilor  of  the  Mechanic**  Magazine. 

Sir,— The  question  between  Mr.  Calvert 
and  myself,  as  to  Benzine — Benzole^  shall, 
as  he  suggests,  be  decided  by  a  court  of 
law. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Charles  B.  Mansfield. 
Weybridge,  Jan.  2, 1865. 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Erard,  Jean  Baptists  Numa,  of  Paris, 
France,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  the 
preparation  rf  paint.  Patent  dated  June  9, 
1854.    (No.  1271.) 

The  inventor  says,  "  I  mix  about  2|  lbs. 
of  a  composition  nrhich  I  'call  caustic,  and 
which  is  made  of  460  grs.  troy  of  virgin 
WAX,  75  grs.  of  dry  white  soap,  150  grs.  of 
salt  of  tartar,  and  about  four  glasses  of 
water,  witli  about  150  grs.  of  rosin,  150 
grs.  of  gum  lac,  150  grs.  of  gum  arabio, 
150  grs.  of  gum  galipot,  75  grs.  of  gnm 
copal,  and  150  grs.  of  borax."  The  mixture 
thus  obtained  he  combines  with  oils  by 
means  of  heat 

Broouan,  Richard  Archibald,  of 
166,  Fleet-street,  London,  patent  agent. 
Improvementt  in  machinery  far  cutting  brads, 
lath  nailsj  and  others  tf  similar  character. 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  June  9, 
1854.    (No.  1278.) 

A  complete  description  of  this  invention 
formed  the  first  article  of  our  last  Number. 

Bramwell,  Thomas,  of  Enfield-house, 
near  Gateshead  -  on  -  Tyne,  Durham,  /m- 
provements  in  the  manrfaeture  qfthe  carbonates 
and  prussiates  rf  potash  and  soda.  Patent 
dated  Jane  9,  1854.    (No.  1274.) 

Claims. — 1.  The  use  of  sulphate  of  pot- 
ash or  sulphide  of  potassium  instead  of  pot 
or  pearlash  of  couimerce  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  prussiate  of  potashi  or  of  sulphate 


of  soda,  or  sulphide  of  sodium,  instead  of 
soda,  or  carbonate  of  soda,  in  the  making  of 
prussiate  of  soda.  2.  The  separation  of 
carbonate  of  soda  from  a  mixed  solution  of 
carbonate  of  potash  and  soda  by-means  of 
salting  out  the  carbonate  of  soda  by  boiling. 
3.  The  separation  of  sulphur  from  solutions 
of  potash,* or  soda  salts  containing  sulphides, 
by  means  of  black  oxide  or  of  finely 
divided  iron,  whether  the  said  potash  or 
soda  salts  be  used  in  the  making  of  prus- 
siates, or  for  the  manufacture  of  carbonates, 
or  other  form  of  potash,  or  soda  alkalies. 

Nelson,  John,  of  Selby,  York,  and 
David  Boyd,  of  the  same  place,  flax- 
scutchers.  Improvements  in  preparing  and 
scutching  flax,  Jump,  and  other  substances. 
Patent  dated  June  9,  1854.    (No.  1275.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  the  fiax, 
hemp,  or  other  substance  is  conducted  by 
an  endless  apron  to  a  succession  of  pairs  of 
grooved  rollers,  through  or  between  which 
the  fibrous  substances  pass  and  become 
crushed,  and  the  fibres  partly  separated, 
and  then  pass  to  another  endless  apron,  by 
which  they  are  conducted  to  a  pair  of  fluted 
rollers,  the  axis  of  which  are  in  suitable 
frames,  and  these  fluted  rollers  become  tlie 
holder  of  the  fibres  when  subjecting  them 
to  the  scutching  process,  &c. 

Hancock,  James  Lamb,  of  Neath,  Gla- 
morgan, medical  practitioner.  An  improve- 
ment in  cutting  hay,  straw,  and  other  fibrous 
articles  and  substances.  Patent  dated  June 
9,1854.    (No.  1276.) 

C^m.— Combining  the  parts  of  a  ma- 
chine for  cutting  hay,  straw,  and  other 
fibrous  articles  and  substances  in  such  man- 
ner, that  the  trough  or  apparatus  containing 
the  matters  to  be  cut  shall  be  in  an  oblique 
direction  to  that  of  the  cut  of  the  cutting 
apparatus  of  the  machine. 

CuRRiB,  James,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
North  Britain,  miller,  and  Robert  Youno, 
of  the  same  place,  engineer.  Improvements 
in  the  treatment  and  grinding  of  grain  and 
the  products  thererf.  Patent  dat^  June  9, 
1854.    (No.  1277.) 

This  invention  consists  primarily  in 
washing  grain,  by  means  of  a  revolving 
shaft  working  within  a  perforated  cylinder 
or  half-cylinder,  and  furnished  widi  screw 
or  inclined  blades,  the  shaft  being  set  in  a 
tank,  which  the  waahing-watar  is  made  to 
fiow  through  in  a  direction  contrary  to  the 
course  of  the  grain,  and  to  carry  off  t!ie 
floating  refuse,  tlie  heavy  foreign  matters 
falling  to  the  bottom. 

Bernard,  Julian,  of  Club  -  chambers, 
Regent- street,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Im- 
provements in  stUehittg  and  sewing  machines, 
and  in  machines  for  securing  and  ornamenting 
parts  qf  garments  and  other  materials.  Patent 
dated  June  9,  1854.    (No.  1279.) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECmOATIONS  OF  PATENTS  SECENTLY  PaED. 


17 


This  inveotion  relates  to  a  novel  arrange- 
ment for  taking  up  the  *'  slack,*'  to  another 
for  insuring  a  perfect  stitch,  to  discontinuing 
the  travelling  action  of  the  mat-  rial  at  plea- 
sure, and  to  a  method  of  causing  the  needle 
of  machines  for  making  button  holes  and 
parts  connected  with  it  to  travel,  while 
the  material  is  held  stationary.^ 

Braithwaite,  John,  of  Oower-street, 
Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  An  improved 
method  qf  roofing  or  coverwg  buildings,  reser- 
voirs, and  other  spaces  requiring  roqfsor  cover • 
ings.  Patent  dated  June  10,  1854.  (No. 
1281.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing 
suspension  roofs  or  coverings,  supported  on 
suitable  end.piers  or  abutments, 

Dawson,  Arthur  Llewellyn,  of  South- 
wark.bridge<road,  Surrey,  engineer.  Im- 
provement in  machinery  for  cutting  or  shaping 
wood.  Patent  dated  June  10,  1854.  (No. 
1282.) 

This  invention  consists  in  certain  arrang^c- 
ments  of  machinery,  whereby  gun>  stocks, 
ftc,  may  be  cut  and  shaped  from  a  pattern. 
We  shall  probably  give  an  illustrated  de- 
scrintion  of  it  hereafter. 

Young,  John,  of  Wolverhampton,  Staf- 
ford,  manufacturer.  Improvements  in  locks 
and  latches.  Patent  dated  June  12,  1854. 
(No.  1288.) 

CkUms,  —  1.  Making  the  edges  of  the 
tumblers  of  locks  serrated  for  the  purpose 
of  preventing  the  picking  of  locks  by  forc- 
ing back  the  bolt.  2.  Constructing  locks 
in  which  one  of  the  tumblers  has  a  rising 
while  the  others  have  a  falling  motion,  &e., 
&c. 

P^TBR,  Antoine  Louis,  of  Lyons, 
France.  Improvements  in  treating  a  certain 
kind  rf  imUgo.  Patent  dated  June  13,  1854. 
(No.  1291.) 

This  invention  consists  in  extracting  from 
Manilla  or  Philippine  Island  indigo  cal- 
careous and  earthy  matters,  by  means  of 
acids  or  acid  solutions,  which,  combining 
with  the  said  impurities,  give  rise  to  lolu- 
ble  salu. 

Picxup,  James,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  steering  appara- 
tus. Patent  dated  June  14,  1854.  (No. 
1295.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  peculiar 
employment  of  a  screw  to  communicate  the 
requisite  motion  to  rudders  in  steering 
vessels,  the  principal  object  being  the  re- 
duction of  the  entire  apparatus  to  a  smaller 
compass  and  more  convenient  form. 

Haroravb,  John,  of  Kirkstall,  York, 
worsted  manufacturer.  Improved  machinery 
for  washing,  sconring,  and  jelting,  orJulUng, 
Patent  dated  June  14,  1854.    (No.  1296.) 

Claim, — An  arrangement  of  machinery 
whereby  the  material  to  be  operated  upon 


may  be  subjected  to  the  action  of  beaters 
on  its  passage  tlirough  the  vessel  contain- 
ing the  washing  or  scouring  liquor. 

Wilson,  Thomas,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, engineer,  and  John  Hadley,  of  Bir- 
mingham, engineer.  A  new  or  improved 
method  qf  constructing  certain  kinds  if  rolls 
or  cylinders,  and  dies  or  surfaces.  Patent 
dated  June  15, 1854.     (No.  1299.) 

Claim, — Making  ornamental  rolls,  or  cy- 
linders, and  dies,  or  surfaces  of  steel  to  be 
used  for  ornamenting  metallic  surfaces,  &c., 
by  forming  the  same  in  portions,  and  com- 
bining them  together. 

Kite,  James,  of  Princes-street,  Lam- 
beth, Surrey,  engineer.  Improvements  in 
machinery  and  apparatus  for  expressing  mois- 
ture from  substances.  Patent  dated  June  15, 
1854.     (No.  1 800.) 

Claim, — The  expression  of  moisture  from 
substances  by  means  of  one  or  more  cylin- 
drical, or  similarly  shaped  vessels,  provided 
with  pressing  or  straining  apparatus,  and 
the  delivery  of  such  substances  so  treated 
by  part  of  the  apparatus  employed  in  ex- 
pressing  the  moisture. 

Stirling,  John  Davie  Morries,  of 
Blackgrange,  Clackmannan,  Scotland.  Im- 
provements in  the  manvfacture  qf  iron, 
(Pardy  a  communication  from  M.  Leon 
Talabot.)  Patent  dated  June  15,  1854. 
(No.  1308.) 

'This  invention  consists  in  causing  the 
beds  of  refinery,  boiling,  and  puddling  fur- 
naces to  be  covered  with  oxides  of  iron  or 
of  some  other  metal,  or  of  some  of  the 
earthy  bases  mixed  with  saw-dust,  or  other 
ligneous,  resinous,  tarry,  or  oily,  and  such 
like  matters,  and  in  running  molten  iron 
thereon ;  also,  in  "  introducing  such  mat- 
ters into  such  furnaces,  and  there  mixing 
them  with  the  melted  iron,  and  running 
the  melted  iron  thereon,  and  in  using 
a  mixture  of  oxide  of  iron  (or  com- 
pounds of  oxides)  and  cinder  (puddling  or 
boiling  furnace  cinder  being  preferred)  in  a 
state  of  fusion,  and  adding  thereto  a  quan- 
tity of  cast  iron  in  a  fluid  state,  and  as 
soon  as  the  ebullition  (consequent  upon  such 
addition,  and  upon  the  chemical  action 
which  results)  is  finished  or  nearly  so,  intro- 
ducing a  piece  of  wrought  iron,  to  which 
the  newly  formed  resulting  wrought  iron 
will  attach  itself,  and  to  which  it  is  to  be 
gradually  pressed  by  any  convenient  instru- 
ment." 

Piper,  John  Edwin,  of  New-road,  St 
Paneras,  Middlesex,  operative  ehemiat. 
Improvements  in  the  preparation  rf  Umen, 
cotton,  and  other  fabrics,  to  produce  fictitious 
leather.  Patent  dated  June  16,  1854.  (No. 
1304.) 

Claim, — The  preparing  linen,  cotton,  or 
other  fabrics,  with  nour,  paste,  and  a  corn- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


18 


fiJ^SOmCATIONB  OF  9rmrtB  REOiSNtliT   FttEt). 


pot;tioii  of  white  lead  and  boiled  lii)8eed 
oil  mixed  with  any  suitable  colouring  mat- 
ter 80  as  to  produce  a  fictitious  leather. 

HoRNSBY,  RicuARp,  of  Spittlegate  Iron- 
works, Graniham,  Lincoln^  JmprovemenU 
in  partahle  thrashing  machinet.  Patent  dated 
June  16.  1864.    (No.  1206.) 

This  invention  consists  in  suspending  the 
ends  of  the  ^bakery  nearest  the  thrashing 
parts  of  the  machine  in  links,  and  giving  a 
rising  and  falling  motion  to  the  back  ends 
of  the  shakers  by  means  of  a  crank-axle  or 
oUierwisCf  so  that  the  principal  aption  is 
towards  the  back  end  of  the  shakers  |  i|nd 
also  in  applying  moveable  riddles  or  screens 
at  the  back  end  pf  a  thrashing  machine  be- 
"yond  the  dressing  machinery  in  such  man* 
ner  that  the  pulse  and  matters  blown  from 
the  dressing  machinery  may  be  driven 
against  a  perforated  surface,  which  admits 
of  the  passage  of  air  through  it,  but  not  of 
the  pulse,  which  falls  on  a  riddle  below. 

Fell,  Thom  as  Mara,  of  King  William^ 
street,  London,  and  William  Cook,  of 
Cuson-street,  Hanover-square,  Middlesex. 
Imprmements  in  ventilatort.  Patent  dated 
June  16,  1864.    (No.  1307.) 

This  invention  consists  in  **  the  conatruo- 
tion  of  ventilators  having  plates  of  perfo- 
rated or  gauze4  material  fixed  to  a  rule  joint 
or  frame,  or  other  oontrivanoet  whereby  the 
said  plates  are  made  to  open  or  shut  at  ap 
angle,  with  or  without  connection  with  the 
moveable  portion  of  the  saah  or  frame." 

Hargrove,  Ciiarlrb,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  manufacturer.  4n  imprwenent  or 
improvements  in  the  mani^faeture  qf  certtUn 
kinds  of  iron.  Patent  dated  June  16,  1854. 
(No.  1309.) 

Claim, — *'  Manufacturing  malleable  iron, 
or  oast  iroui  capable  of  being  annealed  or 
rendered  malleable  by  adding  wrought  iron 
tQ  the  ordinary  malleable  iron,  either  during 
or  after  the  smelting  of  the  same." 

July  AN,  Frederick  John,  of  Gerri^rd- 
street,  Soha-square,  Middlesex,  carpenter. 
Improved  metltods  (^producing  musical  sounds. 
Patent  dated  Jupe  16,  1854.     (Nq.  1313.) 

This  invention  consists  in  passing  a  cur- 
rent  of  air  over  or  across  a  portion  of  a 
stretched  string,  or  a  membrane  so  placed 
as  by  its  Tii)ration8  alternately  to  obstruct 
and  clear  the  aperture  through  which  the 
air  passes. 

P(PDUCK,  WiLLlAU  Ql(.BEBT,  of  Cani- 
berweli,  Surrey,  gentleman.  Improvements 
in  the  constrnetion  qf  vent-pegs.  Patent 
dated  Jane  10,  1854.     (No.  1314.) 

The  inventor  forms  i^  the  vent-peg  an 
air  passage,  extending  upwards  front  the 
bottom  of  the  peg  (or  that  part  whic))  is 
inserted  into  the  oarrel)  to  an  opening  iq 
the  side,  the  passage  being  governed  by  a 
pressure- valve,  so  constructed  and  applied, 


that  when  aoted  upon,  to  admit  air  into,  or 
shut  it  off  from  the  barrel,  it  will  have  no 
tendency  to  draw  up  the  liquor,  and  get 
clogged. 

PAnRAMORE,  Thqhas,  of  Castle- Street, 
Southwark.  An  improvement  in  the  manu- 
facture  of  air-tight  seatSt  heds,  and  other 
articles  required  to  be  inflated  and  air-tight. 
Patent  dated  June  16, 1854.     (No,  13iq.) 

This  invention  consists  in  rendering  wo- 
ven  fabric^  water-tight  on  one  of  their  «nr- 
faces  by  applying  oil  thereto,  and  water  and 
air-tight  on  the  other  surface  by  means  of 
India  rubber, 

Lowe,  David,  of  Jjcicester.  Improve- 
ments  in  knitting  machinery.  Patent  dated 
June  16,  1864.    (No.  1317.) 

This  invention  consists  in  oonstruoting 
machinery  so  that  the  thread  carriers,  in 
place  of  laying  the  threads  on  the  needles 
as  heretofore,  lay  them  on  instruments 
which  correspond  in  number  with  the  spaces 
between  the  needles,  and  which  are  caused 
to  lay  and  aink  the  threads  on  and  between 
the  needles,  and  allow  of  other  instruments 
coming  in  (whilst  the  preceding  ones  retire) 
and  working  the  course  on  the  needles. 

HiNDE,  Georqe  Jame«,  of  Wolverhamp- 
ton, Staffordt  commercial  clerk.  J  neto 
or  improved  combination  qf  pateriai^  to  bo 
used  for  the  mani\facture  of  pipes  or  tubes  for 
drains,  or  such  other  purposes  as  the  sam  *' 
or  may  be  applicable  tq.  P^t^Pt  dfited  Jun« 
17,1854.    (No.  1318.) 

This  invention  consists  in  *'the  applif 
cation  of  enamel  to  articles  made  of  clay, 
or  mixtures  compoaed  mainly  of  olay," 

Fontainmoreau,  Peter  Armakd  Lb- 
coMTE  DB,  of  South- street,  London.  Im- 
provements in  treating  bttumen.  (A  commu- 
nication.) Patent  dated  June  }7,  1854, 
(No.  1319.)      • 

Claims — Converting  hard  bitnmen  into 
soft  bitumen  by  means  of  oil  of  petroleum, 
or  pyroligneops  oil,  or  a  mixture  of  both. 

FouiiDRiNiER,  Joseph,  of  Sherbourne- 
street,  Islington,  Middlesex*  Improvements 
in  machinery  for  washings  boilings  cleaning, 
and  bkaching,  rags,  fibrous  qnd  tentilfi  sti- 
stances.  Patent  dated  June  17*  1854.  (No. 
1321.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing  a 
vessel  closed  at  each  end  and  mounted  on 
hollow  axles.  On  tlie  interior,  near  each 
end,  is  fixed  a  aieve  of  fine  wire  cloth  or 
other  suitable  material.  The  vessel  is  pro- 
vided with  manholes  for  charging  and  dis- 
charging the  materials,  and  to  the  two  hoi- 
low  axles  of  the  vessel  a  pipe  with  branches 
is  connected,  by  which  water  or  washing  or 
dyeing  liquids  can  be  caused  to  flow  in  one 
end,  and  away  at  the  other.  In  tlie  interior 
of  the  vessel  are  a  number  of  spheres 
whiohi  by  the  rotation  of  the  veasel,  caaae 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


numstOHAt  «FJK3mOATH»td  Hot  PHOCBEDBB  WltH^ 


10 


the  matteri  nliddr  ]iroteeM  to  be  beaten  And 
pressed.  Ste*m  pipes  or  a  stbam  jacket  or 
both,  are  used  for  cauiing  the  fluids  to 
boil.  . 

Newtov,  Alfred  Viiicent,  of  Chan- 
eery-lane*  MiddleseZ)  tnechanieal  draughta- 
man.  Impr&»tmefit8  in  nuKhinertf  for  block- 
printing.  (A  eomltiunicAtion.)  Patent  datiid 
June  17»  1854.    (No.  1822.) 

Thia  infention  coitaists  in  a  mode  of 
arrahging  on  flat  aurfaoea  eonsetfutire  por- 
tions of  so  much  of  a  design^  as  is  in- 
tended tb  be  reproduced  in  one  colour, 
and  fiting  roUry  ihotioii  thereto  |  and  iii 
ikrranging  in  bne  machine  a  set-ies  of  blocks 
or  flat  printing  surfaces  containing  cotti- 
ponent  parts  of  the  same  design,  so  as  to 
print  the  latter  in  varioua  eoloura  upon  a 
fabric. 

Rawe,  John,  the  younger,  of  Harer- 
tteek-hill»  Middlesex,  gentletnan.  Improve- 
minii  appiicdbk  to  ttoveSf  stooe-graies,  or 
ptJplMBt  for  domuiHe  use.  Patent  dated 
June  17,  1854.    (No.  1323.) 

This  invention  ttiainly  eonaists  in  the 
application  to  atoves,  stoire-grates,  or  fire- 
placeft  for  domestic  use,  fot  the  purpose  of 
fl^eding  the  samC)  of  an  apparatus  or  mecha- 
nioal  arrangement  of  the  nature  of  a  force- 
pump  constructed  to  remoTe  a  small  portion 
of  c»al  at  a  time  flrom  a  t'eservoir  protided 
for  the  purpose)  and  force  it  ihto  the  lower 
part  of  the  firei 

HoLLOWAY,  dEbko^  of  the  firm  of  HcU 
lo#a3r»  Btrotbers,  of  Stroud)  Gloucester, 
clothes  manufacturer.  IH^ovenufHts  in  dew- 
ing and  etnbroietMng  inachiMt.  Patent  dated 
June  17,  1854.    (No.  1324.) 

datrnf.— 1.  A  mode  of  paasing  the  thread 
as  it  leaves  the  bobbin  over  or  arotind  a  wire 
twiated  to  the  form  of  a  spring,  i(nd  attached 
to  the  fhikne  of  the  machine.  8.  The  ent- 
plbyment  of  springe  fo^  keeping  the  bowltss 
of  the  rocking  levers,  which  work  the 
needles,  in  continuous  contact  with  the  work- 
ing  facea  of  theit:  respi^etive  cams.  8.  Cer- 
taiii  described  means  of  efiecting  ihe  lateral 
adjustment  of  the  catii  by  which  the  rock- 
inglever  of  the  circular  needle  is  worked* 

WtLtiAils,  JOHH  AlLin,  of  Baydon, 
WilU,  farmetr.  lmpr9oeitienis  M  macMnet^ 
M-  app&raiti  for  ftl&i^hit^g  and  tuUi^Hng 
kmd.  Patent  dated  June  17,  1844.  (NOi 
1825.) 

CkdmM, — 1.  A  mode  of  artangiiig  or  dis- 
poling^  one  or  more  ploughs,  or  othet  oulti* 
vating  instruments^  in  one  frime,  each 
separate  instrument  being  capable  of  ad- 
Jastment  at  the  will  of  the  ploughman,  xA 
attendant,  by  raeana  of  lever  handles  and 
front  pulleys,  ahd  chains  connected  to 
beama  ot  bare,  t,  A  mode  of  forming  the 
lever  beams  or  bars  for  holding  the  ploughs, 
skim  cultivators,  and  drags,  with  an  eye  or 


joint,  as  described.  3.  The  peculiar  at* 
rangement  and  position  of  a  hind  rurtnidg 
wheel,  which  is  made  to  run  always  in  the 
furrow  last  formed  by  the  set  of  ploughs, 
though  situated  at  or  near  the  centre  of  the 
framework. 


PRoVtStOKAL   SPECtl»lcATtOIIS   !lOt  PRd- 
CEEDEb  WITH. 

Seertchlv,  Joseph,  jnnioi-,  of  Rings- 
latid)  Middlesex,  and  Ansty,  Leicester,  en- 
l^tlecr.  Imprdifeiiienti  in  Hit  mant{fatittr9  of 
gdies,  hurdtes,  ntid  fencing,  in  ifehietei,  wagons, 
carts,  and  trucks^  for  common  roads  and  fstl- 
wapSf  dnd  in  facias^  enhsbtatures,  window- 
headingi,  pantpets,  and  other  mouitRngs  pfo- 
Jecllngflwn  the  brickvtork  qf  bnildiiigs.  Ap- 
plication dated  June  6,  1854.    (No.  1267.) 

This  invention  consists  in  facifag  or  co- 
vering the  surfaces  of  wooden  mouldings 
with  sheet  iroti  br  other  metal,  b^  the  pro- 
cess of  drawing,  of  by  mechanical  pressure. 

JouRNET,  t'lERRB,  of  Ruc  dc  Bcliittnee, 
Paris.  Improvements  in  chucks  for  lathes. 
Application  dated  June  8, 1854.  (No.  1268.) 

This  inventitm  consists  in  arranging 
lathe-chUcks  in  such  manneir  that  the  ar- 
ticle to  be  fixed  in  the  lathe  IS  held  between 
sliders  placed  iti  a  Circle,  eouidistant  from 
Ohe  another,  and  which  slide  to  and  from 
the  cekitre. 

MaRoubrittIb,    Fr&d^ric,    of   Paris 
France.    Improvements  in   wet   gai-meiers. 
Application  dated    June    9,   1854.      (No. 
1272.) 

The  inventor  places  above  the  cistema 
used  for  gas-meters  a  reservoir,  communi- 
cating with  the  cistern  by  means  of  a  pipe 
descendihg  into  it,  for  the  purpose  of  prC' 
serving  the  required  level  of  tne  water  in 
it 

Cook,  Benjamin,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick,  manufacturer.  Otrtnin  improved  means 
of  ornamenting  metaUic  bedsteads,  chairs,  »nd 
touches,  which  said  improvement  is  also  apoU- 
cdbk  for  ornamenting  ttandatd^  fvr  giaXi 
fr^mtn,  tables,  and  fire-s6reens,  eomice-poles, 
and  other  artietes  of  farttiture.  Application 
dated  June  9,  1654.    (No.  1278.) 

This  invention  consists  in  passing  over 
the  iron  or  brSss  bars  or  mbea  of  which  the 
parts  of  the  articles  above  mentiotied  may 
DC  composed,  glass  or  china  tubes,  which 
may  be  moulded  in  any  deaired  form  and  in 
Any  number  of  parte. 

BtjcHHOLS,  GustAT  Adolph,  of  Ham- 
mersmith, Middleseit,  civil  engineer,  /si- 
proved  maehi^ry  OppUcabte  to  the  hOUhg  or 
cleaning  of  grain,  seeds,  and  other  vegetabds 
produce.  Application  dated  June  9, 1854. 
(No.  1280.) 

Thia  invention  consists  of  improvements 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


20 


PROVISIONAL  8PECUPI0ATI0NS  NOT  PROCEEDED  WITH. 


upon  tUd  machinery  patented  by  M.  Buoh- 
holz,  December  24,  1853. 

Barclay,  Andrew,  and  John  Barclay, 
both  of  Kilmanioolc,  Ajrr,  engineers,  /m- 
provementt  tii  pHnthig  textile  fabrics  and 
other  turfaees.  Application  dated  June  9, 
1854.    (No.  1288.) 

This  invention  relates  principally  to  cer- 
tain improvements  upon  the  printing  ma- 
chinery for  which  patents  were  obtained  by 
Mr.  James  Melville,  of  Roebank- works,  in 
1852  and  1853. 

Bois,  Louis,  stockholder,  of  Paris, 
France.  Certain  intpropements  in  looms. 
Application  dated  June  10,  1854!.  (No. 
1284.) 

These  improToroents  consist  in  a  system 
of  thread-carrytng  needles,  by  which  the 
weft  is  crossed  through  the^ed,  another  set 
of  needles  holding  the  weft  thus  shot  for 
the  purpose  of  forming  a  selvage  or  fringed 
border. 

Alexandbr  Edwin  Powlby,  of  Lin- 
coln's-Inn.fields,  mechanical  draughtsman. 
Intprwements  in  madding,  (Acommunica- 
tion.)  Application  dated  June  10,  1854. 
(No.  1286.) 

This  invention  consists  in  a  mode  of 
forming  moulds  for  casting  toothed.wheels 
without  patterns.  The  circular  portions  of 
the  wheels,  such  as  the  rims  and  bosses,  are 
formed  by  a  rotating  arm  with  a  scraper 
attached,  and  the  spokes  by  suitably  shaped 
scrapers,  and  the  teeth  by  inserting  small 
pieceis  of  clay  made  hollow  for  the  rim,  such 
pieces  or  cores  corresponding  with  the 
spaces  between  the  teeth,  and  being  put 
into  their  places  by  the  aid  of  an  apparatus 
.  simitar  to  a  dividing  engine. 
iTPuLS,  Francis,  of  Wliitechapel-road, 
Middlesex,  philosophical  instrument  maker. 
Improvements  in  etectro "  gahanie  apparatus 
for  medical  purposes^  parts  of  which  improve- 
ments are  also  applictdtle  to  other  electro-gal- 
vanic apparatus. .  Application  dated  June  10, 
1854.    (No.  1287.) 

The  main  feature  of  this  invention  con- 
sists in  employing  at  the  place  of  inter- 
ruption, instead  of  points,  flat  or  rounded 
{>lates,  "which,"  says  the  inventor,  *'  prove 
ess  liable  to  oxidation  by  the  electric 
spark,  and  cause  it  to  spread  further.  This 
arrangement  also  produces  a  more  agree- 
able sensation  than  when  the  electricity 
springs  from  a  point  to  a  plate,  or  the 
reverse,  at  the  place  of  interruption." 

Brooman,  Richard  Archibald,  of  166, 
Fleet-street,  London,  patent  agent.  ^  me- 
thod of  producing  plans  in  relievo.  (A  com- 
munication.)  Application  dated  June  12, 
1854.    (No.  1289.) 

This  invention  consists  in  producing 
plans  in  relief  by  blowing  nlr  in  between 
two  sheets  of  caoutchouc,  (parts  of  which 


are  covered  with  silk  or  other  similar  mate- 
rial), and  then  hermetically-  closing  the 
edges  of  the  sheets. 

Brooman,  Richard  Archibald,  pf  166, 
Fleet-street,  London,  patent  agent.  jIu  im- 
provement M,  or  addition  to,  tugar-basine. 
(A  commnnication.)  Application  dated 
June  12,  1854.    (No.  1290.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  forming  and 
combining  two  vessels  that  they  register 
the  quantity  of  sngar  placed  in  or  taken 
from  them. 

CoifPTON,  Charles  Henry,  of  Blooms, 
bury,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  An  improved 
railway^  break.  Application  dated  June  13, 
1854.    (No.  1292.) 

This  invention  consists  of  a  self-acting 
break  for  railway  carriages,  operated  by  the 
pressure  of  the  buffers  against  each  other, 
and  by  tlie  drawing-rods. 

South  ALL,  William,  of  Swan-lane,  Lon- 
don, gentleman.  Improvements  in  revolving 
cntters.  Application  dated  June  18,  1854. 
(No.  1298.) 

The  main  feature  of  this  invention  consists 
in  "the  application  and  use  of  revolving 
cutters  of  any  kind,  such  cutters  revolving 
in  a  direction  at  rigm  angles  with  the  move- 
ment of  the  machine." 

Barlow,  Jambs,  of  Accrington,  Lancas- 
ter, machinist.  Improvements  in  the  mode  or 
method  rf  extracting  gluten,  and  preparing  the 
same  for  sixing  purposes.  Application  dated 
June  14,  1854.    (No.  1294.) 

The  inventor  takes  flour,  and  makes  it 
into  dough  or  thick  paste,  and  piits  it  into 
a  barrel  having  a  number  of  fine  longitudi- 
nal slots,  and  fixea  this  barrel  on  suitable 
bearings,  placing  a  perforated  tube  or  pipe 
through  it,  into  which  he  injects  water,  so 
that  as  the  barrel  revolves,  the  water  acts 
upon  the  dough,  and  separates  the  gluten 
and  starch,  leaving  the  former  in  the  barrel, 
and  carrying  the  latter  off  with  it  through 
the  slots. 

Edwards,  Joseph,  of  Camberwell,  Sur- 
rey, gentleman,  ^n  improved  knife-cleaner. 
Application  dated  June  15,  1854.  (No. 
1297.) 

Within  an  oblong  narrow  box,  standini; 
on  its  narrow  edge,  the  inventor  places  a 
wooden  cylinder  of  about  9  inches  diameter 
and  3^  inches  wide,  covered  with  leather, 
fixed  upon  a  spindle,  and  operated  by  a 
sroail  winch ;  and  round  this  cylinder  is'an  ^ 
endless  leather  band  passing  over  a  small 
roller,  which,  by  means  of  a  screw,  can  be 
made  to  cause  more  or  less  friction  of  the 
band  on  the  main  cylinder,  as  required,  the 
band  being  pressed  by  a  friction- roller. 

Martini,  Frederic,  of  Elberfeld,  Prus- 
sia, and  Mumford-oourt,  Milk«slreet,  Lon- 
don. An  improvement  in  steam  engines.  Ap- 
plication dated  June  15,  1854.  (No.  1298.) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOTiSKHMi.  ntOTEonom. 


21 


This  inYentioii  eonsists  in  ttirronnding 
tlie  eylindeis  of  steam  engines  with  mantles, 
and  filling  the  npace  between  the  cylinder 
and  the  mantle  with  steam  of  a  considerably 
higher  pressure  and  temperature  than  that 
used  in  the  working  cylinder. 

Obdgb,  John,  of  Wellington-street,  South, 
Middlesex.  ImprooenteniM  in  the  cotuirue* 
tim  qflcdts  and  htieke*,  s/fhtdles  amd  kn§h9, 
mpipHcabU  to  thor*  and  other  similar  fmr* 
fomu  Application  dated  June  \5,  186i. 
(No.  1801.) 

The  iuTentor  proposes  to  use  a  spindle, 
the  under  patt  of  whieh  is  flat,  and  la  fitted 
with  two  springs,  either  formed  in  the  solid 
spindle,  or  affixed  to  the  surface  of  it,  so 
tnat  the  handle  or  knob  slips  orer  them 
and  is  retained  by  them«  the  springs  being 
pressed  back  when  it  is  required  to  take  the 
handle  off,  by  means  of  an  awl  or  wire 
pushed  through  a  hole  in  the  handle. 

VaaLET,  SaMUBL,  of  Stamford,  Lincoln, 
engineer.  Am  improved  eonetmetion  tjhay^ 
making  maekhee.  Application  dated  June 
15,1854.    (No.  1302.) 

The  inrentor  so  constructs  a  hay-mak- 
ing  machine  that  the  tines  in  their  rotation, 
as  they  pass  orer  the  hay  field,  meet  with 
an  olMtruction  that  mieht  cause  them  to 
break,  fold  back,  and  oy  tlius  yielding 
escape  without  injury. 

Beimdlby,  William,  of  Moorgate-street, 
London,  machinist  Iwtprommentt  in  apply^ 
img  eteam  for  offenaive  and  drfensive  purpotee, 
Apptioation  dated  June  16,  1854.  (No. 
1305.) 

This  invention  relates  to  modes  of  apply- 
ing  ateam,  particularly  high-pressnre  steam, 
by  means  of  metal  and  flexible  tubing,  to 
purposes  of  attack  tLiid  defence. 

Cooke,  William,  of  Cursoo-street, 
Hanover-square,  Middlesex.  Improaememte 
te  boots  and  thoet.  Application  dated  June 
16,1854.    (Nal808.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  attach  portions 
of  a  second  sole  to  such  parts  of  boot  or 
shoe  soles  as  are  liable  to  wear. 

Evans,  William,  of  St.  Leonsrd's-ter- 
race,  Chelsea,  Middlesex.  Jn  improved  tap 
for  drawing  ^  Uqmdi.  Application  dated 
Jane  16,  1854.    (No.  1310.) 

This  invention  eonsists  in  constructing 
taps  or  cocks,  so  that  when  they  are  driven 
into  a  cask  or  barrel,  in  the  act  of  tapping 
it,  the  liquid  shall  be  prevented  from  esoap- 
ing. 

Maktini,  Frbdeeic,  of  Elberfeld,  Prus- 
sia, and  Mumford.court,  Milk-street,  Lon- 
don. A  new  and  improved  eonttntctton  qf 
steam  engines.  Application  dated  June  16, 
1&54.    (No.  1311.) 

The  invetttor's  engine  is  forn!ed  of  two 
moveable  diaphragms,  hermetically  closed 
roimd  their  outer  parts,  the  ateam  being 


made  to  enter  between  them,  producing  a 
short  but  powerful  motion  which  can  be 
increased  by  leverage. 

Macnbb,  James,  junior,  of  Glasgow, 
Lanark,  merchant.  Improvements  in  cape, 
hats,  attd  other  coverings  for  tJte  head.  Ap* 
plication  dated  June  16,  1854.    (No.  1312.) 

This  invention  essentially  eonsists  in 
forming  an  inner  franiing  separate  from  the 
outer  covering  of  oaps,  hats,  &c.,  in  such 
manner  that  wkilat  it  eonatitutes  a  stiff 
frame  when  set  up,  it  can  be  rolled  up  or 
folded  into  an  exceedingly  small  space. 

Hughes,  Hbskbth,  of  Aldersgate-street, 
London,  engineer.  Certain  improved  machi- 
nery for  cutting  and  embossingf  either  sepa* 
rately  or  simulkmeoHslf.  Application  dated 
June  16,  1854.    (No.  1315.) 

This  invention  eonsists  of  a  modification 
of  Mr.  Hughes's  invention  patented  August 
13,  1853,  snd  described  on  page  208  of  vol. 
Ix. 

Aspinali.,  John,  of  Tavistock-square, 
Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  An  improved 
means  qf,  creating  a  vacuum,  or  partiat  va» 
emm,  for,  evaporative  purposes,  Applica- 
tion  dated  June  17,  1854.    (No.  1320.) 

Thia  invention  eonsists  in  creating  a 
vacuum,  or  partial  Tacuum,  in  sugar  and 
other  like  pane,  by  means  of  steam  intro- 
duced through  a  blast-pipe. 

•••  The  dooumenU  of  No.  1285  are  with 
the  law-officers,  under  objection. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  August  26,  1854. 

1875.  Richard  Arehibald  Brooman,  of  166,  Fleet- 
street.  London,  patent  agent.  Improvements  in 
oMaintng  motive  power.    A  eommuntcaiion. 

Dated  October  19,  1854. 
2236.  Samuel  Mason,  shoe  manufacturer,  and 
William  Beeby,  cHeker,  both   of  Northampton. 
Certain  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of  cover- 
ings for  the  human  leg  and  foot. 

Dated  December  13,  1854« 

2615.  Jot  Mayer,  of  Dale  Hall  Pottery,  Long- 
port,  Staflbrd,  maanfsctorer,  and  John  David 
Kind,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick.  manaliMtunr. 
An  improvement  or  Improvements  in  door-knobs 
or  handles,  mysde  of  china,  earthenware,  glass,  or 
other  vitreons  or  semi-vitreous  snbstanee,  and  In 
attaching  the  said  knobs  or  handles  to  their 
spindles. 

2616.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbury,  of  ComhUl, 
London.  A  machine  for  cutting  keys.  A  com- 
mnnlcation. 

2618.  August*  Edouard  Laradonx  Bellford,  of 
Castle-street,  London.  Improvements  In  sewing- 
machines.    A  communication. 

2619.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontainemo- 
rean,  of  South-street,  London.  An  improved  ink- 
stand.   A  communication. 

2620.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontainemo- 
reau,  of  South-street,  London.  Improvements  in 
photography.    A  eomasunicatlon. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


22 


N0TIGB8  or  mTgNTiOW  TO  ntOGEEB. 


S6tl.  John  Lonia  JolUon,  ofCombt^hofiM,  TotU, 

Kent,  analytical  chemist.  Separating  certain  ve- 
getable fibres  from  mixed  fabrics  for  various  use- 
ful purposes. 

26tt.  Charles  WUlimm  Grant,  of  Bath,  Somerset, 
a  lieutenant-eolonel  on  the  retired  list  of  the  In- 
dian army.  Certain  Apparatus  for  the  production 
of  draught,  and  nrevention  of  smoke  in  domestic 
stoves  and  flre-places. 

2628.  Hiram  Berdan,  of  New  York.  Compres- 
sible life-boat. 

2624.  Samuel  Fishei',  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
engineer.  Certain  improvements  tn  ordnance  and 
In  machinery  and  apparatus  to  be  employed  in 
manufacturing  the  same.  • 

2625.  Christopher  James  Taylor,  of  Handsworth, 
Stafford,  agent.  Improvements  in  protecting  un- 
derground telegmph  wires. 

2626.  Thomas  Finnemore  Evans,  of  Philpot- 
lane,  London.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture 
of  candles.    A  communication. 

2627.  Thomas  Haimes,  of  Melboome,  near 
Derby.    Improvements  in  warp  machinery. 

2628.  William  Crees  Taylor,  of  Catherine-grove, 
Greenwich.  Improvements  in  constructing  the 
bearing  parts  of  shafts  and  axles. 

2629.  John  Court,  junior,  of  Sheornest,  Rent, 
builder.    Improvements  in  rockets. 

'   Dated  December  14,  1854. 

2630.  James  Redgate,  of  Sneinton,  Nottingham, 
lace  manufacturer,  James  Thornton,  of  Notting- 
ham, mechanic,  and  Edwin  Bills,  of  Sneintbn, 
Nottingham,  lace  manufacturer.  Improvements 
in  machinery  for  the  manufacture  of  lace  and 
other  fabrics. 

2631.  Richard  Ruston,  of  Lansdown-villa,  Nor- 
thumberland-street, Tauxhall-road,  Birmingham. 
Improvements  in  anchors. 

2632.  Llewellvn  William  Evans  and  James 
McBryde,  of  Saint  Helen's,  Lancaster,  manufac- 
turing chemists.  Certain  improvements  in  the 
burning  of  sulphuret  ores  for  making  sulphuric 
acid  and  for  smelting. 

26S3.  William  Frederiek  Padwick,  of  Hayling 
Island,  Hants,  gentleman.  An  improvement  in 
projectiles. 

2635.  William  Charles  Scott,  of  Warner-road, 
Camberwell,  Surrey,  gentleman.'  Improvements 
in  paddle-wheels. 

2636.  Peter  Edwin  Henderson,  of  Trafalgar- 
square,  Cbaring-cross,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer. 
Improvements  in  ventilating  ships. 

2637.  Louis  Cornides,  of  Trafalgar-square,  Cha- 
ring-cross,  Middlesex.  Certain  improved  appara- 
tus for  coating  or  covering  surfaces  of  glass  or 
other  material  with  collodion. 

2638.  James  Rose,  of  Ash  ford  station.  South 
Eastern  Railway,  Kent.  An  improvement  In  ctn- 
Btructing  the  fire  boxes  of  st?am  boilers. 

T)ated  December  15,  1854. 

2639.  John  Rowley,  of  Camberwell,  Stlrrey.  Im- 
provements  In  machinery  or  apparatus  for  em- 
bossing natural  and  artificial  leather,  and  woollen, 
cotton,  paper,  silk,  and  other  woven  or  felted 
fibrous  materials,  the  said  improvements  being 
more  particularly  adapted  to  those  machines  In 
which  heat  is  employed  for  effecting  such  said  em- 
bossing. 

2640.  William  Clark,  of  Upper-terrace.  Isling- 
ton, Middlesex,  engineer.  Improvements  in  an- 
chors. 

2641.  Uriah  Scott,  of  Duke-Street,  Adelphi,  Mid- 
dlesex, engineer.  An  improved  method  of  con- 
structing  hollow  and  solid  metallic  bodies. 

2642.  Arthur  Lyon,  of  Windmill-street,  Fins- 
bury,  Middlesex,  sausage-maehine  manufacturer. 
Improvements  in  machines  for  reducing  or  minc- 
ing )neat  and  other  solid  edible  substances. 

2643.  Luke  Turner,  of  the  Arm  of  Hodges  and 


Turner,  of  Lelceeter,  manufacturers.  An  improve- 
ment in  weaving  elastic  fisbrics. 

2644.  Francis  Archer,  of  Bishopsgate-street, 
London,  and  William  Paplneau,  of  Stratford, 
Essex,  manufkcturing  ohemfst.  Improvements  in 
distilling  peaty,  schistose,  bituminous,  and  vege- 
table matters. 

2645.  Robert  Adams,  of  King  William-street, 
London.  Improvements  In  fire-arms  called  re- 
volvers. 

2646.  Edward  Strong,  of  Carstalrs,  Lanark, 
North  Britain,  engineer.  Imptoveinenti  in  re- 
moving and  replacing  the  wheels  and  iixles  of 
locomotive  engines  and  other  rotiing  stock  of  rail- 
ways. 

Dated  December  16,  1854. 

2648.  Peter  Joel  Livsey  and  WilUam  Weild,  both 
of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  engineers.  Improve- 
ments in  cartridges  and  projectiles,  and  in  the 
construetion,  mounting,  and  working  of  ordnance. 

2050.  John  Hickman,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
manufacturer,  and  Isa<ic  Smith,  of  Birmingham, 
machinist.    A  new  or  Improved  stop-cock. 

2652.  Matthew  Curling  Friend,  of  Ashburahtm- 
grove,  Greenwich,  lieutenant  in  the  Royal  Navy, 
and  William  Browning,  of  Minorie^  Middlesex, 
philosophical  instrument  maker.  An  apparatus 
for  determining  the  magnetic  aberrations  occa- 
sioned tj  local  attraction. 

2654.  William  Eassle,  of  Gloueesten  railway- 
contractor.  Improvements  in  means  of  stopping 
or  retarding  vehicles  used  on  railways. 

2658.  Leopold  Wimmer,  of  Ylenna,  Austria, 
baker.    Improvements  in  biking. 

Dated  December  18, 1854. 

2660.  Charles  Frderick  Stansbury,  of  Comhtll, 
London.  An  improved  life-car  or  btidy.  A  com- 
munication from  F.  Z.  Tucker,  of  Brooklyn,  New 
York,  United  States  of  America. 

2662.  William  Hartley,  of  Bury,  Lancaster,  engi- 
neer. Improvements  in  safety-valves  for  stetah 
boilers  and  in  steam  engines. 

2664.  Edwin  Whele,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick. 
Improvements  in  oil  and  other  lamps. 

2666.  Louis  Henri  Frederic  Melsens,  of  Bras- 
sels,  Belgium,  professor  of  chemistry  and  natural 
philosophy.    Improved  processes  of  saponification. 

2668.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's-Inn-^ 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentlenuui.  Improvements  in 
the  extracting  tannic  acid  from  leather,  and  in 
preparing  the  leather  for  the  manufacture  of  glue. 
A  communication  ftom  Obadiah  Rich,  of  Cam- 
bridge,  Massachusetts,  United  States  of  America. 


PATENT  APPLIED  FOR  WITH  COMPLETE 
SPECIFICATION. 

2683.  William  Donald  and  William  Heginbo- 
tham,  power-loom  managers  for  John  Ferguson 
and  Co.,  of  Carlisle,  Cumberland.  Certain  im- 
provements in  looms.    December  SO,  1854. 


NOTICES   OF  INTENTION   TO 
PROCEED. 

(From  the  **  London  Gazette,"  January  2nd, 
1855.) 

1800.  Julian  Bernard.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes  or  other  coverings 
for  the  feet. 

1830.  William  Vitruvias  Greenwood  and  John 
Saxby.    Improvements  in  signal-lamps. 

1854.  Aristide  Balthaaard  B^rard.    Certain  im- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


UST  OF  SBSIGHB. 


proTementf  in  the  iiumaf)B«tuTe  of  gat,  co^e,  ud 
other  products  Arom  coal,  and  in  apparatus  lor 
that  pnipoM. 

1875.  lUehard  Aiehibald  Brooman.  Improve- 
ments in  obtaining  motive  poire r.  A  communica- 
tion. 

1878.  Auguste  Antoine  Legras.  An  improved 
apparatus  for  regulating  the  level  or  flow  of 
liquids. 

1883.  GeotgeBureh.  Improvements  in  the  ma^ 
nulheture  of  pulp. 

1886.  James  Lamb  Hancock.  Improvements  in 
machinerj  for  draining  luid. 

1880.  Louis  Napoleon  Langlois  and  Jean  Bap- 
tiste  davits.  A  new  mode  of  constructing 
stesm  boilers. 

1893.  John  Fisher  Williams.  Improvements  in 
Joining  cast  iron  tabes. 

19S1.  Pierre  Andri  Oecoster.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  extracting  the  saccharine  parts  of  the 
sugar-reeds  and  of  other  saechariferous  substances. 

1930.  William  Hill.  Certain  Improvements  in 
doubling  or  t-wisting  net  or  taw  silks. 

1976.  John  Rigbj.  Improvements  In  flre-arms 
and  guns,  and  in  wnddings  to  be  used  therewith. 

2058.  Henry  Alexandre  Genetreau.  An  im- 
proved system  of  carriage-shafts,  poles,  ot  beams. 

8403.  Ismaei  Isaac  Abadie.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  the  mode  or  working  screw-propellers. 

S49S.  John  Henderson.  Improvements  in  the 
manulhetiire  of  oarpets. 

2634.  Robert  Christopher  Witty.  Improvements 
in  illumination  by  means  of  artificial  light. 

2543.  Edward  Dowling.  Improvements  In  weigh- 
ing-machines, and  in  their  application  to  imple- 
ments of  transport. 

2566.  Edward  Te  IComay.  A  new  construction 
of  guns,  and  a  new  form  of  prolectile  peculiarly 
s^ipiicable  to  such  guns,  but  which  can  be  also 
used  for  ordinary  guns. 

2584.  Edward  Acres.  Improvements  in  drying 
wheat  and  other  grain. 

2598.  James  John  King  and  Tliomas  Brindley. 
Improvements  in  cigar-cases,  card-cases,  and  other 
similar  oases. 

2609.  Alflred  Vincent  Newton.  Ah  imi/roved 
manufacture  of  conducting  wire  for  electric  tele- 
graphs.   A  communication. 

263*.  William  Charles  Day.  Improvements  in 
portable  camp-bedsteads  and  bedding. 

2643.  Luke  Turner.  An  improvement  In  weav- 
ing elastic  fabrics. 

2666.  Louis  Henri  Frederic  Melsens.  Improved 
processes  of  saponification. 

2683.  William  Donald  and  William  Beginbo- 
tham.    Certain  improvements  in  looms. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
above  Liat,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  Gazette  in  which 


the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
missioners*-office  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  application. 

♦ 

WEEKLY  LIST  OP  ^ATE^TS. 

Sealed  December  29,  1854. 
3.  Alfred  Dawson. 
1431.  Edward  Joseph  Hughes. 
1462.  Jean  Andre  C^ile  Nestor  Delpech. 
1464.  Joseph  Marie  Bardet  and  Frant^ois 
Collette. 

1468.  Henry  Heycock. 

1469.  David  Bowlas. 
1472.  Louis  Joseph  Cheval. 

1479.  Samuel  Ilarv&rd  and  Joshdtt  Wo- 
mersley. 

1526.  John  Knowelden. 

1620.  Edward  Francis  Hutchins. 

1632.  Peter  Spence. 

1707.  William  Qossage. 

1761.  William  Woodcock. 

1846.  James  Lamb  Hancock. 

1922.  Thomas  Craddock. 

1959.  Samuel  Frearson. 

2035.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bell- 
ford. 

2080.  Frederick  Clark. 

2095.  John  Nelson  Gamewell. 

2167.  Joseph  Burdekin  Jackson  and  Wil- 
liam Bowlfer. 

2206.  William  John  Bisseker. 

2258.  John  Penn. 

2308.  Robert  Stirling  Newall. 

2323.  Alfred  Vincfent  Newton. 

2368.  William  Edward  Newton. 

Sealed  January  2,  1855. 

1449.  Benjamin  Walters. 

1456.  Urbain  Chauveau  and  Charles  d' 
Epinois. 

1501.  Thomas  Waller. 

1507.  Thomas  SchoReld  Whitworth. 

1516.  Matthias  Walker. 

2021.  John  Cunningham. 

The  above  Patents  all  bear  datfe  as  of  the 
day  on  which  Provisional  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  several  inventions  men- 
tioned therein. 


LIST  OF  DESIG1T8  FOR 

Date  of  No.  in 

Regisira-  the  Re- 

tion.  gister.     Proprietor's  Names. 

Nor.  80  M«6      fi.  B.  B.  Wren 

Dec.  I  3667     C.  Weintraud,  Juti 

7  3668     T.  Jones 

9  8669      W.  Colllnson  Snd  H.  P. 

Mather 

18  3670      W.Dicks  

19  S671      Price's    Candle   Com- 

S3  3672      J.  £^eli".'.""!'.'.!"!'.*.*.'.".*. 

28  8673      W.  RusseU  

18A6. 

Jan.  1  3674      J.  W.  AsUes 

S  3675      O.  Dowler 


ARTICLES  OF  UTItlTT  REGISTERED. 


Addresses.  Subject  of  Design. 

Tottenham-eourt-road  Portable  bedstedd. 

King-street,  Cheapside Fastening  for  porte  taon- 

naies. 
Clement's-lsne Turn-out  bedstead. 

Staffordshire  ^  Elastic  boot. 

Weedon,  Northampton Screw-jack. 

Vauxhall Army-stove. 

Newark Steerage  horse-hoe. 

Darlington Air-tube  eoach-lamp. 

Woroester....M Boot-leg. 

Birmingham Ctgar-magaalne. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


24 


Not.  30  6S5 

Dec.  4  6S6 

9  627 

11  629 

„  630 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 

LIST  OF  PROYISIONAL  REGISTRATIONS. 

F.  and  W.  Collins  Flvet-ctreet  Show-card. 

D.  O.  Orove Birmingham Show-eaid  sUlfeiior. 

T.J.  Mason Wood-street Elasticated  stock. 

J.Wilson Islingtiin  .^m. Planing  apparatus. 

C.  A.  Gardner  and  R. 

Smith  ....« Blaokfriars-road Camp-stoTe. 

C.  A.  Gardner  and  R. 

Smith  M.  BlackMars-road..... Cottage  store. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


H,  Hop^.'-^We  will  Attend  to  your  letter  shortly. 

BngiHeer,^'W»  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  your 
paper  in  No.  1635. 

Jl.  CA«r*ofifM««f.— The  eliject  we  had  in  tiew  in 
allowing  the  dlscutilon  of  the  moon's  motions  in 


our  pagea  having  been  accomplished,  as  we  find 
by  soTeral  communications  recently  recelTed,  we 
cannot  at  present  Insert  correspondence  in  conii* 
nuatlon  of  the  subject. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 
Undertake  the  ProonratioiL  of  3Pateata 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  tlie  tranaaotion  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.     Costs  of  Provisional  Protection--£10  10s. 

Practieal  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  "Meclianics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office,"  166,  Fleet-street,  London. 


CONTENTS  OP  THIS  NUMBER. 


Howell  and  Jamieson's  Patent  Machinery  for 
Manufhcturlnff  Saws— (w»/A  engraving*) I 

On  Pennanent  Ways— (Review)  

On  the  Fonnation  of  Brassby  Oalranie  Agency 

Progress  of  Patents 

On  the  Construction  of  Boilers— (wiM  engrmh- 
ingi)  ^ 

On  Ordnaaee  and  Gunpowder  

De  Penning's  Cylindrical  Guard,  or  Screw-pra- 


teetor-^wjtib  enaraviftga) .. 
^  leation.......... 


The  Smoke  Qm 
Coal-tar.— Bettsine 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed : 

Erard m Paint IC 

Brooman  .....Nails  and  Brads 18 

{Carbonates  and  Prus- 
siates  of  Potash  and 

Soda  16 

Nelson  ft  Boyd  ....Scutchinfir.  ^c 10 

Hancock  Cutting  Hay,  ftc, 16 

Cnnie  ft  Young  ...Treating  Grain  16 

Bernard Stitching-machines  ....  16 

Braithwaite Roofing  Buildings 17 

Dawson ^ Shaping  Wood 17 

Young Locks  and  Latches 17 

P&er ^ Indtgo 17 

Pickup Steering  17 

Margrave  ....^ Washing,  Scouring,  ftc  17 

Wilson  ft  Hadley  ..Rolls  or  Cylinders 1 7 

Kite Expressing  Moisture...  17 

Stirling Iron 17 

Piper Fictitious  Leather  17 

Homsby Thrashing-machines...  18 

Fell  ft  Cook  .........Ventilators  IS 

Hargrove ...Iron  18 

Julyan ^....Musical  Sounds  18 

Pldduck ......Vent-pegs 18 

Parramore Air-tight  Seats 18 

Lowe Knitting-machinery  ...  18 

Hinde Pipe*  for  Drains 18 

Fontainemoreau  ...Bitumen 18 


Fourttrinler Textile  Substances  ....  18 

Newton ....Block-printing 19 

Rawe Stones  19 

Holloway Sewing-machines 19 

WlUiams Ploughing-apparatus...  19 

Provisional  Spedfleations  not  Proceeded  with : 

Skertchly Wooden  Mouldings......  19 

Joumet M.  ...Lathe-chucks  19 

Margueritte  .:. Wet  Gas-meters  ... ......  1 9 

Cook  M Furniture 19 

Bucbhols Cleansing  Grain 19 

Barclay  ft  Barclay  Printing   Textile    Fa- 
brics   fO 

Bols Looms 80 

Alexander  .....m... Moulding 20 

Puis Electro-Galvanic  Appa- 
ratus    20 

Brooman Plans  in  Relief 20 

Brooman Sugar  Basins 20 

Compton Railway  Break  ^  20 

Southall Revolving  Cutten 20 

Barlow Gluten 20 

Edwards Knife-cleaner 20 

Martini Steam  Engines 20 

Gedge..» Locks  and  Latches 21 

Varley Haymaking  Machines .  21 

Brindley Steam  for  Warlike  Pur- 
poses    21 

Cooke  ......M Boots  and  Shoes 21 

Erans Taps 21 

Martini Steam  Engines 21 

Macnee Hats  and  Caps 21 

Hughes  ...............Embossing 21 

Aspball Evaporating  Sugar......  21 

Provisional  Protections 21 

Patent  Applied  for  with  Complete  Speeifloa- 

tion 22 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Prooeed..........N ... m....  22 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 28 

Monthly  List  of  Registered  Designs 23 

Monthly  List  of  Provisional  Registrations......  24 

Notices  to  Correspondents 24 


LONDON:  Edited^  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  160  Fleet-street, 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Galignani,  Rue  Vivienoe,  Paris;  Maefain,  and  Co, 
Dublin ;  W.  Ct  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


tt\mus*  Hagajht 


No.  1640.]        SATURDAY,  JANUARY  13,  1855.         [«£!?;  fw. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  164,  Fleet-street. 

BAYLISS'S  PATENT  SMOKELESS  FURNACE. 
Fig.  1.  Fig.  5. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


BAYLISS'S  PATENT  SMOKELESS  FURNACE. 
(Patent  dated  April  16, 1853.) 

The  engravings  on  the  preceding  page  represent  &  furnace  constructed  with  certain 
improvementa  which  were  patented  on  the  ahoTe  day,  hy  Mr.  Bayliss,  of  London.  The 
objects  sought  by  the  inventor  are  set  forth  as  follows :— ''  First.  Perfect  combustion  of  the 
gases  arising  from  the  heated  fuel  .in  steam-engine  and  other  furnaces,  for  the  purpose  of 
preventing  smoke  and  economising  coal.  Secondly.  To  retain  within  such  furnaces  much 
of  the  heat  which  now  passes  away  to  the  chimney  without  producing  any  useful  effect. 
And  thirdly.  To  facilitate  evaporation  by  causing  a  rapid  circuUitlOil  in  the  liquids  to  be 
heated."  . 

"Touching  the  first  part  of  these  improvements,"  he  contllitifeii  **  Itifejfjitijtji^l  leases  we 
have  to  deal  wltit  in  a  funiace  are  carbnretted  hydrogen,  Di-caToiiretted  fiydrbgen,  and 
carbonic  okiAbi  uib  titoilis  of  Hiileh  must  be  chemically  united  with  oxygen  derived  from 
the  air,  and  hH  9tt|)plied  witll  t\ik  rbquisite  temperature^  before  combustion  can  take  place. 
The  difficniU  tiitherto  has  been  to  acbomplish  this  ^ifion,  for  the  gikhi^  s#eeping  along  In 
a  body  townds.the  ehitnney  with  l^reat  rapidity,  at  tlt^  rate  of  abptit  thiriy  feet  per  sec6hd, 
there  is  not  ihttfc'lbht  tfWe  for  ^  tildttfugh  mixture  of  tnem  with  tn^  ait  t6  iike  place,  at  all 
events,  whilfe  \a  fcdhtact  with  tWe  iJegfee  of  heat  nects^Sry  for  their  ignltioft.  I  ther*fbte 
propose  to  80ti1t)ei<sate  for  thii  wttn't  of  time  by  inte^bebting  the  tt&ses  oH  their  wai  f^om 
the  fireplace  to  the  tUlMteft  dividing  them  into  a  nttfnbH  of  small  sHeittis  or  hoUiii^  atd 
forcing  them  into  mechanical  mixture  with  air,  rising  in  small  currents,  in.  order  to  facili- 
tate  the  chemical  unionf  of  them  with  oxygen,  and  produce  i  lRri|Mb^iMi>  tnixture,  and 
to  do  this  in  such  place  and  mahher  is  to  ensure  the  necessary  nelut  uii  mif  combustion." 

Fig.  1  of  the  engravings  represents  a  transverse  section,  fi^.  S  9  I6'f1^!tildinal  section, 
and  fig.  3  a  sectional  plan  of  thfe  furnace.  In  place  of  tH^  ^^Itfsfj^  fl^-bridge,  the 
inventor  employs  ail  Uir-chamber,  D,  formed  by  two  cast-iro*  plates,  E,  F,  built  in  or 
otherwise  fixed  to  the  ^alls  or  sides  of  the  furnace.  G  is  a  do^'  httpf  bit  tu  plate,  E,  for 
regulating  the  admission  of  air  to  the  chamber,  D,  and  actuated  by  iiie  rod,  H.  The  upper 
part  of  the  plate,  E,*  serves  as  support  for  the  fire-bars  on  one  &i6bf  ktiA  ihk  nCaring  bars,  a, 
on  the  other.  The  uppet  part  of  plate  F  consists  of  an  iron  dead  platej  ^jlttending  across 
the  furnace,  intended  to  prevent  the  air  from  the  chamber,  D^  refilling  ifie  ^ues,  without 
first  being  incorporated  with  the  gases,  a  a  are  bearing  bars,  laid  lengthwise  from  side  to 
aide  of  the  air  chamber,  and  are  kept  secure  in  their  places  by  being  simply  dropped  in 
sfots  prepared  for  them,  hhntti,  i^lti  of  "fldiiitie^^f  tfiA  frtltretAhiers/'  cortsilting  of 
tows  of  solid  bars  of  any  eonvenient  form,  of  metal  or  clay,  or  any  suitable  fire-redlsting 
substance,  having  spaces,  d,  between  them,  of  sufficient  area  in  the  aggregate  for  the 
passage  of  the  products  of  combustion ;  and  the  rows  of  admii^efs  beiiTg  placed  a. distance 
apart,  having  spaces,  /,  between  them  for  ^e  admission  of  ^urrentd  or  air  froi^  the 
6hamber,  D,  to  commingle  with  the  gases.  J  is  a  fence  extending  across  i\ih  furnace  fo 
prevent  the  fuel  getting  amongst  the  admixefs,  and  \^  retained  in  its  proper  positidD  by 
means  pf  projections  on  the  under  side,  Ofte  at  eaeh  end,  t^Mch  fit  irtlo  holes  in  the  top  of 

Slate  E,  on  which  it  rests.     K,  shown  in  dotted  lines,  is  a  deflector  for  throwing  the  flame 
ownwards,  and  giving  it  an  extended  sweep  tinder  th6  rest  6f  the  boiler ;  but  this  may  b6 
dispensed  with,  not  being  essentia  to  the  action  of  the  apparatus. 

"  It  will  be  seen,"  says  Mr.  Bayliss,  "  that  the  gaseS  cannot  fall  to  biS  brought  into  the 
most  intimate  mechanical  mixture  with  the  air,  in  the  endeavoulf  td  find  their  way  througH 
the  numerous  channels  presented  to  them  by  such  Ad  arrAy  of  bars,  and  the  agitation  con- 
sequent thereon ;  and  as  the  bars  become  red  hot,  and  form  besides  a  great  liHtural  harbour 
for  heat,  a  steady  combustittn  goes  on  from  one  end  of  the  admirers  to  the  other."  A 
vertical  settion  of  a  row  of  admixers  is  repres«»nted  separately  at  fig.  4.  Perforated  plates 
of  metal  or  slabs  of  fire-clay  might  be  used  instead  of  the  admixers  already  described,  and 
these  admixers  may  be  placed  vertically  or  horizontally,  a^  i^  thought  best;  The  inventor 
prefers  having  them  mau^  df  east  it^oh,  i^hen  ttie  heat  of  the  furnace  iS  nbt  so  intense  as  to 
burn  them  away  too  rapidly,  on  account  of  the  cheapness  of  the  metal,  and  the  facility  it 
offers  for  renewing  them.  For  furnaces  of  very  high  temperature  the  plan  shown  in  vertical 
section  at  fig.  5  may  be  adopted  with  advantage.  This  arrangement  is  comjposed  of  two 
vessels  of  plate  iron,  L,  M,  built  in  the  sides  of  the  furnace,  and  connected  together  by 
metal  pipes  or  tubes,  A,  which  serve  as  aflihixers,  &c.  A  ^ip8, 1^,  cbmtiltlTiitJileS  with  tjie 
force  pump,  and  another  pipe,  P,  #ith  tHfe  boiler,  "  and  thus  all  the  tt^aler  thai  enters  tSfe 
latter  must  pass  through  the  tubular  admixers,  and,  by  absorhihg  the  heai,  prevent  them 
from  being  burnt  away.  This  method  Wi  thb  additloiliil  advantage  of  hes|tiiig  the  supply 
water,  which  would  prove  a  further  source  of  economy  in  the  expenditure  for  fuel." 

*'  The  second  part  of  my  invention,"  says  Mr.  Bayliss,  "  is  to  extend  the  '  admixers  and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  PEBMANElfr  WATS.  tH 

heaUretainera*  to  the  end  of  the  boiler,  and  again,  if  thonght  desirable,  through  the 
*  internal  tube.'  These  being  maintained  at  a  red  heat  by  the  passing  flame  and  heated 
gases,  will  give  off,  by  radiation  to  the  surface  of  the  boiler,  a  great  quantity  of  heat,  which 
would  otherwise  pass  up  the  chimney  and  be  wasted ;  they  will  fbrm,  in  fact,  a  continuons 
fire  from  one  end  of  the  boiler  to  the  other,  and  tend  to  spread  the  heat  more  uniformly 
throiighont  the  furnace.  For  evaporating  pans,  such  as  those  used  in  the  manufacture  of 
salt,  for  example,  where  slow  combustion  and  uniform  heat  under  the  whole  surfkce  are 
desirable,  I  belief e  this  part  of  my  invention  will  be  found  of  great  practical  use.*' 

The  third  part  of  this  invention  is  shown  by  figs.  6  and  7,  the  former  being  a  plan,  the 
latter  an  elevation.  R,  R,  is  a  portion  of  the  bottom  of  a  boiler  or  eraporating  pan  ; 
Si,  s,  o,  hollow  cones,  open  at  top  and  bottom,  as  shown  by  n,  which  is  a  section  of  one  of 
them.  They  are  supported  on  legs,  and  fixed  just  above  the  surface  of  the  boiler  or  pan, 
so  as  to  leave  a  free  passage  for  the  liquid  underneath  and  through  them,  an  J  should  be 
sufficiently  heavy  to  maintain  their  positions  by  their  own  gravity,  or  a  number  of  them 
mav  be  fixed  to  bars  of  iron,  which  bars  may  be  fastened  down  in  any  convenient  manner, 
and  in  this  case  the  legs  will  be  unnecessarv.  The  object  is  to  produce  ascending  and 
descending  currents  in  the  liquid  to  be  heated,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  off  the  globules 
of  steam  from  the  heating  surface  as  fast  as  they  are  formed,  which  will  have  the  useful 
effect  of  accelerating  its  evaporation,  and  protecting  the  iron  from  being  burnt.  The  action 
of  this  arrangement  is  thus  described  by  the  inventor : — **  On  heat  being  applied  to  the 
bottom  of  the  boiler  or  pan,  it  expands  the  liquids  in  the  cones,  and  causes  upward  currents, 
when  the  cooler  liquid  outside  the  cones  rushes  downwards  to  supply  the  place  of  that 
which  is  ascending,  and  thus  ensures  a  rapid  and  continual  circulation,  and  a  quicker 
difiiision  of  heat" 


The  improvements  the  Company  profess 
to  hold  are  as  follows  : 

•*  First. — Those  directed  to  the  better 
mode  of  securing  the  joints  of  the  rails  of 
the  ordinary  form  ;  by  which  means  a  more 
even  and  safe  road  is  obtained,  while  the 
cost  of  the  labour  of  maintenance  is  greatly 
diminished. 

"  Second. — The  substitution  of  cast  iron 
in  lieu  of  timber  in  the  substructure,  so  as 
to  avoid  the  heavy  expenses  attendant  on 
the  renewal  of  wood  sleepers.     And, 

"Third. — The  employment  of  wrought 
iron  for  the  entire  construction  of  the 
road  ;  a  material  which,  from  its  strength, 
durability,  and  non- liability  to  fracture, 
appears  well  adapted  to  the  purpose." 

With  regard  to  joints,  their  principle  are 
the  fish  joint,  before  mentioned,  and  Mr. 
PeterW.Barlow's  cast-iron  sleepers  to  be  used 
without  timber,  and  bolted  in  two  halves 
beneath  the  rails  connecting  them  together, 
by  means  of  their  separate  chair  heads. 

Fish  jointing  consists  in  placing  two 
pieces  of  cast  or  wrought  iron  bar,  about 
18  inches  in  length,  one  in  each  side 
channel  df  the  rail,  something  similar  to 
the  wooden  fishes  which  are  applied  to 
spars  when  sprung  at  sea.  These  side 
fishes  are  bolted  to,  and  through,  the  rails, 
or  they  may  be  applied  so  as  to  connect  to- 
gether two  chairs,  with  a  sleeper  under 
each,  and  keyed  in  the  usual  manner.  The 
method  of  applying  them  with  chairs  is 
probablv  the  best,  though  the  most  oostly, 
as  thereby  the  crosa-tie  of  the  joint  is  Ten- 


ON  PERMANENT  WAYS. 

(.Concluded  from  page  7.) 


dered  firmer,  and  better  able  to  resist  the 
lateral  thrust  of  the  wheels.  But  this  mode 
requires  better  workmanship  than  the  for- 
mer. The  fishes  are  made  to  bear  at  their 
edges  against  the  upper  and  lower  tables  of 
the  rails,  and  a  space  is  left  between  the 
fish  and  the  vertical  rib  of  the  rail.  Thus, 
when  the  bolts  are  screwed  tight  there  is  a 
springing  action  lengthways  of  the  bolt, 
which  tends  to  keep  it  tight,  and  prevent 
jamming. 

In  every  case  the  cross  sleepers  should 
be  brought  as  close  as  possible  to  the  ends 
of  the  fishes,  leaving  the  joints  suspended, 
so  that  the  cross-tie  will  be  made;  and, 
above  all,  there  should  be  ample  metal 
applied.  But  it  sometimes  happens,  that 
for  purposes  of  false  economy  the  wrought 
iron  is  diminished  in  weight,  and  instead  of 
an  extra  sleeper  being  applied,  the  joint 
sleeper  is  occasionally  removed,  and  the 
intermediate  ones  are  brought  a  little  nearer 
together. 

Two  evils  occur  with  this  joint.  By  the 
working  of  the  fishing  plates,  they  bend 
vertically,  and  the  joints  become  permanent 
surface  hollows,  perpetuating  a  series  of 
waves  through  the  whole  length  of  the 
way.  The  other  evil  is,  that  by  the  re- 
moval of  the  cross-ties  firom  Uie  joints, 
they  are  exposed  to  the  lateral  blows  of 
the  wheel  flanges,  which  occasionally 
break  off  the  nuts  from  the  bolts,  leaving 
the  joints  loose. 

To  guard  against  this  contingency  and 
risky  Mr.  Adams  has  lately  devised  a  new 
b2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


28 


ON  PERMAHBNT  WATS. 


Byitem.  It  sholild  l>e  here  understood  that 
DO  form  of  joint  is  satisfactory  that  does  not 
practically  connect  two  rails  into  one,  in. 
dependently  of  all  aid  from  the  sleeper 
(save  as  a  cross-tie  and  bearer),  precisely 
as  two  lengths  of  a  fishing-rod  are  efiectu- 
ally  made  one  by  the  ferrule  embracing 
them.  The  ordinary  joint  chair  does  not 
do  this,  because  it  depends  materially  on 
the  wooden  key  for  the  security  of  the  rails. 
And  connected  with  this  question  also  is 
the  consideration,  how  we  may  best  secure 
the  rails  to  the  sleepers.  It  will  be  at 
once  seen  that  the  greater  the  elevation 
of  the  rail  above  the  surface  of  the 
sleepers,  the  more  it  is  exposed  to  lateral 
blows  and  displacement,  and  the  broader 
and  longer  roust  be  the  base  of  the  chair  to 
support  it.  With  ordinary  chairs,  the 
bottom  of  the  chair  must  be  2  inches  in 
thickness  to  prevent  its  splitting  across 
with  the  weight  of  the-  engine.  This  makes 
the  height  of  the  rail  7  inches  above  the 
sleeper. 


Instead  of  the  joint  chair,  Mr.  Adams,  in 
his  improved  plan,  applies  a  pair  of  cast 
iron  brackets  formed  with  a  vertical  web, 
from  15  to  18  inches  long,  filling  the  chan. 
nels  of  the  rails,  and  with  a  broad  horizontal 
foot  to  bear  on  the  surface  of  the  sleeper, 
at  the  level  of  the  lower  side  of  the  rail. 
Thus  the  surface  of  the  rail  is  brought  down 
to  within  5  inches  of  the  sleeper  instead  of 
7.  The  two  brackets  are  bolted  to  and 
through  the  rails  by  two  bolts  an  inch  in 
diameter,  and  tliey  are  treenailed  or  spiked 
down  to  the  joint  sleeper  as  usual.  Thus 
all  the  advantages  of  the  fish  are  combuied, 
in  our  judgment,  with  a  perfect  cross-tie, 
while  the  stress  on  tlie  rail  is  lessened  by 
its  beiog  lowered  two  inches.  The  fishes, 
and  two  bolts  to  each  joint,  are  dispensed 
with  by  disposing  the  iron  of  the  joint  chair, 
with  a  small  additional  weight,  in  the  form 
of  brackets.  The  annexed  engraving  shows 
the  two  plans,  the  rails  being  represented 
at  their  respective  heights  above  the  sleeper. 
The  saving  in  first  cost  by  the  bracket-joint 


as  compared  with  the  fish.joint,will  be  about 
from  £50  to  iSlOO  per  double  mile,  accord- 
ing to  the  method  adopted. 

In  the  estimate  of  the  Company,  a  com- 
parison being  made  between  a  line  laid  in 
the  ordinary  mode  with  joint  chairs,  and  one 
with  fishing  process,  the  latter  is  made  to 
appear  the  lower  in  cost  This  is  accom- 
plished by  getting  rid  of  the  joint  sleepers 
and  joint  chairs  altogether ;  in  short,  by  re- 
ducing the  total  number  of  sleepers,  and 
thus  diminishing  the  bearing  surface  below 
the  rails.  This  is  robbing  Paul  to  pay  Peter; 
but  we  incline  to  think  that  Peter  will  not 
find  it  pay  in  the  long  run, — certainly  not 
in  the  heavy  run  of  engines  over  it.  It  is 
not  by  dimmishing  the  weight  of  rails  from 


72]bs.  to  651bs.  per  yard,  nor  by  abstracting 
from  the  number  of  the  sleepers  employed, 
that  the  Company  can  acquire  a  legitimate 
title  to  put  forth  a  circular  on  Permanent 
Way,  or  claim  credit  for  their  propositions. 
The  great  fault  in  Permanent  Way  has  been 
insufficiency  of  material  as  well  as  the  un- 
equal distribution  of  it.  It  is  strange  that 
the  Company  who  appositely  quote  from 
Mr.  Clark's  "  Railway  Machinery"  promi- 
nently on  their  title-page  as  to  *'  expensive 
economy  in  permanent  way,"  should,  in 
their  text,  so  wholly  disregard  his  mode  of 
reasoning. 

With  regard  to  the  propositions  of  the 
Company  to  use  cast  iron  sleepers,  exclu- 
sive of  timber,  we  can  see  little  in  the  sys- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  IKCTOSTATSOdf  W  8TBAM  B0ILEB8. 


tern,  save  a  mueh  greater  outUy  in  first  eost, 
for  •  melt  more  than  qnettionable.  There 
is  no  doubt  that  iron  sleepers  may  be  made, 
and  made  dnimble,  bat  only  with  a  mass  of 
material  fiur  ezoeeding  the  statements  of  the 
Company.  Moreover  without  timber  to  ah- 
sorb  their  vibrations,  the  rails  would  be 
very  rapidly  destroyed.  Timber,  or  some 
other  material  oapable  of  absorbing  vibra- 
tioas,  most  in  all  eases  be  used  in  eonnee- 
tion  with  the  iron,  or  it  would  be  simply  a 
vetam  to  the  stone-block  principle,  with  a 
more  eostly  material  than  stone.  Exeept 
for  localities  where  sopplies  of  timber  can- 
not be  obtuned,  or  maintained,  we  think 
east  iron  sleepers  are  a  eostly  mistake,  and 
for  snob  localities  we  do  not  think  the  Com- 
pany have  been  discreet  in  their  selection  of 
forms. 

The  third  vaiiety  of  the  Company's  im- 
provements— ^the  proposed  employment  of 
wronght-iron  rail  wholly  independent  of 
sleepers  of  other  msterial — ^we  cannot  re- 
gara  ss  a  practical  snggestion. 

Apart  from  the  question  of  the  best  form 
of  rail  to  produce  lateral  and  vertical 
rigidity,  there  is  the  other  question,  of  how 
we  may  best  hold  the  rail  firmly  to  the  sub- 
structure.  If  capital  were  unlimited,  the 
best  structure  would  be  one  composed  of 
timber  sleepers  firmly  bolted  down  to  a 
series  of  heavy  stone  blocks,  precisely  upon 
the  same  principle  that  a  heavy  stone  foun- 
dation is  placed  below  a  machine  for  a 
€Mtory.  Cross  and  longitudinal  sleepers 
are  both  good,  inasmuch  as  they  are  both 
sunk  into  die  ballast,  and  are  thus  held 
down.  If  the  ordinary  cross-sleepers  could 
be  doubled  in  size,  and  their  distance  apart, 
from  centre  to  centre,  be  reduced  to  two 
feet,  we  should  obtain  a  very  firm  road,  not 
likely  to  spring  or  get  loose.  The  Barlow 
rail  proposed  by  the  Company  is  not  of  this 
character.  It  is,  mechanically  speaking,  a 
modification  of  the  bridge  rail,  and  not  a 
good  modification,  for  it  lessens  the  vertical 
strength  without  addins  to  the  horizontal. 
To  make  this  rail  really  effective  would 
require  more  iron  than  has  yet  been  applied 
to  it,  and  its  form  precludes  it  from  lying 
fast  in  the  ballast,  while  there  is  gpreat 
difficulty  in  producing  firm  joints,  and  it  is 
without  means  of  absorbing  the  vibration. 
As  a  matter  of  economy,  it  would  appear 
that  the  destruction  of  its  upper  or  rolling 
surface  by  wear,  involves  the  waste  of  a 
greater  mass  of  material  than  any  other 
form.  We  are  speaking  of  the  solid  rail ; 
for  in  plans  for  fastening  down  bridge  and 
foot  rails  on  bent  iron  plates,  on  plates  bent 
moreover  into  the  form  of  a  trough,  infolv. 
ing  therefore  unsteadiness,  we  have  no  faith. 

The  consecutive  plans  given  in  the  circu- 
lar bear  out  our  remarks.    One  engraving 


(nlate  7)  shows  the  largest  sized  rail  without 
sleepers,  riveted  together  at  the  ends,  like  a 
piece  of  boiler  plate,  in  a  wide  saddle  or 
strap,  the  two  rails  being  connected  by  cross 
angle  irons,  from  seven  to  eight  feet  apart, 
to  preserve  the  gauge.  This  strongly  re- 
sembles a  long  ladder  laid  on  the  sai^ce  of 
the  ground.  In  another  place  (plate  S)  the 
ends  are  fastened  down  by  spikes  to  angular 
cross  sleepers  of  timber.  And  again  (plate 
9),  wrought  iron  transverse  sleepers  are 
riveted  to  the  rails,  as  a  subatitnte  for 
timber,  and  in  a  similar  form.  It  is  sUted 
that  these  rails  are  made  from  74  lbs.  to 
126  lbs.  weight  per  yard.  We  believe  that 
a  common  bridge  rsil  of  90  lbs.  per  ysrd, 
measuring  4  inches  in  depth  and  6  inches 
in  breadth,  would  be  found  greatly  superior 
to  any  of  the  Barlow  forms.  In  the  circular 
is  given  a  list  of  forty- five  railway  com- 
panies who  use  the  patented  improvements 
of  the  Permanent  Way  Company.  It  would 
have  been  as  well,  and  more  satisfactory, 
had  the  number  of  miles  employed  by  each, 
and  the  peculiar  improvement  adopted,  been 
specified.  We  recommend  to  our  readers, 
in  conclusion,  the  perusal  of  the  numbers 
of  Mr.  Clark's  work  on  Railway  Machinery, 
quoted  at  the  head  of  this  article,  for  valu- 
able considerations  respecting  both  the 
theory  and  piaotioe  of  the  Permanent  Way. 


ON  THE  INCRUSTATION  OP 
STEAM  BOILERS. 

BY  M.  covsrt. 

In  the  Jnmalet  det  Mines  for  the  present 
year,  is  an  interesting  paper  by  M.  Coost^  on 
the  incrustations  of  steam  boilers,  and  the 
methods  for  preventing  their  formation.  He 
commences  by  pointing  out  that  the  pre- 
vention of  incrustations,  if  realised,  would 
produce  a  better  preservation  of  the  boilers, 
greater  security  against  explosions,  and  con- 
siderable economy  in  fuel.  For  steam  ves- 
sels it  would  be  attsnded  with  an  increase 
of  available  space  for  cargo,  and  the  use  of 
steam  at  high  pressure. 

He  then  presents  the  results  of  his  inves- 
tigations on  the  nature  of  depositi^  and  the 
circumstances  connected  with  their  forma- 
tion, whether  in  boilers  fed  with  salt  or  fresh 
water. 

M.  Cou8t6  suggests  four  methods  for  pre- 
venting inerustadons.  The  first  is,  in  net, 
the  well-known  method,  which  consists  in 
extracting  from  the  boiler,  either  at  inter- 
mittent periods,  or  in  a  continuous  manner, 
a  certain  quantity  of  water  saturated  with 
solid  matter.  He  thinks  this  process  im- 
perfect for  low-pressure  engines,  and  quite 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OV  THE  mCBUSTATlON  OF  STEAM  BOHiERg. 


3d 


useless  for  those  tt  htgh-pressure.  He  pro- 
poses, however,  to  make  some  further  im- 
proTements  in  it,  as  the  greater  number 
of  marine  steam-engines  work  at  low-pres- 
sure, and  may  thus  be  in  some  measure 
benefited. 

The  second  of  the  methods  described  is 
called  by  M.  Coust^  alinuntatum  nonhpdrU 
quBf  and  requires  the  use  of  Hall's  conden- 
sers. The  principal  objection  to  this  me- 
thod is  the  existence  of  a  counter  pressure 
in  the  cylinder  during  too  considerable  a 
part  of  the  stroke  of  the  piston.  By  calcu- 
lation he  finds  that  from  about  25  to  30 
per  cent  of  force  is  lost  in  a  low-pressure 
engine. 

The  third  method  consists  in  continually 
employing  the  same  water  for  condensing 
the  steam,  and  of  course  requires  that  this 
water  must  continually  pass  through  a  re- 
frigerating process. 

The  fourth  method,  which  belongs  entirely 
to  M.  Coust^,  consists  in  feeding  the  boiler 
with  water  heated  to  a  very  high  tempera- 
ture (at  least  SIS°  Fab.) before  being  Intro, 
duced  intp  the  boiler.  This  process  has  the 
efiTect  of  completely  precipitating  all  the 
calcareous  salts  held  in  solution  by  the 
water. 

The  process  requires  a  special  heating 
apparatus,  and  a  filter  for  separating  the 
precipitate.  The  author  remarks  that  the 
filtering  which  is  necessary  for  engines 
at  ordinary  or  low  pressure,  or  for  high- 
pressure  engines  working  occasionally, 
might  be  dispensed  with  for  marine  high- 
pressure  boilers,  because  the  salts  precipi- 
tated in  the  heater  cannot  again  dissolve  in 
the  boiler,  and  consequently  cannot  crystal- 
lize, but  will  only  form  a  muddy  deposit 
instead  of  a  fixed  incnistration. 

Finally,  in  comparing  these  dififerent  me- 
thods, M.  Coust6  thinks  the  last  should  be 
preferred  for  navigation,  whether  in  salt  or 
fresh  water,  and  exclusively  employed  for 
locomotives ;  while  the  third  more  cumbrous 
method  could  be  advantageously  used  for 
land  engines  under  certain  locally  favour- 
able conditions. 

In  order  accurately  to  estimate  the  value 
of  keeping  the  surfaces  of  boilers  clean  and 
free  from  incrustation,  M.  Coust^  has  ma- 
thematically  investigated  the  loss  of  heat 
which  takes  place  in  causing  the  water  in 
an  incrustated  boiler  to  arrive  at  a  given 
temperature.  He  does  this  by  comparing 
two  boilers  of  the  same  shape  and  dimen- 
sions, placed  under  precisely  the  same  con- 
ditions,  except  that  one  is  covered  with  a 
calcareous  incrustation  all  over  its  heated 
surface,  while  the  other  was  free  from  deposit, 
and  covered  only  with  a  thin  coat  of  rust 
They  are  supposed  to  be  so  managed  as  to 
produce  equal  quantities  of  steam  in  equal 


times.  It  follows  that  the  heat  of  the  iire 
under  the  inerusted  boiler  must  be  increased ; 
hence  a  great  loss  of  heat  by  the  rarefied  air 
and  gas  escaping  through  the  chimney,  and 
by  the  external  radiation  from  the  furnace. 
The  first  of  these  causes  of  loss  is,  of  course, 
the  most  considerable,  and  it  is  it  alone  that 
the  author  has  sought  to  estimate.  This  he 
does  by  the  aid  of  some  hypotheses,  which 
enable  him  to  establish  his  fundamental 
equations.  From  these  he  finally  deduces 
the  formula : 

y«v(l-h2Ms) 

where  II  represents  the  loss  of  heat  in  the 
inerusted  boiler  due  to  the  causes  men- 
tioned,? the  loss  in  the  non-increased  boiler, 
e  the  thickness  of  the  calcareous  crust,  and 


M. 


l(-4) 

y 

in  which  K  is  the  co-efficient  of  conduct!, 
vity  of  the  boiler  plates,  K'  of  the  calcareous 
crust ;  b  the  temperature  of  the  water  in  the 
boilers;  A  the  mean  temperature  of  the 
heated  surface  of  the  non-incrusted  boiler  ; 
e  the  thickness  of  the  boiler  plates;  i|  the 
thickness  of  the  coating  of  rust,  and  y  its 
co.efficient  of  conductivity. 

By  the  aid  of  these  formulas  the  loss  of 
heat  occasioned  by  incrustation  in  steam 
boilers  covered  with  deposits  not  exceeding 
two.tenths  of  an  inch  in  thickness  is  calcu. 
lated  to  amount  to  40  or  50  per  cent. 

That  a  considerable  loss  must  be  produced 
by  boiler  incrustations  is  thus  proved,  but 
it  seems  to  be  somewhat  exaggerated.  One 
result  of  these  ealculationn  seems,  however, 
to  be  well  established,  namely,  that  the  con. 
sumption  of  fuel  increases  rapidly  with  every 
increase  in  the  thickness  of  incrustation. 

M.  Coust^  makes  highly  interesting  re- 
marks on  the  nature  and  formation  of  the 
deposits.  He  distinguishes  the  deposits  of 
marine  boilers  from  those  fed  with  fresh 
water.  The  former  consist  chiefly  of  sul- 
phate of  lime,  and  contain  not  a  trace  of 
carbonate  of  lime,  while  the  latter  are  form- 
ed both  of  sulphate  and  carbonate  in  propor- 
tions varying  with  the  localities. 

He  also  distinguishes  deposits  which  are 
merely  muddy,  or  formed  of  matters  sus- 
pended  but  not  dissolved  in  the  water,  and 
which  are  formed  of  magnesia,  oxide  of  iron, 
silica,  &c.,  from  the  crystalline  deposits 
which  commence  to  fonA  when,  during  the 
progress  of  evaporation,  the  water  has  arrived 
at  a  state  of  saturation  with  respect  to  the 
salts  forming  the  deposits. 

An  important   fact   resulting   from  M. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


FOBSXTB'S  nOBOTZD  nntNAOB  AND  BOHiEB. 


31 


Coasts  8  obterratioDi  it,  that  the  state  of 
saturation  is  brought  about  the  sooner  the 
water  attains  a  high  temperature ;  that  is  to 
sajr,  that  the  solubility  of  the  sulfihate  and 
carbonate  of  lime  diminishes  in  a  rapid  pro- 
portion  as  soon  as  the  temperature  rises 
aboTe  the  boiling  point.  Between  this  and 
the  freezing  point,  the  former  of  these  salts 
has  for  temperatnre  of  maximum  solubility 
96«  Fahr.,  and  at  212<>  its  solubUity  is  not 
mnch  greater  than  at  92^.  Hitherto  the 
law  of  its  solubility  beyond  the  boiling  point 
has  not  been  examined ;  and  M.  Coust^  is 


perhaps  the  first  person  who  has  shown  that 
at  temperatures  somewhere  about  ZW^, 
which  corresponds  to  a  steam  pressure  of 
four  or  five  atmospheres,  the  solubility  is 
almost  destroyed.  Upon  this  fact  is  founded 
the  principal  method  proposed  by  M. 
Coust^  for  remedjring  the  formation  of  in- 
crustations. 

He  also  explains  by  this  circumstance  the 
difficulties  which  have  hitherto  interfered 
with  the  use  of  high-pressure  engines  on 
board  sea-going  ve88els.~/Minia/  ^  Indut^ 
tritU  Progress. 


FORSYTH»S  IMPROVED  FURNACE  AND  BOILER.* 


It  is  proposed  by  the  author  to  make  the 
gprate  a  weighing-machine,  lowering  and 
rising  according  to  the  weight ;  that  is  to 
say,  when  a  charge  of  coal  is  put  in  the  fur- 
nace, the  grate  is  thereby  depressed,  and  by 
the  coal  gradually  burning  away,  the  grate 
is  elevated  as  the  weight  upon  it  diminishes. 
From  this  weighing-machine  connections 
are  made  to  the  valves  for  admission  of  air 
to  the  flue,  which  open  and  close  by  the  ac- 
tion of  the  weight  of  the  coal,  thus  effecting 
the  necessary  variation,  but  preserving  the 
necessary  relative  quantities  and  conditions, 
and  thereby  avoiding  smoke  by  obtaining 
perfect  combustion.  A  series  of  openings 
for  the  admission  of  air  are  made  on  each 


side  of  the  cylindrical  portion  of  the  boiler, 
each  opening  being  constructed  with  a  ring 
round  it,  like  a  fire-door  opening,  and  faced 
with  a  grating,  upon  which  the  regulating, 
slide  works.  The  fire-grate  has  a  fire-brick 
casing  sliding  up  and  down  freely  with  the 
grate  inside  the  fire-box,  which  is  suspended 
by  spring  balances,  provided  with  adjusting 
screws  for  the  attendant  to  have  the  means 
of  correcting,  for  accumulation  of  clinker 
on  the  bars,  wearing  away  of  the  fire-brick 
casing,  fire-bars,  &c.,  &c. 

The  fusing.plug,  to  prevent  injury  to 
boiler  from  scarcity  of  water,  is  shown  in 
the  fig.  below,  and  ia  made  of  a  large  brass 
bolt  (in  which  the  fused  metal  is  soldered), 


capped  on  the  fire-side,  so  as  to  bring  the 
lower  side  of  the  tin  or  **  lead  plug"  within 
it,  some  distance  above  the  water-side  of  the 
roof-plate,  thus  leaving  a  margin,  and  allow- 
ing  the  plug  to  be  fused  while  there  is  yet 
sufficient  water  upon  the  plates  to  prevent 
their  being  burned,  and  to  drown  out  the 
fire  after  the  plug  has  been  fused. 

In  the  writer's  experience  of  many  thou- 
sand fusing-plogs,  he  has  not  found  any 

•  From  a  paper  recently  read,  by  the  Inventor, 
before  the  Institution  of  Mechanieal  Bngineen, 


which  could  be  depended  upon,  except  those 
that  he  has  constructed  and  applied  accord, 
ing  to  the  above  principle. 

To  prevent  the  destruction  of  boilers  from 
galvanic  currents,  which  the  writer  has 
many  opportunities  of  observing,  he  pro- 
poses  to  adopt  generally  the  use  of  a  piece 
of  zinc,  in  metallic  contact  with  the  boiler 
plates,  and  to  be  renewed  from  time  to  time 
as  required;  this  practice  he  believes  has 
been  successfully  applied  in  iron  ships,  and 
for  other  purposes,  but  not  generally  used  in 
steam  boilers. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


92 


BUBGH'8  IMFBOYED  SAnCTT  SHIPS. 


To  prevent  tfa«  etMpe  of  mefiil  heat,  the 


ehimney  it  nude  multi- tubular,  and  oon- 
▼arted  into  a  feed  pipe,  reoeiving  iu  water 
at  the  top,  and  delif  ering  it  to  the  boiler  at 
the  bottom,  by  which  the  flue  temperature 
at  the  outlet  is  reduced  e? en  without  pro- 
ducing eny  oooling  effect  upon  the  boiler, 
the  spare  heat  being  abstraeted  for  a  useful 
purpoee. 

In  large  engineering  and  other  works, 
where  many  forger  and  furnaces  are  in 
operation,  it  is  proposed  to  run  from  a  cold> 
water  tank  a  main  or  pipe  with  bnll  taps, 


and  small  tanks  to  suMly  Che  tuyeres  of  the 
several  forffes,  &e.,  with  oold  water  i  and  aa 
this  water  becomes  heated,  to  draw  it  oiT  by 
a  main  feed-pipe  with  a  force  pump  into  the 
tubular  chimney  feed-pipe ;  also  to  case  the 
chimneys  and  hoods  of  the  foiges  with  water, 
for  the  double  purpose  of  keeping  the  shop 
cool  in  hot  weather,  and  obtaining  the  waste 
heat  for  useftil  application.  The  feed-pipe 
chimney  to  be  provided  with  a  safety  valve 
to  prevent  it  bursting,  if  at  any  time  the 
pump  be  in  action  when  the  valve  to  the 
ooiler  is  olosed. 


BURCH'S  IMPROVED  SAFETY  SHIPS. 


Mn.  BuncH,  of  Crag-hall,  near  Maccles- 
field, proposes  to  build  ships  in  two  distinct 
parts,  having  the  appearance,  when  toge- 
ther,  of  one  perfect  vessel.  The  larger  or 
parent  part  is  to  be  the  great  body  of  the  ship, 
containing  the  whole  length  of  keel,  main 
and  fore  meats,  hold,  space  for  machinery 
and  cargo,  fore  cabin,  berths,  &&,  &c. ;  the 
lesser,  or  escape  part,  to  contain  berths, 
saloon,  victualiiug  stores,  treasury,  &c.; 
and  to  have  the  form  of,  and  to  be,  a  perfect 
vessel  of  itself.  It  is  to  cany  the  mizen 
mast,  and  is  to  be  a  substitute  for,  the  quar- 
ter and  after  deeks  of  the  parent  vessel, 


occupying  the  deck  space  from  the  stem  up 
to  about  the  main  mast,  and  down  to  or 
about  level  with  the  water  line,  and  ao  ar. 
ranged  and  Axed  upon  the  parent  part  of 
the  vessel  that,  in  cases  of  shipwreck  or  fire, 
it  may  without  difficulty  be  launched  off 
the  stem  of  the  parent  ship.  The  stem  and 
bows  of  the  escape  vessel  form  the  stern  and 
counter  of  the  parent  vessel.  In  order  to 
make  a  secure  berth  for  the  escape  vessd 
while  on  board  the  parent  vessel,  and  also  to 
protect  it  from  the  force  of  the  waves,  the 
sides  of  the  parent  vessel  are  to  be  raised 
above  the  water-line  up  to  about  Uie  gun- 


wale, forming  a  kind  of  trough,  which  may 
terminate  obliquely  about  the  steropost  of 
the  pttent  vessel ;  and  in  this  trough  the 
escape  boat  or  vessel  is  to  be  securely 
placed,  with  her  head  projecting  over  the 
sternpost  of  the  parent  vessel,  and  always 
in  a  position  ready  to  be  launched.  To 
faoiliute  the  lauehing,  under  circumstances 
where  this  is  required,  while  the  parent  ves- 
sel still  floats,  the  inventor  proposes  that 
the  hold  of  the  parent  vessel  should  have  a 
water-tight  bulk- head  division  astem,  and 
that  the  compartments  thus  formed  shall  be 
provided  with  plugs  or  valves  for  the  pur- 
pose,  when  necessary,  of  letting  in  water; 
and  in  the  event  of  the  parent  vessel  being 


wrecked,  or  on  fire,  and  all  hope  of  saving 
her  appears  lost,  the  ploes  or  valves  are 
then  to  be  opened,  when  the  after  part  of 
the  parent  vessel  will  begfin  to  fill  and  sink, 
and  the  escape  part  can  then,  without  difil- 
cnlty,  when  loosened  from  her  fastenings, 
float  off  the  wreck.  Only  sufficient  water 
is  to  be  admitted  to  enable  the  escape  vessel 
to  float  off,  or  sufficient  in  cases  of  fire  to  ex* 
tinguishing  the  flames,  and  to  avoid  the  loss 
of  the  larger  vessel,  while  a  hope  remains  of 
saving  her.  Mr.  Boroh  recommends  the 
employment  of  self-acting  valves,  which 
close  in  sufficient  time  to  prevent  the  vessel 
from  sinking ;  so  that,  if  after  all  she  sur- 
vives the  threatened  danger,  the  escape  part 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


DtPBOYZMElIT  IN  GinmE&T. 


88 


•an  again  be  re^sdjiuted  on  her  stern,  tlie 
water  pumped  oot,  and  the  perfect  ship 
reach  her  destination  in  safety. 

The  iastcnings  by  which  the  two  vessek 
are  to  be  bound  together  are  of  the  simplest 
kind,  in  order  that  a  separation  may  be 
made  within  a  few  moments  after  the  order 
to  let  go  is  given  ;  but  of  sufficient  strength 
to  keep  the  escape  vessel  well  secured  in 
heavy,  stormy  weather.  Various  modes  may 
be  adopted,  but  that  which  is  recommended 
aa  amoogst  the  simplest  and  most  effective, 
consists  in  employing  strong  hook-bolt  fss. 
tenings  attached  to  each  side  of  the  stem 
of  the  escape  vesfcl,  and  corresponding  fas- 
lening^  fixed  to  the  deck  of  the  parent  ves- 
sel ;  so  that  by  means  of  short  -  noosed 
eables  with  tightening  block  and  falls,  the 
two  vessels  may  be  securely  held  together. 
*'The  same  means  may,"  says  the  inventor, 
'*  be  adapted  at  the  sides,  if  necessary,  but 
aa  the  rising  trough  sides  of  the  parent  ves- 
ael  will  be  expos^  to,  and  receive  the  pres- 
Bure  of  the  ses,  the  stern  fastening  may  be 
found  sufficient,  and  although  the  stem  and 
bows  of  the  escape  vessel  will  be  exposed 
to  the  sea,  her  own  weight  will  probably  be 
found  sufficient  to  keep  her  down  i  should 
she  lift,  however,  the  result  will  not  be  dis- 
astrous,  for  the  water  will  immediately 
rush  up  the  trough  between  her  and  the 
parent  vessel,  and  act  as  a  water  buffer  aa 
she  again  settles  in  her  place."  Under  all 
circnmstanoes,  he  recommends  rope  fasten- 
ings, and  where  they  are  placed  he  would 
have  a  small  hatchet  chained,  so  that  in  ease 
of  any  entanglement  of  the  ropes,  all  the 
noosed  cables  might  be  simultaneously 
severed.  The  inventor  says,  "  In  cases  of 
shipwreck  from  fire,  or  striking  on  sunken 
rocks,  such  as  the  loss  of  the  jiwuaon  and 
Birkenhead,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  say,  that 
had  those  vessels  been  provided  with  this 
means  of  escape,  almost  every  person  who 
then  perished  would  have  been  saved  ;  and 
during  the  late  wreck  of  the  Queen  Victoria 
its  services  would  have  been  equally  effec- 
tive. The  captains  and  crews  of  vessels, 
having  the  means  of  escape  at  hand  for 
themselves  and  passengers,  will  neither  lose 
energy  nor  presence  of  mind  {  there  will  be 
no  scrambling  into,  launching,  and  swamp- 
ing unseaworthy  boats ;  every  effort  will  bo 
made  to  save  the  parent  vessel,  which  in 
some  instances  need  not  be  abandoned  until 
she  even  sinks  awsy  from  the  escape  part 
Of  course,  there  are  circumstances  in  dread- 
ful storms,  when  no  human  aid  or  contri. 
vanee  oould  rescue  the  doomed  vessel  and 
her  unhappy  living  freight ;  the  mercy  of 
Providence  alone  can  then  save ;  but  from 
such  disasters  at  sea  as  ^n,  leakages,  strik- 
ing on  sunken  rocks,  shoal  waters,  sand 
banks,  eoUisions,  and  many  other  casualties 


by  which  so  many  vessels  and  lives  have 
lately  been  sacrificed,  and  so  much  valuable 

groperty  lost,  I  venture  to  hope  that  this 
ivention  may  prove,  under  these  circum- 
stances, a  sure  means  of  escape.  It  will 
also  be  found  useful  in  the  Arotie  regions, 
and  likewise  in  exploring  rivers,  where,  in 
shallow  waters,  the  parent  vessel  could  not 
float  It  maybe  constructed  to  receive  a 
small  engine,  and  thus  be  made  ayailable 
for  many  other  useful  purposes." 


IMPROVEMENT  IN  GUNNERY. 

A  novel  and  important  improvement  in 
gunnery  was  exhibited  on  Tuesday  last, 
when  a  series  of  experiments  were  made  by 
the  inventor,  aecompanied  by  several  gen- 
tlemen, with  a  cannon  constraeted  to  propd 
chains  and  shot  in  any  given  direction.  The 
gun  is  of  a  peculiar  oonstruotion,  and  the 
chain  and  shot,  when  discharged,  expand  to 
the  full  length  of  the  chain,  and  carry  every- 
thing before  them,  so  that  a  eolnmn  of  men 
might  be  swept  down  at  an  explosion.  Wo 
cannot  particularise  the  secrets  of  the  inven- 
tion, which  have  not  yet  been  made  public ; 
but  to  give  some  idea  of  its  destructive 
power,  we  will  describe  the  result  of  the 
experiments  brought  under  our  notice.  The 
ground  selected  was  a  plain  in  Battersea- 
park;  the  cannon  used  were  diminutive 
models,  9  inches  in  length  and  one  inch  bore. 
One  shot  was  attached  at  either  end  of  a 
chain,  9  fieet  long ;  the  guns  were  raised  2  feet 
above  the  lerel  of  the  park,  and  two  targets 
were  placed  20  yards  distance  to  fire  at; 
between  the  targets  and  the  cannon  a  num- 
ber of  large  sticks  were  driven  into  the 
earth,  to  resemble  a  column  of  men.  These 
arrangements  perfected,  the  inventor  ap- 
plied the  match ;  the  powder  instantly  ig- 
nited, and  the  guns  exploded  with  the 
desired  effect,  every  stick  being  swept 
down ;  and  had  there  been  as  many  Rus- 
sians before  it  as  there  were  sticks,  they 
would  have  been  sent  to  the  land  of  shadows. 
The  experiment  was  repeated  several  times 
with  the  same  results ;  and  had  the  chain 
been  60  feet  instead  of  9  feet  long,  and  the 
cannon  of  proportionate  dimensions,  we  are 
convinced  nothing  within  their  range— men 
or  horses — could  have  remained  2  feet 
above  the  ground.  We  understand  the  in- 
ventor can  unite  two,  three,  or  more  cannon 
together,  pointed  as  arrangements  of  an 
attack  or  defence  might  require,  and  cause 
them  to  explode  instantaneously  by  the  appli- 
cation of  one  match.  The  perfection  of  such 
a  system  of  gunnery  would,  in  the  present 
state  of  our  warlike  relations,  prove  of 
inestimable  advantase,  and  create  a  new 
era  in  the  ordt^aikee  department  of  the  eoi» 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


84 


mPBOVXMBNT  IN  AOOODXT-BOOKS 


pire.  We  UDderttand  the  inTentor  is  Mr. 
Thomas  Spargo,  of  Adelaide- chambers,  52, 
Gracechurch-street,  City. — Mining  Journal. 


MCCORMICK'S  REAPING-MACHINE. 

SUCCESSFUL  ACTION  FOR  INFRINGEMENT 
OP  MR.  M'CORMICK'S  PATENT  IN  AME- 
RICA. 

It  is  necessary  tliat  English  agricultur- 
ists and  others  should  be  made  aware  that 
Mr.  M'Cormick  has  gained  the  verdict  of 
the  Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States  for 
the  Northern  District  of  New  York,  and  a 
jury,  in  an  action  for  infringement  of  his 
patent,  against  Mr.  W.  H.  Seymour,  and 
Mr.  D.  S.  Morgan,  who  are  said  to  have  been 
strongly  supported  in  their  resistance  to  Mr. 
M'Cormick's  claims.  We  have  before  us, 
in  the  Semi-toeekly  Tribune,  of  December  8, 
1854,  the  speech  of  the  plaintiff's  counsel, 
Mr.  Sv.  H.  Seward — a  speech  of  great  me- 
rit, but  defaced  by  that  national  arrogance 
to  which  America  so  much  accustoms  her 
orators,  and  by  which  they  are  so  often 
made  ridiculous. 

Tiie  action  depended  upon  the  use,  by  the 
defendants,  of  the  "  divider ;"  or,  as  Mr. 
Seward  denominated  it,  the  '*  mechanical 
man,"  wliich,  wherever  tiie  machine  goes, 
**  goes  before  it,  always  stooping  and  lifting 
up,  and  disentangling  and  dividing  the 
grain ;  "  and  of  a  *'  new  location  "  of  the  reel 
standard,  "  accompanied  by  such  devices  as 
would  make  it  support  the  axis  of  the  reel 
so  far  in  advance  of  the  sickle  as  would 
allow  the  reel  to  co-operate  in  dividing, 
while  the  standard  itself  was  out  of  the  way 
in  that  operation." 

The  plaintiff's  counsel  concluded  an  ela- 
borate address  with  the  following  remarks, 
which  show  that  it  is  not  in  England  alone 
that  the  commercial  greatness  of  our  country 
is  attributed  to  the  existence  of  laws,  by 
which  inventors  have  their  rights  secured, 
and  their  interests  protected : 

**  Gentlemen,  we  are  an  ambitious  people. 
We  are  emulous  of  Great  Britain ;  we  ac- 
knowledge no  other  rival.  Great  Britain 
has  risen  to  her  present  high  commercial 
and  imperial  position  chiefly  through  the 
development  of  the  inventive  genius  of  her 
people.  If  we  are  to  attain  an  equal  or  su- 
perior position,  we  must,  in  like  manner, 
cherish  the  inventive  genius  of  our  country- 
men. That  policy  is  written  in  our  consti- 
tution. You  cannot  deny  justice  to  an  in- 
ventor without  violating  that  very  constitu- 
tion itself.  The  duty  which  I  have  myself 
performed  on  this  trial  has  been  a  pleasing 
one,  because  I  have  been  inspired  by  a  zeal 
not  only  to  secure  justice  in  this  case,  but 
to  maintain  the  laws  and  the  constitution. 


Nevertheless,  I  envy  you  the  nobler  office 
which  you  have  to  perform.  I  can  only 
plead  for  justice  and  national  honour.  Yon 
have  the  power  to  lender  the  one  and  to  se- 
eure  the  other.' ' 

The  trial  resulted  in  a  verdict  for  the 
plaintiff,  for  7,750  dollars. 

IMPROVEMENT  IN  ACCOUNT 
BOOKS. 

Messrs.  Waterlow  and  Sons,  the  well- 
known  stationers,  have  become  the  proprie- 
tors of,  and  are  now  introducing  to  the 
public  a  very  valuable  but  simple  improve- 
ment in  the  manufacture  of  account  books, 
recently  patented  by  Mr.  Arnold. 

The  improvement  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  metal  hinge,  C,  as  shown  in  the 
aocompanying  engraving,  for  fastening  the 


inside  of  the  book>  B,  to  its  covers,  A,  in  the 
place  of  the  linen  joints  ordinarily  employed. 
By  this  method  the  inside  of  the  book  is  en- 
tirely  independent  of  the  covers,  and  may 
be  separated  from  them  by  the  mere  with- 
drawal of  the  sliding  hinge-pin,  so  that  one 
cover  may  be  used  for  several  books,  or  new 
covers  supplied  at  pleasure  to  an  old  book, 
without  the  necessity  of  the  book  itself 
being  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  binder.  The 
great  objection  to  the  common  glued  joints 
is  their  liability  to  give  way  under  the  in- 
fluence of  a  damp  atmosphere ;  but  with  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  PASUAXEirrABY  SMOKE. 


85 


improved  hinge  arrangement  this  is,  of 
covree,  impoasible.  We  should  also  men- 
lion  that  by  the  use  of  the  metallic  hinse, 
the  P^ges  of  the  book  are  allowed  to  lie 
quite  nat,  whereyer  it  may  be  opened,  an 
Mlvaatage  whieh  every  acoountantwill  know 
well  how  to  appreciate.  We  believe  the 
Mescra.  Waterlow  have  wisely  resolved  to 
charge  no  more  for  books  on  the  improved, 
than  for  those  on  the  ordinary  prmoiple, 
trusting  to  the  increased  sale  for  suitable 
returns. 


OK  PAELIAMENTABY  SMOKB. 

To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mechanic^  Magazine. 

SiE, — I  have  now  to  reply  to  Mr.  Wood- 
cock's  letter,  in  your  Number  of  the  23rd 
December.  He  opens  thus : — **  First,  to 
the  assault  of  the  Liverpool  league,  with  its 
Cerberus-beaded  organ,  vfeU  concocted,  Mr. 
Mnsliet  will  find  Us  required  data  in  the 
forthcoming  report  of  the  two  Stances  at  the 
Institute  of  Civil  Engineers.  '  Engineer* 
atates  nothing  in  his  letters  for  remark. 
Now,  therefore,  to  Mr.  Williams's  fulmina- 


As  to  the  <*  well-concocted  assault,"  I 
know  nothing ;  and  as  to  your  correspond- 
ents, Mr.  Mushet  and  ''  Engineer,"  I  nei- 
ther knoir  who  they  are,  or  what  they  are,  or 
even  where  they  live;  never  having  seen, 
or  had  the  slightest  communication,  verbal 
or  written,  direct  or  indirect  with  either. 
All  I  know  is,  that  the  letters,  on  the  sub. 
jeet  before  us,  signed  Jkarid  Mushet,  have 
always  been  worth  reading  —  intelligible 
and  to  the  point,  which  certainly  cannot  be 
said  of  those  from  Mr.  Woodcock,  or  his 
chemical  tutor,  Mr.  Mansfield. 

*'And  now,'*  says  Mr.  Woodcock,  <Mo 
the  kernel  of  the  question — can  smoke  be 
bnrned,  or  can  it  not?  I  fearlessly  reply, 
yesl  and  advantageously.  It  makes  extra 
fuel."  Here  we  have,  apparently,  a  manly 
and  defiant  challenge.  Appearances,  how- 
ever, are  often  deceptive,  and  here  they  are 
peculiarly  so.  First,  then,  what  is  it  which 
Mr.  Woodcock  so  stoutly  asserts  can  be 
burned  f  In  a  word,  what  is  it  he  calls 
smoke  ?  From  his  own  pen,  we  learn  that 
it  is  just  what  every  one  else  (Mr.  Mansfield 
excepted)  calls  coal  gas.  The  problem,  then, 
is  very  simple,  and  easily  solved.  **  Only 
let  me,"  says  Mr.  Woodcock,  "give  coal  gas 
the  name  of  smoke,  snd  then,  I  fearlessly  re- 
ply, smoke  ea»  be  burned  " — mirabile  dietu  I 

To  give  plausibility  to  this  theory  (and 
jugglers  are  always  plausible),  Mr.  Wood, 
cock  invents,  or  supposes,  or  assumes,  that 
there  are  two  kinds  of  smoke;  vis.,  "  ParH- 
amtntary  smoke»  and  true  smoke."  This 
certain^  is  original,  and  deserves  a  patent 


His  own  words  are,  "  First,  parUmteutwry 
smoke,  or  smoke  as  popularly  understood. 
This  is  what  a  fumaoe-fure,  covered  with 
small  coal "  (and  why  not  large  coal  ? ), "  smo- 
thering all  flame,  emita.  But  Mr.  Williams 
pleaeanthf  calls  it  gae,"  Pleasant  fellow 
that  Mr.  WUliams.  Again,  *'  There  is  also 
another  substance.  Let  us  call  it,  'trub 
SMOKE.'  Mr.  Williams"  (in  common  wiih 
all  authorities)  "  says,  this  the  result  of  im- 
perfect flame"  (combustion),  "and  con- 
sists, for  the  roost  part,  of  steam,  carbonic 
acid  and  nitrogen,  and  minute  portions  of 
osrbon  in  suspension." — For  this  see  Mr. 
Brando's  letter,  quoted  in  your  last,  page 

By  this  new  doctrine,  then,  scientiflc  in- 
quiry is  but  complicative ;  and  we  are  not 
to  consider  what  is  right,  or  true,  but,  as 
Mr.  Woodcock  does,  take  as  chemical 
gospel  what  is  "  populariy  understood**  to  be 
so !  or,  as  Mr.  Mansfield  does,  go  to  the  in- 
mates of  the  nursery  for  information.  What 
an  age  of  enlightenment  will  this  simple 
doctrine  produce  1 

Now,  as  to  this  parliamentary  smoke 
(pleasantly  called  gas),  Peckston,  in  his 
Treatise  on  Gas-light,  says,  "When  pit- 
coal  is  burnt  in  an  open  fire-place,  it  emits 
fiame  which  is  occaaionally  exhibited  in 
streams  of  peculiar  brightness.  This  flame 
is  coal  gas  m  a  state  of  combustion."  "  Not 
at  all,  not  at  all,"  says  Professor  Woodcock ; 
"  you  may,  as  Mr.  Willianu  does,  'pleo' 
saaUly*  call  it  gae;  but  I  tell  you,  it  is 
neither  more  nor  less  than  purUamentary 


Again— '*  Seeing  that  when  coals  are 
bumed'in  the  ordinary  way  we  have  evident 
proof  that  they  contain  inflammable  gas, 
(inflammable  smoke,  by  your  leave,  as 
Messrs.  W.  and  M.  have  shown),  which,  if 
collected  and  properly  applied  would  serve 
as  a  substitute  for  the  light  of  candles,  or 
oil,  &c."  Away  with  such  pleasantries,  says 
Mr.  Woodcock,  you  must  not  so  rob  me  of 
my  theory,  or  my  parliamentary  smoke 
either.  Do  we  not  burn  it  and  illuminate 
our  streets  and  apartments  with  It? 

Again,  Peckston  says,— "Mr.  Winsor" 
(who  first  exhibited  the  nature  of  gas-light 
illumination)  "proved  experimentally  that 
the  flames  of  coal  gas,  when  properly  ma- 
naged,  produce  no  smoke,  by  allowing  no 
more  gas  to  pass  through  the  burner  than 
can  be  entirely  consumed."  Now  here  is 
the  whole  theory  and  practice  of  combustion 
iu  our  furnaces,  tei^umt  smoke.  Instead  of 
one  burner,  or  one  jet,  let  the  whole  body  of 
the  gaa  generated  be  thrown  into  aa  ntany 
burners  or  jets  as  there  are  subdivisions  or 
apertures,  and  thus  all  will  be  "entirely  eon^ 
sumed,**  Professor  Brando  says  the  same 
when  be  observes,  « Each  jet  of  ahr  bo- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


86 


ON  LAUNOHIKG  SHIPS. 


oouMt,  u  it  were,  the  •ouroe  or  oeutre  of  a 
separate  flame,  and  the  effeot  is  that  of  to 
many  jets  of  coal  gas  ignited  in  the  air." 
What  further  illustration  is  required  ?  Mr. 
Woodoock's  own  re-inrention  and  applioa. 
tion  of  my  perforated  air-distributor  plate 
(if  he  looks  into  his  furnace  from  behind) 
will  satisfy  him  of  these  facts. 

"My  points,"  says  Mr.  Woodoook,  '*  are, 
to  endrele  completely  the  geues**  (encircle 
the  gases!)  "as  they  lea^e  the  furnace." 
This  is  an  awkward  laptut  pemue,  seeing 
that  he  had  just  before  told  us  that  these,  so 
pleata$iily  called,  gatet,  were  not  gases,  but 
were  ParUameniary  tmoke.  But  to  go  on, — 
**  I  encircle  the  gases  with  heated  air,  which 
I  prefer  to  administer  in  thinjiimtt  or  through 
very  tmall  ar(flee«."-H(He  might  have  added 
— "as  shown  in  Prideauz's  furnace-door, 
and  in  the  perforated  plate  used  by  my. 
self,")  **  thus  perfectly,"  he  continues,  "  and 
not  partially,  applying  the  Argand  princi- 
pie,"  &c.  I  stop  to  ask  Mr.  Woodcock,  as 
an  honest  man,  can  there  be  a  more  perfect 
description  of  my  Argand  furnace  ?  and  if 
io,  either  let  him  say  so,  or  point  out  the 
difference. 

And  now,  as  to  some  of  Mr.  Woodcock's 
iuuendoes.  "  Is  it  not  surprising  that  Mr. 
Williams  was  once  a  profit-seeking  paten- 
tee, yet  so  it  is.  When  his  patent  expires, 
with  the  savage  impotence  of  a  toothless 
lion,  or  less  noble  beast,  he  would  resist  any 
further  iwtproptment,'*  Softly,  most  vehe- 
ment!  First  show  your  piracy  is  not 
piracy,  but  is  an  **  improifement"  and  I 
will  be  the  flrst  to  ask  for  a  licence  to  use 
it  I  do  resist,  however,  and  will  continue 
to  expose  the  audacity,  either  on  the  part  of 
Wooocock,  Prideaux,  or  others,  of  adopting 
and  accurately  imitating  the  principle,  prac- 
tical detail,  and  action  of  my  now  expired 
patent,  to  deceive  the  public  and  gain  a  dis- 
honest profit,  and  by  thus  calling  improve-' 
ment  what  is  unqualified  piracy. 

And  now,  as  to  my  being  a  patentee. 
Having  in  1839  under  my  management  the 
greatest  number  of  steam  vessels  belonging 
to  any  one  company,  I  was  naturally  desirous 
of  economising  fuel ;  and  having  practically 
ascertained  the  efficiency  of  the  argand 
principle  (as  above  explained  by  Mr.  Wood- 
cock himself),  I  had  no  alternative  but  either 
myself  going  to  the  expense  of  a  patent,  or 
seeing  others  do  so,  as  they  soon  assuredly 
would,  and  then  probably  have  to  pay  for  the 
use  of  my  own  invention,  and  for  my  own 
vessels.  Having,  then,  taken  out  the  patent, 
I  disposed  of  my  interest  in  it,  and  without 
a  shilling  of  profit,  and  never  since  took 
any  trouble  about  it. 

For  Mr.  Woodcock's  information,  I  can 
mention  another  similar  case.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1840, 1  took  out,  and  for  the  same  reaeon. 


a  patent  for  the  application  of  the  pin  heat 
cMduetors,  for  "increasing  the  heat-trans- 
mitting power  of  the  interior  plate  surface 
of  boilers."  (See  my  treatise,  obapter  17.) 
Since  then,  I  confined  myself  to  the  use  of 
these  heat-eondoctors  in  the  steam-vessels 
under  my  direction,  and  took  no  further  in- 
terest in  the  patent  A  few  years  will  see 
these  heat-conductors  universally  applied, 
although  I  have  never  realised  a  shilling  by 
the  patent 

Mr.  Woodcock  says  :— "  Mr.  Williams 
thought  it  prudent  to  try  the  invention  of 
others,  to  wit,  Mr.  Prideaux."  Yes,  cer- 
tainly I  I  did  try  Prideaux's  plan.  I  oh- 
tained,  at  a  considerable  expense,  one  of  his 
self-acting  valves;  not,  however,  for  use, 
but  "to  try"  it,  and  proved  that  what  is 
good  in  it,  namely,  the  "introducing  the 
air  by  separate  films,"  waa  an  unqualified 
imitation  of  my  patent :  and  that  what  was 
really  Mr.  Prideaux's  part,  namely,  the  self- 
acting  valve,  was  a  worthless  adjunct, — that, 
in  fact,  combustion  was  more  effective,  and 
more  heat  generated  when  the  valve  was  in- 
operative, and/x«d,  so  as  tosiWaw,  at  all  times ^ 
a  certain  amount  of  air  to  enter  to  the  gases 
(I  beg  pardon  —  to  the  "Parliamentary 
smoke  ").  These  facts  being  proved,  Mr. 
Prideaux's  door  was,  of  course  removed. 

Mr.  Woodcock  says:— "Mr.  Prideaux's 
and  my  plans  are  not  identical."  I  say  they 
are  identical,  not  in  the  useless  adjuncts  of 
Venetian  blinds,  &c.,  hot  in  all  that  regards 
the  introduction  of  the  air  "  in  thin  /Urns  or 
by  numerous  small  apertures^"  and  on  which 
the  whole  question  of  perfect  combustion 
without  smoke  depends. 

As  to  the  use  of  hot  air^  that  is  the  mere 
ad  eaptandum  element  of  the  quackery.  Un- 
til Mr.  Woodcock  or  Mr.  Prideaux  can  prove 
that  bringing  hot  air  to  the  gas  in  the  argand 
burner  improves  the  combustion  and  "  bums 
the  smoke,"  or  that  they  can  breathe  more 
easily,  and  their  lungs  have  a  better  action, 
when  in  the  hot  atmosphere  of  the  oven,  than 
in  the  open  fields,  their  hot  air  (like  his 
Parliamentary  smoke)  may  pcss  for  its 
quantum  valeat,  vis.,  nil 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &e., 

C.  W.  Williams, 

Liverpool,  Jan.  6,  1855. 


ON  LAUNCHING  SHIPS. 
To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanics'  Magazine, 
Sir,— I  cannot  but  imagine  that  some 
simple  and  sure  means  of  liberating  a  vessel 
from  the  position  in  which  she  has  been 
built  on  the  stocks,  at  a  given  moment,  {•  « 
great  desideratum. 

The    employment    of  a   "  dog  -  shore,^' 
having  one  extremity  placed  against  the  end 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  OSDNAKOE  AMD  CHDMVOWDER. 


87 


of  a  piaee  of  timber,  called  a  riband,  ez« 
toodin^  the  whole  length  of  the  gronnd. 
wajs,  and  fastened  to  the  ground-ways,  and 
the  other  extremity  against  a  Urge  ohock 
secured  to  the  bilge-ways,  upon  each  side 
of  the  ship,  is  attended  with  great  disad- 
Tantages. 

When  it  is  required  to  launch  the  ship,  a 
small  piece  of  wood  called  a  *'  trigger,"  used 
to  keep  the  dog-shore  in  its  proper  position, 
is  readily  removed ;  the  dog- shore  is  then 
acted  upon  by  some  impulsiTe  force,  such 
as  a  blow  with  a  maul  or  with  a  pig  of 
ballast;  if  the  dog-shores  thus  struck  fall 
away,  all  is  well,  but  numerous  instances 
might  be  cited  in  which  all  attempts  to 
remove  these  shores  by  striking  them  have 
been  useless :  they  have  then  to  be  eii^  awatf, 
a  work  of  considerable  time,  leading  at 
times  to  hair-breadth  escapes  of  very  serious 
accidents. 

These  and  other  difficulties  have  led  to 
ships  being  launched  without  these  shores. 
The  ships  being  usually  built  at  an  inclina- 
tion of  4  of  an  inch  to  a  foot,  and  launched 
at  au  inclination  of  {  of  an  inch  to  a  foot, 
it  is  readily  seen,  that  to  move  one  foot 
horizontally  the  vessel  must  descend  ^  of 
an  inch ;  to  keep  her  from  descending,  a 
number  of  blocks  are  kept  under,  and  not 
**  split  out,"  until  it  is  required  to  launch 
her ;  to  remove  these  blocks  with  such  an 
immense  weight  upon  them  is  a  work  of 
considerable  difficulty,  and  these  means 
being  adopted,  the  launching  cannot  be 
ensured  at  any  exact  time.  For  several 
hours  before  the  launching  of  the  ship  the 
shores  which  have  supported  her  are  gra- 
dually removed  during  this  time;  should 
there  be  a  serious  accident  likely  to  occur 
from  keeping  her  on  the  slip,  it  may  be 
advisable  to  liberate  her  (and  this  without 
any  impulaive  force,  which  in  itself  might 
cause  an  accident),  and  let  her  glide  off  the 
ways. 

Many  erry  nmple  and  yet  effective  means 
may  be  devised  to  accomplish  the  desired 
object;  I  think  the  following  may  be 
classed  amongst  them : — Let  there  be  two 
iron  plates,  let  one  into  the  under  side  of 
bilge-ways,  the  other  into  the  upper  side  of 
ground-ways;  let  a  large  bolt,  having  a 
tiiread  cut  on  its  uppermost  end,  pass 
through  the  bilge-ways,  and  also  through 
the  two  iron  plates  j  this,  fitted  on  each  side 
of  the  ship,  would  prevent  the  bilge-ways 
from  moving  over  the  ground-ways ;  let 
similar  nuts  be  fitted  on  these  two  screws, 
having  affixed  to  them  small  wheels  so  con- 
stmcted,  that  a  chain  could  not  slide  round 
them ;  pass  a  small  chain  round  these  two 
wheels ;  motion  could  not  then  be  communi- 
cated to  one  nut  without  the  other ;  let  the 
bolts  extend  equal  distances  through  the 


plates  in  the  ground-ways ;  fit  tlie  nuts  with 
wheels  on  "  eross-spanners/'  so  that  two  or 
four  men  may  turn  them  and  thus  raise  the 
bolts.  At  the  word  of  command  these 
wheels  are  turned,  the  bolts  simultaneously 
raised,  and  the  connection  between  the 
bilge- ways  and  ground- ways  being  thus 
destroyed,  tlie  ship  is  freed  from  her  fetters. 
Persons  unacqusinted  with  the  terms 
"  bilge- ways"  and  "  ground- ways,"  may  see 
engravings  and  explanations  of  them  in  an 
article  nublished  in  Vol.  LX.>  page  461,  of 
your  Magazine. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

W.  L. 
Portsmouth. 


ON  ORDNANCE  AND  GUNPOW. 

DER. 
To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mechanics*  MagoMine, 

Sir, — Will  you  kindly  permit  roe  to  say 
a  few  words  in  reference  to  *<T.'s"  letter  on 
gunpowder,  published  in  your  last  ?  Some 
^ears  ago,  When  percussion  locks  were  first 
mtroduced  among  sportsmen,  I  happened  to 
reside  in  a  district  where,  during  the  winter, 
I  had  frequent  opportunities  of  observing 
what  was  then  said  to  be  peculiar  to  the 
new  lock,  and  was  considered  to  be  an  un- 
favourable characteristic  When  the  snow 
was  on  the  ground  it  was  observed  that,  after 
a  discharge  of  the  piece,  a  portion  of  the 
powder  would  be  seen  on  the  snow  before  the 
muzzle  of  the  piece,  which,  from  its  granular 
appearance,  was  supposed  to  be  part  of  the 
charge  unexploded.  Some  thought  that  this 
was  owing  to  the  vent  being  improperly 
placed  in  relation  to  the  chamber ;  but  what- 
ever the  cause  may  have  been,  if  the  fact  be 
true,  it  is  contrary  to  the  theory  of  '*  T.," 
which  supposes  that  the  heat  generated  being 
greater  than  that  of  red-hot  iron,  is  sufficient 
to  insure  complete  combustion  of  the  pow- 
der. One  thing  is  obvious,  however,  that 
some  other  conditions  are  necessary  beside 
the  generation  of  heat  The  oxy-hydrogen 
light  apparatus  may  be  taken  as  a  familiar 
illustration  of  this  foct.  The  mixture  of  two 
parts  hydrogen  and  one  oxygen  is  much  more 
infiammable  than  gunpowder,  and  the  heat 
generated  by  its  combustion  more  intense ; 
and  yet  a  small  piece  of  wire  gauze  inter- 

Eosed  between  the  gasometer  and  the 
urner,  renders  it  safe  and  prevents  explo- 
sion. The  other,  and  perhaps  the  more  im- 
portant part  of  "  S.*s"  letter,  I  can  onlv  for 
the  present  notice  by  saying,  that  I  have 
observed  the  effect  produced  by  a  portion  of 
air  being  between  the  ball  and  cnarge,  or, 
as  it  is  commonly  phrased,  the  ball  not 
being  home,  but  have  never  supposed  that 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


38 


SPEOmOATIONa  OV  PAXXNT8  BSaSMTLY  FILED* 


it  in  any  way  Durouved  the  theory  of  insttn- 
taneous  combustion. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

J.  F. 


THE  RIFLE,  AND  EXPANDING 

RIFLE  SHOT. 
To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanic*'  Magazine, 

Sir,-- The  following  reply  firom  Mr.  S. 
Herbert  to  a  question  from  Major  Reed, 
in  the  House  of  Commons,  appears  in  the 
Timet  of  Saturday  last :  "  As  to  the  inten- 
tion of  the  government  for  the  future,  he 
might  state  that  it  was  resolved  to  arm  the 
whole  of  the  troops  with  the  Minie  rifle,  and 
that  they  were  being  issued  to  them  as  fast 
as  they  could  be  supplied  from  the  manu- 
facturers."    (Cheers.) 

More  than  a  year  ago  Lord  Hardinge, 
CommaUder-in-Chief,  reported  to  her  Ma- 
jesty the  Queen  that  I  am  the  original 
inventor  of  the  elongated  exploding  rifle- 
shot. His  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  the 
French,  out  of  his  private  purse,  presented 
Captain  Mini^  with  20,000  francs  for  put- 
ting an  iron  cup  or  culdt  into  the  hollow 
base  of  this  shot;  and  Lord  Raglan,  as 
Master- General  of  the  Ordnanoe,  prevailed 
on  the  British  government  to  give  Mr. 
Pritchett,  an  intelligent  London  gunmaker, 
£1,000  for  allowing  my  rifle-shot  to  remain 
as  it  was  without  the  addition  of  the  iron 
cup,  and  thus  "  letting  well  alone.** 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &e., 

J.  Norton. 

Owen's  Hotel,  Liverpool,  Dec.  28, 1854. 


REMARKS  ON  A  NEW  STEAM 
GENERATOR  BURNING  PURE 
HYDROGEN. 

(Addressed  by  M.  Jametel  to  M,  Sontigny,) 

Sir, — I  had  ascertained,  as  well  as  your- 
self, that  evaporation,  especially  that  of 
water,  might  be  considerably  assisted  by 
multiply ine  or  increasing  the  surface  in 
contact  with  the  heat  I  also  knew  that  it 
was  possible  to  increase  the  amount  of  heat 
transmitted  by  a  metal  by  employing  heat- 
ing surfaces  crossed  by  bars,  immersed  to  a 
certain  depth  in  fluids,  exchanging  their 
temperatures ;  in  fact,  beside  the  advantage 
of  a  greater  mass  of  heating  surface,  the 
surface  of  fluid  in  conuct  with  the  latter 
(plates  or  bars  also  counting  as  heating 
surfaces)  would  be  continually  renewed  by 
the  simple  circulation  of  the  fluids  them- 
selves. 

I  first  construct  a  eylindrical  boiler  with 
two  hemispherical  oovers,  the  lower  one  im- 


mersed in  a  fire,  the  upper  one  in  connec- 
tion with  a  dome,  furnished  with  the  usual 
appendages  of  steam  boilers. 

This  boiler  is  surrounded  with  a  double 
ease  or  jacket,  in  which  the  products  of 
combustion  circulate,  and  which  products 
in  ascending  come  in  contact  with  cylindri- 
cal surfaces  ending  in  tbe  boiler,  after  hav- 
ing passed  along  the  sides.  The  feed-water 
descends  in  a  contrary  direction,  and  comes 
in  contact  with  the  said  bars,  the  heat  of 
which  increases  in  proportion  as  they  ap- 
proach the  bottom,  and  being  already  in  a 
state  of  vapour  before  it  has  arrived  at  this 
point,  it  beeomes  surcharged  with  heat,  and 
yields  a  completely  dry  steam,  which  should 
then  and  there  be  taken.  The  products  of 
combustion  continuing  their  passage  come 
in  contact  with  metallic  wire-cloth,  which 
removes  the  laat  particles  of  heat  from 
them. 

The  whole,  boiler  and  casingt  is  placed  in 
a  furnace  of  masonry,  hut  a  space  is  left  in 
which  the  air  which  feeds  the  combustion  is 
heated  as  it  comes  in  contact  with  the  sides 
of  the  casing. 

With  respect  to  the  combustion  I  should 
tell  yon,  that  the  hydrogen  comes  in  from 
underneath,  and  into  the  centre  of  a  circular 
case  furnished  on  the  inside  with  wire-doth, 
the  upper  cloth  carrying  a  layer  of  amian- 
thus, on  the  surface  of  which  the  hydrogen 
bums,  the  necessary  air  previously  heated 
flowing  in  laterally  ihsteto.'^TratuiiUedJrom 
Monsieur  IndustrieL 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Bellford,  Auoubtb  EnouaRO  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London,  /i^oes- 
mtnts  in  water-mil  machinery,  (A  commu- 
nication.) Patent  dated  June  17,  ISSi. 
(No.  1326.) 

This  machinery  is  composed  of  parts  for 
taking  up  the  motive  power  from  the  water 
in  motion,  and  consists  of  two  or  more  pa- 
rallel endless  chains  carrying  bucketa  or 
paddles. 

Henry,  Louis  AMBROiaB,  of  Meta, 
France,  engineer.  CertaiH  improvements  in 
constructing  railroads.  Patent  dated  June 
19,  1854.    (Na  1327.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  great  variety  of 
forms  of  rails  applicable  to  the  permanent 
way  of  common  railways,  contrived  so  aa  to 
dispense  with  the  ordinary  cast-iron  chairs, 
wedges,  and  cross  sleepers ;  and  a  system  of 
railroad  for  common  vehicles,  consisting  of 
flat  iron  rails  fixed  at  a  suitable  distance  or 
gauge. 

Mears,  George,  of  the  Bell  Foundry, 
Whitechapel-road,  Middlesex,  Jmpnvewteuis 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BPEOIFIOAZEOKS  OF  PAZKtrrS  VEOBXtThY  FtLXD. 


in  madkmery  or  apparatus  far  obitdning 
sound.  Patent  dated  June  19,  1864.  (No. 
1330.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  to  obtain 
sound  regulated  so  as  to  be  produced  at  cer- 
tain intervals  by  mechanical  means,  the 
invention  beings  particularly  applicable  to 
the  sea- coasts  for  alarum  bells,  &c. 

Weber,  Joseph  Valentin,  of  Orchard- 
street,  St  Luke's,  London,  watchmaker. 
Improvements  appiicable  to  chronometers  and 
other  mechamtm  reqwring  a  steady  spring 
power.  Patent  dated  June  19,  1854.  (No. 
1332.) 

Claim. — Combining  two  mainsprings  in 
such  manner  that  the  mainspring  in  imme- 
diate connection  with  the  gomg  works  shall 
be  maintained  by  the  other  at  a  uniform 
tension,  during  the  whole  time  the  m&ohine 
is  in  operation. 

Oliver,  Joseph,  of  Wapping,  Middle- 
sex, manufacturer.  Jn  improved  construction 
of  signal  lantern.  Patent  dated  June  19, 
1854.     (No.  1887.) 

The  Admiralty  require  vessels  to  hoist, 
when  at  anchor,  a  lamp  which  shall  spread 
a  light  all  round  the  horizon,  and  when 
under  weigh,  to  throw  a  light  forward  only. 
To  produce  these  effects  by  the  use  of  one 
lantern,  the  inventor  glazes  the  lantern  ail 
round,  and  fits  it  with  a  movable  reflector 
or  panel,  which,  when  applied,  will  prevent 
the  radiation  of  light  at  the  back  part  of  the 
lantern. 

Bogus,  David,  of  Fleet-street,  London, 
publisher.  Atmrnproved  apparatus  for  faeiU^ 
tating  the  attachment  of  adhesive  stampi. 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  June  19, 
1854.     (No.  1338.) 

The  stamps  or  labels  when  cut  up  are  ar- 
ranged in  a  pile  and  placed  in  a  box,  the 
sides  of  which  are  formed  of  four  vertical 
plates  hinged  to  a  fixed  bottom  plate.  These 
hinged  plates  are  kept  iu  a  vertical  position, 
by  means  of  bow  strings  affixed  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  box,  and  their  upper  edges  are 
bent  over  outwards,  to  permit  of  tlie  sides 
of  the  box  yielding  when  pressed  upon 
vertically  by  the  descent  of  the  damped 
paper,  which  is  to  be  brought  down  upon 
the  upper  stamp. 

WoRRALL,  Hekrt,  of  Stalcy- bridge, 
Chester,  innkeeper.  Improvements  in  ma* 
chinery  or  apparatus  for  carding  cottont  ufool, 
or  other  fibrous  materials.  Patent  dated  June 
20,  1854.     (No.  1389.) 

Claim.  —  The  use  of  an  endless  creeper 
with  lap  drum,  comprising  rollers  and  car- 
riers, for  the  purpose  of  making  the  lap  of 
cotton  or  other  fibrous  substances. 

Brunton,  William,  of  Camborne,  Corn- 
wall, civil  engineer.  Certain  improvements 
in  melalUc  pistons.  Patent  dated  June  20, 
1854.    (No.  1340.) 


This  invention  consists  in  a  method  of 
tighlenmg  up  the  piston  rings  whenever 
required,  without  the  labour  of  taking  off 
the  cylinder  cover  and  junk  ring  of  the 
piston,  at  the  same  time  securing  equal 
pressure  upon  eaoh  spring  or  other  power 
required  to  force  out  the  piston  rings  during 
the  process  of  tightening.  In  illustration 
of  the  nature  of  the  invention,  Mr.  Brunton 
states  that  it  may  be  effected  by  having  a 
plug  grooved  to  correspond  in  number  with 
the  spring  in  the  piston,  fitting  into  a  hole 
in  the  centre  of  the  piston.  The  bolts 
which  are  connected  to  the  springs  rest  in 
these  grooves ;  when  the  piston  is  first  in- 
serted  they  are  placed  in  the  deepest  part  of 
the  groove,  or  bottom  of  inclined  or  wedge- 
like part  Through  the  plug  a  screw  is  in- 
serted,  having  a  conical  collar,  which  is 
fitted  and  ground  into  the  inside  of  the  junk 
ring,  a  square  head  to  the  screw  going 
through  and  extending  some  l^  inches  out- 
side of  the  junk  ring.  In  the  centre  of  the 
cylinder  cover  is  a  hole  large  enough  to 
insert  a  box  spanner,  which  would  fit  the 
head  of  the  screw  extending  out  of  the  junk 
ring,  into  which  hole  a  plug  is  inserted  when 
the  engine  or  other  machine  ia  at  work. 
When  the  piston  requires  tightening  up, 
the  plug  in  the  cylinder  cover  is  taken  out,' 
and  a  box  spanner  inserted;  and  by  un- 
screwing the  screw  which  is  in  the  plug  in 
the  centre  of  the  piston,  the  plug  is  made 
to  return  inwards,  and  the  bolts  attached  to 
the  springs  forced  to  a  greater  distance  from 
the  centre  of  the  piston  by  the  inclined 
grooves  in  the  said  plug,  thus  tightening 
up  the  springs. 

Reeves,  Charles,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, manufacturer,  and  William  Wells, 
of  Sutton  Coldfield,  Warwick,  carpenter.  A 
new  or  improved  method  of  mani{facturing 
certain  kind*  of  metallic  tubes.  Patent  dated 
June  20, 1854.     (No.  1343.) 

The  inventors  mount  a  pair  of  dies  or 
plates,  having  tapering  grooves  round  their 
edges,  on  axes  placed  eccentrically,  in  such 
manner  that  tapering  tubes  are  produced  by 
rolling  the  metal  between  the  edges  of  these 
dies,  on  suitable  mandrils. 

Day,  Joseph,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
manufacturer.  An  improvement  or  improve- 
ments in  certain  kinds  of  candlesticks.  Patent 
dated  June  20,  1854.    (No.  1344.) 

In  this  invention  a  thumb-plate  connected 
with  another  plate,  and  passing  through  a 
slot  in  the  candlestick,  serves  to  raise  and 
lower  the  socket,  and  a  spring,  made  of  a 
piece  of  sheet  steel,  pressing  against  the  in- 
side of  the  candlestick,  retains  the  socket  in 
its  place. 

Stephen,  Alexander,  of  Kekinhaugh, 
near  Glasgow,  Lanark,  ship-builder,  and 
Albx  AMPE&  PUNiE,  of  Kelvinhsugh,  black* 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


40 


SVAOmOATIONS  09  VATEHTS  BBGENTLY  FILED. 


smith.  Ceriaiu  i«pfotwM»l«  In  tk»  appUeO' 
tioH  i^maUriaU  for,  and  fo  tkg  arrtmgemtni 
rf  mnd  wttikod  ^  t^^ying,  apparatms  to  be 
Mted  at  Uwtphiet,/or  atetriaining  and  mark- 
ing  tk«  proper  potMenefor  the  rivet  and  belt- 
koke  reqmred  in  the  phtet,  framee,  and  other 
inecet  or  poriione  ei  the  WMiUrUde  need  in  ike 
conetrueiion  and  mant{faeiwe  ef  iron  ekipe  or 
veseeU,  hoilere,  tanke,  matter  spare,  and  other 
eimilar  artielee.  Patent  dated  June  20, 1854. 
(No.  1345.) 

Thla  invention  consists  in  the  use  <'of 
open,  open^woven,  or  closely-perforated 
flexible  materials  for  the  eonstmotion  of 
templates,  such  as  wire-clolh,  hair-cloth,  or 
cloth  of  other  suitable  material,  or  of  perfo- 
rated flexible  sheets  of  sine,  copper,  nrass, 
or  other  metals  or  materials ;"  the  texture 
of  such  doth  or  sheets  being  such  that  the 
holes  may  he  seen  throu|^h  it,  and  therefore 
accurately  marked  upon  it 

Clayton,  Nathaniel,  and  Joseph 
SuuTTLEwoRTH,  agricultural  engineers,  of 
Stamp-end  Iroo-workit,  Lincoln.  Improve" 
mente  in  portable  and  fixed  combined  thraeh^ 
ing,  taking,  and  winnowing  maohinet.  Pa- 
tent dated  June  20,  1854.    (No.  1847.) 

Claim.  —  Applying  two  blowing  fans  or 
hlowers  on  the  same  axis,  and  dividing  the 
lower  riddle  into  two  separate  oompart- 
ments.  In  such  manner  that  the  corn  may 
be  a  second  time  dressed. 

Reeves,  Robeet,  of  Bratton  Westbury, 
Wilts.  Improvements  in  driUe  for  dHUing 
liquid  manmre.  Patent  dated  June  20,  1854. 
(No.  1349.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  dispensing 
with  the  employment  of  rotating  buckets  or 
vessels,  and  depending  on  a  flow  of  the  ma- 
nure through  openings  in  the  vessel  con- 
taining the  same,  one  to  each  funnel,  the 
liquid  manure  being  kept  constantly  stirred 
to  insure  the  flowing  out  thereof. 

CnrfTENDEN,  George  R.,  of  Wood- 
street,  London.  Improvemente  in  sewing- 
ntaekines.  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
June  20,  1854.    (No.  1351.) 

This  invention  consists  of  certain  arrange- 
ments  for  folding  bindings  for  the  edges  of 
hats  and  other  articles,  and  for  holdine  such 
bindings  during  the  sewing  action ;  also  for 
foldiug  the  edges  or  selvages  of  fabrics  for 
hemming,  and  introducing  cords,  when  ne- 
cessary, into  the  hems  or  folded  edges. 

Newton,  William  Edwabd,  of  Chan, 
eery-lane,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Jn  im- 
proved manmjdeture  of  pigments  or  colouring 
matters.  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
June  20,  1854.    (No.  1353.) 

Claim. — "  The  production  of  a  siccative 
black,  brown,  or  gray  pigment  or  colouring 
matter,  by  the  admixture  with  the  gas  tar 
or  other  organic  substance  to  be  carbonized 
for  the  purpose^  of  the  oxides  of  potsssium, 


sodium,  ealcinm,  aluminum,  or  other  alka- 
line and  earthy  bases." 

M'Innis,  John,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
oil-merohant.  An  improved  eomposiiion/or 
coating  the  bottoms  </  iron  ships  to  prevent 
their  fouling,  and  other  useful  purpoeee^ 
Patent  dated  June  21,  1854.    (No.  1856.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
of  a  metallic  soap  to  the  bottoms  of  ships, 
to  prevent  their  muling,  by  the  adhesion  of 
animal  or  vegetable  matters,  whether  the 
metallio  soap  is  mixed  with  othdr  matter  or 
not. 

Phtsick,  Hbnsy  Vebnon,  civil  en- 
gineer, of  North-bank,  Regent's. park,  Lon.. 
don.  Electric  telegraphs,  and  apparatus 
connected  therewith.  Patent  dated  June  21, 
1854.    (No.  1857.) 

Claims. — 1.  The  use  of  more  wires  than 
one,  plaited  or  twisted  together  as  de- 
scribed, as  a  conductor  for  the  electricity 
in  submarine  cables.  2.  The  use  of  spirals, 
&c,  to  distinguish  the  wires  in  a  tel^rsph 
cable  one  from  the  other,  and  to  distin- 
guish one  cable  from  another  when  several 
are  laid  together.  3.  The  use  of  cotton 
instead  of  hemp  in  making  telegraph  cables. 
4.  A  certain  described  plan  for  preventing 
the  slipping  of  wire  supported  on  insulators, 
and  means  of  fastening  insulators  to  their 
supports. 

Dembinski,  Henry,  General,  of  Rue 
Joubert,  Paris,  France.  Iw^mvementtinheat' 
ing  apparatus.  Patent  dated  June  21, 1854. 
(No.  1358.) 

The  inventor  combines  two  vessels  together 
by  means  of  a  pair  of  tubes;  to  one  of 
these,  called  the  heat-receiver,  the  heat  of 
a  gas-jet,  lamp,  or  candle  is  applied,  and 
the  heated  water  flows  through  the  upper  of 
the  tubes  into  the  other  vessel,  3tc. 

Newton,  William  Edward,  of  Chan- 
eery-lane,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Js»- 
provementt  in  apparalue  for  generating  and 
utilizing  steam.  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  June  21,  1854.    (No.  1361.) 

The  main  object  of  this  invention  is  to 
apply  steam  to  flre  engines,  for  which  pur. 
pose  the  patentee  proposes  **  to  increase  the 
capacity  of  the  boiler  from  the  fire  to  the 
steam-receiver,  and  this  constitutes  the  gist 
of  the  invention."  Th»  boiler  is  formed  by 
"  dividing  a  coil  or  ooils  oommencing  with 
one,  then  dividing  into  two,  and  then  sub- 
dividing into  four,  or  any  other  number," 
the  water  being  received  at  the  bottom,  and 
the  streams  multiplied,  or  the  capacity  in- 
creased, as  they  ascend. 

Rhodes,  Thomas,  of  Vine-street,  Ame- 
rica-square, London,  merchant  An  im- 
proved method  of  framing  sehoel-slatee, 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  June  21, 
1854.    (No.  1362.) 

The  inventor  makes  the  slate   frame  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC  , 


SHBomoAiioirs  or  PAmm  BiGBirrLT  vnxs>. 


41 


two  piMM  of  wood,  or  other  Buitablo  mite- 
rUl,  with  rounded  eomert,  and  a  groove 
to  reoeive  the  slate,  the  parts  being  fas- 
tened together  by  pins,  glue,  or  eompo- 
Bition. 

Stablbfoed,  William,  of  the  Broms- 
grofe  BailwajT  Carrisfe-works,  Woreester, 
foieman  to  Messrs.  Johnson  and  Kinder, 
railway  cootnetors.  ImprmtemenU  im  raU" 
maf  bnakM.  Patent  dated  June  21,  1854. 
(No.  1363.) 

The  inventor  claims— 1.  The  eonstruo- 
tion  of  a  break  oaused  to  act  upon  the 
wheels  by  means  of  wedges.  2.  A  oonstruo- 
tion  of  breaks  by  which  the  weight  of  the 
carriage  is  caused  to  act  upon  them.  3. 
The  construction  of  a  double-acting  break, 
which  is  caused  to  bite  upon  both  sides  of 
the  wheel. 

HBATUBft,  John  Fey,  M.A.,  mathema- 
tical master  at  the  Royal  Military  Aos- 
demy,  Wodwich.  ImprtmewttHtt  m  opporo- 
IM  for  rtgtUaiiHg  tk€  /low  nf  gat.  Patent 
dated  June  21, 1854.    (No.  1865.) 

The  inventor  jprovides  an  outer  vessel 
eontainiDg  fluid,  mto  which  the  gas  enters 
by  a  vertical  plp«»  which  rises  above  the 
surface  of  the  nuid  ;  there  are  also  tWo  air- 
tubes  or  passages  fixed  vertically  to  the 
iiottom  of  the  vessel,  and  these  also  rise 
above  the  fluid.  Within  the  outer  vessel 
there  is  a  hollow  float,  the  lower  end  of 
which  ia  at  all  times  immersed  in  the  fluid, 
and  is  air-tjffht  in  all  directions,  but  the 
upper  part  ofthe  float  has  two  hollow  cham- 
bers, which  are  air-tight  only  at  the  top 
and  aides,  and  into  these  chambers  the  air- 
passages  before  mentioned  enter,  so  that  the 
air  in  these  chambers,  and  the  outer  atmo- 
sphere  are  at  the  same  pressure.  The  float 
carries  a  conical  or  other  valve  for  regu- 
lating the  quantity  of  gas  which  is  allowed 
to  rise  up  the  supply-pipe. 

SiMPSOir,  Oboroe,  of  Union-buildings, 
Leather-lane,  Holborn.  ImpntvementM  in 
fimaees.  Patent  dated  June  22,  1854. 
(No.  1868.) 

The  inventor  employs  hanging  bridges  or 
stops,  in  such  manner  as  to  have  an  extent 
of  bright  fire  beyond  them. 

Blashpield,  Jouh  Maeeiott,  of  Mill- 
wall,  Poplar,  Middlesex.  Improvement*  in 
Ike  wuuutfnetare  of  dtina,  peitery,  bricks,  and 
other  artieUt  wuauifaeiuredfor  the  mottpart  rf 
elag.  Patent  dated  June  22,  1854.  (No. 
1369.) 

Claim, — "  The  use  of  mmerals  or  fossils 
eontaining  phosphate  of  lime,  and  known  in 
eommerce  m  ' e<mrolites,'  'phosphorites,' 
'  fossil  sponges,'  '  fossil  faces,'  *  fossil  fiesh,' 
and  *  fossil  bones'  in  the  manufJscture  of 
china,  pottery,  bricks,  and  other  articles  of 
which  clay  is  the  principal  ingredient." 

CowpEE,    CiiAELBa»   of    Southamptou- 


bnildings,  Middlesex.  ImpfooemenU  in  ma- 
ckintryfir  combing  eoiton,  wool,  flax,  tow,  silk 
waste,  and  other  firons  subeianees.  (A  com- 
munication.) Patent  dated  June  22,  1854. 
(No.  1371.) 

This  invention  consists  in  certain  modifi- 
cations of  a  former  invention,  patented  by 
the  present  patentee,  February  23, 1852. 

Bbllpoed,  Auoustb  Edovaed  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-Street,  London.  Certain 
new  and  utejkl  improvements  in  maehinerif  for 
fo^'ghsg  er  hammering  iron,  which  may  be 
abo  appUeaMe  to  the  hammering  of  other 
materiale,  (A  eommunieattoo.)  Patent 
dated  June  22, 1854.    (No.  1372.) 

Cfotsis.— 1.  A  machine  for  forging  or 
hammering  iron,  &c,  having  two  hammers, 
which  simultaneously  strike  tlie  sides  of  the 
iron,  ac6ng  in  conjunction  with  a  hammer 
which  strikes  the  upper  surface  of  the  iron. 
2.  The  use  of  the  side  hammers,  either  with 
or  without  the  upper. 

Smith,  Epheaim,  of  Carlisle-street,  Mid- 
dlesex, jeweller  and  watch-key  maker.  An 
improved  wateh-key.  Patent  dated  June  22, 
1854.    (No.  1373.) 

This  invention  is  an  improvement  upon 
Bregnet  keys,  and  consists  in  enabling  keys 
to  turn  either  from  left  to  right  or  vice  versd, 
by  means  of  a  reversible  paul  or  catch. 

Bbllfoed,  Auoustb  Bdouaed  Loea- 
Doux,  of  Castle-Street,  London.  Certain 
improvemenis  in  grate-bare,  and  certain  ap^ 
pUanees  to  the  same,  for  the  purpose  of  pre- 
venting  them  from  warping  or  twisting  by 
heat.  (A  communication.}  Patent  dated 
June  22,  1854.    (No.  1374.) 

This  invention  consists  in  casting  or 
otherwise  securing  to  the  undersides  of 
grate-bars,  hooks  or  catches,  through  which 
one  or  more  transverse  bars  are  inserted, 
the  transverse  bars  serving  to  hold  every 
bar  of  the  grate  in  its  place,  while  each  one 
is  allowed  to  expand  and  contract  independ- 
eotly  of  the  others. 

Peicb,  Astlet  Paston,  of  Margate, 
Kent,  chemist.  Improvements  in  the  treat- 
ment rf  certain  alloys  rf  tin.  Patent  dated 
June  22,  1854.    (No.  1376.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  subject- 
ing certain  alloys  of  tin  and  gold — such  as 
that  known  as  AuttraUan  auriferous  tin — to 
the  action  of  hydroMitoric  acid,  so  as  to  dis- 
solve  the  whole  or  the  greater  proportion  of 
the  tin,  the  solution  of  chloride  of  tin 
being,  by  evapomtioii  and  crystal  isation, 
rendered  suiuble  to  be  employed  in  the  arte 
or  otherwise. 

Price,  Astley  Paston,  of  Margate, 
Kent,  chemist  Improoements  in  the  perifi' 
cation  rf  tin,  and  in  obtaining  uetjul  products 
arising  from  such  purification.  Patent  dated 
June  22,  1854.    (No.  1377.) 

These  iroprovemente  consist "  in  subject- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


42 


PBOTISIONAL  SPECnnCATIOSrS  NOT  PBOCEBDEI)  WITH. 


ing  impure  tin  to  the  action  of  hydroohloric 
acid,  and  in  decomposing  the  solution  of 
chloride  of  tin  so  obtained  by  means  of  am- 
moniaoal  gas  liquor,  or  other  ammoniacal 
liquor,  or  with  the  volatile  alkaline  ammo- 
niacal products  obtained  therefrom,  or  with 
ammonia  or  carbonate  of  ammonia,  so  as  to 
precipitate  the  tin  existing  in  solution^  and 
to  obtain  a  valuable  product,  muriate  of 
ammonia." 

Farrell,  Isaac,  of  Dublin,  Ireland, 
architect  Improoementt  mjire-pro^jlooring 
and  roofing,  whidi  improyementa  are  also  appU- 
cable  to  the  conetruction  of  toaUs  and  bridget, 
and  other  like  structures.  Patent  dated  June 
22,1854.    (No.  1379.) 

Claim, — ^The  application  and  use  of  a  tile, 
having  a  button  or  flange,  either  formed  on 
or  attached  to  it,  and  projecting  from  one 
side,  or  from  both  sides  of  it,  if  found  ne- 
cessary. 

Phillips,  Charles,  of  Offchurch,  War- 
wick,  engineer.  The  improvement  qf  appa- 
ratus or  machinery  for  reaping.  Patent  dated 
June  23,  1854.     (No.  1380.) 

The  inventor  employs  bars,  cords,  chains, 
or  other  suitable  instruments,  for  inclining 
the  com  into  a  suitable  position  for  being 
out ;  these,  by  revolving  round  two  or  more 
axles,  being  caused  to  act  on  the  corn  over 
a  larger  space  than  they  would  by  revolving 
round  a  single  axle ;  and  he  combines  these 
with  rotating  circular  cutters,  against  which 
the  corn  is  supported  by  projections  from 
the  machine. 

Knab,  David  Clovis,  of  Rue  Rosini, 
Paris,  France,  operative  chemist  Certain 
improvements  in  the  production  cf  carburets  qf 
hydrogen.  Patent  dated  June  23,  1854. 
(No.  1381.) 

The  inventor  says,  ''  I  operate  upon  coal, 
turpentine,  cannels,  lignites,  and  bituminous 
matters,  in  a  still  similar  to  that  described 
in  former  letters  patent  granted  to  me,  and 
heat  them  to  a  temperature  of  about  400**  to 
500°  centigrade,  which  temperature  should 
be  constantly,  or  nearly  constantly,  kept  up, 
by  means  of  a  metallic  bath,  also  described 
in  former  letters  patent  granted  to  me." 
The  products  of  these  operations  upon  ooal 
are  light  oils  and  essences,  which  are  sub- 
mitted  to  reotiflcation. 

Bellford,  Augusts  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London.  An  im- 
provement in  propelling  vessels  in  water,  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  June  28, 
1854.     (No.  1883.) 

Claim, — The  employment  for  propelling 
vessels  of  any  number  of  propellers,  having 
each  a  movement  towards  and  from  the  side 
of  the  vessel,  and  a  reciprooatory  circular 
movement  about  an  axis. 

Bellford,  Augusts  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,    London.     Certain 


\ts  in  machinery  for  picking  or 
opening  cotton  and  other  fibrous  materials,  and 
all  kimia  qfufoste  rags  and  old  materiale,  to 
prepare  the  same  for  the  operatiom  qf  carding, 
or  for  other  operations,  (A  communication.) 
Patent  dated  June-23,  1854.    (No.  1385.) 

This  invention  principally  consists  in 
constructing  the  main  cylinders  of  ma- 
chinery  for  picking  and  opening  cotton  or 
other  fibrous  materials,  &c.,  with  perfonu 
tions  in  their  shells,  through  which  currents 
of  air  are  driven  by  fans  or  wings  placed 
within  the  cylinder. 

RuDD,  Tbomas,  of  Pimlico,  engineer. 
Improvements  in  stands  for  casks  or  barrels. 
Patent  dated  June  23, 1854.    (No.  1886.) 

Claim,  "  Forming  a  cask  or  barrel- stand 
actuated  continuously  through  the  interven- 
tion of  a  metallic  spring  or  springs  by  the 
drawing  off  of  the  liquor,  so  as  to  give  the 
cask  or  barrel  the  requisite  self-tilting 
action  forwards." 

DmsDALE,  Tbomas  Isaac,  of  Hadley, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  An  improvement  in 
the  manrfacture  qf  gas  for  lighting  and  heat- 
ing purposes.  Patent  dated  June  23,  1854. 
(No.  1889.) 

Claim.  The  method  of  operaUng  upon 
carbonaceous  or  bituminous  substances  by 
the  introduction  into  the  retort  during  the 
process  of  distillation  of  jets  of  superheated 
steam,  for  the  purpose  of  decomposing  the 
same,  and  causing  its  elements  to  combine 
in  a  nascent  state  with  the  gases  evolved 
from  the  carbonaceous  "or  bituminous  sub- 
stances contained  in  such  retort  Also 
mixing  with  solid  carbonaceous  matters 
fiitty,  oleaginous,  or  resinous  substances 
previous  to  the  same  being  placed  in  the 
retorts  for  the  production  of  gas. 

OsBORN,  William  Ellsworth,  of  MiU 
ton.  New  York,  United  States.  Improve- 
ments in  breech-loading  guns  or  cannons.  Pa- 
tent dated  June  23,  1854.    (No.  1890.) 

The  inventor  employs  an  eccentric  or 
cam-shaped  piece  set  on  trunnions,  *^so 
that  the  operation  of  rotating  the  said 
breech-pieoe  on  its  trunnions  by  a  lever  or 
any  suitable  means,  compresses  the  curved 
surface  of  the  said  breech-piece  against  the 
rear  of  the  bore  or  calibre  of  the  gun." 


PROVISIONAL   SPECIFICATIONS  NOT  PRO- 
CEEDED  WITH. 

Fell,  Thomas  Mara,  of  King  William- 
street,  London,  and  William  Cooke,  of 
Curzon-street,  Hanover-square,  Middlesex. 
Improvements  in  bottles  and  bottle^stoppers, 
and  in  stopping  and  applying  the  same.  Ap. 
lication  dated  June  19,  1854.    (Na  1328.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  manufac- 
turing bottles  aqd  stoppers  for  them,  that  it 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOTXSIOITAL  BPEOmCATIONS  NOT  PROCEEDED  WITH. 


is  necessary  to  remove  the  latter  only  when 
the  fonner  are  to  he  filled. 

Anderson,  Sir  J&mes  Caleb,  of  Fer- 
moy,  Cork,  baronet  An  economical  railway 
fcr  the  conveyance  qf  paseengersj  goods,  and 
letters.  Application  dated  June  19, 1854. 
(No.  1329.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  after  the 
rails  are  fixed,  they  arc  to  be  enclosed  in  a 
chamber ;  and  to  work  the  line,  the  inventor 
"fixes  high-pressure  engines  at  such  dis- 
tances as  may  be  found  requisite.  On  the 
top  of  the  chamber  which  encloses  the  rails, 
the  chimneys  of  the  engines  are  to  be 
placed.  The  exit  steam  of  each  engine  is 
to  he  permitted  to  escape  at  a  good  pressure 
into  its  chimney.  By  this  arrangement  the 
air  in  the  chamber  will  be  drawn  up  the 
chimney,  and  thus  a  strong  current  of  air 
will  be  caused  to  rush  into  the  chamber  at 
the  opposite  end  to  that  at  which  the  engine 
is  at  work,  and  in  the  direction  of  the  work. 
ingengine." 

Westlakb,  John,  of  Newton  Abbott, 
Devon,  mine  agent.  Improvements  in  treat- 
ing the  puherized  solution  obtained  from  ma- 
chines  used  for  crushing  ores,  gossans,  earths, 
and  rocks.  Application  dated  June  19, 1854. 
(No.  1331.) 

This  invention  consists  in  drawing  off  the 
"  pulverized  solution  V  into  a  vessel,  separate 
from  the  crushing- machine,  and  having  a 
fire  at  the  bottom,  and  provided  with  a  re- 
volving apparatus,  by  which  the  solution  is 
brought  in  contact  with  mercury. 

Bauer,  William,  of  Munich,  Bavaria, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  propelUng  vessels. 
Application  dated  Jime  19,  1854.  (No. 
1333.) 

This  invention  consists  in  driving  screws, 
paddle. wheels,  or  other  propellers,  with  fans 
or  rotating  sails,  connected  with  their  shafts 
by  suitable  mechanism. 
Dartiguenave,  Prosper  Guilhavme,  of 
Regent-street,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Im- 
prooements  in  aerial  navigation.  Application 
dated  June  19,  1854.    (No.  1334.) 

The  inventor  employs  an  apparatus  simi. 
lar  to  two  parachutes,  which  rise  on  being 
pushed  up  and  down,  and  are  steered  and 
turned  by  means  of  a  horizontal  flapper  and 
a  pair  of  wings. 

SCBLESSINOER,     JOSEPH     WiLLIAM,     of 

London-wall,  London,  merchant  A  means 
of  readily  discovering  any  street,  road,  river, 
locality,  or  place,  on  maps,  cliarts,  and  plans. 
(A  communication.)  Application  dated  June 
19,1854.    (No.  1335.) 

This  invention  consists  in  combining  with 
a  numbered  or  figured  margin  to  maps, 
charts,  and  plans,  a  tape  or  otiier  measure, 
with  numerals  on  its  surface. 

Relet,  Samvel,  of  Oldham,  Lancaster, 
agent.     Certain  improvements  in  pocket-hooks, 


43 


bill-cases,  or  other  such  depositaries.    Appli- 
cation dated  June  19,  1854.     (No.  1336.) 

This  invention  consists  princip<illy  in  the 
application  of  elastic  springs  or  bands  to  the 
interior  of  pocket-books,  bill-cases,  &c.,  for 
the  purpose  of  securing  or  retaining  notes, 
loose  papers,  &c.,  in  the  pockets  thereof. 

AcLAND,  James,  of  Langley-cottage, 
South  Lambeth,  S  urrey,Parliamentary  agent. 
Improvements  in  the  mant^aeture  of  paper. 
Application  dated  June  20,  1854.  (No. 
1341.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  paper 
of  the  fibrous  portions  of  the  roots  of  pota* 
toes,  parsnips,  carrots,  and  turnips,  and  of 
the  roots,  stems,  and  stalks  of  beet,  man- 
gold wuTzel,  chicory,  and  rhubarb,  either 
alone  or  mixed  with  rag  pulp. 

Holt,  Thomas  Littleton,  of  Warwick- 
square,  Paternoster-row,  London,  and  Wil- 
liam Charlton  Foster,  of  Hatton-garden, 
Middlesex.  Making  paper.  Application 
dated  June  20,  1854.    (No.  1342.) 

The  inventors  take  clover,  nop-stem, 
Italian  rye,  grass,  and  old  rope,  or  rags,  in 
equal  proportions,  "or  all  or  either  of  them 
individually,  or  in  combination  with  each 
other,  or  with  old  rope  or  rags,  as  aforesaid,'* 
and  make  the  whole  into  pulp  in  a  common 
beating  engine. 

Jesson,  Jean  Eugene,  clockmaker,  of 
Paris,  France,  An  improved  barometer, 
called  "  hydrographer  barometer."  Appli- 
cation dated  June  20,  1854.     (No.  1346.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  strip  of  bladder, 
or  of  gold-beater's  skin,  which  is  fixed  at 
one  end  and  passed  round  pullies  so  as  to 
obtain  a  considerable  length  of  the  ribbon 
in  a  small  space.  The  other  end  of  the 
strip  is  attached  to  the  shorter  arm  of  a 
lever,  and  a  thread  from  its  longer  arm  is 
passed  round  a  groove  or  small  pulley  on 
the  spindle  of  a  registering  index.  The 
strip  is  kept  extended  by  means  of  a  weight 
or  spring. 

MoNZANi,  Willoughby  Theobald,  of 
St  James's- terrace,  Bermondsey,  Surrey, 
gentleman.  An  improvement  in  brushes  and 
brooms.  Application  dated  June  20,  1854. 
(No.  1348.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
of  vulcanized  India-rubber  or  other  elastic 
material  on  those  parts  of  brushes  and  brooms 
which  are  liable  to  be  struck  against  skirt- 
ings,  &c. 

Braithwaite,  Frederick,  of  Gower- 
street,  Bedford-square,  Middlesex,  civil  en- 
gineer. Improvements  in  constructing  sus- 
pension bridges,  roofs,  and  coverings.  Ap- 
plication dated  June  20, 1854.     (No.  1350.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
**  of  wire-rone,  hemp,  flax,  or  cotton  ropes, 
canvas  or  other  textile  material,  iron  chains, 
and  iron  links  or  bars  of  whatever  lengthy 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


44 


PROVISIONAL  SPECXFIGATIOHS  HOT  PBOOEEBED  \7ITH. 


to  tbe  constrnetion  of  suspension  bridges, 
roois,  and  coverings." 

McLainb,  Alexander,  junior,  of  Bel- 
fist,  Ireland,  shipbuilder,  jiu  hnpnoed  modt 
rf  cenHrwcUng  amdJUHmg  gtm^boais.  A  ppH- 
cation  dated  June  20, 185i.    (No.  1352.) 

Gun- boats  constructed  according  to  this 
inTention  are  made  of  iron,  are  sharp, 
have  rudders  at  each  end,  and  have  very 
little  side  exposed  above  the  water.  In  the 
middle  of  the  upper  deck,  which  is  of  iron, 
a  cannon  of  Isrge  calibre  is  mounted  in 
fixed  bearings,  held  down  by  bolts,  which 
pass  through  the  angle  iron  of  the  fore  and 
aft  bulk  heads. 

Byekley,  Oeqbqb  Henry,  of  Paris, 
France,  now  residing  at  Brompton,  Middle- 
sex, gentleman.  Improvements  i»  machmtry 
for  the  mawrfaeture  rf  hrivkt,  tUet,  quarries, 
tubes,  and  other  such  like  articles.  Applica- 
tion dated  June  20, 1854.    (No.  1854.) 

The  inventor,  by  means  of  certain  ma- 
chinery, manufactures  hollow  bricks,  tiles, 
tubes,  pipes,  &c.,  from  clay  or  brick  earth, 
in  a  dry  or  partially  dry  state,  reduced  to 
powder,  and  intimately  mixed  with  sand, 
ashes,  or  whatever  substance  it  may  be 
deemed  needful  to  employ  by  means  of 
pressure. 

Donald,  Willtau,  and  William  He- 
GIN  BOTH  AM,  power-loom  managers  for  John 
Ferguson  and  Co.,  both  of  Carlisle,  Cum- 
berland. Certain  improeements  in  looms.  Ap- 
plication dated  June  21 ,  1864.    (No.  1 855.) 

This  invention  has  reference  to  a  certain 
arrangement  of  apparatus  whereby  the 
weights,  ropes,  and  levers  ordinarily  em- 
ployed in  weaving  looms  for  producing  the 
necessary  friction  to  the  force-beam  are  dis- 
pensed with. 

Shaw,  James  Whitworth,  of  Birming- 
ham, Warwick,  merchant.  Improvements  in 
apparatus  or  machinery  for  prodsuing  motive 
power,  (A  communication.)  Application 
dated  June  21,  1854.    (No.  1360.) 

This  invention  consists  "  In  a  certain  ar- 
rangement and  combination  of  an  axle  with 
a  system  of  shifting  radial  arms  or  levers 
furnished  with  weights,  and  maintaining  a 
motive  power  by  the  force  of  gravity  alone 
without  any  other  agent  than  mechanism." 

Parsons,  William,  of  Paradise-street, 
Lambeth,  Surrey,  engineer.  Improvements 
in  rotatory  engines.  Application  dated  June 
26,1854.    (No.  1364.) 

This  invention  consists  in  employing  a 
moveable  cylinder  in  such  manner  that 
when  the  ensine  is  at  work,  the  cylinder 
may  constantly  change  its  position,  and  be 
eccentric  to  its  axis,  which  retains  a  station- 
ary position,  but  rotates  within  the  cylinder, 
**  and  in  such  manner  that  the  piston  which 
is  fixed  to  the  axis  will  be  pressed  on  and 
moved  continuously  by  the  same  steam." 


Stidolph,  William,  machinist,  of  Win- 
toun-place,  Greenwich,  Kent.  A  transfer' 
abie  book  marker.  Application  dated  June 
22,  1854.    (No.  1366.) 

The  inventor  bends  a  narrow  strip  of 
metal  or  other  elastic  material  double,  so  as 
to  fbrm  a  spring,  which  is  intended  to  clasp 
the  cover,  back,  or  leaves  of  a  book ;  and 
at  the  bend  of  this  spring  attaches  one  or 
more  ribbons  or  strings,  which  are  used  as 
marks  between  the.  leaves.  He  sometimes 
elongates  one  blsde  of  the  spring,  which 
may  be  then  used  as  a  paper  knife. 

Yatbb,  Thomas  Chadwick,  of  Bolton- 
le- Moors,  Lancaster,  cabinet  maker,  /m- 
provements  in  wickets  for  the  game  of  cricket. 
Application  dated  June  22, 1854.  (No.l367.) 

This  invention  consists  in  connecting  the 
three  stumps,  forming  part  of  the  wicket,  to 
a  stand  by  means  of  springs  of  vulcanized 
India  rubber,  or  other  suitable  material, 
so  that  after  the  stumps  are  struck,  by  the 
cricket  ball  or  otherwise,  they  resume  their 
perpendicular  positions. 

Brown,  William  Henry,  of  Wardsend 
Steel  Works,  near  Sheffield,  York,  steel 
roller  and  manufacturer.  Jn  improvement 
in  the  construction  ff  furnaces  for  the  melting 
of  steel  and  other  metals  requiring  a  crucible 
in  the  melting  thererfi  Application  dated 
June  22,  1854.    (No.  1370.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  portable  furnace* 
coated  with  a  subsUnce  capable  of  resisting 
intense  heat,  and  suspended  by  axes  in  its 
sides  upon  a  carriage  running  on  wheels  or 
rollers.  This  furnace  is  to  receive  the 
crucible,  and,  along  with  its  carriage,  is  to 
be  drawn  out  from  under  the  flues  or  stack, 
the  melted  metal  being  poured  therefrom 
into  the  ingot  moulds,  by  the  entire  furnace 
(crucible  included)  being  tilted  by  means  of 
a  pulley  or  block. 

LooAN,  George  Fox,  of  Glasgow,  La- 
nark, boiler  maker.  Improvements  in  porta^ 
ble  winches.  Application  dated  June  22, 
1854.    (No.  1375.) 

This  invention  consists  of  an  arrange- 
ment for  increaaing  the  adaptability  of 
the  ordinary  crab,  or  similar  winches. 

Ermen,  Godfrey,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster,  cotton  spinner.  Certain  improvements 
in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  winding  yams 
or  threads.  Application  dated  June  22, 
1854.    (No.  1378.) 

In  this  invention  the  yarn  or  thread  is 
wound  on  to  the  cards  by  means  of  "  flyers," 
which  are  set  in  motion  by  small  wheels, 
such  wheels  and  "  flyers  "  being  regulated 
by  other  gearins,  which  stays  their  motion 
after  any  given  length  of  yarn  is  wound  on. 
By  this  arrangement  the  inventor  is  enabled, 
he  says,  *'  to  wind-either  one  sinele  card  or 
a  number  of  cards  or  suitable  substitutes  at 
the  same  time.*' 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


FBOmiOVAL  ntOTBCTlONS* 


45 


Db  FONTAI1IBUORE1.U,  PSTBR  ArMANO 

Lbcomtb,  of  South-Street,  London,  /m- 
pnmmemU  m  maekiMnf  for  the  mtmrfaeture 
rf  mnU*  (Acoimniiiiieation.)  Application 
dKted  June  23,  1854.    (No.  1382.) 

The  machinerjr  described  by  the  inventor 
consiBU  of  two  cylinder!,  in  the  lower  of 
which  «  groove  is  made,  each  of  the  three 
internal  sides  of  which  groove  has  the  form 
of  one  side  of  a  nail ;  "  the  three  tides  being 
united,  present  the  form  of  the  three  sides 
of  a  nail,  and  the  groove  being  divided  into 
six  parts,  aflbrde  the  space  for  six  nails." 

Brbtfub  -  Wbrth,  SalomoK,  and 
Pierre  Meunicr,  of  Saiote  Marie-aux- 
Mines  (Haut  Rhin),  France.  A  new  or  im- 
proved extern  rf  applying  design*  to  all 
kmd*  rf  fabrics,  and  ^  surfaces  ef  wood, 
marble,  and  stone.  Application  dated  June 
23.1854.    (No.  1384.) 

Fabrics  or  other  substances,  after  being 
subjected  to  one  or  more  baths  for  render- 
ing them  sensitive,  are  well  washed  and 
dried.  The  designs  to  be  reproduced  on  the 
surface  are  then  laid  on  it  in  a  suitable  man- 
ner, and  the  whole  or  part  of  the  surface 
thus  treated  is  exposed  to  the  action  of 
solar  light  during  A  few  moments.  The 
surface,  naving  thus  received  the  image  or 
outline  of  the  design,  may  have  any  re- 
quired tint  given  to  it  by  the  usual  pro- 


WsiLD,  John,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
marina  surveyor.  Improoemenis  in  prevent^ 
img  the  drainage  waste  rf  cargoes  an  skip^ 
board.  Application  dated  June  23,  1834. 
(No.  1387.)  .    , 

Th»  invention  "  is  carried  into  practical 
effect  by  caulking,  or  otherwise  rendering 
perfectly  tight  the  lining  or  ceiling  of  the 
chip,  so  as  to  prevent  leaked  matter  from 
mixing  with  the  bilge  water.  Or  the  same 
thing  may  be  effected  by  arranging  tanks 
or  other  receptacles  for  the  drainage  mat- 
ter to  flow  into." 

Keybe,  John,  of  Apollo-buildings,  Wal- 
worth, Surrey,  gentleman.  An  improved 
method  tf  loading  muskets,  r'^s,  carbines, 
pistois,  and  all  descriptions  qf  small  arms, 
Kith  cartridge,  without  applying  the  cartridge 
to  the  mouth.  Application  dated  June  23, 
1834.    (No.  1388.) 

This  invention  consists  in  "  making 
grooves  round  the  top  and  the  outside  of 
the  barrel  of  the  small-arm,  and  round  the 
top  and  outside  of  the  socket  of  the  bayonet 
or  sword  to  be  atUched  to  the  small-arm," 
so  that  by  placing  the  top  or  end  of  the 
cartridge  on  the  top  and  outside  of  the  bar- 
rel of  the  piece,  the  end  of  the  cartridge 
may  be  removable  by  hand. 

LiOHTBowN,  Henry,  of  Pendleton, 
Lancaster,  paper  stainer.  Improvements  in 
drying  pulp  in  the  mant^acture  qf  paper,  also 


paper-hangings  and  printed  textile  fabrics. 
Application  dated  June  24,  1854.  (No. 
1393.) 

This  improvement  consists  in  causing  the 
materials  to  be  dried  to  pass  over  plates,  or 
through  chambers,  heated  by  a  number  of 
jeu  of  gas. 


PEOVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 
DaUd  October  6,  1834. 

2140.  Andrew  Smith,  of  Princet-itraet,  Middle- 
lez,  elvU  engineer.  An  improved  aaJiBty-eage  and 
appantut  for  miners. 

Dated  December  16,  1834. 
S647.  Daniel  Chandler  Hewitt,  of  Richmond, 
Snrrey,  profetaor  of  music.    Improrementa  in  the 
construction  of  pianofortes. 

2649.  John  Sjrkea,  of  Hnddersfldd,  York,  ma- 
ehine-maker.  Improvementa  in  piecing-machincs , 
a  part  of  which  nnprovements  are  applicahle  to 
other  similar  purposes. 

2«ftl.  Thomaa  Forshaw,  of  Manchester,  Lancaa- 
ter,  calendcrer.  Improvements  in  machinery  or 
apparatus  for  beetling  woven  ikbrica. 

2663.  James  Fenton,  of  Low  Moor,  York,  cItU 
engineer.  Imorovements  in  the  manufacture  of 
axles,  pistons,'rods,  and  shafts,  girders,  and  other 
like  articles. 

2655.  Robert  Lucas  Chance,  of  Birmingham.  An 
Improvement  in  the  manufacture  of  glass. 

M57.  Juliana  Martin,  of  Soho-square,  London. 
A  safety-apparatus  for  eDhctually  cleaning  win- 
dows from  the  ln»ide  of  s  room. 

Dated  December  18, 1834. 

2650.  Maria  Morrison,  of  Chelsea,  Middlesex.  A 
mode  of  preserving  inscriptions  and  paintings  on 
glass,  applicable  for  monumental  and  other  tab- 

2663.  Robert  Von  Seckendorff,  of  St.  Helen's, 
Lancaster,  manufacturing  chemist.  ImproTe- 
roents  in  concentrating  and  distilling  sulphuric 
acid. 

2665.  Thomas  Hart,  of  George-street,  Glasgow, 
foreman  to  Messrs.  David  and  John  Anderson,  ma- 
nufEictnrers.  ImprovemenUin  Jacquard  apparatus 
for  treating.  __,  ^     ., 

2667.  James  Cunningham,  of  west  Arthunie, 
Renfrew,  North  BriUin,  bleacher.  Improvements 
in  starching  textile  fabrics.  _ 

2660.  James  Pritchard,  of  Ponsea,  Hampshire. 
CerUin  improvements  In  the  construction  of  screw 
propellers. 

Dated  October  19,  1854. 

2670.  Auguste  Fran$oia  Joseph  Favrel,  of  Paris, 
gold-beater.  A  new  machine  for  beating  preeious 
metals,  applicable  to  leather  and  to  forging. 

2672.  Jean  Baptiste  Palgulbrc,  engineer,  of  Mar- 
seille, French  Empire.  Certain  improvements  in 
apparatus  and  maciOnery  for  propelling  boats  and 
vessels  on  water.  ^   „,jji 

2673.  John  Avery,  of  Essex-street,  Middlesex. 
Improvements  in  machinery  for  cutting  metallle 
bars.  A  communication  fTom  Samuel  Hall,  of  New 
York,  United  Statea  of  America. 

2674.  Frederick  Robert  Augustus  Glover,  of 
Bnry-street,  Westminster,  M.A.  Improvements  In 
or  applicable  to  the  construclion  of  eanlages. 

2675.  Joseph  Gorton  Briggs,  of  Ktngslaad,  Mid- 
dlesex, gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  manu- 
facture of  fuel. 

2676.  James  Langridge  and  Richard  Langridge, 
of  Bristol.    Improvementa  in  stays  or  corsets. 

2677.  Joeeph  Tucker,  of  <3nlnea-street,  Bristol, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


46 


NOTICES  OF  lATJWTiON  TO  PROOEED. 


■hip-buIIder.  An  IttproTement  in  the  oonstnielion 

of  ships  for  saving  persons  in  case  of  shipwreck. 

2678.  Joseph  Quick,  of  Sumner-street,  Sonth- 
wark,  clril  engineer.  Improvements  in  the  con- 
struction of  ftimaces. 

Dated  December  20,  1854. 

2679.  William  Bittleston,  senior,  of  Mary-street, 
Middlesex,  architectural  and  engineering  draughts- 
man.   Improvements  in  ploughs. 

2680.  R.  B.  HuVgens,  of  Holland.  Improvements 
in  ordnance  and  fire-arms,  and  in  the  projectiles  to 
he  used  therewith. 

2681  John  Paul,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  pa- 
per-stainer. Improvementt  in  machinery  or  appa- 
ratus for  colouring  or  staining  the  surfaces  of 
paper,  leather,  woven  fabrics,  and  similar  mate- 
riaJs. 

2682.  John  Higgins,  of  Oldham.  Lancaster,  en- 
gineer. Improvements  in  steam  boilers,  and  appa- 
ratus connected  therewith,  parts  of  which  improve- 
ments are  applicable  to  valves  and  steam  indica- 
tors. 

2684.  William  Milner,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
fireproof-safe  manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
safes,  and  other  such  depositories,  and  further  im- 
provements in  the  locks  of  the  same. 

2686.  Alexander  Cochrane,  of  Kirkton  Bleach 
Works,  Renfrew,  North  Britain,  bleacher.  Im- 
provements in  starching  textile  fabrics. 

2686.  Richard  Whytock,  of  Edinburgh,  and  Tho- 
mas Preston,  of  Nottingham.  An  improvement  in 
the  manufacture  of  fabrics  by  twist-lace  machinery. 

2687.  George  Tomlinson  Bousfield,  of  Sussex- 
place,  Loughborough  -  road,  Brixton.  Improve- 
ments in  machinery  for  splitting  leather.  A  com- 
munication. 

2688.  Robert  Walker,  of  Glasgow,  merchant. 
Improvements  in  telegraphing. 

Dated  December  2},  1854. 

2689.  Thomas  and  Samuel  Baker,  of  Liverpool! 
Lancaster,  engineers.  Improvements  in  the  mode 
or  method  of  lifting  or  lowering  weights  or  heavy 
bodies  by  steam  or  hand  power. 

2690.  JohnYenables  and  Arthur  Mann,  of  Burs- 
lem,  Staflford,  earthenware  manufacturers.  Print- 
ing and  fixing  self  and  other  colours  in  china, 
earthenware,  parian,  gypsum,  stoneware,  bricks, 
blocks,  bats,  slabs,  tiles,  quarries,  glass,  metals, 
hardware,  gums  and  gummeoua  sulMtances,  and 
papier-roach6  ware. 

2691.  George  Bell,  of  Cannon-street  West,  Lon- 
don, and  George  Charles  Grimes,  of  Wandsworth, 
Surrey.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
lucifer  or  congreve  matches,  and  other  instanta- 
neous lights. 

2692.  William  Bertram,  of  Upper  Harden-street, 
Woolwich,  Kent.  Improvements  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  iron  ships,  steam  and  other  boilers,  bridges, 
and  other  structures  where  numerous  sheets  of 
iron  are  used. 

2693.  William  Greener,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, gun -maker.  Improvements  &  repeating 
military  rifles,  carl  ines,  and  pistols,  and  in  cart- 
ridges to  be  used  therewith. 

2694.  Henry  Render,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
night-lighU. 

2696.  Gustavo  Iren^  Sculfort,  manuflacturer,  of 
Maubeuge,  French  Empire.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  manufoetnring  screw-plates. 

2697.  Jabez  Smith,  of  Bedford,  silk-mercer.  An 
improved  buckle  or  Aistening. 

2698.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's4nn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
the  manufteture  of  railway  and  other  wheels.  A 
communication  flrom  Hippolite  Ullysse  Petin  and 
Jean  Marie  Gaudet,  of  Rive  de  Gier,  France,  ma- 
nufhoturers. 

2699.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Linooln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.    Improvements  in 


the  application  of  the  eleetrotype  or  galvano-plAstIc 
processes.  A  communication  from  Etienne  iSenolr, 
of  Paris,  France,  galvanlzer. 

Dated  December  22,  1854. 

2700.  Louis  Joseph  Fr£dMe  Margnerltte,  che- 
mist, of  Paris,  France.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  sulphuric  acid. 

2702.  John  Hunt,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
brass-founder.  An  improvement  or  improvements 
in  illumination. 

2704.  Robert  Ashworth,  of  Rochdale,  Lancaster, 
engineer,  and  Samuel  Stott,  cotton-spinner,  also  of 
Rochdale,  Lancftster.  Improvements  in  machinery 
for  preparing,  tpinning,  an^l  doubling  fibrous  sub- 
stances. 

2706.  Edward  Loyscl,  of  Rue  de  Gretry,  Paris, 
France,  civil  engineer.  An  improved  apparatus 
for  cooking  or  preparing  edible  substances. 

2708.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lineoln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentlemsn.  Improvements  in 
electro-magnetic  engines.  A  communication  from 
Thomas  C.  Avery,  of  New  York,  United  States  of 
America. 

2710.  Felix  Marie  Baudouin,  of  Paris.  France. 
Improved  means  of  isolating  and  testing  the  isola- 
tion of  the  wires  of  electric  telegraphs. 

Dated  December  23,  1854. 

2712.  Barthtflemy  Martin  Giroux,  of  Liege,  Bel- 
glum,  locksmith  and  mechanician.  Improvemente 
in  the  construction  of  locks. 

2714.  John  Francis  Porter,  of  Besborough-street, 
Middlesex,  civil  engineer..  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  bricks  and  tiles. 

2716.  John  McKelvey,  of  Belfast,  Antrim,  Ire- 
land. Certain  improvements  applicable  to  spin- 
ning, twisting,  and  roving  or  slubbing  flax  and 
other  fibrous  substances. 

2718.  Charles  Henfrey,  of  Turin,  Sardinia,  civil 
engineer^  Improvements  in  the  constnirtion  of 
ridlways  for  steep  gradients,  and  in  the  machinery 
or  apparatus  employed  therein  or  connected  there- 
with. A  communication  from  Signor  Pasquale 
Delorenai,  of  Turin,  Sardinia. 


PATENT  APPLIED  FOR  WITH  COMPLETE 
SPECIFICATION. 

2764.  Samuel  Smith  Shipley,  of  Stoke  Newing- 
ton,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  fittings  suit- 
able for  dressing-cases,  and  for  other  purposes  of 
elegance  and  utility.    December  SO,  1854. 

1.  Epaminonda  Frascara,  of  Alessandria,  Pied- 
mont, now  of  Alfred  place,  Bedford  square.  A 
voltaic  pile,  and  of  the  appllcatioa  of  its  electric 
fluid  either  to  the  decomposition  of  water,  or  to 
enable  the  gases  to  r:  place  the  steam  power  actually 
in  use.    January  1,  1855. 


NOTICES   OF  INTENTION   TO 
PROCEED. 

{From  the  ** London  Gazette,"  January  9tt, 
1855.) 

1880.  Thomas  McNally.    Improvements  appli. 
cable  to  window-sashes  or  shutters. 

190).  Julian  Bernard.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  combs. 

1908.  John  Macmillan  Dunlop.    Improvemeuts 
in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  preparing,  cleaning, 
and  cuttins  India-rubber  and  gutta  percha.  Partly 
a  communication. 
.    1914.  James  Danks.    An  improvement  or  im- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WXEXLT  IIBT  OW  PATENTS. 


47 


CBTKnento  in  tnkttandt,  wbieh  imiiMTeineiit  or 
proTemmts  may  also  be  appUod  to  the  itoppen 
of  bottlee,  the  packing  of  piitont,  and  other  Jlke 


1919.  Henry  Bemonlli  Barlow.  Improyements 
In  machinery  for  cleaning  cotton  and  other  fibrous 
mnterlals.    A  communication. 

1927.  Janice  Parker.  An  improTement  or  Im- 
prorements  in  the  smoke-boxes  of  locomotiTe 
engines. 

I94S.  John  Henry  Pape.  ItnproTements  in  wind 
musical  Instruments. 

1851.  Paul  Adolphe  Oamaud.  Improvements  in 
oeitain  gasogene  apparatus  used  for  the  production 
of  aBrated  liquids. 

19T0.  Achille  Ouyardin.  The  use  of  a  certain 
ibrons  matter  for  the  manufiieture  of  paper  and 
pasteboard. 

1990.  Attguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford.  tm- 
proTcments  in  electro-magnetic  clocks.  A  com- 
munication. 

1999.  Alfred  Wilson  and  George  Wilson.  Im- 
prorements  in  knitting  machinery. 

2070.  Thomas  Clayton  and  Robert  Harrop.  Im- 
proTements  in  ornamenting  wood,  and  in  the  ma- 


chinery or  apparatus  connected  therewith. 
2089.  Charles  William  Lancaster.  Impro^ 
in  flre-arms  and  in  cartridges  to  boused  therewith. 


2091.  Louis  Beer.  Certain  improvements  in 
nnchlnery  for  shearing  piled  terry  or  ndsed  fabrics. 

2121.  Alfred  Vinoent  Newton.  Improvements 
to  mocive-power  engines,  applicable  to  the  work- 
ing of  thor  valves,  and  to  the  conversion  of  the 
reeiproestfttng  motion  of  such  engines  into  rotary 
motion.    A  communication. 

2180.  Edward  John  Seville.  An  Improvement 
In  the  manufacture  of  hats.    A  communication. 

2205.  John  Henry  Pape.  Improvements  in  the 
mannflMStUTe  of  boots  and  shoes. 

2590.  Eugtoe  Antoine  L6pine.  Certain  powders 
and  collyrinm  for  curing  the  diseases  of  the  eve, 
without  the  use  of  surgical  operations,  to  which 
Invention  be  has  given  the  name  of  "Lupine's 
Ophthalnuriioglcal  Powders  and  Collyrlum." 

2442.  George  Tomilnson  Bousfleld.  Improve- 
ments in  preventbig  incrustation  in  steam  boilers. 
A  communication.  " 

2471.  William  Arlstideo  V6rel.  Improvemento 
In  grinding  or  pulverising  bones. 

2503.  Thomas  Restell.  Improvements  In  um- 
breUaa,  parasols,  and  cases  or  ccvers,  and  walking- 
sticks. 

2530.  Thomas  Restell.    Improvements  in  guns. 

2577.  Thomas  Metcadfe.  An  improved  construc- 
tion of  bath  chair. 

2017.  John  Hesmith.  The  man.'.faoture  of  wire 
netttog  and  wire  fence  by  power. 

2094.  Samuel  Fisher.  CcrUin  *  improvements 
in  ordnance,  and  in  machinery  and  apparatus  to 
be  employed  in  manufacturing  the  same. 

2027.  Thomas  Hsimes.  Improvements  in  warp 
machinery. 

2030.  James  Redgate,  James  Thornton,  and 
Edwin  Ellis.  Improvements  in  machinery  for  the 
manufacture  of  laee  and  other  fsbrlcs. 

2003.  Robert  Yon  Seekendorff.  Improvements 
in  eoneeutrating  and  distilling  sulphuric  acid. 

2072.  Jean  Baptiste  Palgui^re.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  apparatus  and  machinery  for  propelling 
boats  and  vessels  on  water. 

2078.  Joseph  Quick.  Improvements  in  the  con- 
struction of  fUmaees. 

2085.  Alexander  Cochrane.  Improvements  in 
sUrehfaig  textile  fabrics. 

2080.  Richard  Whytock  and  Thomas  Preston. 
An  improvement  in  the  manufiieture  of  ftibrics  by 
twist  laee  machinery. 

2088.  Robert  Walker.    ImprovemenU  in  tele- 


"iSifS;- 


9090.  John  Henry  .Johnson.  Improvemento  in 
the  maanfteture  of  railway  and  other  wheels.  A 
communication  from  Hippolite  Ulysse  Petin  and 


Jean  Bfarle  Gaudet,  of  Rive  de  Gier,  Fnaee,  ma- 

nufacturers. 

2708.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
electro-magnetic  engines.  A  communication  from 
Thomas  C.  Avery,  of  New  York,  United  States  of 
America. 

1.  Epaminonda  Fraseara.  A  voltaic  pile,  and  of 
the  application  of  its  elastio  fluid  either  to  the  de- 
composition of  water,  or  to  enable  the  gases  to 
replace  the  steam  power  actually  in  use. 

Oppositiou  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  paitieo  in  the 
above  List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  Gazette  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
missioners'-office  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  applicntion. 


NOTICE  OF  APPLICATION  FOR  LEAVE 
TO  ENTER  DISCLAIMER. 

An  application  has  been  made  to  Her  Majesty's 
Attorney-general  by  Charlotte  Smith,  wife  of  Jabes 
Smith,  of  Bedford,  for  leave  to  enter  a  disclaimer 
for  the  purpose  of  disclaiming  a  certain  part  of  the 
specification  of  a  patent  granted  to  her,  14tb  May, 
1849,  for  "improvements  in  certain  articles  of 
wearing  apparel." 


•▼- 

WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 

Sealed  January  5,  1855. 
1499.  Joseph  Ellisdon. 
1521.  William    Houghton    and    Robert 

Hoyle. 
1591.  Richard  Roberts. 
1681.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton. 
1841.  William  Johnson. 
1917.  George  Lewis. 
2227.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fon- 

tainemoreau. 
2327.  Charles  Hargrove. 
2357.  Thomas  Metcalfe. 
2883.  Frederick  Smith. 

Sealed  January  8,  1855. 
1502.  William    Robertson    and    Robert 

Crighton. 
1506.  Felix  Lieven  Bauwens. 

Sealed  January  9,  1855. 
1517.  Thomas  Richards  Harding. 
1536.  Arthur  James  Lane. 
1538.  John  Greenwood  and  Robert  Smith. 
1540.  Edwin  Travis. 
1546.  William  Bishop. 
1552.  Astley  Paston  Price. 
1622.  John  Henry  Johnson. 
1654.  Franguls  Desiri  Molve  and  Pierre 

Martin. 
1720.  John  Cunningham. 
1730.  Samuel  Lucas. 
1746.  Jean  Bantiste  Ambroise  Marcelin 

Jobard. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


48 


N0TIGS8  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


1978.  John  Norton. 

2370.  Edme  Augustin  Chameroy. 

2384.  George  Roas. 

The  above  PatenU  all  bear  date  aa  of  the 
day  on  which  Proviaional  Protection  waa 
granted  for  the  aeveral  inventions  men- 
tioned therein. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 

M,  /.  Bummkwer,  anthor  of  the  "  M^tht  du 
Sgrtiwu  PlaniMrt  DhtoiM,"  wrltet  tnta  Bnit- 
Mto  in  refutation  of  Mr.  Maihet's  remarks  upon 
the  Rotation  of  the  Moon ;  hut  we  do  not  intend 
re>openinK  that  question  at  pretent.  lie  offen  to 
■end  an  article,  "5«r  d'auire$  erreura  tnaeignSea 
par  Vmslronomie  ^m^urd^hui,'*  wbteh  we  shall 
be  Rlad  to  receive. 

F.  E,  W.  wishes  to  know  if  any  of  our  corre- 


spondents can  inform  him  why  Perkins's  sleam 
gnn  is  now  capable  of  throwing  no  more  than  60 
balls  per  minute,  seeing  that,  thirty  years  ago,  it 
was  represented  by  scientific  Journals,  on  the  au- 
thority of  the  late  Mr.  Perkins,  to  be  capable  of 
protlecting  upwards  of  400  in  that  time.  "  F.  S.  W." 
also  states  that  Mr.  Perkins  was  then  convineed 
that  a  steam  engine  might  be  made  to  throw  a  ball 
of  a  ton  weifht  from  Dover  to  Calais. 

/.  ThomUntwn.~~Ywx  must  send  ns  the  date  of 
the  patent  you  refer  to,  as  well  aa  the  number,  be- 
fore we  can  answer  your  first  qneation.  The  Lam 
T%mu  will  probably  furnish  you  with  the  report 
yon  refer  to;  we  do  not  know  how  else  you  can 
obUin  it. 

A.  F.— It  wiU  not  be  nosaible  for  you  to  complete 
your  studies  as  a  civil  engineer  unless  you  put 
yourself  in  communication  with  some  gentleman 
of  that  profession.  The  acquiremenu  you  say  you 
possess  i^ord  an  admirable  basis  for  the  knowledge 
you  will  have  to  gain.  If  you  pleaae,  we  will  Air- 
nish  you  with  a  list  of  books  you  womld  do  well  to 
study. 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


Bayliss's  Patent  Smokeless  Furnace  — («iM 

enaravimgi)  m....  S5 

On  Permanent  Ways— (Review)  27 

On  the  Incrustation  of  Steam  Boilers.    By  M. 

Coust^  20 

Forsyth's  Improved  Furnace  and  Boiler— (tp«A 

an  engraving)  81 

Burch's  Improved  Safety-ships— (wiM  an  m- 

gravhag) ^ 82 

Improvement  in  Ounnefy  88 

M'Cormick's  Reaping-machine—Infringement 

of  Mr.  M'Cormick's  Patent 84 

Improvement  in  Account-books— {m'/A  an  m- 

eravliiff  ).•..•••...•••.... •M.M.....M  •.••••*•..... •..*...•  84 

On  ParlumenUry  Smoke... 85 

On  Launching  Ships 86 

On  Ordnance  and  Onnpowder 87 

The  RIfie,  and  Expanding  Rifle  Shot 88 

Remarks  on  a  New  Steam  Generator  Burn- 
ing Pure  Hydrogen 88 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Piled : 

Bellford Water-mills 88 

Henry Permanent  Way 88 

Meats Regulating  Sound 88 

Weber Chronometers 80 

Oliver ...Signal- lantern 80 

Bogue Afllzing  Stamps 80 

Worrall Carding-machinery 80 

Brunton Metallic  Pistons 80 

Re  ves  at  Wells  ....Metallic  Tubes  .  80 

Day Candlesticks  80 

Stephen  at  Pimie.. .Templates v 80 

Clayton  &  Shuttle- 
worth  Thrashing-machines ...  40 

Reeres Manure  Drills... 40 

Chittenden Sewing  Machines 40 

Newton Pigments  40 

M'Innis Coating  Iron  Ships 40 

Physick Electric  Telegraphs  ...  40 

Dembinski Heating  Apparatus  ....  40 

Newton Stenm 40 

Rhodes M.Sehool-slntes 40 

Stableford Breaks 41 

Heather...... Gas  Regulator 41 

Simpson Furnaces  41 

Blashfleld China.  Potteir,  ftc 41 

Cowper Combing  Machinery  ...  41 

Bellford Forging  Metals 41 

Smith Watch-keys 41 

Bellford Grate-bars 41 


Price  Alloys  of  Tin  41 

Price Purifying  Tin 4! 

Farrell Fire-proof  Flooring,  fto.  4f 

Phillips ...Reaping  Machine 42 

Knab Carburets  of  Hydrogen  42 

Bellford  Propelling 42 

Bellford Fibrous  Materials 42 

Rudd Barrel  Stands 42 

Dimsdale  ..Manufacturing  Gas  ...  42 

Oabom Breech-loacUngGuna...  42 

Provisional  Speciflcatiens  not  Proceeded  with : 

Fell  ft  Cooke Bottles  and  Stoppers^.  42 

Anderson Railways...* 42 

Westlake  ..Separating  Ores 43 

Bauer Propelling 42 

Dartiguenave......  A6iial  Navigation  ......  4S 

Schlessinger Maps  and  Cbarta 43 

Riley Pocket-books  43 

Acland  Paper 48 

Holt  ft  Foster Paper 42 

Jesson Hydn^apher     Baro- 
meter   43 

Monaani ^....Brushes  and  Brooms...  43 

Bralthwaite Suspension  Roofs,  ftc.  43 

McLaine Gunboats 44 

Byerley Bricks 44 

Donald  ft   Hegin-  . 

botham Looms 44 

Shaw Motive  Power.. 44 

Parsons ,...m... Rotary  Engines 44 

Stidolph.. Book-markers 44 

Yates Cricket  WIckeU 44 

Brown  Furnaces 44 

Logan ^ Portable  Winches  ......  44 

Ermen Winding  Machinery  ...  44 

Do    Fontainemo- 

reau Nails 45 

Drevfus-Werth  ft  I  Applying   Designs  to 

Meunier /    Surfaces... 45 

WeUd Merchant  Veoseis  ......  45 

Keyse Loading  Fire-arms......  45 

Lightbown  Drying  Pulp 45 

Provisional  Protections  45 

Patent  Applied  for  with  Complete  Bpeelflca- 

tion  M.. ..M ....M.  46 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Prooeed..........M.........  46 

Notice  of  Application  for  leave  to  Enter  Dis- 
claimer  , 47 

LUt  of  Sealed  Patents 47 

Notices  to  Correspondents ..., 48 


LONDON :  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166  Fleet-street, 
In  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Gailgnani,  Rue  Vivienoe,  Paris;  Machln,  and  Co, 
Dublin ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Ptfjfanifs'  pap^be. 


No.  1641.]        SATURDAY,  JANUARY  20,  1855.         [  !■''«»<' 


SUmpel  4d. 
Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  IM,  Fleet-street. 


LAMPORT'S  IMPROVEMENTS  IN  SHIPBUILDING. 
Fig.  1,  Fig.  2. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


50 

LAMPORT»S  IMPROVEMENTS  IN  MACHINERY  USED  IN  SHIP- 

BUILDING. 

(Patent  d4t«4  Febnuiry  25, 1854.) 

Mr.  Lamport,  of  Workington,  ship-builder,  has  patented  an  arrangement  of  machinery 
which  is  intended  to  supply  the  place  of  hand  labour  in  several  of  the  operations  practised 
by  the  builders  of  ships. 

In  preparing  the  frame  of  a  ship,  the  builder  usually  trims  the  timbers  which  are  to  com- 
pose  it  to  the  shapes  and  sizes  required  by  the  form  of  the  ship  by  means  of  manual  labour, 
as  they  lie  upon  the  ground«  He  then  hoists  them  into  their  places,  and  after  arranging 
them  as  accurately  as  possible,  by  means  of  harpins,  ribands,  shores,  &o.,  trimi  off  from 
them,  by  means  of  adzes,  any  irregularities  that  may  have  arisen  from  defective  moulding 
and  bevelling,  or  fVom  the  straining  of  the  frames,  so  that  they  shall  present  a  fair  surface 
to  the  plank  that  is  afterwards  brought  upon  them.  Instead  of  proceeding  in  this  manner, 
Mr.  Lamport  roughs  the  timbers  out  with  an  axe  ox  a  ^w,  and  in  this  state  pute  the  frames 
together,  and,  when  in  place,  reduces  them  to  the  mouldings  and  beyellings  (marked  on 
each  from  the  moulds  in  the  ordinary  way),  by  means  of  revolving  cutters  or  planing  irons, 
set  in  motion  by  steam  or  other  motive  power.  For  thij  purpose  he  employs  an  ordinary 
railway  for  a  travelling  crane  to  run  the  whole  length  of  the  slip  on  which  the  ship  is  to  be 
built.  Upon,  and  pendant  from,  the  transverse  carriage,  he  has  a  moveable  frame  to  sus- 
tain the  pullies,  shafts,  wheels,  and  apparatus  necessary  to  give  motion  to  the  cutters,  which 
are  so  arranged  as  to  move  up  and  down  the  pendant  frame,  so  as  to  adjust  them  to  the 
required  height  on  the  frame  of  the  ship,  while  the  travelling  carriage  will  carry  the  frame 
along  the  ship's  side,  as  may  be  necessary.  He  communicates  motion  to  the  puUies  and 
cutters  by  means  of  shafts  or  continuous  bands,  either  at  the  level  of  the  railway,  or  at  any 
advisable  height  upon  the  pendant  frame,  and  capable  of  being  raised  or  lowered  as  required. 
He  also  employs  the  machinery  to  bore  the  bolt  and  treenail  holes  in  the  frames  and  planks 
of  the  ship,  by  the  substitution  of  centre-bits,  augers,  or  other  borers,  in  place  of  the  cutters. 
He  further  employs  the  machinery  to  dress  and  plane  the  planks  on  the  ship,  the  stanchions, 
bulwarks,  and  other  parts,  and  to  mould  the  rails,  gunwales,  and  other  parts,  ai  well  as  to 
plane  or  fair  the  flat  of  the  deck  ;  and  he  uses  the  same  machinery  to  bore  the  holes  in  the 
plates  and  angle  irons,  and  other  parts  of  iron  ships,  when  in  place,  so  as  to  ensure  the  exact 
coincidence  of  the  several  holes  in  the  different  parts. 

Figs.  1  and  2  represent  elevations,  partly  in  section,  of  the  machine,  and  figa»  3  and  4  are 
plans,  also  partly  in  section,  of  the  upper  and  lower  parts  of  it.  "-Upon  the  cross  carriage, 
A,  of  an  ordinary  travelling  crane,"  says  the  inventor,  **  the  railway  for  which  may  be  car- 
ried along  the  heads  of  strong  stage  poles,  or  the  supports  of  a  shed  covering  the  slip,  is 
placed  a  small  carriage,  B,  on  four  wheels,  in  the  middle  of  which,  and  between  the  sides 
of  Che  cross  carriage,  A,  is  a  circular  iron  frame,  C,  to  which  are  attached,  or  through  sta- 
pies  in  which  may  slide  up  or  down,  four  pendants  of  wood  or  iron,  D,  D.  The  top  of  C  ia 
formed  by  a  flange  which  rests  upon  and  freely  turns  in  a  strong  iron  ring,  O,  supported  oy 
the  trunnions  or  pivots,  H,  H,  resting  on  the  carriage,  B.  In  the  ring,  or  in  the  flange,  are 
four  or  more  rollers,  I,  I,  so  that  the  frame,  C,  with  its  pendants,  D,  D,  can  freely  turn  on 
its  own  axis,  or  swing  on  the  pivots,  H,  H.  Placed  within  the  iron  frame,  C,  is  a  grooved 
pulley,  K,  driven  by  the  rope,  L,  which  extends  the  whole  length  of  the  slipway,  ana  which 
is  kept  in  its  relative  position  to  the  frame,  C,  by  guide  puUies  and  a  weighted  pulley  at  the 
farthest  extremity.  Connected  with  K  are  the  wheel  and  pinion,  M  and  N,  and  the  pulley, 
O,  which  by  the  strap,  P,  drives  the  planing  shaft,  Q,  and  the  boring  shaft,  R.  These  are 
attached  to  a  frame  and  platform,  S,  which  slide  up  and  down  the  pendants,  D,  by  means  of 
a  winch,  T,  and  ropes  or  racks,  so  as  to  adjust  the  cutters  and  drills  to  their  required  posi- 
tion on  the  ship's  side;  or  instead  of  the  said  frame,  S^  sliding  upon  the  pendants,  I  propose 
to  fix  it  to  the  bottom  of  the  said  pendants,  and  cause  them  by  the  action  of  the  winch,  T, 
to  slide  up  through  the  frame,  C,  by  which  means  the  said  platform,  &c.,  will  be  always 
above  and  out  of  the  way  of  the  stages  required  along  a  ship's  side.  Motion  fore  and  aft 
the  ship  is  caused  by  the  rotation  of  the  square  shaft,  Vf,  and  pulley,  Y,  acting  upon  the 
stationary  rope,  Z.  The  rope  being  fixed  at  the  stem  and  stern  post  of  the  ship,  will  oblige 
the  carriage,  B,  nud  frame,  C,  &c.,  to  follow  theturve  of  the  ship's  side  at  the  same  time 
they  move  longitudinally,  while  the  sheer  curve  or  curve  of  the  plank  upwards  is  followed 
by  the  guides  or  shoes,  £,  so  as  to  keep  the  cutters  in  their  proper  place  on  the  ship's  side 
as  the  machine  progresses.  The  shaft,  W,  can  be  stopped  or  made  to  reverse  ite  motion  by 
means  of  the  lever  and  rone,  X,  acting  upon  two  small  bevel  wheels.  The  plate  supporting 
the  pedestals  and  shafts,  Q  and  R,  is  intended  to  move  fore  and  aft,  so  as  to  allow  the  cut- 
ters, &c.,  to  clear  the  outside  of  the  pendants,  D,  D,  that  they  may  work  under  such  shores  or 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THE  "  SCIEiraiFIO   AMXRICAN." 


51 


props  18  may  be  r«qaiilte  to  support  the  frames,  and  also  angularly  by  the  handle  and  sorew, 
F,  so  as  to  adjust  the  cutters  to  a  greater  degree  of  nicety  than  can  be  done  by  the  turning 
of  the  whole  frame.  The  mode  of  working  is  as  follows : — The  ship's  frames  are  roughed 
out  without  regard  to  the  exact  bevelling  by  axe  or  common  vertical  or  circular  steam  saws, 
and  pot  together  without  dressing,  the  exact  curve  of  the  mould  being  marked  clearly  on 
the  moulding  edge  of  such  set  of  timbers.  The  frames  are  then  erected  in  the  ordinary  way 
with  strong  **  ribands,"  so  that  as  few  shores  as  possible  may  be  required,  and  a  few  bilge 
planks  inside  and  out  put  on,  and  firm  packings  put  under  the  bilges.  The  machine  can 
then  be  set  to  work.  The  guide-rope,  Y,  will  keep  the  apparatus  close  to  the  ship's  side  as 
it  moves  along,  while  the  guides,  £,  control  the  action  of  the  cutters  which  plane  the  tim- 
bers, until  the  surface  is  wrought  fair  with  the  moulding  line  on  each  timber.  By  this 
simple  prooeM  the  form  of  the  frame  and  the  true  bevelling  will  be  worked  correctly,  while 


Fig.  8. 


Fig.  4. 


the  outside  edges  of  the  cutters  are  planing  the  upper  edge  of  the  plank  to  any  given  angle 
with  the  perpendicular  surface  of  the  frame,  and  ensuring  a  correct  and  even  seam  for  caulk- 
ing. When  one  machine  only  is  at  work  on  a  ship,  the  carriage,  B,  must  be  pushed  to  the 
other  extremity  of  A,  to  the  other  side  of  the  ship,  and  the  frame,  C,  and  pendants  turned 
entirely  round  in  the  ring,  O,  the  driving  and  guide  ropes  having  been  previously  detached. 
In  the  wake  of  the  shores  the  machine  can  be  swung  or  moved  off,  and  brought  to  again  on 
the  other  side,  the  cutter  plate  and  shaft  havine  been  caused  to  traverse  sufficiently  to  work 
under  the  shore.  At  each  extremity  of  the  snip,  where  the  timbers  incline  outwards,  the 
frame,  D,  D,  must  be  swung  until  the  face  of  the  eutters  are  parallel  to  the  timber.  It  may, 
however,  be  advisable  to  work  some  of  the  frames  aft  under  the  quarter,  in  the  ordinary 
way." 


THE  "SCIENTIFIC  AMERICAN." 


In  our  number  for  November  25th,  1854, 
we  drew  attention  to  a  series  of  articles,  in 
course  of  publication  in  the  above  journal, 
and  by  comparing  passages  contained  in 
them  with  others  quoted  from  Mr.  Wood- 
croft's  "  Appendix  to  the  Specifications  of 
I^ogHsh  Patents  for  Reaping  Machines," 
established  a  charge  of  elaborate  plagiarism 
against  its  editor.  In  his  number  for  De- 
cember 23rd,  that  gentleman  has  devoted  an 
article  to  the  consideration  of  the  subject. 

The  production  is  certainly  characterised 
by  great  bitterness,  and  is  evidently  in- 
tended to  accomplish  our  destruction.    We 


are,  nevertheless,  disposed  to  treat  it  with 
much  forbearance,  remembering  the  diffi- 
culties which  beset  our  contemporary  in 
concocting  it  The  act  imputed  to  him  was 
gross,  the  evidence  perfect,  the  conclusion 
unavoidable.  No  sensible  man,  therefore, 
will  be  surprised  to  learn  that  he  writes 
vindictively.  Is  it  not  the  function  of  tor- 
ture to  beget  rage  ? 

And  yet,  since  rage  blinds  its  possessor, 
it  is  a  dangerous  element  in  polemics.  This 
our  contemporary  has  unhappily  forgotten 
(much  to  his  detriment) ;  and  the  conse- 
quence is,  that  as  in  November  we  put  him 
e2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


S2 


THE  **  8CIBNTIFIG  AMSRICAN/ 


to  sluune  before  our  readers,  so  he  in  De- 
cember, puts  himself  to  shame  before  hu 
own.  The  eomposition  of  our  *'  Scientific" 
friend  is  of  such  a  character,  that  while  it 
necessitates  a  repulse,  it  holds  forth  no 
invitation  to  a  contest.  We  see  in  it  no 
indications  of  any  of  those  qualities  which 
render  an  antagonist  worthy  to  be  warred 
with.     He  does  not  come 

**  Breathing  and  sounding  beauteous  battle/' 
but  staggers  on  to  the  field  with  no  other 
weapon  than  a  bludgeon,  and  no  other 
impulse  than  revenge.  We  care  not  to  war 
with  him.  Who  would  feel  any  pride  in 
confronting  an  opponent  who  brings  neither 
honour  nor  intellect  to  the  combat  ?  Who 
could  experience  any  delight  in  contending 
with  a  foe  who  has  neither  blood  for  the 
sword  of  satire  to  draw,  nor  bones  for  the 
artillery  of  syllogisms  to  crush "? 

We  will,  however,  offer  a  few  observations 
to  our  readers  on  the  rejoinder  before  us, 
dealing  first  with  the  main  subject — the 
plagiarism — which  is,  of  course,  the  most 
painful  thing  to  our  contemporary,  and  a 
thing  he  would  be  most  happy  to  ignore ;  but 

**  Our  acts  our  angels  are,  or  good  or  III ; 
Our  fatal  shadows  that  walk  by  us  still." 

Concerning  this  plagiarism  the  plagiarist 
says  many  things  in  which  we  know  not 
whether  eonaUtency  or  truth  shines  the 
brighter.  In  the  first  place,  he  intimates 
an  intention  of  acknowledging  hereafter  the 
source  of  the  borrowed  passages.  He  says, 
**  If  the  editor  had  only  held  on  to  his  bad 
passions  until  the  close  of  our  series  on 
reapers,  he  would  not  have  had  occasion  to 
expend  so  much  virtuous  indignation."  We 
seriously  vrish,  for  the  honour  of  onr  craft, 
that  this  poor  loop-hole  of  escape  were  left 
open  to  onr  contemporary;  hut,  alas!  he 
himself  has  securely  blocked  it  up,  by  mu- 
tilating what  he  appropriated.  It  will  be 
recollected  by  our  readers,  that  the  extracts 
quoted  were  so  sadly  garbled,  that  they 
could  not,  in  their  new  form,  be  imputed  to 
the  author  of  the  "Appendix"  witiiout  an 
infliction  of  injustice,  and  an  exhibition  of 
impudence.  Unhappy  the  man  who,  having 
defaced  the  furtive  coin,  ia  able  neither  to 
retain  nor  to  return  it !  Were  we  right  in 
naming  our  contemporary  the  "Knowing 
American'*  ? 

Again,  this  far-sighted  editor  quotes  a 
remark  made  to  him  by  a  ''very  intelligent 
foreigner,"  to  the  effect  that,  *'  the  collec 
tion  of  reaping  machines  is  not  the  work 
of  Mr.  Woodcroft,  but  is  a  public  work,  pub- 
lished  by  authority  through  that  mvom." 

This,  most  assuredly,  is  not  less,  if  it  be  not 
greater,  than  an  error.  The  work  was  pre- 
pared wholly  by  Mr.  Woodcroft,  before  his  ap- 
pointment  to  the  office  of  the  Commissionets 


of  Patents,  and  is  published,  not  *'by  the 
authority,"  but "  under  the  sanction"  of  the 
Commiisioners.  Besides,  if  the  work  vert 
a  public  one,  why  should  any  gentleman  be 
simple  enough  to  trouble  himself  with 
transposing  and  eliminating  words,  and  ef- 
fecting all  sorts  of  insignificant  changes  in 
the  woodcuts  ?  Why  should  he  not  appro- 
priate unaltered  what  he  is  not  gifted  with 
the  power  of  improving? 

Onr  acute  contemporary  has,  however,  yet 
another  justification  of  himself  to  offer ;  and 
this  is  embodied  in  an  argument.  Here  it  i< : 
"  Our  readers  will  notice  that  we  acknow- 
ledge the  original  sources  from  whence  all 
our  information  about  foreign  reapers  is  de- 
rived, by  naming  the  publication  ;  therefore 
the  remarks  of  the  Magazine  are  entirely 
gratuitous  and  impertinent"  There  is  a 
charming  petitio  prineipU!  There  is  a 
sensible  appeal !  The  readers  of  the  Sciem" 
tific  American  will  notice  that  their  editor 
acknowledges  the  sources  whence  "  all"  his 
information  is  derived!  Indeed!  Then 
they  will,  of  course,  notice  that  the  editor 
has  acknowledged  what  he  just  now  said  he 
intended  to  acknowledge  "at  the  close  of 
our  series  on  reapers."  He  who  is  dull  in 
the  execution  of  knavery,  evidently  should 
not  enter  upon  his  own  defence.  Our 
readers  will  see  that  they  could  be  furnished 
with  no  stronger  confirmation  of  the  charge 
of  plagiarism  than  ia  supplied  in  the  reply 
of  the  plagiarist 

We  have  already  said  that  our  contempo- 
rary has  sought  to  compass  our  destruction. 
We  have  now  to  add,  that  in  pursuing  this 
object,  he  has  recourse  to  most  curious  ex- 
pedients. For  instance,  he  first  assails  our 
reputation  by  establishing  our  impartiality. 
This  he  does,  very  effectually,  by  quoting  a 
foot  note  appended  to  certain  Remarks  of 
ours,  on  American  *'  literary  and  scientific 
pyrotechnics,"  in  November,  1853.  lu  this 
note  we  mentioned  the  Seientjfic  Jmeriean  as 
one  of  several  American  journals,  in  which 
sensible  improvements  had  taken  place.  We 
did  so  honestly  and  cheerfully,  and  regret 
that  our  contemporary  has  made  that  praiae, 
which  he  has  shown  we  are  anxious  to  ren- 
der,  no  longer  appropriate. 

The  Scient\fic  American  tlien  speculates 
upon  the  causes  of  our  expoti  of  his  plagi- 
arism (which  to  him  are,  of  course,  quite 
occult);  and  hits  upon  this  elucidation t 
"Our  list"  (of  subscribers)  "comprises 
English  lords.  •  •  •  Perhaps  a  know- 
ledge of  these  facts  are  like  a  thorn  iu  the 
editor's  side."  Oh,  Republican  contempo- 
rary ! 

Here  is  another  gueas :  "  Or  perhaps  he 
is  smarting  under  our  defence  of  Mr. 
Hobbs."  The  secret  of  this  passage  is  con- 
tained in  the  fact,  that  on  our  announcing 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THE  "  6CIENTIFI0  AMEBICAM/ 


53 


tbe  picking  of  Mr.  Hobbs's  locks  by  Mr. 
Goater,  the  Seiemtifh  American  imroediately 

Claimed,  e«  oar  tmihmity,  that  the  cele- 
sd  NeweU  lock  had  been  picked,  and 
some  time  after  attacked  us  for  what  its  own 
blundering  had  eflectod.  We  did  not  take 
the  trouble  to  reply  or  explain,  because  oar 
language  was,  at  the  first,  perfectly  intelli- 
gible :  it  was  as  follows :  **  In  short,  Mr. 
Hobbs,  by  falling  back  upon  the  large  and 
etpennoe  lock,  attempts  to  divert  public 
attention  from  the  fact  that  the  principal 
part  of  the  locks  issued  by  him  may  be 
picked  in  a  very  few  minutes." 

There  is  but  one  other  thing  suggested  in 
the  article  before  us,  which  calls  for  an  ob- 
serration,  tie.,  tlie  SeienU/k  American's  esti- 
mate of  itself,  which  is  extremely  high,  (and 
which  will  probably  lead  to  an  enormous 
increase  in  its  circulation.)  The  "  editorial 
labour  "  which  that  journal  **  contains,"  is 
a  theme  on  which  the  *'  editor  "  dwells  with 
great  delight  We  shall  not  here  enter 
upon  a  general  criticism  of  tlie  publication, 
because  that  might  divert  attention  from 
the  plagiaritm  which  is  our  theme.  But  as 
we  are  dealing  with  the  "  editorial  page " 
of  the  number  for  December  23rd,  in  which 
the  article  in  question  appears,  we  will  just 
indicate  its  contents,  and  leave  our  readers 
to  draw  their  own  inferences.  This  page 
contains  four  articles  (in  addition  to  that 
already  discussed),  headed  as  follows:  — 
••  Light  and  Color  "— '*  On  the  Patent- 
ability and  Patenting  of  Inventions" — 
"  Fine  Writing  "  —  **  670  Dollars  in 
Prizes  '*;  and  an  announcement  The  first 
of  these  we  shall  notice  in  the  sequel.  The 
second  is  almost  entirely  devoted  to  the 
publication  of  *'  several  reasons  why  we 
think  that  intending  patentees  will  inva- 
riably promote  their  own  interests  by  having 
their  patents  prepared  through  our  establish- 
meut."*  Tlie  third  declares  that  a  "Mr. 
McDowall,  of  Bolivar,"  "  has  embraced 
in  a  circle  of  one  inch  in  diameter,"  as 
much  information  as  "  would  occupy  more 
than  two  columns  of  printed  matter  in  the 
SciENTiric  American  "  ! !  The  fourth  is 
an  advertisement  that  "  The  Publishers  " 
(and  they  are  the  Editors  also,  be  it  ob- 
served) "  of  the  SciBMTiFic  American, 
oiler  the  following  cash  prices  for  the  four- 
teen largest  lists  of  subscribers  sent  in  by 
the  1st  of  January,  1865." f    The  announce- 

•  The  italics  are  ours.— En.  H .  H . 

f  The  editor  of  the  Scientific  American  affirms, 
thsthU  journal  has  a  large  circulation.  If  tbts 
1m  true,  there  Is  but  little  excuse  for  the  insolence 
with  which  the  readers  of  that  paper  are  treated 
ia  the  carrying  out  of  this  system  of  offering 

Gises  for  lists  of  subscribers.    The  practice  is  of 
elf  not  a  little  disgusting  to  a  "dcientiflc  En- 
glishman," but  when  pushed  to  the  extent  indl- 


ment,  before  mentioned,  communicates  the 
fact  that  an  individual  "  of  the  Scientific 
American"  has  been  elected  to  an  Hono» 
rary  office  in  this  country. 

And  now  a  word  or  two  on  the  '*  light 
and  color  "  editorial,  which  completes  the 
"  Editorial  page."  No,  not  a  word  or 
two;  two  quotations  shall  suffice.  Here 
they  are : — "  The  red  bird,  dancing  from 
bush  to  bush,  and  the  butterfly  from  flower 
to  flower,  charm  us  with  the  beauty  of  their 
plumage;  and  the  flowers  themselves,  from 
the  modest  daisy  to  the  stately  dahlia, 
thrill  us.  with  delight  How  pungent  the 
truth  '  Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone.*" 
(Was  not  that  Transcendental  Lady  whom 
Mr.  Chazzlewit  heard  exclaiming  "  Howls 
the  sublime,  and  softly  sleeps  the  calm 
ideal,"  on  the  stafl*  of  the  Scientific  Ameri- 
can ?)  — "  Strange  as  it  may  appear,  how- 
ever (and  this  shows  the  peculiar  relation- 
ship of  the  immaterial  within,  with  the 
universe  without,)  colors  have  no  material 
existence  ;  *  What,'  one  may  say,  •  has  the 
rose  no  color, «nd  is  the  purple  of  the  violet 
a  delusion  V     It  is  even  80."» 


cated  by  the  following  quotations  it  certainly 
becomes  extremely  vile.  The  Seientijie  American 
for  October  28,  1851,  after  a  column  of  dap-trap, 
wound  up  by  an  announcement  of  these  prizes, 
goes  on  to  say :  "  It  strilces  us,  thst  any  young 
man  to  whom  a  knowledge  of  these  opportunities 
come,  and  who  refuses  to  take  advantage  of  themt 
en  the  ground  of  apparent  difficulty  or  trouble, 
should  not  complain  If  his  friends  write  him  down 
as  a  dolt,  and  turn  the  cold  shoulder  upon  bim  in 
times  of  actual  need."  And  then  suggests,  that 
"  those  whose  occupations  prevent  them  from 
going  about  in  the  day-time,  might,  we  think, 
employ  a  portion  of  their  evenings  for  the  pur- 
pose." 

In  the  number  for  December  %  1854,  we  observe 
an  article  headed  "A  Windfall  poa  Soxa 
Ok  a.'*  In  this  we  read  a  tedious  tale  about  a 
"legacy  beqaeathed  to  some  fourteen  diffisrent 
persons,  name  unknown;  "  "not  a  large  sum,  to 
be  sure,  but  still  worth  having,  when  monev  is  so 
scarce  and  times  so  hard  as  at  present,"  and  after- 
wards reach  these  remarks :  "  Modesty  has  thus 
far  hindered  us  from  presenting  a  more  explicit 
exposition  of  this  practically  benevolent  project ; 
but  we  feel  that  at  this  stage  of  the  subject  we 
must  be  definite.  The  donors  referred  to  are  the 
proprietors  of  the  SciaKTiric  Axbkicav,  and  the 
bequest  is  contained  in  their  liberal  prise  list, 
which  foots  the  lower  comer  of  this  very  page." 
The  article  concludes  thus  :  "  Do  you  want,  nay, 
mill  you  accept  of  this  liberal  legacy  t  Here  it  is. 
We  hold  It  up  plainly  to  your  view.  Yon  have 
but  to  say  one  word.  If  you  say  YES,  then  put 
fnrth  your  hands— bring  out  your  subscription 
list— comply  with  onr  published  terms — and  the 
money  is  youre."  We  do  not  wonder  that  this 
showman  thinks  us  "  a  good  specimen  of '  learned 
dulness.' " 

*  We  And,  on  glancing  over  our  remarks,  that 
we  have  omitted  to  discuss  the  following  import- 
ant sentence  of  our  contemporary :— "  We  have  our 
eye  now  upon  an  article  in  a  late  number  "  of  the 
Meehanicr  Magazine^  **  stolen  ttom  the  Soicnti/lc 
American**  We  call  upon  our  contemporary  to 
point  out  the  article  In  question.  We  cannot,  of 
course,  deny  the  statement  broadly,  since  we  know 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


54 


ON  THE  POSSIBLE  DEN8ITT  OF   THE  LUMIMlFEROnS  MEDIUM. 


ON  THE   POSSIBLE   DENSITY   OF 
THE  LUMINIFEROUS  MEDIUM; 

AND      ON      THE     MECHANICAL     VALUH    Ot 

A    CUBIC    MILE   OF  SUNLIGHT* 

BY   PROFESSOR   WILLIAM  THOMSON.* 

That  there  must  be  a  medium  fonn- 
ing  a  continuous  material  communication 
throughout  space  to  the  remotest  visible 
body  is  a  fundamental  assumption  in  the 
nndulatory  theo^  of  light  Whether  or 
not  this  medium  is  (as  appears  to  me  most 
probable)  a  continuation  of  our  own  atmo- 
sphere, its  existence  is  a  fact  that  cannot  be 
questioned,  when    the    overwhelming  evi. 

'  dence  in  favour  of  the  undulatory  theory  is 
considered;  and  the  investigation  of  its 
properties  in  every  possible  way  becomes  an 
object  of  the  greatest  interest.  A  first 
question  would  naturally  occur,  Wliat  is  the 
absolute  density  of  the  luminiferous  aether 
In  any  part  of  space  1  I  am  not  aware  of 
any  attempt  having  hitherto  been  made  to 
answer  this  question^  and  the  present  state 
of  science  does  not  in  fact  aSbrd  sufficient 
data.  It  has,  however,  occurred  to  me  that 
we  may  assign  an  inferior  limit  to  the 
density  of  the  luminiferous  medium  in  in- 
terplanetary space  by  considering  the  me- 
chanical value  of  sunlight  as  deduced  in 
preceding  communications  to  the  Royal  So- 
ciety  from  Pouillet's  data  on  solar  radiation, 
and  Joule's  mechanical  equivalent  of  the 
thermal  unit  Thus  the  value  of  solar  ra- 
diation per  second  per  square  foot  at  the 
earth's  distance  from  the  sun,  estimated  at 
"06  of  a  thermal  unit  Centigrade,  or  83 
foot-pounds,  is  the  same  as  the  mechanical 
value  of  sunlight  in  the  luminiferous  me- 
dium through  a  space  of  as  many  cubic 
feet  as  the  number  of  linear  feet  of  propa- 
gation of  light  per  second.  Hence  the  me- 
chanical value  of  the  whole  energy,  actual 
and  potential,  of  the  disturbance  kept  up  in 
the  space  of  a  cubic  foot  at  the  earth's  dis- 
ss 
tance  from  the  sun.f  is  ,    or 

'        192000  X  5280 

not  what  is  meant  by  a  "late  number,"  and  since 
an  nmiasioii  may  have  been  made  by  accident.  We 
confldently  affirm  three  things:—!.  If  we  have 
neglected  to  attribute  to  the  Scientific  American 
an  article  transferred  from  its  pages  to  our  own, 
the  circumstance  is  the  result  of  an  oversight. 
S.  If  an  article,  so  transferred,  exist,  it  has  not 
been  garbled.  8.  If  an  article,  so  transferred,  exist,  i 
it  was  not  written  by  the  Editor  of  the  ScUiti^fie 
Americant  or  we  cettMnltf  $kouid  not  have  reoro- 
dueedit, 

*  From  the  Transactions  of  the  Royal  Society  of  i 
Edinburgh,  vlI.  xxi.  part  1 ;  through  Philoeopki-  , 
cal  Magazine. 

f  The  mechanical  value  of  sunlight  In  any  space  ; 
near  the  sun's  surface  must  be  greater  than  in  an 
equal  space  at  the  eartti's  distance,  in  the  ratio  of 
the  square  of  the  earth's  distance  to  the  square  of 
the  sun's  radius,  that  is.  in  the  ratio  of  46.400  to  1 
nearly.  The  mechanical  value  of  a  cubic  foot  of 
sunlight  near  the  sun  must,  therefore,  be  about 


'819 

—--.    of  a  foot-pound.      The   mechanical 

value  of  a  cubic  mile  of  sunlight  is  conse- 
quently 12050  foot-pounds,  equivalent  to 
the  work  of  one-horse  power  for  a  third  of  a 
minute.  This  result  may  give  some  idea  of 
the  actual  amount  of  mechanical  energy  of 
the  luminiferous  motions  and  forces  within 
our  own  atmosphere.  Merely  to  commence 
the  illumination  of  three  'cubic  miles,  re- 
quires an  amount  of  work  equal  to  that  of  a 
horse-power  for  a  minute  ;  the  same  .amount 
of  energy  exists  in  that  space  as  long  as 
light  continues  to  traverse  it ;  and,  if  the 
source  of  light  be  suddenly  stopped,  must 
be  remitted  froin  it  before  the  illumination 
ceases.*  The  matter  which  possesses  this 
energy  is  the  luminiferous  medium.  If, 
then,  we  knew  the  velocities  of  the  vibratory 
motions,  we  might  ascertain  the  density  of 
the  luminiferous  medium;  or,  conversely, 
if  we  know  the  density  of  the  medium,  we 
might  determine  the  average  velocity  of  the 
moving  particles.  Without  any  such  de- 
finite knowledge,  we  may  assign  a  superior 
limit  to  the  velocities,  and  deduce  an  in- 
ferior limit  to  the  quantity  of  matter,  by 
considering  the  nature  of  the  motions  which 
constitute  waves  of  light  For  it  appears 
certain  that  the  amplitudes  of  the  vibrations 
constituting  radiant  heat  and  light  must  be 
but  small  fractions  of  the  wave  lengths,  and 
that  the  greatest  velocities  of  the  vibrating 
particles  must  be  very  small  in  comparison 
with  the  velocity  of  propagation  of  the 
waves.  Let  us  consider,  for  instance,  plane- 
polarized  light,  and  let  the  greatest  velocity 
of  vibration  be  denoted  by  v ;  the  distance 
to  which  a  particle  vibrates  on  each  side  of 
its  position  of  equilibrium,  by  A ;  and  the 
wave  length,  by  X.  Then  if  V  denote  the 
velocity  of  propagation  of  light  or  radiant 
heat,  we  have 

-l=2w:i; 
V  X 

and  therefore  if  A  be  a  small  fraction  of  X, 
V  must  also  be  a  small  fraction  (2t  times  as 
great)  of  Y.  The  same  relation  holds  for 
circularly-polarized  light,  since  in  the  time 
during  which  a  particle  revolves  once  round 
in  a  circle  of  radius  A,  the  wave  has  been 
propagated  over  a  space  equal  to  X,  Now 
the  whole  mechanical  value  of  homogeneous 
plane-polarized  light  in  any  infinitely  small 
space  containing  only  particles  sensibly  in 
the  same  phase  of  vibration,  which  consists 
entirely  of  potential  energy  at  the  instants 

'00S8  of  a  foot-pound,  and  that  of  a  cubic  mile 
560,000,000  foot-pounds. 

*  Similarly  we  find  15,000  horse-power  for  a 
minute  as  the  amount  of  work  required  to  generate 
the  energy  existing  in  a  cublo  mile  of  light  near 
the  sun. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  TBE  POSSIBLE  DENSITr  OF   THE  LUMINIFEROUS  MED^J^f. 


55 


when  the  partiolei  are  at  rest  at  the  extre- 
mities of  their  exeuraions,  partly  of  poten- 
tial  and  partly  of  actual  energy  when  they 
are  moving  to  or  from  their  positions  of 
equilthriam,  and  wholly  of  actual  energy 
when  they  are  passing  through  these  posi- 
tioD8»  if  of  constant  amount,  and  must 
therefore  he  at  every  instant  equal  to  half 
the  mass  multiplied  hy  the  square  of  the 
velocity  the  particles  have  in  the  last  men- 
tioned case.  But  the  Telocity  of  any  par- 
tide  passing  through  its  position  of  equili- 
hrium  is  the  greatest  Telocity  of  vibration, 
which  has  heen  denoted  by  o ;  and,  there- 
fore,  if  p  denote  the  quantity  of  vibrating 
matter  contained  in  a  certain  space,  a  space 
of  unit  Tolumo  for  instance,  the  whole  me- 
chanical Taine  of  all  the  energy,  both  actual 
and  potential,  of  the  disturbance  within  that 
space  at  any  time  is  |po*.  The  mechanical 
energy  of  circularly-polarised  light  at  eveiy 
instance  is  (as  has  been  pointed  out  to  me 
by  Professor  Stokes)  half  actual  energy  of 
the  revolving  particles  and  half  potential 
energy  of  the  distortion  kept  up  in  the  lu- 
miniferous  medium ;  and,  tner^ore,  0  being 
now  taken  to  denote  the  constant  Telocity 
of  motion  of  each  psrtiole,  double  the  pre- 
ceding expression  gives  the  mechanical  va» 
lae  of  the  whole  disturbance  in  a  unit  of 
▼olame  in  the  present  case.  Hence  it  is 
clear,  that  for  any  elliptically-polarised 
light  the  mechanical  value  of  Uie  disturb- 
ance in  a  unit  of  volume  will  be  between 
4pe>  and  pe*,  if  v  still  denote  the  greatest 
Telocity  of  the  vibrating  particles.  The 
mechanical  Talue  of  the  disturbance  kept 
up  by  a  number  of  coexisting  series  of 
waTes  of  different  periods,  polarized  in  the 
same  plane,  is  the  sum  of  the  mechanical 
Talues  due  to  each  ,homogeneous  series  se- 
parately, and  the  greatest  velocity  that 
can  possibly  be  acquired  by  any  vibrating 
particle  is  the  sum  of  the  separate  velocities 
due  to  the  different  series.  Exactly  the 
same  remark  applies  to  coexistent  series  of 
cirenlarly-polarized  waves  of  different  pe- 
riods. Hence  the  mechanical  Talue  is  cer- 
Uinly  less  than  half  the  mass  multiplied 
into  the  square  of  the  greatest  velocity  ac- 
quired  by  a  partiole,  when  the  disturbance 
consists  in  the  superposition  of  different 
series  of  plane-polarized  waves ;  and  we 
may  conclude,  for  every  kind  of  radiation  of 
light  or  heat  except  a  series  of  homogeneous 
circularly-polarized  waves,  that  the  meeha* 
nieal  value  nf  the  dUturbanee  kept  up  in  any 
tpaee  i$  lets  than  the  product  of  the  mats  into 


the  square  of  the"  greatest  velocity  acquired 
by  a  vibrating  particle  in  the  varying  phases 
of  its  motion.  How  much  less  in  such  a 
complex  radiation  as  that  of  sunlight  and 
heat  we  cannot  tell,  becauss  we  do  not  know 
how  much  the  velocity  of  a  particle  may 
mount  up,  perhaps  even  to  a  considerable 
value  in  comparison  with  the  velocity  of 
propagation,  at  some  instant  by  the  super- 
position of  different  motions  chancing  to 
agree ;  but  we  may  be  sure  that  the  pro- 
duct of  the  mass  into  the  square  of  an  or- 
dinary maximum  velocity,  or  of  the  mean 
of  a  great  many  successive  maximum  velo- 
cities of  a  Tibrating  particle,  cannot  exceed 
in  any  great  ratio  the  true  mechanical  value 
of  the  disturbance.  Recurring,  however, 
to  the  definite  expression  for  the  mechanical 
value  of  the  distarbance  in  the  case  of  ho- 
mogeneous circularly-polarized  light,  the 
only  case  in  which  tlie  velocities  of  all  par- 
tides  are  constant  and  the  same,  we  may 
define  the  mean  velocity  of  vibration  in  any 
case  as  such  a  velocity  that  the  product  of 
its  square  into  the  mass  of  the  vibrating 
particles  is  equal  to  the  whole  mechanical 
value,  in  actual  and  potential  energy,  of  the 
disturbance  in  a  certain  space  traversed  by 
it ;  and  from  all  we  know  of  the  mechanical 
theory  of  undulations,  it  seems  certain  that 
this  velocity  must  be  a  very  small  fraction 
of  the  velocity  of  propagation  in  the  most 
intense  light  or  radiant  heat  which  is  pro- 
pagated according  to  known  laws.  Denot- 
ing this  velocity  for  the  case  of  sunlight  at 
the  earth's  distance  from  the  sun  by  t>,  and 
calling  W  the  mass  in  pounds  of  any  volume 
of  the  luminiferous  lether,  we  have  for  the 
mechanical  value  of  the  disturbance  in  the 
same  space, 

g 
where  g  is  the  number  32*2,  measuring  in 
absolute  units  of  force,  the  force  of  gravity 
on  a  pound.     Now  we  found  above,  from 

observation,  —  for  the  mechanical  Talue,  in 

foot-pounds,  of  a  cubic  foot  of  sunlight ;  and 
therefore  the  mass,  in  pounds,  of  a  cubic 
foot  of  the  sether,  must  be  given  by  the 
equation, 

.82-2  X  88 


W=^ 


If  we  assume  «=— V,  tliis  becomes 
n 


w.,322.88  ^ ^.^        32-2x88        ^ ^.^^ 


V» 


(192000  X  5280)> 


8899  X 10>o 


and  for  the  mass,  in  pounds,  of  a  cubic  mile  we  have 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


56 


INDUSTRIAL  PATHOLOGY. 


192000)» 


2649x10* 

It  IS  quite  impossible  to  fix  a  definite  limit 
to  the  ratio  which  v  may  bear  to  V ;  but  It 
appears  improbable  that  it  could  be  more, 
for  instance,  than  ^,  for  any  kind  of  light 
following  the  observed  laws.  We  may  con- 
clude that  probably  a  cubic  foot  of  the 
luminiferous  medium  iu  the  space  tra. 
versed  by  the  earth  contains  not  less  than 

of  a  pound  of  matter,  and  a 

1560x10^'  ^ 

cubic  mile  not  less  than — .. 

1060  X 10« 

If  the  mean  velocity  of  the  vibrations  of 
light  within  a  spherical  surface  concentric 
with  the  sun  aud  passing  through  the  earth 
were  equal  to  the  earth's  velocity — a  very 
tolerable  supposition — since  this  is  -nrlrv  ^^ 
the  velocity  of  light,  the  whole  mass  of  the 
luminiferous  medium  within  that  space 
would  be  YTsh^  ^^  ^^®  earth's  mass,  since 
the  mechanical  value  of  the  light  within  it, 
being  as  much  as  the  sun  radiates  in  about 
eight  minutes,  is  about  Yzhnf  otthe  mecha- 
uical  value  of  the  earth's  motion.  As  the 
mean  velocity  of  the  vibrations  might  be 
many  times  greater  than  has  been  supposed 
in  this  case,  the  mass  of  the  medium  might 
be  considerably  less  than  this  ;  but  we  may 
be  sure  it  is  not  incomparably  less,  not 
100,000  times  as  small,  for  instance.  On 
the  other  hand,  it  is  worth  remarking  that 
the  preceding  estimate  shows  that  what  we 
know  of  the  mechanical  value  of  light  ren- 
ders it  in  no  way  probable  that  the  masses 
of  luminiferous  medium  in  interplanetary 
spaces,  or  all  round  the  sun  in  volumes  of 
which  the  linear  dimensions  are  comparable 
with  the  dimensions  of  the  planets*  orbits, 
are  otherwise  than  excessively  small  in 
comparison  with  the  masses  of  the  planets. 

But  it  is  also  worth  observing  that  the 
luminiferous  medium  is  enormously  denser 
than  the  continuation  of  the  terrestrial  at- 
mosphere would  be  in  interplanetary  space, 
if  rarified  according  to  Boyle's  ]a\«  always, 
and  if  the  earth  were  at  rest  in  a  space  of 
constant  temperature  with  an  atmosphere  of 
the  acttial  density  at  its  surface.''     Thus  the 

"  "  Newton  has  raleuUted  (Princ.  lil.  p.  512) 
tliat  a  globe  of  ordinary  density  at  the  earth's  sur- 
face, or  I  Inch  in  diameter,  if  reduced  to  the  den- 
•ity  due  to  the  altitude  above  the  surface  of  one 
radius  of  the  earth,  would  occupy  a  sphere  exceed- 
ing in  radius  the  orbit  of  Saturn."— (Herachel'c 
Asuonomy,  Note  on  §  559.)  It  would  (on  the 
hypothesis  stated  in  tlie  text)  we  may  now  say  oc- 
cupy a  aphere  exceeding  in  radius  millions  of  mil- 
lions of  times  the  distances  of  any  start  of  which 
the  parallaxes  have  been  determined.  A  pound  of 
the  medium,  in  the  space  traversed  by  the  earth, 
*  cannot  occupy  more  than  the  bulk  of  a  cube  1,000 
miles  iu  side.  The  earth  Itself,  in  moving  through 
it,  cannot  displace  lets  than  250  pounds  of  matter. 


mass  of  air  in  a  cubie  foot  of  diatant  spaec 
several  times  the  earth'a  radius  off,  on  this 

hypothesis,  would    be 1 :  while 

^^  442xl0»*« 

there  cannot,  according  to  the  preceding 

estimate,  be  in  reality  less  than '. 

which  is  9  x  10*"'  times  as  much,  of  matter 
in  every  cubic  foot  of  space  traversed  by 
the  earth. 

INDUSTRIAL  PATHOLOGY: 

ON    TRADES    WHICH    AFFECT    TUB    EYES. 

We  have  already  directed  the  attention  of 
our  readers  to  a  notable  movement,  made  by 
the  Society  of  Arta,  for  the  purpose  of  ob. 
taining  and  spreading  information  respeet^ 
ing  the  operations  of  various  industrial  pro- 
cesses upon  the  lives  and  healths  of  tnoae 
engaged  in  them.  The  committee  appointed 
by  the  Society  resolved  last  year  lirat  to 
direct  their  attention  to  injuriea  anatained 
by  the  eye  alone.  They  have  accordingly 
done  80,  and  recently  presented  to  the  coun- 
cil a  report  of  their  investigations.  The 
report  is  short,  and  not  very  eompreliensive. 
iu  extenuation  of  which  fact  two  reasons 
are  urged,  viz.:  the  novelty  of  the  subject 
to  the  public,  and  the  introduction  into  the 
communications  of  correspondenU  of  nouoh 
irrelevant  matter. 

There  is,  however,  in  the  report,  what 
appears  to  us  an  evident  diierepancy.  For, 
after  stating  that  **  many  classes  ^om  wham 
it  was  hoped  a  good  deal  might  be  teamed, 
did  not  undertake  to  reply  to  the  ques- 
tions," the  committee  proceed  to  ofilsr  the 
shortness  and  meagreness  of  the  report,  "  as 
a  fair  subject  of  congratulation,"  and  aay, 
"  It  appears,  from  the  constant  repetitions 
by  different  persona  of  the  same  leaions, 
and  the  little  novel  or  original  information 
that  has  been  elicited,  that  the  important 
organ  of  vision  is  much  less  iniured  direotly 
by  handicraft  operations  than  the  committee 
thought.'*  Would  it  not  have  been  more 
consistent  to  have  reserved  all  congratula- 
tion of  the  kind,  until  we  are  told  more  of 
those  ''from  whom  it  waa  hoped  a  rood 
deal  might  be  learned,"  than  that  they  have 
not  undertaken  to  give  us  the  resulta  of 
their  experience  7  We  venture  to  suggeat, 
that  according  to  their  own  representations, 
the  committee  have  but  imperfectly  per- 
formed their  labours. 

It  is,  nevertheless,  very  gratifying  to  find 
that  many  of  the  injuries  complained  of  by 
workmen  seem  to  result  from  ignorance  or 
neglect  of  well-known  hygienic  laws,  rather 
than  from  circumstances  inseparable  from 
their  occupations;  and  also,  "that all  the 
results  complained  of  seem  capable  of  being 
met  by  simple,  cheap,  and  universally  attain- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


rOABD'8  SUOKKLESS  nSNAOB  PATKNT. 


57 


M»  means :  no  alterations  of  modes  of  ma. 
•ivfaeture,  no  interferrace  with  the  natmral 
liberty  of  the  master  to  have  work  done  in 
the  cheapest  way,  is  necessary ;  but  merely 
sueh  precautions  as  it  is  monstrous  not  to 
adopt  when  onee  known." 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  infor- 
mation obtained  by  the  committee  : — 

1.  That  the  following  classes  of  artisans 
are  exposed  to  injury  of  the  eyes  from  chips, 
splinters,  dnst,  grit,  or  fluff,  viz.,  engineers, 
masons,  stonecutters,  stonebreakers,  brick- 
layers, soda-water  bottlers,  turners,  fitters, 
hammermen  and  smiths,  cutlers,  railway 
gnardsy  rock  blasters  and  qnarrymen,  mill- 
ers, chimney-sweeps,  worlters  in  cotton, 
flax  dressers,  feather  cleaners,  drug  grind- 
ers (especially  in  grinding  blistering  flies), 
shoe-makers,  (from  breaking  of  the  awl); 
and  that  the  following  appliances  hsTc  been 
found  useful  in  preventing  the  ill  conse- 
quences of  such  exposure,  viz.,  for  those 
liable  to  blows  from  large  portions  of  hard 
substanees,  such  as  stonebreakers,  &e. 
eoarse  metal  netting  as  eye  guards,  and  f:^r 
those  exposed  to  the  finer  dust,  crape  spec- 
tacles,  while  at  the  same  time  free  ventila- 
tion  of  the  apartments  they  work  in  would 
relieve  much  of  the  inconvenience. 

2.  That  the  following  suffer  from  the 
chemical  nature  of  the  substances  which,  in 
the  shape  of  solid  particles  get  under  the 
eyelids,  viz.,  bricklayers,  workers  in  lime, 
workers  in  potash. 

No  special  preventive  seems  to  be  here 
pointed  out  beyond  the  placing  within 
reach  of  the  workmen  the  ready  means  of 
immediately  clean Jting  the  parts  with  pure 
water.  Some  such  apparatus  as  that  de- 
scribed in  Mr.  White  Cooper's  communica- 
tion (in  which  a  jet  is  forced  np wards  by  the 
pressure  of  a  head  of  water)  might  be  placed 
in  the  workshop  or  superintendent's  office. 

(The  action  of  chemical  fumes,  strictly  so- 
called,  has  not  been  reported  to  cause  injury.) 

S.  That  the  following  suflbr  from  excess 
of  light  or  glare  proceeding  from  the  mate- 
rial used,  viz.,  furnace  men,  gilders,  book- 
binders.    ^ 

No  practical  remedy  for  this  inconveni- 
ence  has  been  suggested,  as  spectacles 
which  intercept  the  light  would  diminish 
the  eflScieucy  of  the  workn;an. 

It  may  be  observed  that  there  is  a  great 
diUbreoce  between  ezcessite  illumination  of 
the  work,  and  excess  of  light  on  the  eye. 
Tlie  latter  is  the  most  common,  and  is  con- 
sidered  under  a  separate  head. 

4.  That  the  following. suffer  from  defi- 
ciency of  light,  viz.,  dressmakers,  tailors, 
sempstresses,  cobblers,  and,  in  fact  all  who, 
having  to  direct  the  needle  to  a  definite 
spot,  are  miable  to  command  the  requisite 
amount  of  direct  illumination. 


5.  That  the  ill  effects  of  deficiency  of 
light  are  much  aggravated  by  working  long 
on  the  same  materia)  or  colour.  The  renie- 
dies  for  this  and  the  foregoing  evil  are,  in- 
crease of  light  and  variety  of  work. 

6.  That  flickering  of  light  is  a  great  evil, 
which  is  felt  much  by  compositors  and  all 
who  work  at  minute  objects  by  gas  illumin- 
ation. 

The  simple  remedy  for  this  is  the  em- 
ployment  of  glass  chimneys. 

7.  It  seems  improper  that  an  equal  quan- 
tity  of  artificial  light  should  fall  on  the 
work  and  on  the  eyes  of  the  workman. 
If  that  is  the  case,  the  latter  become  over- 
strained. 

This  evil,  when  it  occurs,  is  easily  oh- 
viated  by  shades  to  the  light,  which  defend 
the  eye,  and  throw  the  illumination  on  the 
required  object.  The  shades  should  be 
made  of  white  or  light  coloured  material,  so 
as  to  reflect  as  much  light  as  possible. 
Ground  glass  between  the  light  and  the 
worker  is  injurious,  by  intercepting  and 
diffusing  the  illumination  instead  of  direct- 
ing it  on  to  the  object. 

8.  It  seems  doubtful  whether  heat  and 
cold  have  much  ill  influences  over  the  healthy 
eye ;  but  when  it  is  in  a  weak  irritated 
condition,  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  they 
are  injurious. 

9.  Bad  ventilation,  constrained  postures, 
over-indulgence  in  spirituous  liquors,  the 
fnmes  of  tobacco,  and  all  other  violations  of 
healthy  habits,  are  injurious  to  the  eyes  at 
the  same  time  as  to  the  rest  of  the  body, 
and  aggravate  the  bad  effects  of  the  above- 
named  industrial  occupations. 

10.  The  employment  of  the  eye  when  the 
body  is  in  an  exhausted  state  from  want> « 
food,  prolonged  working  hours,  mental  dis- 
tress, &c.,  even  in  handicrafts  not  of  them, 
selves  pernicious,  is  very  detrimental  to  the 
organ.  So  that  the  later  periods  of  work 
are  those  which  are  found  most  materially 
to  weaken  the  sight  and  injure  the  eye. 

The  shortening  of  working  hours  would 
probably  be  a  saving  in  the  end  to  both 
master  and  artisan;  for  the  faulty  execu- 
tion of  that  which  is  completed  with  an  im- 
perfect  organ  must  be  a  loss  to  the  former, 
while  the  latter  is  ill  remunerated  by 
slightly  increased  wages  for  the  risk  of  ill- 
ness which  he  runs. 


FOARD'S  SMOKELESS  FURNACE 
PATENT. 

BEFORE  THE  JUDICIAL  COMMITTEE  OP  THE 
PRIVY  COUNCIL. 

Wednetday,  January  10,  1855. 

Present — Sir  John  Dodsou,  Mr.  Pemberton 
Leigh,  and  Sir  Edwaid  Ryan. 

Mr.  Hindmaroh  appeared  in  support  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


58 


LOWE'S  PATENT  FOB  SUPPLTIKa  AND  PUBIFTING  GAS. 


a  petition  for  the  prolongation  of  the  patent 

S ranted  to  Mr.  Foard  in  1841,  which  was 
escribed  in  our  last  volume,  page  619,  and 
stated  that  as,  up  to  a  recent  period,  there 
had  been  no  means  of  compelling  those  who 
used  furnaces  or  large  fires  to  adopt  ap- 
pliances  for  the  consumption  of  the  smoke 
arising  from  them,  the  patentee  had  ex- 
perienced the  greatest  difficulty  in  inducing 
any  persons  to  adopt  his  invention.  He 
had  employed  every  means  in  his  power  to 
bring  it  into  public  use.  It  had  been 
tried  in  her  Majesty's  dockyard  at  Wool- 
wich with  perfect  success,  until  the  build- 
ing in  which  it  was  erected  was  pulled  down. 
In  the  new  building  the  smoke  from  all  the 
furnaces  was  carried  into  one  chimney; 
consequently  it  was  of  no  use  to  employ  the 
apparatus,  unless  it  was  adopted  m  every 
furnace.  Mr.  Foard  assigned  part  of  his 
interest  to  two  gentlemen  of  the  name  of 
Godson,  but  only  three  or  four  persons  bad 
heen  induced  to  have  recourse  to  it.  It  has 
since  been  re-assigned.  The  important 
part  of  the  construction  was,  that  it  kept 
the  heat  up  to  such  a  temperature  as  to 
compel  combustion  before  smoke  could 
escape  from  the  furnace.  Fuel  was  or- 
dinarily placed  on  the  top  of  the  fire,  and 
the  smoke  immediately  ascended;  but  in 
this  invention  it  was  introduced  at  the  bot- 
tom, so  that  all  the  matters  escaping  from 
the  coal  must  rise  through  a  red-hot  fire, 
and  there  being  an  apparatus  for  supplying 
the  requisite  quantity  of  atmospheric  air, 
the  combustion  was  perfect. 

Mr.  Lucas,  the  owner  of  a  splitting-mill ; 
Mr.  Beckett,  a  drug-grinder;  and  Mr. 
Gordon,  a  distiller,  suted  that  they  had 
employed  Foard's  invention,  which  was 
cheap  in  its  construction,  and  economical 
in  its  operation.  They  estimated  the  saving 
of  fuel  at  from  15  to  20  per  cent 

Mr.  Grissell  and  Mr.  Maudslay,  en- 
gineers, deposed  to  the  efiSciency  of  the 
apparatus.  The  latter  gentleman  observed 
that  he  was  convinced  the  public  would  not 
adopt  any  invention  for  consuming  smoke 
unless  they  were  compelled  to  do  so  by 
fines. 

Mr.  Sheves,  foreman  to  Mr.  Grissell,  con- 
sidered  this  invention  to  be  better  than  most 
others  employed  for  the  same  purpose.  In 
Jukes' s  apparatus  there  must  be  a  motive 
power  to  work  it,  but  in  Foard's  it  could  be 
done  by  the  stoker. 

Mr.  Edward  Godson  proved  that  the  loss 
sustained  by  the  parties  interested  in  the 
patent  had  exceeded  £1,200. 

Mr.  Welsby,  on  the  part  of  the  Attorney- 
General,  did  not  dispute  the  efficiency  of 
the  machine ;  but,  as  it  was  probable  that 
an  act  of  Parliament  would  be  passed  com- 
pelling the  consamptlon  of  imoke  in  all 


manufactories  throaghoat  the  kingdom,  he 
hoped  their  Lordships  would  not  extend  the 
patent,  and  thereby  impose  a  burden  on  the 
public  for  the  term  asked  for — 14  years. 

Mr.  Pemberton  Leigh,  in  delivering  the 
judgment  of  their  Lordships,  said  the  inven* 
tion  was  proved  to  be  extremely  useful,  and 
a  heavy  loss  had  been  incurred.  It  was 
probable  that  by  a  moderate  extension  of  the 
patent  some  remuneration  would  be  re- 
ceived. Their  Lordships  would  advise  Her 
Majesty  to  prolong  the  patent  for  six  years. 


LOWE'S  PATENT  FOR  SUPPLYING 
AND  PURIFYING  GAS. 

BEFORE  THE  JUDICIAL    COMMITTEE  OF  THE 
PRIVY  COUNCIL. 

Thurtday,  January  11,  1855. 

Present — Sir  John  Dodson,  Mr.  Pemberton 

Leigh,  and  Sir  Edward  Ryan. 

Mr.  Webster  appeared  in  support  of  a 
petition  of  a  prolongation  of  a  patent  for 
**  Improved  methods  of  supplying  gas  under 
certain  circumstances,  and  of  iraproTing  its 
purity,"  granted  to  Mr.  G.  Lowe,  March  16, 
1841,  and  stated  that  the  gas  supplied  by 
pujblic  companies  had  long  been  kno\vn 
to  contain  many  impurities,  which  pre- 
vented it  from  being  used  for  domestic  pur- 
poses  to  the  same  extent  in  London  and 
other  parts  of  this  country  as  it  was  in 
Edinburgh,  where  it  was  obtained  from  a 
different  sort  of  coal.  At  certain  times  and 
in  ceruin  localities  there  was  a  deficiency 
of  supply.  The  object  of  the  patent  was  to 
obviate  all  these  objections.  During  the  day 
the  pressure  of  the  gas  as  supplied  by  the 
companies  was  frequently  insufficient  to 
force  it  through  the  meter,  but  Mr.  Lowe 
added  to  the  meter  a  motive  power  which 
remedied  the  defect  He  had  also  sue- 
ceeded  in  inventing  an  apparatus  by  means 
of  which  the  gas  was  purified  of  sulphuret- 
ted hydrogen,  carbonic  acid,  and  ammonia, 
with  its  compounds,  the  gas  being  at  the 
same  time  saturated  with  naphtha,  by  which 
its  illuminating  power  was  greatly  increased. 
The  apparatus  was  so  simple  that  it  could 
be  placed  with  perfect  ease  and  safety  on  the 
same  shelf  as  the  common  meter.  The  result 
was  that  gas  could  be  burnt  in  private 
houses  with  great  comfort,  and  at  a  large 
saving  of  expense  to  the  consumer.  Hitherto 
the  receipts  from  the  working  of  the  patent 
had  not  been  equal  to  the  outlay  incurred 
in  procuring  it ;  but,  public  attention  being 
now  aroused  to  the  importance  of  pure  gas, 
there  was  every  probability  of  its  becoming 
remunerative. 

Mr.  Lowe  having  described  his  apparatus 
and  illustrated  its  efficiency  by  experiment, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


DE  BERGUE's  patent   PROPELLER   FOR    SHIPS. 


59 


Sir  Jamei  Clarke,  Professor  Brand,  Mr. 
Smee,  of  the  Bank  of  England.  Mr.  Wad- 
dington,  the  manager  of  Apothecaries  Hall 
and  inspector  of  gas  on  the  south  side  of 
the  Thames,  and  Professor  Hoifman  were 
examined,  and  spoke  in  unqualified  terms 
of  the  utility  and  perfect  operation  of  the 
invention.  Mr.  Smee  exhibited  the  cover 
of  a  book  which  had  been  destroyed  in  a 
public  library  by  the  impure  quality  of  the 
gas  consumed.      He  stated  that  in  Russian 


leather  the  action  took  place  at  the  angle 
where  the  back  of  the  cover  was  attached  to 
the  sides,  and  in  calf  binding  the  leather 
peeled  off  in  flakes.  The  sulphurous  acid  in 
the  leather  was  perceptible  to  the  taste. 

Mr.  Welsby,  on  behalf  of  the  Attorney- 
General,  offered  no  opposition. 

Sir  £.  Ryan  said  their  Lordships  were  of 
opinion  that  there  was  considerable  merit  in 
the  invention,  and  they  would  advise  Her 
Majesty  to  extend  the  patent  for  five  years 


DE  BEROUE'S  PATENT  PROPELLER  FOR  SHIPS. 


(Patent  dated 
Mr.  Charles  De  Beroue,  of  Dowgate- 
hill,  London,  has  patented  a  propeller  which 
consists  of  a  body  rocking  in  the  water  in 
such  manner,  that  its  upper  and  under  sides 
shall  alternately  present  a  moving  inclined 
surface  to  the  water  on  which  it  acts,  forcing 
it  through  a  surrounding  chamber. 

Fig.  1  represents  a  transverse,  and  fig.  2 
a  broadside  view  of  the  propeller,  applied 
to  the  side  of  a  vessel  beneath  the  position 
usually  occupied  by  the  paddle-wheel.  A 
is  the  hull  of  the  ship,  B  the  deck,  C  the 
steam-engine  shaft.     The  opposite  extremi- 


April  6,  1854.) 

ties  of  this  shaft,  which  project  a  little  on  each 
side  of  the  vessel,  are  supported  in  suitable 
bearings,  and  furnished  with  cranks,  D, 
which  transmit  the  motion  to  the  propeller. 
£  represents  the  case  or  chamber,  open  at 
each  end,  placed  longitudinally  with  regard 
to  the  vessel,  and  so  as  to  be  entirely  sub- 
merged below  the  surface  of  the  water. 
This  case  is  constructed  in  a  substantial 
manner  of  stout  sheet  iron,  and  riveted, 
bolted,  or  otherwise  firmly  secured  to  the 
hull  of  the  vessel,  the  outer  side  of  the 
chamber    being     further    supported     and 


Fig.  2. 


Fig.  1. 


strengthened  by  the  side,  F,  which  is  also 
made  of  iron,  and  is  attached  at  its  upper 
part  to  the  beams  of  the  vessel,  or  in  any 
other  suitable  manner.  Two  slots  are 
formed  in  the  upper  part  of  the  case  to 
allow  the  free  action  of  the  arms  or  connect- 
ing rod  of  the  rocking  body.  Provision 
should  also  be  made  in  the  construction  of 
the  upper  part  of  the  caste,  so  that  a  part  of 
it  may  be-  removed  or  taken  away  for  the 
convenience  of  inserting  or  removing  the 


blade  and  connecting  rod.  H  is  the  rocking 
body,  being  in  fact  a  working  blade,  which 
acts  against  the  water,  and  a  forked  piece, 
G,  is  either  formed  in  one  with,  or  firmly 
attached  to,  the  blade,  H,  serving  as  a  con- 
necting rod  or  arm  to  commiinicnte  the 
motion  from  the  crank,  D,  to  the  blade,  the 
latter  being  guided  by  two  arms,  I,  made  of 
fiat  bar  iron,  and  placed  in  the  interior  of 
the  chamber,  one  on  each  side  of  the  blade, 
H,  so  as  not  to  hinder  its  action.     These 


Digitized  by  LjOOQ IC 


60 


SELF-CAPPING  RIFLE.. 


arms  vibrate  at  one  of  their  extremitiesi 
each  ou  one  of  the  studs  or  pivots,  J,  J, 
fixed  to  the  sides  of  the  chamber,  £,  and 
the  other  end  of  each  is  firmly  secured  to 
each  extremity  of  the  small  shaft,  K,  which 
is  seen  in  section  in  fig.  2,  and  which  works 
freely  in  the  blade,  H ;  it  is  this  shaft  which 
constitutes  the  centre  or  axis  on  which  the 
rocking  motion  of  the  blade  takes  place. 
All  the  working  parts  which,  on  account  of 
their  working  under  water,  cannot  be  lubri- 
cated, should  be  properly  bushed  with  brass 
or  gun  metal.  The  mventor  prefers  to  eon- 
struct  the  case  or  chamber,  £  (particularly 
its  upper  or  top  side),  so  as  in  length  rather 
to  exceed  that  of  the  blade,  H,  and  of  such 
capacity  and  form  as  to  allow  the  to  and  fro 
and  rocking  action  of  the  blade  (without  the 
blade  getting  in  actual  contact  with  any 
part  of  the  inner  sur&ee  of  the  chamber), 
and  yet  only  slightly  to  exceed  the  spaee 
traversed  over  by  the  blade  during  its 
action. 
It  will  be  observed,  that  when  the  shaiV, 

C,  is  set  in  motion  by  the  engines  in  the 
direction  of  the  arrow,  L,  fig.  2,  the  cranks, 

D,  produce  on  each  of  the  blades,  H,  by 
means  of  the  connecting  rods,  O,  a  to  and 
fro  and  a  rocking  motion  on  the  centre  or 
axis,  K,  by  which  the  propeller  is  moved 
into  the  various  positions  shown  by  lines  or 
dotted  lines  in  fig.  2.  The  arrow,  M,  fig.  2, 
shows  the  direction  of  the  current  produced 
by  the  action  of  the  blade,  H,  in  the  cham- 
bers, and  the  arrow,  N,  shows  the  direction 
of  the  motion  thereby  given  to  the  vessel. 

It  will  be  observeci,  that  by  reversing  the 
motion  of  the  engines,  and  by  turning  the 
cranks  in  the  contrary  direction  to  that 
indicated  by  the  arrow,  L,  the  current  given 
to  the  water  by  the  blade,  H,  will  be  in  the 
contrary  direction.  It  may  likewise  be 
observed,  that  the  chamber,  £,  and  the 
blade,  H,  are  wider  at  the  centre  than  at  the 
extremities.  This  is  for  the  purpose  of 
increasing  the  area  of  the  chamber  in  the 
centre,  which  otherwise  would  be  more  con- 
fined  than  at  the  extremities,  in  consequence 
of  the  greater  thickness  it  is  necessary  to 
give  to  the  blade,  H,  at  the  centre  than  at 
the  ends.  "  To  compensate,"  says  Mr.  de 
Bergue,  '*  for  the  increased  Telocity  which 
it  may  be  necessary  to  give  to  the  water 
during  its  passage  through  the  chamber 
over  and  above  that  at  which  it  enters  (in 
order  to  the  more  sati:ifactorily  working  or 
efficiency  of  this  propeller),  I  purpose  con« 
Rtructing  the  chamber,  and  also  the  blade, 
H,  of  an  uniform  width  from  the  front  end 
or  mouth  of  the  chamber  to  the  middle  of 
their  length,  and  narrowing  them  only  at 
their  opposite  ends,  whereby  I  apprehend 
the  requisite  quantity  of  water  will  be  re- 
ceived In  front  to  compensate  for  the  in« 


oreased  velocity  acquired  daring  its  pasaage 
through  the  chamber.  Or  this  object  may; 
be  attained  by  making  the  chamber  and  the 
blade  to  taper  or  diminish  in  width  from  the 
front  end  or  mouth  of  the  chamber  to  the 
opposite  end  throughout  the  entire  length, 
and  either  by  a  curved  or  a  straight  taper, 
as  may  be  desired." 

The  blade,  H,  and  the  forked  conneouag 
rod  are  formed  of  wrought  iron,  and  are  so 
connected  as  to  eonatitute  a  strong  and  sub. 
stantial  framing,  the  blade  being  covered 
with  iron  plates  firmly  riveted  together, 
and  to  the  framing  of  the  blade,  so  that  the 
interior,  being  hollow,  and  made  impervious 
to  water,  the  propeller  will  have  a  floating 
tendency,  and  its  buoyancy  will  render  it 
self-supporting.  But  the  blade  may  be 
made  of  any  otlier  suitable  substance. 
These  propellers,  which  may  be  placed  at 
any  suitable  part  of  the  vessel,  and  in  any 
suitable  number,  should  always  be  com- 
pletely submerged. 

The  inventor  states  that  his  apparatua 
may  also  be  used  either  to  disnlaoe  or  to 
force  water  or  any  other  kind  of  liquids 
instead  of  pumps  or  pumping  apparatus, 
and  (being  placed  in  a  stream  of  water)  may 
also  serve  in  place  of  a  water-wheel  as  a 
prime  mover. 


SELF-CAPPING  RIFLE. 

At  the  close  of  tiie  meeting  of  the  Insti- 
tution of  Civil  Engineers  on  January  0th, 
1855,  Monsieur  N^ron,  of  Paris,  exhibited 
an  ingenious  mode  of  placing  detonating 
caps  on  the  nipple  of  a  rifie  or  a  musket. 
The  apparatus  consisted  of  a  tube  contain- 
ing twenty-two  caps,  placed  parallel  with 
and  close  beside  the  barrel,  being  partially 
inserted  in  the  stock,  and  so  arranged,  that 
whilst  the  near  end  was  attached  by  a  pin  to 
the  hammer,  the  further  extremity  was  free 
to  travel  in  a  slot.  Its  action  was  very 
simple ;  the  tube  being  filled  with  caps  from 
a  reservoir,  several  of  which  would  occupy 
but  a  very  small  space,  the  end  cover  was 
turned  down.  On  drawing  the  hammer  to 
half  cock  the  tube  was  drawn  forward,  until 
a  cap  was  brought  over  the  nipple,  and  at 
full-cock  the  cap  was  pressed  down  upon  it. 
After  firing,  if  any  portion  of  the  copper 
remained  attached  to  the  cap,  it  was  re- 
moved by  a  small  picker  preceding  the 
tube,  on  its  being  again  drawn  forward  to 
repeat  the  operation. 

It  was  evident  that  by  this  simple  and 
cheap  addition  to  any  fire-arm  much  time 
must  be  save<l  in  loading,  and  a  great  waste 
of  caps  must  be  avoided,  whilst  about  25 
Iter  c^ut.  pf  copper  was  ^ave4  in  ipaVIng,  thfi 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SE-PAXEMTBO  BE-INT£MTI0M8. 


61 


w^,  and  they  were  kept  dry  in  the  reser-  ; 
Toir,  instead  of  being  exposed  to  damp  and  | 
ranning  the  risk  of  not  exploding,  as  bad  I 
oeeurr^  frequently  iu  action  on  recent  i 
oceaaions  ib  the  Crimea.  ! 

The  system  waa  stated  to  have  obtained 
the  approbation  of  the  highest  military 
aathorities  in  France,  and  witli  the  charac- 
teristic alacrity  of  the  Government  of  that 
coantiy,  to  be  already  in  process  of  adapta- 
tion to  the  Minie  rifles  and  to  fire-arms  of 
all  kinds  for  the  army ;  it  had,  only  within 
the  last  few  days,  been  brought  here  to  lay 
before  the  fingb'sh  Government,  and  was 
submitted  fur  the  inspection  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers. 


REPATENTED  RE-INVENTIONS. 

To  Ike  Sdiior  rf  the  Meeluuuet*  Magazine. 

Sir, — Still  they  come— another  and  an- 
other still.  What  a  fruitful  source,  if  not 
of  invention^  at  least  of  re-invention  has  the 
new  cheap  patent  law  become!  In  yoar 
Number  of  December  30th,  I  enumerated 
several  of  the  more  recent  re-inventions,  in- 
eluding  Woodcock's,  Prideaux'3,  Hill's, 
O'Regan's,  and  Parker's,  of  the  original 
"perforated  air  distributors,"  patented  in 
1839.  By  that  invention  the  air  was  ad- 
mitted in  divided  portions,  Jileu,  or  jets;  the 
effect  is  the  same,  namely,  the  producing  a 
rapid  and  almost  instantaneous  mechanical 
mixture  and  contact  of  atoms,  between  the 
g.i8  and  the  air — that  being  the  sine  qud 
nou  of  atomic  cltemical  union— which  is 
combustion.  Your  Number  of  this  day, 
just  come  to  hand,  gives  a  drawing  and  de- 
scription of  another  patented  re-inventioo 
of  the  same ;  viz.,  "  Bayliss's  patent  smoke- 
leas  furnace."  It  certainly  would  not  be 
worth  the  ink  used,  to  demonstrate  this  last 
act  of  re-inventive  duplicity,  except  that  it 
is  important  to  keep  the  public  mind  alive 
to  these  continuing  impositions.  That 
Bayliss's  patent  is  one  of  this  class,  is  pal- 
pable  from  his  own  description.  "  The 
principal  gases/'  he  observes,  **  we  have  to 
deal  with  iu  a  furnace  are,  carburetted  hy. 
drogen,  bi-carburetted  hydrogen,  and  car- 
bonic oxide, 'the  atoms  of  which  must  be 
chemically  united  with  oxygen  derived  from 
the  air,  before  combustion  can  take  place." 
(Bayliss  has  not  studied  my  treatise  cor. 
reetly,  or  he  would  not  have  here  introduced 
carbonic  oxide,  which  is  not  one  of  the  gases 
"arising  from  heated  fuel.")  He  continues: 
"The  difficulty  hr.s  hitherto  been"  ^not 
since  1839),  *'to  accomplish  this  union, 
for  the  gases,  sweeping  along  at  the  rate  of 
30  feet  per  second,  there  is  not  sufficient 
time  for  a  thorough  mixture  of  them  with 
the  air  to  take  place."     In  Justi  2e  to  me,  he 


should  have  given  the  ehapter  and  page  of 
my  treatise,  where  this  is  so  fully  explained 
and  insisted  on. 

He  proceeds :  '*  I  therefore  propose  to 
compensate  for  this  want  of  time  by  dividing 
the  gases  into  a  number  of  small  streams  or 
bodies,  Rwd  forcing  them  into  mechanical  mtje- 
ture  with  the  air,  to  facilitate  the  chemical 
union  with  oxygen,  and  produce  a  com- 
bustible  mixture."  Here,  again,  he  should 
have  quoted  my  treatise,  either  first,  second, 
or  third  edition  ;  for  no  where  else  can  he 
find  the  necessity  of  thus  forcing  a  mecha- 
nicak  mijcture  as  an  essential  to  chemical  union 
described  as  an  incident  to  the  combustion 
of  the  coal  gases  in  a  furnace. 

This  operation  he  proposes  to  effect  by  a 
"  series  of  admixers,"  having  spaces  between 
them  for  the  admission  of  the  air,  *'  to  com- 
mingle with  the  gases,"  Again :  "  perfo- 
rated plates  of  metal  or  slabs  of  fire-clay 
might  be  used  instead  of  the  admixers 
(they,  however,  being  the  best  possible  ad« 
mixers),  and  these  may  be  placed  horizon- 
tally  or  vertically,  as  is  thought  best." 

Now,  had  his  patent  referred  alone  to 
these  "per/orated  plates,"  the  efibct  would 
have  been  all-sufficient,  inasmuch  as  they 
supply  the  cheapest  as  well  as  the  most 
effective  means  of  producing  mechanical 
mixture  and  chemical  union  between  the  air 
and  the  gases.  This,  however,  would  have 
been  too  simple,  and  would  not  have  afforded 
room  for  that  display  of  ingenuity  and  com- 
plication by  which  high  patent  charges  and 
**  royalties"  appear  justifiable,  as  has  been 
demonstrated  by  Prideanx,  with  his  silly 
self-acting  valve,  and  Woodcock,  with  his 
equally  silly  Venetian  ash-pit  blinds ;  as  if 
either  had  anything  whatever  to  do  with 
combustion,  except  occasionally  to  impede 
it. 

As  corroborative  of  the  accuracy  of  Mr. 
Bayliss's  second-hand  descriptive  faculty, 
and  the  correctness  of  his  imitative  mecha- 
nical mixing  process,  I  give  an  extract 
from  the  claim,  in  the  patent  of  1839,  by 
which  "  a  quicker  and  more  complete  incor- 
poration of  the  combustible  gas  and  the  air 
is  effected,  and  tlie  formation  of  smoke  pre- 
vented;"  viz.,  <' Having  thus  described  the 
nature  of  my  invention,  I  specially  claim 
the  use,  construction,  and  application  of  the 
perforated  air  distributor,  by  which  the  atmo- 
spheric air  is  more  immediately  and  inti- 
mately blended  with  the  combustible  gases 
in  the  furnace."  Will  Mr.  Bayliss  exercise 
his  ingenuity,  and  point  out  any  difference 
between  his  use  and  application  of  the 
"  perforated  plate"  referred  to  in  his  patent, 
and  that  of  the  above,  as  claimed  by  the 
patent  of  1839.  It  is  only  necessary  to  add, 
that  the  public  may  apply  these  perforated 
plates  either  at  the  door  or  bridge  end  of 
their  furnaces^  withoyt    a^y  reference    tg 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


02 


PEBMAMKNT  WATS. 


Prideauz,  Woodeoek,  Baylif s^  or  others,  or 
being  subject  to  their  exactions, 
r  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

C.  W.  Williams. 
Liverpool,  January  18, 185A. 

THE  SMOKE  QUESTION. 

To  the  Editor  ^f  the  Mechanics*  Afagaxine. 

Sir. — Mr.  Williams  having  noticed  the 
Cerberus  allegation,  I  cannot  do  less  than 
join  my  own  disclaimer  of  having  the 
slightest  trace  of  knowledge  who  "  En- 
gineer" is.  Mr.  Williams  I  have  never  seen 
in  my  life  and  know  nothing  about  him, 
except  from  his  publications  and  by  hear- 
say. Seeking  information  for  fnj  own  use, 
I  have  found  in  his  works  a  clear  and  com- 
prehensive  account  of  the  process  and  re- 
quisites of  combustion  which  I  do  not  know 
where  I  can  meet  with  anywhere  else ;  and 
noticing  the  excessive  minutiae  of  Mr. 
Mansfield's  letter  contradictory  to  them- 
selves, for  want  of  being  reduced  within  a 
sound  principle,  I  thought  it  was  a  service 
both  to  himself  and  hisprotige  to  point  out 
my  own  sources  of  knowledge.  A  man 
who  has  discovered  a  pure  spring,  and  does 
not  take  the  trouble  to  indicate  it  to  those 
around  him  who  are  drinking  puddle,  only 
deserves  to  exchange  his  lot  for  theirs.  My 
absolute  disconnection  with  Mr.  Williams 
is  evinced  by  the  fact,  that  he  does  not  even 
know  my  signature  to  be  that  of  the  same 
person  who,  immediately  I  saw  the  last 
edition  of  his  work,  forthwith  pointed  out 
the  same  day  to  my  patent  agent,  well 
known  to  Mr.  Williams,  a  most  important 
mistake  which  had  crept  in,  on  a  subject  in 
which  T  have  no  other  interest  than  that 
which  dictates  Mr.  Williams's  present  cor- 
respondence—a desire  for  truth  and  justice 
to  prevail  upon  a  question  of  immense 
practical  value,  which  I  have  publicly  dis- 
cussed. Now  as  I  was  promised  this  error 
should  be  corrected  with  a  publicity  equal 
to  the  oversight,  and  I  am  not  aware  it  has 
yet  been  done,  it  would  be  just  as  reason- 
able to  ssy  I  was  in  a  slate  of  **  feud  "  as  a 
state  of  «*  league  "  with  Mr.  Williams. 

As  there  is  no  more  effectual  way  of  pro- 
moting truth  than  by  correcting  error,  I 
beg  to  refer  to  a  late  instance  of  the  prevail- 
ing misconception  as  to  the  **  consumption 
of  smoke,"  fostered,  ss  it  undoubtedly  has 
been,  by  the  ambiguous  views  enunciated 
by  the  great  Watt,  at  a  time  when  the  com- 
paratively undeveloped  state  of  chemical 
science  rendered  some  amount  of  inac- 
curacy almost  unavoidable.  The  deficien- 
cies of  great  authorities  we  must  supply  by 
the  further  lights  obtained  since  their  day, 
and  which  they  would  themselves  be  the 
very  first  to  do  if  living.  No  one  is  likely 
to  doubt  that  the  Timet  commands,  in  its 
writers,    selected   samples  of   the  general 


talent  and  infomatioa  of  the  kingdom,  jet 
in  a  long  article  on  the  inioke  nuisance,  itwaa 
lately  stated  that  the  process  of  Jucke8,Hasel- 
dine,  Hall,  and  other  grate  patentees,  is  to 
supply  a  thin  stratum  of  coal  utiMemeath  the 
hotfiul,  through  which,  in  consequence,  the 
smoke  passes  up  aYid  is  consumed ;  being  the 
very  reverse  of  the  facts  and  principles  of 
the  cases,  and  an  excellent  method  of  mak- 
ing tmoket  as  may  be  readily  proved  even  in 
a  parlour  fire.  I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &e., 

David  Musrbt. 
January  15, 1855. 

PERMANENT  WAYS. 

To  the  Editor  of  the  Mechanics'  Magazine. 

Sir, — Your  able  remarks  on  the  Per- 
manent Way  Company,  in  your  number  of 
the  9th  instant,  induce  me  to  trouble  you 
with  a  few  lines  on  the  subject.  Every  one 
must  agree  with  you,  that  if  the  company  is 
established  for  the  purpose  of  "  buying  up 
all  old  patents,  and  by  united  eflTorts  oppo- 
sing all  new  inventions,'*  it  is  a  very  serious 
evil,  and  one  materially  afiTecting  the  inter- 
ests of  the  public  at  large.  I  believe  it  is 
formed  for  that  purpose,  and  will  give  yon 
my  reasons.  To  my  certain  knowledge  the 
patent  of  L.  D.  B.  Gordon  was  worthless, 
m  a  pecuniary  sense,  and  never  produced 
the  patentee  one  farthing  until  one  fine 
morning  he  awoke,  and,  to  his  great  as- 
tonishment, he  found  it  in  requisition  by 
the  Perinnnent  Way  Company.  Then  let 
us  proceed  to  two  other  directors,  viz.,  Mr. 
Bruff  and  Mr.  Robert  Richardson.  Many 
years  ago,  I  forget  the  date,  Mr.  Richard, 
son  was  employed  under  Mr.  BrufT  as  resi- 
dent or  assistant  engineer  on  one  of  the 
Eastern  Counties  lines  of  railway,  in  which 
capacity  he  had  to  superintend  the  erection 
of  a  wooden  railway  bridge,  when,  for  the 
first  time,  Mr.  Brufl'  employed  the  fish- 
jointed  rail.  After  the  railway  was  opened 
to  the  public,  Mr.  Richardson  took  out  a 
patent  for  a  great  variety  of  improvements 
in  carriages,  locomotives,  &c.,  and  perma- 
nent ways,  &c. ;  and  amongst  other  things 
the  very  identical  fish-joint  used  and  pub. 
lished  almost  a  year  before  by  Mr.  Bruff. 
This  was  the  only  thing  of  any  use  in  the 
whole  patent,  and  on  tiie  formation  of  the 
Permanent  Way  Company,  became  its  pro- 
perty. This  state  of  things  did  not  exactly 
meet  the  views  of  Mr.  Bruff,  who  rather 
fancied  that  as  he  was  the  inventor  of  this 
imnrovement  (although  not  the  patentee),  he 
had  a  right  to  some  pecuniary  advantage 
from  its  adoption  ;  and  so  well  founded  were 
his  claims,  that  the  company  thought  better 
to  keep  the  thing  quiet,  by  giving  him  a 
share  in  their  profits,  than  to  go  to  trial. 
The  public  have  therefore  to  pay  the  com- 
pany for    the    use    of   this   improvement, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


FOBTABZiS  OANNON. 


63 


•IthoQgli  the  patent  U  granted  to  a  gentle-  I 

roan  who  took  out  hit  patent  about  twelve  ' 

months  after  it  became  public  property,  for  i 

an  invention  which  is  not  his ;  and  to  keep  I 

the  thing  quiet  Mr.  Bruff  becomes  one  of  | 
the  direolort. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c. 

Z.  I 

ELECTRIC  TELEGRAPHS. 

ANOTHER  MODERN   ANTIQUE. 

To  the  Editor  </  the  Meehaniee'  Magazine. 
Sir, — Sundry  paragraphs  have  been  go-  i 
ing  the  round  of  the  papers  within  the  last  | 
twelve  months,  relating  to  a  wonderful  dis-  | 
covery  of  a  Mr.  Lindsay,  of  Dundee,  which, 
if  I  mistake  not,  has  been  heralded  not  a 
little  by  Sir  D.  Brewster,  by  way  of  stomp- 
ing the  fact  of  the  discovery.  All  this 
would  really  amount  to  nothing  were  it  not 
that  I  perceive  by  your  Journal  of  Decem- 
ber 30,  No.  1638,  that  tliis  discovery,  for 
some  purpose  or  other,  is  carried  the  length 
and  made  the  subject  of  a  patent.  In  the 
abstract  of  patents  of  that  date,  I  see  that 
such  has  been  granted  to  Mr.  James  Bow- 
man Lindsay,  of  Dundee,  beariii|[  date 
June  5,  1854,  No.  1242.  Supposinff  at 
this  time  of  day,  no  one  would  be  so  silly  as 
to  throw  away  their  money  in  patenting 
what,  to  all  versant  in  electro- telegraphic 
experiments,  was  a  well-known  and  esta- 
blished fact,  I  thought  d  fortiori  that  there 
must  or  might  be  some  peculiar  novelty  in 
Mr.  Lindsay's  discovery ;  I  therefore  went 
to  the  Patent  office  to  peruse  this  speciiicar 
tion,  and  besides  finding  myself  sold,  I  find 
the  patented  description  similar,  and  the 
diagram  almost  a  copy,  of  what  you  will  find 
at  pages  60  and  61  of  a  little  volume  jpublished 
by  Lea  and  Blan chard,  Philadelphia,  1847, 
and  edited  by  Mr.  Alfred  Vail,  where  a 
much  fuller  description  of  the  experiment  is 
given,  under  the  heading,  "  Mode  of  cross- 
ing broad  rivers  and  other  bodies  of  water 
without  wires ;"  to  which  are  appended  the 
requirements  necessary  to  carry  it  out,  with 
the  results  and  data  of  several  experiments 
made  by  Professor  Morse,  December  16th, 
1842;  also  explanations  showing  that  the 
minimum  length  of  wire  required  sideways 
along  the  banks  of  the  body  of  water  must 
be  six  times  greater  than  the  distance 
across;  making  it  as  a  question  of  cost, 
quite  unavailable,  even  supposing  greatly 
extended  bodies  of  water  could  be  got  to  act 
similarly  to  these  narrow  rivers  and  canals. 
I  trouble  you  with  these  remarks,  as  I  have 
heard  the  crossing  of  the  channel  and  the 
Atlantic  by  such  a  process  seriously  and 
gravely  mooted. 

The  fact  was  first  discovered  by  two  Dutch 
philosophers,  many  years  ago,  and  it  is  fn- 


queotly  alluded  to  in  eompilations  on  elec- 
trie  telegraphs. 

I  am,  Sir,  youra,  &c., 

Merguriui  Calbdonius. 
January  IS,  1856. 

Sir,— At  page  641  of  your  last  volume  is 
a  notice  of  the  specification  of  Mr.  J.  B. 
Lindsay,  of  Dundee,  for  **  a  niode  of  trans- 
mitting telegraphic  messages  by  means  of 
electricity  through  and  across  a  body  or 
bodies  of  water ;"  which  mode  is  said  to  con- 
sist in  dispensing  with  submerged  wires, 
using  in  their  stead  submerged  balls, 
plates,  or  tubes,  attached  to  the  ends  of  the 
wires ! 

It  is  just  possible  that  the  learned  Domi- 
nie may  be  able  to  sustain  his  claim  to  the 
monopoly  of  halls  and  tubes  for  this  pur- 
pose, if  they  can  be  advantageously  em- 
ployed. But  his  claim  to  the  plate  is  most 
assuredly  dished  by  the  public  use  of  them 
in  1841,  by  Mr.  Alexander  Bain,  who 
"  found  that  if  the  mere  ends  of  the  wire 
were  dipped  into  the  water,  the  current  that 
passed  was  so  feeble,  that  if  he  had  stopped 
here,  it  would  be  applicable  to  no  practical 
use."  He  then  saw  that  it  was  "  necessary 
to  attach  a  few  feet  of  metallic  surface  to  be 
immersed  at  each  end  of  the  conducting  wire. 
The  result  was,  that  the  whole  current  of 
the  small  battery  employed  immediately 
passed  as  freely  through  the  water  as  it 
would  have  done  through  an  entire  metallic 
circuit  The  success  of  that  experiment 
obviously  led  Mr.  Bain  to  his  great  disco- 
very of  plunging,  in  a  similar  manner, 
plates  of  positive  and  negative  metallic  8ur« 
faces  in  the  earth,  or  in  the  water,  at  great 
disUnces;  then,  connecting  these  by  a  well- 
regulated  wire,  he  is  enabled  to  discard  gal- 
vanic batteries  altogether,  and  to  produce 
an  (almost)  everlasting  and  unvarying  fiow 
of  electricity,  proportionate  in  power  to  the 
amount  of  metallio  surface."  *  Will  any 
gentleman  think  it  worth  while  to  patent 
the  latter  discovery  ? 

I  am.  Sir,  yours  respectfully, 

Wm.  Baddelby. 

IS,  Angell-terrace,  Islington,  Jan.  11,  1895. 


PORTABLE  CANNON. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 
Sir, — From  a  paragraph  in  last  week's 
papers,  I  learn  that,  "  the  Minister  of  War 
has  had  his  attention  drawn  to  a  novel  de- 
scription of  siege  cannon,  the  invention  of 
a  Mr.  Williams,  of  Pembroke.  The  great 
difficulty  experienced  at  Sebastopol  is  the 
enormous  labour  required  to  get  the  siege 

*  JUsck.  Mag.,  vol.  xzxiz.,  p.  76. 


Digiti 


zed  by  Google 


64 


SPEOinCAIIONS  OV  PATENTS  &IOENTLT  FILSP. 


pieces  in  position ;  the  cannon  of  Mr.  Wil. 
Hams  can  be  carried  with  ease  on  men's 
shoulders,  they  being  cast  in  pieces  which 
can  be  fitted  together  in  a  few  minutes  by  a 
person  of  the  commonest  understanding." 

Some  of  your  "  constant  readers  from  tlie 
firsti"  may  perhaps  remember  a  similar  in- 
vention (or,  at  any  rate,  an  invention  for  a 
similar  purpose)  described  by  me  in  your 
pages,  upwards  of  fifteen  years  ago,  as  the 
invention  of  Mr.  Penny.* 

In  a  succeeding  numberf  the  late  Colonel 
Macerone,  while  admitting  the  ingenuity 
of  the  contrivance,  expressed  an  unfavour- 
able  opinion  practically,  of  duplex  pieces 
of  ordnance.  Although  the  Colonel's  opi- 
nion on  such  matters  was  entitled  to  great 
consideration,  I  could  not  agree  with  him 
in  his  view  of  Mr.  Penny's  cannon,  which  I 
still  believe  to  be  the  embryo,  at  least,  of 
some  important  Improvements  in  the  con- 
struction and  application  of  heavy  ordnance. 
That  siege  guns  can  be  so  subdivided  as  to 
be  "  carried  on  men's  shoulders,"  is  by  no 
means  probable. 

If  the  weight  can  be  divided  into  two 
nearly  equal  parts,  and  the  gun  thus  become 
capable  of  use,  either  as  a  cannon  or  a  mortar 
at  pleasure,  the  importance  of  the  improve- 
ment can  hardly  be  overrated.  Perhaps  the 
description  in  your  30th  volume,  may  just 
now  be  worth  a  reperusal ;  to  the  late  Mr. 
Penny  roust  be  conceded  the  merit  of  the 
invention. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours  respectfully, 

Wm.  Baddeley. 

IS,  Angell-terrace,  Islington,  Jan.  9, 1865. 

IMPROVED  CANNON. 
To  the  Editor  qf  the  Me^umiet*  Magazine. 

Sir, — There  appear  to  be  nuny  and  va- 
ried opinions  relative  to  the  merits  of  cast 
and  wrought-iron  cannons,  the  leading  fea- 
tures of  each  being,  I  think,  the  following : 
— Cast  iron  possess  great  hardness  in  their 
material,  but  are  subject  to  the  great  draw- 
back of  their  extreme  liability  to  burst. 
Wrought  iron,  on  the  other  hand,  have  the 
advantage  of  great  tenacity  in  their  particles, 
and  perfect  safety  even  with  the  use  of  mueh 
more  explosive  matter,  which  is  equivalent 
to  greatly  increased  force  and  power ;  these 
latter,  however,  from  their  expansion,  are  in 
a  short  time  useless.  We  are  thus  left  in 
considerable  uncertainty  which  to  employ. 

It  will  readily  be  admitted  that  it  would 
be  far  better  if  we  could  dispense  with  these 
life-destroying  machines ;  but  as  we  cannot, 
it  is  well  to  make  them  as  efficient  as  pos- 
sible.    I  would,  therefore,  propose  that  the 

*  Tide  vol.  zxx.,  p.  H. 
,t  IbW,  p.  179. 


cannon  should  be  made  of  a  comparatively 
thin  cast  material,  and  encased  in  a  very 
accurately  and  strongly-wro«ight  covering, 
such  covering  being  afilxed  by  means  of 
screws  and  nuts,  or  by  collars  or  rings 
driven  on  in  the  same  manner  as  railway- 
wheels  are  to  their  axle-trees. 

I  have  thought  that  by  this  mode  of  con. 
struction,  the  advantages  of  both  could  be 
made  available,  without  the  evils  of  either. 
I  should  be  glad  of  the  insertion  of  this  in 
your  Journal. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Joseph  Clarke. 

London,  January  16,  18U. 


ON  ORDNANCE  AND  GUN- 
POWDER. 
To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 
Sir, — In  a  letter,  headed  as  above,  and 
signed  "J.  F."  in  your  last  number,  I  ob- 
serve a  curious  argument  is  employed  which 
deserves  pointing  out  "  J.  F.,"  in  speak* 
ing  of  exploding  mixed  gases,  says,  *'  One 
thing  is  obvious,  however,  that  some  other 
conditimks  are  necessary  beside  the  genera- 
tion orheat ;  '*  and  in  support  of  this  etate- 
ment,  brings  forward  the  fact,  that  a  piece 
of  wire  gauxe  interposed  between  a  gaso- 
meter  of  oxygen  and  hydrogen,  and  a  burner, 
prevents  the  firing  of  the  mixture  when 
fiame  is  applied.  I  think  this  illustration  is 
an  imfortunate  one  for  the  argument,  for 
the  non-explosion  depends,  or  is  universally 
said  to  depend,  upon  the  cooling  efiects  of 
the  wire  gause,  and  upon  these  alone. 
I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Argus. 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Garrett,  Richard,  jun.,  of  Leiston 
Works,  near  Saxmundham,  Sufiblk,  en- 
gineer. An  im^rooed  arrangement  of  valvee 
for  working  steam  expansivelu.  Patent  dated 
June  23, 1854.    (No.  1391.) 

This  invention  relates  chiefiy  to  a  mode 
of  facilitating  the  starting  of  steam-engines 
which  are  arranged  to  work  expansively, 
and  to  a  mode  of  actuating  the  valve  which 
is  employed  to  cut  off  the  supply  of  steam 
to  the  valve-chest  at  any  required  portion 
of  the  stroke  of  the  piston.  We  may  give 
a  full  description  of  the  apparatus  here- 
after. 

Lbtchford,  Robert  Michael,  of 
Whitechspel,  Middlesex,  match  manufac- 
turer. A  matck-stand  and  holder  for  holding 
matches  while  being  ignited.  Patent  dated 
June  23,  1854.    (No.  1892.) 

Clai^s^ — 1.  Tbe  oonstruQtion  of  a  match*! 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ftPEOIFZOATIONS  OV  PATENTS  BECENTLY  FILED. 


65 


•taad,  bv  fitting  a  short  tube,  open  at  both 
ends  and  throughout  it*  length,  to  a  base  or 
pedestal,  or  by  constructing  a  similar  tube 
with  a  base  or  pedestal  formed  thereon,  or 
by  forming  an  equivalent  aperture  through 
a  piece  of  meUl  or  other  suitable  material. 
2.  The  employment  of  a  short  tube,  open 
at  both  ends  and  throughout  its  length,  as  a 
holder,  for  holding  matches  while  being 
ignited. 

Skbltom,  Thomas,  of  Plaistow,  Bssex, 
draughtsman,  jin  improvement  in,  or  addi^ 
Hon  to,  tiilers  or  yokes.  Patent  dated  June 
24,  18A4.    (No.  1394.) 

The  addition  to  tillers  or  yokes  of  blocks 
or  sheaves  between  those  on  the  free  end  or 
ends  thereof  and  the  rudder«head,  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  up  the  slack  of  the  steer. 
ing  rope  or  chain. 

Brooman,  RicuardArchibald,  of  166, 
Fleet-street,  London,  patent  agent  yf  nem 
or  improved  prof  ecHle  for  ordnance  aud  small 
arms,  and  a  sabot  or  plug  to  be  emphyed 
tkeremnthj  which  sabot  or  plug  may  also  be 
used  with  other  projectiles,  (A  communica- 
tion  from  W.  Antrobus  Holwell,  of  Quebec.) 
Patent  dated  June  24,  1854.   (No.  1395.) 

Claims. — 1  A  projectile  of  an  egg  form, 
more  or  less  elongated,  having  an  axial 
opening  throughout  its  length,  in  which  is 
fitted  a  double  spiral  vane,  for  the  purpose 
of  giving  a  motion  of  rotation  round  its  axis 
to  the  projectile  on  its  being  discharged 
from  a  piece  of  ordnance  or  a  small  arm ; 
also  a  solid  projectile  of  the  like  egg  form. 
2.  A  certain  sabot  or  plug,  and  the  employ- 
ment of  the  same  in  the  formation  of  cart^ 
ridge?. 

Brooman,  Richard  Archibald,  of  166, 
Fleet-street,  London,  patent  agenL  An 
improved  mill  for  grinding  and  puheriziug 
points,  and  various  vegetable  and  mineral 
Mubstancss,  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  June  24,  1854.    (No.  1397.) 

C^M.— Forming  the  grinding  surfaces  of 
the  muUcr,  and  of  the  annular  concave  in 
the  bed-stone,  with  a  radius  so  much  greater, 
as  compared  with  the  semi-diameter  of  the 
muller,  that  an  excess  of  material  shall  have 
spac3  into  which  to  pass,  thereby  obviating 
tbe  packing  or  clogging  between  the  sides 
of  the  wuller  and  of  tbe  said  groove. 

Davies,  Joseph,  of  Bristol.  Improve^ 
ments  m  propelling  vessels.  Patent  dated 
June  24, 1854.    (No.  1398.) 

When  a  ship  or  vessel  is  to  be  propelled 
according  to  this  invention,  it  is  constructed 
with  suitable  channels  below  the  water-line 
to  receive  one  or  more  endless  series  of 
feathering  float-boards,  arranged  so  that  tlie 
propelling  machinery  may  be  below  the 
water-line  of  the  vessel. 

Thompson,  John,  of  Newton-le- Wil- 
lows, Lancashire,  sugar-refiner.    Improve^ 


ments  in  centrifugal  apparatus  used  in  tlte 
manufacture  qf  sugar.  Patent  dated  June  24, 
1854.     (No.  1399.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing 
centrifugal  apparatus  with  a  compartment 
at  or  near  the  centre,  and  in  filling  the  same 
with  fibrous  or  other  absorbent  matter  to 
absorb  water  or  other  cleansing  fluid,  and 
to  part  with  it  by  the  centrifugal  action  of 
the  machine. 

BoTTOMLEY,  RsuBBN,  of  Rochdale,  Lan. 
caster,  cotton  spinner ;  David  Schofibld, 
of  Oldham,  same  county,  mechanic ;  and 
Henry  Spencer,  of  Rochdale,  manager. 
Certain  improvements  ia  machinery  or  apparaf 
tusfor  spinning  and  doubling  cotton  and  other 
fibrous  materials.  Patent  dated  June  24, 
1854.    (No.  1401.) 

Claims, — 1.  The  use  of  bars  or  laths  of 
any  suitable  material  furnished  with  projec- 
tions or  studs,  either,  or  all,  moving  later- 
ally, so  as  alternately  to  secure  and  release 
the  yams  or  threads.  2.  The  construction 
and  use  of  a  bar  or  lath  of  any  suitable 
material  furnished  with  projections  or  studs, 
and  rising  and  falling  alternately  between 
two  exterior  laths  or  checks. 

HuBNER,  Emile,  of  Mulliouse,  France, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  machinery  for 
preparing  wool,  cotton,  silk  waste,  low,  and 
otlter  fibrous  materials.  Patent  dated  June 
24,1854.    (No.  1403.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  to  lay  the 
fibres  of  the  wool,  or  other  material,  in  a 
longitudinal  direction,  and  to  convert  the 
material  into  a  long  fieece  or  lap,  or  into  a 
band  or  sliver,  in  which  state  it  Ik  better 
adapted  for  undergoing  the  combing  or  other 
operations  pursued  ia  the  manufacture  of 
fibrous  materials. 

Bain,  Alexander,  of  Queen' s-row.  Cam- 
berwell,  Surrey,  mechanical  engineer,  /m- 
provements  in  fire-arms,  and  the  apparatus 
connected  t/terewith.  Patent  dated  June  26, 
1854.    (No.  1404.) 

Claims, — The  construction  of  fire-arms 
with  certain  described  moveable  bridgen, 
certain  ariangements  for  loading  a  series  of 
chambers,  either  simultaneously  or  singly, 
and  certain  means  of  applying  a  number  of 
percussion  caps  simnltaneousTy. 

Palmer,  William,  of  Sutton.airecr, 
Clerkenweli.  Improvements  in  candle-lamps. 
Patent  dated  June  26,  1854.    (No.  1407.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  construc- 
tion of  a  candle-lamp  suitable  for.  burning 
candles  on  the  interior,  and  near  the  roofs, 
of  railway  carriages,  &c. 

Bealb,  Charles,  of  Leicester,  hosier, 
and  John  Latchmorb  of  the  same  place, 
hosier.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
knitted  shirts.  Patent  dated  June  26,  1854. 
(No.  1408.) 
This  invention  consists  in  introducing 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


66 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BECENTLY  VtLBlf, 


fleecy  wool  or  cotton  in  the  knitting  needles 
used  in  manufacturing  shirU,  in  such  man- 
ner as  to  produce  nap  or  fleece  as  the  work 
progresses,  for  the  purpose  of  affording  ad- 
ditional warmth  to  the  breast  of  the  wearer. 
Yateb,  William,  of  Mary-street,  Brom- 
ley, Middlesex.  IntprovemenU  in  fumeues. 
Patent  dated  June  26,  1864.    (No.  1410.) 

The  inventor  employs  slides,  which,  in 
moving  back,  allow  some  of  the  fuel  to  de- 
scend, and  which,  on  their  return,  force  the 
fresh  fuel,  and  that  which  is  already  on  the 
bars,  towards  the  bridge. 
•  Smith,  Andrew,  of  Princes-street,  Mid- 
dlesex, wire-rope  manufacturer.  Improve* 
menu  in  the  manufacture  cf  certain  kinds  or 
descriptions  qfteire  and  other  ropes  and  strands. 
Patent  dated  June  27,  1854.    (No.  1412.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing 
machinery  for  forming  strands  for  "  formed 
ropes,"  telegrnph,  and  other  cables,  &c., 
without  putting  "  individual  twist"  into  the 
wires  or  yarns  composing  the  strands. 

CoLLETTE,  Charles  Hastings,  of  Lin- 
coln's-inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman. 
Improvements  in  the  mantrfacture  qf  beer, 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  June  27, 
1854.     (No.  1418.) 

This  invention  consists  of  methods  of 
forcing  water  through  malt  in  a  closed 
mash  -  tun,  of  forcing  water  through 
malt  in  several  closed  mash-tons  succes- 
sively, of  forcing  the  wort  through  hops  in  a 
closed  hop- tun,  and  of  apparatus  **  for  the 
fermentation  process  when  applied  to  one 
fermentation- cask,  and  a  modification  of  it 
applied  to  several  casks." 

Antrobus,  Richard  Leicester,  of 
Birmingham,  Warwick,  commercial  clerk. 
j4  new  or  improved  method  of  printing  oil- 
cloth for  fioor  and  table-coverSf  paper-hang- 
ings, and  other  surfaces.  Patent  dated  June 
27,  1854.     (No.  1415.) 

The  inventor  prints  oil-cloth  by  means  of 
a  series  of  as  many  pairs  of  rolls  as  there 
are  colours  to  be  printed,  these  rolls. being 
supported  by  and  working  in  suitable  fram- 
ing. The  lower  roll  of  each  pair  is  plain, 
and  the  upper  engraved  with  that  portion  of 
the  pattern  which  is  to  be  printed  in  the 
colour  to  which  the  said  roll  is  devoted,  &c. 
Morgan,  William,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
machines  for  cutting  paper ^  card,  and  mill- 
boards, woollens,  veneers,  and  materials  used  in 
making  paper,  parts  qf  which  improvements 
are  applicable  to  other  machines  where  quick 
and  slow  motions  are  used,  and  where  ma- 
chinery  is  required  to  be  thrown  into  and  out 
qf  gear.  Patent  dated  June  27,  1854. 
(No.  1416) 

As  we  purpose  giving  a  full  description  of 
this  invention  shortly,  it  will  be  sufficient 
for  the  present  to  state  that  it  mainly  con- 


sists in  making  the  cutting-knife  of  ma- 
chines for  cutting  paper,  &c.,  to  pass  through 
the  material  to  be  cut  in  the  segment  of  a 
circle  or  circles  by  means  of  two  or  more 
radial  arms  or  levers  placed  above  or  below 
the  knife,  or  by  a  combination  of  radial  arms 
or  levers  so  placed,  or  by  other  cauivalent 
guides;  in  actuating  the  cutting- Knife  by 
one  or  more  screws,  combined  with  bevel- 
wheels  and  pinions  so  arranged  as  to  give  a 
return  motion  to  the  knife  vnthout  reversing 
the  driving- shaft,  cither  at  the  same  rate  as 
the  cut  or  at  an  increased  speed,  and  so 
also  that  the  knife  may  be  stopped  and  ad- 
vanced or  returned  at  any  distance  from  the 
bed ;  and  in  actuating  the  knife  by  eccen- 
tric cog-wheels,  so  as  to  obtain  a  slow  cut 
and  quick  return. 

Iles,  Charles,  of  Peel-works,  Birming- 
ham, manufacturer.  Improvements  in  metal 
bedsteads.  Patent  dated  June  27,  1854. 
(No.  1417.) 

This  invention  consists  in  combining  and 
keeping  together  the  posts  and  the  side, 
head,  and  foot-rails  of  metal  bedsteads,  by 
,  means  of  improved  constructions  of  the 
posts  and  rails,  and  by  the  metal  laths  and 
stretchers. 

Coltman,  William,  of  High-street, 
Leicester.  Improvement  in  knitting-frames. 
Patent  dated  June  27,  1854.    (No.  1418.) 

This  invention  consists  in  dispensing  with 
hanging-bits,  tumblers,  thumb- plates,  &c., 
and  forming  a  groove  on  either  side,  into 
which  a  roller  or  truck  attached  to  the  frame 
enters,  and  is  thereby  guided  so  as  to  insure 
the  correct  sinking  and  coming  forward  of 
the  frame,  so  that  skilled  labour  may  be 
dispensed  with. 

De  Fontainemoreau,  Peter  Armand 
Lecomte,  of  South-street,  London,  /m- 
provements  in  apparatus  for  producing  abated 
waters.  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
June  27,  1854.    (No.  1419.) 

Claims,— I.  The  employment  of  an  inter- 
nal chamber  made  at  the  bottom  of  the  ap- 
paratus, provided  with  a  filler  and  moveable 
ball.  2.  The  application  of  India-rubber 
rings  to  the  stopper,  &c.,  for  the  purpose  of 
closing  the  joints  of  the  apparatus  hermeti- 
cally. 

De  Fontainemoreau,  Peter  Armand 
Lecomtb,  of  South-street,  London.  Im- 
provements in  the  construction  qf  axle-boxes, 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  June 
28,  1854.    (No.  1420.) 

A  chamber^  constructed  in  the  ordinary 
manner,  is  provided  internally,  and  near 
each  of  its  two  extremities,  with  bearings, 
or  circular  supports,  upon  which  the  jour- 
nals of  the  axle-tree  bear  without  touching 
any  other  part  of  the  oil  chamber,  and  be- 
tween these  supports  is  a  space  for  contain- 
ing oil.    This  oil  chamber  is  closed  on  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPEOmCATIONB  OV  PATENTS  BEGENTLY  FILED. 


67 


outer  side  by  a  cap  and  nut,  and  to  close 
the  maio  chamber  oo  the  inner  side,  the  in- 
▼entor  places  behind  the  inner  support  two 
▼ulcanized  India  rubber  and  leather 
washers,  and  behind  them  another  leather 
washer,  all  of  wliicb  are  adjusted  inside  the 
chamber  by  a  cast  iron  cap  and  sorew. 

Brdnlbes,  Jambs,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  draW" 
bridge*  applicable  to  rail  and  other  roadways. 
Patent  dated  June  28,  1854.  (No.  1421.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  constructing 
the  roadways  <of  bridges  that  they  shall  be 
capable  of  being  lowered  below  the  general 
level,  and  drawn  backward  beneath  the 
adjacent  surface  of  the  road« 

Edwards,  Hanry  Sutherland,  of 
Cranboume-street,  Middlesex,  gentleman. 
Improvements  in  preparing  textile  fabrics,  or 
materials  for  the  purpose  qf  their  better  re- 
taining colours  appUed  to  them,  (A  com- 
munication.) Patent  dated  June  28, 1854. 
(No.  1422.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  to  enable 
textile  materials  to  retain  lithographic  inlc, 
and  other  colouring  matters  of  an  analogous 
nature,  or  into  the  composition   of  which 
similar  ingredients  enter,  and   consists  in 
passing  such  materials,  when  intended  to 
be  printed  by  the  ordinary  printing  rollers,   | 
through  a  bath  consisting  of  water,  holding   | 
in  solution  alum,  sulphate  of  zinc,  proto-   i 
chloride  of  tin,  caustic  potssh,  and  nitric 
acid,   or  other  chemicals   possessing  like 
properties  with  these. 

CocKSHUTT,  Edmund,  of  Preston,  Lan- 
caster, iron  founder.  Improvements  in  bungs 
or  adjustable  stopper  apparatus  for  casks  and 
other  vessels.  Patent  dated  June  28,  1854. 
(No.  1423.) 

Claim, — The  application  and  use  of  bung^ 
of  any  suitable  material,  having  a  screw 
thread  formed  thereon,  and  made  to  screw 
flush  into  a  corresponding  socket  altaolied 
to  a  cask  or  other  vessel. 

ScHLOBSiNo,  Thbopiiilb,  of  Paris, 
France.  Improvements  in  the  mamrfaeture  tf 
carbonates  qf  soda.  Patent  dated  June  28, 
1854.    (No.  1425.) 

This  invention  consists  in  causing  a  solu- 
tion of  chloride  of  sodium  to  be  placed  in 
horizontal  cylinders  in  which  are  mechan- 
ieal  agitators,'  and  in  passing  into  these 
cylinders  carbonic  acid  and  ammoniacal 
gases,  by  means  of  which  a  precipitate  of 
bicarbonate  of  soda  is  produced.  The 
excess  of  gas,  which  passes  through  the 
cylinders  without  being  absorbed,  is  caused 
to  psss  over  coke  moistened  with  a  solution 
of  chloride  of  calcium  and  hydrochloric 
aeidf  by  which  it  is  retained.  The  precipi- 
tated bicarbonate  of  soda  is  separated  from 
the  containing  liquid  by  means  of  a  oen-  j 
trifogal  maebine,  and  is  eonverted  into  the  J 


neutral  carbonate  by  the  roasting  process, 
and  the  carbonic  acid  gas  which  escapes  is 
used  to  produce  a  further  quantity  of 
bicarbonate  in  the  manner  already  de- 
scribed. 

JofTEs,  John  Gregory,  of  Roscommon- 
street,  Liverpool,  secreUry  and  accouniant 
to  the  Liverpool  Collegiate  Institution. 
Improvet.tents  in  apparatus  for  teaching  addi- 
tion. Patent  dated  June  23,  1854.  (No. 
1426.) 

"  This  invention  has  for  its  object  a  com- 
binstion  of  parts  which  can  be  changed 
amongst  themselves,  and  present  different 
rows  of  figures  to  be  added  up  by  the  pupil, 
the  master  having  a  key  to  ascertain  by 
inspection  the  sum  of  the  whole  for  himself." 

BiasEKP.R,  William  John,  of  Birming- 
ham, Warwick,  manufacturer.  A  new  or 
improved  method  of  labelling  bottles  and  such 
other  vessels  or  articles  as  refuire  or  may 
require  labelling.  Patent  dated  June  29, 
1854.    (No.  1427.) 

C/aim.— The  manufacture  or  construction 
of  labels  for  bottles  and  other  similar 
.articles,  of  glass,  or  other  transparent  sub. 
stance,  such  labels  being  shaped  so  as  to  fit 
the  surface  of  the  bottles  or  other  articles, 
and  having  the  inscription  or  device  upon 
their  back  surfaces. 

Spbrry,  Corydon  Stillman,  of  Con- 
necticut, United  States  of  America.  An 
improved  knitting  machine,  (A  communica- 
tion.) Patent  dated  June  29,  1854.  (No. 
1428.)    • 

Claim, — ^The  arrangement  of  the  needles 
in  the  plane  of  the  endless  belt  instead  of  at 
right  angles  to  it,  in  combination  with  an 
arrangement  of  the  driving-pinion  and  the 
projecting  joints. 

Markland,  Thomas,  of  Hyde,  Chester, 
warp-dresser.  Certain  improvements  in  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  warping,  dressing, 
and  weaving  textile  materials.  Patent  dated 
June  29,  1854.    (No.  1429.) 

In  constructing  an  improved  reed  or 
wraith  the  inventor  finely  perforates  two 
strips  or  bands  of  India-rubber,  or  any 
other  elastic  substance,  and  employs  one 
as  a  top  and  the  other  as  a  bottom  support 
for  the  wires  or  dents  which  constitute  the 
reed.  He  also  describes  a  sub-divided  self- 
acting  temple. 

Hughes,  Edward  Joseph,  of  Manches- 
ter, Lancaster.  Improvements  in  sewing 
machines.  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
June  SO,  1854.    (No.  1431.) 

This  invention  comprises  an  improved 
machine  for  sewing  with  one  loMg  thread 
and  needle,  and  a  hook,  which  hook  takes 
the  loop  of  the  thread,  after  it  has  been  taken 
up  through  the  cloth  and  down  again  iu 
another  place,  around  a  spool,  or  case  con- 
taining the  spool,  fiom  which  the  thread  is 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


6d 


SPECmCATlOKB  OF  PAtiaiTS  nBCZtrtLt  VILED. 


taken,  producing  a  fast  stitch  fonned  by 
one  thread  only,  &c.  &q. 

Edwards,  John,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, gentleman.  Intpntement*  in  raiiwaif 
chain.  Patent  dated  June  80,  1854.  (No. 
1432.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  great  variety  of 
forma  of  rail,  so  constructed,  that  the  rail 
can  be  taken  out  without  removing  the  chair, 
no  keys  being  required. 

Shears,  Daniel  Towbrs,  of  Bankside, 
Southwark,  Surrey.  Improoementi  in  curing 
or  separating  moisiure  frwn  tugar  and  other 
stthetancee,  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  June  30,  1854.    (No.  1438.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing 
the  revolving  vessel  of  a  centrifugal  ma- 
cbine  in  such  manner  that  it  may  be  caused 
to  open  when  the  process  is  complete,  and 
that  while  the  continaed  rotation  shall  be 
the  roeana  of  throwing  out  the  charge,  when 
the  vessel  is  again  closed  it  shall  be  in  a 
condition  to  receive  a  fresh  charge. 

MoNZANI,  WlLLOUGHBY   TUEOBALD,   of 

St  James' s«terrace,  Blue  Anchor-road,  Ber- 
mondsey.  Improvements  in  the  manrfacture 
of  foldingchairs,  stools,  and  other  articles  nsed 
to  sit  or  recline  upon.  Patent  dated  June  30, 
1854.     (No.  1435.) 

The  chief  object  of  this  invention  is  so  to 
arrange  parts  that  a  bedstead  ahsll  be 
partly  constructed  of  the  box  or  case  in 
which  it  is  packed  when  out  of  une. 

Thompson,  Nathan,  jun.,  of  New  York, 
United  States.  Improoements  in  regulating 
the  supply  rf  steam  Jrom  steam  boilers.  Patent 
dated  June  30,  1854.    (No.  1436.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  a  float  in  a 
steam  boiler  is  caused  to  act  on  a  throttle  or 
other  suiuble  valve  in  such  manner  as  to  close 
the  valve  as  the  water-level  becomes  low. 

Gray»  Henry  Georqb,  of  Commercial 
Wharf,  Mile-eud-road,  Middlesex.  tm- 
prooements  in  preserving  potatoes,  roots,  plants, 
grain,  and  seeds.  Patent  dated  June  30, 
1854.    (No.  1437.) 

Claim. — The  use  of  iodine  in  combination 
with  sulphates  or  muriates  for  preserving 
poutoes,  rooto,  &c. 

M^Gafpin,  John,  of  Liverpool,  Lancas- 
ter, engineer.  Improvements  in  the  manii- 
facture  of  iron  casks  and  cisterns.  Patent 
dated  June  30,  1854.    (No.  1438.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  iron 
casks  or  cisterns,  by  combining  corrugated 
iron  with  frames  or  rims  of  cast  iron.' 

Slater,  Thomas,  of  Somers-place  West, 
St  Pancras,  Middlesex,  optician,  and  Jo- 
seph Tall,  of  Crawford-street,  Marylebone, 
in  the  same  county,  tool-niakcr.  istprooe- 
ments  in  the  construction  of  planes,  and  in 
cuttin/^-apparatus,  and  in  the  maehinertf  em' 
ployed  therein.  Patent  dated  June  30, 1 854. 
(No.  1439.) 


This  invention  consists — 1.  Of  a  peculiar 
construction  and  arrangement  of  machinery 
for  cutting  the  parallel  sides  of  the  plane- 
blocks  or  rough  blanks.  2.  Of  oeruin 
peculiar  constructions  and  arrangements  of 
self-acting  machinery  for  mortising  the  an- 
gular cavity  which  contains  the  plane- iron. 
3.  Of  an  improved  oonatruetion  of  plane- 
iron. 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- inu- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements 
in  machinery  or  t^fparatusfor  winding  threads 
w  yarns.  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
June  30,  1854.    (No.  1440.) 

This  invention  relates  to  an  improved  ar- 
rangement of  mechanism  for  winding  or 
forming  the  skeins  or  hanks  of  silk,  cotton, 
linen,  or  woollen  yams,  and  consists  in  im- 
parting a  lateral  reciprocating  motion  to  the 
guides  which  conduct  the  thread  to  the 
winder. 

HuLME,  Joseph,  of  Manchester,  Lancas- 
ter, engineer.  Improvements  in  steam  engines 
and  m  vedves,  parts  of  which  improvements  are 
applicable  for  diminishing  friction  in  other  en- 
gincs.  Patent  dkted  July  1,  1854.  (No. 
1442.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  a  new  com- 
bination of  parts  forming  a  direct-aetion 
oseillating  steam  engine,  in  which  the  cylin- 
der and  the  guide-frame  of  the  piston-rod 
sre  made  to  act  as  a  beam.  2.  In  workuig 
the  air-pump  buckets  of  oseillating  engines 
from  the  cylinder,  or  from  some  part  con- 
nected thereto.  3.  In  an  improved  combi- 
nation of  parts  forming  a  compound  direct- 
action  oscillating  steam  engine.  4.  In  giv- 
ing motion  to  anti-friction  rollers  by  means 
of  racks,  segments,  or  wheels  and  pinions, 
for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  slipping 
I  and  consequent  uneven  working  of  snch 
I  snti-friction  rollers,  or  of  the  surfaces  against 
I  which  they  act  5.  In  causing  a  current  of 
water  or  other  cool  fluid  to  pass  through  a 
I  chamber  formed  under  the  footstep  of  go- 
vernor spindles  or  other  uptight  shafts,  for 
the  pur|Mwe  of  keeping  sucn  footsteps  from 
heating.  6.  In  makmg  the  spindles  of  mush- 
room or  other  circular  valves  of  nearly  the 
same  diameter  as  the  valve  itself,  to  reduce 
the  power  required  for  working  such  valves. 
Harding,  Thomas  Richards,  of  Leeds, 
York,  hackle  and  hackle-pin  manufacturer. 
Improvements  in  the  man^facture  of  the  pins 
of  hackles,  combs,  and  cylinders  uaed  in  hack- 
Ung,  combing,  and  preparing  wool,  Jtax,  and 
other  fibrous  substances,  and  in  the  mode  rf 
applying  them  to  manufacturing  purposes.  Pa- 
tent dated  July  1,  1854.    f  No.  1443.) 

This  invention  mainly  "  consists  in  mak- 
ing the  ssid  pins  or  teeth  by  means  of  pres- 
sure  applied  by  cylinders  or  other  analogous 
mechanical  contrivances  provided  with  dies, 
in  the  surfaces  of  which  are  made  grooves  or 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


pBovisioHAL  sPxanoinoirB  mot  progseoed  with. 


69 


ehanneU,  so  arranged  that  when  the  rar- 
faees  of  the  cylindrical  or  segmental  dies 
are  broaght  together,  the  groores  made 
therein  will  form  a  model  or  matrix  for  the 
pins." 

PROTISIOMAL  8PSCIPICATIONS   NOT  PRO- 
CBBDBD  WITH. 

Williams,  David  Lloyd,  of  Cannon- 
street,  London,  gentleman,  and  John  Wil- 
liam Nealb,  of  Stepnej,  Middlesex, 
engineer.  Imprmtementt  m  fmmaeei.  Ap- 
plication dated  June  24, 18^4.    (No.  1396.) 

This  invention  consists  in  surrounding  a 
furnace  with  a  water-trough  or  jacket,  and 
in  the  employment  of  short  hollow  bars, 
which  comronnieate  with  the  jacket  at  the 
back  of  the  furnace,  above  the  water-level. 
On  the  furnace  becoming  heated,  the  water 
in  the  iacket  is  vaporized,  and  steam  and 
atmospheric  air  enter  the  back  ends  of  the 
hollow  bars,  and  travelling  ibrwArd  pass  into 
the  fire. 

Rbvell,  John,  of  Newark,  Nottingham. 
ImprmememU  im  korse-koes.  Application 
dated  June  24,  1854.    (No.  1402.) 

The  inventor  causes  a  number  of  hoes  or 
blades  to  be  secured  to  the  underneath  sur- 
face of  a  strong  bar,  working  vertically  and 
laterally,  in  bearings  connected  with  a 
frame-work  secured  to  the  axles  of  the  ma- 
chine. This  bar  receives  motion  from  levers 
or  handles,  and  acting  upon  steerage  wheels, 
through  the  intervention  of  a  steerage  lever 
connected  with  their  axles,  in  snch  manner 
as  to  give  the  wheels 'a  lateral  movement 
corresponding  to  that  of  the  hoes  or  blades. 
The  hind  wheels  of  the  machine  likewise 
move  sideways,  and  the  horse  is  harnessed 
to  a  rack  which  works  on  a  centre  in  the 
fore  part  of  the  machine.  The  hoes  or  blades 
when  taken  out  of  work  are  supported  by 
catches. 

Manteoues,  Henbi,  of  Rouen,  France. 
improvements  im  the  mamt^aciure  qf  bcoiSf 
«Aof«,  golo^et,  or  i»  shoe-making  generally. 
Application  dated  June  26,  1854.  (No. 
14M.) 

The  principal  feature  of  this  invention 
appears  to  consist  in  a  method  of  nailing 
the  uppers  of  boots,  shoes,  &c.,  to  the 
vampa. 

Brown,  James,  of  Haddington,  Scot- 
land, plumber.  Improvements  in  the  majm- 
/aetitre  rfmetai  spouts  or  troughs*  Applica- 
tion dated  June  26,  1854.    ^No.  1406.)     . 

This  invention  consists  m  a  method  of 
manufacturing  spouts  or  troughs'  from 
sheets  or  plates  of  metal  by  means  of  cer- 
tain described  machinery. 

Bakewbll,  Thomas  Hill,  of  Welford- 
road,  Leicester.    Improvements  in  the  manU'- 
faetmre  rf  ghoes.    Application  dated  June 
26,1854.    TNo.  1409.). 

In  carrymg  out  this  invention  parts  of 


the  fronts  of  gloves  which  come  to  the 
palms  of  the  hands  have  let  into  them  vul- 
canised  India  rubber  or  elastic  fabric,  and 
ventilators,  consisting  of  two  perforated 
plates  or  discs. 

Brxndley,  William,  junior,  of  Moor- 
gate-street,  London,  general  trader,  /m- 
provements  in  the  construction  ofltfe-hoats.  Ap- 
plication dated  June  27, 1854.    (No.  1411.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  form- 
ing boats  with  a  perforated  bottom,  and  a  keel 
about  a  quarter  of  the  depth  of  the  boat, 
having  a  semi- circular  sheet  of  metal  fixed 
upon  it  longitndiually  to  stiffen  the  boat 
when  necessary. 

Morison,  James,  of  Paisley,  Renfrew, 
machinist.  Improvements  in  the  treatment  or 
manirfdctttre  rf  ornamental  fabrics.  Applica- 
tion dated  June  28, 1854.    (No.  1424.) 

This  invention  relates  to  that  part  of  the 
manufacture  of  fabrics  of  the  lappet  class, 
wherein  portions  of  the  surface-threads  are 
cut  from  the  piece  to  bring  it  to  the  finished 
state.  This  cutting  away  of  the  threads  is 
effected  by  means  of  a  number  of  cutting- 
blades,  carried  spirally  or  otherwise  upon  a 
cylinder  revolring  in  contact  with  a  series  of 
stationary  tapered  blades. 

Smith,  William,  and  William  Brak- 
WELL  Hayes,  both  of  Manchester,  Lancas- 
ter, manufacturers.  Certain  improvements 
in  power-looms  for  weaving.  Application 
dated  June  29,  1854.    (No.  1430.) 

This  invention  consists  in  stopping  the 
loom  without  concussion,  by  means  of  an 
extra  pulley  or  wheel  on  the  driving  or 
crank  shalt  of  the  loom,  this  pulley  being 
furnished  on  its  rim  with  a  tooth  or  stop, 
piece. 

Izart,  Laurent  Furcy,  manufacturer, 
of  France.  A  new  mode  of  removing  organic 
vegetable  substances  from  woollen  ferries. 
Application  dated  June 30,1854.  (No.l484.) 

This  invention  consists  in  applying  hy* 
drocliloric  acid,  in  a  liquid  or  gaseous  state, 
to  any  kind  of  woollen  fabrics,  to  remove 
the  cotton  or  other  organic  vegetable  sub- 
stance contained  in  them  in  order  to  render 
the  materials  fit  for  being  re-manufactured. 

Jones,  Robert  Lewis,  of  Chester,  rail- 
way manager.  Improvements  in  locks  and 
keys.  Application  dated  July  1, 1854.  (No. 
1441.) 

The  inventor  constructs  locks  and  the 
keys  belonging  to  them  in  such  manner 
that  when  the  key  is  inserted,  and  its  handle 
tnmed  round  in  the  ordinary  manner,  the 
key  is  separated  into  two  portions,  one  of 
which  enters  a  chamber  or  box,  while  the 
other  part,  which  includes  the  stem  and 
handle  Of  the  key,  turns  round  in  the  ordi- 
nary manner. 

*•*  The  documents  of  No.  1400  are 
with  the  Law  Officers,  under  second  re- 
ference. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


70 


KOnCEB  OF  INTEirnOW  TO  PROCEED. 


PROVISTONAL  PROTECTIONS. 
Dated  December  16,  1854. 

2656.  David  D.  Demlng,  of  New  York,  United 
States  of  America.  A  machine  for  cutting  cloth 
or  other  material  used  in  the  manufacture  of  all 
kinds  of  wearing  apparel,  and  also  for  cutting  all 
other  articles  of  an  uniform  thfeknes»,  and  which 
are  required  to  he  of  any  particular  pattern,  and 
for  whatever  purpose  intended,  and  by  which  thev 
may  be  cut  with  perfect  accuracy,  and  with  al- 
most inconceivable  rapidity. 

Dated  December  22,  1854. 

2701.  Louis  Joseph  Fr^d^ric  Margueritte,  che- 
mist, of  Paris,  France.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  caustic  and  carbonated  potash  and 
soda. 

2703.  Alfred  Suter,  of  Fenchurch-street,  London. 
A  wind  guard  to  cure  smoky  chimneys  or  ventilate 
rooms  or  buildings. 

S705.  Frederic  Prince,  of  Haverstoek  Hill,  Mid- 
dlesex. Certain  improvements  in  the  nipples  of 
fire-arms. 

2707.  Edward  Loysel,  of  Rue  de  Gr6try,  Paris, 
France,  civil  engineer.  A  new  game  combining 
chnnce  and  skill,  and  the  apparatus  to  be  used 
therewith. 

2709.  John  Downle,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark,  North 
Britain,  engineer.    Improvements  In  fire-arms. 

2711.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradouz  Bellford,  of 
Castle-street,  London.  A  new  and  useful  improve* 
mcnt  in  breech- loading  fire-arms.  A  communica- 
tion. 

Dated  December  23,  1854. 

2719.  James  Walker,  of  Wolverhampton,  Stan- 
ford, brick-manufacturer.  Certain  Improvements 
in  machinery  for  the  manufacture  of  bricks,  tiles, 
pipes,  and  other  articles  made  of  clay. 

2715.  George  Anderson  of  the  Gas-works,  Ro- 
therhithe,  Surrey,  gas  engineer.   Improvements  in 
purifying  sewers  and  buildings,  or  other  places  of 
*  noxious  vapours. 

Dated  December  26,  1854. 

2720.  Adolphus  Dormoy,  ironmonger,  of  Senil- 
lon,  near  Langres,  France.  The  nutnufacture  of 
shovels  in  Iron. 

2721.  Charles  Edward  White,  of  Fulham,  Mid- 
dlesex, gentleman,  and  Francis  Robinson,  of  Put- 
ney, Surrey,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  sig- 
nalling for  railway  purposes. 

2722.  Benjamin  Bishop  and  Joseph  Dver,  of 
Birmingham,  Warwick.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  hinges. 

2724.  Frederick  Samson  Thomas,  of  Hooks  Villa, 
Fulham,  Middlesex,  and  William  Evans  Tilley,  of 
Klrby-street,  Holbom,  Middlesex.  An  improved 
process  for  plating  or  coating  lead,  iron,  or  other 
metals  with  tin,  nickel,  or  alumina. 

Dated  December  27,  1854. 

2725.  James  Dundas,  of  Dundas  Castle,  Linlith- 
gow, North  Britain,  enginer.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  cannon  and  ordnance  of  every 
description. 

2726.  John  Nash,  of  Market  Rasen,  Lincolnshire. 
Improvements  in  the  means  or  process  of  drying 
malt,  grain,  or  roots. 

2727.  George  Carter,  of  Lombard-street,  London, 
gentleman,  and  Henry  Cyrus  Symons,  of  Castle- 
street,  S  uthwark,  Surrey,  engineer.  Improve- 
ments in  boilers  and  furnaces,  and  in  the  apparatus 
for  supplying  and  regulating  the  fuel,  air,  water, 
and  hU  am. 

2728.  Thomas  Boyle,  of  Skinner-street,  Snow 
Hill,  London.  Improvements  in  reflectors  for 
artificial  light. 

2729  John  Lang  Dunn,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
manur.cturing chemist.  Improvements  in  work- 
ing up  certain  waste  sulphates  and  nitrates,  and 
for  the  manufacture  of  useful  products  therefrom. 


t7f0.  William  Edwatnd  Ntwton,  of  Chaaoery- 
lane,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  In 
looms  for  weaving.    A  communication. 

27S1.  John  Comstock,  of  New  London,  Connec- 
ticut, United  Statea  of  America.  Improvements 
in  trip-hammers. 

2782.  The  Honourable  James  Sinclair,  commonly 
called  Lord  Berriedale,  of  Hill-street,  Middlesex. 
Improvements  In  machinery  or  apparatus  for  wash- 
ing cloth  or  yams. 

2733.  John  Cumming,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark,  Nortli 
Britain,  pattern-designer.  Improvements  in  the 
treatment  or  manufacture  of  ornamental  £»brics. 

Dated  Decmtber  28»  1854. 

2784.  Charles  May,  of  Great  Georgo-street,  West* 
minster,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  the  ma^ 
nufacture  of  screws. 

2786.  John  Cockcroft,  of  New  Accrington,  Lan- 
caster, machine-printer.  Improvements  in  machi- 
nery or  apparatus  for  printing  woven  or  textile 
fabrics  and  yarns. 

2740.  William  Ward,  of  Sheffield,  York,  lead- 
chawr.    Improvements  in  stoves. 

Dated  December  30,  1854. 

27A4.  Charles  Biasell,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
gun  and  pistol  manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
sights  for  rifles  and  other  flre-arms. 

2786.  Eugene  Mayeur,  of  Tredegar-square,  Lon- 
don, agent  for  Thomas  Platti,  of  Port  Maurice,  In 
the  Sardinian  States.  A  new  hydraulic  pump  or 
machine,  based  on  the  centrifugal  principle,  for 
the  purpose  of  raising,  forcing,  or  exhausting  (even 
muddy)  waters  or  other  fluids,  and  applicable  to 
the  wants  of  agriculture,  industry  generally,  and 
to  the  salvage  of  ships.  A  communication  by  the 
said  Thomas  Piattl. 

2760.  Robert  Sam  North,  of  Gorton,  near  Man- 
chester, Lancaeter,  eDglneer.  Improvements  in 
Bwiiches  and  crossings  for  railways. 

2762.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln Vinn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
obtaining  motive  power.  A  communication  flrom 
Jacquts  Eugene  Armengaud,  of  Paris,  France, 
civil  engineer. 

Dated  January  1,  1855. 

2.  Walter  William  Lewis,  of  Hanley  Castle,  Wor- 
cester, gentleman.  An  Improvement  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  charcoal. 

4.  George  Cram,  of  Chester,  iron  ship-builder, 
and  John  Jackson  Crane,  «of  the  same  place, 
painter.  An  improved  composition  applicable  to 
the  coating  of  ships'  bottoms,  and  other  useful  pur- 
poses. 

Dated  January  2,  1855. 

6.  Bashley  Britten,  of  Anneriey,  Surrey,  gentle- 
man. A  cheap  and  convenient  method  and  appa- 
ratus for  obtaining  a  copy  of  writings,  drawing*, 
or  tracings  in  ink. 

8.  Henri  Louis  Dormoy,  merchant,  of  Paris, 
French  empire.  Certain  improvements  in  manu- 
facturing and  twisting  silk,  cotton,  wool,  and  other 
fibrous  substances.    A  communication. 

10.  Claude  Jules  Fincken,  glass-merchant,  of 
Rue  de  TEchiquier,  Paris.  France.  Preserving, 
without  loss  of  heat,  all  windows,  glass  roofs,  false 
zoofs,  8pc.,  from  the  effects  of  condensation  and 
danip,  and  also  ftom  the  effects  of  external  smoke, 
soot,  and  dust. 


NOTICES   OF  INTENTION   TO 
PROCEED. 
{From  the  ** London  Oaxette,**  Jemuary  \tth, 
1855.) 
1956.  John  Jones.    Improvemehtiln  metal  din- 
ner and  deeeert  forks. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WSBKLY  LIST  OF  PATRMT8. 


71 


lt60.  Tony  Petitjean.  An  improTed  proettt  for 
re^uttiriK  or  re-forming  the  faeos  of  fllM. 

1961.  WUliam  Prior  Sharp  and  ^^illiam  WeUd. 
ImproTemtnta  In  the  production  of  raw  and  thrown 
•ilk,  and  in  machinery  and  apparatus  to  be  used 
for  ttfe  purpose. 

1966.  Julian  Bernard.  Improvements  in  the 
aunufaeture  of  boots  and  shoes,  or  other  coverings 
for  the  fset. 

1974.  Thomas  Clowes.  Improvements  in  muz- 
zlra  for  horses,  or  apparatus  to  prevent  horses 
fronn  biting  or  suclcing  their  cribs  or  mangers. 

1977.  Edward  Palmer.  Improvements  in  pro- 
pelling veasela. 

19S1.  John  Chillcott  Pumelle.  Improvements 
in  obtaining  and  applying  motive  power. 

198S.  Martin  BilUng.  Improvements  in  manu- 
facturing and  ornamenting  castors  for  furniture. 

1996.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbnry.  Improved 
machinery  for  making  screws.   A  communication. 

1997.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbury.  Machinery 
for  making  lock  springs.    A  communication. 

1998.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbnry.  Improve- 
ments in  punches  and  dies.    A  communication. 

2039.  Jean  Antolne  Passet.  Improved  machi- 
nery or  apparatus  for  pressing  or  calendering  fab- 
ries. 

soil.  William  Hodson.  Improvements  in  appa- 
ratus for  the  manufacture  of  bricks,  tiles,  and  other 
articles,  from  plastic  materials. 

20i0.  Thomas  Gamett.  Improvements  in  steam 
engine  and  other  governors. 

2057.  Georges  Danr6.  Certain  Improvements  in 
gas-burners. 

2094.  Walter  Sneath.  An  improvement  in  sew- 
iag-raachiDes. 

2120.  John  Jeyes.  An  improvement  iu  the  ma- 
nufacture of  paper,  threads,  and  yarns. 

2154.  Robert  Way  Uren.  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery for  the  manufacture  of  brlclis  and  tiles. 

2155.  William  Johnson.  Improvements  in  win.l- 
Usses.     A  communication. 

2165.  George  Wigaell  Knocker.  Improvements 
la  obtaining  motive  power  by  means  of  water. 

2166.  Francois  Alexandre  Nicolas  Delsarte.  A 
new  mode  of,  and  apparatus  for,  tuning  pianos  and 
other  kinds  of  stringed  instruments. 

2222.  Jacob  Dockray.  Certain  improvements  in 
machinery  for  raiding  woollen  cloth. 

2236  Samuel  Mason  and  William  Dceby.  Cer- 
tain improvements  in  the  manufacture  of  cover- 
ings for  the  human  leg  and  foot. 

i5AS.  Augustus  Thomas  John  Bullock.  An  im- 
proved raft  or  apparatus  for  saving  life  at  sea. 

2583.  Thomas  Brown.  Improvements  in  ma- 
ekinery  or  apparatna  for  cutting  velvets-  or  other 
similar  piled  fabrics. 

26^6  Jaoies  Rose.  An  improvroent  in  con- 
structing the  fire-boxes  of  steam  boilers. 

2646.  Edward  Strong.  Improvements  in  remov- 
ing and  replacing  the  wheels  and  axles  of  locomo- 
tiTe  engines  and  other  rolling  stock  of  railways. 

2684.  William  Milner.  Improvements  in  safes 
and  other  such  depositories,  and  further  improve- 
ments in  the  locks  of  the  same. 

2691.  Henry  Render.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  night-lights. 

2709.  John  Downie.    Improvements  in  fire  arms. 

3718.  Charles  Henfrey.  Improvements  iu  the 
construction  of  railways  for  steep  gradients,  and 
in  the  machinery  or  apparatus  employed  therein  or 
connected  therewith.  A  communication  from 
Slgnor  Pasquale  Delorensl,  of  Turin,  Sardinia. 

2726.  John  Nash.  Improvements  in  the  means 
or  process  of  drying  malt,  grain,  or  roots. 

2730.  William  Edward  Newton.  Improvements 
in  looms  for  weaving.    A  communication. 

2733.  John  Cummlng.  Improvements  in  the 
treatment  or  manufacture  of  oniamental  fabrics. 

S746.  William  Ward.    Improvements  in  stoves. 

Oppoflitiou  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in   the 


above  List,  who  have  ^ven  notioe  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  Oautte  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
missioners'-office  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  application. 

PRIVY  COUNCIL  APPOINTMENTS. 

The  Judicial  Committee  of  the  Privy  Council 
have  appointed  Thursday,  1st  February,  at  half- 
past  10,  A.M.,  for  the  hearing  of  the  petition  of 
George  Shllllbeer,  coach-builder,  formerly  of  Mel- 
ton-fctreet,  Euston-square,  but  now  of  Commercial- 
place,  St.  Luke,  Middlesex,  for  a  prolongation  of 
the  letters  patent  granted  to  him  for  "improve- 
ments in  the  construction  of  hearses,  mourning, 
and  other  carriages."  20th  September,  1841. 

The  Judicial  Committee  of  the  Privy  Council 
have  appointed  Saturday,  February  10th,  at  h:ilf- 
past  ten,  a.m.,  for  the  hearing  of  the  petition  of 
Thomas  Clark.  Professor  of  Chemistry  In  Mari- 
schal  College,  University  oi  Aberdeen,  for  a  pro- 
longation of  the  patent  granted  to  him  for  "anew 
mode  of  rendering  certain  waters  (the  water  of 
the  Thames  being  among  the  number)  less  impure 
and  less  hard  for  the  supply  and  use  of  manufacto- 
ries, villages,  towns,  and  cities,"  8th  March,  1841. 


1531. 
1587. 
1541. 
1559. 
1565. 
1567. 
1568. 
15S0. 
1587. 
1592. 
1505. 

1606. 
1608. 
1609. 
1639. 

1657. 
1680. 
1741. 
1808. 
1835. 

1894. 

2181. 
2183. 
2295. 
2310. 
2329. 
2335. 
234*. 
2358. 
2359. 
2;^67. 

2375. 


.  EKK.LY  LIST  OF  PATLX  IS. 
Sealed  Jafiuary  12,  1855. 
William  Armand  Gilbee. 
Thomas  Bennett  Foulkes. 
John  Hackett. 
John  Afihworth. 
John  Bailey  Denton. 
George  North. 
William  Warcup. 
William  Beckett  Johnsou. 
William  Ball. 
Jean  Barthclemy  Gillet. 
Francis   Whiteliead   and    William 

Whitehead. 
Nicholas  Callan. 
Richard  Archibald  Brooman. 
James  Sedgwick. 
William  Church  and  Samuel  As- 

pinall  Goddard. 
Samuel  Frankham. 
Edwyn  John  Jeffery  Dixon. 
William  White. 
Thomas  Webster  Rammell. 
William    Henry     Smith,     Henry 

Bessemer  and  Robert  Longsdon 
Pierre    Auiable   de    Saint    Simon 

Sicard. 
William  White. 
Ancel  Alexander  Routledgc. 
Jabc'Z  Morgan. 
Thomas  Frederick  Tyermau. 
,  Henry  Walmsley  and  John  Day. 
James  Atherton  and  John  Kinlock. 
Fiederic  Ramford  Ensor. 
John  Bird. 
William  Beardmore. 
Allan    McDonald  and   Alexander 

Mcintosh. 
David  Ferrier. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


72 


WEEKLY  List  OF  PATENTS. 


2380.  George  Tomlmson  Bousfield. 
2421.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton. 
2436.  Joseph  Wilson. 
2449.  George  Tomlinson  Boaafield. 

Sealed  January  16,  1856. 
1583.  Samuel  Mitchell. 
1586.  James  Longley. 
1596.  John  Hackett 
1614.  Thomas  Firth  and  John  Wilson. 
1616.  William  Septimus  Losh. 
1634.  Henry  Stephens  Garland  and  Jo- 

siah  Glasson. 
1658.  Barton  H.  Jenks. 
1666.  Francis  Morton. 
1670.  Robert  John  Keen. 
1692.  Christopher  Ridout  Read. 
1698.  James  Griffiths. 


1752.  Edward  Monsoii. 
1824.  Joseph  Barrows. 
2256.  John  Maddox,  Edward  Gardner  and 

George  Dyer  Green. 
2350.  Louis  Napoleon  Lsuglois. 
2356.  Edward  Simons. 
2372.  Charles  Dalryniple  Cranstoun. 
2382.  Henry  William  Harman. 
2406.  Adolphe  P«coul. 
2432.  William  Hann. 
2446.  Henry   Rohert  Ramshothani  ,  and 

William  Brown. 
2474.  George  Collier. 

The  above  Patents  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  Provisional  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  several  inventions  men- 
tioned therein. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

Vndertake  the  Proeimtioii  of  Pateati 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  the  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.    Costs  of  Provisional  Protection— iSlO  10s. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  snd  Co.,  "Mechanics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office,"  166,  Fleet-street,  London. 


CONTENTS  OP 
Lamport's  Pateat  Improvements  in  Machinery 

used  in  ShlpbaUdin^~(MriM  engravinga) 49 

The  "  Scientific  Amenean  " 51 

On  the  Possible  Density  of  the  Luminiferons 

Medium,  &e.    By  Professor  W.  Thomson...  54 
Industrial  Pathology :— On  Trades  n hich  affect 

the  Eyes .t. 56 

Foard's  Smoke-famace  Pateat 57 

Lowe's  Patent  for  Supplying  and  Purifying 

Oos -  58 

De  Bergue's  Patent  Propeller  for  Ships -(fip</A 

emgraHngi) 59 

Self-capping  Rifle ». 60 

Re-patented  Re-Inventions.. 61 

The  Smoke  Qaestlon 63 

Permanent  Ways 62 

Electric  Telegraphs :— Another  Modem  An- 
tique   63 

Portable  Cannon 63 

Improved  Cannon ». 6t 

On  Ordnance  and  Gunpowder 64 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed: 

Garrett  Valves 64 

Letchford BCateh-hoIders 64 

Skeltoo Tillers    65 

Brooman  Projectiles  65 

Bioomaa  Grinding  Paints 65 

Davles Propelling 65 

Thompson  Sugar 65 

Bottomley,    Scho- 

fleld  ft  Spencer..8p!nning  fr  Doubling...  65 

Hubner Fibrous  Materials  65 

Bain Fire-arms 65 

Palmer  Candle  Lamps 65 

Beale  ft  Latchmore  Knitted  Shirts 65 

Yates Furnaces 66 

Smith Ropes  and  Strands 66 

Collet te Beer ....: 66 

Antrobus Printing  Oil-cloths 66 


THIS  NUMBER. 

Morgan Cutting  Paper,  fte 

lies    Metal  Bedsteads 

Coltman Knitting  Frames 

De    Fontalnemo- 

reau Axle-boxes 

Brunlees Draw>bridges  

Edwards Textile  Fabrics 

Cockshutt Bungs  and  Stoppers  ... 

Schloesing Carbonates  of  Soda  .... 

Jones Teaching  Addition 

Blsseker Labelling  Bottles   

Sperry   Kniitlng  Machines 

Markland Textile  MateriaU 

Hughes Sewing  Machines. 

Edwards  Railway  Chairs 

Shears Sugar 

Monsani ...Folding  Chairs 

Thompson Steam  Boilers 

Gray' Preserving  Roota 

M'Oadln Casks  and  Cisterns 

Slater  ft  Tall Planes 

Johnson....^ Winding  Yams 

Hulme M Steam  Engines 

Harding Hackle  Pins,  ftc 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with  r 

Williams  ft  Neale  Furnaces 

Revell  Horse-hoes 

Mantegues  Boots  and  Shoes 

Brown ^.Metal  Spouts 

Bakewell  Gloves 

Brindley  Life  Boats m.... 

Morison OmameUl  Fabrics 

Smith  ft  Hayes  ....Power  Looms 

Ixart Woollen  Fabrics . — .... 

Jones Locks  and  Keys 

Provisional  Protections  

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed 

Privy  Council  Appointments 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 


66 
67 
67 
67 
67 
67 
67 
67 
67 
67 
68 
68 


68 
68 
68 
68 
68 


69 


69 
69 
69 
69 
70 
70 
70 
71 
71 
71 


LONDON :  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166  Fleet-street, 
In  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  w.  Gallgnani,  Rue  Vivienne,  Paris;  Maehin,  and  Co. 
Dublin  ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hambarg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1642.]        SATURDAY,  JANUARY  27,  1855.         [sum^li «. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Biooman,  166,  Fleet-street. 

THE  MODERATOR  LAMP. 
Fig.  1.  ;  Fig.  2.  F  ig.  5.  Fig.  3. 


I. 


VOL.   LXIT. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


74 

THE  MODERATOR  LAMP. 

The  French  lampe  &  modkraiewt  now  well  known  t>oth  in  FrtnM  and  in  this  eottntry, 
has  been  pronounced  by  the  Jcadimii  det  Sciences  to  be  the  intention  of  M.  Franchot,  to 
whom  the  Academy  has  awarded  a  prize  in  recognition  of  its  merits.  In  laying  before  our 
readers  a  short  account  of  this  yery  useful  invention,  we  shall  avail  ourselves  of  an  interest- 
ing paper  upon  the  subject  which  appeared  in  the  eighth  volume  of  Le  G&nie  InduetrieL 

Before  proceeding,  however,  with  this  account,  we  may  remark  that  the  real  value  of 
the  moderator  lamp  is  not  generally  known  in  this  country,  in  consequence  of  a  very 
common  practice  which  prevails  among  our  oilmen,  of  adulterating  the  lamp  oils  vended 
by  them  with  oils  of  inferior  and  unsuitable  qtttlities.  We  are  informed,  on  good  autho- 
rity, that  this  practice,  of  mixing  oils  ill  adapted  to  purposes  of  illumination  with  the 
illuminating  oils,  ift  so  general,  that  but  few  persons  are  now  aware  of  the  degree  of  light 
which  may  be  obtained  from  the  flame  of  an  oil-thirning  lamp.  We  gladly  avail  ourselves  of 
an  opportunity  of  taking  what  we  trust  will  fW9t  the  first  step  towards  a  beneficial  change 
in  this  matteh 

Fig.  1  of  lue  etl^ravings  on  the  preceding  }MkM  fepresents  the  first  design  of  a  moderator 
lamp,  made  by  ll.  Franchot,  in  December,  l^Si^  This  lamp  is  composed  of  a  cylindrical 
vessel,  e,  mounted  on  a  base,  «,  and  open  at  itft  ttpper  part.  To  the  base,  01,  are  fixed  the 
supports,  «,  ft|  #hieh  carry  the  upper  part  of  the  apparatus.  In  the  vessel,  e,  is  fitted  a 
piston,  p,  formed  of  several  discs  of  leather  ceili|»ressed  between  two  metal  dises,  by  means 
of  screws  and  Huts^  q,  A  leather  valve,  I,  tokening  downwards,  is  fitted  to  the  piston,  to 
allow  the  oil  to  pass  below  the  latter  whefa  it  it  f«iiedt  The  piston,  ^,  carries  at  its  centre 
a  tubular  rod^  d^  Which  slides  in  a  box  packed  #ith  leather  compressed  by  means  of  a 
screw.  The  box,  e-,  is  surmounted  with  a  tube,  h^  in  which  the  oil  ascends,  and  in  this  tube 
is  an  iron  wire  regulator,  /,  which  also  enters  Ibi  tube,  d.  **  By  varying  the  length  and 
thickness  of  this  wire,*'  says  (he  inventor,  in  a  note  Which  accompanies  his  original  drawing, 
"  a  regular  flow  majr  be  produced  from  the  top  olf  the  tube,  h.**  A  box  spring,  r,  presses 
constantly  on  the  piston,  beittg  fiked  at  g,  at  the  ttj[»per  part  of  the  lamp.  '*  By  arranging 
holes  through  the  inpports  at  lltibrent  heights,**  says  the  inventor,  "  the  heights  of  the 
points  of  support  of  the  spring  flie|  be  varied^  aMd^  consequently,  the  power  of  the  spring." 
For  raising  the  pisbii  he  employed  a  sort  of  small  axle,  k,  on  which  he  wound  a  piece  of 
catgut,  the  lower  eiid  of  whieh  Waa  eonnected  to  the  piston. 

We  see  he^  all  like  elements  el  a  moderator  lamp  roughly  brought  together.  The  piston, 
p,  being  at  the  bottom  of  the  reservoir,  c,  the  latter  is  filled  with  oil ;  the  piston  is  then 
raised  by  means  ef  the  axle,  and  the  oil  passes  belew  through  the  valve,  t.  The  compressed 
spring,  r,  then  presses  upon  the  piston  and  cause!  It  to  elevate  the  oil,  through  the  tubes,  d 
and  A,  to  the  bumeli 

It  was,  however*  some  months  After  the  invention  of  the  above  arrangement  that  M. 
Franchot  first  applied  for  a  patent  fbr  his  lamp;  vit.  in  April,  1836.  His  plans  having  been 
meanwhile  matured»  how  assumed  tike  form  represented  in  fig.  2.  "  The  lamp,  which  is  the 
subject  of  this  invention,"  said  the  patentee's  speeification,  "  is  essentially  characterised : 
1.  by  the  direct  trahMnission  of  the  power  of  the  spring  to  the  resistance  opposed  by  the 
ascension  of  the  oU  te  the  burner  ;  2.  by  a  regulator  which  constantly  keeps  this  seeond 
force  in  «quilibrium  with  the  first  It  is  distinguished  from  other  lamps  principally :  I.  by 
the  absence  of  wheel-work,  valves,  tiid  suckers  {  1»  kf  the  simplicity  of  the  motive  mechan- 
ism, which  is  reduced  to  a  spring  and  a  rack."  iKlftbtt  etk  he  says,  "  fbr  rereilating  the 
flow,  which,  being  propoHionate  to  the  decreasing  fbtnee  ttf  the  spring,  would  be  flrsl  too 
rapid  and  then  too  sle#|  A  fixed  iron  wire  is  mam  te  penettate  into  the  interior  of  the  hol- 
low rod  of  the  piston^  ahd  f etard  the  flow  of  the  ^\  in  proportion  to  the  length  of  it  which 
is  made  to  act  If  thtt  piston  is  at  the  upper  end  of  its  stroke,  the  spring  acta  with  all  its 
force,  but  at  the  sanie  titlie  the  iron  wire  penetrates  as  deeply  as  possible  Into  m  tube  of  the 
piston,  and  the  resiitilkee  it  opposes  to  the  flow  of  the  oil  is  at  its  maximum.  The  liquid 
gradually  flowing,  the  piston  falls  proportionately,  and  the  spring  is  distended,  while,  on 
the  other  hand,  the  tube  of  the  piston  is  disengaged  from  the  iron  wire,  being  withdrawn  hr 
the  piston.  The  first  oavse  tending  to  retard  tne  ascension  of  the  liquid,  and  the  second, 
on  the  contrary,  tendinff  to  accelerate  it,  the  two  neutralize  each  other,  and  the  flow  Is  con- 
slant.  The  absolute  velocity  is  determined  by  the  greater  or  less  length  of  the  iron  wire.*' 
Again,  "  the  piston  is  formed  simply  of  leather  stamped  out,  compressed  and  held  by  a 
nut  between  two  discs  of  plate  iron.  It  moves  with  but  little  friction,  and  bears  closely 
against  the  sides  of  a  strong  cylinder.  And  it  has  this  advantage,  that  it  aets  like  a  valve 
when  drawn  up,  the  sides  of  it  yielding  and  allowing  the  oil  to  pass  beneath." 

Fig.  t  represents  a  vertical  section  of  the  lamp  tsken  through  its  axis.  The  piston,  p, 
moves  in  the  cylindrical  tube,  c,  and  is  held  between  two  discs,  y,  a,  against  a  collar,  c,  on 
the  tube,  d,  by  a  nut,  w.    The  spring  is  formed  of  a  wire  rolled  spirally  on  a  double  ftueOi 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THB  MODXILITOB  LAMP.  75 

•ad  pTM^et  eonttontly  upon  the  piston.  Its  form  permits  it  to  beoome  flattened  end 
reduced  to  double  the  thiokneee  of  the  wire  of  which  it  is  formed.  The  tube,  dt  passes 
through  a  stuffing-box,  e,  packed  with  leather,  and  enters  a  caae,  A.  A  regulating  rod,  /, 
passes  up  through  the  tube,  d,  in  the  direction  of  its  axis,  and  through  a  Stuffing-box,  «• 
The  tube,  /,  is  prolonged  to  /,  to  allow  it  to  be  withdrawn  in  ease  of  its  becoming  choked. 
To  the  collar,  «,  of  the  piston  is  fixed  a  rack,  ^,  which  serves  to  raise  the  lamp  by  means  of 
a  pinion,  ti.  The  other  rack,  J,  is  that  of  the  burner,  and  is  raised  by  a  pinion,  m.  A  cross 
piece,  pt  is  fixed  to  the  burner,  and  mounted  by  screws  on  two  bearings  left  in  the  interior. 

On  July  1, 1897,  M*  Franchot  obuined  a  first  certificate  of  addition  to  his  patent,  in 
which  he  proposed — 1.  To  designate  his  lamp  by  the  name  lamps  d  nutd^aitmr;  2.  To 
employ  springs  eomposed  of  three  tninoated  cones  of  wire  united  end  to  end,  as  is  the  case 
in  that  shown  in  fig.  S. 

On  July  81,  1887,  M.  Frsoehot  assigned  his  patent  to  M.  Jao,  a  roanufaoturer  of  Carcel 
lamps,  at  Paris.  Before  this  arrangement,  the  inventor  had  constructed  six  or  seven  doeen 
of  the  lamps  shown  in  Hg,  8,  which  vefy  nearly  resemble  those  represented  in  fig.  3 ;  and 
since  the  same  letters  are  applied  to  the  former  as  to  the  latter  figures,  no  further  descrip- 
tion is  needed. 

M.  Jac,  on  the  5th  of  August,  1837,  obtained  a  second  certificate  of  addition,  in  which  lie 
proposed  to  replace  the  valve-piston  by  a  piston  carrying  an  ordinary  valve.  It  will  be 
seen  from  fig.  1  that  M.  Franohot  had  also  had  this  idea,  but  had  abandoned  it.  Subseqaent 
experience  has  not  justified  the  change  made  by  M.  Jac,  and  the  valve-piston  has  been 
returned  to,  and  is  the  only  one  now  used  in  moderator  lamps. 

Several  reaeons  have  been  alleged  against  the  rights  of  M.  Franchot ;  there  are,  bowcTer, 
says  Le  Odnis  htimsirielt  but  three  which  appear  to  interfere  materially  with  his  patent. 
They  an  as  follows  :^L  M.  Mallebouehe,  it  has  been  said,  patented,  June  9, 1832,  the 
spring  whieh  M.  Fk-anehot  claims ;  2.  M»  Joanne  is  said  to  have  employed,  in  1833,  the 
piston  of  stamped  leather;  3.  M.  AUard  desoribedt  in  1827|  a  regulator  analogous  to  that 
which  M.  Fraaehot  employed  in  his  lamp. 

**  Were  these  assertions  rigorously  true,"  says  our  contemporary,  **  we  could  not  forget 
that  these  eeveral  very  simple  pitfts,  eombined  for  the  first  time  bv  M«  Franchot  in  his  mo- 
derator  lamp,  eonstitute  a  lamp  more  pmctical  than  any  before  known,  and  consequently 
an  useful  Invention." 

The  point  of  intarfinrMioe  between  Mallsbouche's  and  Francbot's  inventions  appears  to 
be  connnod  to  the  springs  employed  by  each,  which  certainly  mueh  resemble  each  other. 

Figs.  4,  4,  and  6  repreeent  a  lamp  described  by  AL  Joanne  in  a  hrevet  d'additim.  May 
17, 1888 ;  ig.  4  being  a  vertical  section  through  its  axis  (  fig.  5  a  section  of  the  piston ; 
and  fig.  6  a  plan  of  it  oeenfk'em  beneath.  The  lamp  is  composed  of  a  cylindrical  body,  a, 
in  wlueh  a  piston,  e,  movee  freely.  The  piston  is  formed  of  lead,  and  is  of  sufficient 
weight  to  raise  the  eolunui  of  oil,  and  to  overcome  lu  own  firiction.  It  is  also  furnished 
with  a  seeend  piston,  fomned  of  eoAcned  leather,  with  a  central  opening,  the  edges  of  which 
ptojeet  inward,  and  its  outer  edge  is  so  formed,  that  the  proMure  of  the  oil  expands  it,  and 
esnees  It  to  fit  the  eyllnder  accnrately.  A  Oentral  tube,  A,  terminated  below  by  a  moveable 
part,  k,  fitted  with  a  bayonet  joint,  passes  up  the  lamp,  and  regulates  the  aperture,  e, 
tiirottf  h  whioh  the  oil  enters  the  tube.  The  moveable  piece,  k,  is  formed  with  a  square 
piece,  M,  on  it*  lower  part,  which  fits  into  a  corresponding  reoess  in  the  bottom  of  the  lamp. 
This  arrangement  is  used  for  opening  or  closing  tne  apertxire,  <k  In  raising  the  lamp,  the 
tube,  ky  fs  raised  by  its  upper  end.  This  tube,  in  rising,  grasps,  by  means  of  two  hooks, 
the  bottom  of  the  pisteii,  and  carries  it  with  it  to  the  topi  ana  the  oil,  poured  in  above  the 
pietott,  pasBOB  below  it  The  piston  is  then  left  to  itself  and  the  tube  pushed  back  to  the 
position  shown  in  the  drawing  i  then  the  weight  of  the  piston  presses  upon  the  oil,  causing 
it  to  ascend  the  tube,  A,  throi^  the  aperture,  o.  At  the  interior  of  the  tube,  h,  is  placed  a 
valve,  <,  whiefa  oloeeswhen  the  lamp  ia  wound  up,  and  opens  when  tlie  piston  presses  down. 
wardSk  The  spindle  of  this  valve  earries  a  sponge,  j,  whioh  eomes  against  the  valve-seat, 
and  Rgnlstet  tlie  aseeneion  of  the  oil.  On  a  earefnl  examiuaiion  of  this  description,  it 
will  be  seen,  that  althouf  h  hC.  Joanne's  arrangement  of  the  piston  is  related  to  M.  Fran. 
ehot*a,  thefe  is  sufioient  diSwenoe  to  show  that  the  latter  gentleman  has  fully  developed 
and  i«ineed  to  their  simplest  construction  methods  which  the  former  applied  only  in  their 
emde  and  imperfect  foms,  and  with  apparently  but  an  imperfect  appreciation  of  their 
poaslble  eflbeu. 

In  a  first  patMit  of  addition,  dated  25th  July,  1828,  to  a  patent  obtained  for  a  lamp  at 
an  earlier  pcviod,  M.  Allard  replaced  a  sponge  which  he  had  Vormerly  used  by  a  capillary 
tube,  **ekpeflenc«  having  shown,  that  for  the  eame  area  of  tube  and  the  same  preesure, 
the  qnanlity  of  oil  supplied  in  a  given  time  is  in  an  inverse  propoftion  to  the  length  of  the 
tube."    TUs  is  in  e£foct  the  theory  of  M.  Francbot's  regulator ;  but  M.  Allard  makes  no 

t    2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


76 


ON  TOBULAB  STEAM  BOILERS. 


mention  of  any  arrangement  for  causing  the  length  of  the  capillary  canal  to  vary  with  the 
expansion  of  the  spring.  In  a  fourth  addition  this  gentleman  speaks  of  contracting  the 
hore  of  capillary  tubes  by  tlie  introduction  of  one  or  more  metal  threads,  but  makes  no 
suggestion  relative  to  the  adoption  of  any  method  for  the  purpose  of  regulating  the  flow, 
as  is  the  case  in  M.  Franchot's  lamp. 

From  an  investigation  of  the  whole  case,  Ze  G^ie  Induttriel  is  of  opinion  that  M. 
Franchot  has  a  right  to  claim— 1.  The  improvement  of  the  spring  by  the  application  of 
the  triple  fusee,  the  spring  having  been  already  applied  to  lamps.  2.  The  valve-piston, 
that  is,  the  utilisation  of  tlie  flexibility  of  the  edges  of  the  leather  piston  for  the  passage  of 
the  oil  from  above  to  beneath  the  piston ;  ako  the  tubular  rod  of  the  piston  for  the 
ascension  of  the  oil.  8.  The  modiraUur  a  dSgagement  which,  combined  with  the 
thickness  of  the  rod  of  the  piston,  renders  the  retaining- valve  useless.  4.  The  application 
of  the  rack  and  pinion  for  raising  the  piston.  5)  The  general  combination  of  Uiese 
difierent  parts,  which,  ader  an  experience  of  eighteen  years,  has  not  been  materially 
modified,  this  combination  forming  the  moderator  lamp,  and  constituting  a  really  useful 
invention. 


ON  TOBULAR  STEAM  BOILERS.* 

BY  MR.  II.  WRIGHT,  OF  BIRMIMOHAM. 


Stationary  steam  boilers  ivith  tubular 
heating  surfaces  possess  many  advantages, 
and  experience  has  brought  them  into  notice 
more  Ailly  than  any  mere  theoretical  consi- 
deration could  have  done  ;  at  the  same  time 
it  has  brought  to  light  difficulties  that  were 
not  at  first  anticipated. 

The  advantages  of  tubular  boilers  are 
found  to  be — 

1st  Economy  in  fuel,  requiring  from  25 
to  30  per  cent  less  fuel  for  the  same  amount 
of  du^  than  the  two- fined  boiler. 

2nd.  They  are  Bxed  and  set  to  work  with 
less  cost  and  labour,  not  requiring  any  brick 
flues  to  surround  them. 

3rd.  They  can  be  examined  and  repaired 
with  ease  and  facility,  having  no  brick  fines 
to  be  removed  before  they  can  be  inspected. 

4th.  They  are  not  injured  by  using  dirty 
water,  as  the  sediment  falls  to  the  bottom 
of  the  boiler,  where  there  is  no  heat  trans- 
mitted through  the  plates ;  consequently,  it 
does  not  adhere  to  the  boiler  shell,  but  lies 
loose,  which  is  not  the  case  with  boilers 
having  brick  flues  round  them. 

5th.  The  heating  surface  is  renewed  with 
less  labour  and  cost  than  the  heating  sur- 
face of  any  other  kind  of  boiler. 

6th.  The  shell  of  the  boiler  is  more  du- 
rable, not  being  acted  upon  by  the  flre  nor 
by  the  brick-work,  as  are  boilers  with  brick 
flues  round  them.  Brick- work  round  boilers 
is  found  to  do  more  injury  than  anything 
else  i  in  most  cases  when  boilers  are  done 


*  The  above  remarks  on  tubular  steam  boilers 
form  part  of  a  paper  reoentW  read  at  the  Institu- 
tion of  Mechanical  Engineers,  Birmingham. 
They  were  accompanied  with  a  description  of  an 
improved  boiler  inTented  by  Mr.  Vi.  B.  Johnson, 
of  Manchester,  whieh  we  shall  endeavour  to  pub- 
lish shortly. 


and  worn  out,  it  has  been  the  brick-work 
alone  that  has  caused  it,  in  connection  with 
a  few  leakaffes,  or  an  accumulation  of  mois- 
ture, of  which  nothing  is  known  until  the 
injury  is  done. 

7th.  They  will  sustain  a  greater  pressure 
than  other  boilers,  the  same  power  being 
obtained  in  less  space  or  diameter  of  shell. 

8th.  They  occupy  much  less  space  than 
other  boilers,  and  are  more  easily  moved 
from  one  place  to  another. 

9th.  They  require  less  time  to  do  the 
same  amount  of  duty ;  for  instance,  steam 
is  raised  in  about  one-fourth  the  time  that 
other  kinds  of  boilers  require;  also,  in 
checking  the  production  of  steam,  leas 
trouble  and  time  is  expended;  by  shutting 
the  dampers  and  opening  the  flre-doors,  it 
is  stopped  immediately;  but  with  boilers 
in  brick-work,  it  requires  considerable  time 
to  heat  and  cool  the  brick-work  with  which 
they  are  surrounded,  which  must  be  done  be- 
fore the  boilers  can  either  be  put  into  or  out 
of  action. 

Some  difficulties  have  arisen  in  carrying 
into  practical  use  this  mode  of  obtaining 
the  heating  surface  of  steam  boilers ;  still 
none  have  yet  appeared  that  may  not  rea- 
sonably  be  expected  to  be  overcome. 

Some  of  the  difficulties  ate  found  to  be — 

1st  In  firmly  attaching  the  tubes  to  the 
tube-plates;  this  arises  in  m^ny  instances 
from  defect  in  the  materials  or  workman- 
ship ;  but  it  still  is  a  fact  that  with  all  the 
care  that  has  been  given  in  making,  the 
tubes  sometimes  become  leaky  and  loose  in 
the  attachment  to  the  tube-plates,  before 
the  tubes  are  properly  worn  out  in  other 
parts.  The  most  efiectual  remedy  for  this 
appears  to  be,  t«  make  the  end  of  the  tubes 
fixed  to  the  tube-plates  much  thicker  than 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  TUBULAB   STEAM  BOILEBS. 


77 


in  the  body  part,  by  which  the  tube  ends 
will  be  able  to  muntain  that  amount  of  ex- 
pansive force  which  is  absolutely  necessary 
to  form  a  firm  connection  between  the  tubes 
and  tube-plates. 

2nd.  It  has  been  found  in  many  cases 
extremely  difficult  to  keep  the  interior  sur- 
faces of  the  tubes  free  from  sooty  deposits ; 
this  often  arises  from  the  tubes  not  being  of 
proportionate  diameter  to  their  length; 
also,  from  the  imperfect  combustion  of  the 
gases  from  the  furnaces,  producing  in  such 
instances  a  great  amount  of  smoke.  This 
difficulty  is  effectually  removed  by  making 
the  tubes  of  proper  proportions,  and  con- 
suming the  smoke  before  it  enters  into 
them.  Some  boilers  made  upon  the  arrange- 
ment shown  in  the  engravings,  have  tubes 
only  2^  inch  diameter,  which  are  found  to 
work  well,  with  cleaning  out  once  in  three 
or  four  months  during  constant  work. 

3rd.  Another  difficulty  in  some  arrange- 
ments of  tubular  heating  surface,  appears  to 
be  in  keeping  the  exterior  surfaces  of  the 
tubes  dean.  This  difficulty  is  not  found  to 
exist  when  the  tubes  are  placed  in  vertical 
rows,  leaving  a  clear  vertical  space  between 
them  from  &b  top  to  the  bottom  row.  But 
when  the  tubes  are  arranged  in  diagonal 
rows,  where  each  tube  comes  just  under  the 
spaces  of  the  row  above,  this  difficulty  be- 
comes  of  serious  import,  particularly  where 
the  water  contains  materials  liable  to  deposit, 
the  scale  from  one  row  of  tubes  fitlling  upon 
the  tubes  below,  and  thus  the  spaces  between 
the  tubes  are  liable  to  become  choked  up, 
and  the  tubes  are  rendered  useless  as  heat- 
ing surface. 

Tubular  heating  surface  in  steam  boil- 
ers  has  the  advantage,  that  the  heat  is 
brought  into  contact  with  no  other  sur- 
faces but  those  that  are  surrounded  by 
the  water  intended  to  be  converted  into 
steam.  The  heat  is  also  divided  into  a 
considerable  number  of  small  streams  or 
eurrents.  Bach  stream  or  current  of  heat 
is  exposed  to  a  considerably  larger  amount 
of  surface  in  proportion  to  its  quantity  than 
can  possibly  be  obtained  by  any  other  mode ; 
and  a  large  amount  of  heating  surface  can 
be  obtained  without  causing  the  heat  to 
travel  an  objectionable  distance  from  the 
place  of  its  production.  The  desirableness 
of  heat  acting  upon  surfaces  only  in  contact 
with  the  water  to  be  converted  into  steam  is 
evident;  and.  in  no  other  construction  of 
heating  surface  is  this  so  fully  obtained  as 
in  the  tubular. 

The  heat  being  divided  into  a  number  of 
small  streams  according  to  the  number  of 
tubes,  facilitates  its  transfer  to  the  water 
with  which  each  stream  is  surrounded ;  the 
heat  is,  in  fact,  sifted  through  the  water  by 
passing  through  the  tubes. 


In  the  comparison  of  a  tube  S  inches  dia- 
meter inside,  and  flue  of  24  inches  diameter 
inside,  the  capacities  of  the  tube  and  flue 
for  the  heating  vapour  being  in  proportion 
to  their  cross  sectional  areas,  will  be  as  7  to 
452  square  inches;  therefore,  the  24-inch 
flue  will  carry  64  times  as  much  of  the 
vapour  containing  the  heat  as  the  8- inch 
tube.  The  surfaces,  or  oireumferenees  of 
the  tube  and  flue  are  9|  inches,  and  75^ 
inches  respectively,  or  the  surface  of  the 
flue  is  8  times  that  of  the  tube;  conse- 
quently, the  tubular  heating  surface  in  this 
example  has  an  advantage  of  7  to  1  over  the 
flue  heating  surface,  supposing  that  both 
are  supplied  with  an  amount  of  heat  in  propor- 
tion to  their  respective  cross  sectional  areas. 

Tubular  heating  surface  is  obtainable 
within  a  much  less  distance  from  the  fur- 
nace than  any  other  kind,  an  advantage  of 
no  small  importance,  when  it  is  considered 
how  much  cleaner  the  surface  thus  placed 
is  kept  by  its  proximity  to  the  furnace ;  and 
the  heating  surface  is  thus  made  more 
effective.  The  further  the  heating  sur&ce 
is  from  the  furnace,  the  greater  is  the 
amount  of  deposit  upon  it;  as  is  well 
known  from  experience  in  the  use  of  boilers 
of  the  ordinary  construction. 

An  important  principle,  applying  to  all 
kinds  of  heating  surface,  appears  to  a  great 
extent  to  have  been  overlooked  in  the  first 
constructed  tubular  boilers;  namely,  that 
the  vapour  containing  the  heat  should  pass 
slowly  over  the  heating  surface,  and  also 
that  the  vapour  should  pass  evenly  over  the 
heating  surface. 

That  the  vapour  containing  the  heat  to  be 
transferred  may  be  carried  too  quickly  over 
the  heating  surface,  may  be  illustrated  b^ 
passing  the  finger  through  a  flame.  If  it  is 
passed  through  the  flame  quickly,  say  at  a 
speed  of  10  feet  per  second,  scarcely  any 
perceptible  heat  will  be  transferred  from  the 
flame  to  the  flnger,  and  the  transfer  of  heat 
increases  as  the  speed  is  reduced. 

Supposing  a  steam  boiler  required  100 
square  feet  of  heating  surface  on  the  tubular 
construction,  if  long  tubes  were  used,  this 
surface  would  be  obtained  by  taking  eight 
tubes  16  feet  long,  and  3  inches  internal 
diameter ;  but  with  short  tubes,  it  would  be 
obtained  by  using  sixteen  tubes  8  feet  long, 
of  the  same  diameter. 

The  vapour  containing  the  heat  to  be 
transferred,  in  passing  over  the  heating  sur- 
face formed  by  the  long  tubes,  will  travel  at 
double  the  velocity  that  it  will  in  passing 
over  the  surface  formed  by  the  short  tubes; 
or  the  vapour  will  pass  through  the  long 
tubes  in  the  same  period  of  time  as  tlirough 
the  short  ones,  and  consequently  travel  at 
double  speed. 

The  slow  passage  of  the  heated  vapour 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


78 


THE  OALOBIO  BKGIKE. 


ovtr  the  heating  surikoe  appean  still  further 
important,  when  it  is  considered  that  atoms 
of  beat,  in  being  transferred  from  the  yaponr 
to  the  heating  surface,  move  in  directions  at 
right  angles  with  the  current  of  the  vapour. 
The  vapour,  when  travelling  with  rapidity, 
has  a  tendency  to  earry  the  heat  along  with 
it;  and  it  might,  perhaps,  be  possible  to 
convey  vapour  containing  a  considerable 
amount  of  heat  so  rapidly  over  a  surfiioe  as 
that  tio  perceptible  heat  should  be  trans- 
ferred. 

Considerable  difficulty  in  many  steam 
boilers  having  tubular  heating  surface  has 
arisen  in  evenly  distributing  the  heat  (  one 
part  of  the  heating  surface  having  more 
heat  transferred  to  it  than  another  part, 
some  of  the  tubes  receive  a  larger  amount 
of  vapour  from  the  furnace  than  others. 
This  is  objectionable,  in  as  much  as  the 
duty  of  the  steam  boiler  is  diminished 
thereby ;  a  part  of  the  heating  surface  not 
being  iu  proper  action,  must  of  necessity 
reduce  the  amount  of  duty  performed  by  the 
boiler. 

The  most  successful  mode  of  combating 
the  difficulties  is,  so  to  arrange  the  position 
of  the  Aimaoes  relative  to  the  tubes,  and  of 
the  draft  from  the  tubes  to  the  chimney,  as 
that  the  tabes  shall  be  all  equally  disposed 
to  receive  the  vapour  as  it  comes  from  the 
furnaces. 


THE  CALORIC  ENGINE. 
Mr.  Ewbahk'8  papers  on  the  caloric 
engine,  the  principal  of  which  we  published 
in  our  Number  for  October  28th,  1864, 
have  been  replied  to  in  the  November  Num- 
ber of  the  Jtmrnai  qf  the  Fnmklin  InsHiuie, 
by  Mr.  Bloodgood,  and  by  Captain  Erics- 
son himself.  The  former  gentleman,  after 
contending  that  if  the  facta  arrived  at  by 
experiments  with  the  caloric  engine  could 
not  be  reconciled  with  the  received  theories 
of  heat,  the  latter,  and  not  the  former,  must 
give  way,  proceeds  thus : — "  But  is  it  the 
fact  that  the  principles  of  this  engine  are  at 
variance  with  received  theories  ?  Mr.  Ew- 
bank  states  that  Captain  Ericsson  and  his 
friends  claim  that,  '  But  for  practical  diffi- 
culties and  imperfections  attending  the  con- 
struction of  a  new  class  of  machines,  the 
whole  heat  might  be  saved  from  running  to 
waste.  I  have  known  Capt.  E.  personally, 
and  have  often  talked  with  him  upon  this 
subject,  but  have  never  heard  him  claim  this 
much;  on  the  contrary,  be  potitivilp  and 
MOit  emphoHeaUy  diseUUmt  any  such  idea. 
"What  his  fk-iends  claim,  may  arise  from 
their  misapprehension,  but  certainly  not 
from  his  own  asaertions.  He  has  never,  to 
my  knowledge,  claimed  to  retain  for  fhture 
use,  my  heat  but  that  whish  kmt  not  heem  e«- 


pended  in  useful  effect  (or  whose  force  has 
not  been  transferred  to  matter  outside  the 
engine.)" 

Mr.  Bloodgood  then  proceeds  to  state  that 
it  is  that  heat  only  which  is  not  actually 
expended  in  producing  "useful  labour," 
which  Captain  Ericsson  expects,  or  has 
claimed  to  save ;  and  adds—**  It  will  not, 
however,  be  out  of  place  ill  this  connexion 
to  quote  the  words  of  the  celebrated  Reg. 
nault,  certainly  the  highest  authority  on  the 
subject  of  caloric  now  living,  to  wit:  'In 
air  engines,  when  the  motive  force  is  pro- 
duced by  the  dilatation  which  heat  produces 
upon  gas  in  the  machine,  or  by  the  increase 
which  it  produces  in  its  elastic  force,  the 
work  done  at  each  stroke  of  the  piston  will 
always  be  proportional  to  the  difference  of 
this  quantities  of  heat  in  the  air  entering  and 
leaving ;  that  is  to  savt  the  loss  of  heat  by 
the  air  in  traversing  the  machine.'  But,  as 
in  the  Ericsson  system,  the  heat  which  the 
air  gives  <mtt  u  given  up  te  bodies  from  which 
the  entering  air  takes  it  again,  and  brings  it 
back  to  the  nuKhine,  we  see  that,  theoreti- 
cally, ail  the  heat  expended  is  utilized  for 
me^anical  workt  whilttf  in  the  best  steam 
engtuCf  the  heat  utilized  in  mechanical  work 
is  not  the  one-twentieth  part  rf  the  heat  ex- 
pended," 

In  concluding  his  remarks,  the  writer 
says — "  But  to  revert  to  our  original  propo- 
sition; does  the  return  of  heat,  as  illustrated 
above,  imply  a  perpetual  motion,  as  stated 
by  Mr.  Ewbank  t  Most  certainly  not ;  even 
were  an  engine  constructed  solely  with  re- 
ferenee  to  continued  motion,  without  regard 
to  any  exertion  of  power.  This  plainly  appears 
from  what  I  have  shown  as  the  action  of  a 
*  regenerator ; '  for,  though  the  saving  may 
approach,  apparently,  very  nearly  the  whole 
quantity  of  heat  demanded,  it  certainly  can 
never  equal  it,  even  leaving  out  of  the  con- 
sideration the  effect  of  expansion,  radiation, 
&c.  Theoretically,  it  may  approach  infi- 
nitely near  that  point,  but  there  must  still 
be  a  difierence. 

"  If  my  assumption  as  to  the  value  of 
heat  returned  be  not  admissible,  how  then 
can  we  account  for  an  engine  being  kept  in 
motion  for  a  long  period,  an  hour  or  more, 
after  all  sources  of  heat  except  the  regene- 
rator and  heated  parts  of  the  engine  have 
been  removed!  and  this  I  assert  to  be  a 
fact.  •  ♦  •  Finally,  as  to  the  statement 
that  the  regenerator  acts  as  a  serious  drag 
on  the  engine,  by  resisting  the  passage  of 
air,  I  have  only  to  say  that  this  exists  only 
to  a  very  trifling  degree;  for  in  an  experi- 
ment which  I  witnessed  to  test  this  very 
fact,  the  obstruction  in  passing  through 
260  wire  discs  was  only  sufficient  to  change 
the  level  of  a  mercury  gauge  about  one- 
quarter  of  an  inch,  too  inconsiderable  to  be 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THE  OALOaXC  XDIQIKB. 


of  terious  moment,  oomptred  to  the  whole 
power.*' 

Captain  Ericsson's  reply  is  as  follows : 
"  A  very  learned  professor  of  mathematics 
in  the  north  of  Europe  recently  puhlished 
a  pamphlet  in  relation  to  this  motor,  in 
which  he  clearly  demonstrated  that  calorie 
cannot  be  made  to  exert  an  infinite  amount 
of  mechanical  force.  On  presenting  a  copy 
of  his  work  to  an  eminent  engineer  for  his 
approbation,  this  gentleman  returned  oi? ili- 
ties  by  presenting  the  professor  with  a 
printed  copy  of  the  claims  of  the  in? enter, 
under  which  several  European  patents  had 
been  granted.  The  tawmt  was  much  mor- 
tified to  learn  by  the  document  thus  pre- 
sented to  him,  that  he  had  wasted  time  by 
disproving  a  proposition  not  advanced.  This 
is  only  one  instance  out  of  hundreds  that 
might  be  cited  of  nncalled.for  criticism  on 
this  subject.  Such  misconceptions  on  the 
part  of  those  who  have  only  had  access  to 
newspaper  statements,  popular  lectures,  6cc, 
are  by  no  means  surprising.  That  Mr. 
Ewbank  should  have  fallen  into  a  similar 
error  is^  however,  unaccountable ;  for  he,  as 
oommiseioner  of  patents,  signed  a  docu- 
ment, in  which  the  following  distinct  de- 
elaration  of  the  inventor  is  contained : 
'  Whilst  in  the  steam  engine  the  caloric  is 
constantly  wasted  by  being  passed  into  the 
condenser,  or  by  being  carried  off  into  the 
atmosphere,  in  my  improved  engine,  the 
caloric  is  employed  over  and  over  again, 
enabling  me  to  dispense  with  oombustibles, 
excepting  for  the  purp&ee  ofrettoring  the  heat 
het  by  the  expaiuim  cf  the  acting  faedtnm, 
and  that  hit  by  radiation ;  also,  for  the  pur- 
poee  of  tnaktMg  good  the  siqaII  deficiency 
mnawridabie  in  the  transfer  and  retransfer  oif 
the  caloric'  In  the  faee  of  so  clear  a 
sutement,  it  is  palpable  injustice  to  attri- 
bute to  the  inventor  the  absurd  proposition 
of  producing  an  unlimited  amount  of  me- 
chanical force  by  caloric.  Moreover,  an 
aecnrftte  estimate  of  the  quantity  of  fuel 
requisite  to  meet  the  several  sources  of  loss 
here  distinctly  pointed  out  as  inseparable 
from  the  caloric  engine ;  viz.,  the  loss  by 
radiation,  the  loss  by  4kll  of  temperature 
during  expansion,  and  lose  attending  the 
process  of  transfer  in  the  regenerator,  will 
assuredly  not  furnish  good  excuse  for  con- 
founding  the  caloric  engine  with  the  chi- 
mera of  '  perpetual  motion.'  At  the  same 
time,  it  may  be  readily  profed,  that  the 
caloric,  which  is  thus  in  part  wasted,  and^  in 
part  rendered  unfit  for  producing  motive 
power  in  this  engine,  calls  for  but  a  small 
consumption  of  fuel.  Accordingly,  the  pro- 
duction of  a  given  amount  of  power  will  re- 
quire but  a  small  consumption  compared 
with  the  present  steam  engine. 

"  Mr.  Ewbank  states  that  heat  cannot  be 


79 


used  over  sgsin.  It  has  been  shewn  by  the 
practical  working  of  several  oaloiic  engines, 
that  the  quantity  of  heat  conteined  in  the 
air  of  the  working  cylinder  is  much  greater 
than  the  quantity  generated  by  the  oombns- 
tion  in  the  furnaces  during  each  stroke. 
The  excess,  therefore,  must  be  supplied  by 
the  regeneratort  which  receives  its  calorie 
solely  from  the  air  escaping  from  the  work* 
ing  cylinder.  It  would  be  sheer  sophistry 
to  say  that  this  is  not  employing  beat  ovef 
again.  Treating  heat  as  motion  only,  and 
adopting  corresponding  language,  would 
render  the  explanaUon  of  the  operation  oi 
the  machine  quite  unintelligible.  Other- 
wise, the  writer  has  no  objection  to  deal 
vrith  caloric  as  force,  for  his  opportunities 
of  observing  its  nature  and  enects  have 
been  most  extensive,  and  he  long  ago  ar- 
rived at  the  conclusion,  that  heat  is  motion. 
The  superficial  investigator  alone,  will  deem 
this  hypothesis  fatal  to  the  caloric  engine. 
A  thorough  investigation  of  the  principle  of 
the  engine  will  show,  that  (^supposing  calorie 
and  motion  synonymous)  tlie  proposition  is 
not  to  reproduce  the  motion  once  imparted, 
or  parted  withi  but  simply  to  employ,  or 
exhaust  the  whole  motion,  the  entire  force 
resulting  from  the  exciting  cause.  How 
imperfectly  this  is  aoeompluhed  in  the  pre- 
sent steam  engine,  needs  not  be  pointed 
out,  high  and  low  temperature  being  alike 
unavailable,  whilst  in  the  caloric  engine  the 
exciting  energy,  the  force  of  caloric,  may 
be  rendered  available  from  MO"  down  to 
atmospherio  temperature. 

''  Mr.  Ewbank's  practical  mode  of  illus- 
trating  the  subject  by  showing  tlut  '  there 
is  no  making  pounds  out  of  pennies  in  the 
currency  of  force,'  calls  for  the  following 
kindred  illustrations  The  foroe  of  ealoric 
being  represented  by  a  stream  of  water  run- 
ning down  a  declivity  of  a  certain  height, 
the  present  steam  engine  will  be  truthfully 
represented  by  a  small  overshot  wheel 
placed  somewhere  down  the  stream  i  the 
caloric  engine,  at  the  same  time,  will  be  as 
truthfully  represented  by  a  Turbine  wheel 
placed  at  the  bottom,  employing  the  force 
of  the  entire  height  of  the  falL  The  wheel 
first  mentioned  has  been  tinkered  at  for 
half  a  century,  and  at  last  rendered  tolera- 
bly perfect,  its  admirers  telling  ue  with  ex- 
ultation, that  '  it  spans  the  entire  stream, 
and  that  not  a  drop  can  pass  witbo»t  doing 
full  duty.'  They  forget,  in  their  admire- 
tion,  that  the  stream  is  running  to  waste 
above  and  below. 

*'  The  writer  desires  to  be  elearly  under- 
stood to  assert,  that  the  power  developed  by 
the  caloric  engine  demands  bo  further  eon- 
sumption  of  fuel  than  that  requisite  to  meet 
the  several  sources  of  loss  of  heai  enumer* 
ated  in  the  foregoing  statement,  viz  :  fall  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


80 


ON  OSBTAIN  KFFEOTS  OF  INDUCED  ELEOTBICmr. 


temperature  by  expansion  of  the  acting  me- 
dium in  the  workmg  cylinder,  radiation  of 
heat,  and  lose  attending  the  process  of 
transfer  of  the  caloric  in  the  regenerator. 
The  first-named  loss,  calculation  will  de- 
termine; the  other  two  hare  been  ascer- 
tained experimentally.  The  result  estab- 
lishes a  Tery  small  consumption  of  fuel 
compared  with  the  present  steam  engine. 
The  saving  is  eflected  mainly,  by  using  the 
heat  Of  er  again  in  the  regenerator,  by  whicht 
in  every  instance,  the  air  entering  the  work- 
ing  cylinder  has  been  elevated  to  400°,  often 
as  high  as  500°,  he/are  receiving  any  heat 
from  the  fiamae€B,** 

To  these  communications,  the  Editor  of 
the  Journal  has  appended  the  following  re- 
marks,  upon  which,  as  well  as  upon  the 
papers  themselves,  we  shall  leave  our  read- 
ers to  form  their  own  opinions : 

"We  publish  the  remarks  of  Messrs. 
Ericsson  and  Bloodgood,  although  it  is 
rather  too  late  to  begin  to  reply  to  the 
articles  previously  published,  afler  the  total 
failure  of  the  project.  Nor  do  we  agree 
with  the  gentlemen  as  to  the  view  they  take 
of  the  question.  Mr.  Bloodgood  incorrectly 
asserts  that  Mr.  Ewbank's  article  is  '  almost 
the  only  one  which  essays  to  meet  the  sub. 
ject  upon  philosophical  grounds,  instead  of 
by  ridicule.'  The  ridicule  which  was  thrown 
upon  the  project  in  some  of  the  later  articles 
which  have  appeared  in  this /oitmai,  was 
caused  by  the  attempts  of  his  friends  (for 
we  considered  the  feasted  and  champagned 
reporters  who  were  permitted  to  attend  his 
trip,  in  this  light),  to  present  each  succes- 
si? e  failure  as  an  entire  success.  The  prin- 
ciple, as  announced  in  the  patent,  was  fairly 
developed  and  rationally  discussed  in  for- 
mer  articles,  to  which  no  reply  was  at- 
tempted. 

"  We  do  not  accuse  Mr.  Ericsson  of  hav. 
iTiff  ever  asserted  that  his  engine  was,  in 
principle,  a  |^erpetual  motion.  But  this 
claim  was  decidedly  and  frequently  made  in 
the  various  newspaper  articles  which  re- 
ported his  banquete,  and  for  which  we  can- 
not  but  consider  him  responsible,  since  they 
were  published  under  his  auspices  (on  his 
account,  as  it  were),  and  without  public  re- 
monstrance on  his  part,  so  far  as  we  have 
ever  heard. 

"The  experiment  we  always  regarded  as 
an  interesting  one,  and  regretted  the  care 
with  which  all  impartial  and  competent 
men  were  excluded  from  an  opportunity  of 
witnessing  the  trials.  Now  that  the  result 
has  been  a  complete  failure,  it  is,  we  ima- 
gine,  useless  to  resume  the  discussion, 
until  new  features  are  developed  in  the  ms. 
chine,  or  capitalists  are  found  ready  to 
throw  away  their  money  on  a  new  experi-  I 
ment"  ' 


ON  CERTAIN  EFFECTS  OF  IN- 
DUCED ELECTRICITY. 

BY  W.  R.  OROVB,  ESQ.* 

In  the  course  of  last  year  I  observed 
that,  by  connecting  the  coatings  of  a  Ley- 
den  phial  with  the  extremities  of  the  se- 
condary  coil  of  RuhmkorfT's  apparatus,  a 
great  increase  in  the  brilliancy  of  the  dig- 
charge  oould  be  obtained.  Circumstances 
diverted  my  attention  from  it  at  the  time, 
and  I  did  not  publish  the  experiment,  though 
I  believe  Mr.  Gassiot  mentioned  it  in  one 
of  his  papers.  I  have  since  heard  that  M. 
Sinsteden  in  France  had  made  the  same 
observation,  though  I  do  not  know  when, 
nor  whether  he  has  published  his  experi- 
ments. 

The  point  which  I  now  think  may  be 
worth  insertion  in  the  Philoiopkical  Maga^ 
zine,  is  the  conversion,  by  mean^  of  a  Ruhm- 
korff  coil,  of  an  indefinite  amount  of  vol- 
taic power  into  static  electricity.  If  a 
small  Leyden  phial  have  its  coatings  con- 
nected respectively  with  the  extremities  of 
the  secondary  wire  of  a  Ruhmkorff  coil 
(the  primary  being,  as  usual,  connected 
with  the  condenser  of  M.  Fizeau,  and  two 
wires  being  attached  to  the  terminals  and 
brought  within  striking  distance),  the  noise 
and  brilliancy  of  the  discharges  are  greatly 
increased,  with  generally  a  slight,  but  a 
very  slight,  diminution  in  their  length.  If 
now  the  voltaic  battery  be  increased,  the 
coil  and  Leyden  phial  remaining  the  same, 
but  little  increase  in  the  length  or  bril- 
liancy of  the  sparks  will  ensue,  that 
is,  provided  the  battery  was  in  the  first 
instance  snfilciently  powerful  to  give  the 
maximum  effect  of  the  coil  without  the  phial. 
For  instance,  if  with  a  Ruhmkorff  coil 
of  the  size  now  usually  made,  10  inches 
long  by  4  diameter,  four  cells  of  2  inches 
by  4  of  the  nitric  acid  battery  be  used,  and 
a  pint  Leyden  phial,  but  litUe  increase  of 
efiect  will  be  obtained  by  using  eight  or 
more  celU,  and  the  platinum  at  the  contact 
breaker  would  be  rapidly  destroyed  by  the 
sparks. 

But  substitute  for  the  pint  Leyden  phial 
one  of  double  the  capacity,  and  it  will  be 
found,  that  though  this  second  phial  was 
inferior  to  the  first  with  a  battery  of  four 
cells  (giving  shorter  sparks,  and  fewer  in  a 
given  time,  though  somewhat  denser),  yet 
it  is  far  superior  to  the  first  with  the  battery 
of  eight  cells,  and  the  sparks  at  the  contact 
breaker  are  no  longer  injurious. 

By  adding  more  coated  surface,  for  in- 
stance, another  phial,  four  more  cells  may 
be  added,  and  increased  effects  will  be  ob- 
tained, and  thus  with  t/te  same  coil  the  bril- 

*  Communicated  by  the  author  to  the  PkUow- 
pkieal  Magazine  for  January,  1855. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  GEBTAIN  EFFECTS  OF  INDUCED  ELEOTBICITY. 


81 


lianoy  of  the  dischanv  may  be  increased  to 
an  extent  to  which  I  hare  not  yet  found  a 
limit  I  obtained  thit  result  some  months 
back  ;  but  not  having  a  large  battery,  I  did 
not  go  beyond  ten  cells,  which  I  found 
would  well  bear  a  jar  of  one  square  foot  of 
coated  surface. 

By  the  aid  of  Mr.  Gassiot's  more  power- 
ful apparatus  I  have,  with  him,  used  30 
cells  of  the  nitric  acid  battery,  2  inches  by 
4,  and  5  square  feet  of  coated  surface  ;  the 
eflects  were  very  striking— a  roar  of  to- 
luminous  discharge  of  0*6  of  an  inch  long, 
increased  to  1*5  mch  when  the  flame  of  a 
spirit-lamp  was  placed  between  the  ter- 
minals.  I  have  never^ witnessed  such  a  tor- 
rent of  electrical  discliarges;  the  noise 
conid  not  be  borne  long  without  great  dis- 
comfort. ^ 

With  the  same  Toltaio  battery,  and  an 
additionaJ  square  foot  of  coated  surface,  the 
e^ct  was  somewhat  diminished.  Mr.  6as- 
siot  had  not  more  than  80  cells  available 
at  the  time  of  our  experiments,  so  that  I 
have  not  yet  ascertained  the  limit  to  which 
this  increase  of  power  can  be  carried.  I 
presume,  however,  Uiere  is  a  limit,  for 
reasons  which  will  be  presently  apparent. 

The  following  precautions  are  essential 
to  the  success  of  the  experiment : 

1st  The  wire  proceeding  from  the  outer 
extremity  of  the  secondary  coil  must  be 
connected  with  the  inside  or  insulated 
coating  of  the  Leyden  battery,  if  the  battery 
is  not  wholly  insulated.  The  reason  of  this 
is  that  the  outer  extremity  of  the  coil  is  the 
better  insulated  portion,  and  also  that  to 
which  electricity  of  tension  flies  ofL  A  good 
spark  can,  under  ordinary  circumstances, 
be  obtained  from  the  outer,  but  scarcely  any 
from  the  inner  terminal  of  the  coiL 

2nd.  The  distance  between  the  hammer  of 
the  contact-breaker  and  the  soft  iron  core 
should  be  made  as  great  as  practicable,  at 
least  one-eighth  of  an  inch ;  this  is  an  ini- 
porUut  point  as  to  the  theory  and  experi. 
mental  results  of  the  Ruhmkorff  coil.  Time, 
as  is  well  known,  is  necessary  for  the  de- 
velopment of  electro- magnetism ;  and  M. 
Matteucoi,  in  his  recent  valuable  book  on 
induced  electricity,  has  shown  some  re- 
markable  results  flowing  from  this  fact.  If 
the  hammer  be  too  near  the  core,  the  former 
is  raised  before  the  latter  has  time  to  be 
fully  magnetized  ;  and  when  a  Leyden  con- 
denser is  used,  further  time  is  required  for 
this  to  be  charged.  This  demand  of  time 
indicates  the  probable  limit  to  the  increase 
of  power  to  which  I  have  above  alluded. 

it  is  very  curious  to  see  the  abtorption,  so 
to  speak,  of  voltaic  power  by  the  Leyden 
battery :  when  the  maximum  effect  for  a 
given  Leyden  jar  has  been  passed,  the  con- 
tact-breaker shows  by  iu  sparks  the  unab- 


sorhfd  induced  electricity  which  now  ap- 
pears in  the  primary  wire ;  an  additional 
jar  acts  as  a  safety-valve  to  the  contact- 
breaker,  and  utilizes  the  voltaic  power,  and 
so  on. 

It  is  a  question  of  some  interest  why  a  jar 
charged  in  the  ordinary  way  by  temporarv 
contact  of  the  terminals  of  a  secondary  coil 
will  only  receive  a  very  slight  charge,  and  give 
a  discharge  of  scarcely  measurable  length, 
yet  when  permanently  connected  with  the 
terminals  will  give  a  long  and  powerful  dis- 
charge. The  Allowing  is  the  best  theory  I 
can  offer.  At  the  moment  of  the  inductive 
action  or  wave  of  electricity,  the  same  wire 
which  is  affected  by  the  electric  impulse  is 
unable  to  conduct  it  back  again,  and  thus 
to  discharge  the  jar  ;  while,  when  the  jar  is 
attempted  to  be  charged  in  the  ordinary 
way,  the  contact,  however  apparently  of 
short  duration,  lasts  longer  than  the  single 
impulse  of  electricity,  and  so  the  coil  in 
great  part  discharges  the  jar.  Some  such 
state  of  the  wire  as  that  I  have  suggested 
must  exist  at  the  moment  of  an  induced 
current,  as  otherwise  the  wire  would  dis- 
charge itself,  or,  in  other  words,  would 
never  receive  a  charge  or  state  of  opposite 
electricity  of  great  tension  at  its  extremities. 
At  one  time  I  considered  the  explanation  to 
be,  that  at  the  moment  of  breaking  contact, 
a  portion  of  the  induced  electricity  flies  off 
across  the  discharging  interval  in  the  form 
of  a  spark,  and  thus  enables  the  jar  to  dis- 
charge itself  just  as  the  voltaic  arc  will  pass 
across  the  path  of  an  electric  spark,  though 
it  will  not  pass  through  a  measurable  distance 
of  interposed  air  without  the  spark.  This 
theory,  however,  does  not  satisfactorily  ex- 
plain the  great  increase  in  the  charge  of 
the  Leyden  phial,  as  compared  with  the 
charee  by  contact 

3rd.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  each 
coating  of  the  Leyden  phial  must  be  con- 
nected with  each  terminal ;  the  jar  is  not, 
as  many  have  tried  the  experiment,  to  be 
interposed  in  the  secondary  circuit. 

The  number  of  discharges  in  a  given 
time  will  depend  upon  the  intensity  of  the 
battery,  and  its  relation  to  the  amount  of 
coated  surface;  the  eye  cannot  estimate 
this,  but  a  rough  measurement  of  the  rapi- 
dity of  succession  may  be  made  in  the  fol- 
lowing way.  Move  across  the  line  of  dis- 
charge with  a  steady  hand  a  strip  of  writing- 
paper,  it  will  be  punctured  with  a  row  of 
noles,  which  will  be  the  more  closely  approxi- 
mated in  proportion  as  the  succession  of 
discharges  is  more  rapid.  By  a  disc  of 
paper  attached  Jto  an  axis  moving  with  a 
given  rate  of  revolution,  this  measurement 
may  be  made  very  accurate  and  useful. 

Those  who  possess  the  coil  apparatus  will 
find  it  very  convenient  to  have  a  plate  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


82 


omfiBTiaATioN  or  the  Moon's  MonoN. 


glass,  coatsd  on  each  side  with  tinfoil,  plaoed 
on  ths  baso  of  the  machine,  and  having 
strips  leading  from  each  coating  to  binding, 
screws,  with  which  the  terminals  of  the 
secondary  coil  can  be  connected  at  will. 


INVESTIGATION  OP  THE  MOON'S 
MOTION. 

[We  deem  it  necessary  to  state  that  the 
following  letter  was    receiTed    before  the 
opening  of  the    late    controversy  in  o«r 
pages  on  the  above  subject] 
To  ike  Editor  qf  tk^  Misekauiet^  Magnim, 

Sir, — ^That  the  moon  rotates  on  its  axis 
in  exaetly  the  same  time  as  it  turns  round 
the  earth  can  scarcely  be  considered  as  a 
matter  of  pure  accident.  The  reality  of  the 
fact  cannot  be  doubted ;  for  if  there  existed 
eren  a  very  trifling  difference  between  the 
times  of  the  two  motions,  the  corresponding 
differences  of  the  motions  themseWes  would, 
alter  centuries,  certainly  haye  accumulated 
to  such  an  extent  as  to  amount  to  a  very 
sensible  quantity.  Astronomical  hypotheses 
may  have  been  made  respecting  the  original 
impulse  of  the  moon,  in  consequence  of 
which  it  was  to  rotate  on  its  axis  in  the 
same  time  as  it  revolves  round  the  earth,  in 
whieh  hypotheses  the  influence  of  any 
other  heavenly  body  was  naturally  left  out 
of  consideration.  This  very  influence,  how- 
ever, would  soon  produce  an  error  in  the 
motion  great  enough  to  be  noticed,  as  we 
said,  after  centuries. 

It  is  therefore  but  reasonable  to  believe, 
since  these  changes  in  its  motion  are  not 
obsenred,  that  the  moon  goes  steadily  on, 
rcTolving  as  it  does  in  yirtue  of  some  law 
independent  of  its  original  impulse.  It  is 
the  demonstration  of  this  law  that  I  will 
endeavour  to  give  here.  I  shall  first  recall 
the  fact,  thst  the  moon  having  begun  to 
move  as  it  does,  there  was,  setting  aside 
extraneous  influences,  no  reason  for  its 
discontinuing  to  do  so;  and  then,  taking 
the  foreign  influences  into  consideration, 
show  why  the  said  motion  is  undisturbed. 

Admitting  that  the  earth  and  the  moon 
are  perfect  and  homogeneous  spheres,  their 
reciprocal  attractions  may  be  considered  as 
aeting  in  the  Hne  joining  their  centres ; 
but  the  moon  is,  in  comparison  to  its  size, 
near  enough  to  the  earth  to  prevent  our 
being  allowed  to  consider  the  directions  of 
the  attractions,  conrergiDg  from  its  different 
pomts  to  the  earth's  centre,  as  parallel ;  and 
we  will  leave  it  for  the  present  questionable 
whether  we  can  speak  of  a  centre  of  gravity 
ef  the  moon.  We  shall,  in  the  sequel,  return 
to  this  point. 

Let  A  (fig.  1)  be  the  earth's  centre ;  C, 
the  moon's  centre ;  A  B,  the  earth's  radius; 
C  D,  the  moon's  radius ;  and  suppose  that 


the  cirole,  with  radius  A  G,  is  the  orbit  of 
the  moon'a  etntre.     Leaving  out  of  the 
Fig.  1. 


question,  for  the  present,  the  libration,  we 
admit  that  the  moon  revolves  round  the 
earth  so  that  the  same  noinU,  A,  B,  D,  C 
(which  have  been  taken  in  a  straight  line), 
are  constantly  in  a  straight  line,  and  that  C  - 
moves  uniformly  in  its  orbit ;  and  we  ob. 
serve  that  the  same  dynamieal  phenomenon 
will  be  produced,  if  we  consider  the  moon 
to  be  at  rest  whilst  the  earth  rotates  uni- 
formly  on  its  axis,  perpendicularly  projected 
at  A,  so  that  any  one  of  its  points,  B,  describes 
a  whole  circumference  in  the  same  time  as 
C  did  in  the  former  motion,  but  in  the  con- 
trary direction.  Or,  in  our  present  oon- 
sideration,  we  might  express  this  in  other 
words,  by  saying  that,  in  both  ceuet,  the  dy. 
KAMiCAL  BBLATION  qf  the  two  bodies  it  the 
tame. 

We  have  here  an  opportunity  of  stating 
the  following  general  and  rery  important 
djmamical  principle : 

When,  bt  different  cadses,  two  or 
more  bodies  come  to  have  the  same 
dynamical  relation  to  each  other, 
the  forces  which  these  bodies  exert 
directly  or  indirectly  upon  each 
other,  are  exactly  the  sake  in  all 

CASES. 

This  principle  must  be  understood  as 
soon  as  a  clear  idea  of  relative  motion,  in 
opposition  to  inconceivable  absolute  mo- 
tion, has  been  formed,  and  can  require  no 
demonstration. 

Returning  to  our  subject,  we  observe  that 
if  the  moon  is  at  rest,  its  gravity,  repre- 
sented by  C  O,  acting  in  the  direction  C  I>  A, 
is  independent  of  the  earth's  rotation  and 
that  therefore  a  force,  C  E,  equal  and  di- 
rectly  opposite  to  C  G,  will  be  that  which 
will  produce  the  moon's  stability.  There- 
fore, according  to  our  above  principle,  the 
already  described  motion  of  the  moon  round 
the  earth  will  be  possible  under  the  in- 
fluence of  the  same  forces,  C  G,  C  E.  The 
flrst  of  them  will  be  unaltered   by  that 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


iMvssnaAxioii  of  the  moon's  motion. 


8a 


motion,  and  the  second  will  be  produced  hj 
gifing  to  the  centre,  C,  such  a  Telocity  that 
the  centrifugal  force  of  the  moon,  which 
baa  evidently  always  the  directioUi  ACE, 
shall  be  equal  to  C  £.  We  now  perceive 
dearly  the  posaibility  of  the  moon's  motion 
as  it  occurs  in  nature,  without  the  neces- 
sity of  admitting  that  it  has  a  centre  of 
gravity  with  regard  to  the  earth. 

The  resultant  of  the  attractions  of  the 
atoms  of  the  earth  on  one  atom  of  the  moon, 
is  evidently  a  force  passing  thro^gh  the 
earth's  eentre. 

Let  C  D.  C  £  (fig.  2),  he  two  such  forces 
acting  on  the  points  A  and  B  of  the  moon. 


Join  A  B,  find  the  risultaot  C  F  of  ^e  two 
forces,  C  D,  C  £ !  and  produce  F  C  till  it 
meeu  AB  in  O,  We  may  eall,  analo- 
gously to  the  combination  of  parallel  forces, 
G,  the  fulcrum  of  the  forces  acting  on  A 
and  B.  By  the  help  of  this  eonvention, 
we  can  eacceed  in  determining  a  pi^intofthe 
iBOOB  corresponding  to  the  centre  of  gra- 
vity which  it  would  have  if  the  attractions 
from  the  earth  centre  were  parallel.  This 
point  will  evidently  lie  on  the  diameter 
D  F  (fig.  9)  of  the  moon.  Further,  we  can 
Fig.  8. 


damooatrste  thai  it  will  lall  on  C  P, 
bat  wUl  net  «oiMide  with  ^  0en- 
tn,  C ;  lir  il  W0  conttdffr  |wo  elemenU, 


M  M',  N  N',  of  the  moon,  represented  by 
equal  circular  sections,  both  perpendicular 
to  A  F,  and  on  different  sides  of  C  ;  we  see 
at  once  that  the  section,  M  M^  being  nearer 
the  earth's  centre  A  than  NN^  is  more 
attracted  by  it  than  NN^  Therefore 
the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  system,  M  M', 
N  N^  in  the  new  acceptation  of  the  term, 
is  below  ^9  point,  C.  If  we  i|ow  draw 
the  diameter,  F  P',  perpendicular  to  A  F, 
we  see  that  the  whole  of  the  moon  can  thus 
be  divided  into  elements  lying  on  both  sides 
of  P  P',  the  centre  of  gravity  of  any  pair  of 
which  is  beneath  C.  Therefore,  also  the 
centre  of  gravity  of  the  whole  system  of  ele- 
ments, or  of  the  moon  itself,  lies  below  C. 

Let  Q  be  this  point  {  it  is  easily  seen  that 
the  only  property  it  will  have  in  common 
with  an  ordinary  centre  of  gravity,  is  that 
the  moon  migr  revolve  on  its  azis,  D  F, 
passing  through  U,  so  that  the  position  of 
the  latter  point  in  space  is  not  altered.  For, 
if  we  suppose  any  other  axis  drawn  through 
O,  we  see  that  anv  rotation  of  the  moon  on 
it  will  alter  the  distance  of  its  centre,  C, 
and  therefore  of  its  centre  of  gravity,  in  the 
new  acceptation  of  the  terra,  from  the  cen- 
tre of  the  earth. 

The  rotation  of  the  moon  on  an  axis  pro- 
iected  at  O.  appears  now  impossible,  so 
long  as  the  oistance,  A  Q,  is  to  be  constant ; 
and,  since  this  laat  condition  is  neoessary 
for  the  equilibrium  of  the  gravity  and  of  the 
centrifugal  force  (repreaented  at  fig.  1 ,  in  tl^e 
state  of  stability  ot  the  moon,  by  the  constant 
G  £),  we  conclude  that  in  its  stable  position, 
the  moon  could  not  revolve  on  the  axis  pro- 
jected at  Q,  which,  according  to  the  prin- 
ciple we  established  above,  is  the  same  as 
saying  that  the  moon  muat  revolve  round 
the  earth  in  the  already  described  manner. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  we  do  not  admit, 
even  by  analogy,  the  existence  of  a  centre 
of  gravity  of  the  mooni  we  can  conclude  at 
once  that  since  there  is  no  point  in  the  moon 
through  which  such  an  axis  of  rotation  could 
pass,  that  the  rotation,  when  once  begun, 
could  occur  as  a  consequence  of  inertia, 
without  the  action  of  aidditional  txUmal 
fbrcea:  the  moon  can  only  revolve  round 
the  earth  in  the  already  described  manner, 
unless  it  were  to  rotate  on  the  axis,  D  F 
(fig.  3),  as  we  have  seen. 

Since,  then,  the  roUtion  of  the  moon  on 
iU  axis,  in  the  sense  hitherto  given  t^  those 
words,  appeara  to  be  a  mere  consequence  of 
its  revolution  round  the  earth,  and  not  an 
iiukpindeHt  motion,  it  might  be  more  ra- 
tionfl  not  to  speak  of  that  axis  and  of  the 
rotation  on  it  at  all;  but  to  define  the  moon's 
motion,  independently  of  the  libration  and  of 
the  eccentricity  of  the  orbit,  by  saying  that 
the  moon  revolves  round  the  earth's  oentr9 
S4  if  it  were  rigidly  connected  to  that  pouit 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


84 


ON  PEBMAKENT  WAYS. 


I  hope,  Sir,  with  your  consent,  to  con- 
tinue thii  investigation.  I  trust,  howercr, 
I  liave  already  said  enough  to  destroy  some 
douhts. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Cambridge,  C.  J.  Recordon. 

ON  PERMANENT  WAYS. 

To  the  Editor  </  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 
^SiR, — In  the  last  Number  of  your  Maga- 
zine is  a  letter  signed  "  Z,"  to  which  I  beg 
you  to  give  me  a  little  space  to  reply ;  as 
although  I  might  well  pass  over  an  anony- 
mous attack  that  came  within  the  fair  limits 
of  criticism,  I  do  not  think  it  right  to 
leave  this  letter  unnoticed ;  dealing,  as  it 
does,  not  only  in  sUtements  conveying 
utterly  erroneous  impressions,  but  ending 
in  an  insinuation  that  a  member  of  the 
Permanent  Way  Company  obtained  a  patent 
for  that  which  he  knew  was  another  man's 
invention,  and,  consequently,  that  he  must 
have  made  a  false  declaration.  I  think, 
Sir,  you  will  allow  that  you  have  not  in  this 
instance  exercised  your  usual  editorial  dis- 
cretion, as  it  is  not  the  proper  province  of  such 
a  periodical  as  yours,  and  especially  one  so 
widely  circulated,  to  give  currency  to  the 
imputation  of  conduct  which,  if  proved, 
would  exclude  the  party  from  respectable 
society.  But  to  begin  at  the  beginning  of 
the  letter: — there  can  be  no  greater  piis- 
take  than  to  suppose  *'  the  company  is  esta- 
blished for  the  purpose  of  buying  up  all  old 
patents,  and  by  uniting  efforts  opposing  all 
new  inventions."  This  quotation  is  from  a 
review  of  the  Company's  circular  contained 
in  a  former  number  of  your  Magazine;  and 
I  take  the  liberty  of  saying  the  reverse  is 
the  fact,  and  the  statement  in  the  circular, 
that  '*the  Company  do  not  consider  the  im- 
provement of  permanent  way  by  any  means 
an  exhausted  subject;  and  they  not  only 
propose  to  add,  from  time  to  time,  such 
i'urther  improvements  as  may  suggest  them- 
selves to  the  members  of  this  Company, 
but  they  are  also  desirous  of  promoting  any 
useful  inventions  in  permanent  way  which 
mny  be  brought  under  their  consideration 
by  other  parties,"  truly  expresses  the  facts 
of  the  case. 

"  Z.*8"  "certain  knowledge"  about  Mr. 
Gordon's  patent,  and  the  inference  he  would 
have  your  readers  draw  f^om  it,  to  prove  the 
object  of  the  Company,  is  quite  beside  the 
mark  ;  some  of  the  most  intrinsically  valu- 
able patents  have  been  "  valueless  in  a  pe- 
cuniary sense,"  until  parties  having  the 
power  to  work  them  commercially  have 
taken  them  up.  Had  not  Watt  been  thrown 
into  connection  with  Bolton,  the  proba- 
bility is  that  he  would  have  reaped  no  per- 


sonal advantage  from  his  inventions,  and 
the  public  might  have  waited  for  many 
years  for  the  development  of  the  benefits 
that  accrued  to  them  through  the  union  of 
commercial  ability  with  inventive  genius. 
Instances  similar  m  principle  are  so  nume- 
rous, that  they  are  aamosl  the  rule  rather 
than  the  exception  in  patents ;  but  let  us 
suppose  that  the  Permanent  Way  Company 
have  bought  a  patent  that  is  not  only  value- 
less in  a  pecuniary  sense,  but  utterly  worth- 
less :  what  then  ?  They  have  simply  thrown 
good  money  away  for  a  bad  article^  which  it 
no  business  of  "  Z.'s,"  or  that  of  anybody 
but  themselves.  Certainly,  the  Company 
will  not  be  inclined  to  be  guided  by  his 
judgment  aa  to  the  value  of  a  patent,  con- 
demning, as  he  does,  with  one  swoop,  the 
inventions  of  so  talented  a  person  as  Mr. 
W.  B.  Adams  (the  co-patentee  of  Mr. 
Richardson);  but  I  need  not  defend  this 
gentleman,  as  he  is  competent  to  do  that 
himself. 

I  pass  on  to  **  Z.'s"  assertions  respecting 
the  connection  between  Mr.  Bruff  and  Mr. 
Richardson  and  the  invention  of  the  fish 
joint ;  it  is  to  this  garbled  statement  that  I 
alluded  in  the  outset.  I  have  the  authority 
of  Mr.  Richardson  to  utterly  deny  the  im- 
putation  attempted  to  be  fastened  upon  him 
by  inference.  "  Z."  mixes  up  the  name  of 
Mr.  Bruff  in  a  manner  that  roust  be 
offensive  to  that  gentleman,  who  is  a  mem- 
ber, but  not  a  director,  of  the  Permanent 
Way  Company,  and  who  has  contributed 
patents  of  his  own  to  the  common  stock.  I 
could  easily  expose  the  inaccuracies  of  the 
whole  statement;  but  it  would  not  interest 
your  readers,  and  it  is  no  concern  of 
•*  Z.'s" 

Allow  me  now  to  allude  to  an  expression 
in  your  former  criticism,  to  the  effect  that 
the  Company  levy  ."black  mail"  upon 
the  railways.  Unless  all  income  derived 
from  licences  under  patents  is  "blackmail," 
in  other  words,  a  robbery,  the  stig[ma  does 
not  apply,  but  it  seems  to  be  attributed  to 
the  Company  because  it  is  an  association  of 
patentees.  Now  the  fact  is,  that  the  Com- 
pany's rates  of  licences  are  all  of  them  mucft 
lower  since  the  association  than  when  the 
patents  were  held  by  individuals  i  and  I 
fearlessly  state,  that  the  Company  has  been 
the  means  of  more  quickly  and  extensively 
introducing  improvements  in  railways  .than 
if  the  inventions  had  remained  in  the  hands 
of  the  patentees  individually;  that  the 
rates  of  licensing  have  been  largely  reduced ; 
that  gpreat  economy  has  resulted  to  the  raiU 
way  companies,  with  increased  safety  and 
comfort  in  travelling  to  the  public;  and 
whatever  success  has  attended  the  Com- 
pany's operations  in  a  pecuniary  sense,  it  is 
only  a  small  fractional  part  of  the  savings 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OK  THE  INCKUBTATION  OF  STEAM  BOILEBS. 


85 


cMsed  by  the  adoption  of  their  iDventiong, 
aid  18  the  fruit  of  honourable  enterprise. 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 
Charles  Mat, 
Manager  of  the  Permanent  Way 
Company. 
26,  Great  Oeoiva-ttreet,  Westmlnater, 
Jan.  S4,  1855. 

[We  did  not  consider  that  part  of  **  Z*s  '* 
letter  above  referred  to  admitted  of  the  in- 
terpretation  put  upon  it  by  Mr.  May — that 
Mr.  Richardson,  and  consequently  Mr. 
W.  B.  Adams,  ss  they  are  joint  patentees, 
made  a  false  declaration — or  we  certainly 
should  not  hare  given  it  insertion  in  our 
pages.  With  regard  to  our  own  remarks 
on  the  Permanent  Way  Company's  circular, 
it  will  be  obserred,  that  the  words  Mr.  May 
complains  of  did  not  occur  in  an  assertion, 
but  formed  part  of  a  sentence  put  hypothe- 
tically.— £d.  M.  M.] 


ON  THE  INCRUSTATION  OF 
STEAM  BOILERS. 

To  the  Editor  qf  the  Meehaniet*  Magazine, 
Sir, — Your  valuable  Journal,  so  widely 
circulated  amoug  scientific  men,  appears 
the  only  tribunal  before  which  the  real  and 
first  inventor  may  claim  his  rights  against 
second-hand  inventors,  or  authors  ignorant 
of  inventions  of  high  merit  already  existing 
in  practice,  of  which  they  claim  to  have 
been  the  first  to  discover  the  theories.  In 
your  last  Number,  dated  13th  January  (No. 
1640),  I  find  an  extract  from  the  Journal  of 
Industrial  Progress  on  the  incrustation  of 
steam  boilers,  reporting,  that  M.  Coust^  I 
claims  as  his  own,  and  as  the  best  means  of 
preventing  incrustation,  the  feeding  of  the 
boiler  with  water  heated  to  a  very  high 
degree  (818°  Fah.)  before  it  is  introduced 
into  the  boiler.  He  considers  this  high 
degree  required  for  the  object,  and  wants  a 
separate  heating  apparatus,  and,  in  low 
pressure  engines,  a  filter  to  separate  the 
precipitate.  In  high  pressure  engines  the 
filter,  says  M.  Couste,  may  be  dispensed 
with,  as  the  precipitate  in  the  heater  cannot 
crystallize  in  the  boiler,  but  will  only  form 
a  muddy  deposit  instead  of  a  fixed  incrusta. 
lion.  M.  Couste  afterwards,  by  some  hy- 
pothesis, establishes  a  formula  to  prove  that 
the  loss  of  heat  by  incrustation  m:ist 
amount  to  40  or  50  per  cent,  and  therefore 
that  the  same  per  centage  of  increase  in  the 
generation  of  steam  is  gained  by  preventing 
incrustation  by  feeding  the  boiler  with  hot 
water.  I  think,  Sir,  you  will  do  me  the 
justice  to  say,  that  I  have  a  right  to  claim 
the  priority  of  this  invention,  and  to  correct 
the  theories  of  M.  Coust^  by  my  experience 
during  ten  years  practice;  as  you  know, 


that  ten  years  since  I  obtained  a  patent 
under  the  title  '*  Improvements  in  high  pres. 
sure  and  other  steam-boilers,  with  a  new 
mode  or  principle  of  supplying  them  with 
water."  The  invention  contained  the  new 
mode  of  feeding  the  steam  boiler  with  water 
previously  heated  and  purified.  I  have 
already  (ten  years  ago)  fitted  up  such 
heaters  to  steam  boilers  in  London,  Bir- 
mingham, and  Leicester,  of  which  I  enclose 
you  the  certificates,  and  I  can  prove  by  ten 
years  experience,  that  these  steam  boilers 
were  fully  protected  against  any  fixed  in- 
crustation; nothing  more  than  a  muddy 
deposit  (and  this  in  a  very  small  quantity) 
was  cleaned  out  from  those  steam  boilers. 
I  executed,  practically,  this  invention,  by 
fitting  three  or  four  cylindrical  tubes  to  the 
boiler,  with  an  open  cylindrical  fiue  inside, 
surrounded  with  a  ring  of  water ;  in  these 
tubes  (which  I  called  metallic  flues)  the 
water  was  heated  by  degrees,  only  by  letting 
the  gaseous  products  of  combustion  pass 
from  the  flues  of  the  boilers^  on  their  way 
to  the  chimney  through  them;  the  cold 
water  was  supplied  to  the  tube  next  to  the 
chimney,  and  passing  from  one  tube  to  the 
other  fed  the  boiler  with  purified  boiling 
water.  During  ten  years  constant  use,  a 
fixed  incrustation  was  never  fonned  in  the 
steam  boiler.  These  practical  results  enable 
me  to  contradict  the  necessity  of  heating 
the  water  to  a  higher  degree  than  the  boil- 
ing point,  to  prevent  perfectly  well  any 
incrustation,  and  also  to  show  the  useless- 
ness  of  a  filter.  The  sediment  in  the  me- 
tallic flues  (cylindrical  tubes)  was  from  time 
to  time  let  out  by  a  pipe  and  cock,  and  of 
course  all  the  fuel  which  M.  Coust^  wants 
for  a  separate  heater,  is  entirely  spared  by 
my  heating  the  water  with  the  otherwise 
lost  heat  of  the  flues  in  their  passage  to  the 
boiler.  My  heating  to  a  boiling  point  and 
purifying  the  water,  cost,  therefore,  literally 
not  a  single  pound  of  coals.  And  I  must  also 
contradict,  for  I  cannot  help  it,  the  mathe- 
matical formula  of  M.  Cousti's  invention, 
by  which  he  wants  to  prove  the  saving  in 
heat  equal  to  about  firom  forty  to  fifty  per 
cent.  My  experience  is  only  in  low  pres- 
sure boilers,  and  there  the  increase  of  steam 
may  amount  to  twenty. five  per  cent  or  to 
an  economy  of  twenty  per  cent,  in  fuel.  In 
high  pressure  boilers  the  saving  in  fuel 
must,  of  course,  be  proportionately  greater, 
considering  that  the  heat  from  the  flues  is 
passing  through  the  metallic  flues  in  a 
higher  degree.  These  are  facts,  which  can 
be  ascertained  at  any  time,  and  the  question 
how  to  constantly  prevent  the  incrustation 
in  boilers,  and  with  so  much  profit  in  fuel, 
in  such  a  simple  way  (incrustation  being 
often  the  prineipal  cause  of  explosion)  may 
be  of  the  highest  interest  to  your  readers. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


86 


THE  WKAt^  COKTHOYISRSy. 


I  have,  th«reforei  oonsiderod  it  my  daty  to* 
wards  royaelf  and  the  puhlio,  to  contradiot 
the  theories  of  M.  Coust^  and  to  estahlish 
my  right  of  priority  in  this  invention. 
I  am,  Sir,  yoaii,  ^c, 

AiiTHoiiy  B.  Von  Rathbw. 
i,  Ci«ioent-pl«M,  N«w  Bridg^-ttraot, 
BUekfrian,  Jan.  IS,  18M. 


PARKER'S  PATENT  SMOKB. 
CONSUMING  APPARATUS. 


Tq  the  Editor  qf  the  Uedumict*  Magazine, 

Sir, — At  page  61  of  your  laat  Numher,  Mr« 
Williams,  for  the  second  time,  enumerates, 
among  other  "  re-inventions,'*  the  smoke- 
consuming  apparatus  of  Mr.  Parker,  a 
description  of  which  appeared  at  page  445 
of  yeur  last  volume. 

In  several  communications  published  in 
your  pages,  Mr.  Williams  has  admitted  the 
principle  of  ''perforated  air  distributors" 
to  have  originated  with  Mr.  Argand,  who 
applied  that  principle  to  the  well-known 
lamp  which  bears  his  name, 

Mr.  Williams  claims  to  have  invented 
and  patented  a  peculiarly-constructed  fur- 
nace, to  which  be  gave  the  name  of  the 
**  Argand  furnace,"  in  consequence  of  its 
embodying  that  principle.  The  mechani- 
eal  oonstruotioB  and  arrangement  of  the 
furnace — not  the  prineiple  of  its  aotion — 
being  the  invention,  and  constituting  the 
paUnt  right  of  Mr.  Williams.  The  perfect 
efficiency  of  the  principle,  as  applied  in  the 
furnaee  of  Mr,  Williams,  is  indisputable  ; 
but  it  is  a  fair  and  legitimate  subject  for  the 
exercise  of  inventive  thought,  whether  a 
more  simple,  less  inconvenient,  and  cheaper 
mode  ot  applying  the  Argand  ]^rinoiple  to 
ftimacee  than  that  of  Mr.  Williams  might 
not  be  devised  7 

When  the  application  of  the  principle  is 
embodied  in  the  original  eonairuotion  of 
the  furnace,  coneiderable  expense  is  secea- 
sarily  iueurred }  the  alteration  of  old  exist- 
ing furnaces  is  worse,  and  all  alterations  er 
repairs  renders  the  stoppage  of  the  works 
inevitable.  In  order  to  obviate  these  in* 
eonvenienees,  Mr.  Parker  devised  the  smoke* 
consuming  apparatus  be£Mre  referred  to,  in 
which  the  applioatio»  of  the  Argand  prin- 
ciple is  altogether  separate  from,  and  inde- 
pendent ef,  the  original  eonstruotion  of  the 
furnace  itself,  so  &X  its  application  ia  the 
first  instanee,  and  occasional  renewals  after- 
ward, involves  but  little  expraae  and  no 
ineonveaience ;  thus  affording  a  ready  and 
oooveaient  remedy  for  sufferers  under  the 
'*  Smoke-consuming  Act." 

There  is,  in  this  iastaaoe,  no  refined 
question  af  chemistry  at  issue,  neither  is 
Uw  claim  of  Mr.  Williams  t«  **  the  Argaud 


furnace"  diaputed.  There  is  a  questiiw, 
however,  that  forces  itself  upon  public  at- 
tention, and  it  is  a  question  of  considerable 
importance  just  now,  viy.,  Is  it  possible  that 
the  simple,  inexpensive,  and  easily  applied 
amoke-oonsnming  apparatus  of  Mr.  Parker 
is  really  sufficient  for  its  intended  purpose  ? 
To  this  praotieal  questimi  a  decidedly  prac- 
tical  answer  is  furnished  by  the  fact,  that 
Mr.  Parker's  patent  apparatus  has  been  for 
some  time  paat  in  use  at  the  white  lead 
works  of  Messrs.  Champion  at  Ce.,  Isling* 
ton-fields;  the  chemical  works  of  Messrs. 
Brandram  and  Co.,  Lower-road,  Rother- 
hithe ;  and  the  soap  manufactory  of  Messrs. 
Peytoa  and  Charles,  Wapping ;  as  well  as 
at  the  patentee's  works  at  Deptfi)rd,  with 
unvarying  success,  in  eaeh  case  taking  pre- 
oedeace  of  all  other  plans  in  operation  in 
these  localities. 

If  Mr.  Williams  is  acquainted  with  any 
similar  apparatus  as  simple,  eflfectual,  and 
economical  as  that  of  Mr.  Parker  in  use 
before  the  date  of  that  gentleman's  patent, 
then,  but  not  till  then,  will  he  be  justified 
in  designating  Mr.  Parker's  contrivance 
"are^itwemtioml" 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &o., 

Wm.  Baddeley. 
IS,  AngsU-torraoe,  Islington,  Jan.  2S,  l&U. 


THE  LUNAR  CONTROVERSY.* 
To  tko  Sditor  rf  ih$  Mo^iamie^  Magmimf. 

Sir,— J  must  admit  that  I  rather  took  i| 
to  heart  when  you  decided  that  the  reply, 
which  I  had  forged  out  as  a  thunderbolt  to 
the  numerous  gentlemen  who  had  taken  so 
much  kind  trouble  to  release  me  from  error, 
was  too  long  for  your  columns,  and  that  the 
discussion  must  of  necessity  be  closed.  We 
were  entering  on  such  a  warm  and  lively 
argument,  that  I  felt  much  like  one  of  a 
cheerful  Christmas  party,  when  the  un- 
looked-for intrusion  of  a  fireman's  hose 
damps  the  spirits  of  the  whole  circle.  How. 
ever  we  all  must  sometimes  resign  our  opi* 
nions  for  the  general  welfare.  I  therefore 
contentedly  submit  to  silence,  only  assuring 
my  opponents  (as  you  can  testify)  that  I 
have  spared  no  pains  to  reciprocate  their 
good  offices,  and  had  as  great  a  confidence 
of  converting  them  as  they  could  have  of 


•  We  recently  reeelTed  a  long  letter  from  Mr. 
Mashet,  ia  wbfteh  he  eoatlnned  Uie  dlseui^n  on 
the  Rotattoa  of  the  Moon  by  Uyiag  down,  with 
great  tkill,  and  undiminished  confidence,  a  sue- 
eeision  of  arguments  and  mustratiops  which 
ftilly  dcTehmed  his  Tiews  on  that  subject.  We 
were  compelled,  however,  fi>r  anmeious  reaaons. 


to  abstain  from  inserting  it,  and  the  author  haa 
accordingly  contented  himself  with  forwarding 
the  abore  explanatory  letter,  which  we  have  much 
^easue  ia  tnsettiBf . 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


aasauKcs  Ain>  oukpovsbr. 


87 


connrtiog  me,  in  which,  however,  I  grieve 
to  my,  they  have  not  succeeded,  all  their 
efloTts  having  only  hardened  my  unbelief. 
Thfy  are  acute  champions  and  I  had  a  real 
pleisure  in  contesting  with  them,  and  only 
nope  we  msy  meet  again,  on  some  other 
field,  to  do  battle  for  the  truth.     Were  it 
net  that  I  have  some  dread  of  th«  solenmi* 
ties  of  deliberate  authorship,  which  is  a 
more  serious  affiur  than  writmg  a  brisk  let- 
ter on  the  spur  of  the  moment,  to  be  printed 
and  done  with  in  the  same  week,  I  might 
resolve,  pro  bono  pubUeo,  to  set  mv  light  in 
a  candlestick  and  consign  it  to  the  reposi- 
tory of  my  excellent  friend,  Mr.  Weale,  as  a 
sort  of  rudimentaiy  rudiment  of  astronomy, 
though,  in  fact,  it  is  a  question  of  pure  me- 
chanics, comprising  nothing  astronomical 
except  the  name.    It  would  perhaps  be  only 
courteous  so  to  do,  to  give  my  adversaries 
the  benefit  of  the  thoughts  which  I  am  in- 
debted  to  them   for  suggesting.    "  J.  C,*' 
will  then,  perhaps,  be  not  so  much  startled 
with  my  views  as  when  their  first  appear- 
ance surprised  him,  especially  as  I  see,  on 
reperusing  his  letter,   that  his  illustration 
was  intended  to  develope  the  same  idea  ' 
which  influences  your  other  correspondents. 
Duly  acknowledging  and  obliged  for  all  en- 
deafours  to  enlighten   me,  I  beg  to  take 
leave  with  one  remark,  which  will  not,  I 
think,  involve  any  controversy.     If  any  of 
my  friends,  in  visiting  Bath  or  the  ''  hill 
abounding  Devonshire,"  should  chance  to   ' 
have  their  locomotion  protected  bv  any  of  ' 
the  excellent  devices  lately  described  in  your 
pages,  let  them  examine  the  wheel  of  their 
carriage,  either  on  a  hill  or  on  flat  ground, 
when  itiding    under  the  pressure    of   the 
brake,  and  when  rolling  free  upon  its  axle. 
They  will  then  appreciate  the  difference  be- 
tween  us,  without  any  argument  And  even 
should   Mr.   Cheverton   chance  to  be  the 
voyager,  and  undertake  to  bore  a  hole,  by 
transferring  the  mere  to-and-fro  motion  of 
the  tUding  wheel,  yet  when  done,  this  will 
hardly  accomplish  the  proof  that  the  locked 
rota  is  truly  rotating.     As  he  entertains  the 
matter  on  my  own  ground,  that  of  practical 
mechanics,  this  hint  will  scarcely  be  thought 
to  re-open  the  general  question. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

David  Mushet. 


THE  SMOKE  QUESTION. 

To  ihs  Editor  qf  the  Mechamet*  Magazine, 

Sib, — What  Mr.  Woodcock's  ideas  may 
now  be,  after  the  explanation  given  by  Mr. 
Williams  and  Mr.  Mushet  concerning  the 
*<  Cerberusf  headed  League  "  I  know  not ; 
but  I  think  he  will  not  require  any  ftirthev 


evidence  from  me.  I  may,  however,  state 
that,  so  far  am  I  from  being  in  league  with 
Mr.  Williams,  that  I  here  distinctly  wish  it 
to  be  understood  that  I  am  not  prepared  to 
coincide  with  that  gentleman  in  all  his 
views  concerning  combustion  ;  but  I  still 
must  say,  that  he  has  written  the  most  clear 
and  concise  exposition  we  have  upon  that 
subject 

I  trust  your  readers  will  show  a  little 
pity  to  the  gentleman,  who  has  brought  his 
mvention  before  them,  as  one  of  the  grand- 
est discoveries  of  modem  science,  and  yet 
will  not  allow  it  to  be  examined  by  men 
who  are  known  to  possess  a  little  experi- 
ence  upon  this  subject  as  well  as  himselC 

If  Mr.  Woodcock  will  take  the  trouble  to 
refer  to  my  first  letter,  inserted  in  your 
Journal,  he  will  find  that  the  only  spirit 
pervading  it,  is  a  desire  to  prevent  your 
readers  supposing  the  invention  to  be  new 
in  any  shape  or  principle.  I  had,  then,  no 
wish  to  convince  Mr.  Woodcock  of  the 
error  of  his  theory,  for  I  do  not  believe, 
after  what  he  has  written,  that  his  convic- 
tion  would  be  any  gain  to  the  public  or  a 
credit  to  himself.  Is  it  not  astonishing 
that,  during  all  the  controversy,  he  has 
never  brought  forth  real  facts  in  support  of 
his  views,  but  has  always  thrown  the  facts 
aside  hj  bringing  or  advancing  charges 
Against  mdividuals  ? 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  fipc, 

Kngin£EB, 
Maochester,  January  2S,  1855. 


ORDNANCE  AND  GUNPOWDER. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Mechatnct'  Magazine, 

Sir,— I  think  *'  Argus,"  in  pointing  oat 
the  curious  illustration  of  "  J.  F.,'*  has 
made  an  admission  as  curious  and  unfor- 
tunate as  the  one  pointed  out.  **  Argus  " 
says  that  the  non-explosion  of  the  mixed 
gases  depends,  or  is  universally  said  to 
depend,  upon  the  cooling  effect  of  the  wire- 
gause,  and  upon  that  alone. 

To  ma  it  appears  that  this  is  granting  all 
that  '<  J.  F  "  or  any  one  else  would  demand, 
since  the  question  is  not  how  diaw  the  wire« 
gause  prevent  explosion,  but  does  it  prevent 
it?  For  aught  that  "J.  F."  has  said  to  the 
eontrary,  he  may  subecribe  to  the  universal 
opinion  as  stated  by  '<  Argus,"  although 
I  rather  think  he  would  not,  since  he  pro* 
bably  knows  that  cold  means  the  absence  of, 
or  a  less  degree  of  heat,  and  not  a  principle 
in  itself  to  be  imparted  by  a  pieoe  of  wire- 
gause,  which,  being  simply  a  good  con- 
ductor of  heat,  affords  it  a  rapid  transit  to 
the  surrounding  medium.  If  the  illustra- 
tion given  by  "J.  F."  is  not  sufficient  to 
show  that  other  conditions  are 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


88 


SPECmCATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BEGENTLY  FILED* 


beside  the  mere  generation  of  heat,  I  will  add 
another. 

Having  drawn  the  rods  of  the  universal 
discharger  about  three  quarters  of  an  inch 
apart,  place  between  them  a  dram  of  gun- 
powder,  and  discharge  an  electrical  battery  of 
about  five  or  six  feet  superficial,  so  that  the 
current  shall  pass  through  the  powder  when 
the  metallic  circuit  is  otherwise  closed  ;  the 
powder  will  be  scattered  but  not  exploded, 
although  an  intense  white  flame  has  passed 
through  its  midst  Every  one  at  all  con- 
versant with  electrical  matters  knows  this, 
and  the. cause  of  it 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Hydra. 


EXPANDING      SELF  -  CLEANSING 
SABOT  FOR  RIFLE-SHOT. 

To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mechaniei*  Magazine. 
Sir, — ^At  the  present  time,  when  every- 
thing connected  with  the  improved  efficiency 
of  fire-arms  is  of  public  interest,  I  am  sure 
you  will  not  refuse  a  place  in  your  impartial 
Journal  to  the  following  statement: — On 
Saturday  last  Mr.  Warren,  who  keeps  the 
shooting-gallery  in  Williamson-square,  fired 
from  a  rifle  of  the  musket-bore  an  elongated 
shot  made  of  brass,  having  a  square  shank, 
half  an  inch  long,  projecting  from  the  centre 
of  its  base ;  on  this  shank  the  sabot  of  cork 
was  fixed ;  the  shot,  with  its  attached  sabot, 
was  gently  rammed  home  on  the  charge  of 
powder ;  the  rifle  was  then  fired  at  a  target 
formed  of  six  planks  of  deal,  at  a  distance 
of  twenty  yards,  and  the  shot  struck  point 
foremett.  This  proved  that  the  cork  sabot 
WAS  condensed  by  the  extreme  pressure  of 
the  explosion  of  the  charge  so  as  to  fill  up 
the  spiral  grooves  of  the  rifle,  and  thus 
impart  the  rotatory  motion  or  spin  round 
the  long  axis  of  the  shot.  It  is  better  that 
the  rotatory  motion  should  be  imparted  to 
the  shot  by  the  expanding  of  the  sabot  than 
b^  the  expanding  of  the  shot,  as  it  prevents 
violent/ricHofi  in  passing  through  the  barrel, 
and  tends  to  cleanse  it  at  each  discharge. 
This  successfhl  experiment  proves  that  shot 
similarly  affixed  to  a  sabot  formed  by 
pressure  such  as  is  used  in  making  cups  for 
calenders,  and  of  various  material,  such  as 
coarse  brown  paper,  can  be  used  from  rifle 
cannon  of  the  largest  calibre,  and  confirms 
me  in  the  belief  that  a  ten-inch  bore  rifle 
gun  thus  loaded  would  make  a  breach 
through  the  side  of  a  gun-boat  encased  in 
planks  of  four  and  a  half  inch  well  forged 
or  hammered  iron — it  will  be  a  very  "  hard 
case  "  if  it  does  not 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

J.  NORTOM. 
Owen's  Hotel,  Jan.  15, 1855. 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

JoHNsoM,  John  Hemrt,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
ments in  tubmarine  navigation,  (A  commu- 
nication.) Patent  dated  July  1, 1854.  (No. 
1444.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  steam- vessel 
constructed  for  travelling  beneath  the  water, 
the  air  in  the  vessel  being  purifled  by  the 
aid  of  a  current  of  water,  or  of  an  alkaline 
solution  composed  of  water,  lime,  potash, 
and  oxygen,  and  the  vessel  itself  being 
divided  into  several  compartments,  &c. 

Wilder,  John,  of  the  flrm  of  Wilder 
and  Sons,  of  Reading,  Berks,  agricultural 
machinists.  Improvements  in  agricultural 
rollers  and  clod-crushers.  Patent  dated  July 
1,  1854.    (No.  1447.) 

The  improved  rollers  or  clod- crushers  are 
constructed  of  two  or  more  rollers  (three 
being  preferred)  set  in  suitable  framework, 
and  moring  in  adjustable  bearings,  in  order 
that  when  used  on  undulating  ground  they 
shall  accommodate  themselves  to  it 

Milne,  John  Kolbe,  of  Edinburgh, 
Midlothian,  Scotland,  pocket-book  maker. 
An  improved  means  of  holding  letters,  docu- 
mentSf  or  other  similar  articles.  Patent  dated 
July  8,  1854.    (No.  1448.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
to  a  board  or  other  suitable  back  of  an 
elastic  band,  which  is  passed  through  a 
tube,  and  conflned  to  the  back  by  its  two 
ends  which  extend  from  the  ends  of  the  tube. 

Walters,  Benjamin,  of  the  firm  of 
Benjamin  and  Philip  Walters,  of  Wolver- 
hampton, Stafford,  lock  -  manufacturers. 
Improvements  in  spindles  for  locks  and  latches, 
and  in  the  means  qf  adjusting  knobs  to  the 
same,  to  suit  any  thickness  of  door.  Patent 
dated  July  3,  1854.    (No.  1449.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  screw  collar,  which  screws  on  to 
the  angles  or  edges  of  the  ordinary  square 
spindle. 

Fontainemoreau,  Peter  Arhand  Le- 
COMTE  De,  of  South-street,  London.  Improve- 
ments in  stopping  bottles,  and  in  drawing  off 
derated  or  other  Uquids  contained  therein.  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  July  3, 1854. 
(No.  1450.) 

These  improvements  mainly  consist  in 
manufacturing  bottles  or  other  vessels  for 
containing  gaseous,  volatile,  or  other  liquids, 
with  two  rims  on  the  neck,  at  a  variable 
distance  apart,  and  placing  between  the  said 
rims  a  metallic  ring  provided  externally 
with  a  screw  thread  or  cleats. 

Greenshields,  Walter,  of  Edinburgh, 
Midlothian,  manager.  Improvements  in 
chenille  fabrics.  Patent  dated  July  8,  1854. 
(No.  1451.) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECOnOATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BECENTLT  FILED. 


89 


The  inrentor  manufactares  a  fringe  by  i 
using  parti- coloured  chenille,  either  as  warp 
or  weft.  This  fringe,  as  is  usual  in  this 
branch  of  manufacture,  is  woven  in  a  loom 
with  an  amount  of  warp  material  sufficient 
for  the  production  of  two  selvages  at  a  dist- 
ance apart  equal  to  the  width  of  two  pieces 
of  fringe.  The  weft  when  thrown  across 
and  woven  in  with  such  warp,  produces  two 
woren  selvages  or  heads  for  the  two  pieces, 
the  fiibric  being  afterwards  cut  up  the 
centre,  and  the  fringe  pieces  thus  sepa- 
rated. 

Balk,  William,  of  Ipswich,  Suffolk. 
An  improved  friction  dynamometer.  Patent 
dated  July  8,  1854.    (No.  1452.) 

The  strap  or  instrument  used  for  produc- 
ing the  friction  in  this  dynamometer,  is  con- 
nected  to  the  ends  of  a  lever  with  unequal 
arms,  which  causes  any  shifting  of  the  strap 
or  instrument  to  increase  or  decrease  its 
pressure  on  the  friction- wheel,  thus  adjust- 
ing  it  so  as  to  produce  the  exact  amount  of 
friction  necessary  to  keep  the  load  up.  The 
dynamometer,  thus  constructed,  does  not 
require  lubrication. 

Chauveau,  Urbain,  and  Charles 
d'Epinois,  both  of  Paris,  France,  civil  en- 
gineers. Improved  tneane  or  apparatus  for 
preventing  eollisums  on  railways.  Patent 
dated  July  3,  1854.    (No.  1456.) 

By  means  of  small  apparatus  or  machines, 
placed  at  convenient  distances  along  the  line 
ofrailway,  so  as  to  strike  against  a  lever,  catch, 
or  other  contrivance  attached  either  to  the 
engine  or  the  break-earriage  of  an  advanc- 
ing train,  the  inventor  proposes  to  bring 
into  action  certain  levers  or  mechanical 
contrivances  in  connection  with  the  steam 
ports  or  valves  of  the  engine,  and  with  the 
breaks. 

SuNTER,  Joseph,  of  Derby,  engineer. 
New  or  improved  drilUng-machinery,  Patent 
dated  July  4,  1854.  (No.  1457.) 
t^This  invention  consists  in  constructing 
drilling  machinery  by  combining  together 
two  or  more  parallel  drills  geared  together, 
and  actuated  by  one  axis. 

TippAWY,  Christopher  Thomas,  of 
Leeds,  York.  An  improvement  in  the  manu- 
faeture  of  brushes  used  in  gig-miUs  and  ma- 
ehinery  for  brushing  piled  fabrics.  Patent 
dated  July  4,  1854.    (No.  1459.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
of  the  fibres  of  Brazilian  grass  in  the  manu- 
faeture  of  gig-mill  and  machinery  brushes, 
for  brushing  piled  fabrics. 

Haimbs,  Thomas,  of  Melbourne,  near 
Derby.  Improvements  in  the  mantrfacture  of 
gloves  and  mils,  by  warp  machinery.  Patent 
dated  July  4,  1854.    (No.  1460.) 

This  invention  consists  in  causing  the 
thumbs  of  gloves  and  mits  to  be  produced 
simultaneously,  with  their  other  portions. 


by  means  of  machinery  patented  by  the  pa- 
tentee  and  others.  May  10,  1851. 

M'Gaffin,  JoHN^of  Liverpool,  Lancas- 
ter,  engineer.  Improvements  in  corrugated 
cast  iron.  Patent  dated  July  4,  1854.  (No. 
1461.) 

These  improvements  consist  "  in  forming 
cast  angle  iron  with  corrugations,  either  on 
all  the  parts  of  the  angle  iron,  or  in  such 
manner  that  some  of  the  parts  may  be  plain 
and  the  other  parts  corrugated;  and  this 
applies  to  T,  L,  and  H  cast  and  angle  iron." 

Delpech,  Jean  Akdr£  C^cilg  Nestor, 
mechanist,  of  Castres,  in  the  French  Em- 
pire. An  improved  lift  and  force-pump,  called 
"  Castraise  pump.'*  Patent  dated  July  4, 
1854.    (No.  1462.) 

This  pump  consists  of  an  outer  casing  of 
cast  iron  or  other  suitable  material,  made  in 
two  parts,  and  separated  by  a  diaphragm  or 
partition.  The  two  parts  are  bolted  to- 
gether with  the  diaphragm  between  them, 
and  to  the  latter  is  firmly  fixed  a  thin  brass 
cylinder  or  barrel,  in  which  the  piston 
moves.  We  shall  probably  give  an  illus- 
trated description  of  this  pump  hereafter. 

NcwuAN,  James,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick,  manufacturer.  Improvements  iu  the 
mant^acture  of  metallic  rods,  rails,  and  bars. 
Patent  dated  July  4,  1854.    (No.  1463.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  production 
of  a  strong  and  economical  metal  rod,  rail, 
or  bar,  having  the  appearance  of  solid 
metal,  bat  made  with  "  a  core  or  centre  of 
sand,  or  sandy,  earthy,  ashy,  or  other  arena- 
ceous material,  rendered  solid  and  stony,  or 
vitreous,  by  ramming  or  pressure,  and  the 
action  of  the  fire  during  the  course  of  ma- 
nufacture." 

Bardet,  Joseph  Marie,  chemist,  and 
Francois  Collette,  manufacturer,  both 
of  Paris,  France.  An  improvement  in  the 
construction  of  matches.  Patent  dated  July 
4,  1854.    (No.  1464.) 

Claims. — 1.  The  manufacture  of  friction 
matches  giving,  during  the  combustion,  a 
flame  of  sufficient  power  to  resist  the  action 
of  the  wind,  and  formed  by  the  partial  or 
entire  interposition  of  inflammable  phos- 
phorated paste  between  two  light,  firm, 
combustible  bodies,  the  combustibility  of 
which  may  be  enhanced  by  any  suitable 
preparation;  these  bodies  thus  arranged 
being  cut  in  a  convenient  form  and  size  to 
render  them  fit  to  be  used  for  friction 
matches.  2.  A  mode  of  moderating  and 
steadying  this  combustion  of  the  interposed 
phosphorated  paste  by  thoroughly  mixing 
with  the  same  a  small  quantity  of  any  suit- 
able  finely  pulverized,  inert,  or  noncombus- 
tible  matter.,  8.  A  mode  of  preventing  in- 
voluntary combustion  by  covering  the  said 
matches  entirely,  or  partly,  with  any  suit- 
able coating. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


00 


SPECU'ICATIONS  OF   PATENTS  RRGENTLT    FH^ED. 


Garrett,  Richard,  and  Richard  Gar- 
rett, junior,  of  Leiston  Worka,  near  Sax- 
mundham,  Suffolk,  agricultural  implemenu 
makers.  Improvements  in  machinery  for  drill- 
ing seed  and  manure.  Patent  dated  July  4, 
1854.     (No.  1465.) 

This  invention  comprises  the  appli- 
cation to  liquid  manure  drills  of  a  gra-. 
duated  plate  or  koale,  whereby  the  attend- 
ant  is  enabled  to  regulate  the  discharge 
of  the  liquid,  so  that  it  shall  be  delivered 
on  to  the  land  at  any  given  quantity  per 
acre.  Also,  the  application  to  Uie  fore  car- 
riage of  drills  of  ft  compound  lever  for 
facilitating  their  steerage,  and  certain 
means  of  regulating  the  delivery. 

BiBHOPF,  Gborqe  Daniel,  of  Inverness, 
terrace,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  the  censtmction  and  arrange- 
ment  qf  engines  to  be  driven  by  steam^  air, 
gases,  or  water.  Patent  dated  July  4,  1854. 
(No.  1466.) 

Claim, — *'  The  arranging  and  fixing  two 
or  more  cylinders,  of  the  same  or  dif- 
ferent dimensions,  opposite  to  or  near  one 
end  of  the  main  shafi  of  the  engine,  for  the 
purpose  of  connecting  the  pistons  or  piston 
rods  of  such  cylinders  to  levers  or  arms 
fixed  into  or  attached  to  a  ball  and  socket, 
or  universal  joint,  to  which  is  fixed  an  arm 
that  Ukes  into  the  end  of  a  crank  on  the 
main  shaft,  and  causes  the  same  to  ro- 
ute." 

Elliott,  Thomas,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, engineer.  Improvements  in  safety- 
idlves  and  apparatus  connected  therewith, 
which  valves  may  also  be  used  as  steam 
valves.  Patent  dated  July  4,  1854.  (No. 
1467.) 

The  inventor  claims  the  construction  of 
an  annular  valve,  having  one  or  both  of  the 
two  faces  thereof  horizontal  or  fiat,  that  is, 
at  right  angles  to  the  valve  spindle;  and 
certain  applications  of  this  valve  to  safety, 
stop,  throttle,  and  governor  valves. 

Heycock.,  Henry,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, merchant.  Certain  improvements  in 
hydrauUc  presses^  employed  for  packing  or 
pressing  cotton,  silk,  flat,  wool,  or  other 
fibrous  materials.  Patent  dated  July  4, 1854. 
(No.  1468.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  the  em- 

ployment  of  self-acting  apparatus,  composed 

of  levers,  weights,  and  valves,  for  the  pur- 

*  pose  of  throwing  in  and  out  of  gear,  either 

one  or  several  pumps  of  hydraulic  presses. 

BowLAS,  David,  of  Reddish,  Lancaster, 
manufacturer.  Certain  improvements  in  ma^ 
chinery  or  apparatus  for  knitting  or  mant^fac- 
iuring  healds  or  harness  used  in  looms  for 
weaving,  PaUnt  dated  July  4,  1854.  (No. 
1469.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  an  iron  framing  composed  oi  two 


parts,  the  one  forming  a  frame  for  the  ma- 
nufacture of  the  heald,  the  other  being  de- 
voted to  the  working  parts  of  the  machinery. 
The  inventor  employs  for  the  base  of  both 
the  top  and  bottom  braid  used  in  the  manu- 
facture of  weavers'  healds  or  harness,  pitched 
yarn,  stretched  by  weights,  to  give  it  a  due 
amount  of  tension. 

Cheval,  Louis  Joseph,  of  Raismes, 
France.  Improvements  in  beer-engines.  Pa- 
tent dated  July  5,  1854.    (No.  1472.) 

This  invention  consists  in  using  the  pres- 
sure produced  by  a  column  of  liquid  for 
elevating  beer  or  other  liquors  from  the 
barrels  in  the  cellar  to  the  tap. 

Burgh,  Joseph,  of  Crag-hall,  near  Mac- 
cleafield,  Cheater.  Certain  improvements  in 
marine  and  other  steam  engines.  Patent 
dated  July  6,  1854.    (No.  1473.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  the  use 
of  a  long  cylinder,  formed  by  a  combination 
of  severid  short  ones,  each  having  a  top  and 
bottom  and  separate  steam  ways ;  and  in  the 
use  of  one  piston  rod,  on  which  is  fixed,  at 
proper  distances,  a  series  of  pistons,  one  for 
each  cylinder.  The  slide  valves  of  the 
united  cylinders  are  moved  simultaneously, 
and  the  combined  force  of  all  the  pistons  is 
transmitted  through  the  one  rod.  And 
also  in  an  arrangement  of  reciprocating 
frames,  to  be  used  instead  of  the  ordinary 
crank. 

Restell,  Thomas,  of  the  Strand,  West- 
minster, chronometer-maker.  An  apparatus 
or  holder  for  holding  parcels  ^  gUnes  and 
other  goods  and  papers.  Patent  dated  July 
5,  1854.    (No.  1475.) 

This  invention  consists  in  connecting  two 
rigid  plates  or  cards,  in  various  ways,  by 
means  of  elastic  threads  or  braids  attached 
to  them. 

Harvard,  Samuel,  of  Stoke  Holy-oross, 
Norfolk,  and  Joshua  Womerslby,  of 
Stoke  Holy. cross,  Norfolk.  Heating  crushed 
seed  for  making  cake,  for  drying  seeds,  com, 
and  other  grain,  and  Jot  feeding  miU-siones  or 
other  grinding  apparatus.  Patent  dated 
July  6,  1854.     (No.  1479.) 

This  invention  consisto  in  the  use  *'  of  a 
cylinder  or  cylinders  heated  by  steam,  hot 
air,  or  fire,  provided  with  vanes,  fans,  blades, 
or  propellers,  for  propelling  the  com,  seeds, 
&c.,  through  the  same,  and  delivering  the 
same  as  required.'* 

Glasgow,  John,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, engineer.  Improvements  in  madiitury 
or  apparatus  for  cutting,  compressing,  punch- 
ing, shearing,  and  shaping  metals.  Patent 
dated  July  6,  1854.    (No.  1480.) 

This  invention  relates— 1.  To  a  machine 
for  cutting  and  compressing  metals  into 
suitoble  forms  for  rivets,  bolts,  and  similar 
articles,  the  working  parts  of  which  are 
made  double  far  the  purpose  of  multiplying 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECmOATIOKS  OF  PAimTt  &IOKNTLT  nUBD. 


91 


the  amount  of  work  produced  by  the  ma- 
chine, with  the  same  gearing.  The  iuTen- 
tor  places  the  fly  wheel  and  gearing  of  this 
machine  at  the  top  of  it  so  as  to  keep  the 
gearing  out  of  the  way  of  the  workman, 
thus  facilitating  his  operations  and  avoidmg 
accidents. — 2.  To  an  improved  machine  for 
punching,  shearing,  and  cutting  metals, 
such  as  boiler  plates,  bar  iron,  railway 
tyres,  and  similar  articles.  The  fly  wheel 
and  gearing  of  this  machine  is  also  out  of 
the  way  of  the  workman. — 3.  To  an  im- 
proved machine  for  cutting  and  compress- 
ing metals  into  suitable  forms  for  nuts, 
screw  bolts,  and  similar  articles,  in  which 
the  power  of  finishing  the  nuts  as  well  as  of 
cutting  them  from  the  bar  and  punching 
them  is  obtained. 

AvBBT,  Otis,  of  Castle-street,  London. 
Improvements  in  tewing  and  stitehmg  ma- 
ehinee.  Patent  dated  July  6,  1854.  (No. 
1482.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  certain 
improved  forms  of  needles,  by  the  com- 
bined action  of  two  of  which  and  of  a  single 
thread,  tambour  or  chain-stitch  is  formed. 

FORTAIIIEUORBAV,  PeTBR  ArKAND  Le- 

COMTB  DE,  of  Sooth-Street,  London.  Cer- 
tain  imprommenU  in  apparatus  for  breaking 
M  horses,  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  July  6,  1854.    (No.  1483.} 

This  apparatus  is  composea  of  a  rod 
which  carries  four  cross  bars,  one  above  the 
other,  each  carrying  a  ring  at  its  extremity. 
This  rod  is  placed  on  the  centre  of  the 
saddle,  and  sUnds  upwards,  being  in- 
clined  a  little  forwards.  Daring  the  break- 
ing in  the  reins  are  alternately  passed 
throuffh  the  rings  on  either  side  (beginning 
with  the  upper  ones)  according  to  the  posi- 
tion  which  the  work  of  the  horse  requires, 
and  descending  so  as  to  shorten  the  reins  »» 
the  horse  comes  in  hand. 

Lamb,  John,  of  Newcastle- under- Lyne, 
Stafford,  paper  manafocturer.  Improvements 
apptieable  to  machines  for  cutting  paper. 
Patent  dated  July  6,  1854.    (No.  1484.) 

This  invention  consists  in  collecting 
paper  (after  it  has  been  cut  to  the  proper 
size  by  the  ordinary  machinery)  by  self- 
acting  mechanical  agents,  thereby  dis- 
pensing  with  the  manual  labour  required  ' 
lor  that  purpose. 

Nicholson,  William  Newzam,  of 
Newark,  Nottingham,  iron  founder  and  \ 
agrienltnral  implement  manufacturer.  Im- 
proventents  in  hoff-making  machines,  part  <f 
wAtVA  improvements  is  applicable  to  carriages 
generally.  Patent  dated  July  6,  1854.  (No. 
1485.)  ! 

Claims.  —  1.  Obtaining  a  backward  and  ' 
forward  motion  hi  hay-making  machines, 
by  means  of  inside  and  outside  gearing  in 
one  axle-box  at  each  side  of  the  machine. 


2.  Raising  or  lowering  the  working  parts 
from  or  nearer  to  the  ground,  by  means  of 
a  long  arm  or  lever,  cast  with  or  otherwise 
rigidly  attached  to  the  axle-box.  3.  Certain 
means  of  attaching  fork  heads  to  the  fork- 
carrying  wheel.  4.  The  manufacture  of 
shafts  from  metal  lubes  joined  together  and 
united  to  an  agricultural  implement  or  other 
wheeled  carrisge,  as  dtscribedt 

M'CoNMBLL,  James  Edwabd^  of  Wol- 
verton,  Bucks,  civil  engineer.  Improve- 
ments in  wheels,  axle-boxes,  and  brakes  for 
railway  carriages.  Patent  dated  July  6, 
1854.    (No.  1489.) 

Claims — 1.  A  mode  of  forming  the  body 
part  of  railway  wheels  from  a  single  piece 
by  the  aid  of  pressure  and  suitably  shaped 
dies  and  matrices.  2.  A  mode  of  construct- 
ing brake  blocks  for  railway  or  other  pur- 
poses, by  inserting  two  or  more  blocks  of 
wood  into  suitably  shaped  slots  formed  in  a 
metal  shoe  or  holding  frame,  the  interstices 
between  the  protruding  portions  of  such 
blocks  being  filled  up  with  lead,  wood,  or 
other  suitable  material.  3.  The  application 
of  papier  mache,  or  other  light  material,  to 
the  construction  of  washers  or  disc-platea 
for  preventing  the  escape  of  grease  from 
axle-boxes. 

Caballi,  Nicholas  Michael,  of  Glss. 
gow,  [Lanark,  merchant.  Improvements  in 
the  mant^acture  or  production  qf  ornamental 
fabrics.  Patent  dated  July  6,  1854.  (No. 
1490.) 

The  zebra  goods  produced  according  to 
this  invention  present  a  different  and  dis- 
tinct  printed  pattern  on  each  side.  Accord- 
ing to  one  modification  of  the  system  of 
manufacture  a  plain  twilled  or  other  iabric, 
having  no  flushing  or  back  lashing  on 
either  of  its  surfaces,  is  used  as  the  ground- 
work for  the  production  of  this  duplex 
pattern. 

Pole,  William,  of  Storey 's-gate,  West- 
minster, civil  engineer.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  the  construction  qf  railways.  Patent 
dated  July  6,  1854.    (No.  1491.) 

The  inventor  forms  the  '*  point,"  or  angu- 
lar piece  of  the  crossing,  by  combining 
two  converging  rails  together,  so  that  they 
shall  mutually  assist  each  other  in  susuin- 
ing  the  weight  of  the  train  passing  over 
either  of  the  lines  of  rail  with  which  the 
point  is  connected;  and  he  proposes  tap- 
ping the  fisli-plate  fastenings,  &o. 

Lacey,  William,  of  LozelPs-lane,  Aa- 
ton- juxu-Birmingham,  Warwick,  sgent.  A 
new  or  improved  method  </  making  copper  rol. 
lers,  cylinders,  and  tubes.  Patent  dated  July 
7,  1854.    (No.  1493.) 

This  invention  consists  in  casting  hollow 
cylinders  in  cast-iron  moulds, so  constructed 
that  the  liquid  metal  shall  enter  at  the  bot- 
tom of  the  moulds,  so  that  the  metal  in 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


92 


PBOVISIONAL  SPEOIFIOATIONS    NOT  PBOOEEDED  WITH. 


them  shall  be  undisturbed  by  air  bubbles 
carried  down  by  the  stream  of  metal,  and 
the  casting  consequently  sound ;  and  also  in 
a  method  of  shrinking  an  old  roller  upon 
another,  &c. 


PROVISIONAL   8PECIPICATION8   NOT  PRO* 
CEEDBD  WITH. 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn- fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
ments  in  stoppers  for  bottles  and  other  vessels^ 
and  in  apparatus  \  connected  therewith,  (A 
communication.)  'Application  dated  July 
1,  1854.     (No.  1445.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  employment 
of  gutta  percha  and  caoutchouc,  either  vul- 
canized or  not,  in  the  manufacture  of  stop- 
pers or  covers  for  bottles  and  other  vessels ; 
also  to  certain  improvements  in  the  shape 
of  the  stoppers,  and  to  a  peculiar  form  of 
instrument  for  drawing  them. 

Hutchison,  Georoe,  of  Glasgow,  La- 
nark, merchant.  An  improvement  or  improve- 
ments in  the  man^facture  of  soap.  Applica- 
tion  dated  July  1,  1854.     (No.  14^6.) 

This  invention  "  consists  in  wa«hing  and 
cleansing  from  the  foreign  matters  or  im- 
purities the  nigre  of  one  pan  with  the  spent 
salt  ley  of  a  succeeding  and  adjacent  pan, 
and  when  this  last  has  been  completely 
made,  and  is  ready  for  what  is  technically 
called  **  the  finish,"  the  nigre  of  the  former 
pan,  which  has  been  washed  as  before  stated, 
is  transferred  to  this  second  pan,  and 
finished  along  with  it" 

Newton,  Alfred  Vincent,  of  Chan- 
cery* lane,  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughts- 
man. Jn  improvement  in  the  construction 
and  arrangement  of  marine  steam  engines. 
(A  communication.)  Application  dated 
Julys,  1854.    (No.  1458.) 

This  invention  consists  in  employing  two 
steam  cylinders  placed  transversely  and 
very' near  the  vessels*  bottom,  the  piston- 
rods  of  which  pass  through  them  in  opposite 
directions,  and  impart,  by  means  of  cou- 
pling  links  and  levers,  "a  reciprocating 
motion  to  rock  shafts,  which  transmit  mo- 
tion to  the  crank  on  the  propeller- sha A,  by 
levers  and  connecting-rods  acting  nearly  at 
rieht  angles  to  each  other." 

HoPKiNSON,  Joseph,  the  3'ounger,  of  Hud- 
dersfield,  York,  engineer.  Improvements  in 
steam  boilers  and  furnaces^  and  in  apparatus 
connected  therewith.  Application  dated  July 
3,  1854.     (No.  1454.) 

This  invention  consists  mainly  in  arrang- 
ing a  number  of  boilers  side  by  side,  and 
adapting  furnaces  in  such  manner  that  the 
products  of  combustion  are  caused  to  pass 
over  their  surfaces  in  a  transverse  direction, 
instead  of  in  the  direction  of  their  length. 
The  series  of  boilers  are  connected  together 


by  means  of  pipes,  so  as  to  constitute  one 
steam  generator. 

GuiCHARD,£D0UARDAuaU8TE  D£8IR£, 

of  Paris,  France,  designer.  Improvements 
in  ornamenting  the  surfaces  rf  various  articles 
and  fabrics.  Application  dated  July  3,  1854. 
(No.  1455.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
to  oil-doth  of  certain  substances  to  form  a 
flock  surface,  either  on  the  underside,  as  a 
substitute  for  the  woollen  surface  ordinarily 
produced,  or  for  the  production  of  orna- 
mental designs  on  the  upper  side ,  and  in 
the  application  of  the'improved  flock  to  the 
manufacture  of  toys,  &c. 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
ments  in  obtaining  motive  power.  (A  com- 
munication.) Application  dated  July  4, 
1854.    (No.  1470.) 

This  invention  consists  in  employing  *'  a 
long  cylinder  fitted  with  a  piston  which  is 
acted  upoB  on  one  side  by  any  elastic  force, 
such  as  steam,  compressed  air,  or  any  ex- 
pansive gas,  the  other  side  of  the  piston 
being  acted  against  by  a  column  of  fluid, 
which  fluid  is^also  acted  upon  by  com- 
pressed  air  or  other  elastic  power  contained 
in  a  vessel  in  connection  with  the  other  end 
of  the  cylinder." 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Liocoln's- 
inn- fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  An  im- 
proved system  or  mode  qf  coating  iron  with 
copper.  (A  communication.)  Application 
dated  July  4,  1854.    (No.  1471.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  the  appli- 
cation of  the  sulphate  of  copper  for  the  gal- 
vanic coating  of  iron  which  has  been  pre- 
viously covered  by  a  tUjn  preservative  coat- 
ing, for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  sul- 
phuric acid  of  the  sulphate  from  acting 
upon  the  iron.  2.  In  the  application  of  a 
thin  preservative  coating  on  the  iron  which 
is  to  be  coated  with  copper,  by  the  aid  of 
the  sulphate  of  copper.  3.  In  the  applica- 
tion of  lead  as  a  preservative  coating,  as  a 
substitute  for  copper.  4.  In  the  application 
to  thiit  operation  of  baths  of  copper  and 
lead.  5.  Of  a  process  for  cleaning  the  metal 
surfaces. 

Symes,  William,  of  Pimlico,  Middle- 
sex, gentleman.  Improvements  in  tills.  Ap- 
plication dated  July  5,  1854.    (No.  1476.) 

These  improved  tills  are  divided  into 
three  compartments,  each  of  which  has 
a  hinged  top,  and  over  the  two  compart- 
ments  intended  for  the  reception  of  gold 
and  silver  is  placed  a  piece  of  glass  or  wire 
work,  and  connected  to  the  underside  of 
each  top  is  a  box  into  which  the  coins  fall, 
and  remain  visible  until  pasaed  into  the 
lower  part  of  the  till,  by  the  withdrawal  of 
a  slide  and  rod. 

Orubb,  Thomas,  of  Dublin,  civil  en- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PB0VI8I0NAL  PROTECTIONS. 


93 


gineer.    ImprotfewtmUs  tn  nuerotcopes.    Ap- 
plieadon  dated  July  5,  1854.  (No.  1477.) 

These  improveonenU  consist — 1.  In  sr- 
ranging  a  "  stage,"  or  object  holder,  cana- 
bie  of  moYement  through  an  entire  revolu- 
Uon»  the  usual  slow  motions  in  opposite  di- 
rectiona  being  obtained  by  cam  rings.  2. 
In  employing  a  new  form  of  prism  which, 
when  suitably  mounted,  effects  every  kind 
of  illumination  required  both  for  translu- 
cent and  opaque  objects,  by  its  own  revolu- 
tion and  without  changing  the  position 
either  of  the  microscope  or  of  the  source  of 
light  3.  In  the  addition  of  a  graduated 
sectoral  arc  to  microscopes  concentric  to 
the  planes  of  the  object  tn  situ,  on  which 
either  the  aforesaid  prism  or  other  suitable 
illuminator  is  made  to  slide,  thereby  pro- 
ducing every  kind  of  illumination  required 
lor  microscopic  examination,  and  also  the 
means  of  registering  or  applying  any  de- 
finite  angle  of  illumination  at  pleasure. 

Venables,  John,  and  Arthur  Mann, 
both  of  Burslem,  Stafford,  earthcnware-ma- 
imfacturers.  Printing  se\f  and  other  colottrs 
im  btu-reUiif  or  raited  work  on  china,  earthen^ 
tffore,  glasSf  parian,  stoneware^  bricks,  blocks, 
tike,  quarries,  hardvoare,  japan,  and  papier- 
naM  ware.  Application  dated  July  6, 1854. 
(No.  1478.) 

The  inventors  propose,  by  means  of 
deeply  cut  engravings  or  mattices,  to  re- 
ceive the  coloured  matter,  and  to  deposit  it 
upon  the  articles  mentioned  in  the  title. 

Arrowsmith,  John,  of  Bilston,  Stafford, 
engineer.  A  new  or  improved  method  qf  con- 
emming  or  euppreteing  smoke  and  obtaining 
motive  power  ther^om.  Application  dated 
July  6,  1854.    (No.  1481.) 

The  inventor  causes  heated  air  and  smoke 
to  pass  through  and  over  one  or  more  coke 
fires,  *'  whereby  the  said  smoke  becomes  so 
heated  that  it  combines  with  the  oxygen  of 
the  air  with  which  it  is  mixed,  and  the  heat 
thus  obtained  may  be  used  to  heat  a  steam 
boiler  or  for  other  purposes.'* 

Radcliwe,  John,  of  Stockport,  Chester, 
machinist     Certain  improvements  in  power- 
looms  for  weamng.    Application  dated  July^ 
6,  1854.    (No.  1486.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  use  of 
elastic  surfaces  in  certain  parts  of  power- 
looms,  for  the  purpose  of  adjusting,  regu- 
lating, and  softening  the  impulsive  action  of 
the  '*  picker"  in  lieu  of  the  *<  check-strap," 
or  other  contrivance  hitherto  employed. 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
mente  in  madtinery  or  apparatus  for  effecting 
agrienltural  operations,  parts  of  the  said  im- 
provemenU  being  applicable  far  the  obtainment 
of  motive  power  for  general  purposes.  (A 
communication.)  Application  dated  July 
6,1854.    (No.  1487.) 


This  invention  consists  of  modifications 
of  the  agricultural  apparatus  patented  by 
the  patentee.  May  10, 1853. 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
ments in  electro-magnetic  engines.  (A  com- 
munication.)  Application  dated  July  6, 
1854.    (No.  1488.^ 

This  inrention  consists  in  "  the  arrange, 
ment  and  combination  of  the  helices  snd 
poles  of  the  electro-magnets  in  combination 
with  revolving  bars,  the  helices  being  upon 
the  bends  of  the  magnets  from  which  the 
poles  of  the  magnets  extend,  towards  the 
centre  of  motion ;  and  the  revolving  bars  or 
armatures  extend  outwards  from  the  centre 
of  motion,  and  embrace  the  poles  of  the 
magnets  successively  as  the  revolution  goes 
on." 

Pbtrie,  John,  jun.,  of  Rochdale,  Lan- 
caster, ironmonger.  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  washing  or  scouring 
wool  Application  dated  July  6, 1854.  (No. 
1492.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  adaptation 
to  a  wool-washing  or  scouring  machine  of 
apparatus  which  acts  upon  the  principle  of 
combing  or  opening  out  the  fibres  by  a 
series  of  teeth  or  prongs. 

•••  The  documents  of  No.  1474  are  with 
the  Law  Officers  under  objection. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  December  1,  1854. 

2525.  Joseph  Whit  worth,  of  Manchester,  Lsn- 
caster,  engineer.  Improvements  Incaunons,  guns, 
and  flre^u'ms. 

Dated  December  28,  1854. 

2785.  Margaret  Williams,  of  Chelsea,  Middlesex. 
Improvements  in  suspending  swing  looking  or 
dressing^lasses. 

2737.  Peter  Hawoith,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 
currier  and  leather  dealer.  An  improved  belt, 
band,  or  strap-fastener. 

27S6.  Richard  Threlfall,  of  Bolton-le-Moors, 
Lancaster,  machine  maker,  and  Robert  Walker 
Pitfleld,  of  the  same  place,  mechanic.  Improve- 
ments in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  spinning  cot- 
ton, wool,  or  other  fibrous  materials. 

27S9.  James  Murdoch,  of  Stople-iiHi,  Middlesex. 
Improvements  in  waterproofing  woven  fabrics.  A 
communication. 

2741.  John  Gray,  of  Strand-street,  Liverpool. 
Improvements  in  adjusting  compasses  on  board 
ships  or  vessels. 

2742.  Oerd  Jacob  Bensen.  of  Christian-street, 
St.  George's-in-the-East.  An  improrement  in  re- 
fining sugar. 

2743.  Heury  Charles  Hill,  of  Parker-street, 
Kingsland,  London.  Improvements  in  port- 
able dwellings,  barracks,  and  similar  dwellings, 
part  of  which  invention  consists  in  rendering  such 
buildings,  and  also  ships,-  proof  against  snot  or 
bombs.' 

Dated  December  29,  1854. 

2744.  James  Nasmyth,  of  Barton-upon-Irwell, 
Lancaster,  engineer.  Certain  improved  machinery 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


94 


PBOVISXOKAli  PB0TECTI6K8. 


or  apparakttt  Ibr  fiiftlliUtltiB  the  forgtng  of  maases 
of  iron. 

2745.  Frederick  Ttaoupion  anfl  William  Wag> 
Btaff,  of  Pall  Mall  East.  Improvementa  in  photo- 
graphy. 

2746.  Andrew  Dieta  and  lobn  Q.  Dunham,  of 
Raritan,  New  Jerwf ,  Umtcd  Btatet  of  America. 
Improvementt  in  mowing  aad  reaping  machines, 
by  which  the  sickle  cutting  the  grain  is  moved  or 
worked  dlzoctly  by  the  driving  wheel  or  iU  equiva- 
lent, without  the  neoatatty  of  oogwheala,  aranks, 
fto. 

2747.  Athton  Stantfleld,  of  Todmorden,  Lancas- 
ter, cotton  spinner  and  mattufseturer,  and  Josiah 
Greenwood,  of  the  same  plaee,  managet.  Certain 
Improrements  in  power  looms  for  weaving. 

2748.  John  Zephaniah  Bell,  of  Sand  field-place, 
Lewlsham-road.  Kent,  gentleman.  Improvements 
in  the  manufkcture  ofboott  and  shoes. 

2749.  Henry  Wldnell,  of  Lasswade,  Midlothian, 
North  Britain,  eafpet  manufacturer.  Improva- 
ments  in  the  manufacture  of  carpets  and  other 
textile  fabrics. 

2750.  Edward  Loysel,  of  Rue  do  Oritry,  Paris, 
Fnace,  civil  atogitttoer.  An  Improved  lavement  or 
injecting  machine. 

2751.  thomas  Thorneyerott,  of  Wolverhampton. 
Improvements  in  ihtp-baildlng. 

2752.  iamesPilUuis.of  Brempton-erescent,  Mid- 
dlesex* Improvements  in  the  preparation  of  hema- 
tosin  and  fibrinous  and  serous  matters. 

2753.  Heniy  Richardson  ^nshawe  and  John 
Americus  Fanshawe,  of  North  Woolwich,  Essex, 
manufketuring  agents.  Certain  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  various  kinds  of  waterproof 
garments. 

Dated  December  30,  1854. 

2756.  Robert  Chapman*  of  Manchester,  Lancas- 
ter, and  John  Miller,  of  Stalybridge,  In  the  said 
county.  Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus 
for  spinning  and  doubling  cotton  and  other  fibrous 
materials. 

2757.  George  Mhlliilfton,  of  Manthester,  Weaver, 
arid  Horatio  Ridings,  of  Newton- heath,  near  Man- 
chester, card-cutter.  An  improved  manufacture 
of  woven  fabric. 

2759.  George  Edward  Bering,  of  Lockleys,  Herts. 
Improvements  in  obtaining  motive  power  when 
using  electric  currents. 

2761.  Thomas  Slater,  of  Somen-place  West,  St. 
Pancras,  Middlesex,  optician,  and  Joseph  Tall,  of 
Crawford-street,  Marylebone,  tool-maker.  Improve- 
ments in  the  construction  of  planes  and  tn  cutting 
apparatus,  and  in  the  machinery  or  apparatus  em- 
ployed therein. 

2763.  Bernard  Hughes,  of  Donegal- place,  Bel- 
fast, Ireland.  The  better  and  more  efifectual  heat- 
ing of  bakers'  ovens. 

Dated  January  3,  1855. 

12.  John  Keir  Harvey  and  Daniel  Pearce,  of 
London,  Middlesex.    A  calendar  inkstand. 

14.  Hippolyte  Fontaine,  engineer,  of  Marseilles, 
France,    improvements  in  enRravers'  presses. 

16.  William  Kendall  and  George  Gent,  of  Sal- 
ford,  near  Manchester,  Lancaster,  machinists.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  catting 
metals  either  solid  or  tubular. 

18.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Llncoln's-inn-fields, 
Middlesex,  gentlemao.  An  improved  system  or 
mode  of  coating  iron  with  copper.  A  communica- 
tion. 

20.  Charles  Hnstwick  and  WiUian  Bean,  of 
Klngston-upon-Hull,  carriage  and  harness  manu- 
facturers. Improvements  in  buflfers  and  springs 
for  railway  carriages  and  other  purposes. 

22.  John  Tenables  and  Arthur  Mann,  of  Burs- 
lem,  Staiford,  earthenware  manufacturers.  Im- 
provements In  producing  raised  figures  or  oma- 
mettti  upon  the  snrfhoet  of  articles  made  of  metal, 


pottery,  and  earthenware,  glaai,  papier  macbd,  and 
other  materials. 

24.  Thomas  Webster  Rammell.  of  Trafalgar- 
square,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  boiler  aiid 
other  fHirnaces. 

Dated  January  4,  18 5 o. 

26.  Charles  Watt,  of  Victoria- wharf,  Regent' a- 
park  Basin,  chemist.  An  improvement  in  prepax- 
ing  coffee. 

Dated  January  5,  1855. 

28.  George  Bowden,  bookbinder,  of  Little  Queen- 
street,  High  Holborn,  Middlesex.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture  of  united  adhesive  book  head- 
band and  register  ribbons. 

80.  Louis  Dominique  Girard,  civil  engineer,  •( 
Puis,  French  empire.  Certain  improvements  in 
applying  steam,  fluids,  and  gases,  for  the  purpose 
of  obtaining  motive  power,  parts  of  which  are  ap- 
plicable for  compressing  and  rarefying  air  and 
gases,  and  fbr  raising  liquids. 

32.  John  Livesey,  of  Kensington  Gore,  Middle- 
sex, gentleman.  Improvements  in  printing,  and 
in  the  materials  and  apparatus  connected  there- 
with.   A  communication. 

Dated  January  6,  1855. 

34.  Benjamin  Cook,  of  Green-street,  Birming- 
ham, Warwick,  metallic  bedstead  and  tube  manu- 
fketurer.  Certain  improved  apparatus  for  separat- 
ing filings  of  iron  or  ateel  from  other  metallic 
filings. 

36.  Toussaint  Delabarre  and  Angiline  Bonnet, 
of  Paris,  France.  Imprtvements  in  the  preserva- 
tion of  substances  for  food. 

38.  David  Joy,  of  Worcester,  engineer.  An  im- 
provement in  pistons. 

40.  George  Hallen  Cottam  and  Henry  Richard 
Cottam,  of  St.  Pancras  Iron  Works,  Old  St.  Pan- 
eias-road.  An  improvement  in  the  manufacture 
of  iron  bedsteads. 

Dated  January  8,  1855. 

42.  William  Orlndley  Craig,  of  Gorton,  near 
Manchester,  Lancaster,  engineer.  Improvements 
in  railway  buffer-cases  and  rams. 

44.  Joseph  Player,  of  Winchester-buildlnfTs,  Ix>n- 
don,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  the  eon- 
itruction  of  furnaces  for  the  prevention  of  smoke. 

46.  Peter  Armand  Leeomte  de  Fontainemorcaut 
of  South- street,  London.  An  improved  mode  of 
obtaining  alcohol.    A  communication. 

48.  Albert  Nagles,  of  Ghent,  Belgium,  chemist. 
Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  clean- 
ing the  surfaces  of  woven  fabrics,  and  also  for  dis- 
tending or  spreading  the  same  either  ibif»re  or 
after,  or  during  the  processes  of  bleaching,  print- 
ing, or  other  similar  operations. 

Dated  January  ^,  1855. 

50.  Samuel  Smith  Shipley,  of  Stoke  Ncainffton. 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  machinery  nnd  ap- 
paratns  for  washing  or  cleansing. 

62.  Thomas  Hodgson,  of  Morley's  Hoti  1.  West- 
minster, architectural  modeller.  An  improved 
construction  of  paddle-box  life  boat. 

54.  Andri  Gaspard  Guesdron,  of  Pari-,  Prance. 
A  Aimiture  table  which  may  be  used  fbr  difl^rent 
purposes. 

56.  Nathaniel  Jones  Amies,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
j  caster,  small  ware  manufacturer.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  winding  or  bailing  thread  «r  yam,  ami  in 
the  maehin  'ry  or  apparatus  connected  therewith. 

58.  Ebenezer  Bow,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark,  North 
I  Britain,  coal  merchant.  ImprovemcntM  la  the 
1  manufacture  or  production  of  "blackening,"  for 
foundry  purposes. 

60.  John  Lamb,  machinist,  and  Francis  Beat 
Fawcett,  carpet  manufacturer,  of  Kidderminster, 
Worcester.    Improvements  in  certain  parts  of  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WJifcKLT  WMt  dY  PATEMTB. 


95 


m^Mnttf  tmfAojtA  ih  tke  ^rodttctioa  of  TMloiii 
Ikbrics  in  which  bobbini  are  uied. 


PATENT  APPLtEB  POR  WITH  COMPLEtE 
SPECIFICATION. 

rt.  Anfnste  Bdoaard  Lonulonx  B«Uford,  of 
Emcx  street,  London.  Improrements  in  tanning. 
A  eonuDonieatlon  from  Meurs.  Rene  de  Kercado 
Molao  and  Jean  Daniel  Frledel,  of  Straabouxg, 
France.    January  12,  \Ui, 


NOTICES   OF  INTENTION   TO 

PRoctefito. 

(Frmn  ike  *'  Lendon  Gnzeite,"  January  Urd^ 
1855.) 

\WS.  Edward  Gillman.  Obtaining  filaments 
ttvm  certain  regetable  Bubstanoee,  and  ap|ilylng 
the  lame  to  Taiious  manufacturing  purpotee. 

mt.  William  Nash  and  John  Jewell.  Improve- 
menta  In  window-taahes  and  frames. 

1008.  Andrew  Barclay.  Improrements  in  re- 
firactinff  and  reflecting  telescopes. 

MM.  Martin  Billing  and  Walter  Gootgo  White- 
head.   A  new  or  Improved  waterproof  pftper. 

2033.  Anguete  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford.  Cer- 
tain tapraTomente  in  machinery  for  waahing  paper 
•teck.    A  eommnlrieatloh. 

2000.  Aogntte  Edouard  Loradoux  Betlfbtd.  A 
Mw  malhematicid  Instrument  to  be  termed  the 
**  hoiometer,"  for  the  purpoto  of  tolTlng  nroblems 
fii  ^aae  and  epherloal  tHjmionwtry,  one  feature  of 
trhfeh  laTeotlon  to  Vt  nay  be  applicable  In  the 
construOtiott  Of  othot  Mothomatieal  Instruments. 
A  eommiittlMtlol). 

2037.  Henrjr  HudMh.  Impraremente  In  the 
ittaavlhehuo  of  Veitelt  fbr  meoeuring  flnids. 

3088.  WUIIam  Prior  Sharp  and  WUltam  WeUd. 
IlnprDT«ments  fai  maehlnery  for  winding,  clean- 
teg*  douMing,  tptoning,  atad  throwing  of  mlk. 

2888.  TiiolMM  Banks  and  Henry  Banks.  Im- 
provements in  uiparatus  for  retarding  and  stop- 
ping tailway  trauM. 

3083.  Hentt  COthetine  Camilla  de  Ruols   and 
Anselme  Louis  Marie  de  Fontenay.  ImproTOments 
te  the  ticatmeaC  of  certain  metals  for  pndUeing 
an  Improved  metallic  alloy. 
2074k  Jonathan  BdgOk  Improvements  in  pistons. 
2082.  John  ftegoreon  and  James  BrImetoW.   Im- 
provements In  certain  parts  of  steam  engines* 
2093.  ThomaaMohaak    An  improved  churn. 
2133.  Aimd  Antolne  Joseph  LegentlL    Certain 
taprovements  in  pumps  or  machinery  fbr  rblsing 
and  forcing  water  and  ether  dnids. 

2228.  Angnate  Edouard  Loradoux  Belllbrd.  Cer- 
tain improvements  In  breoch-loading  flto-anlls.  A 
oommnaieatlon. 

2588.  Joseph  Whitwocth.  Improvements  In  can- 
mons,  guns,  and  fir»«nns. 

2621.  John  Louis  JulUon.  Separating  cortain 
▼actable  fibres  from  mixed  fabrics  for  various 
iMetel  pnrpoeea. 

2847.  Daniel  Chandler  Hewitt.  Impcovements 
In  the  construction  of  pianofortes. 

2887.  Oeorgo  Tomllnson  Bousfield.  Improre- 
taenu  In  maoUnety  fbr  splitting  leather.  A  com- 
munication. 

2702.  John  Hunt.  An  improvement  or  improve- 
ments In  ISluminatton. 

2727.  George  Carter  and  Henry  Cyrus  Symons. 
Improvements  in  boilers  and  furnaces,  and  in  the 
apparatus  for  supplying  and  regulating  the  Aiel, 
air,  water,  and  steam. 

1788.  John  Coekcroft.  ImgroveoMito  In  mo^ 
oldneif  or  appankua  for  piiatlnf  wotob  or  toxtllo 
Ibbiioo  and  yams. 


pioyea  inerein. 

38.  Louto  Dominique  Oiraid.  Cert 
ments  in  applying  steam,  fluids,  and  { 
puipoee  of  obtaining  motive  power,  p( 


2737.  Petof  Haworth.  Ad  improved  belt,  band* 
or  strap-fastener. 

2788.  James  Murdoch.  Improvements  In  W8ter- 
prooflog  woven  fhbries.    A  communication. 

2744.  Jaines  Nasmvth.  Certain  improved  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  fhdlltating  the  forging  of 
masses  of  iron. 

8745.  Frederick  Thompson  and  William  Wag- 
etair.    Improvements  in  photography. 

2749.  Henry  Widaell.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacturo  of  carpets  and  other  textile  fabrics. 

2752.  James  Pillans.  Imi/rovements  in  the  pre- 
potation  of  htmatoslh  and  Bbrinous  and  serous 
matters. 

8761.  Themes  Slater  and  Joseph  Tall.  Improve- 
ments in  the  construction  of  planes  and  in  cutting 
apparatus,  and  in  the  machinery  or  apparatus  em- 
ployod  therein. 

""   '     •  ~     *  ■  Certain  Improve- 

1  gases,  for  the 
.     .  „  ,  parts  of  which 

are  ^applicable  for  compressing  and  rarely  ing  air 
and  gases,  tad  Ibr  raising  liqurdt. 

88.  ToussaInt  Delabarre  and  Ang^llne  Bonnet. 
Improvements  in  the  preservation  of  substances 
for  food. 

OppoBitiou  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
above  Liat,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  tho  date  of  the  Owutf  in  wliioh 
the  notiee  appeara,  by  leaving  at  tho  Com- 
miaaioners' -office  particulars  iu  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  application. 


WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 

S$akdJiamary  19, 1855. 

1599.  Sir  John  Seott  Liilie^ 
.   1621.  Hichard  Roberta. 
1623.  AuguBte  CasteU. 

1629.  William  Orundy* 
1647.  William  Litteli  tisard. 
1695.  Richard  Archibald  Brooroan. 
1697.  John  Simon  Holland. 

1755.  Peniaton  Groavenor  Grevillen 
1849.  William  Shepherd  Smith. 
1975.  Peter  RothweU  Jackson. 
2051.  Pietro  Feloj. 
2465.  John  Hennr  Johnson. 
2475.  George  Ci^lien 

Sealed  January  23,  1855. 

1630.  Ephraim  Hallum. 
1641.  John  Chilcott  Pumelle 
1643.  Lodis  Chnstian  Koeffler. 
1664.  Robert  Henrj  Thompson. 
1676.  John  Tail  Borland. 
1684.  Henry  Adams. 

1696.  Thomas  Edward  Mertitt 

1714.  Charles  Weightman  Harrison. 

1715.  Attguste  Boiasonneau. 

The  above  Patents  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  Provisional   Protection  was 

S ranted   for  the  several  inventions  men- 
oned  therein. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


98 


NOTICES  TO  COBBEBFONDENTS. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 

WaiL—We  have  not  the  work  you  refer  to  at 
band,  and  cannot  therefore  reply  to  yoixr  inquiry. 

/.  A.  Jl.— We  have  no  hesitation  in  laying  that, 
iu  the  caBi  you  mention,  our  abitraet  wai  auffl- 


elently  oompiehenilTe  to  give  you  the  entife  sub* 
stance  of  the  invention. 

Z.  Z.  and  Romanug,— Your  remarks  reipeetiac 
the  comparaiive  merits  of  Russian  and  fingliah 
weapons  of  war,  only  state  what  thousand*  of  our 
countrymen  are  at  this  moment  deploring. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

VnderUke  the  Proouatioii  of  Patonti 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countriet,  and  the  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.     Costs  of  Provisional  Protection — £10  IDs. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.»  ''Mechanics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office/'  166,  Fleet-street,  London. 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


The  Moderator  Lamp— <«»M  engravinff*)   7S 

On   Tubular  Steam   Boilers.     By    Mr.   H. 

Wright  « 76 

The  Caloric  Engine  78 

On  Certain  Effects  of  Induced  Electricity.  By 

W.  R.  Grove,  Esq 80 

Investigation  of  the  Moon's  Motion~(«;<iA 

diagrami) 82 

On  Permanent  Ways 84 

On  the  Incrustation  of  Steam  Boilers 85 

Parker's  Patent  8moke*Consuniing  Apparatus  86 

The  Lunar  Controversy   86 

The  Smoke  Question 87 

Ordnance  and  Gunpowder 87 

Expanding  and  Self-Cleansing  Sabot  for  Riile 

Shot 88 

Spcciflcatiotts  of  Patents  Recently  Filed : 

Johnson Submarine  Navigation  88 

Wilder  Rollers  frClod  Crushers  88 

Milne Letter  Holders 88 

Walters ..., Locks  and  Latches 88 

Fontainemoreau  ...Stopping  Bottles 88 

Chenille  Fabrics 88 


..Dynamometer . 


Greenshields 

Balk  

Chauveau 

D'fipinois Railway  Apparatus 

Sunter  Drilling  Machbiery .. 


Tiffany  ..Gig-miU  Brushes 89 

Haimes Gloves  and  Mits....^...  89 

M'Oaffln  ..Corrugated  Iron 89 

Delpech Pumps  89 

Newman  RaUs,  Rods,  ftc 89 

Bardet  ft  Coliette.. Matches 89 

Garrett  fr  Garrett..DrilUng  Seed  &  Manure  90 

Bishopp  ^ Motive  Power  Engines  90 

Elliott    Valves   90 

Heyeock   Hydraulic  Presses  ......  90 


3owlas Looms 90 

Cheval  Beer-Engines  ..•  90 

Buroh Steam- Engines  90 

ResteU  Parcel  Holders   .........  90 

Harvard  ft  Womers- 

ley  ^ Drying  Seeds,  ftc 90 

Glasgow WorkUig  Metals 90 

Aveiy .....Stitching  Machines   ...  91 

Fontainemoreau  ...Breaking  in  Horses  ...  91 

Lamb Cutting  Paper 91 

Nicholson Hay-making  Machines  91 

M'Connell RaUvay  Wheels,  ftc.  91 

Caralli   ..Ornamental  Fabiics  ...  91 

Pole    Railways ».«.  91 

Laeey Copper  Rollers,  ftc 91 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with  : 

Johnson Stopping  Bottles 93 

Hutchinson Soap  9S 

Newton MarioeSteam  Engines.  92 

Hopkinson   Furnaces 9S 

Ouiehard  Ornamenting  Surfaces  9S 

Johnson Motive  Power 99 

Johnson.. Coating  Iron  with  Cop- 

"per 

Symes Tills  

Gnibb    Microscopes 

Venables  ft  Mann.Printing  in  Colouxa..... 

Arrowsmith Suppressing  Smoke   ... 

Radcliffe    Power  Looms 

Johnson ^.Agricultural  Apparatus  98 

Johnson Electro  -  Magnetic  En- 
gines    9S 

Petrie ^ Scouring  Wool 98 

Provisional  Protections  98 

Patent  Applied   fbr  with  Complete  Specifica- 
tion   ., 95 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed 95 

List  of  Sealed  Patents  95 

Notices  to  Correspondents 98 


LONDON :  Edited,  Printed,  and  PubUshed  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-strBe*, 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  G^alignani,  Rue  Yivienne,  Paris]  Maohin,  and  Co., 
Dublin ;  W.  C,  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1643.]        SATURDAY,  FEBRUARYS,  1855.        [J^" '" 


Edited  by  R.  A.  Biooman,  166,  Fleet-itreet. 


LStampel  4d. 


KITSON'S  IMPROVED  FRICTION  HAMMER. 
Pig.  2. 


VOL.  LXII. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


98 

KITSON'S  IMPROVED  FRICTION  HAMMER. 

(The  following  paper  was  recently  read  at  the  Institution  of  Mechanical  (Engineers, 
Birmingham.) 

The  hammer  described  in  the  present  paper  has  been  in  use  for  some  time  at  the 
author's  works,  in  Leeds,  where  it  was  originally  constructed  as  a  simple  and  inexpensive 
hammer,  for  the  heavier  smiths'  work ;  and  the  present  description  has  been  prepared  only 
in  compliance  with  a  request  to  communicate  to  the  Institution  the  particulars  of  this  ham« 
mer,  as  possessing  some  practical  advantages  of  efficiency  and  simplicity. 

An  elevation  of  the  hammer  is  shown  in  fig.  1,  and  a  plan  in  fig.  2.  The  hammer  block, 
A,  weighing  6  cwt,  is  guided  by  grooves  in  the  same,  B  B,  and  is  lifted  by  the  flat  wrought- 
iron  friction  bar,  C  C,  5}  inches  wide,  and  |  inch  thick,  fixed  into  it  by  a  T  head,  with  two 
cotters,  SS.  The  friction  bar,  C,  is  raited  by  two  rollers,  D  and  £,  carried  on 
the  cross  frame  at  top,  one  of  which,  D,  runs  loose  on  its  axle,  and  the  other,  E,  is  fixed 
on  a  shaft  which  is  driven  continuously  by  the  pulley,  F,  and  carries  a  fly-wheel,  G  G,  at 
each  end,  to  give  momentum  for  lifting  the  hammer.  The  axle  of  the  roller,  D,  is  carried 
by  a  bent  lever,  H,  which  works  on  a  fixed  centre,  I,  below  the  roller,  and  has  a  chun  con- 
nected to  Uie  outer  end,  passing  dver  a  pulley,  T,  and  attached  to  the  weight,  K.  This 
weight  presses  the  tightening  roller,  D,  towards  the  driving«roller,  £,  and  grips  the  friction 
bar,  C,  between  them,  causmg  the  hammer  to  be  drawn  up  rapidly ;  the  hammer  being 

Prevented  from  being  lifted  too  high  by  a  timber  stop  at  the  top  of  the  frame.  A  handle, 
I,  is  connected  by  a  rod  to  the  extreme  end  of  the  leyert  H,  and  by  pressing  down  this 
handle,  the  tightening  roller,  D,  is  drawn  back  slightly,  releasing  the  friction-bar,  C,  and  allow, 
ing  the  hammer  to  fall.  On  releasing  the  handle,  £,  firom  the  pressure,  the  hammer  is 
again  lifted  by  the  bar  beins  gripped  between  the  roUets,  and  it  is  again  let  fall  from  any 
height  desired  by  pressing  down  the  handle.  The.  nfian  holding  the  handle  has  thus  com* 
plete  control  over  the  hammer,  by  simply  pressing  down  the  handle,  or  letting  it  rise  again  i 
and  he  can  readily  regulate  the  rapidity,  or  length  of  the  stroke,  as  required.  The  present 
hammer  makes  fVom  25  to  30  strokes  per  minute,  when  lifted  to  the  full  height,  5  fiiet ; 
about  40  per  minute  with  a  stroke  of  2  feet,  and  84  per  mioute  with  14  inches  length  of 
stroke.  The  driving  pulley  makes  132  revolutions  per  minute,  whem  the  hammer  |s  at 
work. 

The  second  handle,  M,  works  a  friction  clip  or  break,  N,  serving  to  check  the  hammer, 
and  hold  it  fast  in  any  position.  This  break,  N,  is  fixed  ftt  the  end  of  a  second  bent  lever, 
O,  working  on  a  centre  below,  and  lifted  up  by  a  chaln«  V,  and  a  second  weight,  P,  working 
by  the  tide  of  the  other  weight,  inside  one  of  the  hollow  columns  of  the  frt^ming.  This  weight 
presses  the  break  towards  the  tightening-roller,  D,  the  lifting  bar  being  gripped  between 
them  by  the  opposing  pressure  of  the  two  weights,  holding  up  the  hammer  in  any  position 
that  it  may  be  in.  The  break  handle,  Mt  is  held  down  continuously  whilst  the  hammer  it 
working,  the  man  holding  this  in  one  hand,  and  the  lifting  handle,  L,  in  the  other  hand  ; 
by  means  of  which  the  working  of  the  hammer  is  managed  with  great  expedition  and 
accuracy,  and  it  can  be  instantly  stopped  and  held  Gut  whenever  required,  by  merely  letting 
go  the  break^handle.  The  grip  of  the  lifting  rollers,  and  of  the  break,  is  always  the  t«me, 
being  produced  by  the  pressure  of  (hc  two  weights,  and  consequently  always  properly 
adjusted,  not  being  dependent  on  the  pressure  of  the  man's  hand,  which  is  only  empuwed 
to  release  the  pressure  of  the  weightt.  The  frame  that  carries  the  bearings  of  the  lifting 
rollers  and  break,  is  mounted  upon  four  India-rubbfr  springs,  R  R,  fixed  upon  the  main 
cross  firame,  for  the  purpose  of  relieving  tht  friction-bar  from  the  shock  of  suddenly  putting 
the  hammer  into  full  motion,  when  the  lifting  rollers  lay  hold  of  the  bar  s  the  India-rubber 
springs  are  compressed  at  the  first  moment,  allowing  the  lifting  rollers  to  drop  a  little, 
whilst  the  hammer  is  getdns  into  motion.  The  bottom  T  end  of  the  friction*btr  u  b«dded 
upon  teveral  thicknesses  of  wood,  12  inchti  thiok  in  all,  fixed  in  the  hammer-blooki  the 
elasticity  of  which  relieves  the  lifting-bar  from  the  end  concussions,  when  each  blow  of  the 
hammer  is  struck. 

When  this  hammer  was  first  constructed,  the  friction-bar,  which  was  rather  siuAller 
(4  inches  by  |ths  inch),  was  fixed  in  the  hammer  with  a  single  4.incli  niece  of  wood  liflow 
it,  and  the  India-rubber  tpringt  were  not  adopted ;  and  it  was  found  that  the  cotters,  8  S, 
broke  very  frequently,  about  twice  a  week.  India-rubber,  |ths  inch  thick,  was  then  put  in 
between  the  cotters  and  T  head  of  the  bar,  with  a  better  result ;  and  the  India-rubber 
springs  were  afterwards  introduced,  with  the  wood  packing  below  the  T  head  of  the  bar. 
This  arrangement  has  been  found  to  work  very  successfully,  and  it  has  been  in  regular  work 
for  the  last  nine  months,  without  accident  or  repair. 

The  only  wear  that  is  found  to  take  place  in  the  machine  is  in  the  friction-bar,  near 
where  it  is  first  caught  by  the  lifting-rollers,  for  a  length  of  about  14  inches  ;  the  wear  being 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


KIT80]f*8  mroOTBB  VSI6fl6il  HAIOIBB. 


99 


^l  the  mto  ofmtuly  |tli  Inoli  lUekneu  ft  week,  wken  in  coii|tant  werk.  Thia  repair  eoats 
very  litUe  time  and  expense,  requiring  onljr  smiths*  wprk ;  but  iu  the  case  of  making 
nnether  siniiai  l|ammer,  it  would  be  preferred  to  make  the  bar  7  inches  wide  instead  oT 
5^  inches,  to  diminish  the  wear. 

•  Fig.  1. 


The  Chairro^  (Mr.  W.  Pairbairn)  sai^,  he  regretted  that  Mr.  Kitsoi^  bad  been  upexpect- 
My  prevented  from  being  present  at  the  meeting.  I^e  thouj^ht  the  hammer  that  ha^  beefi 
described  was  an  ingenions  and  efficient  arraogement,  and  would  prore  useful  and  econo- 

o2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


100    ON  THE  PROPULSION  OF  SHIPS  BY  THE  SBAOTION  OF  JETS  OF  WATER. 

mieal  in  many  Bmiths'  shops.  The  sime  principle  might  probably  be  advantageously 
applied  to  many  of  the  stamping  processes,  in  brass  and  iron  mannfaetures,  such  as  those 
of  the  Birmingham  district,  in  place  of  the  slower  and  more  expensive  processes  of  hsnd 
labour,  at  present  in  use. 

Mr.  McConnell  remarked,  that  he  had  seen  the  hammer  at  work,  in  Mr.  Kitson's  works, 
and  was  much  pleased  with  its  action.  It  was  a  very  efficient  machine,  well  arranged  for 
the  purpose,  giving  a  very  complete  command  over  the  action  of  the  hammer,  with  a  simple 
and  inexpensive  construction.  He  thought  that  kind  of  hammer  was  ^ery  applicable,  where 
a  steam  hammer  would  be  too  expensive ;  and  he  was  strongly  of  opinion,  that  power  ham- 
mers would  soon  become  much  more  generally  used,  in  all  works,  in  place  of  hand  labour, 
as  a  great  part  of  the  ordinary  smiths'  hammer-work  might  be  done  more  efficiently  and 
economically  by  power. 

Mr.  Sampson  Lloyd  said,  he  had  had  a  friction  hammer  on  a  similar  principle  in  use  for 
some  years,  in  his  works  at  Wednesbury ;  it  worked  well,  and  was  found  a  useful  tool ; 
they  had  not  found  any  great  wear  of  the  friction-bar  take  place,  and  the  same  bar  has 
been  working  for  a  year,  he  believed,  without  requiring  repair. 

The  Chairman  remarked,  that  the  hammer  described  in  this  paper  seemed  to  have  a 
defect  in  the  rapid  wear  that  took  place  in  the  lifting-bar,  and  he  thought  this  might  be 
avoided  by  adopting  some  different  material :  he  inquired  what  was  the  di£Eerence  in  the 
construction  of  Mr.  Lloyd's  hammer? 

Mr.  Sampson  Lloyd  replied,  that  the  lifting-rollers  were  faced  with  wood,  which  pre- 
vented the  wear  of  the  friction-bar ;  the  rollers  were  worn  away  instead  of  the  bar,  but  the 
wear  of  the  rollers  was  not  important;  the  wood  lasted  for  nearly  a  year,  he  believed,  with- 
out renewal. 

Mr.  Fernie  said  he  had  seen  a  similar  hammer  in  use  some  ten  years  since  at  Messrs. 
Forrester's  works  in  Liverpool,  which  worked  very  well.  With  the  exception  of  the  India- 
rubber  springs,  the  machines  were  nearly  the  same. 

Mr.  McConnell  remarked,  that  the  advantage  of  applying  power,  in  plaee  of  hand  labour, 
was  being  experienced  more  and  more  in  all  manufactories,  and  the  application  was 
extending  more  rapidly  than  it  had  done,  as  more  effective  and  expeditious,  as  well  as 
more  economical.  At  the  Wolverton  works  they  had  greatly  increased  the  number  of 
power  hammers,  as  well  as  other  machines,  with  a  marked  advantage  in  economy,  and 
facility  for  executing  the  work. 

Mr.  Johnson  observed,  that  another  instance  of  the  same  principle  was  Ryder's  forging, 
machine,  which  was  found  very  convenient  and  advantageous,  and  was  now  used  to  a  large 
extent  in  Manchester  and  other  places,  taking  the  place  of  hand  work,  and  making  an 
important  saving  in  expense  and  time. 

The  Cliairmnn  said  he  had  lately  seen  a  number  of  those  machines  in  the  Oovernment 
factory  at  Woolwich,  where  it  was  intended  to  have  all  Uie  hand  labour  of  forging  done  by 
machinery,  and  a  long  range  of  these  machines  were  being  erected  down  one  side  of  a 
shop,  witb  the  fires  acyoining,  and  merely  requiring  to  be  attended  by  one  man  each.  In 
those  machines  the  motion  was  given  by  an  eccentric,  and  the  strokes  were  very  rapid, 
being  suitable  for  the  smaller  hand-forging ;  the  friction  hammer  that  had  been  described 
in  the  paper  read,  was  adapted  for  the  heavier  hand- work,  for  which  it  appeared  well 
suited,  and  also  probably  applicable  with  advantage  to  other  manufacturing  processes. 

He  considered  it  was  an  important  advantage  that  the  Institution  afforded  the  oppor- 
tunity of  bringing  forward  such  practical  subjects,  and  eliciting  valuable  information  in 
their  discussion  from  the  experience  of  the  members. 


ON  THE  PROPULSION  OF  SHIPS  BY  THE  REACTION  OF  JETS  OF 

WATER. 

This  important  question  has  been  brought  before  the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers 
several  times  of  late.  On  the  laat  occasion,  in  April  last,  Mr.  Gravatt  complained  of  the 
manner  in  which  it  was  received,  and  has  endeavoured  to  remedy  the  injustice,  which  he 
believes  was  then  committed,  by  printing  and  circulating  a  "  Letter  on  Steam  Gun-boats, 
of  shallow  draught  and  high  speed." 

The  theory  contained  in  this  letter  we  now  propose  to  examine,  as,  whether  we  agree  with 
Mr.  Gravatt  or  not,  we  are  sure  that  we  are  forwarding  his  wishes  by  publicly  canvassing 
this  matter. 

His  proposal  consists  in  this — to  make  an  aperture  in  the  bows  of  the  vessel,  through 
which  water  will  flow  while  the  vessel  is  in  motion,  and  will  rise  to  a  certain  level,  where  he 
places  a  tank,  called  the  lower  tank ;  this  height  of  course  will  depend  on  the  velocity  wiUi 
which  the  ship  or  boat  is  moving.    The  water  is  pumped  from  this  tank  to  a  tank  on  a 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  PROPULSION  OP  SHIPS  BY  THE  REACTION  OP  JETS  OP  WATER.  101 

higher  level,  called  the  upper  tank,  whence  it  is  pennitted  to  fall  freely  to  the  original  lerel 
of  the  first  made  orifice,  and  is  allowed  to  issue  through  another  orifice,  whose  section  is 
made  of  such  a  size  that  the  quantity  of  water  which  issues  in  a  given  time,  shall  be  equal 
to  that  which  is  admitted.  The  reaction  of  the  issuing  jet,  or  tail  water,  will,  he  supposes, 
be  sufficient  to  keep  the  vessel  moving  at  a  high  velocity  with  little  loss  of  power. 
According  to  this  theory,  putting 

a 2  ""area  in  square  feet  of  section  of  the  head  water. 

a,—  „  „  tail  water. 

v^  «■  velocity  of  vesseL 

9j|»velodty  due  to  the  height  through  which  the  tail  water  falls  firom  the  upper  tank. 

P^horaepower  of  engine,  used  for  pumping,  divided  by  60  to  reduee  the  time  to 
seconds. 

E^ellbetive  hone  power,  for  propulsion  of  vessel,  divided  by  60. 

He  obtains  £     2aiV^*{e,-vJ 

P-«,r.(eJ-».«) 

and  g.-?^ 


P       r,  +  e. 

With  his  conclusion,  so  far,  we  do  not  quarrel,  although  we  have  somewhat  to  say  regard- 
ing  his  mode  of  obtaining  it 

He  otmsicf  (for,  notwitnstanding  his  supposed  proof,  it  is  really  an  assumption)  that  the 
counter-pressure  of  an  efiluent  jet  is  douole  of  the  pressure  of  the  column  of  fluid  due  to 
the  veloeiiy.  Thus  a^  p^  being  the  volume  of  water  admitted  in  V  moving  with  ^e  velo- 
eity  v^  he  assumes  the  constant  pressure  which  it  produces  to  retard  the  vessel  to  be 
2a^  V|*,  and  therefore  the  work  done  to  reduce  it  to  rest,  to  be  2a^v^*.  Now  one  half  of 
the  vis  vHm  of  this  mass  of  water  is 

since  w  (weight  of  cubic  foot  of  water)=^  very  nearly. 

It  is  a  mechanical  piinciple  that  the  work  which  must  be  expended  to  reduee  a  moving 
mass  to  rest,  is  one  half  the  vU  viva.  The  work,  therefore,  so  expended  in  the  case  before 
us,  is  equal  to  a^e,*,  instead  of  2a^ej*.  The  same  error  he  repeats  with  regard  to  the 
tail  water.    The  true  investigation  is  as  under. 

Work  expended  in  reducing  head  water  to  rest  and  raising  it  to  the  level  of  the  lower 
tankssa^v,*. 

The  Uil  water  issues  f^m  the  boat  with  the  relative  velocity  v^^v^f  hence  the  issuing 
stream  is  capable  of  performing  an  amount  of  work » 0802(9^—0^)*,  which  is  uselessly 
expended.  The  whole  amount  of  work  it  could  perform  being  that  dae  to  the  mass  section 
a,  with  velocity  Vg-^a^p^*  as  before. 

The  work  actually  performed  is,  therefore, 

=a,e,»-a.e,(e,-e,)« 
=«s»al»"s-(«'a-^)*}=«a»a»i(2*a-»i) 
=a,»,«(2  e,— »,)»  "">c«  a,ea=ajej. 

Hence  the  effective  useful  work 

sWork  done  by  tail-water— Work  done  in  reducing  head-water  to 
rest 
That  is,  E=aj»i«(2e, -e  J-«^e,» -2  a,e^«(eg-e,). . .  .(I.) 

Also     PsWork  done  by  pumps  in  raising  the  water  from  the  lower  to  the 
higher  level. 
=a,e>,»-fr»«) (11.) 

.E     .     2«>«^>'K->J_     2,, 

•P  a,e,(V-0,«)-e,  +  e.   ^''''^ 

Now,  with  this  result  Mr.  Gravatt  is  satisfied ;  there  is,  however,  an  importont  part  of 
the  question' which  he  entirely  overlooks. 

He  assumes  the  relation  of  e,  to  v^  to  be  perfectly  arbitrary  ;  it  is,  however,  nothing  of 
the  kind. 

Let  A  be  the  ef&ctive  midship  section  of  the  ship  or  boat,  by  which  we  mean  that  plane, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


109    ON  !ERE  PBOPULSION  OF  SHIPS  BT  THE  REACTION  OV  JETS  OF  WATER. 

which  moving  dxreotl  j  tfaK>i:^h  the  ilnid,  experiences  the  «anie  Resistance  as  the  vessel,  and 
^hich  will  in  all  ships  bear  a  certain  ra^io  to  the  actual  midship  section  ^epepding  on  the 
fbrm  of  the  vessel's  bows. 

Then  Av^*  is  the  work  expended  bj  the  resistance  to  the  vessel's  motion,  and  this  must 
be  equal  to  the  enctive  work  expended  on  the  propulsion; 

or      2a,t,,»(r«-«^)-4t?,« i,- .(IV.) 

whence,  !:»Zi«-J^; 

or    !:^«^^^-.,,..,...,,  (V.} 
»,  2  a, 

Hence  the  ratio  of  »«  to  v^  i^  «At  fffWtt«y»  hlj^t  4<^pends  o«  the  ra^i^i  af  |h»  effective 
midship  section  to  the  section  of  the  hei^d-wat^r.  We  believe  that  we  are  quite  within  the 
mark  in  assuming  that  the  former  cannot,  without  great  inconvenience,  be  less  than  six 
times  the  latter.    Putting  therefore  A  ^9a  ,  we  have 

Afti  since  the  heights  of  the  upper  i^nd  lowqr  teaks  ate  at  the  iquaro  of  theM  velocities, 
putting  A,  and  h^  for  these  heights  respectively, 

an4  since  high  speed  is  the  g^eat  desideratum,  if  Vi  "■25,  which  corresponds  to  a  velocity 
of  15  kuots  an  )iour,  v^^-lOO,  and  A^  «il56^  feet.     And  the  ratio 

P  "fa  +  Wi""  5»,   ""  5 
or  the  theoretic  loss  of  power  is  three-fifths. 
Taking  the  lower  ratio 

And  for  a  velocity  of  Ifi  knots  an  hoar,  the  upper  tank  mutt  ho  at  •«  height  of  88  feet 
M«rl]i,  omI  the  loss  of  power  is  one  hal£ 

Even  assuming  A  =  2  a,  only 

tfa-2»„ 

the  height  of  upper  level  is  S9  feet,  snd  the  loss  of  ppwer  is  one-third. 

By  what  arrang^m^t  a  tank  can  be  placed  v^  a  gun-boat  of  shallow  draught  ^t  a  height 
of  S9  feet  above  the  w^ter-line,  o^  anything  equivalent  to  this,  withQHt  gre^it  sacrifice  of 
space,  it  is  impossible  to  imagine. 

It  is  therefore  evident,  if  our  theory  be  correct,  and  we  fearlessly  challenge  inquiry  into 
it,  this  mode  of  propelling  vessels  is  in  all  cases  very  clumsy^  entailing  great  loss  of  power 
and  most  inconvenient  arrangements ;  but  i«  n\(wt  especially  upsuited  to  gun-boats  of 
shallow  draught  and  hig|i  yelocity.  PesidM  these  objections,  which  we  think  fatal,  thero 
Is  also  to  be  considered  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  a  back- torn  in  such  a  mode  of  propul- 
sion without  great  sacrifice  of  ropm  a^id  power ;  and  farther  still,  from  the  fact  that  the 
apertures  are  placed  below  the  water-line,  a  much  greater  deduction  must  be  made  from 
the  effective  horse-power,  inasmuch  as  the  case  of  water  issuing  into  water  is  very  diferent 
ffom  that  of  wator  isming  into  aii. 

Mr.  Gravatt's  grand  point  is  his  astumption  that  "  the  counter-pressure  of  an  effluent 
stream  of  water  is  double  the  pfessure  of  the  eohimn  of  Quid  due  to  the  velocity,'*  for  which 
he  adduces  the  high  authority  of  Newton. 

But  how  does  he  prove  it  ?  He  takes  the  particular  case  of  a'Vessel  of  a  square- sect  ion, 
such  that  the  sections  are  proportional  to  the  square  roots  of  their  distances  from  the  upper 
surface  (in  which  case  the  velocity  of  the  water  in  the  several  sections  will  vary  in  the 
same  proportion) ;  and  calculating  the  contents  of  the  figi^re,  discovers  them  to  be  donble 
the  contenta  of  %  column  whose  base  ii  the  afNsrtare  In  the  bottom  of  the  vessel,  and  height 
that  due  to  the  velocity.  From  this  ooaelusion  lifr.  Qravatt  infers  that  the  reactionary 
piresjwre  qf  |^n  e^uent  stream  is  c|ouble  this  column.  We  fe#r  thi|t  the  connection  between 
this  conclusion  and  the  inference,  however  clear  to  Mr.  Gravattt  will  not  gq^erally  be 
4$e(nf4  very  sfttisfaptory. 

He  gives  another  demonstration  of  the  same  supposed  fact,  independently  of  any  law  of 
fluids,  which  is.  in  its  wsyi  one  of  ^e  moM  remm-ki^hle  m^tkem^ticftl  curio/iities  ve  ever 
remember  to  have  encountered.     It  would  be  time  wasted  to  allude  to  it  further  here.    We 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BBTHUME'S  PBETZNDED  WPBOTXICEKTS  IN  STBAM  NATIGATION. 


108 


may  merely  remark,  that  he  first  supposes  a  mass  moving  from  rest  to  be  aeted  on  by  a 
force  so  as  to  acquire  a  ciertain  velocity,  and  then  assumes,  thai  tWo  such  masses  com- 
bined "  might  form  a  continuous  cylinder  32  feet  long,  moving  unifortnty  at  the  rate  of  H 
feet  per  second.*'    I'hese  two  suppositions  manifestly  imply  a  contradiction. 

Mr.  Gravatt  also  tests  his  theory  by  obtaining  two  ejcpressions,  one  for  the  cause  and  tka 
other  for  the  ^eeif  and  finding  them  identical,  congratulates  himself  on  the  corrobotation 
thus  given  to  his  investigations. 

By  the  cause,  he  understands  whatever  has  produced  the  bringing  of  the  inHuent  water 
to  rest,  and  raising  it  to  the  higher  level. 

By  the  ^ectt  he  understands  the  whole  eSects  produced  by  the  water  which  fails  irom 
this  higher  level,  and  flows  out  at  the  stern. 

£ach  of  these  he  finds  to  be  measured  by 

g|(»'a*  +  «'s^*) 

which  ou^ht,  by.the-by6  ttt  be 

«a(V  +  »aPi*)- 
Now  one  half  of  the  whole  vU  vtVo,  which  is  a  proper  measure  of  the  whole  effect  that 

can  be  produced «agO^*»  and  his  efiect  exceeds  this  by  ^^9,^9^*^  which  is  manifestly 

absurd. 
The  whole  effect  muat  be  a^v,*,  or  atO^v^',  and  neither  more  nor  i«M* 
The  work  expended  in  bringing  the  influent  mass  a^v^  \o  rest  a&d  raising  it  to  height  A| 

«esr,9^*,  the  work  exjpended  in  raising  this  mass  from  height  h^ 

Vto*.-    h^ 

Hence  cause *«,v^(va'  -»4*)  +  ajfrj»»a^rifr4*—eflfeot  as  before. 

Mr.  Orav^tt,  evidently,  ii  aft  tnrhest  believtet>  itt  i\ik  trttthlAfhit  il^l^tf  \  ahd  fbt  thii 
reason  ire  have  taken  th«  trottbU  of  shoeing  that  od^  theory  ahsirftri  th<^  te*t  he  brdtt«iet 
of  sepaHiting  thfe  cause  from  the  ^ffe'et  equally  with  his  own,  ^ith  th«  hdditiotiA!  allvantagpft 
of  not  giving  a  gr^at^r  meastire  bft&fth^r  than  the  r«al  fttAte  of  thin]^  Admits  bf— ^whieh  we 
coneeitiB  to  be  no  slight  corrlftboration  of  it^  truth. 

VTe  are  convinced  that  Any  person  conversant  with  the  thi6  ^Hi^cipleb  btkhetihaliieft  ahd 
hydrodynamics  will  haVe  no  difficulty  Itt  cOining  t»  this  edniilnsidh  ihat,  for  the  heafeonfe  wb 
have  Maligned,  Mr.  Gravatt'A  thebry  it  only  partially  fbuhded  in  truth,  and  his  proposal 
to  propel  veis^ls  in  such  a  mAnn^^  unfit  to  be  entertaihed  \  sifti^ti  tt)  obtain  ^fficli^Hx^y  with, 
out  enormous  satriflee  Of  spAce  fentAlls  a  very  gl^at  loss  of  power,  Hhd  bofts^tjtiefttly  nf 
economy  also. 


•  Ji    to  *g  -    ZaT   is  equal  to  a^v^  (wg*  -r^*). 


BETHUNE'8   PRETENDfiD   IMPROVEMENTS   IN   STEAM   NAViaATtON. 

To  m  BHi&r  <{f  the  JfedUrtf  «t'  M4goz^, 

Sir, — ^Irhere  is  a  remarkahle  article  in  a 
late  nomber  of  the  JoMmai  rf  the  Satiety  qf 
Arts,  on  the  subject  of  Improvements  in 
Steam  Navigation.     It  is  written  by  a  Mr. 


Bethune,  who  has  patented  certain  improve- 
ments in  building  steamers,  and  th^  article 
referred  to  conuins  his  estimate  of  his  own 
invention,  the  modesty  of  which  estimate  is 
on  a  par  with  that  observable  in. some  of  the 
extracts  you  lately  made  from  the  Sctint\fie 
Amgrican,  In  fact,  the  whole  article  may 
be  safely  classed  with  those  long  advertise- 
menU  of  Parr's  Life  Pills,  Holloway's 
Ointment,  &c.,  which,  from  their  being 
treacherously  mixed  with  the  more  tolerable 
matter  of  some  of  our  papers,  one  sometimes 
finds  himself  reading  unawares.  The  (hot 
that  Mr.  Betiiune  has  induced  the  editor  of 
the  Jcuruttl  rf  the  Society  qf  Afts  to  insert 
his  production,  without  preflxiog,  as  is 
usual  in  such  oasea,  the  warning  whtoh  the 


word  "(Advertisement)"  impliea^.  consti- 
tutes the  curiosity  of  the  matter.  There  is 
something  wrong  evidently.  Never^eless, 
viewing  it  as  one  of  a  very  large  class  of 
productions,  I  think  your  readers  will  not 
find  it  either  unpleasant  or  unpro^table  to 
glance  with  me  first  through  the  article,  then 
at  the  invention.  .  And  neither  pleasure  nor 
profit  will  be  diminished  by  perceiving  that 
the  present  instance  has  some  peculiarities 
of  its  own  which  are  quite  ^oetious. 

Th^  preliminary  remarks  are  intended  to 
embody  the  following  very  common  species 
of  argument  in  the  cases  of  new-born  ihyen- 
tions  that  are  designed  to  change  the  whole 
system  of  civilisation,  an4  to  give  rise  to  a 
new  era  in  the  world.  Whether  the  author 
regards  it  as  an  invincible  syllogism  or  as  a 
deep  sophism,  I  ^  not  know,  acre  is  the 
argnment  epitomised : 

Isti  All  those  great  and  ttseful  inventions 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


104  BETHUNE's  PBETENBEB  mPBOYEUENTB  IN  BTEAH  NAVX6ATI0K. 


which,  like  the  printing-press,  the  railway, 
the  electric  telegraph,  have  proved  of  ines. 
timahle  value  in  the  service  of  progress, 
have  met  with  the  raost  eager  opposition 
from  people  prejudiced  or  interested  against 
them. 

2nd.  Mr.  Bethune's  improvements  in 
ship-huilding  have  met  with  this  opposi- 
tion. 

Srd.  Therefore  Mr.  Bethune's  method  of 
building  steam  vessels,  like  the  mechanical 
masterpieces  above  mentioned,  must  one 
day  be  recognised  as  one  of  the  triumphs  of 
modern  science  and  invention. 

This  argument  is  not,  I  believe,  generally 
regarded  as  conclusive,  for  it  is  thought  by 
some  to  urge  the  mind  of  a  right-thinking 
man  inexactly  the  opposite  direction.  They 
say  it  has  been  used  in  the  attempts  to 
bolster  up  so  many  quackeries,  that  the 
chances  are,  when  its  aid  is  sought  for  any 
novelty,  that  the  invention  will  prove  an 
entire  failure. 

But  let  Mr.  Bethune  say  something  for 
himself: 

*'  Do  we  not  hear  now,  from  interested  par- 
ties, the  same  cry  against  proposed  improve- 
ments in  the  speed  and  accommodation  of 
steamers,  that  we,  in  Tears  long  gone  by, 
heard  against  the  railway  and  iU  advan- 
tages f  Is  not  the  same  feeling  of  personal 
interest  at  work  now  to  prevent  anv  great 
and  striking  improvement  in  steam-ships  as 
it  was  formerly  against  railways?  Surelv  it  is. 
The  writer  of  this  paper  has  met  with  such  uni- 
versal opposition  firom  all  persons  connected, 
as  owners  with  steamers,  to  his  improved 
plan  of  steam-ship,  by  which  a  speed  of  not 
less  than  21  miles,  and  probably  25  miles  an 
hour,  or  more,  can  be  attained,  that  he  feels 
no  hesiution  in  asserting  that  the  feeling  of 
private  interest  is  as  strong  against  any 
great  improvement  in  the  speed  of  steamers 
as  it  was  formerly  on  tlie  part  of  interested 
parties  against  our  railway  system." 

Mr.  Bethane's  steamers  are  to  banish 
"  consumption  "  from  the  face  of  the  earth. 
**  Instead,  then,  of  being  exposed  to  the  in- 
clemency  of  the  weather  upon  deck,  and  of 
being  drenched  with  spray  or  rain,  as  pas- 
sengers now  generally  are  in  crossing  the 
Channel,  and  of  being  compelled  to  travel  Jn 
wet  clothing  for  some  miles  by  rail,  thus 
laying  the  foundation  of  the  catarrhal  and 
consumptive  diseases  which  cany  off  their 
yearly  thousands  of  victims,  passengers  in 
my  steamers  will  arrive  at  their  destination 
free  from  such  exposures,  and  without  sus- 
taining a  loss  in  the  destruction  of  wearing 
apparel  perhaps  equal  to  five  times  the  pas- 
sage-money!" 

The  author  says  that»  li  Canada,  the  use 
of  steamers  having  one  of  the  features  pos- 
sessed by  his  plan,  vis.,  upper  spar-decks. 


has  sensibly  diminished  the  frequency  of 
violent  storms  on  the  lakes. 

**  *  *  It  was  supposed  that  no  steamera 
with  such  top  hamper  could  live  upon  Lake 
Ontario  in  a  gale  of  wind  ;  for  the  sea  there 
is  very  similar  to  that  in  the  Qerman  Ocean. 
Experience,  however,  has  proved  that  the 
fears  of  those  who  predicted  tneir  unsuitable- 
ness  were  altogeuier  groundless.  At  that 
time  storms  were  of  very  frequent  occur- 
rence,  and  steamers  built  with  flush  4eeks, 
and  having  all  snug  below,  were  often  com- 
pelled to  remain  in  port,  or  obliged  to  put 
back,  owing  to  stress  of  weather.  Now,  kooo- 
ever,  we  never  hear  iff  a  steamer,  built  with  a 
spar  deck,  being  obliged  to  put  bade  or  to  re- 
main  in  port  from  the  inclemency  qf  the  wea- 
ther i  and  the  drea^l  storms  tf  former  years 
are  seldom  heard  qf  new." 

Here  is  a  liberal  offer  from  one  who  has 
not  the  ability  of  trying  the  experiment 
himself,  and  whose  only  recipe  for  producing 
faster  ships  is,  make  them  deeper,  narrower, 
longer,  and  stronger, 

**  It  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  remark, 
that  the  cost  of  a  steamer  that  could  carry 
as  many  troops  as  the  Himaiaya,  and  at  a 
speed  exceeding  that  of  that  vessel  by  100 
miles  a  day,  will  be  at  least  one-ihird  leas 
than  the  price  paid  by  the  Government  for 
that  steamer;  and  that  I  am  prepared  to 
contract,  in  connection  with  eminent  d^p- 
builders  and  engineers,  for  the  construction 
of  one  or  several  steamers  whose  speed  will 
be  guaranteed  at  not  less  than  17  knota  an 
hour.  Although  we  limit  the  guarantee  to 
17  knots  an  hour,  we  do  not  the  less  expect 
a  speed  exceeding  18  knots  an  hour ;  for  it 
must  be  obvious  that  a  prudent  builder  will 
allow  himself  an  ample  margin  in  the  rate 
of  speed  to  prevent  loss  on  his  parL" 

I  wonder  who  the  prudent  builder  is  who 
would  underuke  such  a  contract  I  think 
he  will  prove  difficult  to  find.  But  let  us 
now  turn  to  Mr.  Bethune's  invention,  as 
exhibited  in  the  specification  of  his  patent, 
which  I  have  before  me. 

The  means  adopted  by  Mr.  Bethune  to 
obtain  such  wonderful  results  will,  no  doubt, 
appear  to  those  acquainted  with  ship-buUd- 
ing,  somewhat  unadapted  to  produce  them. 
In  his  specification  he  says : 

"  This  invention  consists  in  a  new  and 
peculiar  mode  of  constructing  ships,  so  as 
to  give  them  greater  strength  amidships, 
or,  in  other  words,  at  that  part  where  the 
greatest  stram  takes  place,  and  which  part 
in  ships,  as  hitherto  constructed,  is  usually 
the  weakest,  particularly  in  vessels  pro- 
pelled by  paddle-wheels  placed  at  the  aides 
thereof.  And  further,  by  this  invention  I 
am  enabled  to  build  ships  of  greater  length 
in  proportion  to  the  width  of  beam  than 
heretofore ;  and  by  strengthening  the  sides  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BBTHUME's  PBETENBED  DCPBOTSlfBirrS  IN  STEAK  NAVIGATION. 


105 


the  ihip  I  am  enabled  to  employ  paddle- 
wlieels  of  considerably  larger  diameter,  by 
which,  in  combination  with  greater  length, 
I  obtain  greater  speed.  And  I  efiect  these 
improvements  by  constructing  the  sides  of 
the  ships  in  the  following  manner.  Instead 
of  making  the  top  of  the  sides  of  a  ship 
straight,  I  fonn  the  sides  thereof  strongest 
at  those  precise  parts  [where  the  main 
driTing-shaft  is  ntnated,  by  making  such 
parts  higher  than  the  other  parts  of  the 
sides,  in  the  form  of  a  solid  arch ;  and  in 
building  iron  ships  I  rivet  the  sheets  of 
metal  together  which  form  such  arch,  and 
I  connect  the  upper  edge  thereof  to  a  strong 
bar  of  wrought-iron,  so  that  the  strain  is 
distributed  over  the  greater  portion  of  those 
parts  of  the  sides  which  would  otherwise  be 
too  weak  in  proportion  to  the  extreme 
length  of  the  ship ;  and  it  is  this  peculiar 
mode  of  constructing  ships  which  consti- 
tutes this  invention  of  improTements  in  the 
construction  of  vessels  propelled  by  steam 
or  other  motive  power." 

Professional  men  will  have  some  dii&. 
enlty  (arising  from  the  prejudiees  they  have 
contracted,  according  to  the  inventor,)  in 
perceiving  the  connection  between  25  miles 
an  hour  and  a  strake  of  thick  stuff  worked 
round  the  heads  of  the  frame-timbers,  which 
in  a  wooden  ship  form  the  inside  framing 
of  the  paddle-box,  and  continued  down  for- 
ward  and  aft  in  the  manner  of  a  truss. 

But  let  us  give  the  inventor  credit  for  all 
the  little  plansibility  with  which  he  has 
succeeded  in  endowing  the  method. 
Sharpness  is  a  very  important  facility  in 
the  speed  of  a  ship,  and  the  sharper  we 
make  the  vessel  the  more  must  we  diminish 
the  ratio  which  her  breadth  bears  to  her 
length.  But  as  we  diminish  this  ratio, 
while  we  keep  that  of  the  depth  to  the 
length  constant,  we  diminish  the  capability 
of  resistance  to  any  force  acting  to  destroy 
the  rigidity  of  the  vessel ;  so,  in  order  to 
preserve  this  in  its  desirable  amount,  we 
must  in  some  way  supply  this  longitudinal 
strength.  Thus,  I  imagine,  Mr.  Bethune 
reasons ;  and  we  have  seen  his  results. 
Having  conceived  a  method  of  strenp^hen- 
ing,  to  some  unknown  extent,  the  sides  of 
his  vessel,  he  begins  to  draw  upon  it  un- 
limitedly.  In  the  first  place,  he  intends  to 
make  his  ship  very  much  longer  than 
usual;  secondly,  to  apply  to  her  paddle- 
wheels  unusually  large  in  diameter ;  thirdly, 
10  employ  much  greater  power  in  propor- 
tion to  tonnage ;  and  fourthly,  much  less 
draught  of  water  will  be  required.  These 
improvements  entitle  him  (the  inventor 
thinks)  to  be  ranked  with  the  great  Watt, 
with  Stephenson,  and  with  Wheautone.  I 
think  the  few  on  whose  attention  the 
/Mmol  rf  ihB  Soeietf  rf  AtU  has  given  the 


inventor  an  opportunity  of  forcing  his  in- 
vention, will  seek  him  out  a  place  in  thett 
esteem  far  below  Ericsson,  Lipscombe,  or 
Planavergne. 

Mr.  Bethune  seems  unaware  of  the  ex- 
treme importance  of  some  of  the  reasons  for 
giving  a  vessel  a  considerable  breadth,  and 
for  keeping  her  depth  within  reasonable 
limits.  In  the  first  place,  a  vessel  must 
have  breadth,  to  enable  her  to  resist  all  the 
forces  which  tend  to  alter  her  lateral  form : 
she  must  have  breadth  to  enable  her  to 
resist  torsion:  and,  above  all,  she  must 
have  breadth  to  give  her  sUbility.  That 
ships  built  according  to  Mr.  Bethnne's 
specification  would  be  wanting  in  this  last 
quality,  there  is  no  room  to  doubt  For  he 
intends  not  only  to  diminish  the  ordinary 
breadth,  but  also  to  make  his  ships  much 
higher  than  usual,  and  to  build  them  with 
top  hamper  of  enormous  weiffht,  and  at  the 
same  time  he  purposes  tlist  they  shall  draw 
very  much  less  water  than  is  ordinarily 
done.  Now  all  these  processes  are  admi- 
rably and  clearly  adapted  to  diminish  the 
stability  of  his  vessel  and  make  her  totally 
unfit  for  any  service  whatever.  Then,  to 
make  her  failure  still  more  sure  and  still 
more  apparent  to  all  his  readers,  he  sUtes 
liis  intention  of  placing  engine  work  of  im- 
usual  power,  and,  therefore,  of  unusual 
tveight,  at  a  height  also  much  greater  than 
any  kind  of  experience  has  ever  sanctioned, 
or  is  ever  likely  to  sanction.  Those'pro. 
perties  with  which  Mr.  Bethune  would  en- 
dow our  modern  steamer,  are  just  those 
which  a  prudent  builder  will  carefully 
avoid.  For  vessels  built  in  a  manner  dif- 
fering  very  little  from  what  has  been  war- 
ranted by  experience,  hare  lately  been 
found  lamentably  wanting  in  the  quality  of 
stability!  Most  people  will,  I  think,  per- 
ceive  that  it  is  important  that  there  should 
be  some  assurance  attainable,  when  we  put 
even  merchandise  of  great  value  on  board  a 
vessel,  that  she  will  continue  always  to 
float  the  same  side  uppermost ;  and  this  is 
of  infinite  importance  when  such  a  vessel  is 
used  for  the  transport  of  troops,  or  for  the 
conveyance  of  those  stores  on  which  our 
armies  depend.  In  the  case  of  a  ship  built 
after  Mr.  Bethune's  design,  we  should  not 
be  sure  from  one  minute  to  another  which 
part  of  her  body  she  would  determine  to 
immerse,  and  which  to  present  towards  the 
clouds.  Indeed  one  would  feel  a  great  deal 
of  surprise  if  she  were  to  remain  floating  in 
any  position  except  she  were  built  on  a  re- 
volving principle,  and  allowed  to  choose 
her  own  position  of  equilibrium. 

Sir,  I  must  beg  you  to  excuse  me,  if  you 
deem  I  have  said  more  than  is  needful  on  a 
subject  so  intrinsically  worthless  as  these 
improvements.    My  apology  is  the  promi- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


105 


nence  gWen  it  b^  a  journal  which  ought  to 
iiave  some  authority,  and  oe,  io  some  extent, 
a  judge  in  these  matters. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

J.  v» 
Deptford,  Jan.  30, 1855. 


ON  T^  MOOM'fl  BOTATICmi 


ON  THE  MOON'S  ROTATION. 

To  the  Editor  (f  tJie  l^ehanics*  Magazine, 

Sir, — tlic  letter  of  Mr.  Reeordon,  wliich 
you  publish  this  week)  onlY  re-opens  the 
question  of  the  moon's  rotation  in  a  slightljf 
di^rent  form.  I,  as  an  Englishman,  and 
not  entirely  unversed  in  scientific  pursuits, 
have  felt  acutely  and  painfullyi  during  the 
iate  discussion,  the  miserable  conviction  of 
how  low  the  state  of  science  is  in  this 
country.  A  controveray  on  the  patent  fact 
that  the  moon  rotates  on  her  axis!  And 
now  Mr.  Reeordon  comes  forward  to  eohn- 
plicate  errors  still  more  ;  and,  by  an  abuse 
of  philosophic  terms,  to  give  countenance  to 
ihe  fatuitoi^a  disbelief  in  the  above  fact  on 
the  part  of  Messrs.  Evan  Hopkins,  Mushet, 
8cc,y  &c.  It  sounds  very  fine  indeed  to  talk 
of  the  dynamical  relation  |n  which  bodies 
stand  to  one  another,  and  to  enumerate 
"general  and  important  principles*'  on  this 
subject.  1  should  hi^ve  been  much  fetter 
satisfied  with  the  exhibition  of  a  knowledge 
of  sound  dynamical  first  principles ;  and  I 
am  sure  your  readers  will  nave  derived  more 
profit  than  they  can  possibly  dp  now  from  the 
perusal  of  Mr.  Recordon*iB.  letter.  What 
proper  notion  can  be  afi&xed  to  such  a  sen- 
tence  as  this  ?  "  IVenow  perceive  clearly  the 
possibility  of  the  moon's  motion  as  it  occurs 
in  nature,  without  tiie  uecetiitg  <4  admitting 
that  it  hat  a  centre  ofgraitntff  with  reg^d  to 
the  earth?'' 

The  explanation  on  which  this  grave  an- 
nouncement is  founded  is  simply  erroneous. 
Like  many,  who  are  biit  tyros  in  physical 
science,  Mr.  Reeordon  confounds  centri* 
fugal  force  with  the  impressed  force  actually 
exerted  on  a  body,  in  this  case  the  attrae- 
tion  of  the  earth.  A  force  equal  and  oppo- 
site to  the  centripetal  foroe  to  the  earth's 
centre,  he  tells  us,  is  .necessary  for  the 
"moon's  stability!"  and  this  he  ealls  her 
centrifugal  force.  Why,  if  sueh  a  forpe 
were  really  to  act  on  the  moon,  she  would 
then  be  under  the  influence  of  two  equal 
and  opposite  forces,  whose  resultant  scro 
she  would  move  in  a  straight  line,  and  could 
not  move  as  she  does  in  an  orbit  nearly 
circular. 

The  term  "  centre  of  gravity"  is  applied 
to  denote  a  certain  point  in  all  heavy  bodies, 
totally  irrespective  of  the  external  forces  by 
which  they  are  acted  upon.  Tkt  moon's 
centre  of  gravity,  with  regard  to  the  earthy 
is,  aooording  to  Uie  uauai  language  of  sci* 


enee,  which  ought  never  to  bo  departed 
^rom,  aimpb  nonsense.  So  long  as  tbe 
moon  is  symmetrical  with  respect  to  tEe 
axis  about  which  she  rotates,  or  rather  with 
respect  to  the  diameter  Al  right  angles  to 
ihe  plane  of  her  orbit,  ao  long  it  may  be 
demonstrated  that  the  attraction  of  the  earth 
dan  produce  no  etfejSt  whatever  ih  impress- 
ing a  motion  of  rotation  ahout  any  axis,  and, 
of  course,  not  in  altering  such  a  motion. 
For,  referring  to  ^r.  Kecordon^s  letter, 
page  83,  allowing  (^  to  he  the  point  at  which, 
if  the  whole  attraction  of  the  eiarth  were  ap« 
plied,  it  would  produce  the  same  efi^ci  as  is 
actually  the  case ;  the  direction  olf  this  force 
l^asses  through  C,  the  moon's  centre,  and 
can  therefore  cause  no  rotation  about  it. 
The  rotation  of  the  moon  about  her  axis  is 
lust  what  it  was  at  the  time  she  wat 
launched  into  space  under  her  present  con- 
ditions,  ana  no  force  has  acted  to  modify  il 
in  any  manner.  She  tnight,  like  the  earth, 
have  had  a  quicker  motion  of  rotation  im- 
pressed, and  the  hiotion  of  her  centre  of 
gravity  with  regard  to  the  barth  would  have 
been  just  the  same  as  it  is,  and  nothing 
else. 

I  emphatically  deny  Uiat  ^^  the  rotation 
ojf  the  moon  on  its  axis,  in  the  sensj^  hitherto 
given  to  these  words,  appears  to  be  a  mere 
consequence  ot  its  revolution  round  the 
e^rth,  and  not  i^n  inde^ieni  motion*" 
There  is  not  the  slightest  shadow  of  a  proof 
of  this  in  anytliing  that  Mr.  Reeordon  has 
said.  On  the  contrary,  he  h^  shown  (if  he 
has  shown  anything)  that  the  attraction  of 
the  earth  can  impress  no  such  motion.  I 
will  enunciate  to  him  a  dynamical  princi- 
ple oi  far  more  importance  and  direct  ap. 
plication  to  the  matter  in  hand  than  any* 
thing  he  has  hroughc  forward.  It  is  this  : 
*'  the  principal  axes  of  a  body  passing 
Uirongh  the  centre  of  gravity  are  perma. 
nent  axes ;"  <.«.,  if  he  requires  explanation, 
any  motion  of  rotation  impressed  about 
such  axis  will  continue  uniform  and  undi- 
minished so  long  as  no  force  acts  to  retard 
or  ehtck  it.  The  moon  has  had  impressed 
upon  her  a  motion  of  rotation  by  which  she 
revolves  about  one  of  her  principal  axes 
once  in  a  lunation.  The  earth's  attraction 
exerts  no  force  to  interfere  with  this. 
Hence  the  moon  continues,  and,  so  long  as 
tiie  circumstances  in  which  she  is  placed 
remain  unchanged,  will  continue  to  revolve 
about  her  axis  uiiiformly  in  the  same 
period* 

'*  To  define  the  moon's  motion  inde- 
pendently of  the  libration  and  of  the  eccen- 
tricity of  the  orbit,  by  saying  that  the 
inoott  revolves  about  the  earUi's  centre  as  if 
tt  were  rigidly  connected  to  that  point," 
is  a  mere  geometric  iUuetration^^  and  de- 
seribes  the  result  of  the  eombination  or  tbe 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  IHB  moon's  BOTATION. 


107 


two  motions  impreised  on  every  point  in 
the  moon,  but  is  in  no  tense  a  phygiccU  or 
phiJesophicai  interpretation  or  explanalion  of 
such  motion. 

I  sometimes  wonder  what  foreigners  {\ 
do  not  mean  Americans,  who  are  too  much 
like  us)  think  of  the  scientific  attainments 
of  the  majority  of  the  readers  of  those  En- 
glish journals  which  are  open  to  the  discus- 
sion of  such  subjects  as  the  foregoing^ 
when  they  see  the  wonderful  theories  gravely 
asserted  and  maintained  by  many  of  them ! 
A  very  intelligent  French  engineer,  some- 
time pupil  of  the  £cole  Polytechnique, 
probably  formed  his  judgment  from  some 
such  course  of  reading,  when  he  told  me, 
that  in  England  the  great  evil  was,  that  all 
science  was  merely  akin- deep.  If  this  be 
the  result  of  our  Mechanics'  Institutes, 
popular  lectures,  &c.,  &c.,  tiie  sooner  we 
remrn  to  the  old  method  of  learning 
science,  by  hard  research,  burning  the  mid- 
night oil  in  painfully  toiling  our  way 
through  the  works,  written  with  labour  and 
to  be  read  with  labour,  of  our  great  philo- 
sophic lights,  the  better. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Indaoator. 

London,  Januarjr  l^^  1615. 


To  the  Editor  tf  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 

Sir, — Though  the  process  be  somewhat 
mysterious  and  recondite,  1  am  glad  to  per- 
ceive that  Mr.  Ileeordon  arrives  in  his  last 
paragraph  at  the  correct  conclusion  that  the 
moon  revolves  round  the  earth's  centre  as  if 
it  were  rigidly  connected  with  that  point, 
and  that  it  would  be  more  rational  to  apply 
a  different  language  than  that  hitherto  used 
respecting  this  rotation,  tiis  sentence  is, 
in  fact,  the  sum  and  substance  of  my  own 
arguments.  The  moon  floats  round  the 
earth's  centre  in  her  orbit  precisely  as  a 
ship  floau  in  a  smaller  circle  round  that  same 
centre  when  circumnavigating  the  globe.  I 
certainly  must  now  be  encouraged,  by  this 
abstruse  investigation,  to  record  my  own 
plain  Enelish  pleadings  to  the  same  point 
in  due  Jormd  auctoris.  The  auue  of  this 
motion  is  a  distinct  and  different  question, 
involving  other  Investigations,  but  I  con- 
ceive no  one  but  an  infidel  ever  attributed 
it,  or  any  other  great  natural  phenomenon, 
to  "accident."  That  imbued  with  appro- 
priate elements  of  buoyancy,  this  lunar 
globe  sails  onwards  in  its  trackless  path  by 
the  force  of  a  magnetic  current  generated 
by    the    twenty-eight    co-rotations    of   its 

Srimary,  there  seems  no  reason  whatever  to 
oubt.  This  is  the  view  of  the  planetary 
motions  explained  in  the  treatise  to  which  £ 
have  before  referred  ;  and  your  correspond. 


ents  scarcely  seem  aware  that   since    its 
publication  Sir  John  Herschel  has  publicly 
adopted  the  opinion.     The  laws  of  magnet- 
ism  coincide  exaetly  with  the  mathemati- 
cally  calculated  laws  of  gravitation  $  there, 
fore  these  interesting  studies  are  not  dis- 
turbed, but  fully  confirmed,  by  the  substi- 
tution of  n  term  m  vIm  for  an  assumed 
constant,  which   involves  the  necessity  of 
the  iibpossible  fiction  of  a  perpetual  motion 
engendered  by  one  solitary  impulse.     On 
the  contrary,  nothing  can  place  the  original 
grandeur  of  the  Newtonian  conceptions  ill 
a  brighter  light,  than  when  a  mere  idea, is 
seen  to  be  supported  by  facts,  the  discovery 
of  which   was   not  then  even   dreamed  of. 
He  proved  a  force  diminishing  in  intensity 
as  the  square  of  the  distance,  and  such  a 
force  is  in  reality  constant  and  undiminish- 
ing,  because  it  weakens  not  by  loss  but  by 
expansion, 'AW'mg  up  as  it  radiates  an  area 
always   the  square  of  the   distance  it  has 
progressed.    There  is  the  same  amount  of 
force  in  the  Increased  area,  but  proportion- 
ally less  intense,  and  this  is  the  law  of  the 
magnetic  energy.    Magnificent,  indeed,  is 
the  field  of  research  thrown  open   by  the 
coineidences  of  the  law  of  magnetism  and 
gravitation.   Losing  nothing  by  its  progress 
through  any  measurable  disUttoft  of  space, 
the  power  recovers  all  its  pristine  vigour 
upon  re-entering  an  appropriate  pole  of  re- 
condensation  and  concentration.  With  what 
ardour  would  Sir  Isaac  Newton  hail   the 
marvellous  developments  achieved  by  elec- 
tro-chemistry since  his  day.     Uow  little  did 
he  dream,  that  in  the  trifling  and  curious 
loadstone  was  indicated  and  yet  concealed 
the  key  to  his  whole  system  of  the  universe. 
The  epochs  of  great  difficulty  in  the  pro- 
gress of  science  have  always  been  those  of 
tranuition,  involving  the  hard  task  of  recon- 
ciling old  data  with  new  truths.     Kepler, 
Copernicus,  Galileo,  had  a  whole  world  of 
past  ideas  against  them.     Bacon  had    to 
conjurp  to  rest  the  'giant  phantom  of  the 
Aristotelian  logic,  with  all  its  innate  facul- 
ties. Our  chemistry  was  born  in  the  triumph 
of  Lavoisier  over   Scheeie,  and  yet  here 
again  the  too  strict  adherence  to  one  acidify* 
ing  principle,  rendered  Berzelius  so  long 
the  antagonist  of  Davy.    Nay,  was  not  even 
Watt's  steam-engine  opposed  on  all  hands, 
even  upon  religious  grounds,  as  an  innova- 
tioit^  too  powerful  to  besuflTered?     **When 
ye  think  ye  stand,  take  heed  lest  ye  fall,"  is 
a  caution  well  applicable  to  scientific  studies. 
We  may  be  sure  that  error  is  mixed  in  all 
the  truths  laid  down  by  finite  beings.     No 
source  of  error  is  so  fertile  as  prejudice  and 
habit,  and  great  mhids  should  be  constantly 
on  the  alert  to  look  out  the  dead  wood  in 
our  trees  of  philosophy,  which,  antiquating 
for  centuries,  checks  and    chokes    by  its 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


108 


BiB.  WILLIAM  8*S  MBTHOB  OF  PSEVEMTING  BMOKE. 


aocutnulatioii  tb«  young  and  lively  ehooU 
from  bearing  fruit  to  truth. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

David  Mushbt. 
January  29, 1M5. 


To  the  Editor  rf  the  Meehamcs*  Magazine, 

Sir,— I  perceive  that  I  unfortunately 
made  a  serious  oversight  in  my  last  paper 
on  the  above  subject,  for  wblob  I  must  beg 
your  and  your  readers'  pardon. 

In  the  fourth  paragraph,  instead  of  "  we 
admit  that  the  moon  revolves  round  the 
earth,  so  that  the  same  points  A,  B,  D,  C, 
&c.,"  it  should  be, — we  suppose  the  esrth  to 
be  at  rest,  and  the  moon  to  revolve  round  it 
(without  rotating  on  A  C  produced  as  axis), 
so  that  the  same  three  points  A,  D,  C,  &c. 

My  paper  was  only  intended   to   be   a 
sketch  of  a  theory,  but  I  intend  giving  soon 
a  more  full  explanation  of  its  chief  points. 
1  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

C.  J.  Recordon. 


MR.  WILLIAMS'S  METHOD  OF 

PREVENTING  SMOKE. 

To  the  Editor  rf  the  Meckanice*  Magathe. 

Sir, — In  your  number  of  this  day  I  find 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Baddeley,  whose  several 
communications  through  your  columns  give 
him  a  strong  claim  to  attention.  I  am  de- 
sirous,  therefore,  of  removing  some  misappre- 
hensions  .on  his  part,  in  reference  to  M. 
Parker's  furnace  (see  your  number  for  Nov. 
4th),  and  to  my  suggestions  for  promoting 
combustion  in  furnaces. 

Mr.  Baddeley  observes:  '*Mr.  Williams 
has  admitted  the  principle  of  perforated  air 
distributors  to  have  originated  with  Mr.  Ar- 
gand,  who  applied  that  principle  to  Uie  well- 
known  lamp  which  bears  his  name."  Now, 
I  have  made  no  such  admission,  as  Argaiid 
did  not  apply  that  principle  to  his  lamp. 
In  truth  he  made  no  attempt  of  the  kind. 
The  principle  (not  of  Argand's  lamp,  which 
was  an  oil  lamp,  but,  as  applied  since  his 
time,  to  the  use  of  gas)  was,  not  the  regu- 
lating the  admiuUm  qf  the  air^  but  regulat. 
ing  the  exU  qf  the  gat,  by  means  of  numer- 
ous small  apertures.  It  was  the  effect 
produced,  namely,  the  rapid  mixture  of  the 
gas  with  the  air,  that  led  me  to  regulate  the 
admission  of  the  air,  in  furnaces,  through 
numerous  orifices — ^mixture  being  the  great 
desideratum. 

The  distinction  between  my  process  and 
that  in  the  Argand  gas  burner,  is  clearly 
indicated  by  Professor  Brands  (see  his  letter 
dated  26th  Nov.,  1840).  "  Each  jet  of  air," 
he  observes,  '*  which  you  admit,  becomes,  at 
onee,  the  source  and  centre  of  a  separate 


fiame ;  and  the  effect  is  exactly  that  of  so 
many  jets  of  inflammable  gas  ignited  in  the 
air  [as  in  the  Argand  burner] ;  only,  in  your 
furnace  you  invert  this  ordinary  state  of 
things,  and  use  a  jet  of  air,  thrown  into  an 
atmosphere  of  inflammable  ffas:  thus  mak- 
ing an  experiment  upon  a  large  and  prac- 
tical scale,  which  I  have  often  made  on  a 
small  and  theoretical  one.*'  Now,  this  pre- 
cisely applies  to  Mr.  Parker's  air  distri- 
butor. The  important  difference,  then,  be- 
tween my  process  and  what  is  done  in  the 
Argand  gas  burner  is,  that  in  the  latter,  it 
is  the  gat  that  is  dealt  with,  and  put  under 
control,  whereas,  in  my  plan,  it  is  the  air 
that  is  dealt  with  and  regulated. 

Mr.  Baddeley  says:  "Mr.  Williams 
claims  to  hsve  invented  and  patented  a 
peculiarly  constructed  furnace,  to  which  he 
gave  the  name  of  the  'Argand  furnace.' 
lliis  also  is  a  misapprehension.  I  have 
neither  claimed  or  patented  any  peculiarly 
constructed  furnace.  What  I  patented  and 
claimed  is  applicable  to  all  furnaces,  or 
wherever  coal  is  employed.  For  instance, 
among  msny,  may  be  mentioned  the  lar^ 
stoves  in  which  mssses  of  iron  and  large 
boiler-plates  are  heated,  the  air  being  intro- 
duced through  numerous  perforations  in  the 
side;  and  where  it  is  thus  brought,  in  a 
divided  sute,  into  contact  with  the  great 
mass  of  gases  in  the  stove,  then  in  the 
state  of  flame,  and  by  which  perfect  com- 
bustion is  at  once  effected,  and  without 
smoke.  My  stove  has  been  in  action  for 
many  years,  and  is,  I  believe,  the  most 
efficient  in  the  kingdom. 

Again ;  I  did  not  give  the  name  of /^r^oriii 
to  my  mode  of  introducing  the  air.  That 
name  was  given,  and  by  another,  many 
years,  I  believe,  after  the  patent  was  sesled 
in  1839.  In  truth  the  word  Jrgatid  does 
not  appear  in  my  patent  or  specification, 
and  has  only  been  used  by  me  in  illustra- 
tion of  the  effect  produced. 

Mr.  Baddeley  says,  '*  The  meehanieal  com- 
ttrvction  and  arrangement  of  the  furnace, 
not  the  principle  </  itt  actum,  being  the 
invention,  and  constituting  the  patent  right 
of  Mr.  Williams."  This,  sgain,  is  a  mis- 
apprehension.  If  Mr.  Baddeley  will  con- 
sult any  legal  friend  conversant  with  patent 
law,  he  will  find  that  a  "principle  of  action** 
cannot  be  the  subject  of  a  patent ;  but  that 
it  is  for  the  mode  by  which  a  principle  is 
carried  out,  and  not  the  principle  itself,  that 
the  patent  must  be  taken.  In  my  case  my 
claim  necessarily  was,  not  for  '*  the  princi- 
ple of  action,"  but  for  the  tpecific  mode  by 
which  I  proposed  to  carry  out  the  principle, 
and  which  principle  was  the  "  causing  the 
atmospheric  air,  and  the  combustible  gases 
generated,  to  be  more  immediately  and 
intimately  blended;"  and  so  it  was  stated 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  OOMBUSnON  OV  COALS  AMD  THE  AB80BPTI0M  OF  HEAT. 


109 


in  the  tpeoifleation,  u  settled  by  Dr.  Uie* 
Now  tht  mode  adopted  by  Mr.  Parker  it 
identical  with  that  tUted  in  my  tpecifioation 
as  above. 

Mr.  Baddeley  speaks  of  considerable  ex- 
pense and  time  being  required  in  the  appli- 
eation.  This  is,  practically,  the  reverse  of 
the  faeL  As  an  instance  of  recent  date,  I 
may  refer  to  the  application  of  the  air  dis- 
tribntors  in  the  famaces  of  the  Lttwellyn, 
contract  mail  steamer,  in  which  the  expense 
or  the  time  was  so  insignificant  as  not  to 
be  worth  noting.  When  the  last  edition  of 
my  treatise  on  combustion  was  published, 
the  perforated  plates  were  applied  to  the 
after  set  of  boilers  (see  page  114.)  The 
application  has  since  been  made  to  the  six 
furnaces  of  the  fore  set  of  boilers,  and  with 
equal  success. 

Mr.  Baddeley  observes,  that  « no  refined 
question  of  chemistry  is  at  issue,  neither  is 
the  claim  of  Mr.  Williams  to  the  Argand 
fornace  disputed."  I  do  not  understand 
what  is  meant  by  the  term  "r^ned  question 
of  chemistry."  The  chemical  union,  which 
is  combustion,  is  the  same  in  all  cases ;  and 
Mr.  Parker's  mode  of  introducing  the  air, 
ihroughpefforationtf  being  identical  with  that 
adopted  l^  me,  as  regards  chemistry,  it 
roust  be  equally  applicable  in  the  one  case 
as  the  other. 

As  to  the  mode  wUch  Mr.  Parker  con- 
siders his  epeoial  invention,  if  Mr.  Baddeley 
will  refer  to  page  92  of  my  treatise,  figs.  89 
and  40  (a  copy  of  which  1  beg  to  forward, 
through  you.  Sir,  for  that  gentleman's  ac- 
ceptance), he  will  there  see  it  given  as  an 
illustration  of  the  fact,  that  the  air  may  be 
advantageously  introduced  into  any  part  of 
a  furnace,  and  on  which  point  he  will,  at 
page  91,  find  the  following:  ''With  refer- 
enoe  to  the  place  for  the  admission  of  the  air, 
it  is  here  sUted  advisedly,  that  it  is  a  matter 
of  perfect  indifference,  as  to  effect,  in  what 
part  of  a  furnace  or  flue  it  (the  air  distri- 
bntor)  is  introduced,  provided  this  all-im- 
portant condition  be  attended  to,  namely, 
that  the  wuchanieal  mixture  of  the  air  and 
the  gas  be  continuously  effected  before  the 
temperature  of  the  carbon  of  the  gas  (then 
in  the  state  of  flame)  be  reduced  below  that 
of  ignition." 

I  trust  I  have  sufficiently  removed  the 
misapprehensions  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Bad- 
deley. If  not,  I  shall  be  happy  to  afford 
any  furthier  explanation  that  may  be  neces- 
sary, 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  ftc, 

Charles  W.  Williams. 
Uverpool,  Jan.  S7, 1855. 


ON  THE  COMBUSTION  OF  COALS 
AND  THE  ABSORPTION  OF  HEAT. 
To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 
Sir, — Your  most  valuable  and  instruc- 
tive journal  has  for  some  time  back  con- 
tained so  many  learned  expositions  on  the 
consumption  of  smoke,  and  letters  disput- 
ing the  preference  of  the  hot  or  cold  air 
systems,  to  be  introduced  in  various  ways  in 
small  fiims  to  inflame  the  smoke  issuing 
from  the  furnace,  that  it  appears  as  if  the 
onlv  object  of  the  proprietors  of  steam- 
boilers  was  to  consume  or  destroy  entirely 
the  smoke  produced  by  imperfect  combus- 
tion, by  any  means,  eo4lte  qui  coAte,  to  obey 
literally  the  wise  and  beneficial  law;  the 
spirit  of  which,  however,  is  to  direct  the 
attention  of  builders  and  proprietors  of 
steam  boilers  to  improve  the  combustion, 
and  by  it  increase  the  generation  of  steam, 
economise  their  coals,  and  abate  or  reduce 
the  issue  of  smoke  so  far  that  it  could  not 
be  called  a  nuisance.  The  problem  to  be 
resolved  should  not  be,  how  to  consume  the 
smoke  produced,  but  how  to  prevent  smoke 
issuing  at  all.  Having  in  vain  made  in- 
quiries about  works  treating  on  the  im- 
nortant  objects  named  at  the  head  of  my 
letter,  and  finding  that  not  a  single  boiler  is 
constructed  on  land  or  water  with  a  view  to 
a  complete  absorption  of  heat,  and  that  even 
the  principles  of  the  most  complete  absorp- 
tion appear  to  be  unknown  or  not  attended  to, 
and  that  therefore  in  the  best  possible  Argand 
furnace,  in  smoke  or  in  flame,  a  very  large 

auantity  of  heat  and  coals  is  wasted  through 
it  chimney,  I  have  considered  it  my  duty 
to  gite  the  benefit  of  my  long  researches 
and  practical  experience  in  a  treatise  about 
to  be  published  to  the  industrial  world,  and 
to  expose  the  theories  of  production  and 
absorption  of  heat  from  time  to  time  in  your 
Journal,  if  found  agreeable.  My  object  is 
to  draw  the  attention  of  your  readers  and 
proprietors  of  steam  boilers  to  the  fact,  that 
as  economy  in  coals,  and  quick  and  copious 
generation  of  steam,  must  be  their  principal 
objects,  they  should,  as  a  criterion  of  the 
value  of  any  patented  invention,  claiming 
improvement  in  combustion,  or  in  prevent- 
ing  or  consuming  smoke,  first  inquire  how 
much  water  would  be  evaporated  from  1  lb. 
of  coals  7  I  am  not  a  disinterested  person  ; 
and  as  Mr.  Williams  claims  the  priority  and 
preference  in  all  smoke-avoiding  schemes 
through  the  introduction  of  atmospheric  air 
in  small  films,  I  claim  the  preference  in 
improved  combustion  and  absorption  of 
heat,  and  will  undertake  to  evaporate  about 
12  lbs.  of  water  from  1  lb.  of  West  Hartley 
coals  in  12  seconds.  I  enclose  the  testimo- 
nials, showing  that  I  have  practieally  done 
it,  from  ooala  of  an  inferior  quality,  and  less 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


110 


ASTBONOiaOAI.  OI.OOK0* 


Ui  pr6pdrtfo&.  Y«t»  I  oliftltolifte  ttty  ona.td 
do  the  flame,  without  using  the  principles 
and  modes  of  my  two  patented  inventions  of 
the  undulAted  firegrate  and  metallic  fluei,  of 
the  lattfer  of  whieb  I  gave  an  etplanation, 
inserted  in  your  last  Numbbr^  on  ''The 
Prevention  of  Incrustation  inBoilers/'  which 
at  the  same  time  shows  it  to  be  the  beet 
possible  means  for  obtaining  the  absorption 
and  utilisation  of  heat.  Withotit  mention, 
ing  parties'  names,  I  will  enter  into  a  com- 
parison between  quick  and  slew  combustion. 
In  the  latter  the  entire  destruction  of 
stnoke  appears  to  be  the.  only  and  principal 
object  to  be  arrived  at*  by  the  use  of  costly 
machinery)  and  with  great  expenses  fdr 
boilers  and  waste  of  coals.  My  object, 
which  I  have  successfully  Attained^  is,  to 
produce  in  the  shortesl  time  the  greatest 
volume  of  steam  with  the  greatest  economy 
in  coals)  feeding  by  hand)  without  ma- 
chilieryi  By  a  calculation  made  on  in- 
formation received  by  good  authority,  the 
generation  of  steam  on  the  slow-burning 
system,  with  the  use  of  small  coals*  is  so 
diminished  that  three  boilers,  with  the  pa- 
tent apparatus  and  machinery,  are  required 
to  produce  as  much  steam  power  as  I  can 
produce  ftom  one  boiler,  without  ma. 
Dhiuery,  but  provided  with  my  undulated 
firegrate  and  metallic  fiuet,  using  good 
West  Hartley  coalu  If  coals  of  an  equal 
quality  are  used  in  both  systems,  I  can  still 
produce  from  one  boiler  as  knuch  steam  as 
Ihey  can  from  two,  with  the  saving  of  one- 
third  part  in  the  cost  for  fuel  i  this  shows 
that)  like  gold,  the  entire  destruction  of 
smoke  may  be  too  dearly  purchased.  The 
immense  economy  of  the  rapid  and  im- 
proved combustion  ■against  slow  burning 
with  small  coals  is  evident ;  two  boileri,  of 
equal  siae,  and  their  wear  and  tear^  and  two 
apparatus  snd  machinery  are  saved.  The 
expense  of  my  undulated  firegrate,  with 
hollow  bars  and  the  metallic  flues,  is  about 
the  saiiie  Us  one  apparatus  on  the  slow, 
burning  system.  I  can  prove  the  truth  of 
this  assertion  ;  and  even  if  I  had  not  a  right 
to  speak  of  the  advantages  of  my  invention, 
in  comparison  witii  another  in  direct  oppo- 
sition to  my  system,  it  too  much  conceroa 
the  public  benefit  for  me  to  keep  it  con- 
cealed firom  personal  regards.  I  will  only 
say  a  word  about  perfect  combustion,  and 
then  leave  this  new  view  of  the  smoke  ques- 
tion to  the  consideitition  of  your  scientific 
readers.  One  of  your  most  zealous  scien- 
titic  cormpondents  says,  in  one  of  his 
letters,  *'  The  power  of  efifeoting  a  more  in- 
tense and  rapid  combustion  is  just  the  de- 
sideriitum  #6  are  in  search  of;"  but  may  I 
not  be  enabled,  by  the  foregoing  assertions 
(which  you  know^  fl'om  my  encloiure,  are 
tnte)|  to  elAim  the  honour  of  having  already 


diseoveted  and  practieally  earried  out  this 
desiderattim  to  a  certain  degree  7  Unluckily, 
circumstances  have  prevented  my  bringing 
it  to  the  general  knowledge  of  die  public, 
and  very  fytr  persons  know  it  i  yet  I  may  be 
permitted  to  conclude  by  claiming  also  the 
first  discovery  and  adoption  of  a  principle 
by  which  really  |ie^c<  comlnuHon  is  effected. 
I  call  it  perfi!ot  combustion,  if  I  can  change 
th«  coals,  without  the  issue  of  any  smoke, 
into  white  flames,  without  introdueing  any 
other  atmospheric  air  whatever  than  that 
which  passes  through  the  fireban  in  the 
burning  coalt.  I  have  practically  done  that 
utider  the  protection  of  my  last  patent,  ob- 
tained for  improvements  in  furnaces  and 
ovens  for  bakers  and  confectioners.  I  prove 
it  to  you  by  the  certificates  from  two  highly 
respectable  bakers  in  London,  and  this  is 
coupled  with  the  saving  of  half  the  fuel,  and 
other  advantages.  In  asking  your  pardon 
for  having  occupied  such  a  large  space  of 
your  valuable  Journal,  which  is  the  only  one 
that  allows  the  patentee  inventor  to  commu- 
nicate the  results  of  his  experiments  to  the 
public, 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &&, 
AnthgHt  B.  Yoic  Rathbn. 

4,  Crsfteent-plaee,  Blaekftiars, 
Jan.  SI,  1850. 


BLACK  SEA  TELEGRAPH  CABLE. 
Tbb  facility  with  which  the  operations  of 
the  Gutta  Percha  Company  are  at  present 
conducted  at  the  Whatf-road  Works,  has 
lately  been  exhibited  in  a  remarkable  man- 
ner in  the  preparation  of  the  cable  for  the 
Black  3ea  Telegraph,  the  whole  360  miles 
of  which  were  covered  within  Jtftftn  dtufi  of 
the  receipt  of  the  order  from  Messrs. 
Kewall  and  Co.,  the  contractors. 


ASTRONOMICAL  CLOCKS. 

To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 

Sir, — I  shall  feel  obliged  by  any  of  your 
correspondents,  familiar  with  the  subject  I 
am  about  to  mention,  if  they  will  be  good 
enough  to  suggest  a  contrivance  by  which 
the  difficulty  it  involves  may  be  obviated. 
In  few  words,  I  require  a  piece  of  apparatus 
which  may  be  atuched  to  an  astronomical 
dock  for  the  putpose  of  registering  the 
seoond  and  tenth  part  of  a  second  at  which 
a  star  or  other  object  may  pass  the  wires  in 
transit  observations. 

One  or  two  modes  of  effecting  this  have 
occurred  to  my  mind,  but  of  so  complicated 
a  nature  as  to  be  questionable  in  their  re- 
sults, or  inapplicable  to  the  conditions  of 
the  case. 

I    have   heard    of   the    electro-galvanic 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


l^KnttOAnOMS  OF  PAXKITS  BBOBMTLT  VOBD. 


Ill 


plan  exhibited  by  an  American  artist,  bat  I 
was  not  so  Fortunate  as  to  see  it  at  the  fix- 
hibitioii  of  1851  ;  and,  from  the  accouht  t 
have  received  of  it,  conclude  the  cldck 
itself  was  peculiarly  constructed  to  the  end 
in  view.  Simplicity,  I  take  it,  must  form 
an  essential  element  in  such  a  piece  o^ 
machinery  as  I  have  indicated. 

I  need  scarcely  say  that  the  clock  to 
which  it  is  required  to  attach  this  apparatus 
is  of  the  usual  kind— <iea(^  beat  escapement, 
and  one  second  penduluitt.  The  number  in 
the  escapement  wheel  pinion  is  high,  but  1 
am  unable  at  present  to  state  the  number  of 
iu  leaves. 

Trusting  that  you  will  oblige  me  by  in- 
serting thii  in  your  valuable  Magazine, 
t  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c«, 

Londoft,  laa.  2B,  1855. 


MR.  C.  WYE  WILLIAMS  ON 
COMBUSTION. 
to  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechcmlea*  Magazine, 
8ili,^>SiDoe  writing  my  renunciation  of 
the  "  league,"  it  has  occurred  to  me,  that 
the  very  best  way  of  settling  the  matter 
Uiertin  referred  to,  would  be  for  Mr.  Wil- 
liams to  forward  for  the  columns  of  ^ur 
widely  circulated  Journal  the  paragraph  ih 
correction  of  the  error,  which  wa«  sUbmitttd 
to  my  approral,  wiih  the  view  of  having  it 
pHnted  and  bound  up  as  a  supplementary 
page  to  the  last  edition  of  the  work  on  Gom<- 
Dusdon.  The  errt>r  is  of  incalculable  im- 
portance, and  not  the  less  injuriouk,  while  it 
remains  uncontradicted,  from  having  beiin 
originally  the  mere  ttiili  of  accidi^nt  Its 
correction  in  your  columns  will  go  fkr  to 
redeem  the  promise  g^iven  me,  that  every 
possible  public  reparation  should  be  madb  ; 
and  as  I  entertain  perfbct  confidence  ih  the 
bcnaJUei  of  Mr.  Williams,  and  the  spirit  of 
candour  which  pervades  his  writings,  I  can 
have  no  doubt  that  he  will  gladly  avail  him- 
self of  this  my  present  suggestion. 
I  am)  Sir)  yours,  6ltc., 

DaviI)  MusAet. 
Jtanakt  S^,  1B55. 

— 4 — 

iSPfeCIFiCATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECRKTLY  FILED. 

BfeJLki},  Oeorqe,  and  William  Beard, 
both  of  Cannon- sbeet,  London^  pin  and 
needle-mauufacturers.  An  improved  needle- 
depositor.  Patent  dated  ^uly  7,  1B54.  (No. 
1495.) 

This  Invention  consists  in  so  constructing 
a  thachine  for  depositing  needles,  that  they 
may  be  readily  examined  as  they  are  placed 
ih  the  packing  papers. 


Norton,  Jambs  Lee,  of  HolUnd-street, 
Blackfriars,  Surrey,  gentleman.  Improve- 
ments in  tumitile  couHting  apparatus.  Pa- 
tent dated  July  7,  1854.    (No.  1498.) 

The  inventor  curves  the  arms  of  turnstiles 
in  order  to  allow  only  on6  person  to  pass 
tiirough  at  the  time,  &c. 

Ellisdon,  Joseph,  of  Liverpool,  Lan- 
caster, designer  and  cabinet-maker.  Im- 
provements  applicable  to  rea^ng,  lounging^ 
and  other  chairs.  Patent  dated  July  7,  1854. 
(No.  1499.) 

The  inventor  forms  the  seat  and  back  (and 
arms  when  arms  are  required)  together  in 
one  piece,  which  he  mounts  upon  the  lower 
portion  of  the  chair,  which  consists  of  a 
ptout  frame,  supported  by  and  attached  to 
legs  of  a  suitable  height.  The  upper  and 
lower  portions  of  the  chair  are  connected 
in  such  a  way  that  the  former  is  free  to 
k'otate  horizontally  upon  a  pivot  or  friction- 
rollers. 

Cottam,  Henry  IIichard,  of  Argyle- 
square,  King's-cross.  Improvements  in  horse- 
mangers.  Patent  dated  July  t,  1854.  (No. 
1500.) 

The  inventor  causes  the  halter  to  paa| 
between  two  rollers,  and  the  weight  attached 
to  it  to  slide  in  guidea,  instead  of  swinging 
loose,  as  usual. 

Waller,  Thomas,  of  Eatcliffe,  Middle- 
sex,  ironmonger.  Improvements  in  the  con- 
struction  qf  stoves  and  other  jfre-plaees.  Pa- 
tent  dated  July  8,  1^54.    (No.  1501.) 

This  invention  consists  m  a  mode  of  lin- 
ing stoyes  or  fire-pUces,  in  which  the  back 
fire-tile  is  fixed,  and  the  side  ones  moveable 
or  oiherwise ;  in  a  certain  arrangement  of 
the  bars  and  hobs ;  and  in  sometimes  dis- 
pensing with  a  portion  of  the  nre-bars. 
.  RoBiKsoN,  William,  of  Manchester, 
Lancaster,  screw-bolt  maker,  and  Aobbrt 
Crichton,  of  the  same  place,  engineer. 
Improvements  in  nM^nery  or  apparatus  for 
rolling  mitals  into  suitable  shapes  or  forms. 
Patent  dated  July  8(  1854.    (No.  1502.) 

Claim. — "  The  use  of  rollers,  in  rolling 

,  machines,  with  their  surfaces  or  peripheries 

formed   so  as  to  give  the  pbject  passinff 

through  them  the  form  or  shape  required, 

as  hexagonal  nuts,  or  similar  articles." 

TindjLll,  Lorenzo;  of  Scarborough, 
"^ork,  ironmonger.  Improvements  in  hruising 
or  reducing  grain  and  other  substances.  Patent 
dated  July  6.  1854.     (No,  1503.) 

claim. — 1.  A  mode  of  bruising  or  reduc- 
ing grain,  and  other  matters  by  means  of  a 
ribbed  or  Serrated  cylinder  working  in  con- 
tiguity with  an  a^ustable  serrated  bar.  8. 
A  mode  of  guiding  or  directing  the  grain 
down  to  the  disintegrating  surfaces,  by 
means  of  a  recessed  or  inclined  bar^  or  guide 
surfaces.  3.  The  application  of  a  holding 
reeess  or  space,  for  keeping  the  grain  or 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


112 


BPECIFIOATIONS  OF  PAHSNTS  BECENTLY  FILED. 


ether  substance,  well  up  to  the  grinding 
actioc:, 

JouNJ^ON,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fiiii';%  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
menu  ir.  fhe  manirfiaetwre  of  carbonates  cf  toda. 
(A  co!iji!mnication.)  Patent  dated  July  8, 
1854.    (No.  1504.) 

CfaiMU)-.— 1.  The  use  of  fuel  gases,  or  the 
gaseoiiB  products  arising  from  the  combus- 
tion  of  l\iel,  for  the  obtainment  of  pure,  or 
nearly  p'lre,  carbonic  acid  gas  by  applying 
the  said  fuel  gases  under  pressure  to  soda 
and  pifli.Oi,  and  to  the  carbonates  or  solu- 
tions (jf  i^ese  matters,  so  as  to  form  highly 
carbo«*iaf<.)d  compounds  from  which  pure,  or 
nearly  p:ife  carbonic  acid  gas  is  evolved  by 
the  aj^micy  of  heat  2.  The  use  of  fuel 
gases  in  ])rocuring  comparatively  pure  car- 
bonic ft  :ld  gas  by  applying  the  said  fuel 
gases  nr.dcr  pressure  to  water  or  to  solutions, 
so  thrt  comnaratively  pure  carbonic  acid 
gas  VLBy  be  obtained  when  the  water  is  with- 
drawn nud  released  from  pressure,  or  when 
such  Jiiipregnated  water  or  solutions  are 
hcatecl.    3.  The  use  of  fuel  gases  under 

Sressi:re,  as  before  described,  directly  to  the 
ecoti. position  of  the  salts  of  soda  by  the 
reactlau  of  ammoniacal  compounds,  such 
pressure  being  about  sufficient  for  the  pro- 
ductiL*ri  of  such  an  atmosphere  of  carbonic 
acid  ^as  as  shall  present  any  material  sola- 
.  tlliza.'i3n  of  ammonia,  &c. 

SimjLAiR,  the  Honourable  James,  com- 
monly  called  Lord  Berriedale,  of  Hill- 
streeij  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  the  ma-^ 
nufa'Xwof  paiper^  and  m  the  production  qf 
Uxti'fs  matcrialt.  Patent  dated  July  8, 1 854. 
(No.  1506.) 

Ccitoi.— 1.  The  use  of  the  thistle  plant, 
or  {lants  of  the  thistle  species,  for  the 
obta'nment  of  fibrous  materials  to  be  used 
for  the  manufacture  of  paper.  2.  The  use 
of  the  thistle  plant,  or  plants  of  the  thistle 
species,  in  the  manufacture  or  production 
of  textile  materials. 

Bauwens,   Felix  Lieven,  of  Pimlico, 
Middlesex,  manufacturer.     Improvements  in 
the  mant^aeture  rfeoap.    Patent  dated  July 
18,  1854.    (No.  1506.) 

Tliis  invention  consists  in  peroxldizing 
any  oxide  of  iron  that  may  be  present  in 
neutral  or  acid  fatty  matters  undergoing 
the  process  of  saponification,  by  the  injec- 
tion of  atmospheric  air  or  oxygen,  and  then 
removing  the  peroxidlzed  iron  by  the  aid  of 
a  Isolation  or  infasion  of  tannic  or  gallic 
acid,  or  any  other  acid  or  principle  capable 
of  combining  with  the  peroxidized  iron. 
The  process  of  soap  making  is  afterwards 
fin islied  with  the  purified  materials  in  the 
ordinary  manner. 

WaiTWORTH,  Thomas  Schofibld,  of 
Salford,  Lancaster,  mechanic.  Improve^ 
ments  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  cutting 


or  shaping  wood,  parts  of  which  are  partieU' 
tariff  applicable  in  the  construction  of  epkn^ 
ning-machinery.  Patent  dated  July  8,  1854. 
(No.  1507.) 

This  invention  consists  mainly  in  the  use  of 
drilled  holes  or  other  openings  in  the  mate- 
rial to  be  operated  upon  as  a  medium  for 
carrying  it  forward  to  receive  successive 
cuts,  by  which  rectangular  recesses  are 
formed ;  and  in  the  combined  action  of  one 
cutter  for  piercing  the  outline  of  the  rect- 
angular cut,  and  a  second  for  removing  the 
portion  so  marked  out 

Saxby,  Stephen  Martin,  of  South 
Lambeth,  Surrey,  gentleman.  An  improve- 
ment or  improvements  in  making  fast,  and 
letting  go,  the  cords  qf  window  blinds,  which 
said  improvement  or  improvements  may  also  be 
applied  to  the  fastening  and  letting  go  qf 
ropes,  cords,  lines,  wires,  and  chains,  for 
various  other  purposes.  Patent  dated  July 
10,  1854.    (No.  1510.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  construe 
tion  of  an  apparatus  for  making  fast  and 
letting  go  cords,  ropes,  &c.,  formed  of  a 
curved  plate  or  roller  mounted  eccentrically 
upon  an  axis,  between  the  edge  of  which 
plate  and  a  fixed  portion  of  the  apparatus 
the  cord,  rope,  or  chain  may  be  we^ed. 

BiDDELL,  Oeobge  Arthur,  of  Ipswich, 
Suffolk,  engineer.  Iwtprovements  in  maehtnes 
for  cutting  vegetable  and  other  substances. 
Patent  dated  July  10,  1854.    (No.  1512.) 

This  invention  consists  in  combining  a 
cam  or  cams  with  a  friction  roller  or  rollers 
and  a  lever,  for  the  purpose  of  advancing 
the  v^etable  or  other  substances  towards 
the  knives. 

WoLVERSON,  Edwin,  of  Aston-juxta- 
Birmingham,  Warwick,  machinist  jf  new 
or  improved  lock.  Patent  dated  July  11. 
1854.    (No.  1514.) 

This  invention  consists  in  attaching  to 
the  bolts  of  locks,  plates  which  have  a 
sliding  motion  transverse  to  the  motion  of 
the  bolts,  and  which  require  to  be  raised  to 
particular  heights,  respectively,  before  the 
bolt  can  be  withdrawn.  The  plates  are 
raised  to  the  proper  heights  by  means  of 
slides  on  which  the  key  first  acts,  and  from 
which  they  are  isolated,  except  during  the 
motion  of  the  key  prior  to  the  withdrawal 
of  the  bolt 

Walrbr,  Matthias,  of  Horsham,  Sus- 
sex, ironmonger.  An  improved  construction 
of  cooking-stove.  Patent  dated  July  11. 
1854.    (No.  1516.) 

When  constructing  a  stove  with  a  boiler 
and  oven,  the  inventor  so  arranges  the 
parts,  that  the  fire  is  placed  between  them, 
and  he  leads  off  the  heat  by  lateral  openings 
in  the  fire-place,  one  current  of  heated  gat 
acting  upon  the  boiler,  and  the  other  circu- 
lating round  the  oven.    The  boiler  is  set  at 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


8PE0IFI0ATI0MS  OV  PATENTS  RECENTLY  FILED. 


113 


a  higher  level  than  the  fire-place,  and  hy 
means  of  a  flue,  the  flame  and  beat  are 
made  to  pass  under  it 

Harding,  Thomas  Richards,  of  Leeds, 
York,  hackle  and  hackle-pin  manufacturers. 
An  improved  mode  qf  doJiNg  fibrous  materiaU 
from  hackle  cylinders,  and  gill,  or  porcvptne, 
or  preparing  rollers.  Patent  dated  July  1 1, 
18^4.    (No.  1617.) 

This  invention  mainlv  consists  in  the  use 
and  application  of  stripper-pins  or  teeth, 
which,  while  in  action,  are  made  to  travel 
laterally,  so  that  their  poioto  may  be  kept 
in  the  helical  lines  or  grooves  of  the  pins  m 
the  porcupine  or  other  cylinders  or  rollers 
which  require  doffing. 

CoviER,  Victor  Gustavb  Abel,  che- 
mist, of  Seloncourt,  France.  An  improved 
apparatue,  having  for  its  object  the  combustioH 
rf  fit/el  and  the  uHUxoHon  qf  the  gaseous  pro^ 
duets  for  heating  and  other  uaefiU  metailurgis 
purposes.  Patent  dated  July  11, 1864.  (No. 
1519.) 

This  apparatus,  which  the  inventor  deno- 
minates **  The  fiyper-Oaco-Pyrog^ne,'*  and 
which  is  intended  for  the  production  of 
combiutible  gases  from  wood,  charcoal, 
peat,  &c.  ftc,  or  from  these  solid  sub- 
stances in  combination  with  tar,  or  oily  or 
fatty  matters,  &c,  will  be  fully  described 
hereaAer. 

HouoHTON,  William,  and  Robert 
HoTLB,  both  of  Bury,  Lancaster,  machine 
makers.  Improvements  in  machinery  for 
spimung  and  doubling  cotton  and  other  fibrous 
substances.  Patent  dated  July  12,  1854. 
(No.  1521.) 

This  invention,  which  is  applicable  to 
self-acting  mules,  consists — 1.  In  certain 
improved  combinations  of  machinery  for 
throwing  out  of  gear  the  catoh-boxes  by 
which  Sie  drawing-rollers  are  made  to 
revolve  and  the  carriage  made  to  ran  out, 
for  stopping  the  spindles  for  stripping  the 
yarn  off  the  bare  part  of  the  spindles,  for 
working  the  fallers,  and  for  bringing  the 
carriage  up  to  the  roller  beam ;  also  in 
modifications  of  the  same  for  the  purpose 
of  producing  after  draught  for  giving  twist 
and  for  backing  off.  2.  In  the  application 
of  an  expanding  pulley  or  drum,  supported 
in  the  carriage  for  winding  the  yam  on  the 
spindles.  3.  In  an  improved  scavenger  for 
cleaning  the  flyings  or  dust  off  the  roller- 
beam  and  carriage-top,  or  either  of  them. 

Maoos,  Oliver,  of  Bourtoo,  Dorset. 
Improvements  in  thrashing  machines.  Patent 
dated  July  24,  1854.    (No.  1524.) 

The  invention  consists  in  combining  ele- 
vating apparatus  and  a  weighing  machine 
with  the  thrashing  and  winnowing  appara- 
tus,  in  such  manner  that  several  successive 
blasts  are  caused  to  act  upon  the  materials 
under  operation. 


Cooke,  Luke,  of  Sower  by- bridge,  York, 
manager.  Improvements  iu  machinery  or 
apparatus  for  preparing  cotton,  wool,  or  other 
fibrous  substances  to  be  spun.  Patent  dated 
July  12,  1854.     (No.  1525.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  blowing 
machine  which  is  used  for  opening  and 
cleaning  fibrous  materials,  and  consists  in 
placing  one  or  more  small  beaters  imder  the 
usual  beater  and  feed  tollers,  working  in 
opposite  directions;  the  beaters  revolve  all 
one  way,  but  the  blades  at  the  working 
parts  pass  each  other  in  opposite  direc- 
tions. 

Knowelden,  John,  of  Church-road, 
Battersea,  Surrey,  engineer.  Inducements 
in  steam-boiler  and  other  furnaces.  Patent 
dated  July  12,  1854.    (No.   1526.) 

This  invention  consists  in  arranging  tlie 
fire-bars  of  furnaces,  so  that  a  portion  of 
them  on  every  alternate  bar  shall  have  both 
an  up  and  down,  and  a  backward  and  for- 
ward  motion,  whilst  the  other  portion  of  the 
bars  are  either  stationary,  or  have  a  slight 
vertical  motion,  and  rest  upon  bearers,  so 
that  the  weight  of  one  set  or  portion  of  the 
bars  counterbalances  an  equal  weight  of  the 
other  portion. 

Oilbeb,  William  Armand,  of  South- 
street,  London,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
the  application  to  weaving  of  certain  textile 
plants  not  hitherto  employed,  eitlter  alone  or  in 
combination  with  silk,  cotton,  and  other  fibrous 
substances.  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  July  12,  1854.    (No.  1531.) 

This  invention  consists  "  in  the  employ- 
ment of  the  fibres  of  the  corchorus  junoeus, 
corchoras  olitoreus,  and  corchorus  capsu- 
laris,  either  alone,  combined  together,  or 
mixed  with  other  fibrous  substances  for  the 
manufacture  of  cloths,  carpets,  and  other  fa- 
brics." 

Lanb,  Arthur  James,  of  Surbiton, 
Surrey,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  breech- 
loading  fire-arms.  Patent  dated  July  13, 
1854.    (No.  1536.) 

The  inventor  first  hinges  the  breech-piece 
of  the  gun  to  the  iron  work  of  the  stock 
which  receives  the  breech,  technically 
termed  the  break-off,  by  means  of  a  screw 
pivot  or  pin,  upon  which  the  breech  moves 
freely.  He  then  connects  the  barrel  of  the 
gun  to  the  break-off,  by  attaching  to  or 
forming  upon  the  breech- end  of  the  barrel 
on  each  side  a  bar  of  metal  with  a  hole  in  it, 
through  which  screws,  entering  the  break- 
off,  pass. 

FouLKEs,  Thomas  Bennett,  of  the  firm 
of  Abel  and  Thomas  Bennett  Foulkes,  of 
Chester,  glove-manufacturer.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture  of  self^a^usting  gloves. 
Patent  dated  July  13,  1854.    (No.  1537.) 

This  invention  consists  *'  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  gore  of  elastic  material  inserted 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


114 


PR0YI6IOVAX.  flPEGIFICA.1!I0lf6  NOT  PBOOEBMBD  WITH. 


at  the  wrist  part  of  glovet)  known  to  the 
trade  as  gauntlets." 

GreeHwood,  JohH)  of  Irwell-springti 
ilear  Baeup,  Lancaster,  I'urkey'.recl  dyet^ 
and  Robert  Sti itit^  of  Bacilp,  tnAttufio^ 
turer.  Certain  imprm)ement»  in  ntmg,  s^ff- 
ening,  and  tithing  igxHle  maieriaU  and 
^bries.  Patent  dated  July  18»  1854.  (Nov 
1588.) 

The  inventor  employs  for  the  above  pur* 
poses  rye  flour,  xye  flour  combined  with 
chloride  of  calcium  or  chloride  of  magne* 
sium,  or  the  latter  "  mixed  with  any  amy* 
laceous  substances." 

TratiS)  Edwin,  of  Oldham,  Lancaster, 
cotton  spinner  and  manufietur^h  Certain 
imftrovements  in  maehinery  or  aftp^ratut  for 
indicating  fke  height  of  wafer ,  and  aUo  thS 
prtinare  ofefeam  in  tteom  hoi^ere  and  gemeta- 
tere.  Patent  dated  July  18,  1854.  (Nob 
1540.) 

The  inventor  describes  an  apparatus  for 
registering  Cokitinually  the  heights  of  water, 
in  which  a  float  rises  and  falls  in  a  tube^ 
and,  acting  upon  a  band  whieh  it  tightens, 
thus  produces  a  partial  rotary  motion  in  a 
wheel)  and  sets  revolving  a  small  drum  on 
the  outside  of  the  lube,  which  drum  takes 
on  or  gives  off  a  registering  band.  He  em. 
ploys  also  a  bcnt  metcury  tube  for  register- 
ihg  pressure. 

HackisTT,  Johii,  of  Derby,  maAufiietnreK 
A  netb  method  offoMtehin^  Ihi  ends  ef  Indka-^ 
mbber  eloith  cord  anS  india-ruhher  eteffk; 
web.  Patent  dated  July  18,  1654;  (Ko^ 
1541.) 

This  invention  consists  in  fastehing  the 
overlapped  eAds  of  India  tiibber  cord  and 
web,  by  means  of  a  thin  piece  of  metal 
wriipped  round  them  in  a  similar  Inanner  to 
thAt  in  whieh  a  tag  is  applied  to  th«  end  of 
a  stay-lace. 

BoDMfcR,  RunOL^ti}  of  Thsvi«s.inti,  Hbl. 
btti>hi  London.  The  appfitAtion  4/*  gMit, 
erfMtalf  or  other  vitreous  mateHai,  ^  qfetMh*- 
enware  {ciramique)  to  certain  parte  qf  liuk^ 
Winery.  (A  commutilcationO  Pateiit  dated 
July  13,  1854.    (No.  1542.) 

This  invention  cohsists  in  thb  tipplicittion 
of  steps,  sockets,  or  bearings,  made  of  glASs^ 
crystal,  or  other  ritreClis  ttSMKalj  or  of 
earthtinware,  to  all  kindfc  of  mschiHery. 

CHAUVBt,  JEAir  BA^TISTii,   flU,  Of  Ait| 

Provence.    A  new  tysiem  oftinehor.    Patent 
dsted  July  13,  1834.    (No.  1548.) 

The  inventor  dencribes  ftn  Uttehori  whibh 
be  calls  the  **  Tutela  anchor,"  in  which  the 
arms  are  so  swivelled  that  they  move  in  a 
plane  St  right  angles  to  that  in  which  the 
Dt-dihary  arms  more,  both  flukes  taking  and  ' 
holding  into  the  ground  at  the  satoie  time. 

MarVon,  Robert  ^ames,  gentleman,  of 
York- road,  Lambeth,  Surrey.  Tmprotfementt 
in  the  construction  off  and  arrangement  ^,  and 


oi^tieaHon  ^  o»am  engiiM  /or  the  better 
meant  of  tranemitting  motion^  and  ofapplffin^ 
steam  or  other  motive  power.  Patent  dated 
^uly  18,  1854.    (No.  1544.) 

This  invention  comprises  a  variety  of  ar* 
rangements  of  steam  engines,  and  the  parts 
of  engines,  which  we  shall  probably  describe 
at  the  nfccesaary  length  hereafUr. 

Stocker,  Alexander  Sovthwooo,  of 
Poultry,  London^  manufacturer.  tmipr(fee~ 
mtnU  in  Mrfeti  Patent  dated  July  14^  1854» 
(No.  1545.) 

CIWiNt.— 1.  The  making  of  axles  in  which 
one  tube  is  shrank  on  to  or  formed  or  drawn 
over  another.  2.  The  combination  of  n 
tube  or  tubes  with  a  trilateral,  cruciform^  or 
other  similar  sectioned  core;  8b  "  The  mak- 
ing of  axles  with  a  series  of  tubes,  as  de- 
scribed>  whether  the  tubes  be  made  in  the 
ordinary  methods  at  ptesent  in  use  for  mak- 
ing  tnbesi  or  by  any  other  plan;  as  als^ 
whether  they  are  first  manufactured  and 
shrunk  on  or  otherwise  applied,  or  are 
formed  on  or  npon  the  eore  or  journals."  4. 
dalvanicfng  tubular  axles» 

k^Ro^UtbNXt  fepEctt'tcATti^irs  Hot  i^Ro- 
dEEDEtt  VrtR. 

MoRisoN,  An0RBw»  of  tnchmichael, 
Perth,  Scotland,  farmer.  An  improved  mode 
of  protieting  or  preserving  agri&Utural  and 
kortumiiural  produce  from  diseaee  or  blight, 
AppUealiOn  dated  July  7,  1654.  (No. 
1404.) 

This  ibVention  consists  in  placing  metal 
bars,  rods,  or  wires  in  the  ground  for 
attracting  the  electricity  of  the  atmosphere 
and  carrying  it  into  the  earth,  and  thereby 
preventing  the  ordinary  effects  produced  by 
It  upon  plants  and  crops  exposed  to  its 
influence; 

Ross,  JbsSb,  of  Keighley,  York,  gentle- 
man. Improvements  ih  making  compounds  ef 
ehocoiaie,  eoeoa\  and  other  ingredients  for 
bnulrfast  And  occasional  beveragee»  Appli- 
cation dated  July  7,  1854.     (No.  1496.) 

The  inventor  says  that  in  carrying  out  his 
invention  I  coffee,  chicory^  chocolate,  and 
cocoa  "  may  be  used  in  various  proportions 
and  eombioations.*' 

Nbwtor,  Alfred  Vincent,  of  Chan- 
eefy-lano^  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughts- 
man. An  improved  conetruction  ef  pump  for 
raieing  and  forcing  fluids,  (A  communica- 
tion.) Applieation  dated  Jtily  7,  1854. 
(No.  1497.) 

The  barrel  of  this  improved  pump  is 
fitted  with  two  valve  pistons^  the  rod  of  the 
lower  one  of  which  passes  through  the 
centre  of  the  upper  piston,  and  each  of  the 
two  rods  carries  a  rack  at  its  upper  end* 
These  racks  are  set  back  to  back  and  slide 
in  a  fixed  guide  secured  to  the  pump  eyiin- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOYISIONAL   BPB0IPI6ATI0NB  NOT  PBOOEEDED  WITH. 


115 


axle,  which  has  i\%  \^^vsltk^  «a  ihf  Up  9f 
tlM  9y\xu^u^  and  oanrMt  a  eiw^wliMl  for 
transmHtlDff  motion  io  the  valve  pUtoss, 
Xhia  Qog-wheei  geaf s  into  a  pair  of  segmaAt 
neki,  whiab  ar«  attaehod  to  olhei  ttgii;i«At 
racks  m  gtai  with  the  racks  on  the  yajve 
T9dx  VfheA,  x^vnfo^Qt  hy  QMAD*  o(  a 
ha«ds9i]be»  ok  otberwisa,  (ho  locking  Mclo  ii 
set  m  MOth>B,  the  oo^-whool  whioh  h  oaiw 
ria  will,  thr«uig%  (h^  s^gtnent  V«ck«  aod 
the  straight  t%dU  oa  (hf  fods,  cause  the 
simnltaneous  advance  or  recession  of  the 
two  TslTe  piatoas  to  oi  6f99^  oaoh  other,  and 
therelgr  pioduca  %  o^tiAuoua  Ufti^  Mtion. 

LoiA,  BwwABD,  of  Todnovdea,  York, 
machinist*  ImprovemenU  t»  nuichinery  fifr 
clHP^Mf  9Md  ceriiiiig  toUou  <md  other  jS^ous 
maieriah.  AppUcaiion  dated  J(uly  a,  18^ 
(No.  1508.) 

These  imprQvenieuta  consist  in  9^plying 
nadu  Uie  oeataM,  toothed  c^Uadeie,  or 
win  oylindecB,  of  blowers  and  other  similar 
machmea  ^f  the  like  nature,  a  plate  covered 
with  wire  cards,  or  having  teeth  upon  it, 
sMh  earda  or  teeth  heiag  set  at  aa  angle,  so 
that  the  ftbrons  materii3  under  operation 
will  strip  them  off,  &c. 

Beck,  David,  of  Carlten-hoQse,  South- 
ampton, 4o^or  of  medieina^  Imprmemenis 
m  hr$timg  and  ^Milhng.  Applicittion  dated 
ittlj  10. 1S&4.    (No.l509»> 

This  invention  condats  in  oonvorting  the 
whole  quant^  of  starch  contained  fa  or 
extracted  from' malt  or  grain,  into  sacchA- 
rino  mattes;.  *^  Thia  I  eftot,"  saye  the  in- 
venter,  **  hy  means  of  acids,  but  j^rtfou. 
larly  hy  the  sulphuric  acid  i  after  a  si|j$oi- 
est  decootioD,  I  aepanAa  the  a»id  fiK»n  the 
said  saeeharine  matter,  by  eba^k  or  any 
other  absorhent  or  alkaline  substanee  or 
liquid.  The  aacchariue  loatur  is.  then  f(^- 
menled,  in  the  ordinary  way,  for  the  pns- 
poses  of  brewing  or  distilling.*' 

Swindells,  Israel,  of  Manchester,  l^am- 
caster,  manufacturing  chemist.  Improve- 
mtnU  in  the  treatment  rfwood  and  vegetable 
9U$Uert,  far  <A#  ftrodueticn  of  vegetahk  fikre. 
Application  dated  >uly  10,  18^4.  (No. 
UU.) 

Tho  object  of  thsa  invention  ia  to  iwdnoe 
waste  cuitings  of  timber  and  loppings  of 
trees  to  a  kind  of  vageUble  wool  "  \  tak^ 
any  of  the  aUwlis^"  aaya  the  invtstory  *'  and 
digeat  the  wood  or  vegetabk»  mattet a.  1 
ta]ke  fny  conteoiexxt  ves«el;  fpr  yiood  \ 
take  one  pound  of  any  cauatic  aU^ioir  any 
caustic  earth,  to  one  gallon  of  water,  and 
ateep  for  any  length  of  time,  until  I  pro- 
dace  thi?  desired  ^ct." 

Moore,  Charles  Frederick,  of  ^rts- 
lioadi  park,  Sonfthampton,  lUmpshire,  gen- 
Aeman.  /siprsewMa/a  <»  <Ae  Mm§tnt€»km  amd 
wue^au  apparalut,  eloiet,  or  receptacle,  to  be 


used  instead  of  a  water-cloeet  or  other  neces- 
sary, and  which  mav  be  either  jtxed  or  p^ri- 
abk.  Application  dated  July  11, 18|4.  (No. 
1518.)  ^  "^ 

The  inventor  so  arranges  his  apparatus, 
that  on  a  board  or  step  b^iug  pressed  by  the 
foot  or  other  part  of  the  person  coming  in 
contact  with  the  box,  it  will  act  on  a  lever 
and  spring,  which  will  open  a  trap,  acrfen, 
er  valve,  which  olosee  when  the  prtessure  is 
removed.  He  proposes  to  deodorize  the 
soil  within  the  apparatus. 

Gattt,  Frederick  Albert,  of  Aocrltig- 
ton,  Lancaster,  manufiieturing  chemist  Jn 
hnprooememi  in  the  manufacture  of  printed 
receipt-itampe.  Application  dated  July  12, 
1854.     (No.  1522.) 

This  improvement  consists  in  applying 
such  colours  to  the  printing  of  receipt- 
stamps  as  will  change  or  become  effkced 
when  treated  with  acids  or  other  chemical 
agents.  The  colours  applied  are  lead, 
orange,  i^ltramarine,  blue,  or  some  others 
of  the  same  kind  mixed  with  ghie  or 
gummy  suhatancea,  vithQUt  any  varnish  or 
oily  substance. 

TowNMNO,  Matthew,  of  Leioeater,  loa* 
nufisoturer.  Imfwovemente  in  ike  mans^faoium 
qf  knhted  fabric**  AppKoation  dated  Jtily 
12,1854.    (No.  1523.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  forming 
the  legs  or  ankles  and  part  of  the  feet  of 
'*  circular**  or  **  round  "  knitted  fabric,  and 
in  applying  ''fashioned"  portions  to  fbrm 
the  heels  andtoes^ 

MooEB,  TuouAS  EnviN,  of  Sl  Maryle- 
hone,  Middlesex,  engineer.  ImpronemmU 
in  apparatue  to  be  need  far  extinguishing  firee^ 
Application  dated  July  12,  1854.  (No. 
1527.) 

This  apparatus  is  composed  of  a  vessel 
fenced  or  plate  iron,  circular  at  the  top,0at 
at)  tho  sides  and  end,  and  rounded  at  the 
bottom.  At  each  side  is  a  tank  for  supply- 
ing the  interior  of  the  vesael  with  water,  and 
at  the  front  end  is  a  mouth-piece  with  a 
alidiug  door. 

Armstrong,  Robert,  of  Hall-street, 
City- road,  Middlesex,  consulting  engineer, 
and  James  Bes^nerd  Dew,  of  Pentonville, 
Hiddleees,  gentleman.  An  improved  appa- 
ratm*  fair  oMutuMtag  emoke.  Application 
dated  July  12,  1854.     (No.  1528.) 

The  inventor  proposes  t4  feed  the  furnace 
throngb  a  certain  passage  with  lur  heated 
by  pasaing  between  tho  Srebars  and  a  fixed 
plate. 

LoiAEAu,  Alphonsb  Jul  I  en,  machinist, 
of  Paris,  Ifranoe.  Ceiriem  Mnprettsmeni^  in 
maiif(/(ur/«rtn^  faingee  and  other  plaited 
fatbrics.  Application  dated  July  1?,  1854. 
(No,  U29-) 

The  inventor  employs  a  braiding  ma- 
chine  constructed   with    bobbins,  oarried 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


116 


FBOVISIONAI.  PQOTECTIOKS. 


round  by  revolving  discs  or  heads,  so  as  to 
plat  or  interlace  the  threads,  &c.,  &c. 

Marshall,  Josiah  Thompson,  of  New 
York,  United  States  of  America,  gentleman. 
iMprovement*  in  reefing  andfiirUng  the  taiis  qf 
•hips  or  other  veuele.  Application  dated 
July  12,  1854.    (No.  1530.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  furl  sails  firom 
their  lower  parts,  &c. 

Robertson,  Jamei,  of  Kentish-town, 
Middlesex,  cooper.  Improvemente  in  the  eon- 
twmption  or  prevention  </  tmoke.  Application 
dated  July  12,  1854.    (No.  1582.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  furnace  in  which 
"  the  bridge  is  made  to  overhang  the  bars 
considerably  in  the  direction  of  the  furnace 
door,  and  immediately  in  front  of  the  over- 
hanging portion  of  the  bridge  is  fitted  a 
moveable  inclined  grating,  or  series  of  bars, 
which  oscillate  upon  a  fixed  centre  at  the 
back  of  the  stationary  furnace  bars." 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  October  14,  1854. 
SSOS.  Louisa  Honsani,  of  Greyhound-place,  Old 
Keiit>road,  Surrey,  widow  and  admiuUtiatriz  of 
Willoughby  Theobald  Bfonsani*  lace  of  St.  Janea't- 
tarraee,  Bennoodsey,  Surrey,  gentlemaD,  deeeased. 
Improvements  in  bedsteads,  and  packing-oases  or 
boxes  to  contain  the  same  and  other  articles. 

Dated  November  14, 1854. 
Si14.  George  Bodley,  of  Everard-street  East, 
London.    Improvements  in  revolving  cannon. 

Dated  December  19,  1854. 

2671.  William  Porter  Dreaper,  of  Bold-street, 
Liverpool,  Lancaster,  pianoforte  maoufseturer. 
The  ampr  -     -  -  -    -  - 


fortes. 


improvement  of  the  manufacture  of  piano- 

Dated  Jamutry  1,  1855. 

8.  Joseph  Seguin,  of  Paris,  France,  civil  en- 
gineer. Improvements  in  obtaining  motive  power 
by  the  expansion  of  air,  steam,  and  other  fluids. 

5.  Stephen  Giles,  of  Caledonian- road,  Islington, 
Middlesex,  engineer.    An  Improved  ratchet  brace. 

Dated  January  2,  1855. 

7.  Antoine  RouUion,  gentleman,  of  Paris, 
French  Empire.  Certain  improvements  In  the 
manufacture  of  soap. 

9.  Joseph  Arnold,  of  Tamworth,  Staffbrd.  A 
new  mode  of  ornamenting  bricks,  and  other 
moulded  articles  fox  building  purposes. 

11.  George  Peacock,  of  Graoeehutoh-etrcet, 
London,  ship  owner.  Improvements  in  construct- 
ing propellers  for  ships  and  other  vessels. 

Dated  Jannary  8,  1855. 

18.  FAiz  Gabriel  C«leatin  Dehaynin,  of  Parb, 
France.  Improvements  in  the  purification  of  hy- 
drogen gas. 

15.  Inie  Lippmann,  of  Rue  Geoffrey  St.  Hilaire, 
Paris,  France,  tanner.  An  improved  machine  for 
splitting  or  sawing  the  skins  of  calves,  oxen,  cows, 
horses,  and  other  animals. 

17.  Samuel  Aspinwall  Goddard,  of  Bitmingham, 
Warwick,  merchant  and  manufacturer.  A  new  or 
Improved  flre-arm,  a  portion  of  which  Is  applieable 
to  ordnance. 

19.  Jacob  Gukell,  of  Manchester,  button  manu- 


facturer, and  George  Holcroft,  of  the  same  place, 
consulting  engineer.  Improvements  in  the  manu- 
fticture  of  mortar  and  cement. 

SI.  Alexander  Southwood  Stocker  and  Samuel 
Darliufr,  of  the  Poultry,  Cheapside,  London,  ma- 
nufacturers. Certain  improvements  In  the  manu- 
fketure  of  bottles,  pots,  jars,  tnbes,  and  other 
receptacles,  part  of  which  improvements  are  ap- 
plicable to  various  other  purposes  for  commercial 
and  domestic  use. 

23.  John  Venables  and  Arthur  Mann,  of  Burs- 
lem,  Stafford,  earthenware  manufacturers.  Im- 
provements in  prodndng  figures  or  ornaments  In 
articles  made  or^elay  or  plastle  material. 

2fi.  George  Walker  Mnir,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
Scotland.  Improvements  in  warming  and  venti- 
lating. 

DaUd  Jannary  5,  1855. 

27.  Louis  Jacques  Martin,  of  Paris,  Fianee,  en- 
gineer. Improvements  In  the  composition  of 
colours  for  printing  and  dyeing,  and  in  the  appli- 
cation of  sueh  colours. 

29.  William  Henry  Bulmer,  of  Queen's  Head, 
near  Haltfkx,  machine  maker,  and  William  Bailey, 
of  Halilkx,  engineer,  both  in  York.  Improve- 
ments in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  combing 
wool,  cotton,  and  other  fibrous  substances. 

81.  Robert  Ashworth,  of  Rochdale,  Lancaster, 
engineer,  and  Samuel  Stott,  of  Rochdale,  Lancaa- 
ter,  cotton  spinner.  Improvements  in  machinery 
for  preparing,  spinning,  and  doubling  fibrous  sub- 
stances. 

SS.  Frederic  Prince,  of  South-parade,  Chelsea, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  In  cartridges  for  fire- 
arms. 

DaUd  Jannary  6,  1855. 

85.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  UnoolnVinn-fields, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  ma^ 
chinery  or  apparatus  for  effecting  agricultural 
operations,  parts  of  the  said  improvements  being 
applicable  for  the  obtainment  of  motive  power  for 
general  purposes.    A  communication. 

87.  Jean  Baptlste  Edouard  Rnttre,  of  Paris, 
Prance,  manuflscturer.  Improvements  in  the 
treatment  of  rags  and  other  goods,  formed  psrtly 
of  wool  and  partly  of  vegetable  fibres,  in  order  to 
separate  the  vegetable  fibres  trom  them  and  obtain 
the  wool  in  its  pure  state. 

89.  John  Scott,  of  Sunderland,  Durham,  blaek- 
smith.  Improvements  in  the  construction  of 
anchors. 

41.  Charles  John  Edwards,  Junior,  of  Great  Sut- 
ton-street,  ClerkenweU,  Middleaex,  mill-band  ma- 
nufketnrer,  and  Frederick  Frasi,  of  Tavistock-ter- 
race,  Holloway,  engineer.  An  improved  mannCac- 
ture  of  bearings  for  carriage  axles  and  shafts  of 
machinery  In  general. 

Dated  January  8,  1855. 

48.  John  Huggins,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
machinist.  A  new  or  improved  machine  for  the 
manufacture  of  lint. 

45.  Robert  MeCall,  of  Pallas-Kenrr.  Limerick, 
Ireland.  Certain  Improvements  in  the  mannflM- 
ture  of  iron  and  steel. 

47.  William  Hay  and  James  Hay,  of  Glasgow, 
Lanark,  North  Britain,  engineers.  Improvements 
in  engines  for  obtaining  motive  power. 

49.  Isaac  Bury,  of  Manchester,  Lancaater,  em* 
bo«ser  and  finisher.  A  certain  improvement  in 
embossing  Orleans  cloth,  or  other  similar  fishrics, 
commonly  called  stuff  goods. 

Dated  January  9,  1855. 

51.  Edward  Hayes,  of  Stony  Stratford,  Bucks. 
Improvements  in  apparatus  for  feeding  thraahing 
machines. 

58.  Joseph  Offbrd,  of  Wells-street,  Oxlbrd-street, 
Middlesex,  eoach  builder.  Improvemente  in  the 
construction  of  carriages* 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


raOTISIONAL  PBOTEOXIONS. 


117 


ftS.  PleiTC  Emlle  Tboma*,  of  Parli,  Fiance,  obe- 
mlMl  «Dgiiieer.  ImproYemmito  in  the  treafttneot 
of  Uitnet  and  other  goods  formed  of  wool,  mixed 
with  other  textile  fibres,  in  order  to  obtain  the 
wool  fVom  them. 

S7.  Henry  John  Hall,  of  Charlton,  Kent,  com- 
mander in  the  Royal  Navy,  and  Alexander  Dal- 
get7  and  Edward  Ledger,  both  of  Deptford,  Kent, 
engllieert.  ImproTemenls  in  apparatus  for  pro- 
pelling, guiding,  or^nanoeuvring  ships  or  boats. 

59.  William  Major,  of  Copenhagen,  Denmark, 
engineer.  ImproToments  in  the  construction  and 
axrangcment  of  screw  propellers. 

Dated  Jamiary  10, 1855. 

61.  Thomas  Wilson,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
engineer.  An  inprovement  or  improvements  in 
the  manufhetnre  of  bands  used  in  the  eonstrue- 
t1<m  of  small  arms. 

61.  Bartholomew  Predaval,  of  Great  Russell- 
street,  Bedford-eqnace,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer. 
Improving  the  production  and  manufacture  of 
pujp  for  the  making  of  p^por. 

63.  William  Thomas  Henley,  of  Saint  John- 
street-road,  London,  electric  telegraph  engineer 
and  machinist.  Improvements  in  steam  boilers 
or  generators,  and  In  apparatus  in  connection 
therewith. 

64.  Edward  Booth,  of  Gorton,  Lancaster,  gum 
maauiiMturer.  Certain  improvements  in  the  mode 
and  machinery  for  dressing,  starching,  and  ilnish- 
lag  textile  and  other  Ikbiioi  and  matoials. 

65.  WilUam  Coles  Fuller,  of  Bueklersbury, 
Che^wlde,  London,  India  rubber  spring  manufte- 
tufer.  Improvements  in  the  construction  and 
adaptation  of  India  rubber  springs. 

66.  Henry  Bessemer,  of  Queen-street-plaoe,  New 
CaBBOO-skreet,  Iflddleaex,  engineer.  Improve- 
menta  in  the  mannlhctuie  of  iron  and  steel. 

66.  Louie  Pierre  Lehngeur,  mechanic,  and 
Michel  Uttinger,  gentleman,  of  St.  Denis,  near 
Paris.  Improvements  applicable  to  maehinery  for 
printing  fkorlca. 

Dated  Jmuary  11,  1855. 

69.  John  Oedge,  of  Wellington-street  South, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  the  construction  of 
metallic  flooring,  supports  for  floors,  walls,  or  par- 
titions of  buildings.  A  communication  ttom  M. 
Nicolas  Gervis.  of  Paris,  France. 

70.  Jacques  Louis  Herv6,  of  Paris,  France,  Rue 
de  TEperon,  householder.  Improvements  in  pre- 
servinr  meat  and  flsh. 

71.  John  Norton,  of  Dublin,  Ireland,  esquire. 
Improvements  in  draining  land. 

75.  Alexander  Robertson,  of  Upper  Hollowsy, 
Middlesex,  engineer.  A  new  manufacture  of 
packages  for  dry  goods. 

76.  Edward  HaD,  of  Dartford,  Kent,  engineer. 
Improvements  in  the  manuihcture  of  gunpowder. 

74.  Robert  Oxland,  of  Plymouth,  Devon,  sugar 
reflner.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  and 
revivification  of  animal  charooal. 

75.  Elmer  Townsend,  of  Massachusetts,  United 
States  of  Ameilca.  New  and  useftil  improvements 
in  machinery  for  sewing  cloth,  leather,  or  other 
material.  A  communication  f^om  Alfred  Swingle, 
of  the  saU  State. 

76.  James  Wood,  of  Barbican ,  London,  printer. 
An  improved  process  for  lettering  and  omament- 
inff  glass,  which  the  inventor  terms  hyalotypy. 

77.  William  Lynall  Thomas,  of  Anderton,  De- 
von, gentleman.  Improvements  in  projectiles  and 
gun  wads. 

76.  Smith  William  Davids,  of  Carnarvon,  North 
Wales,  slate  agent.  CerUin  improvements  in 
elongating  chandeliers  and  gaseliers. 

Dated  January  12,  1855. 

81.  William  Hunt,  of  Tipton,  Stafford,  diemist. 
Improvements  in  the  manniiMture  of  iron. 
tt.  Joseph  Ray  Hodgson,  of  Sunderland,  carver 


and  gilder.    Improvements  in  the  eonitmotlon  of 


83.  Francois  Victor  Guyard,  engineer,  of  Grave- 
lines,  French  Empire.  Certsiin  improvements  in 
the  electro-telegraphic  communications. 

84.  Ezra  Mifos,  of  Stoke  Hammond,  Bucks, 
civil  engineer.  An  improved  coupling  Joint  or 
connection  for  tubing  or  other  purposes. 

85.  Christopher  Turner,  of  Burnley,  Lancaster, 
weaver.  Certain  improvements  in  power  looms 
for  weavin?. 

86.  Joseph  Harrison  and  John  Oddie,  of  Black- 
bum,  Lancaster,  machinists.  Improvemente  In 
machines  fbr  slicing,  drying,  and  otherwise  pre- 
paring yams  or  threads  for  weaving. 

67.  Rands  Preston,  of  Manchester,  maehinlit. 
Improvements  in  ordnance  and  in  projectiles  for 
ordnance  and  small  arms. 

88.  Wmiam  Baralngham,  of  Salfbrd,  Laneatter, 
iron  manulketnrsr.  Improve  nents  in  connecting 
the  raUs  of  rallwavs. 

89.  Anton  Seithen,  of  Cob! ens,  Prussia,  cork 
manulkcturer.  and  Joseph  11.  Liehtenstein,  of 
Berlin,  Prussia.  Improvements  In  machinery  or 
apparatus  for  cutting  and  shapin?  cork. 

90.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  166,  Fleet- 
street,  London,  patent  agent.  C  Ttaln  means  of 
devulcaniiing  India  rubber  and  other  similar 
gums,  or  of  treating  such  gums  after  having  been 
vulcanized.    A  communication. 

91.  Peter  Nicholas  Gadol,  of  Bermondsey, 
Surrey,  tanner.  An  improved  process  to  be  em- 
ployed in  tanning. 

Dated  January  13,  1855. 

93.  William  Henry  Nevill,  of  Llanelly,  Carmar- 
then, copper  smelter.  Improvements  in  the  oon- 
stractlon  of  reverberatory  ftimaces  for  the  oolleo- 
tion  and  condensation  of  volatile  substances. 

94.  John  Graham,  of  Hartshead  Print-works, 
near  Stalybrldge,  Lancaster,  calico  printer.  Im- 
provements In  fixing  certain  colours  in  or  upon 
yams  and  textile  fabrics. 

95.  Gustav  Wamecke,  of  Frank  fort-on-the- 
Maine,  merchant.  Improvements  in  preserving 
vegetables  and  fhilts. 

96.  Joseph  Claudot,  of  Paris,  France,  architect. 
An  improved  stucco. 

97.  Michael  Daintry  HoUins,  of  Stoke-upon- 
Trent,  Stafford,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
slip  kilns  for  drying  clay. 

98.  Edward  Lambert  Havward,  of  ItlftckfHars- 
road,  Surrey,  raanufacturtng  ironmonger.  Im- 
provements In  kitchen  ranges. 

99.  John  Charles  Pearee,  of  the  Bowling  Iron- 
works, York,  engineer.  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  the  manufacLure  and 
worklna  of  Iron  and  other  metals. 

100.  Joseph  Edlyn  Outridge,  of  Constantinople, 
now  at.  BlackfHars-road,  Middlesex.  Improve* 
mentsin  transmitting  motive  power. 

101.  John  Greenwood,  of  Irwell-sptings,  near 
Bacop,  Lancaster,  Turkey-red  dyer.  Certain  im- 
provements in  siseing,  stiffening,  and  finishing 
textile  fabrics  or  materials. 

Dated  January  15,  1855. 
103.  Francis  Burke,  gentleman,  of  Woodlands, 
Montserrat,  British  West  Indies.  Improvements 
in  and  apparatus  for  obtaining  from  the  plantain, 
banana,  aloe,  penguin,  and  other  vegetable  sub- 
stances, fibres,  applicable  to  various  manufactur- 
ing purposes. 

103.  William  ToplU  Frost,  of  Shottle,  near  Bel- 
per,  Derby,  gentleman.  Improvementa  in  ma- 
chinery for  cleaning  knives. 

104.  Henry  Mortloek  Ommanney,  of  Chester, 
esquire.  An  Improvement  In  the  manufacture  of 
shot,  shells,  hollow  shot,  and  other  projectiles. 

105.  James  Peter  Lark,  of  Nine  Elms-Ian?, 
Vauxhall,  Surrey,  foreman  to  Messrs.  Franotr, 
Brothers,  cement  manulkcturers.    Improvements 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


118 


NOTICES  OF  nrrmxoN  to  pbooeed. 


is  aSbetliig  the  Mmbnstlon  of  fbel  and  the  epn- 
■umption  of  smoke  In  it«ain  boiler  and  otU^r 
fliniaeefl. 

106.  a«onre  Riley,  of  Portland-place  North, 
Clapham-Toad,  Surrey.  An  improved  fUse  bottom 
for  brewers*,  distillers',  and  vinegar  makers'  mash 
tubs. 

107.  Edward  Haynes,  jun.,  of  Bromley,  Middle- 
sex, epgineer.    A  smoke-consuming  furnace. 

DaUd  January  16,  1855. 

10).  M«r«  TouBsaint  Stefani,  of  Paris,  Vrai^c^j 
gffui^mw*    Improvements  in  fire-arms. 

110.  Henry  Adkini,  of  Edgbaaton,  near  Bir> 
n^Bgl^up,  Wiu-wiok,  manufacturer,  ^n  vmproye- 
n^^nt  er  improveroents  in  \)le%ching  or  decitlorlf- 
ing  oily  and  fatty  bodies. 

111.  Jamef  Yeomaiif  of  Walworth,  flvrrey,  mi\]- 
vfignt  and  enginef r.  Improvemepta  in  self-ced- 
ing ftimaces. 

113.  Q^QTge  Jackson,  of  Manchester ,  L^n^Mistar, 
decorator.  Certidn  improvements  in  the  copstrw:- 
t)on  of  touts. 

118.  James  9imkin,  of  Dolton-le-Mtlors,  ;«anoae- 
t«r,  gun  maker.  Improveiuents  in  rifles  ;iQd  other 
treiurms. 

\U,  Jamea  Lee  Norton,  of  Holland-street, 
BUickfriars,  Surrey.  Improvementf  lu  recoveriug 
the  wool  from  fabrics  composed  of  wool,  or  wool  in 
coKpection  with  cotton  or  other  vegetable  ^ub- 
Btance. 

115.  Jonathan  Saunders,  of  8t.  John's-wood, 
Middlesex.  An  improTcment  in  the  manufacture 
of  axles  and  shafting. 

1)7.  Robert  James  Marypn,  gentleman,  of  York- 
ro»d,  Lambeth.  Surrey.  Improvements  in  thf 
construction  of  steaiQ  en^Uies,  which  coQsUtsof  a 
better  means  of  mechanism  for  effecting  the  trs^ns- 
mission  of,  »nd  conversion  gt  action  of  motion  for 
.  working  and  applying  steam  or  other  equivaleat 
motive  power. 

Dated  January  l/i  1855. 

118.  George  William  Garrood,  of  Burqhan, 
Essex.  An  improved  apparatus  to  be  used  in  oop- 
JunctiQp  with  windlasses  on  ships,  cranes  on  land, 
and  with  other  machinery  for  raising  or  lowering 
weights  for  the  purpose  of  gpiding  and  controlling 
the  action  thereof. 

119.  Samuel  Loraos,  of  Manchester,  machinist. 
Improvements  in  machinery  for  winding  and 
doubling  sUk. 

120.  Joshua  Horton,  of  Birmingham,  WfMrwick, 
manufacturer.  An  improvement  or  improvements 
in  packing  or  storing  gunpowder. 

ISl.  Ambroise  Ouertinier,  of  COiarleroi,  Belgium, 
merchant.    An  improvement  in  glass  fumaoes. 

122.  Alexander  CoUes,  of  MUlmount.  Kilkenny, 
Ireland,  marble  manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
sawing  marble  and  similar  materials.  A  commu- 
nication. 

12S.  David  Davidsoq,  of  Meiklewood.  by  Stirling, 
North  Britain,  captain  in  tlie  Hon.  E^st  tnril« 
Co.'s  service.  Improved  apparatus  for  pointing 
ordnance,  and  restoring  the  aim  of  the  piece, 
either  by  day  or  night,  when  it  in  once  obtained. 

124.  James  Webster,  of  Collingham,  York,  com 
miller.  Improvements  in  the  application  of  mo- 
tive power. 

125.  James  HIggins,  of  Sal  ford,  Lancaster,  ma- 
ehlne-maker,  and  Thomas  Schofleld  WhitwortJ., 
of  the  same  place,  mechanic.  Improvements  in 
moulding  for  casting  shot,  shells,  and  other  arti- 
cles. 

127.  Edward  Hall,  of  Salford,  Lancaster,  gentle- 
man. Improvements  in  combining  metallic  wires 
With  textile  materials,  or  fabrics  for  forming  wire 
ribbon.  ' 

128.  L^morock  Flower,  of  Great  Russell-street, 
Bloomsburj'.  l^iddlesex,  and  George  Augustus 
Dixon,  of  Cobham  Hall,  Stratford,  Essex.  Im- 
proveroents in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  sifting 
and  cleansing. 


PATENT  APPLIED  FOR  WITH  COMPLETE 

SPECIFICATION. 

154.  Charles  Van  den  Bergh,  of  Laeken,  by 
Brussels.  Improvements  in  rotatory  steam  en- 
gines.   January  20, 1855. 


NOTICES  OF  INTENTION  TO 

PR0CE5I). 

(From  the  '*  It^ndou  OazaU^,'*  Jmuary  SOfk, 
1855.) 

IQS2.  Joseph  Porter.  Improvements  in  maehl- 
nary  ka  cutting,  punching,  Ibri^ng,  and  forming 
nuts,  bolts,  screws,  and  various  other  artielea  itt 
metal. 

M28.  Jamas  Kershaw.  Irapnivements  in  looms 
for  weaving. 

2032.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradonx  Bellford. 
Certain  improvements  in  machines  for  drilling 
stone.    A  communication. 

2046.  Thomas  Lawrenoa.  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  to  be  employed  for  the  pur- 
pose of  shaping  and  finishing  cerUun  pans  of 
bayoneta. 

2047.  Peter  Spenoe.  Improvements  in  obtahslng 
sulphur  ftom  iron  pyrites  and  other  substances 
containing  sulnhur. 

2046.  George  Collier  and  Samuel  Thornton.  Im- 
provements in  looms  for  weaving. 

2055.  BolMrt  Pinkney.  Improvonents  In  stop- 
pers, corks,  or  valvular  apparatus  for  bottles  or 
receptaclea  for  liquids,  and  in  the  maohinery  or 
apparatus  employed  for  making  the  same. 

2061.  Philip  James  Chabot.  Improvements  in 
supplying  ^rto  fumaoes. 

M65.  Joshua  Bachelor  Halsey.  An  improved 
machine  or  apparatus  for  orushlng  and  pulverisiog 
ores,  and  for  separating  the  gold  therefrom  by 
amalgamation. 

2068.  George  Ipenoer.  Improvements  in  the 
external  coverings  of  roofs  and  walls  of  buildings 
and  sheds,  and  in  the  vlndowa  of  such  buildings 
and  sheds. 

2u72.  Thomas  Griffiths.  An  improvfd  pump  for 
raising  and  forcing  water. 

2079.  Robert  Renfrew.  Improvements  in  bob- 
bins 

2092.  Thomas  Foxall  Grifliths.  Ap  improve- 
ment or  improvements  in  lamps. 

2108.  Williaroa  Wood  Coolf.  An  improved  me- 
thod of  weaving  or  manufaeturing  woven  ftibrics. 
suitable  for  petticoating  or  similar  purposes,  where 
thick  and  thin  parts  of  the  same  fabric  are  re- 
quired. 

21U.  Christopher  Hill.  Improvements  in  (ho 
manufacture  of  pulp. 

2125.  Wright  Townend.  Aa  improvement  in 
combing  wool  and  other  fibres. 

2139.  Thomas  Edwin  Moore.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  curvilinear 
and  annular  cuttings  in  metals  and  other  hard 
substances. 

2171.  William  Chubb.  Improvements  in  the 
construction  of  beams  and  parts  of  ships,  ships' 
masts  and  spars,  and  other  like  structures. 

220^.  Louisa  Monzani.  Improvements  in  bfd- 
steads  and  packing-cases  or  boxes  to  contain  the 
same  and  other  articles. 

2224.  Richard  Green.  Improvements  in  pro- 
pelling vessels. 

2452,  Riciiard  Ee9f«.  Improvements  in  droMing 
flour. 

2455.  Nicholas  Callan.  Improvements  in  ex- 
citing agents  used  In  galvanic  batteries,  and  in 
the  construotipn  of  galvanic  batteries. 

2573.  John  Colic  Browne.  An  improt  od  wfi#* 
par  applicable  cs  a  coat  and  other  ooveriog. 

2610.  Christian  Henry  Richard  Ebert  and  Lipp- 
sum  Jacob  Levisohn.    Improvements  in  the  mode 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WBBMLV  UR  or  tAXUm. 


119 


ma.   Rabart  Adaau.    ImproremeDU  in   l|ie- 
amt  ealled  revolvers. 
IMA.  Cbaries   Frederick  Stensbary.     An    im- 

rred  1tfe>ear  or  baoy.  A  commumealion  fW>m 
Z.  Toeker,  of  Brooklyn,  New  York.  United 
Stores  of  Ameries. 

S714.  Frederick  Sameon  Tbonuu  and  WiUlam 
BTaaa  Tilly.  An  improTed  process  for  platins  or 
eaatlBg  lead,  iron,  or  otber  metals  witb  tin,  niesel, 
or  alumina. 

1729.  John  Lang  Dunn.  Improvements  in  work- 
ing op  oert^n  waste  sulphates  and  nitrates,  and 
fbr  the  manuf«ctare  of  oseAil  products  therefh>m. 

17n.  Thomas  Thomeycroft.  ImproYements  in 
ship-hoOdinff. 

9.  Joseph  Arnold.  A  new  mode  of  ornamenting 
Meks  ana  other  moulded  articles  for  boilding  par- 


IS.  IsaJe  Ltppman.  An  improved  machine  ftnr 
splitting  or  sawing  the  skins  of  calves,  oxen,  cows, 
horses,  and  other  animals. 

n.  John  Venablee  and  Arthur  Mann.  Improve- 
ments in  producing  raised  figures  or  ornaments 
upon  the  surfaces  of  artieles  made  of  moUT,  pot- 
tajt  and  earthenware,  glass,  papier  mach£,  and 
other  materiaJs. 

23.  John  Venables  and  Arthur  Mann.  Improve- 
ments in  producing  figures  or  ornaments  In  arti- 
eles made  of  clay  or  plastic  material. 

27.  Louis  Jacques  Martin.  Improvements  in  the 
eompodiioo  ot^  colours  for  printing  and  dyeing, 
and  in  the  application  of  such  colours. 

S9.  William  Henry  Bulmer  and  William  Bailey. 
Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  comb- 
ing wool,  cotton,  and  otber  fibrous  substances. 

32.  John  liivesey.  ImPToyemeotv  in  printing, 
and  in  the  materials  and  apparatus  connected 
therewith.    A  communication. 

35.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Imp^vements  in  ma- 
ehtnery  or  apparatus  Cor  ejecting  agricultural  ope- 
rations, pans  of  the  said  improvements  being 
applicable  for  the  obtainment  of  motive  power  for 
general  purposes.    A  communication. 

30.  John  Scott.  Improvements  in  the  construc- 
tion of  anchors. 

55.  Pierre  Emile  Thomas.  Improvements  in  the 
treatment  of  tissues  and  other  goods  formed  of 
wool,  mixed  with  other  textile  fibres,  in  order  to 
obtain  the  wool  from  tliem. 

71.  John  Norton.  Improvements  in  draining 
land. 

75.  Elmer  Townsend.  New  and  useful  improve- 
ments in  machinery  for  sewing  cloth,  leather,  or 
other  material.  A  communication  from  Alfred 
Swingle,  of  Massachusetts. 

82.  Joseph  Ray  Hodgson,  Improvements  in  the 
construction  of  anchors. 

88.  Anton  Seithcn  and  Joseph  H.  Liehtenstein . 
Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  cut- 
ting and  shaping  cork. 

99.  John  Charles  Fearce.  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  the  manufacture  and 
working  of  iron  and  other  metal«. 

112.  Oeoige  Jackson.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  construction  uf  tents. 

154.  Charles  Van  den  Bergh.  Improvements  in 
rotatory  steam  engines. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
above  List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  daU  of  the  OoMette  in  whieh 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
missioners'-oifice  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to.tlie  application. 


NOTieS  OF  APPUCATION  FOR  LBAYB 
TO  FILE  DISCLAIMER. 

An  application  will  be  made  to  Her  Malestj'f 
Attomey-Oeneral  by  Joseph  Lamb,  of  Manchester, 
Lancaster,  spindle-maker,  for  leave  to  file  a  dis- 
claimer and  memorandum  of  alteration  of  parts  of 
the  specifleation  of  the  patent  granted  to  nim  Unf 
"  A  certain  improvement  or  ioaprovements  in  ma- 
chineiT  for  preparing  and  spinning  cotton,  wool, 
fiax,  suk,  and  similar  fibrous  matexuU."    *" 


her  8,  1843. 


Oecem- 


WKSKLY  LIST  OF  FATRNTf. 
Seakd  Jamuiry  ^,  1955. 

1659.  Henry  Wickens. 

1665.  Riekard  Johnson. 

1679.  Augnste  Edouard  Loradoux  Pell- 
ford. 

1689.  Edward  Gillman. 

1724.  Edward  Alexandre. 

1738.  Antoine  Gorri. 

1761.  Thomas  George  Taylor. 

1768.  Henri     Louis     Edmond      D^tr^ 
Hennebutte. 

1777.  John  Norton. 

1785.  Samuel  Frankham. 

1788.  William  Burgess. 

1789.  William  Siddons. 

1796.  John  Turner  Wright  and  Edwin 

Payton  Wright. 
1798.  Charles  Blake. 
1868.  Henry  Besaemer. 
1882.  John  Kirkham  and  Thomas  Nes- 

ham  Kirkham. 
1966.  Jamea  Burns. 
2169.  John  Kershaw. 
2196.  Anthony    Bernhard    Baron    Yon 

Rathen. 
2311.  William  Reid. 
2416.  David  Oavies. 

2458.  Fisk  Russell. 

2459.  William  Beasley. 

2481.  Samuel  Alfred  Carpenter. 
2486.  Cyprien  Marie  Tessi^  du  Motay. 

2489.  Henry  Besaemer. 

2490.  Thomas  De  la  Rue. 

2496.  Joseph  Gillott,   the  younger,  and 
Henry  Gillott. . 

2510.  George  Gowland. 

2512.  Sydney  Smith. 

2518.  Edwin  Pettitt. 

2521.  John  Sands. 

2542.  Joseph  Maudslay. 

SeaUd  Janmry  30,  1855. 

1713.  Alfred  Kortright.      . 

1745.  William  Armand  Gilbce. 

1793.  William  Johnson. 

1795.  Charles  Cow  per. 

1815.  Frederick  Craoe  Calvert. 

1879.  Thomas  Carr. 

2539.  Augusta  Edouard  Loradoux  Bell- 
ford. 

The  above  Patents  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  Provisional  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  several  inventions  men- 
tioned therein. 


Digitized  by 


Google 


120 


NOTICES  TO  CORBESPONDENTS. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


J  W&rkma%t  Shrawsbury.— "We  think  the  aUte- 
ment  you  allude  to  is  perfectly  erroneous,  and  very 
much  doubt  if  you  wUl  obtain  any  other  satisfac- 
tory explanation  of  it. 

WtUt.—Wt  have  n<>t  Nicholson's  work  at  hand, 
and  cannot  therefore  give  the  verification  you  re- 
quire. 

J.  Ward.— -We  cannot  do  better  than  submit  to 
you  the  following  remarks  upon  the  subject  you 
mention.  They  occur  in  a  paper  read  last  week 
before  the  Soeletf  of  Art*  by  Mr.  Longmaid : — 
'*  A  most  perfect  trial  has  been  made  in  the  dis- 
secting rooms  of  St.  Bartholomew's  Hospital, 
which  must  abound  In  noxious  gases  and  putres- 
cent odours.  On  thoroughly  heating  the  charcoal 
and  placing  it  in  shallow  vesaels  about  the  rooms, 
it  acted  so  promptly,  that  in  ten  minutes  not  the 
least  difFyised  smell  could  be  detected.  So  quick 
and  effectual  was  its  action,  that  arrangements 
have  been  made  for  Its  constant  use.    As  a  puri- 


fier of  hoapital  wards,  both  civil  and  military,  it 
might  be  applied  with  great  advantage,  savinv  pa- 
tients flrom  the  unpleasant  smells  and  effluvia 
firom  gangrenous  wounds ;  thus  the  patient  him- 
self, and  those  in  adjacent  beds,  would  not  be  sub- 
jected to  the  influence  of  putrescent  odours.  All 
these  the  charcoal  would  effectually  absorb.  Char- 
coal is  more  efficacious  than  any  other  disinfectant 
when  applied  in  the  manner  described,  absorbing 
gai^es  of  rvery  kind.  It  does  not  require  the  pre- 
sence of  any  other  substance  to  assist  its  action, 
but  without  stint  or  scruple  collects  noxioua  va- 

5 ours  fiom  every  source,  not  disguising,  but  eon- 
enslng  and  oxidising  the  most  ofTensiTe  gases 
and  poisonous  effluvia,  converting  them  into  sim- 
ple, inert,  staple  compounds.  It  is  easy  of  appli- 
cation, and  is  economical,  comes  ivithin  the  reach 
of  the  poorest,  and  can  be  safely  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  most  ignorant,  thna  combining  ad  van-' 
tages  not  possessed  by  any  other  disinfectant." 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

Undertake  the  Proenratloii  of  Patents 
for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Coantiies,  and  the  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.     Costs  of  Provisional  Protection^jglO  10s. 

*  Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  "Mechanics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office,"  166,  Fleet-street,  London. 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


Kitson's  Improved  Prictiim   Hammer   {teith 

engravinffi)  97 

On  the  Propulsion  of  Ships  by  the  Reaction  of 

JeU  of  Water 100 

Bethune's  Pretended  Improrements  in  Steam 

Navigation 103 

On  the  Moon's  Motion 106 

Mr.  Williams's  Method  of  Preventing  Smoke..  108 
On  the  Combustion  of  Coals  and  the  Absorp- 
tion of  Heat 109 

Black  Sea  Telegraph  Cable 110 

Astronomical  Clocks 110 

Mr.  C.  Wye  Williams  on  Combustion Ill 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed  : 

Beard  fr  Beard  ....Needle-Depoeitor Ill 

Norton Turnstiles 1)1 

Elltsdon Chairs Ill 

Cottaro Horse  Mangers Ill 

Waller Stoves  and  Fire-places.  Ill 

Robinson  &  Crich- 

ton Rolling  Metals Ill 

Tindall Bruising  Grain Ill 

Johnton Carbonates  of  Soda  ....  US 

Sinclair Paper 112 

Bauwens Soap 112 

Whitworth Cutting  Wood 112 

Saxby Sash  lines.  &c 112 

BiddeU Cutting  Vegetables.,..  112 

Wolverson Locks 112 

Walker Cooking-stove 112 

Harding Doffing  Apparatus US 

Cuvler .Burning  Fuel 113 

Houghton Spinning  ft  Doubling .  US 

Maggs Thrashing  Machines...  US 

Cookf  "  ■   ■ 


Cooke Fibrous  Substances . 


lis 


Knowelden Furnaces 113 

Oilbee Weaving 113 

L«ne Breech  -  loading   Fire- 
arms   .« 113 

Foulkes Gloves 113 

Greenwood  ft  Smith  Sizing  Materials  114 

Travis Guages 114 

Hackctt Elastic  Cords 114 

Bodmer Glass  Bearings  114 

Chauvei Anchor 114 

Maryon ...Steam  Engines  114 

Stocker Axles ^.  114 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with : 

Morison Protecting  Plants,  ftc.  114 

Ross  Bevenges  IM 

Newton  Pumps 114 

Lord Fibrous  Materials 115 

Beck Distilling 115 

Swindells Vegelable  Fibres 115 

Moore Water-closets,  ftc 115 

Gatty  Receipt  Stamps 115 

Townsend Knitted  Fabrics 115 

Moore Extinguishing  Fires...  115 

Armstrong  ft  Dew  .Consuming  Smoke 1 15 

Loiseau Frinses 115 

Marshall Furling  SaUs  116 

RoberUon Consuming  Smoke 1I6 

Provisional  Protections ii6 

Patent  Applied  for  with  Complete  Specifica- 
tion   ..«.^.....^ 118 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed 118 

Notice  of  Application  for  leave  to  file  Dis- 
claimer    119 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 1I9 

Notices  to  Correspondents 1 19 


LONDON :  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  160,  Fleet-street.,, 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Qalignani,  Rue  Vivienne,  Paris ;  Maohln,  and  Co. 
Dublin ;  w.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Pfo.  1644.]        SATUKDAY,  ^IffiBUARt  lO/l&SS.  ,  ];g^^ 


Bdli«d  br  R.  A'  Broom«n,  16^,  Pleefe^rMt. 


LLOY15»S  1>ATENT  TITHInTABXE; 

Fig.  1.  •  •!    ■■•  •  '■■'■'■  ]'  ■'np'2-^  -■ 


VOL.   LXII. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


122 

LLOYD'S  PATENT  TURNTABLE. 
Patent  dated  October  21, 185S.) 

Mr.  Samuel  Llotd,  Jun.,  of  Wednesbory,  has  patented  an  iD?ention  the  object  of 
which  ie  to  produce  a  more  durable  Turntable  than  those  ordinarily  in  use,  by  construct- 
ing it  BO  that  the  working  parts  of  the  table,  viz.,  the  rollers  and  centre,  may  be  pre- 
served firom  injury  when  engines  and  carriages  run  over  it 

The  considerations  which  have  led  Mr.  Lloyd  to  effect  and  introduce  his  improTe- 
ments  will  be  found  in  the  following  extracts  from  a  paper  recently  prepared  by  him,  and 
read  before  the  Institution  of  Mechanical  Engineers. 

**  In  the  construction  of  turn-tables  three  leading  principles  have  been  followed : 
either  the  bearing  has  been  on  the  centre  only,  with  no  bearings  at  the  circumference,  or 
with  bearings  at  the  circumference  and  none  at  the  centre  ;  or  a  combination  of  these  two 
modes  has  been  adopted  by  allowing  the  weight  to  rest  in  part  upon  the  centre,  and  in  part 
upon  the  bearings  or  rollers  at  the  circumference ;  this  last  construction  has  been  most 
frequently  adopted.  Most  of  the  turn-tables  first  laid  down  on  railways  were  made  to  resC 
on  fixed  rollen,  for  the  sake  of  economy ;  but  although  fixed  roller  turn-tablea  are  the 
cheapest  kind  in  first  cost  and  were  much  used  on  the  first  railways  made,  live  roller, 
tables  have  been  generally  adopted  latterly,  firom  the  greater  ease  with  which  they  turn*;  as 
in  the  fixed  roller  turn-table  the  weight  bears  on  the  axle  of  the  roller,  producing  rubbing 
friction,  but  in  the  Uve  roller  table  it  beari  upon  the  circumferenee  of  the  roller,  pro- 
ducing only  a  rolling  action  without  any  rubbing  friction,  except  in  the  guiding  rmg. 
Some  fixed  roller  turn-tables  have,  however,  of  late  been  constructed  with  much  larger 
rollers  than  those  formerly  used,  which  has  the  elbot  of  perceptibly  lessening  the  friction  s 
but  these  tables  seldom  continue  long  in  good  working  order,  in  eonsequence  of  the  rollen 
indenting  the  top  table.  This  is  an  objection  to  which  all  roller  turn*tables  are  tubjeet, 
but  those  with  fixed  rollers  most  especially,  from  the  top- table  always  resting  upon 
the  rollers  in  these,  in  the  same  position,  thus  receiving  the  pressure  Always  on  the  same 
points ;  and  as  the  amount  of  surface  la  contact  between  them  is  Tf  ry  smalli  the  whole 
amount  of  surface  in  contact  between  the  surface  of  the  rollers  and  the  top  tuble  being  not 
more  than  three  square  inches,  If  so  much,  the  rollers  soon  wound  die  under  surface  of 
the  top  table,  so  that  the  latter  becomes  indented  over  every  roller.  As  soon  as  thii 
takes  place,  considerably  more  power  has  to  be  exerted  to  turn  carriafttt  upon  them,  aa 
the  resistanoe  to  be  overcome  is  ffreatly  increased  by  the  whole  weight  having  to  be  lifted 
out  of  each  of  the  hollows  formea  firom  the  above  eause. 

"  But  in  addition  to  the  increase  of  friction  occasioned  by  these  indentatlonsi  th«y  cauae 
also  great  unsteadiness,  making  the  table  rook,  and  thus  clatter  and  hammer  against  the 
rollers  as  each  pair  of  wheels  passes  on  and  off  its  two  opposite  sides.  This  deteriorating 
action  goes  on  to  a  greater  or  less  extent  in  almost  all  roller  tables,  often  occasioning  the 
top  to  break,  if  it  is  not  very  strongly  made ;  this  rocking  is  often  greatly  inereased,  and 
occasionally  entirely  originates,  from  the  centre  pin  being  too  tightly  lerewed  down,  so 
as  to  take  the  weight  entirely  off  the  rollers  on  one  side  of  the  table. 

"  Thisvdefect  has  led  to  the  construction  of  turn-tables  with  a  eentr«  pin,  tfa«t  acta 
merely  ajja  centre  guide,  without  taking  any  weight  Turn-tables  of  this  class,  if  made 
with  radiating  rollers,  have  the  advantage  of  remaining  very  solid  tor  a  time  after  diey  are 
put  in ;  but  frequently  this  is  not  of  long  continuance,  for  all  roller  turn-tables  are  unsteady, 
if  the  rollers  are  not  all  correctly  turned  to  the  same  diameter,  and  oottered  or  screwed 
up  exactly  to  the  same  distance  from  the  centre ;  each  roller  being  a  portion  of  a  eone,  its 
outside  cUameter  is  greater  than  its  inside,  and  if  either  of  the  rollers  is  screwed  up  too 
tightly,  the  table  rides  on  it  This  is  sometimes  occasioned  after  a  few  months'  wear«  by 
the  pressure  of  the  table  top  continually  exerting  a  force  tending  to  drive  the  rollers 
upon  which  it  rests  outwards,  which  is  sure  to  be  the  effect  if  either  of  the  nuts  that  screw 
them  up  becomes  slack.  This  pressure  tending  to  force  the  rollers  off  the  roller-path 
causes  considerable  friction  against  the  guide-ring  at  the  boss  of  every  roller,  and  !s  one 
cause  of  the  heaviness  with  which  even  live-roller  turn-tables  work,  causing  railway 
labourers  in  goods  stations,  whenever  they  have  the  chance,  to  wrench  them  round  by 
horse- power. 

"  In  an  improved  construction  of  roller  tum-tablea  extensively  adopted,  the  weight  of 
the  table  top  is  nearly  counterbalanced  by  a  weighted  lever,  which  constantly  tends  to  lift 
the  centre  pin  without  actually  doing  so,  making  the  table  much  easier  to  turn,  by  dimi-  . 
nishing  proportionately  the  pressure  on  the  rollers ;  the  rollers  also  are  not  fixed  as  in 
common  turn-tables,  but  in  an  inclined  position,  with  their  upper  surfaces  level,  for  the 
purpose  of  preventing  the  level  of  the  table  top  from  being  disturbed  by  tlie  surge  of  oar- 
riages  passing  over.    In  some  turn-tables  the  rollers  have  been  made  with  rounded  edges. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


LOKDON  VXBMS  IN  1864  123 

and  level  roUer-Daths,  with  the  yiew  of  leMeniog  the  f^riction  of  tumiag,  and  increasing 
tlie  tteadinesa  or  the  table  by  resting  it  on  a  plane  instead  of  a  cone ;  bat  these  rollers 
have  not  been  found  to  be  durable,  and  the  roller- path  becomes  worn  hollow  by  them.  A 
more  successful  plan  for  diminishing  the  friction  has  been  the  use  of  spherical  balls  instead 
of  rollers^  travelling  round  in  a  live  ring,  to  prevent  the  balls  from  rolling  off,  but  allowjjig 
them  room  to  shift  their  position  on  the  roller-path  as  they  move  round,  which  prevents 
them  from  wearing  the  roller-path  into  grooves ;  and  as  the  balls  travel  in  a  circle,  some- 
dmes  in  one  direction  and  sometimes  in  the  contrary  direction,  they  continually  present 
a  fresh  portion  of  their  surface  for  the  bearing,  which  preserves  them  from  being  worn 
unequally. 

"  There  is  one  objection  to  these  tables,  but  which  applies  still  more  strongly  to  roller 
tnm-tables,  namely,  the  extreme  diificulty  of  turning  them  in  frosty  weather,  when  the  dirt 
on  the  rollers  and  roUer-paths  becomes  frozen ;  horse-power  is  then  often  inquired  to  stir 
them,  or  a  fire  has  to  be  lighted  to  thaw  the  congealed  mud  collected  on  them* 

"  Centre-bearing  turn-tables  are  practically  free  from  this  objection,  and  also  from  the  one 
before  referred  to,  namely,  the  bearing  sur&ce  becoming  indented,  from  the  small  extent  of 
snrface  in  contact  with  the  rollers.  This  description  of  turn-table  has  two  important  advan- 
tages : — Great  ease  in  turning  and  smoothness  of  motion,  and  great  durabiUty,  numbers  of 
them  having  continued  in  use  for  many  years  without  requiring  any  repairs. 

"  Centre-bearing  turn-tables,  as  usually  constructed,  have  most  of  them  two  defects; 
namely,  great  extra  cost  of  foundations,  and  unsteadiness  and  liability  to  deflect ;  the  last 
being  the  most  serious  defect,  which  renders  them  objectionable  for  any  situation  where 
much  traffic  is  likely  to  pass  over  them.  Their  deflection  upon  trains  passing  over  them 
being  caused  by  the  whole  of  the  weight  of  each  carri  ige  acting  at  a  great  leverage  to 
strain  the  working  parts  of  the  table  while  running  on  and  off.  To  meet  this  defect,  a 
number  of  supplementary  rollers  have  usually  been  fixed  at  the  circumference,  for  the 
purpose  of  catching  the  weight,  and  preventing  any  undue  deflection  when  the  weight  is 
paasiag  on  and  off  the  edge  of  the  table,  these  rollers  being  fixed  a  little  below  the  level  of 
the  table  top,  so  as  not  to  touch  the  top  and  come  into  action  until  the  top  gives  way  by 
deflection,  or  by  canting  on  one  side.  This  plan  has,  however,  the  objection  of  being 
unmechanical,  as  it  implies  a  eertahi  degree  of  failure  in  the  machine  before  it  can  come 
into  full  operation." 

To  do  away  with  this  straining  action,  which  is  produced  when  the  weight  of  the  car- 
riage is  received  by  the  outer  part  of  the  table,  Mr.  Lloyd  adds  four  sliding  blocks  and  a 
balance  weight  to  the  form  of  table  known  as  Handcock's  patent.  The  engravings  on  the 
first  page  of  this  Number  represent  the  improved  table,  flg.  1  being  a  sectional  eleva- 
tion, and  fig.  2  a  plan.  A  A  are  the  sliding-blocks,  which  are  arranged  around  the  cir. 
cumference  of  the  table,  and  worked  by  a  lever,  C.  B  is  the  balance  weight,  which  is 
equal  in  weight  to  the  top  of  the  table  within  about  28  lbs.,  so  that  the  lever,  C,  and 
the  blocks,  A  A,  may  be  worked  with  ease.  It  will  be  observed,  that  when  the  blocks  are 
brmight  in  beneath  the  table,  the  latter  is  thereby  raised  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch.  This 
is  tlie  position  in  which  it  remains  when  out  of  use,  and  it  therefore  presents  a  perfectly 
solid  surface  for  trains  to  pass  over,  and  the  disagreeable  clatter  so  generally  noticeable  on 
the  |MssiBg  «f  trains  over  the  turn-tables  at  the  railway  stations  is  altogether  avoided.  The 
merits  of  this  arrangement  are  so  obvious,  that  we  need  not  add  our  commendations  to  the 
foregoing  description^ 


LONDON  FIRES  IN  1864.* 
Twenty-fourth  Annual  Report.    By  Mr.  William  Baddeley,  C,  E.,  Inventor  qfthe  Portable 
Canvas  Cisterns,  Improved  Jet-spreaders,  Farmers^  Fire-engine,  8fc, 

"  The  statittiei  of  London  Fires  are  by  no  meant  devoid  of  interest,  and  the  time  may  come  when 
they  will  form  an  index  to  the  toclal  advancement  of  the  people ;  for,  In  proportion  as  houses  are  built 
more  and  more  fire-proof,  and  habits  of  carefulness  become  more  and  more  difiViaed,  the  number  of 
dettmctive  fires  will  assuredly  Ie8aen."~J:ii^U'«  LomtUm, 


Scarcely  any  subject  of  domestic  information  had  been  so  generally  neglected,  up  to 
the  commencement  -of  the  publication  of  these  ''  annual  reports,"  as  the  statiatics  of  fire. 

% 

*  Since  this  paper  was  in  the  printer's  hands,  a  very  interesting  article,  headed,  "  Twenly  Thousand 
Fires"  founded  upon  Mr.  Baddeley's  Annual  Reports,  has  appeared  ia  No.  57  of  Chambers*  •Journal.-' 
£o.  H.  H. 

H  2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


M 


£bMdN  'Maa^tx'lKA: 


Although  ihsJItmd-in'Hand,  and  levefral  other  Insurance  offices  sprung  in<o  existence  at 
the  close  of  the  17th,  and  the  beginning  of  the  18th  centnries,  each  office  collected  and 
kept  to  itself  the  statistics  of  its  own  solitary  experience. - 

On  the  formation  of  the  London  Fire-engine  EttabUskmentt  a  more  perfect  means  was 
affiyrded  for  colleeting  and  recording,  in  a  systematic  manner,  the  statistics  of  London 
fires ;  and  the  published  results  show  the  vast  amount  of  useful  and  interesting  informa- 
tion necessarily  embodied  in  these  records.  A  striking  illnstration  of  l3iis  is  affiirded  by 
the  publication  In  the  last  number  of  the  Quarterly  Review  of  an  article  upon  "  Fires  and 
Fite-ineurance/*  in  which  the  records  of  the  past  are  worked  up  into  one  of  ^e  moat  able 
and  interesting  papers  ever  published  on  the  subject. 

Tb  these  records  I  have  now  the  pleasure  or  adding  those  of  another  year,  l!he  conse- 
quences of  which  have  been  peculiarly  imfkvdUrable  to  the  Insurance  offices ;  especially 
m  the  proitittcin.  London  exhibits  an  increase  in  the  number  of  its  serious  fires,  as  well 
as  in  the  total  number  reported. 

The  number  of  London  fires  in  1954,  was  95S  t  being  an  inerekse  of  iSS  upon  the  pre- 
vious  year.  The  iata^  destroyed  aNo  showR  an  increase  of  12,  and  the  terhusly  damaged 
an  increase  bf  66^  in  the  same  period.  ^  Of  thtee  fires,  258  were  extinguished  by  the  unaided 
efforts  of  the  inmates  of  the  premises ;  840  were  extinguished  by  the  inmates  with  caanal 
assistance ;  while  the  extinction  of  960  devolved  npun  the  firemen. 

Parish  engine-keepers  have  rendered  useful  and  efficient  aid  on  upwards  of  55  oecanons. 

The  following  Ta«lb  shows  th^  Monthly  Distribution  of  last  Yeafs  Fires: 


Konths. 

Number  of 
Fir^s, 

FaUl  Fires. 

Lites  Lost 

■ 

Chimneys 
on  Fire. 

Falae 
Alarms. 

January 

98 

1 

1 

9 

8 

February        .. 

88 

5 

12 

12 

1 

March 

69 

t 

8 

9 

5 

April 

86 

1 

9 

18 

0 

May 

64 

2 

2 

4 

7 

June 

89 

I 

I 

6 

7 

July 

T4 

6 

0 

2 

6 

August           ..     '    .. 

80 

0 

0 

8 

18 

September 

n 

0 

a 

5 

4 

October 

70 

1 

1 

9 

7 

November       .. 

80 

4 

9 

12 

8 

December      .•         .. 

88 

0 

0 

7 

7 

953 

17 

88 

91 

79 

Instaacee  in  winch  Imuran  ees  were  known  to  have  been  effected ; 

Upon  the  buildings  and  contents             ••             ..             *.  488 

Upon  the  building  only            . .             . .             . .             # .  106 

Upon  the  contents  only             • .             . .             . .             •  •  98 

No  insurance              ...             •.             •«.           ••             ••  261 


Chimneys  on  Fire 
False  alarms 


958 
91 
79 


Making  the  Total  number  of  calls         .;  ..  ..  1123 

The/atalftrt*  of  last  year  were  of  a  peculiarly  unfortunate  character,  and  the  loss  of  life 
great.    These  calamities  were  attributable  to : 

"  Ftrn.    Lives  Lost. 

PelkOBal  accidents  from  the  ignition  of  wearing  apparel  ..9  9 

„  „  „      fire  sparks  igniting  bedding  . .  . .     3  8 

„  „         „      explosion  of  fireworks  . .  . .     2  7 

Inability  to  eaeape  from  burning  bnildings,  or  killed  in  attempt- 

ing  to  do  so    . .  . .  •  •  •  •  • .  . .     8  19 


17 


38 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


^cmoK'^mtA'  m  1854. 


ISS 


Pefhftpt  ho  IkuI  flr^  «fw  presented  Meh 
Ml  tciamuUtioQDf  untoward  circumstanee* 
as  that  which  broke  out  at  five  o^clook  on< 
Tuesday  -moming,  Febniary  7th^  in  Pf inces- 
streeti  LeioMter^tquare,  which  terminated 
latalW  to  IM>  less  than  nine  persona.    On 
the  diaooT««y  of  the  Are,  a  {>anic  of  feat  pre« 
▼Mied  the  iinnateafifonni  making- ihealightJ 
oateflbTtto  e8eape»  ahhoiig'h  the  premtsea 
^reaenied  rniamal  faeihtieg  for  doine  so.. 
Tlio  most  rematfkahke  oSrcumatanoo,  how* 
ever,  was  that  the  panic  ektended  to '  the 
poHee  and  nttuerotts  byttandeiis,  .wte>  atOod 
aa  helpless  as  the  jeopardised  inmate*,  to 
wliora  they  'ofiaredno   assistance.'    Aftm* 
roprehen^Me  delay,  a-  messenger  was  dis-- 
patched  for  the  tonieook  ^st,  arid  then  for 
the  parish  engine  of  St.  Aon's^  which  mtd' 
found    locked  up  under  'the  care  of  the 
churchwarden,  Kr.  George^    Jfier  thi$f  the 
ircescape  of  Su  James's  paripji  was  sent 
for,  but  the  conductor  was  away  from  his 
post,  sad  time  was  lost  in  looking  after  him, 
and  an  opposite  neighbour  "quite  forgot*' 
heliada  Udder  on  hjs  premises  until  the 
fire  waa  extinguished.*     During  this  eon- 
fiuaoa,  a  man  preoipitaled  hiraaclf  from  a 
seeond-floor  window  ^  roeeiving   Iktal   in. 
Jurieain  his  descent;  while  another  maai> 
three  women,  and  four  children  perished  in 
the  smoke  and  fiame8.v     An  i-nqnOst  waa 
held  before  Mr:  Bedford,  the  Coroder,  when 
much  indignation  was   eaptessed.  at  tlie 
official  neglect,  of  which  these  nine  persCBS 
had   fallen  Umt  iriotiais.    Mr.  Qeol-ge,  the 
ehurchwarden,  .was  sent  for  to  explain  the 
circumstances  under  which  he  had  deprived 
the  neighbourhood  of  the  protection  of  their 
parish-CDgine,  and  of  the  services  of  a  most 
experienced    and    efficient    fireman.   ■'  Mr. 
George  endeavoured  to  excuie  himifelf  upon 
the  ground  "  that  the  parish-ekigineB  were 
-  now  effete  and  useless,  siid  thai  it  was  better 
to  leave  any  fires  that  might  occur,  to  be 
extinguished  by  \iiefin*brigadeJ*^  Where- 
upon, in    conjunction    wiUi    the    church- 
warden of  S.t  James'%  they  had  agreed  to 
lock  up  their  engines.  Mr.  Braidwo^,  at  the 
request  of  the  coroner,  gave  his  opinion 
"that    parisl^-engmes,    if  well   managed, 
would  be  very  useful,  and  might  be  the 
means  of  saving  aq  immense  amount  of  lifo 
and   property."      After  a  lengthened  in- 
quiry, which  created   a  most  intense   in- 
terest, the  jury  returned  a  verdict,  **  That 
the  deceased  persons  died  from  burning,  in 
the  house  of  Ko.   1J>,  Princt^-street,  ott 
Tuesday  last;  but  by*  what  me^iis  the  fire 
waa  caused,  there  was  no  evidence  to  show. 
And  that  it  waa  their  uniinimous  opinion, 
that    some    plan    should    be    immediately 
adopted  to  insure  the  efficient  use  of  the 

•  rMevol.60,p8geS00. 


parish-enghie  at  all  times.**  Mr.  Bedford, 
the  coroner,  saidj  '^  he  quite  agreed  in  that 
recommendation  T  at  preseht  the  parish- 
engine  was  a  complete  mockery.'*  Upon 
this,  the  Secretary  of  Stste  for  the  Home 
I>epartment  glive  directions  that  the 
churchwardens  of  St.  Anne's  should  be 
prosecuted,  under  the  Act  14  Geo*  III., 
c.  78.  Accordingly,  Mr.  George  was  sum- 
moned before  Mr.  Hardwick,  at  Marlbo>. 
rough-istreet  IPolioe-^court ;  when  Mr.  Bod- 
kin, who  ooodtioted  the  prosecution,  said, 
*Uhail  when  Lord  Falmerston  heard  of  the 
calamitous  fire  In  Princes-* street,  he  was 
horrf&ed  at  the  details ;  and  on  being  in- 
formed of  the  absence  of  the  parish-engine, 
and  the  cause,  he  directed  proceedings  to 
take  place  Against  the  parish  authorities, 
with  the  intonation  that  it  was  his  deter ^ 
raination  to  enfhroe  the  Act  against  all 
similsrly  oflTending  parishes,  without  ex- 
ception. Mr.  George,  haviug  no  grounds 
of  defenee,  and  finding  t^e  law  too  strong  to 
be  disregarded  with  impunity,  promised  ac- 
quiescence for  the  ^t«re,  and  the  summons 
was  ordered  to  a  tend  over  for  a  fbrtnight,  on  * 
the  understanding  that  if  the  olTence  now 
complained  of  tbeH  existed,  th^  full  penalty 
of  iSlO  woikld  be  infiieted^  and  an  additional 
i)IO  for  every  •  day  the  ob^eciionahle  state 
of  things  continued.  Within  the  iortnighti 
the  engine  was  put  in  efficient  repair,  the 
engine^keeper  neinstated,  and  in-  a  few  days 
afterwaarda  promptly  attended  and  extin- 
guished a  five  in  the  neighbourhood !  Some 
few  parishes,  warned  by  thefte  pfroceedings, 
furbished  up  their  antiquated  engines;  but 
no  further  judicial  proceedings  were  insti- 
tuted,  althuugh  in  many  other  parishes  (St. 
James's,  Westminster,  fthd  St.  Andrew's, 
Holbom,'  being  notorious  instances)  the 
services  of  the  parish-engines  heve  not  been 
forthcoming  for  many  years  past.  Another 
extensive  human  sacrifice  to  these  Molochs 
may,  perhsfps,  call  attention  to  the  circum- 
stance. 

<  The  next  fatal  fire  oOeilrred  at  half- past 
tiro'  o'clock  on  Saturday  mOrning,  April 
21Hh,  in  the  house  of  M^.  Brosette,  beer- 
shop  and  lodging-house  keepeTi  Colchester, 
street,'  WhitechapeL  At!  the  time  of  the 
outbreak)  all  the  inmates  were  asleep  in  bed, 
and  were  aroused  with  difficulty  to  a  sense 
of  their  danger.  In  a  very  few  minutes, 
Conductor  Wood  was  on  the  spot  with  the 
Royal  Society's  fire-escape;  the  fire  was 
then  r^gfng  tliroughout  the  back  of  the 
house,  and  smoke  pouring  from  all  the  ftoni 
windows.  Wood  instantly  ascended,  and 
entering  the  first-fioor  room,  which  was  on 
fire,  he  discovered  Mr.  Brosette,  his  wife, 
and  three  children,  almost  insensible  from 
the  smoke  and  heat  Wood  descended  his 
ladder  with  Mrs.  Brosette  on  Ms  shoulders, 


Digitized  by 


Google    — 


126 


LOmON  FIBB8  IN  1864 


and  holding  «  ditld  by  its  night-clothet  in 
his  mouth ;  again  ascending,  he  re-entered 
the  room,  and  having  enabled  the  father  to 
escape,  descended  with  a  child  under  each 
arm.  The  whole  building  then  became  en- 
veloped in  flames,  rendering  it  impossible 
to  extricate  any  of  the  other  inmates.  Be- 
fore the  arrival  of  the  fire-escape,  a  man 
jumped  from  the  upper  window,  and  died  in 
the  London  Hospitalifrom  injuries  received 
in  fiilling,  and  from  burns.  The  bodies  of 
eight  male  lodgers  were  ultimately  dug  out 
of  the  ruins ;  and  at  a  coroner's  inquest 
held  thereon,  the  jury  returned  the  following 
verdict : — "  That  the  deceased  persons  were 
burned  to  death  in  a  house  on  fire,  that 
occurred  on  the  29th  of  April  last  i  but  how 
and  by  what  cause,  no  evidence  hath  ap- 
peared to  the  jurordk  And  the  jurors  cannot 
separate  without  expressing  their  deep  sense 
of  the  services  rendered  by  the  fire-escape 
conductor,  Wood* — ^the  police,  and  others 
who  rendered  assistance  in  endeavouring  to 
save  the  lives  of  all  persons  in  danger ;  and 
particularly  of  those  persons  who  assisted  in 
clearing  the  ruins,  to  discover  the  bodies 
buried  therein." 

The  third  fatal  fire,  of  this  class,  occurred 
on  Sunday  evenings  November  19th,  about 
7  o'clock,  in  Red-lion-street,  Holbom.  The 
premises,  a  double  house,  Nos.  59  and  60, 
belonged  to  Messrs.  Arnold  and  Co.,  watch 
and  clock  manu&cturers.  On  the  discovery 
of  the  fire,  Mr.  Jones,  who  occupied  the 
second  floor,  succeeded  in  getting  his  wife 
and  a  child  safely  into  the  street ;  but  one 
child  being  left  behind,  the  anxious  mother 


re-entered  the  hooM  unperoeived,  and  being 
unable  to  escape,  both  mother  and  son 
perished  in  the  flames. 

Among  the  personal  accidents  from  the 
ignition  of  wearing  apparel,  one  was  of  a 
very  peculiar  and  distressing  character.  On 
the  10th  of  March,  the  premises  of  Mr. 
Brown,  artists*  colourman,  260,  Oxford- 
street,  were  wilfully  set  on  fire  in  two  places 
— in  a  vault  and  in  a  back  workshop — about 
9  o'clock  in  the  evening.  The  only  persons 
on  the  premises  being  Miss  Brown,  a  daughter 
of  the  proprietor,  aged  20,  and  her  grand- 
mother.  On  the  discovery  of  the  fire  in  the 
vault.  Miss  Brown  in  the  most  courageous 
manner  attempted  to  extinguish  it  by  throw- 
ing on  water ;  bat  venturing  too  near,  the 
flames  communicated  to  her  clothes,  and  she 
was  so  much  burned  that,  after  lingering 
several  days  in  great  agony,  death  terminated 
her  suflEerings.  A  coroner's  inquest  returned 
the  following  verdict :— "  That  the  deceased 
was  burnt  to  death  by  the  fire ;  and  they  are 
of  opinion  that  the  premises  were  wilfully 
set  on  fire  by  some  person  or  persons  un- 
known." 

The  Committee  of  Managers  of  the  Ro^al 
Society  for  the  ProUctim  ^  Lift  from  Fire 
are  enabled  to  look  back  upon  the  past  year 
with  much  satisfaction  to  diemselves  and  to 
their  subscribers.  Three  hundred  and  Jifiy-' 
one  fires  have  been  attended  by  one  or  more 
of  their  fire-escapes,  accompanied  by  a  brave 
and  experienced  conductor;  and  thirty-eight 
persons  have,  by  their  instrumentality,  been 
rescued  from  imminent  peril,  no  other  mode 
of  escape  remaining,  viz.. 


January  6th  No.  78,  Comhill                                           2  lives  saved 

tf    8th  9,  Union-street,  Bishopsgate               2  „ 

„  Hth  1,  Colchester-street,  Whitechapel      10  „ 

April  2$th  33,  Great  Russell-street,  Bioomsbury  I  „ 

„  29th  1,  Colchester-street,  Whitechapel        6  „ 

May  28th  73,  Snow-hill                                          1  „ 

July  14th  102,  New-street,  Gravel-lane,  Houns- 

ditch  2  „ 

August  16th  Messrs.  Cubitt's  Factory,  Thames-bank  i  „ 

October  16th  1,  Old-street-road,  Shoreditch             2  „ 

November  25th  23,  Lambeth-hill                                  4  „ 

December  3rd  3,  Arundel-street,  Strand                    4  „ 

„        17th  17,  Drury-lane                                       3  „ 

„       22nd  144,  Edgware-road                                 1 

38 


Immediately  after  the   lamentable  loss  of  life  in  Princes-street,  a  deputation  waited 
upon  the    churchwardens    of   St  James's   parish,  and  pointed  out  the  public  import- 


*  It  WM  a  most  remarkable  circumitanee  that 
Wood  rescued  the  same  family,  under  similar  cir- 
cumitanees,  from  the  same  building,  on  the  llth 
January  preceding;  five  other  persons,  lodgers, 
being  alflo  then  saved.  After  the  eecond  fire,  a 
meethig  was  held  in  Whitechapel,  by  the  inhabit- 


ants of  that  locality,  who  expressed  their  high 
estimation  of  the  fire-escape  conductor's  heroic 
services,  by  presenting  him  with  the  sum  of  £20, 
a  silver  watch  bearing  a  suitable  inscription,  and 
a  handsome  Bible. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


umnys  KKBS  »  1854 


187 


ance  of  placing  their  present  useleM  fire- 
escape*  under  the  Society's  uuna^einent  i 
vetted  iniertsU,  howeTer,  beinff  interfered 
with  by  such  an  arrangement,  ft  Is  postponed 
to  a  "  more  con? enieat  season."  In  order, 
however,  to  guard  as  much  as  possible 
against  a  similar  catastrophe,  the  Royal 
Society  immediately  established  a  fire-escape 
station  in  Conduit-streeti  on  the  border  of 
St.  James's  parish. 

During  the  past  year,  a  fire-escape  station 
has  also  been  established  in  Tower-street, 
City,  making  the  present  number  of  stations 
forty-two.  The  Society  hope,  eventually,  so 
to  complete  the  firo>«Bcape  arrangements  of 
the  metropolis,  as  to  have  one  stationed 
throughout  Uie  night  within  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  of  every  house ;  they  are  of  opinion 
that  fifty- five  stations  will  eflbct  this  de- 
sirable end,  and  to  supply  the  thirteen  still 
wanted,  is  an  objeot  of  the  Society's  greatest 
solicitude.  To  this  end  they  are  now  de^ 
voting  all  surplus  funds ;  and  to  assist  them 
in  so  desirable  an  objeot,  they  especially 


solicit  the  aid  of  the  wealthy  and  humane. 
The  benefits  of  a  fire-escape  station  are  so 
highly  appreciated  by  the  inhabitants  of 
their  several  localities,  that  there  is  little 
doubt  of  their  being  well  supported  when 
once  established.  '*  To  make  this  excellent 
scheme  complete,"  says  the  writer,  in  the 
Quarterly  Review^  <' only  thirtoaa  stations 
have  now  to  be  Mtablisbod,  at  a  eoet  of 
about  eighty  pounds  each;  the  charitable 
could  not  give  their  money  in  a  more  worthy 
cause  than  in  furnishing  these  districts,  in 
which  many  thousands  of  inhabitantg  are 
atill  exposed  to  the  naoat  horrible  of  aU 
deaths."  The  greateat  practical  difilculty 
the  fire-escape  conductors  have  to  contend 
with,  is  the  great  and  unpardonable  delay 
which  is  too  often  permitted  to  occur  befote 
their  services  are  applied  for.  In  very  many 
cases  of  fire,  the  routine  adopted  by  those 
whose  doty  it  is  to  know  better,  is  to  eall 
firtt  the  turncock,  then  the  /b^ougmoM,  and 
lastly  thefire-eteapel 


The  following  tabular  analysis  exhibits,  in  each  instance,  the  occupancy  of  that  part  of  the 
premises  in  which  the  fire  originated,  illustrating  the  comparative  liability  to  accident 
by  fire  of  various  trades,  manufactories,  and  private  dwellings : 


Vy 


OceupatioQ. 


Apothecaries,  and  dealers  in  drugs,  but 
no  chemical  works  carried  on     • 

Bakers 

Boat  and  barge  builders 

Bath  keeperf) 

Beershops 

Booksellers,  binders,  and  stationers 

Bottle  merchanU 

Brewers 

Brokers,  and  dealers  in  old  clothes 

Builders 

Butchers 

Cabinetmakers 

Cane  dyers 

Caoutchouc  manufacturers    . 
Carpenters  and  workers  in  wood    . 

Chandlers 

Charcoal  and  coke,  dealers  in 
Chnrehes  and  chapels    .... 
Cheesemongers     ~.        .        .        .        . 
ChentJsU,  ueing  l%boratories  . 
Coachmakers 

Coal  ttterchspts 

Cofiee-shops  and  chop-houses 
Coopers 


Totally 
Destroyed. 


Seriously 
Damaged. 


4 
9 

1 
10 
10 


2 
3 

9 
2 

20 
13 


Slightly 
Damaged. 


6 

11 

2 

2 
16 

1 
\ 
3 

1 
5 

1 
21 
19 
1 
2 
8 
2 
1 

£ 

8 
6 


Total. 


10 

20 

2 

1 

13 

26 

I 

1 

fi 

10 

1 

15 

2 

1 

46 

32 

1 

3 

8 

8 

a 

8 

10 

8 


•  TM  inntflity  of  this  ttarlih  Mcave  frss  painftiUy  manifested  at  fatal  fires  in  Wardonr-stMet, 
8obo,  oUe  v(d.  50,  pan  200}  and  fei  MooP4treet,  8oho,  Hde  vol.  ffS,  ps^e  184,  as  well  as  at  the  more 
recent  catastrophe  in  Frlnces-stieet. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


tOlBMiX  VIBMB  IN  1854. 


Oeeupationf* 


X)aauged. 


Total. 


Cmrnehuidlers  .  .  >  . 
Currien  «nd  lesther-dretaen 
DifltiUtts  .  .  .  . 
,  tar        .        .        . 


I>«ok8  .        .        .        . 
Braperiy  lin«n  and  woollen    . 
Drumsts,  wholeiale 
DwdlingB,  private  (lodgffiga,  97) 

Dyera 

Bating Jiontea 

Bngineera,  meehUnioal  .        * 
Fartning  stoek 
FellmoDgera .        .       • 
Firewood  inaniifiiotmry,  patent 
Firework-makera  .        «        . 
Flax-dresaen  .      -  . 

Foundera      .... 
French  warebousesi  fancy 
Farriers  and  skin-dyers 
Oas- works  . '      . 

Glass-blowers 

Grocers    ..... 
Hat-makers  .... 
Hemp-dtessdrs 
Horsehair  merchants    -.     ,  • 
Hotels  and  club-houses 
Ink-makers  .... 
Japanners     .... 
Laundresses  .... 
Lucifer-matoh-makers  . 
Lunatic  asylums   . 
Marine  stores,  dealers  in 
Mattress-makers  . 
Milliners  and  dressmakers 
Mnsieal  instrument*  makers  .  ' 
Oil  and  colourmen ;  not  colour 
Painted  baize-makers    . 
Painters,  nlumbers,  and  glaziets 
Pastrycooks  and  confectioners 
Pawnbrokera 

Pipemakers  .... 
Playing-oard-makera     . 
Pork-butchers       -, 
Printers,  letter-press 

,  copper-plate . 

Public  places  of  r^ort  (not  theatres) 

Rag-merchants 

Railways 

Rope«>makers 

Sail-makers  . 

Sale- shops,  and  officea  . 

Sack-makers 

Saw-milla,  ateam  . 

Schools 

Ships    .       •  '      . 

— -,  ateam  • 


-makers 


2 

1 
2 
I 
9 

a 

62 
2 
2 
2 
8 


I 

2 

I 

6 
3 
11 
1 
2 

1 

1 


6 

1 
2 
2 
2 
4 
1 
12 

8 
1 
1 
I 


16 
6 

1 

2 


4 
1 
6 
2 
20 

2 

1 
1 

1 

1 
9 


2 

8 

1.' 

33 
2 
2 
1 


6 

2 
8 

2. 

1 
26 
8 
298 
8 
§ 
6 
& 
I 
1 

1 
4 
2 
4 
2 
2 
8 
8 
2 
2 
5 
1 
3 
1 
1 
2 
8 
1 

11 
6 

81 
1 

-4 
I 
2 
1 
1 
1 

12 
1 
2 
8 
8 
8 
1 

48 
2 
6 
8 
1 
1 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


aooam^^  ,4911)^  mmr^^fmrnfi,  k«v 


xm 


Oo«viMtipp. 


ToUHy 

Dettroyed. 


Seriously 
Damaged. 


Slightly 
Damaged. 


Total. 


Ship-bnildert 

ehaodkra 

Soot  meiebaots 

Subles 

Straw  boiaet-maken    . 

Sugar  refiners 

TaSors. 

Tallow -chandlers,  melters, 

boilers       •     -  . 
Tanners 

Tarpaulin  mannfactarers 
Theatres 

Tinmen,  braziers,  and  smiths 
Timber  merchants 
Tobacconists 
Toy  warehouse 
Type-founders 
Unoocupied  . 
Under  i«pair  or  building 
Upholsterers 
Vamish-maikers     . 
Victuallers,  licensed 
Wadding  manufacturers 
Warehouses  . 

,  Manchester 

Waterproof  canvas-makers 

Weavers 

Wharfingers . 

Whiting-mahcrs   . 

Windmill      . 

Wine  and  spirit  merchants 

Wool-staplers 

Workhouses  . 

Workshops,  not  haxardous 

Total   . 


and 


soap 


1 

1 
10 


4 
1 
1 
2 
1 
8 


32        I      807 

{To  be  eonthim^) 


9 

1 

B 


4 
7 
4 
I 
28 


4 
8 

8 

1 

2 
1 
1 
1 


«14 


1 
2 
8 

17 
1 
1 

17 

8 
1 

t 
2 

14 
2 
8 
1 
1 
4' 
8 
9 
1 

88 
«  1 
1 
6 
4 
8 
8 
I 
I 
4 
1 
2 
2 


953 


SOCIETY  Oy  ARTS,, MANUFACTURES,  ETC. 


BPBOIAL  PRIZES. 


In  addition  to  the  General  Premium  List, 
the  Council  has  detennined  to  offer  speoial 
prizes  as  follow : 

For  two  pounds  of  the  best  and  finest 
PtAX  THREAD,  spun  by  machinery,  suitable 
for  lace-makiogt  Tweniy-Jive  pcmtutSf  or  a 
Gold  Medal  rfihe  tame  value, 

NoTC-^The  Conmitt«e  of  tbc  Normal  Lace 
School  of  Ireland  will  be  requested  to  re- 
port on  the  speeiment  tabmitted. 

For  the  best  Essay  on  the  Means  of  Pre* 
venting  the  nuisance  of  suoKti  arising 
from  lUos  and  fumaces;  treating  the  subject 
pmrtScttHyv   r^itmmg   the  various   plans 


which  hsve  bj^en  put  forth  as  remediei^  with 
the  ezperienoe  of  their  success  or  friluze^ 
and  the  results  of  their  adoption  as  to  e;|r 
pense  or  economy,  in  erection  and  in  working* 
The  legislative  measures  necessary  for  the 
prevention  of  the  nuisance,  and  the-  causea 
of  the  failure  of  the  local  acta  for  its  sup* 
pression*  should  also  form  part  of  the  Essay. 
Tvfeniyfive  pounds^  or  a  Gold  Medal  rf  the 
tame  value* 


I  Mngroing  prtsas  of  £15  eSch, 

losd  by  BeQJsmla  OOvlsra, 

the  dlspMsI  of  tlM  Oeuiea 


NovjB.— -The  two  tingoing 
have  been  pUuMd  ' 

Sk-i  M.P.,  at  the  _, 

for  prenUome  duxlng  the  year  184^. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


180 


M  Um(KfEt>  WBOWH^lftOIf  PDSMIf  • 


For  a  COMPOSITION  for  the  feeding  rol- 
lers used  in  pnnting  paper-hangings  hj 
cylinder  machineryi  similar  in  consistency 
and  action  to  those  used  in  letter-press 
printing,  but  adapted  for  working  in  water- 
colours.  The  Society*s  Medal  and  five 
poundi. 

NoTK.<— This  preniom  hu  been  placed  at  the 
disposal  of  the  Council  by  t.  M.  Hubert* 
Ssq. 

For  a  "  School"  MicRoscori,  to  be  sold 
to  the  public  at  a  price  not  exceeding 
lOs.  6d.     The  Society's  Medal 

To  be  a  simple  microscope,  furnished  with 
powers  as  low  as  those  of  a  pocket-magnifier, 
for  the  purpose  of  observing  flowers,  insects, 
&c.,  without  dissection.  The  lenses  should 
range  from  two  inches  to  one-eighth  of  an 
inch ;  the  focal  a^ustment  to  be  by  rack* 
work,  extending  sufficiently  above  the  stage 
to  allow  a  thick  object  to  be  brought  under 
the  lowest  power.  It  should  be  furnished 
with  plyers,  a  concave  mirror,  and  an  illu« 
minating  lens,  also  a  live  box,  or  instead  of 
it,  two  or  three  glass  cells  of  different  depths, 
a  few  slips  of  common  glass,  and  a  few  pieces 
of  thin  glass  for  covers. 

Makers  are  requested  to  state  at  what 
additional  price  they  will  undertake  to  sup- 
ply  a  doublet  of  l-16th  or  l-20th  of  an 
mch,  appHcable  to  any  instrument  as  above 
described. 

For  a  Teacher's  or  Student's  micro- 
scope, to  be  sold  to  the  public  at  a  price  not 
exceeding  3^  3t,     The  Society^  Medal. 

To  be  a  compound  Achromatic  Micro- 
scope, with  two  eye-pieces  and  two  object 
glasses,  one  magnifying  120  diameters  with 
the  lower  eyepiece,  the  other  magnifying 
25  diameters  with  the  lower  eye-piece.  It 
should  be  furnished  with  a  diaphragm,  having 
Tarious-sized  openings,  mirror,  side  illnmi- 
nator,  live  box,  forceps  stage  and  case. 

In  the  event  of  the  Medal  being  awarded, 
the  Council  is  prepared  to  take  100  of  the 
smaller  and  50  of  the  larger  Microscopes,  at 
the  trade  discount 

The  instrument!  for  which  the  medals 
shall  hare  been  awarded  will  be  retained  by 
the  Society  as  standards,  and  the  successful 
competitors  must  enter  into  a  guarantee  to 
supply  their  Microscopes  at  the  foregoing 
prices,  anf  of  equal  quality  with  those  re- 
tained,  aftd  to  change  them  if  not  found 
satiafaptory. 

The  Council,  in  all  cases,  expressly  re- 
serves the  power  of  withholding  the  Pre- 
mium or  Medal  altogether,  should  the  Essays 
and  articles  sent  in  competition  not  be  oon- 
sidsMd  workhy  of  rewanL 
'  TIm  Essays  and  Arti<?Ies  intended  tot  com- 
petition, must  be  delivered,  addressed  to  the 


Secretary,  at  the  Society's  house,  free  of 
expense,  on  or  before  the  1st  of  May,  1855. 
By  order, 
P.  Le  Neve  Foster,  Secretary, 

Society's  House,  Adelphi,  London, 
Jan.  Slat,  1855. 

EXHIBITION    OF   INVENTIONS. 

The  Seventh  Annual  Exhibition  of  In- 
ventions  is  fixed  to  open  to  the  public  on 
Monday,  the  2nd  of  April  next.  These  Ex- 
hibitions of  the  Society  have  now  for  lo  long 
formed  part  of  its  general  action,  and  are  so 
well  known,  that  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to 
enlarge  on  the  object  and  advantages  of 
forming  the  collection.  It  may,  however, 
be  stated,  that  the  importance  of  exhibitiona 
of  this  character  has  long  been  pointed  out, 
and  the  experience  of  the  Great  Exhibition 
afforded  the  unmistakeable  testimony  of 
fact  in  support  of  the  arguments  in  favour  of 
their  utility. 

Limited  as  the  Society's  Exhibitions  ne- 
cessarily are,  being  dependent  entirely  on 
j  the  voluntary  assistance  of  the  inventor* 
themselves,  they  at  least  show  the  practi- 
cability of  the  idea,  whilst  their  utility  haa 
been  unauestioned.  It  is  hoped  that  mem- 
hers  and  others  will  exert  themselves  to 
render  the  forthcoming  Exhibition  as  com- 
plete as  possible. 

Articles  for  exhibition,  consisting  of  spe- 
cimens,  models,  and  drawings  of  invention^ 
must  be  sent  in  not  later  than  Monday,  the 
19th  March,  and  applications  for  space  by 
intending  exhibitors  should  be  made  to  the 
Secretary  as  early  as  possible. 


AN    IMPROVED    WROUGHT-IRON 
PISTON. 

BY  MR.  J.  E.  M*CONNELL,  OP    WOLVERTON.* 

This  piston  is« constructed  entirely  of 
wrought  iron,  and  i^  is  forged  in  one  piece 
with  the  piston-rod,  by  means  of  which  the 
ordinary  joint  between  the  piston  and 
piston-rod  is  avoided,  and  a  great  saving  of 
weight  is  effected. 

The  construction  is  shown  by  the  accom. 
panying  engraving,  which  represents  an 
18-inch  piston  for  a  locomotive  engine. 
Fig.  1  is  a  transverse  section  of  the  piston. 
Fig.  2,  a  sectional  plan,  showing  the  interior 
on  a  more  reduced  scale.  Tiie  body  of  the 
piston,  A  A^  is  ^  circular  disc  of  wrought- 
iron,  which  is  ferged  under  the  steam-^ham- 
mer,  with  a  portion  of  tho  piston-rod,  B, 
formed  upon  it,   about  9  Inches  ldng«  to 


<  Bead  at  the  Institution  ef  Meehantel  Bngl- 
neerSf'Binningham. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


mnOTXD  WBOnOHT-IMll  K8T0II. 
Kg.l. 


131 


which  the  piaton-rod  if  afterwards  welded. 
The  circular  ring,  C  C,  is  also  raised  upon 
the  disc  in  the  forging,  thus  completing 
the  body  of  the  piston  in  one  solid  piece  of 
wrought-iron.      The    wrought-iron    oorer 

Fig.  2. 


D  D,  is  screwed  into  the  ring,  C  C,  by  a 
single  thread,  cut  upon  the  projecting  rim, 
£  £,  on  the  inner  side  of  the  coTer.  The 
cover  is  dished  in  the  centre,  as  well  as  the 
body  of  the  piston,  so  that  the  two  sides 
meet  in  the  centre,  to  diminish  the  weight 
of  materiaL 

The  packing  consists  of  two  plain  brass 
rings,  F  F,  lined  with  a  thin  steel  hoop,  O, 
whicii  fit  into  a  shallow  recess  on  the  inside 
of  the  brass  rings.  The  four  steel  springs, 
H  H,  are  set  out  against  the  packing,  by 
set  screws  fixed  in  the  ring  of  the  piston, 
C  C.  The  fifth  set  screw  is  attached  to  a 
solid  block,  I,  which  is  placed  at  the  bot- 
tom of  the  piston,  and  serves  to  itipport  the 
weight  of  the  piston,  to  prevent  it  from 
fluting  the  cylinder. 

Two  holes,  K  K,  are  provide  In  the  d6t^ 
fbr  the  pnrpose  of  unse^ew?pg  ft'  'bj^  Ihei^ifs 
of  a  bar  passed  throdjfh  eith^f  hdle,^,  and 


bearing  at  the  point  in  a  series  of  holes, 
L  L,  sunk  in  the  opposite  side  of  the  piston. 
The  holes,  K  K,  are  closed  by  brass  screwed 
plugs,  which  are  kept  from  turning  by  a 
thin  brass  plate,  M,  fixed  by  split  pins,  as 
shown  in  the  detached  plan,  fig.  3.  This 
plate  also  secures  the  brass  locking-nut,  N, 
for  preventing  the  cylinder,  cover  fh>m  un- 
screwing ;  the  thread  of  this  nut  is  right- 
handed,  whilst  the  main  thread  of  the  cover 
is  left-handed. 

Fig.  3. 


The  weight  of  this  piston,  including  th^ 
piston-rod,  is  217  lbs.  for  the  size  shown, 
18  hiohes  diameter,  which  is  89  lbs.  lighted 
than  the  ordinary  construction  of  plslbn^'df 
the  same  size,  weighing  306  lbs.  The  Weigl^t 
of  a  16.inoh  wrought-iron  piston  and  fo&  h 
100  lbs.,  being  47  lbs.  lighter  thaiii  the  o^" 
dinary  construction. 

This  saving  of  weight  affnbunts  to  1781bs^ 
in  the  pair  of  IS-inoh  pistons,  ihd  94  Ibs.;M 
the  16-ineh  pistons,  which  is  a  point  of 'dljn- 
siderable  importance  ilt  the  high  t^eed  df 
600  to  800  feet  per  ndlnute,  Ht  ifhioh  loco- 
motive-engine pistons  ar)^  driven;  tne  eon- 
sequent  reductibn'  of  Mbm^ntdM  adding  to 
the  dlirabiliiy-  of  the  working  par^  by  re- 
dueing  the  strain  Upon  tiiem,  as  Weil  as 
diminishing  the  disturbing  efieot  upofi  the 
motion  of  the  engine. 

The  solid  construction  of  this  piston 
avoids  Mil  risk  of  accident  from  th^  pisto^ 
%8fkiri^  loi>s4  tipoti  the  rod,  which  ih  ihe 
'^Prdihary  cdiistrudion  is  liable  i6  cause  the 
^AclUte  of  th^  pyiiTid^k' coveflrt,  and  tptnt-^ 
"^fhiei  ihdre  extWisive  injui-y.  ' 
"  "1116*6  art  upwards  of  loo  of  these 'pistoos 


Digitized  by 


Google   ""^ 


132  ' 


OJif 


BT  ane  cm 


now  in  user  "-^^  some  of  them  have  been  at 
work  for  two  years.  The  lightness  of  the  pis- 
ton,  and  the  accuracy  of  a^uttment  main- 
tained throughout,  in  consequence  of  the  ab- 
sence  of  joints  and  loose  parts  in  the  construe- 
tion,  allow  the  brass  packing-rings  to  be  worn 
down  to  a  greater  extent  than  usual,  before 
requiring  renewal.  These  rings  (of  which 
specimens  were  exhibited  to  the  meeting) 
have  been  worn  down  to  ^th  inch  from  the 
original  thickness,  Jths  inch,  and  lasted 
twelve  months  in  constant  work. 


ON  PROPULSION  BY  JETS  OF 
WATER. 

to  ih$  'Editor  (^  the  Mechanics*  Magtaine,  , 
Sib, — Your  vtide  on  the  above  subject, 
in  the  last  member  of  your  Magazine,  has, 
I  assuxp  ypu,  been,  read  with  much  interest 
by  .many  who  .  h^ve  .  recently  interested 
themselves  in  several  systems  jof  jet  propul- 
slop  brought  prominently  before  the  public. 
It  lyppears  to  me  that  tf  Mr»  Qravatt's  rear 
soningsfWTf;  fjolly  disposed  of>  we  shall  not 
have  occasion  to  trouble  ourselves  much- 
with  these  various  systems,  although  one  at 
least  of  them  has  been  backed  up  by  a  pow- 
erful company ;  for  Mr.  Gravatt  ia  almost 
the  only  inventor  who  bases  his  contrivance 
on  mathematical  investigations,  and  chaU 
lebges  others  to  discuss  his  theory^  I  4m 
xipt  now  about  to  attempt  to  add  to  the  ful- 
neteof  y^ur  able  remarks  already  referred 
to,  but  purpose  ^ply  ofibring  a  consider- 
ation or  two,  which  occurred  to  me  on 
ceding :.>Cr*,6rAvaU's  pul^hed  letterj  to 
hiaXnencU  I  xna^  be  in.  error  ia  my  opi- 
nions, ^o,^  H  so,  eltffU  be  most  ba|>py  to 
receive  oorrectioiu..        .  , 

In  tli?  Urst  plaoe,  I  SM.  quite^jst  j|  loss  to 
discover  wW  possible,  advantagQ  cem  be 
gained  by  lempioyijjg  ateam  jiewer .  kn  iht 
manner  proposed  by  Mrt..Gcavatt{  via^  in 
foreiiig  water  tbrou£^  an  orifice,  by  raising 
tbe  .water  ^p  a  ceruin  diAtance  aud  theq 
allojviug  It  to  fell  4owiJ  agAin.  Ho  wf  not 
fill  know  that  we  must  do  precisely  the 
pame  worpt  tp  raise ;«  given  body  of  walei 
through  a  height  h^  as  gravity  does  in  ear- 
qring  it  down  through  the  same  height? 
Apd  if  so,,  where  is  the  use  of  Mr.  Gravatt's 
tank  and  its  appendegesZ  Why  should  be 
not  employ  liis  stean}  power  in  the  much 
more  convenient  method  of  forcing  the 
water  directly  through  the  orifice  ? 

I  very  clearly  see  that,  as  you  sayi  "  Mr. 
GravattU  grand  point  ia  bis  auumptUn  that 
*  the,cpunter  pressure  o(  an  effluent  stream  of 
water  is  doubU  the  pressure  of  the  column  c^ 
the  fluid  due  to  the  velocity/  '*  and  I  also 
fancy  I  aee^  that  this  Js  hie  grand  error  also. 


But  even  taking  his  "  cataract*'  example 
surely  that  gentleman  must  admit  that  it 
can  matter  but  little  whether  the  preasure 
on  the  sides  of  the  vessel  about  the  orifice 
is  produced  by  the  action  of  gravity  upon 
the  fluid  above,  or  by  the  action  of  a  steam- 
driven  piston. 

But,  without  insisting  upon  this  point,  I 
am  bound  to  say,  that  I  am  Sn  the  condi- 
tion  you  predicted,  Sir,  and  find  myself 
quite  unable  to  deem  the  explanation  (pro- 
fessedly borrowed  from  Newton)  of  the 
al)ove  "  grand '  point "  satisfectory.  ;  I  do 
not  know,  at  present,  whether,  in  1686, 
Newton  taught,  that  when  an  orifice  is 
opened  in  the  bottom  of  a  vessel  contain- 
ing a  fluid,  the  bottom  itself  is  relieved  of  a 
pressure  ^val  to  twice  the.we^h;^  of  the 
columa  of  fluid  superincumbent  above  the 
orifipei  J  can  only  say,  that  I  suspect  Mr. 
Gravatt  haa  .seriously  misapprehended  some* 
thing,  that  Newton  really  did  teach;  and  I 
am  inclined  to  receive  thiis  explanation  of 
the  matter,  from  (he  fact,  that,  in  tlie  de- 
monstration given  by  Mr.  Gravatt,  on  page 
8  of  his  letter,  the  cataract  (F  G  H  i)  is 
<lragged  in  so  unceremoniously,  and  the 
steps  of  the  integpration  performed  are  given 
so  rudely,  that  the  whole  matter  eeemH.  to 
be  but  imperfectly  comprebeBded  1>^  tlie 
writer.  The  **  other  demonstration  '^  whicb 
follows  the  former,  also  points,  in  my  judg-^ 
ment,  to  the  san^e  fact,  from  the  earieusi 
way  in  which  the  symbol,  /,  appears  indis. 
iprlminately  in  velocities,  forees,  spaces,  &c« 
\  Now,  a  word  or  two  about  the  *'  Medea  " 
example.  Taking  p  s  pressure  in  lbs.,  to 
keep  the  boat  at  the  velocity  v^,  and  ns»the 
ratio  of  tf^  to  v,,  and  employing  for  the 
remaining  elements,  the  notation  preserved' 
by  you  in  your  article,  ailer  getting  out 
certain  values  from  his^  ibrmulse,  Mr.  Gra- 
¥%tt  goes  on  to  say :— "  Now,  without  going 
iuctber,  take  jf»,  an  exampjle.  the  *  JAe^p^' 
paddle-wheel  steam  frigate.^'  (slpop?}  "  of 
848  tUAs  burdea  and.  14r-5  feet  draught, 
where  i^  has  been  aaid,  , 

p-»4500.1bs.,  ©^=16, 

and  the  horse  power  220,  but  which,  I  .be^* 
lieve,  is  nearer  8S0. 


Let  i»«^l-5,  thenp«16«Oj  -4500, 
or,  a^al7'6»  Rndiig»ll7 
:  frj«16;  Vg^24!.' 
The  horse  power 
-^^Xl^6xl6»  =  164  nearly. 

This  result  is,  of  course,  e^cclu si ve  of  fric- 
tions; but  here  is  a  large  margin,  altbopigh 
n  is  not  taken  so  small  as  it  might  be;  and 
when  we  eopsider  the  dw^ugbt  for  thia  mode 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


INVESTIGATION'Or  TBM  MOON'S  MOTION. 


18Si 


of  frapokkm  need  not  bo   xaate   tban  4 

Now,  I  should  liko  to  know  the  ▼ahis  of 
thnf  where  it  has  been  said."  Whoeeid 
it  f  And  how  it  was  obtained^  ?  It  appears 
to  me,  that  it  eonld  only  have  been  anrited 
at  by  makings  certain  deduotions  from  the 
indicated  horse-power ;  and,  if  so,  what  im* 
poTtance  is  to  be  attached  to  it  f 

Perfeetiy  agreeing  with  Ml.  GraTstt,  as  to 
the  geneial  ^sadvsBtages  of  paddle-wheels 
in  ships  of  war,  and  the  inapplicability  of 
serews  to  vessels  of  shallow  draught,  I  am, 
nevertheless,  unable  to  believe  thst  he  has 
not  totally  misconceived  the  real  merits 
and  demerits  of  jet^propulaioii. 

1  am.  Sir,  youm,  &e., 

Obsbavbii. 

Fetamaiy  5, 18ff&. 

--— ♦^ — ^ 

INVBSTIGATION  OF  THE  MOON'8 

MOTION.* 

(Coneluded  Crom  p.  840 
To  the  Editor  qf,  the  Mechanics'  M(agaxine, 
Sir, — We  have  hitherto-  considered  the 
moon  in  the  same  mannet  aa  weare  aeens- 
tomed  to  consider  ths'^mpatatively  small 
bodies  with  whieh  we- meet  ea  the  serfaoe' 
of  the  earth, -and' we  have  been  led  to  the 
oonclosion  that  no  point  in  it  possesses  .the 
es  of  the  -eentseof  gravity  of.suth 


Neverthelees  we  «an  show  (tlie  hypo* 
Uiesis  of  die  moon  being  a  perfect  bonio*> 
gctieoas  sphcce  still  'subsisting)  that  the 
moon  would  rotate  oniforttily  on  any  one  of 
ita  diameters;  for  if  no  forces  whatever 
act  on  the  moon,  such  a  osotion  will  ton- 
tinne^  when  once  begun,  in  eonsequettce  of 

•  I  am  not  scqusinted  with  Mr.  Evan  Hopkins' 
new  theories,  but  it  will  be  teen  from  the  present 
paper  tbst  nty  beliirf  Ys,  that  a  meebanleal  exp1&n*i 
tioD  of  the  peenUsilty  of  the  mom's  motion  «an  be 
.  given.  BtiiBboldl^  in^  his  "  Koamos."  has  already 
giren  such  an  expUnalion ;  but  the  hypotheses  he 
mskes  to  that  end  do  not  seem  to  have  found  favour. 
(See  Edimbutgh  Bniett,  Ko.  175,  page  I9S,  and 
8te  J.  Heischel's  *'  Ontllnes  «r  Aatroneny."  4th 
edition,  page  262.)  The  celebrated  Daniel  Ber«- 
nonllli,  Sn  his  '*  TraiK  iur  U  Flux  et  R^u*  de  la 

Mer{ S}H$ertaH»nn  gtut  Ptmrnio  fiirteohde- 

cmraiai^eelthH  PuriiUmH  SeUaUarmm  AcadMndd,**) 
says;— (I  fiMind  .this  vrorh  only  four  days  ago  at 
the  Cambridge  University  Llbrair,  at  the  end  of  an 
edition  of  Hewton's  "  Prinelpia,*'^  published  at  Ge- 
neva in  1741)— *'ira*«  quell*  %die  9  pnO^^  itUor 
c*er~(speakins  ef  the  wordt^C««<r*  dt  9r99U4) 
JorsqMiS  ta  petanieur  ett  inigaU  dans  le$  diffrentei 
parties  iu  cftrps  7  Tln'pa  auenn  point  ators  qu*on 
fmisse  nitmtwur  M,  qmeSqae  d^nition  oS'm*  dbnne  A 
ee  tmt,"  And  a  Uftile  farther,  speaking,  of  the  pe- 
eallarlty  of  the  moon's  motion:— "^aand  nUms 
la  lune  seraU  parfailemenl  homogine,  *a  teule  figure, 
jjoinie  i  fintgaliii  de  petantew  de  »e»  parHea  aen  it 
cemtre  d4  id  terf,  pearroil  wtim0prodtttr»tepMa»- 
mine  ea  fSMiKeS.."  B9  dsea  not,  however,  oaxry 
out  a  f^U  proof  of  hia  assertion.  These  quotations, 
ftom  aneh  an  anthotity,  couflrming  what  I  said 
before,  may  well  justify  my  eentlnuing  here  my 
Investigation.— C.  J.  E*  „ 


inertiii;   and,  aooordihg  to  D^Alembert's 

principle,  this  motion  will  not  be  disturbed 
if  we  add  the  two  forces,  C  G,  C  E  (fig.  1, 
the  centre  C  being  at  rest,  and  the  earth 
rotating  on  axis,  AX  and  therefore,  accord* 
ing  to  our  principle  (on  page  82)  such 
rotatiott  can  exist  when  C  revolves  round 
the  eostfa. 

Now  it  is  time  to  consider  the  moon  sS  it 
is  in  reality,  viz.,  as  an  ii^perfeot  heteroge- 
neous sphere  (not  even  composed  of  homo- 
geneous concentric  shells).  The  rotation 
we  have  just  been  speaking  of  is  no  mora 
possible  I  for  only  bodies  enclosed  by  ear- 
faces  of  revolution  can- rotate  on  an  axis  so 
as  to  oconpy  eonstsntly  the  same  space  9 
and  besides,  the  resultant  of  the  attractions 
from  the  earth  would  now  vary  with  evevy 
position  of  the  moon,  thereferci  not  eon- 
stsntly cut  its-  axiS)  and  oonsequently  dis- 
turb the  rotation*  This  isCrue,  whstever 
point  be  now  tahen  to  replace  Uie  former 
moon's  centre.  Applying  our  princi)^, 
we  conclude  now  also  that  the  T«yd  oaeon 
can  only  revolve  round  the  earth's  centre 
as  if  it  was  rigidly  conneoted.to  that  point. 

And,  lastly,  a  word  more  on  our  principle 
itself.  I  shhll  choose  the  moon's  motion 
for  exemplifying  its  meaning; 

.  We  leier  again  to-  figu  1.  The  moon  is  at 
rest,  and  the  earth  rotates  unifonnly  on  ita 
axis,  projected  at  A.  Take  the  latter  axis 
as  AXIS  of  y!,  A  E  as  axis  of  c,  nnd  a  peff]id)i- 
dicuiar  to  the  plane,  yA  J,  drawn  thtough, 
A,  as  axia  of  sr.  Now,  suppose  another 
movable  oystem  of  oo>*ordinates  produced  by 
chtnging  in  the  fitat,  4-x  into  ^«,  and  by 
letting  the  same  system  be  carried  on  by 
th^  earth  in  its  rotatiou.  Entirely  disre* 
garding  now  the  first  system,  let  us  refisr 
lig.  1  to  the  second.  Then  ^e  and  the 
same  dynamical  phenomenon  has  occurred 
in  two  different  systems  of  co-ordinates ;  and 
since  the  use  of  an^  such'  sy stent  is  only  to 
fix  space  for  us,  j(  I  may  use  th^t«xpref si^n 
(absolute  space  being  as  inconceivable  to  us 
as  absolute  motion),  the  mesDing  of  Saying 
that  ttom  different  causes  bodies  have  the 
same  dynamical  relation,  must  be  quite 
clear. 

Tnking,  now,  the  first  system  of  Co- 
ordinates again,  we  see  that  the  transmit- 
ting of  the  said  dynamical  phenomenon  to 
the  new  system  has  produced  the  following 
effects: — Firstly,  to  bring  the  earth  at  rest; 
secondly,  to  produce  the  oflen-defined  mo« 
tion  of  the  moon ;  thirdly,  to  engender  a 
new  centripetal  force,  equal  in  Intensity  to 
and  coinciding  in  direction  with  C  6.  This 
new  force  being  equal  and  directly  opposite 
to  the  <ft7/  subsisting  force,  C  E,  we  may. 


the  "influen'ce  of  the '  iln altered  atti'iibtibn> 

"">)    •/» -J  c  rno!    o^    •,>,.iii     >*  it>.  ^    >.    »     "t,:.  -  J 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


IH 


SA9ECT  VAXiVttS* 


C  O,  from  tb«  eMtb,  ia  •onfirmation  of  our 
prineiple. 

I  might  apply  the  Mm«  prinoiple  to  the 
conaidention  of  the  elliptieftl  motion  of 
the  moon  loond  the  earth,  and  show  that 
only  the  xegnlarly  reeurring  phenomenon  of 
libratien  interferes  with  our  abore  oonolu* 
sions ;  which  phenomenon  may  in  faot  be 
called  simply  a  gmrmttrioal  eonseqnenee  of 
elliptio  revolution.  We  oan,  however,  con- 
aider  the  discussion  of  this  point  as  belong* 
ing  to  a  general  investigation  of  elliptiMl 
motion* 

From  a  moral  point  of  view,  it  also  seems 
natural  that  the  motion  of  a  satellite  should 
dius  be  a  subordinate  one.  The  agreement 
of  a  meohanieal  law  with  a  moral  proposi* 
tion,  can  only  be  a  display  of  the  infinite 
wisdom  of  Him  who  created  all  things. 

The  reaaon  why  the  present  inveetigation 
cannot  be  applied  to  the  case  ef  the  sun  and 
planets,  is,  that  the  latter  appear  so  very 
small,  as  seen  from  the  first,  that  there  ean 
be  no  objection  to  speak  of  their  centre  of 
gravity.  And  why  does  not  the  earth  show 
always  the  same  faee  to  the  moon  ?  Be- 
eause  the  gravity  of  the  earth  towards  the 
moon  is  so  small  in  comparison  to  the  mass  of 
the  earth,  that  the  trifling  variations  ef  this 
gravity  can  only  produce  a  very  small  peri- 
odical perturbation  in  the  earth's  ensting 
rotation. 

This  is,  Sir,  what  I  have  judged  indis- 
pensable for  making  my  investigation  an 
intelligible  wlwk.  Having  done  this,  I 
shall  on  no  account  write  to  you  any  more 
cm  the  subject,  for  fear  I  might,  indirectly, 
revive  a  controversy,  which  is  disagreeable 
to  you,  and,  no  doubt,  to  moat  of  your 
readers.  I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

^  C.  J.  Rbcoedon. 

Csmbridge,  Feb.  I,  INf. 

"♦ 

SAFETY-VALVES. 

To  the  Ediiar  rf  the  Meehaniet*  Magazine, 

Sir, — I  am  glad  to  see  from  the  tone  of 
the  letters  published  in  vour  journal,  that 
attention  is  likely  to  be  drawn  to  the  num- 
ber of  *'  Re-inventions  "  that  are  constantly 
appearing  before  the  public.  The  examples 
of  similarity  are  too  numerous  to  mention, 
but  I  cannot  refrain  from  drawing  a  parallel 
between  two  inventions  (one  of  which  waa 
specially  mentioned  in  your  journal  a  short 
time  ago)  for  a  more  efficient  safety-valve. 
I  could  give  the  names  of  the  patentees  and 
the  date%  but  this  would  not  add  anything 
to  the  facta.  The  principle  of  the  just- men- 
tioned valves  it  as  follows:  The  valve  is 
made  perfectly  spherical,  and  rests  upon  a 
narrow  "  seat "  of  brass  let  into  the  top  of 
an  upright  stapdardpipe,  fixed  on  the  boiler. 
Tik%yf^^ T^mfei&z ik^M^iure  is  sus- 
M>Wi|i;<>'3t.Jto..PMt..'0tt,th^j^alj%,,f)r  by 
means  of  a  saddle  made  to  form  a  cap  for 


the  valve.  In  on«  case  they  an  tvapended 
from  the  lugs,  by  means  of  a  pipe  of  larger 
diameter  than  the  standard  above-men- 
tioned,  and  having  an  aperture  in  the  top 
for  the  escape  of  waste  steam.  In  the  othev 
caae  they  are  suspended  by  four  rods,  and 
the  weights  are  east  in  segmenta.  Now  the 
only  oSier  difference  between  these  two 
valves  consists  in  one  being  enoased  in  a 
shell,  with  a  whistle  to  act  by  the  escape  of 
the  waste  steam,  and  the  other  having  the 
weighta  exposed,  the  steam  escaping  at  once 
without  noise:  still  they  each  profess  to 
claim  the  spherical  vahe,  having  4lie  weighta 
so  suspended  to  be  used  for  such  purpose. 
In  this  case,  how  are  the  public  and  users 
to  judge  who  is  the  true  inventor,  or  whom  to 
pay  patent  right  to  ?  This,  Sir,  is  only  one 
BoUtary  case ;  but,  as  I  said  before,  there  are 
many  such  parallels  in  the  inventive  world, 
take  any  direction  you  wilL  Look,  fer  in- 
stance,  at  the  numerous  arrangements  for 
that  all-absorbing  question,  "  smoke  com- 
bustion." Again,  see  the  number  of  such 
cases  in  connection  with  the  steam  engine 
and  boiler.  Sinoe  the  adaptations  of  the 
steam  engine  made  by  Watt,  how  many 
patents  have  been  obtained  for  all  kinds  of 
imag^ary  improvements,  and  yet  in  what 
distinetive  feature  does  the  steam  engino 
differ  now  from  what  it  was  when  it  first 
left  his  master  mind  t  Some  slight  altera- 
tions and  additions  may  certainly  have  been 
made ;  but  to  term  idl  improvements,,  is 
simply  preposterous.  Now  in  all  this  **  mul- 
tiplication-table "  system  of  invention,  you 
will  admit,  there  is  a  great  amount  of  true 
and  energetic  talent  wasted,  that  might,  and 
would  be,  avoided  by  a  scrutinising  exa« 
mination  of  the  inventors'  claims  to  novelty, 
before  the  patent  is  granted  at  all.  The 
patent  agent  ought  also  to  render  all  his  ex- 
perience and  advice  to  warn  the  inventor 
that  his  indention  is  or  is  not  new. 

I  doubt  not  the  publication  of  the  speci- 
fications by  the  "  Commissioners"  as  at  pre- 
sent done,  will  remove  some  of  the  evils 
under  which  all  intending  patentees  labour ; 
but  yet  these  are  not  quite  so  accessible  as 
they  might,  and  must  be,  before  the  above  . 
state  of  the  ease  is  improved.  Certainly  we 
could  do  very  well  without  a  "  great  host" 
of  the  re-inventions  now  so  prominently 
put  forth  ;  the  great  minority  containing  no 
new  principle,  but  being  simply  a  slight 
(very  slight)  alteration,  for  the  purpose  of 
swaUowing  up  the  share  of  the  patent  right. 

I  shall  be  glad  to  see  the  matter  brought 
conspicuously  before  inventors,  and  the'pub- 
iio  geaerally^  and  as  your  aid  in.  WQjmb 
•ases  i»  freely  gii^en^it  will  not  require  me 
to  ask  fbr  the  Insertion  of  this  letter. 
I  am,  $ir,  your^,  &o>« 

Bngiheba. 

Maneheiter,  Jan.  51, 18M. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


snamojLmm  <nr  PAmm  ssoEimiT  vilbb* 


185 


PRODtTCTS  PROM  COAL- 
BENZINE. 
Tbb  following  letter  by  Dr.  Hofmann  haa 
been  elicited  by  a  diaousaion  in  the  pagea  of 
tko  JmtnuU  qf  ih$  Soehty  rf  Artt^  aimilar  to 
tkat  already  publiahed  by  ouraeWea,  on  the 
above  subject  I 

Sir,— I  notice  in  your  Journal,  No.  110, 
page  104,  a  letter  by  Mr.  Mansfield,  quoting 
and  remarking  on  a  passage  from  a  paper 
by  Mr.  F.  Grace  Cakert,  in  a  former  num- 
ber. I  abaenre  alao,  at  page  131,  a  note 
ftma  Mr.  Calvert  in  answer  to  this  letter. 

I  am  exceedingly  unwilling,  and  it  ia 
quite  contrary  to  my  habit,  to  take  part  in 
controreray.  I  am  not  now  about  to  break 
my  rule,  but  I  feel  bound  to  aak  you  to  in« 
aert  the  following  remarks  in  your  next 
number.  I  think  it  my  duty  to  do  so,  not 
only  on  general  grounds  of  justioe,  but  be« 
cause  tiie  experiments  of  Mv«  Mansfield,  to 
which  he  refers  in  the  letter  whioh  I  first 
mentioned,  were  made  by  that  gentleman  in 
my  laboratory,  at  the  Royal  College  of 
Chemistry,  and  because  I  watched  the  tedi* 
one  process  which  Mr.  Mansfield  patlentlv 
oanied  on  for  many  months,  and  by  which 
he  obtained,  amongst  other  interesting  re- 
sults, the  foots  which  he  truly  states  to  have 
been  hia  diseovery. 

I  am  disposed  to  regret  the  tone  of 
warmth  which  appeats  in  Mr.  Mansfield's 
letter.  I  must,  however,  point  out,  that  the 
few  words  in  which  Mr.  Calvert  replies  to 
Mr.  Mansfield's  strictures  in  no  way  meet 
die  objection  which  Mr.  Mansfield  raises  to 
Mr.  Calvert's  sutement  eoneernlDg  *'  Ben- 
sine.'*  The  chief  points  to  which  Mr. 
Mansfield  calls  attention  in  his  letter,  are 
cireumstaneea  of  scientific  history  and  of 
literary  fact  He  appeals  on  this  matter  to 
the  only  tribunal  wUch  can  consider  it^ 
that  of  science. 

Such  questions  as  the  following  are  not 
subjects  for  Courts  of  Law:  Are  '*Ben. 
aine"  and  "Benaole"  accepted  synonymet 
Who  gave  the  name  *'  Benzine  '*  to  a  pro- 
duct  contained  in  coal-naphtha  7  Is  **  Ben- 
aine  "  co^.naphtha  purified,  or  is  it  a  pecu- 
liar substance  ?  Who  first  found  **  Benaine  " 
in  useftil  quantity  in  coal-naphtha?  Who 
first  pointed  out  its  utility  as  a  solvent  of 
greaae  and  as  a  detergent  ?  Who  first  in- 
tied  need  it  into  England  ? 

These  are  the  main  pofnta  raised  in  Mr. 
Mansfield's  letter  agamst  Mr.  Calvert'a 
alateinent.  The  answers  to  these  questions 
are  mattets  of  history^  and  not  of  law ;  and 
I  am  bound  to  declare,  that  the  assertions 
made  by  Mr.  Mansfield  regarding  these 
poiqta  are  in  every  respect  exactly  correct. 

fits  trne  that  Mr.  Mansfield,  jn  hia  let- 
ter) rttset  by  implication  a  secondary  ques- 


tioui  as  to  the  validity  of  Mr.  Calvert'a 

recent  patent.  On  this  question,  of  course, 
I  have  nothing  to  say;  this  is  simply  a 
matter  for  legal  decision ;  but,  in  the  pre* 
sent  ease,  it  is  only  a  subordinate  question, 
and  to  merge  the  first  dispute  in  the  second, 
which  is  altogether  beside  it,  appears  to  me 
an  evaaion  of  the  point  at  issue. 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

A.  W.  HoFlf  ANN. 

Beyal  College  of  QMiaistry,  Jan.  S4, 1865. 


ARMSTRONG'S  SMOKELESS  FUR- 
NACE. 
To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mechamcs'  Magazine, 
Sin, — Seeing  in  your  laat  week's  **  Pro- 
visional  Specifications  not  proceeded  with," 
one  for  consuming  smoke  (p.  Il5)t  to  which 
my  name  is  attached,  will  you  allow  the 
correction  of  an  error  in  the  abstract  there 
given.  You  say,  **the  inventor  proposes 
to  feed  the  furnace  through  a  certain  pas- 
sage with  air  heated  by  passing  between 
the  fire-bars  and  a  JUed  plate."  Now  the 
word  **  fixed"  ought  to  have  been  **  tno90able, 
and  turning  upon  a  joint  or  hinge,''  which 
aie  tba  actual  words  used  in  the  specifica- 
tion ;  an  important  difierence  you  will  ad- 
mit, and  curious  from  the  fact  thf  t  it  waa 
alleged  to  infringe  on  previoua  patents,  with 
JUed  plates  in  a  similar  position. 
I  am.  Sir,  youra,  9io,, 

ROBEET  ARHaTROMG. 
M,  FtachuTc1i<stffeet,  Fe1>.  B,  I85f . 

4 

SHILUBEER'S  PATENT  HEARSES. 

BBVOBB  THB  JUDICIAL  COMMITTEE  OP 
THE  PBTVY    COUNCIL. 

Friday,  Fehfwtry  2,  IMS. 

Mr.  Shillibeer  appeared  in  peraon,  and 
prayed  an  extension  of  his  patent  for 
hearaea,  the  merit  of  which  he  represented 
to  consist  in  the  oombinatioB  of  a  hearse 
and  a  mourning  eoaoh  in  one  carriage^ 

Mr.  Pemberton  Leigh  said  that  their 
Lordsbipe  saw  no  such  merit  in  the  inven- 
tion as  to  induce  thorn  to  recommend  a  pro- 
longation of  the  patent. 

SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Bishop,  William,  of  Boston,  Lincoln- 
shire, gentleman.  Improvements  in  maehi' 
nery  er  apparatus  fir  ticketing  or  labelling 
spools,  parcels  of  the  same,  or'  other  similar 
parceh.    Patent  dated  July  14,  1854.    (No, 

The  inventor  describes  a  box  contatnmg 
damping-pads,  which  ar^  kept  moist  by 
means  Sf  capillary  action. 

SeWell,    CBARLESy  of  Longton-lodgc, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


lafii 


BsmmPMog^Mrm  wntm  v^miwhj  mass^i 


LoBg^-groTe,  Sydetihtin,  Kent,  bnildor*  < 
An  hmpnnwMni  in  spring  hinge*  far  doon  ,and- 
gates.    Pfttent  dated  July  14^  1854.    (N^. 
1647.) 

Ctoim.'^The  applioatioa  of  a  rod  of  steel 
or  other  auitable  material  aa  a  apriog  to  . 
door  and  gate  hingeav  so  aa  to  cauAe  the- 
doors  and  gates  to  be  oloaed  by  the  tocsion 
of  the  rod. 

MoC^AFFur,  John,  of  Liverpool,  Lan- 
caster, engineer.  lmproveueni$  in  the  nmde 
qf  corrugating  angular  iron.  Patent  dated 
July  If,  1854.    (No.  1549.) 

This  invention  "  consists  in  the  manu-  . 
facture  of  corrugate4  wrought-iron  iMigle 
T  or  H,  or  any  such  forms  of  rolled  iron, 
with  all  or  any  of  the  flang*es  corrugated." 
The  comigatione  are  fbrmed  either  during ' 
the  pTocebs  of  rolling  the  iron  in  dies  made 
with  the  requisite  sized  corrugations,  or  by 
passing  the  iron,  after  it  is  rolled  into  the 
first  forma,  through  a  set  of  suitable  roHers. 
McGa^fik,  Jotiir,  of  Liverpool,  Lao- 
caster,  engineer.  Improoementt  in  the  c&n" 
struction  qf  iron  bridges.  Patent  dated 
July  14,  1854.    (No.  1550.) 

This  invention  consists  in  eo&strncting 
iron  bridges  or  roofs  by  riveting  or  screws 
bolting  corrugated  plates  of  iron  together^ 
phicing  the  sheets  across  tfafo  place  to  be 
bridged.  Several  of  (h#e  sets  of  sheets  tre 
placed  over  eaeh  other,  the  epaoee  betw^n 
them  being  filled  in. 

Dekham,  Jamb»,  of  Bradford,  York,  ma- 
nager. Impnsmd  mmiMmry  for  ^nmhing 
wool  €Knd  ot/isr  fibrous  substance.  Patent 
dated  July  14,  1854.    (No.  1551.) 

This  ihvencion  ebnsists  in  combining  «p« 
paxatussoas  to  operate  upon  a  contimious 
sliver,  and  draw  c^  the  fibrous  material  un- 
der operation  in  detaohed  alivora,  fit  for  the 
pr«paxiog  maohine,  leaving  t&e  Mil  said 
dirt  between  the  comb  teeth  j  and  in  the  use 
of  a  Ravelling  fork  or  its  equivalent^  for 
elearing  the  oomba  of  the  noils  and  dirt  ex* 
tracted  from  the  fibrous  material  under  ope« 
ration. 

Pricb,  AATI.KY  Pabton,  of  Margate^ 
Kent,  chemist.  Improoements  •  in  tJte  distiU 
lation  of  wood  and  of  other  vegetable  substancesm 
Patent  dated  July  14, 1854.   (No.  1552.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  constructing 
and  arrangmg  the  distilling  apparatus  that 
the  process  cS'  distillation  may  oe  rendered 
continuous,  that  is  to  say,  that  the  wood  or 
other  vegetable  matter  having  been  sub- 
jected to  the  action  of  heat,  and  the  distil*, 
lation  of  the  volatile  products  being  efifeoted^ 
the  resulting  Qhatcoal,  which  is  at  a  red 
heat,  is  made  to  pass  or  to  descend  into  a 
portion  of  the  retort  or  dittiUiug  apparatus, 
and  allowed  to  cool  down  to  a  temperatui^e 
at  which  combustion  will  not  tal^  pl*ee, 
iief  h  auppliea  of  material  beii^g  fea  in. 


Dechai1c«i;,Jbah  Seaptibt^  49^  Am- 
ToiNE  Dominique  Sisco^  o{ Paris,  France, 
gentleman.  Certain  iihpravements  in  the  eon» 
structkm  rfteiUetiy  carrUig^,  Patent  dated 
July  14,  18<S4.    (No.  \US.) 

This  invetMiion  comprtsea  eertain  means 
of  «onstrueting  wheels  fo^  railway' oarriageS ' 
with  flanged  tyres,  and  wrought  or  rolled 
iron  ■  disks,  and  the  employment  Of  short 
axles  with  two  journak  oaxryitig  QiAf  one 
wheels 

Brindubt,  Elijah  Hbi^rt^  of  Longton, 
Stafford,  engraver.    Certain  tmpretfetnentsiw 
printing  or  emomenting  china^  eoHhekwtiref ' 
and  glase.    Patent  dated  July  <  15,    1854. 
(No.  1^4*)  .      • 

This  invention'  eODsista  in  the  uae  of 
flexible  aadelaatio  blooka  ortypea^  by  whicli 
the  patterns  or  poirtioasof  a  pattern  required 
to  be  produced  upon  the  materSal  may  be 
readUj  adafited  to  the  abapeof-the  aiticOe- 
the  surface  of  which  is  to- be  omameoted. 

WrIgbt,  Thomas,  of  George-yard^Lom^ 
bardwatrtet,  London,  engineer,  iiaipnioti* 
ments  in  the  permanent  watfrfraUwtt^  Pa« 
tent  dated  July  15,1854.   *(No^  1558.) 

Thia  inventioA  mainly  conaiata  in  a  mode' 
of  oottstrueting  alcepera  by.  forming  ibe«> 
in  onf  piece  of  caat  or  wrooflht  i»on,  in  the 
ahape  of  a-  reotaaffular  bed«pTate^  or  fisMntng^, 
vrith  longitudinu  and  tranaverae-  bearing 
iurfaoei,  the  two  vails  -beiaag  anstained  on 
onia  aleepeir;  or  by  eaatiac  or  uniting  in  one 
piiece  the  tavo  -eoUateral  aieepera  of  i  doable 
line  of  cailway« 

'  AsHWORTH,  John,  of  Turton,  Landaattr^ 
QOtton-apitiner.  Certain  impravemente  ta 
apparaiue  io.  be  emphffed  in  the  coMfmettow 
of  the  permanent  wap  of  nAlwape,  Patent 
dated  July  15»  1854.    (No.  1559.) 

This  invention  mAinly  cooaista  in- the  uae 
of  a  certain  bar  or  plate,  whk}h  flta  the  aides 
of  the  rail,  and  in  a  mode  oC  ibting  m  ae* 
curing  it  against  the  rail  by  means  of  set* 
aorewa  and  look*<nuta. 

JCeubx,  Geor^qe  Wapb»  of  Hope-farm^ 
near  FolketoBe>  Kent.  Improetmente  in  acrw 
engines.  Patent  dated  July  15, 1854.  (Mo. 
1563.) 

This  invention  relates  to  that  qlaas  of 
engiues  where  the  power  ia  obtained  by  the 
expansion  of  six,,  and  consists  in  a  moda  of 
expanding  the  air  in  the  chamber  by  meaaa 
of  a  flame  of  gas  inside  of  the  latter* 

Wagbtaffe,  Matthew  French,  of 
Wf^lcot-placa  West,  Lambeth,  Surrey,  s«r- 
geon,  and  John  William  Perk wa,  analy- 
tical chemist,  of  Poplar-terriece,  Poplar, 
Middlesex.  latpropements  in  obttming  ,pie*' 
tals  fr4>m  ores  and  oeideSf.  Patent  dated  July, 
15,  1854.    (No.  156a.) 

This  invention  couaista  in  aoting  upon, 
metallic  ores  or  metallic  oxides  by  varioma 
mineral  aeida,  "thaaoida  acting  upon  me* 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPBOBRCAnONS  OV  PAVDraS  RBGEKTIiY  WJJiBlK 


U7 


UlKc  ore*  or  oxides  Vy  tb«  «otioii  «f  voltaiov 
eleetrioity,  m  a«  to  4Usolyo  out  and  di»in- 
tcgmte  feojD  tlie  inatrix  0ach  metal  codv*. 
tained  therein  in  successioo,  in  accordance' 
with  tjbeir  respective  degrees  of  eolubiUtj.in 
sucb  aaid«  reapeetlTely,  and  the-metaU  are 
obtained  direet^or  the  metals  axe  afterwards 
obtained  from  .their  solutieoa  by  precipita- 
tioni  by  roeana  of  voltaic  electricity,  after 
the  separation,  of  the  meuU  from  the  solu^. 
tiona,  The  acid  -lolutions  are  to  bo  neutrsl-. 
ised  by  fixed  alkalies,  wborehy  neutral  salts 
of  the  alkaliea  so  nsed,  are  obtain^  in  a 
commercial  rtate." 

Sjpiileji,  Josefh,  of  Cleveland  ^street, 
FiUroy-square»  Middlesex*  gwmAker.  In* 

Patent  dated  July  1^,  1«54,    (No.  15fi4.y,  ; 

The  inventor  describes.  i  an  ifnproised  ro- 
tary heel,  which,  consists  of  a  cizcuJax  metal 
plate  which  is  fixed  to  the  he«l4f  the  hoot 
or  shoe,  and  of  a  concentric  metal  ring,  or 
tip  which  aorroimds  the  &(ed  plate»  and  ie 
held  in  its  pJUce  by.  a  shoulder  or  ethsrvise, 
so  that  it  may  bq  lou^le  to  rotate-  or  move 
round  wkeu  required.  The  inventor  also 
deacribes  an  iustrumen^.  fi>r  rotating  Ae 
heel.  .* 

Dektoa y  JouM  Bajx^Y,  of  London,  and 
Stevenage.  Improved  hoes  and  Mpv^s^  Patent 
dated  July  17, 18^4<    (Jt^o.  .1465.)       . 

These  improved  hoea  or  spuds  are  foriiied> 
with  holders  for  containing  lipids,  known 
to  Jiave  the  efiect  of  destroying  nsgetable 
nfe,  or  lipoids  known  to  promote  vegetation, 
when  applied  to  culti? ated  plants. 

Wooj>YATT,  TflOMAS  Mayos^  o£  Kniver 
Mills,  Stafibro,  sorew^manufacturer,  A^ 
twtproaewteiU  or  ,improwmonU  m  ton^ming  or 
npgrressing  the  emoke  of  steam-engine  boiler 
emd  other  Jurnaees,  Patent  dated  July  17, 
1S54.    (No,  156^) 

The  inventor  introduces  air  to  the  gases 
through  a  horizontsl  perforated  plate 
pUecd  between  two  bridgee,  at  their  lower 
parts* 

.  NoRTJif  Oeorgx,  of  Lewisham  i  road, 
Kent,  coach-bttildpr.  Jin .  improved  cypipara^ 
iUM  to  be  attached  to  garments  for  protecting 
watchgSj  pursea,  and  either  ariieUs  fiom  beimg 
stolen  from  the  person.  Patent  dated  July 
17,1854.    (No.  1667.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  ^Ute  fitted  with 
a  spring,  and  a  catch  abuttmg  again&t  the 
sprmg,  the  two.  being  secured  to  the  plate 
by  rivets  which 'pass- through  the  plate  and 
extend  so  Car  beyond  ilslinder  surface  as  to 
be  capable  of  being  passed  through  the 
garment,  and  through  a  second  plate  on  the 
inside  of  the  garment,  and  fastened  by 
means  of  A  bar,.  ' 

Wa^cup,  Wjuuljam,  of  Lyndburst-Villa, 
Coroniation-road,  Bristol,  Somerset,  con- 
tractor.   Impronewtents  in  the  constmetum  qf 


springs  for  carriages  and  similar  purposes^. 
Patent  dated  July  17, 18^4!.    (No^  1568.)  ,  . 

This  invention,  which  is  an  improvement 
upon  one  patented  Mf y,  26, 1853,  consists 
in  connecting  '*  V,  U,  or  open  ^  angular 
doub]e4>lade  springs"  to  a  plate  secured, 
to  the  under  side  of  the  csxriage. wagon  or 
engine- framing,  instead  -pf  fitting' them  into 
the  interior  of.  a  spring  box, 

JfOCK^AitT,    John,  junior,    of   Paisley, 
Renfrew,,  wood. tamer.    Improvements  in  the,, 
manrfacture  of  bobbins^.  Patent  dated  Jnly 
17,1854u    (Noa569.) 

Ckdins^,  A  mode  of  cutting  out  bobbin  • 
blanks  from  a  block,. by  means  of  a  revolv- 
ing, tubular,  or  crown  ■  saw  or  cutter, .fixed, 
to  and  working  in  oonjunction  yt\\\i  a.  cen- . 
tral  drill*  and  combined  with  a  moveable 
internal  ejecting  piece  for  thrusting  the  cut 
blank  out. of  the  tubular  cutter.^<2.  Certain- 
mechanism  for  feeding  or  shifting  the  wood 
up  to  the  cutting  tools. — '3,  A  mode  of 
s)nmltaneously  cutting  out  and  drilling 
blanks,  by  means  of  a  rotatory  tubular  aawi 
with  a.  central  dnll,  or  borer,  worl^i^g, 
therein.-^,  Tne  use,  in  cutting  out  bobbin, 
blanks,  of  an  internal  ejecting  piece,  work" 
ing  in  or  through  the  tubular  or  c^wn  saw,, 
for  clearing  out  the  severed  blank. 

.  1,1  v£8jsY,  John,  QjU^ew  Lenton,  Not- 
tingham, lace  makfiiS'improoem^nts  in  lace 
maehin^eryt  <tnd  in  fabrics  mflnt^factured  buf 
such  machiuerif,  PateUt  dated:  Jul>  17, 
1864:.     (No.15710 

This  invenjtioi^  consists — 1.  In  improve- 
ments m,  e)|^  improved  arrangements  of; 
the  cutting  apparatus  used  In  lace  machinery 
for  cutting  the  pile  fabiics  formeil^^4heMOfv^«.  v 
2,  In  ioaprovements  in  the,  instruments  used 
in  lace  machinery,  and  arrangements  for 
working  the  same,  in  <^rder.  1^  ^onn  pile  or 
loop$,  by  which  the  inventor  produces  much, 
longer  pile  or  loops  than  have  heretofore 
beeA  made  by  such  instruments^  and  which' 
lengthened  pile  or  loops  may  be  cut  or  sepa* 
reted  by  drawing  out  a  thread,  and  so  form- 
ing  e  fringe.  3.  In  the  production  of  a 
fabric  made  from  lace  machinery;,  comhiniog . 
the  long  loop  or  pile  fkbrics  forming  frmge4 
a^  aforesaid,  with  a  loading  of  lace- work, 
having  velvet  ornamenu  upon  it,  or  with  a 
head  of  velvet  only  to  such  fringes. 

Ho  HNS  BY,  Richard,  of  Spiitlegate  Irou- 
works,  Grantham,  Lincoln.  Jn  improve- 
ment in  the  straw- shaking  apparatus  qfthresJi^ 
ing  machines.  Patent  dated  July  18^  1854. 
(No.  1576.) 

This  invention  consists  in  applying,  at 
intervals,  in  straw  shakers,  surfaces  nsing 
above  the  general  level  of  the  shakeray 
by  which  the  straw,. as  it  proceeds  towards 
the  back  ends  of  the  latter,  is  to  be  thrown 
up  and  opened  out 

Bkllforj),  Auquste  Edouard  Loxa-( 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


188 


SPBOIFIOATIONS  OT  PA1B1IT8  BSOXIITLT  WSIXDm 


Doux,  of  Caitie-street,  London.  A  new 
kind  qf  piston.  (A  commtinication.)  Patent 
dated  July  18,  1854.    (No.  1577.) 

The  patentee  describes  **  a  prismatie,  cy. 
lindrioal,  or  otber'shaped  piston  or  embolus, 
which  is  fixed  to,  or  to  whieh  is  secured  a 
bag  or  diaphragm  of  any  suitable  flexible 
material.  The  said  diaphragm  is  secured  in 
any  convenient  way  to  the  Inside  of  a  cylin- 
der or  prismatic  tube  or  pipe,  in  which  the 
aboTC  said  piston  or  embolus  is  capable  of 
performing  or  reciprocating  motion." 

Johnson,  William  Beckett,  manager 
for  Messrs.  Ormerod  and  Son,  of  Manches- 
ter,  Lancaster,  engineers  and  ironfounders. 
Improvements  in  steam  engines.  Patent 
dated  July  18, 1854.    (No.  1580.) 

Claims — 1.  An  arrangement  of  engine,  In 
which  the  condenser  is  placed  under  the 
cylinder. — 2.  An  arrangement  in  which  the 
air-pump  is  placed  under  the  cylinder. — 9. 
As  applied  to  disc,  throttle,  or  regulating 
▼alves,  forming  the  openings  through  which 
the  steam  passes,  of  a  curvilinear  or  other 
form,  whereby  the  arrears  of  the  openings 
are  caused  to  increase  in  a  greater  ratio 
than  the  motion  imparted  to  the  valve. — 
4w  As  applied  to  the  same  valves,  adapting 
the  spindle  which  communicates  motion 
thereto,  loosely  to  the  moveable  part,  but 
BO  as  to  impart  the  necessary  rotatory  or 
vibratory  motion.— 5.  The  application  to 
the  metal  lids  of  air  and  feed  pump  valves 
of  a  piece  of  vulcanized  or  other  India  rub- 
ber, which  arrives  in  contact  with  a  stop 
upon  the  opening  of  the  valve. — 6.  The  ap- 
plication of  vulcanized  or  other  India  rub- 
ber  as  a  check  or  stop,  for  preventing  air 
and  Ased  pump  valves  from  opening  too 
far. 

Browne,  John  Collis,  physician,  of 
Rodney-terraco,  Cheltenham,  Gloucester. 
Improvements  in  the  mant^facture  qf  camp' 
bedsteads.  Patent  dated  July  19,  1854. 
(No.  1684.) 

The  side  rails  of  the  Inventor's  bedstead 
are  divided  in  their  length,  and  Jointed  by 
hinges,  so  that  one  part  folds  upon  the 
other. 

Whitbley,  Jonas,  John  Slater,  and 
William  Hbnrt  Crosslet,  all  of  Halifax, 
York.  Improvements  in  machinery  or  appa- 
ratus for  preparing  and  spinning  wool  and  other 
fibrous  substances.  Patent  dated  July  19, 
18^4.    (No.  1585.) 

These  improvements  oonsiBt  in  sp  arrange 
ing  and  combining  apparatus  employed  in 
preparing  apd  spinning  flbroos  substances, 
that  continuous  support  may  be  gpven  to 
the  fibre  between  the  feed-rollers  and  the 
nip,  for  drawing  ofi*  by  a  suitable  surfaoe 
travelling  in  the  same  direction  as  the  fibre. 

LoNGLEY,  Jambs,  of  Hunslet-road, 
Leeds,  York.    A  machine  for  turning  and 


finishing  tubsj  paits,  eaeks,  and  other  wooden 
vessels  «f  an  etttpHCf  oval,  or  other  eeeenirie 
form.  Patent  dated  July  19,  1854.  (No. 
1586.) 

This  maehine  consists  of  an  oscillating  or 
vibratory  lathe,  supported  on  or  suspended 
from  a  driving-shaft  by  two  earrying-bars 
through  one  end  of  each  of  which  the 
driving-shaft  revolves,  the  other  ends  form- 
ing head-stocks,  in  which  the  lathe,  shaft 
works.  Rotation  is  imparted  to  the  lathe- 
shaft  by  a  band  direct  from  the  pulley  on 
the  driving-shaft,  the  vibratory  motion  to 
produce  the  eccentric  action  being  obtained 
oy  means  of  a  cog-wheel  set  on  the  lathe- 
shaft  or  mandril,  and  communicating  mo- 
tion  to  another  cog-wheel  on  a  top  carrying- 
bar,  the  axis  of  whieh  works  an  arm  of  a 
crank,  the  other  arm  of  which  is  fixed,  and 
the  revolution  of  the  crank  produces  the 
reciprocating  motion  required. 

Ball,  William,  of  Rothwell,  Kettering, 
Northampton,  ironfonnder  and  agricultural 
implement  maker.  Improvements  in  drills. 
Patent  dated  July  19, 1854.    (No.  1587.) 

Claim. — Constructing  drills  with  eaat- 
iron  press-wheels  running  on  a  spindle,  for 
the  purpose  of  pressing  grooves  or  ftirrowi 
on  ploughed  land  on  the  fiat  to  receive  the 
gram  or  other  seed. 

Sudbury,  John,  of  Halsted,  Essex,  and 
Samuel  Wright,  of  Clare,  Sussex,  gas- 
engineer.  Improvements  in  taps  and  valves, 
and  in  the  method  qf  working  them  for  the 
purpose  qf  regulating  the  passage  of  fiuide. 
Patent  dated  July  20, 1854.    (No.  1590.) 

The  first  part  of  these  improvements  re- 
lates  to  those  valres  which  move  always 
parallel  to  their  seats,  and  consists  in  open- 
ing and  closing  them  more  gradually  than 
usual ;  and  the  regulation  of  the  passage  of 
gas  and  other  fluids  is  efibcted  by  means  of 
a  small  receiver,  which  floats  in  water  or 
other  suitable  fluid,  and  is  subject  internally 
to  the  pressnre  of  the  gas,  so  that  according 
as  the  latter  is  at  a  greater  or  less  pressure, 
the  receiver  rises  and  falls,  and  becomes 
more  or  less  immersed,  and  the  receiver  of 
the  regulator  is  suitably  connected  with  the 
valve  through  which  the  supply  of  gas  has 
to  pass,  so  that  when  the  pressure  increasea 
the  passage  is  diminished,  and  vice  versd. 

ItoBBRTs,  Richard,  or  Manchester,  en- 
gineer.  Improvements  In  machinery  for  mv- 
paring  to  be  spun  cotton  and  other  fores,  i*a« 
tent  dated  July  20,  1854.    (No.  1591.) 

Claims. — 1.  mie  use  of  a  tpa veiling. web 
to  contain  and  bring  forward  fresh  poitions 
of  fibre  to  a  toothed  cylinder,  fojr  detaching 
the  fibre  from  seed  or  other  impurities.  2. 
The  use  of  a  sheet  metal  cylinder  having 
serrated  or  toothed  perforations  fbr  the 
same  purpose.  S.  The  use  of  ventilating 
drums,  when  they  are  placed  at  such  an 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOVXBUMIAL  SSBdVIOAXIONB  HOT  PBOOKEDSD  WTOL 


189 


d«fatioii  above  the  beater  as  to  allow  tbe 
ciurent  of  air  towards  tbe  drams  to  cany 
the  fibre  upwards,  so  tbaC  in  its  progress 
forwards  it  sball  allbrd  time  for  impurities 
to  descend  into  the  dust  chambers.  4.  The 
use  of  Tentilating  endless  webs  or  wire 
fabrics^  also  ele?ated  as  above,  &o.,  &c. 

GiLLET,  J  BAM  Barthslbjit,  of  Agde 
(Herauh)i  France.  Imprwemenis  in  cap- 
gioHt,  wkicke*,  and  wmdiaueu  Patent  dated 
July  20,  18S4w    (No.  1593.) 

These  improTements  consist  in  construct- 
ing a  pair  of  windlasses  or  capstans,  which 
are  mo?ed  by  spur  gearing  from  a  central 
shaft  on  which  moveable  drivers  of  different 
diameters  are  keyed,  so  that  by  shifting 
these  drivecs  different  speeds  may  be  im- 
parted to  the  capstan,  and  a  greater  or  less 
power  obtained. 

Barnes,  Joseph,  of  Church,  Lancaster, 
coal  proprietor.  CertMn  impnvememti  in 
Jmrmaeei  or  Jlre^places,  Patent  dated  July  20, 
1854.    (No.  1694.) 

The  inventor  constructs  furnaces  or  fire- 
piaees  with  certain  hoUow  bars,  so  arranged 
as  to  allow  of  the  circulation  of  water 
through  them. 

Whitehead,  Fraitcis,  and  William 
Whitehead,  both  of  Crayford,  Kent,  en- 
giaeera.  ImpnmmemU  in  mfety  kunpt.  Pa^ 
tent  dated  July  20,  1854.    (No.  1595.) 

This  invention  consists  m  constructing 
the  frame  or  body  of  safety-lamps  of  solid 
sheet  metal — in  surrounding  the  upper  por- 
tions of  safety-lamps  with  an  extra  outer 
casing — in  placing  a  fixed  deflector  on  the 
inside  of  safety-lamps, — and  in  certain  ar- 
rangements for  extinguishing  such  lamps 
when  any  attempt  is  made  to  get  at  the  light 

Chambers,  Thomas,  jun.,  of  Colkirk, 
Fakenham,  Norfolk.  Improvements  in  mo- 
ekimor^  for  ditiribuHng  m€mtrt.  Patent 
dated  July  21, 1854.    (No.  1598.) 

Outside  of  the  hopper  into  which  the 
manure  is  fed,  and  nesr  tbe  bottom  of  it, 
is  arranged  a  cylinder  composed  of  nu- 
merous short  portions,  each  having  three  or 
other  convenient  immber  of  inclined  blades 
protruding  short  distances  from  its  peri- 
phery, the  extent  of  their  protnuion  being 
capable  of  aiy«atment  in  order  to  regulate 
the  quantity  of  manure  thrown  off  by  them. 
Certain  arrangements  of  scrapers  andstirters 
are  used  m  connection  with  the  Ibregoing. 

LiLLiB,  Sir  Johm  Scott,  aB.,  of  Pall. 
naU,  Middlesex.  XwprooomenUimfhrO'^trmt. 
Patent  dated  July  21, 1854.    (No.  1599.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  providing 
poruble  rests,  so  as  to  insure  a  better  aim 
for  troops  in  action  with  small  arms.  For 
this  purpose  the  inventor  atUches  a  bayonet 
or  sword  to  the  musket  by  means  of  a  hinge 
and  a  meUllic  band  or  slide,  which,  by  ] 
means  of  a  thumb-spring,  will  move  from  j 


the  centre  to  the  muzzle,  and  enable  the 
point  of  the  scabbard  to  be  placed  against 
the  breast  or  hip  of  the  marksman. 


PROVISIONAL  tPEClPICATIONS  NOT  FRO- 
CEEDED  WITH. 

Oardissal,  Charles  Burand,  of  Bou- 
levart  St  Martin,  Paris,  France.  A  stamp 
tq/e.  Application  dated  July  12,  1854. 
(No.  1533.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  box  which  can 
be  opened  on  one  side,  so  that  the  different 
kinds  of  stamps  may  be  wound  on  the 
different  rollers,  and  the  opposite  side  of 
which  has  apertures,  so  as  to  allow  the 
stamps  to  be  wiUidrawn  as  they  are  used. 

Bellford,  Auguste  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle- street,  London.  Improve^ 
ments  in  preserving  smimai  substances,  (A 
communication.)  Application  dated  July  12, 
1854.    (No.  1534.) 

The  inventor  employs  sulphurous  acid 
and  water  for  preserving  animal  substances. 

Flitcroft,  William,  of  Bolton,  Lan- 
caster, manufacturer,  and  Thomas  £van8, 
of  Manchester,  same  county,  printer.  /s»- 
prooements  in  printing  and  JUnshing  fioor- 
clotkSf  or  any  other  fabrics  or  nutierials  printed 
in  oil  colows.  (A  communication.)  Appli- 
caUon  dated  July  13,  1854.    (No.  1535.) 

Instead  of  using  the  two  printing  blocks 
for  each  colour,  viz.,  a  colour-block  and  a 
blotch-block,  the  inventors  use  only  one 
colour- block,  and  afterwards  one  finishing 
or  flushing.block  which  flushes  all  the 
colours  at  once. 

Lawson,  Liohel,  of  Paris,  France,  ma- 
nufacturer. Improvements  in  printing.  Ap- 
plication dated  July  13,  1854.    (No.  1539.) 

This  invention  consists  in  using  heated 
inks  for  typographical  purposes. 

WiBERo,  Martin,  of  Lund,  Sweden,  but 
now  of  Myddleton-square,  Middlesex,  doc- 
tor of  philosophy.  Improoements  in  tkeeon* 
siruetion^  setting  tip,  and  distribution  qf  tffpes 
for  printing.  Application  dated  July  14, 
1854.    (No.  1548.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  oonstmct  appa- 
ratus by  means  of  which  "  the  setting  and 
distribution  may  be  simultaneously  ef- 
fected." 

Taylor,  James,  of  Burnley,  Lsneaster, 
cabinet-maker.  An  improved  clothes  peg, 
(A  communication.)  Application  datai 
July  15,  1854.    (No.  1555.) 

The  inventor  connects  two  pieces  of  wood 
or  other  suitable  material,  and  places  a 
spring  between  them. 

Waller,  Ralph,  of  Manchester,  mer- 
chant and  manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  letters  and  fgures,  and 
vf  ornamental  signboards  and  other  tablets, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


¥40 


*ft0^lS!l<>HAfi'^Bcai:OAtt(>N«  KOT  5?M00Ea»!fi^  VntB, 


hhM  in- nffitiki^ letters f  figures^  or  ijrnAmenh 
io'gtan,  -'  Ajiplicatiem  dat^d  Jnly  15,  185^4 
(No.  1556.)  '  

The  first  of  these  improvements  consist 
in  stamping  letters  and  figures  of  copper 
or  (  cri^er-  .cuitable  slieet  •  laetal  in  basso 
relievo  ;  the  seoondin  fixing  every  descrip- 
tion of  letters,  figures,  or  ornaments,  on 
m^brktkf'pkites  of  silvered  glMs;  tind  the 
tdird  ill  affistiit^  letters',  ft«c.,  to  glass^by 
Wieans  of  pins,  Whieli  pass  into  bdl^s  drilled 
in  the  glass. 

GVYAttD,  l^RKHisoiB  YvctotL,  GDRifie^r- 
eaptainto  the  town  of  Gravelines,  France. 
Cettain  improvements  Iri  ihetteetrO'ielegrtiphie 
eomrhunicaH&niforpteifentingtikisdnincee  ^htf^ 
ing  the  passage  of  trains  im  roilwajft.  Ap*- 
plioatioft  dated  July  19,  1S54.    (No.  (597.) 

On  -the  •tertdrt '  or'  enjrine,  of  «ne  of  the 
carriage^  in  each  train,  the  inventor  plades 
»  projecting  arm  cai^rying  two  metallic 
biriiishe^,  fir^e  to  revolve.  '  By  this  meMi«  a 
connection  is  made  between  the  wires  and 
dne  pole  of  a  galvanio  batt^y^  or  other 
source  of  ^leetrietty  'On  the  train,  the  other 
pole  of  which  battery  is  eonneoted  with  one 
of  the  kxlMt  and  through  It  with  the  «arth, 
for'the -purpose  «f  making' signals. 

S<>mwbafi8ld,<Thoua8,  of  Birmifkgbam, 
Warwick,  glass* manufaetursf.  2Vt«  manu^ 
faeittra  of  ehromatle  glass  and  gla^s-faced 
briekti  which  saidhrieks  are  appUcabk  Xofaie- 
wMrk  er  fronUof  buildingMt  Inuements^piflas' 
tert,  string  ^KrseSt  door  und  ioh^dow^heads^ 
moditUonWf  mmiees  in  part  or  wiMde^  or  other 
purp&ses  iohero  a  onpeirior  finish  and  dnrabiUtf 
are  reifuired  f  a  part  of  \ohich  U  aUo  oppUca^ 
hie  to  bricks  made  wholly  qf  clay»  Applioa* 
tion  datttd  July  15,  1854.  .  (No.  l^D.) 

•  This  invention  -  relates  mainly  •  to  the 
leaking  of  bricks  wholly  of  a«uitable  com- 
poojidi  so  as  to  resemble  matble  or  stone  in 
colour  and  appearance,  the  basis  of  which 
eompouoid  will  be  principally  glass. 

Hunt,  William,  of  Tipton,  Stafford, 
roaoufrcluring  chemist  Improvements  in 
uUUzing  eerUtin  cotnpoimdo  produeed  in  the 
ptocess  rf  galvanizing  iron,  and  in  the  appU- 
cation  of  the  same  and  similar  compounds  id 
certain  m^fnl  purposes^  Application  dated 
July  15,  1854.    (No.  156U) 

.  Thii  invention,  consists  in  using  chloride 
of  zinc  in  place  of  sal-ammoniac  in  coating 
iron  witK 'zJno.or  other  metals,  and  in  re- 
covering ,  the  ftulphuriQ  acid  which  has 
been  used  in  cleaning  the  icon;  also  in  the 
use  of  a  solution  of  chloride  of  mc  for 
washing  the  iron  in*  after  cleaning  and 
previous  to  coating. 

Fowler,  John,  the  younger,  of  Temple- 
gate,  Bristol,  agricultural  in^plement  maker. 
Improvements  in  draining  ploughs.    Applica- 
tion dated  July  17, 1S54.    (Na  1570.) 
This  invention  consists  in  attaching  to  a 


drinn  plough,  apparatus  by  means  of  whi^ 
tb^  couheris  progressively  raised  or  low- 
ered ata:regulated  speed  by  the  action  of  the 
machltiel -itself,  so  as  to  siiit  th^  incHnation 
Of  the  ground  oveif  whibh  the  plough  is  tra- 
velling, and  whtbh  H  at  all  times  indicated 
by  an  apparatus  attached  to  the  machitte: 
'  BikRLOw,  jAaies,  of  Acorington,  Lanoas- 
ter,  tnaehhiist  Improvements  in  the  mode  itr 
method  ^qf  ^trading  gluten  from  wheat  or 
flour  and  preparing  the  residuum  for  sizing 
purposes.  Application  dated  July  18,  18S4. 
(No:  1572^.) 

The  inventor  miires  flour  into  dough  and 
j^laoes'  it  m  a  slotted  eyiinder  or  trough,  into 
whi^  he  itijeets  water,  so  that  as  the  baa^rel 
with  the  dofigh  revolves,  the  water  aots  upon 
the  latter  and  separates  the  gflutien  and 
starch,  leaving  the  former  in  the  barrel,  and 
allowing  the  latter  to  fall  through  the' slots. 

HiTCHTNs,  HenrYi  of  King  WfUiam- 
streei)  London,  engineer,-  and  Wn.LiAir 
Batley,  of  Dean -street,  Middlesex,  nie-> 
chanio.  Certain  eomhinaiions  of  niaterials 
suitable  for  m&uldings  and  medallions  and  to 
bet  employed  as  a  oi&stitute  for  welod,  gutta 
percha,  and  other  like  materials.  •  Ap^CR- 
tton  dated  July  18,  1854.    (No.  1678.) 

This  invention  coasists  in^- combining 
shavings  at  wood,  ivory,  bone,-  and  other 
substanees;  wHh  glue  or^  other  adhesive 
matter,  and,  where  desirable,  with  essences 
and  peorfuines* 

•Hill,  Mary  Ca'rolinb,  of  DubKo,  miU 
liner.  An  improvement  in  bonnets  and  in 
bonnet  frameOi  Application  dated  July  18, 
1864.    (No.  15740 

The  improvement  in  bonnets  consists  in 
BO  ■  constructing  thelm  by  means  of  sliding 
frames,  as  to  &m  eitbsr  a  small  or  a  Iku'ge 
bonnet.  The  improvement  in  bonnet  frames 
consists  in  forming  those  parts  of  the  franee 
which  run  firom  back  to  ikont  of  two  or 
more  pieces,  made  to  slide  one  within  the 
other,  or  side  by  side. 

Archbr,  Charles  Maybvry,  gentle- 
man of  the  press,  of  St  Jamet^s-gardens, 
Haverstook.hiil,  Middlesex.  TnaHng  edl 
Jdnde  of  paper  wketeon  any  printing'^  engrav^ 
ingi  engroesingi  letter  tuitingi  i>r  Utkompk'i' 
•i^g  has  Iteen  printed-  or  impressed,  io  mai  the 
said  printiug,  engraoing,  engitossing,  letter. 
wriihig^  or  lithographing  may  be  completely 
remeoedf  dtseharged,.  or  obliterated  from  the 
said  papers  id  Aai  ihe  eaSd  paper  may  be 
readily n-ueoA' in  eheete}  or.  be  re^eenverted 
amd 'Worked  up  agedn  intt  its  primitive  putp. 
Inf.  the  ordinary  msikod,  .and  be  again  maim- 
factured  into  and  be  used  as  paper,  Appliea- 
tiott  dated  July  18, 1854.    (No.  1575.) 

Mr.  Archer  takes  any  kind  of  printed 
paper,  and  immerses  it  for  a  given  period  in 
a  bath  or  solution  of  pure  sulphuric  or  other 
aoid^  which  '*  tots  upon  or  eats  its  way  into 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


«le  oili  litaip-W«6k,  &e.,  of  Vhich  printert' 
iD]^.,is  cpZQiposed,  apd  so  gwduRlly  decom- 
poses or  discharges  it  from  the  paper  hy  a. 
gyadHa)  eVolation  and  ^fflorefcence.'* 

Twiod,>  Qeoroe,  and  Akthur  Lucas 
Silvester,  of  Birminghsm,  Warwiofc,  ma- 
■ofiwtvreis.  ImprewmenU  in  apparaitts  or 
•*MW«*fy  for  ttamping  or  pressing  metals. 
Applicatiba   dated  July  18,  lW4v     fNo. 

1578.)  ; 

These  improvements  eonsist  In  an  ar- 
rangement of  ineohanical  parts  composed  of 
a  lever  working  on  friction-rollers,  a  con- 
necting rod,  and  aj»  ooeentric  .  The  fric- 
tioD-roUers  are  conpled  together  by  a  cam, 
Ifaxoogh  whieh  the  pin  of  the  rollers  passes, 
and  the  lever  works  the  punch  or  stamping 
die.  The  feed  apparatus  consi^its  of  a  dou- 
ble parallel  motion  and  slide-bar  attached 
to  the  connecting  rod. 

Cato,  Peter,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
ship- builder,  Jn  improwd.  trough  or  manger 
for  holding  the  provender  ofhoraess  eattUt  and 
other  gnimals.  Application  dated  July  18, 
1854.    (No.  1^7^.) 

This  inrentiou  consists  in  making  the 
troughs. or  mangers  of.e*rtheikware  or  stoned- 
ware,  and  so  forming  the  fnside  that  the 
animal  may,  without  difficulty,  be  able  to 
gather  up  all  the  provender. 

Daloety,  Albx  ak  dsr,  of  Florenee-road, 
Deptfbrd,  Xcnt,  engineer.  Improvements  ifi 
the  reduction  of  friction.  Application  dated 
July  18, 1854.    (Na  1581.) 

This  intention  consl^rs  of  a  peculiar  ar- 
rangement of  anti-friction  rollers,  which  are 
interposed,  between  rubbing  working  ^or- 
faces. 

FONTAJNEMORfiAU,  PeTEA  ArMANO  Le- 

coMTB  DB;  of  South- Street,  London.  Im- 
pronements  in  zim^agraphy.  (A  Communica- 
tion.) Application  date'l  July  IS,,  1854. 
(No.  1582.) 

This  invention  consists  in  producing,  by 
eleclro-galvaniG  agency,  designs  in  reliex  on 

Slates  fsi  sine,  from  which  iinpressions  may 
e  taken  by  an  ordinary  printing-press,  in 
the  same  n^anncr  as  from  wood  engravings 
or  stereotypes,  or  from  which  niouTds  may 
be  taken  to  be  employed) in  the  formation  of 
cliche  plates  by  the  galvano- plastic  process. 
^ 

PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Baud  November  10, 1854. 

IMP.  Bdward  WitllBm  Kembde  Turner,  of  Praed- 
street,  Paddington,  Mtddloaez.  Improvtments  in 
scpatating  liquids  or  fluids  flrom  sobiUnoet  or 
aatSera,  pari  of  which  improvensents  are  also 
applicable  to  other  purposes  where  the  air-punp 
has  been  hidMsto  employed. 

Baud  November  20,  1854. 
M9I.  Benry  Diaper,  of  St.  MIcbael's-terrace, 
Pimllco,  Middlesex,  gentleman.    The  mptteation 
or  ■  new  matsfrtaS  to  the  mannlketnre  of  paper. 


Bate^  November  25,  1854. 


141 


2495.  John  Simon  HoUaad,  of  WodiHeh,  Kent, 
engineer.    Improvements  In  large  and  small  flce- 
I   anasi  and  in  the  prepsratloA  of  theii  charges. 

Baisd  November  29,  1854. 
;      »51S.  John  Moore  Hyde,  of  Bristol,  iron  shfp- 
Duilder.    Improvements  in  iron  steam  ships,  and 
in  boilers  and  machinery  for  pr6]^lling  the  same. 

Bated  JS^mber  3d,  18$4. 
S51».  Jeha  Mssoa,  of  Boohdale,  Lancaster,  ma- 
chinist, and  Leonsrd  Kabcrry,  ef  RosMale,  ma- 
nager. Improvements  in  machinery  €ft  apparatus 
for  preparing,  spinning,  and  doubling  CMton  and 
other  flbioas  materials. 

Baud  Beeember  21,.  1854. 
JW5.  Andrew  Smith,  of  Pzinces-street,  St'  Msr- 
ttn's-in-tht-Fields,  engineer,  and  James  Thomp&bn 
Mackenzie,  of  Lombaid-street,  Middlesex,  raer- 
ehsnt.  Improvements  in  ordnance  and  smsH  arras, 
by  applying  thereto  projectile  force  obtained  from 
high-presvurc  steam. 

Balked  Beeember  23,  1854. 
8717.  Thomas  Heppleston,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, hat  -  trimming*  mannltotorer.  tmprove- 
ments  In  machinery  or  apparatus  fbr  stretching 
and  finishing  sillc  or  woollen  yams  or  threads  ih 
the  hank  or  skein. 

Baud  Beeember  26,  1854. 
«723.  Philip  Patton  Biyth,  of  Upper  Wimpole- 
street   MIMlesex^  gentleman.    An  improved  ap- 
plication of  materials  to  the  constraetfon  of  screw 
propellenr. 
j  BaUd  January  I2t  l^^^. 

I       80.  John  Onions,  of  Wellington-place,  Black- 
I   friars-road,  Southwark,  ironfouoder.    Certain  im- 
j    provements  In  the  construction  of  pipes  and  tubes 
I   tbr  the  lue  of  smoking  tobacco  and  cigars. 
BaUd  January  18,  1855. 

129.  Constant  Joufljroy  l)um^ry,  of  Paris,  France. 
Jmproveilients  in  lanoke-preveiUlDg  apparatus. 

130.  John  Bailey  Surgey,  (if  Lidlington  place, 
St.  Pimcrr.s,  Middlesex.  Certain  Improvements 
in  carriages.'  •  •     i  • 

13L  Thomas  .Blackwood  aud  ^ndrew  Gordon, 
both  of  Paisley,  Renfrew,  engineers.  Improve- 
ments in  motive-power  engines, 
.  132.  William  Lancaster,  of  Preston,  Lancaster, 
cotton-inaaufacturer.  Jn)provements  in  "  temples" 
employed  in  the  manufacture  of  textile,  fabrics. 

133.  £van.I#eigh«  of  Collyhurst,  Lancaster,  ma- 
chine-maker. Certain  improvements  in  machineiy 
or  apparatus  for  preparing  cotton  and  other  fibrous 
substances  for  spinninjr. 

13  (.  Henry  Purtrldge  and  John  Benjamin 
Broome,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick,  gun-manu- 
facturers. .  Certain  improvementa  in  the  manu- 
facture of  wrought-iiou  ordnance. 

135.^  William  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's  inn-fields, 
Middle^x,  civil  engb.cer.  Tmprovements  fn  the 
application,  treatment,  cleansing,  and  dyeing  of 
fibrous  substances  and  products.  A  communica- 
tion.    ^ 

136.  William  PIdding,  of  Putney,  Surrey.  Im- 
provements  in  the  manufacture  of  combs  for  the 
human  hair. 

137.  William  Pidding,  of  Putnev,  Surrey.  Im- 
provements in  the  manufacture  of  building  mate- 
rials, and  in  the  machinery  or  apparatus  for  mak- 
ing the  same. 

138.  Wflliam  Pidding,  of  Pntney,  Soney.  Im- 
provements In  cpveri'  gs  for  the  fieet  of  bipeds  and 
quadrupeds. 

1S9.  James  Grsy  Lawrie.  of  Glasgow,  engineer. 
Improvements  in  the  sights  of  fire-arms  and  ean- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


142 


140.  MiehMl  JoMf  Kyfliny,  of  ClundM-ttraet, 
Corent  -  gftrden,  Middlesex.  Improvement!  in 
wind  muetoal  Initrnmenta  In  the  natnte  of  the 
bugle  and  the  trnmpet. 

141.  Samuel  Alexander  Bell  and  John  Black,  of 
Bow-lane,  Cheapiide,  London,  Yoeta-light  manu- 
Iketuren.  An  Improvement  In  the  manufacture 
of  oongreve  or  luoifer  matehos. 

DaUd  January  19, 1855. 

142.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbury,  of  CornhUl, 
London.  Improvements  in  the  eonitruotion  and 
operation  of  self-actinff  railway  breaks.  A  com- 
munication A-om  James  J.  McComb,  of  New  Or- 
leans, United  States  of  America. 

143.  Stanislaus  Joseph  Paris,  of  Manchester, 
embosser.  Improvements  in  machinery  for  em- 
bossing. 

144.  Robert  Martin,  of  High-strset,  Tottenham, 
Middlesex,  and  Jacob  Hyams,  of  Union-street, 
Bishopsgate.  Improvements  in  goloshes  or  over- 
shoes. 

145.  Samuel  Isaacs,  of  Newman-street,  Oxford- 
street,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  the  manur 
Ikcture  of  artificial  coral. 

146.  John  Irwin  Clarke,  of  Windsor-court,  Monk- 
well-street,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  apply- 
ing colour  to  the  edges  of  leather  gloves.  A  com- 
munication tnm  Francis  Moat,  of  Grenoble. 

147.  Joseph  Abbott,  of  Smallbrooke-street,  ma- 
nufacturer, and  Henry  Holland,  of  Steelhouse- 
lane,  manufacturer,  both  of  Birmingham.  Im- 
provements in  preventing  the  sinking  of  vessels  at 
sea  or  on  rivers,  and  In  raising  of  sunken  vessels. 

149.  Thomas  CoSndoi  Hill,  of  Stanton  Laov, 
Shropshire,  gentleman.  An  improvement  in  dram 
pipes  and  tiles. 

150.  Pierre  Charles  Paul  Laurent-Pr6fontaine. 
gentleman,  of  Paris,  French  Empire.  An  improved 
engine,  called  hydraulic  sling,  for  raising  water 
and  other  liquids,  or  heavy  bodies. 

151.  William  Smith  and  Thomu  Phillips,  of 
Snow-hill,  London,  gas-engtneers.  Improvements 
in  cocks  or  Upsy'andin  bslls  or  floats  to  be  used 
therewith. 

15S.  Matthew  Boulton  Rennie,  of  Whitehall- 
place,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  preserving 
animal  and  vegetable  substaoces  for  food.  A 
communication. 

DaUd  January  20,  1855. 

155.  William  Douglas  and  John  Carswell,  of 
Manchester,  Lancaster,  dyers.  Improvements  in 
dyeing  woven  fabrics. 

156.  Scipion  Salaville,  of  Paris,  France,  proprie- 
tor. An  improved  method  of  preserving  and  puri- 
fying grain  and  seed. 

157.  William  Gore  Pearce,  of  Qrosvenor-street, 
Camberwell,  Surrey.  An  improved  method  of 
projecting  chain  or  coupled  snot  or  shell  from 
double  and  single  barrel  guns,  and  causing  them 
to  explode  simultaneously  by  electricity  and  other 
means. 

158.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Essex-street,  London.  Improvements  In  paddle- 
wheels  for  propelling  veuels  in  water.  A  com- 
munication hom  John  Upham  Wallls,  of  Dansville, 
United  States  of  America. 

159.  Fr6d6ric  Margueritte,  chemist,  of  Paris, 
France,  Improvements  in  the  manulacture  of 
ioda  and  of  potash. 

160.  William  Eisenmann,  merchant,  of  Berlin. 
A  new  construction  for  a  hearth,  appUcfble  to  all 
firing-constructions  or  fireplaces. 

Dated  January  22,  1855. 

162.  John  Gedge,  of  Wellington-street  South, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  laminating  metals, 
either  in  relief  or  bas-relief.  A  communication 
ftom  Messrs.  Toumel  fttees,  of  Saint  Chamond, 
France. 

164.  Henry  Carr,  of  Peterborough,  Northampton, 


NOTI0B3  OF  ZMTEMnON  TO  PBOGEED. 


civil  mgiiiaar.  Certain  Impiovfrnanti  in  ttHwwj 
crossings. 

165.  John  Henry  Pape,  of  Paris.  Improvements 
in  pianofortes. 

167.  Jacques  Joseph  Van  Camp,  of  Paris,  Franoe. 
Improvements  in  putons  of  steam  engines. 

168.  Fran  sols  Arsftne  Vasnier.  of  Paris,  Franoe. 
Certain  improvements  in  fireplaces. 

169.  Pierre  Hippolyte  Gustavo  Berard-Tonselin, 
of  Paris,  Prance,  maoufhcturer.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture  of  artificial  fiowers. 

170.  William  Kilgour,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
merchant.  An  improved  manufacture  of  naphtlia, 
paraflloe,  ftnd  parafline  oil. 

171.  Peter  Arkell,  of  Stockwell,  Surrey,  engi- 
neer. An  improved  mode  of  purifying  whale  and 
•eal  oils. 

Dated  Jamtary  28,  1855. 

ITS.  Frederic  Prince,  of  South-parade,  Chelsea, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  cartridges  for  fiie- 
arms. 

175.  Walter  Sell  wood,  of  Cheapside,  London, 
draper.    An  Improvement  in  spatterdashes. 

177.  George  Brooks  Pettit  and  Henry  Fly  Smith, 
both  of  New  Oxford-street,  Middlesex,  gaa^ngi- 
neers.  Improvements  in  stoves  and  other  appa- 
ratus for  generating  heat  from  gas,  and  in  the  em- 
ployment and  removal  of  the  vapours  produced  by 
its  combustion. 

^ 

PATENTS  APPLIED  FOR  WITH  COMPLETE 
SPECIFICATIONS. 

106.  John  Lamacraft,  of  Westboume-grove,  Mid- 
dlesex, engraver.  Improvements  in  envelopes  or 
means  for  securing  letters,  notes,  and  umilar 
documents.    January  26,  1855. 

208.  Samuel  Mayer,  of  Bristol,  potter,  and  WO- 
liam  Bush,  of  the  same  city,  millwright.  Improve- 
ments in  reducing  fiint  and  other  substances,  ren- 
dering them  suitable  for  the  manufacture  of  porce- 
lain and  other  earthenware  articles.  January  27, 
1855. 

213.  Auguste  Leopold  Lenoir,  of  Paris,  France. 
Incprovements  in  breech-loading  fire-arms.  January 
27,  1855.  _ 

NOTICE  OF  APPLICATION  FOR  PROLON- 
GATION OF  PATENT. 

A  petition  will  be  presented  to  Her  Mi^esty  in 

Council  by  Alpbonse  Rene  le  Mire  do  Normandy, 
of  Judd-street,  Middlesex,  analytical  and  consult- 
ing chemist,  praying  Her  MiO«*^y  to  grant  a  pro- 
longation of  the  lettert  patent  granted  to  him  8th 
September,  1841,  for  "  certain  improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  soap." 

On  the  12th  March,  or  on  the  next  day  of  sitting 
of  the  Judicial  Committee  of  the  Privy  Council,  if 
it  do  not  sit  on  the.  day  mentioned,  an  application 
will  be  made  to  that  Committee  to  fix  an  early  day 
for  hearing  the  matters  conUined  in  the  said  pe- 
tition; and  any  person  desirous  of  being  heard  In 


for  hearing  the  matters  contained  In  the  i 
tition;  and  any  person  desirous  of  being  h«wu  m 
opposition  must  enter  a  caveat  to  that  elfoct  In 
the  Privy-council  Ofltoe  on  or  before  that  date. 

NOTICES   OF  INTENTION  TO 
PROCEED. 

{Prom  the  "  London  Gazette,"  February  6th, 
1855.) 

2085.  William  Hntohinson  and  William  Barlow. 
Improvements  in  steam-boilers. 

2086.  William  Beckett  Johnson.  Improvements 
in  lamps  and  other  apparatus  used  for  illumina- 
tion. 

2087.  George  Crux.  Improvements  in  the  pro- 
duction of  bonnets,  children's  hats,  and  similar 
coverings  for  the  head. 

2100.  G6mis  Filhon.     Improvemonls  in  glass 
chimneys  fox  gas-burners  or  lamps. 
2118.  William  Xaihaia.    Improvementt  in  aa- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


tm  OT  M* 


ehlaaj  or  appanhu  for  loepviiig,  tplnnlns,  < 
donbling,  twUtiny,  and  winding  cotton,  wool,  I 
flax,  silk,  and  other  flbrooa  labatancet. 

21S4.  Thomas  Crotalej.  An  improved  mode  of 
manofoctuilBg  printing-blocks.  A  oonim«nioa- 
tion. 

2141.  Enoch  Oldfleld  Tindall.  Improrements 
in  mangles  and  wringing  machines,  for  smoothing 
and  wringing  clothes  and  woven  ttbrics. 

2142.  Thomas  Harris.  Separating  the  steam 
ftom  the  condensed  water  and  mud  in  Its  transit 
from  the  boila  to  the  cylinder  of  a  steam  engine, 
BtationarT,  or  locomotive. 

2249.  Thomas  Allan.  Iqproven*!^  in  anply> 
ing  elecfricitj. 

2262.  Frangois  Jean  Bouwens.  An  Improved 
rotarj  engine. 

2270.  William  Hendenon.  Improvements  in 
treating  certain  ores  and  alloys,  and  In  obtaining 
products  therefrom. 

2301.  Richard  Archibald  Broomaa.  Improve- 
ments in  centrlfrigal  machines,  and  in  driving  the 
same.    A  communication. 

2366.  Charles  William  Siemens.  Improvements 
in  electric  telegraphs.    A  communication. 

2426.  Robert  Wilson.  A  new  or  improved  orna- 
mental material  or  fabric. 

2495.  John  Simon  Holland.  Improvements  in 
large  and  small  fire-arms,  and  in  the  preparation  of 
their  charges. 

2602.  William  James  Harvey.  Improvements  in 
flre-arms  when  revolving  barrels  are  used. 

2671.  William  Porter  Dreaper.  The  improve- 
ment of  the  mannfscture  of  pianofortes. 

7.  Antoine  RouUion.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  manafaetore  of  soap. 

II.  George  Peacock.  Improvements  in  con- 
structing propellers  Ibr  ships  and  other  vessel*. 

41.  Charles  John  Edwards  and  Frederick  Fraai. 
An  improved  manuflicture  of  bearings  for  carriage 
axles  and  shafts  of  machinery  in  general. 

7S.  Edward  HalL  Improvements  in  the  manu- 
focture  of  gunpowder. 

79.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford.  Im- 
provements 'in  tanning.  A  communication  from 
Messrs.  Rene  de  Kercado  If  olac  and  Jean  Daniel 
Friedel,  of  Strasbourg,  France. 

80.  John  Onions.  Certain  improvements  in  the 
eonstraction  of  pipes  and  tubes  for  the  use  of 
smoking  tobacco  and  daars. 

90.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman.  Certain  means 
of  devulcanislng  India-rubber  and  other  rimilai 
gums,  or  of  treating  such  gums  after  having  been 
vulcaniaed.    A  communication. 

100.  Joseph  Sdlyn  Outridge.  Improvements  in 
transmitting  motive  power. 

105.  James  Peter  Lark.  Improvements  In  effect- 
ing the  combustion  of  fuel  and  the  consumption 
of  smoke  in  steam  boiler  and  other  ftimaces. 

III.  James  Teoman.  Improvements  in  self- 
feeding  furnaces. 

128.  Lsmorock  Flower  and  George  Augustus 
Dixon.  Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus 
for  sifting  snd  cleansing. 

129.  Constant  Joufflroy  Dum6ry.  Improvements 
in  smoke-preventing  apparatus. 

131.  Thomas  Blackwood  and  Andrew  Gordon. 
Improvements  in  motive  power  engines. 

132.  William  Lancaster.  Improvements  in  "tem- 
ples** employed  in  the  manufacture  of  textile  fo- 
Dries. 

144.  Robert  Martin  and  Jacob  Hyams.  Improve- 
ments in  goloshes  or  overshoes. 

US.  Samuel  Isaacs.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  artificial  coral. 

146.  John  Irwin  Clarke.  Improvements  in  ap- 
plying colour  to  the  edges  of  leather  gloves.  A 
communication  from  Francis  Moat,  of  Grenoble. 

165.  John  Henry  Pape.  Improvements  In  piano- 
fortes. 

Oppositiou  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  tiie  partiea  in  the 


143 


abofo  Liat,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  GatttU  in  which 
the  notice  appean,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
miaaioners'-offioe  partioulara  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  application. 


WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 
SedUd  February  2,  1855. 

1708.  Edward  Hallen. 

1716.  Charlea  Frederick  Stansbury. 

1717.  Charies  Frederick  SUnabury. 

1718.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbuxy. 

1719.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbury. 

1749.  John  Hackett. 
1803.  Edward  Trenery. 
1901.  William  Symington. 
2117.  Jamee  Hammond. 
2259.  James  Scott. 
2457f  Richard  Knight. 
2485.  James  Hartley. 
2487.  William  Eley. 

2523.  Frederick  Le  Mesurier. 

2531.  William  James  Cantelo. 

2533.  Charles  lies. 

2557.  George  Fergosson    Wilson     and 

John  Chase  Craddock. 
2575.  Nathaniel  B.  Carney. 

iSMWFe5nMry3,  1855. 

1458.  Alexander  South  wood  Stocker. 

Sealed  February  6,  1855. 

1734.  Joseph  Hulme. 

1735.  Henry  Turner. 
1786.  Henry  Moorhouse. 
1742.  William  Charies  Pitt 
1744.  Plato  Ouiton. 

1750.  William  Houghton.  Clabbuni. 

1753.  Samuel  Bickerton. 

1754.  Joseph    Reimann    and    Friedrich 

Saoermann. 
1766.  John  Petrie,  junior. 
1772.  WUliam  Croaland. 
1776.  Benjamin  O'Neale  Stratford,  Earl 

of  Aldboroogh. 
1790.  John  Lamb  and  Thomas  Lamb. 
1802.  Sara  Spaldin. 
1812.  Peter  Armand  Locomte  de  Fon- 

tainemoreau. 
1814.  Wiiliam  Ker  and  Matthew  Ker. 
1837.  John  Orist. 
1840.  Augustin  Jaoquelaln. 
1851.  John  Norton. 
1858.  William  Brooke. 
1943.  Isaac  Pim  Trimble. 
2306.  Pierre  Benoit  Chapuis. 
2318.  Thomas    Osborne    and    William 

Eldred. 
2336.  William  Charles  Theodore  Schaef- 

fer. 
2361.  George  Davis. 
2582.  William  Hawthorn. 
2594.  Nathaniel  Johnston. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


144 


NOnOBB  1H>  OOIWBaPaKDflMTS. 


tT8T  or  I^SSIOKS  FOR  ARTICLBS  OP  UTILITY  RB0t8T£K£D. 

Date  of  Ko.  tn 

Recistm-  theUe^ 

tooB.  gistfff.    .Ptfoprietoff'sKtmes.  AddrtMMk  Snl^tof  Destgn. 

JftiL  f  8676     J.  Tkompson  *^.  Nattfaig-hUl .^.m Pamp-bedstead. 

19  8677     J.  K^SinlCb  ^,..,^,^,.,  WocxUtreet ShirtHioUar. 

2U  3678      R.  W.  George  ....^ Portman-wiuare Desk. 

25  8679     W.S«luiell  Denmark-street  Sofa-bed. 

26  3680      R.Sdwards Bow Po)rsih«t. 

Feb.  8  8681      F.W.  I<ee»..«^».^.,.^...  Fetter-lane m..,.  Cloak. 

7  8682     T.CWUllams Reading ^ Caap-ttove. 


LIST  OP  PROVISIONAL  REOISTRATIOirS. 

Jan.  8  681  8.  Potta Birmingham ««  Pencil-case. 

e  6Sf  T^  P.  Hawkia  „.^^..^  filimingham  Chain. 

11  688  H.  Elliott  ....^.M., Rtnningham  ...o*^, Si^ht. 

19  634  8.  Davidson «....  Pentonville  ..,..^.m..., ^  Triune  protector. 

23  635  W.  Townsend CoTentnr Trivet, 

90  686  F.Smith ». Birmingham  ......«.........«......m...  Tap. 

Feb.  7  637  R.  Jasoba ...•.^...  Cbaring-crosa  .........^ .*.......*.  ParasoI-JoinL 


We  haYe  been  compelled  to  postpone  iht  imbli- 
catlon  of  the  letters,  of  Jfr.'W.  Baddeley,  *'^tiige- 
nieur,"  and  others. 

Z.~We  do  not  think  it  necessary  to  smbttih  your 
second  communication. 


NOTICES  TO  C0RRES?0K1)£NT8. 

T.  C.  H.,  Dublin.— We  re^ommfehti  Dr.  Lard- 
net's  Handbook  as  the  best  work  yre  khow  of  on 
the  sul^eet. 

.   C.J»  C— We  cannot  undertake, to  furniah  yon 
with' the  information  you  reguUe.  ' 


C0NTBNT8  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


Lloyd's  Patent  Turntable— (tNUb^iij^aeiM^}...  121 
London  Fires  in  1854.— T«eoty*4sorth  Annual 

Report.    By  Mr   W.  Bsddeley.  C.  E 128 

Society  of  Arts,  fto.— epedal  Priies— >Rxhlbi- 

tion  of  Inveations ^ a. .....»*.  ISO 

An  Improved  Wrought-lron  Piston— (»i'A  ea- 

ffraving*) « k 130 

On  Propulsion  by  Jets.of  Wat4r .........*....».,.  182 

Investigation  of  the  Moon's  Motion 133 

Safety-valves -.... 134 

Products  from  Coal-Ben  line  135 

Armstrong's  Smokeless  Furaaoe. .....<.........».  135 

Shillibeer's  Patent  Hearses...... ...^...M-—l-r—  135 

Specifleations  ol  Patents  recently  Filed : 

Blihop Damping  Labels '  135 

Sewell  .^pri1l(^hlng«s 135 

H'G«i&D..^.......«Conrngated     Angular 

Iron 136 

M'Gaffln Iron  Bridges  .., 136 

Derham Combing  Machinery  ...  136 

Price DlstiHinfE  Wood  136 

Decbanet  &  Slpco  .Railway  Carriaifes 186 

Brindley OmameatlngChina,  Arc.  13S 

W^rlght  Permanent  way 136 

Aabwtorth..(..^«....Permaacnt  Way '  136 

Kelscy Air-anguies ...>.  136 

Wsgstaffe   8c  Per- 
kins  TreathigOrei 136 

Spires ..Boots  and  Shoes 137 

.Dentan  ;.....,.....«.Ho«s  and  Spude  .........  137 

Woodyatt Furnaces 137 

North Watch-protectors 137 

Warcup CarriAge-springe 137 

Lockhart Bobbins ^...  137 

LIvescy Lace  Machineiy 137 

Homsby  Thrashing  Machines  ...  137 

Bellford  Piston  138 

JTohnsan  Steam  Bnginrs 138 

Browne ..Camp  Bedateads 138 

Whlteley,     Slater, 

ti  Crossley... Spinning  Machinery ...  138 

Longlct" .Ecoeatric  Lathe 138 


BaU ..Drills ....:..  1^ 

Sudbury  &Wright.Taps  9c  Valves 188 

Roberts...*. *.. Preparing  Fibres  .......  188 

GUlet  ..„.....„ Capstans,  &c. 189 

BaxQes,. ...... ........Furnaces  ^yu^ »f....  189 

Whitehead    and 

Whitehead  ....^Safety  Lamps 139 

Chambers  ............Distributing  Manure ...  139 

LilUe .-.Fire-arma 139 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with: 

Gardisaal  .., ..Stamp  Safe ; ..  139 

Bellford........ Preserving  Animal  Sub- 
stances    1.19 

FlitcioftiiE  Evans  .Floorcloths,  Sec 139 

Lawson .: Printing  Inks  139 

,       Wiberg ..Printing  Machinery  ...  ISO 

Taylor Clothes  Peg 1S9 

Waller Sign-boards,  ^c ^  ISO 

Guyard... Railway  Signals HO 

.  Summerfleld  ....... Bricks,  ft b.  ^ »....  1*40 

Hunt , ....Galvsnizlngtron  .......  140 

Fowler........,, Draining  Ploughs'. 140 

Barlow  Treating  Wheat 140 

Hltchins  and  Bai- 
ley   ...Mouldings IfO 

Hill , bonnets 140 

Archer .Trcatluij  Printed  Paper  140 

Twigg  9e  Silvester.Stamping  Metals 141 

Cato  Troufjhs  and  Mangers..  141 

Dolgety Reducing  l^riction 141 

Font.'tiiiemoreau  ...Zincography., 141 

Provisional  Protections - 141 

Patents  Applied  for  with  Complete  Specifica- 
tions ....:.;. .:............ 142 

Notice  of  Application  for  Prolongation  of  Pa- 
tent  .'.....: 142 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed... 142 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 148 

List  of  Designs  for  Articles  of  Utility  Regis- 
tered    144 

List  of  Provisional  Registrations 144 

Notices  to  Correspondents..... 144 


LONDON  :  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166.  Fleet-street,, 
In  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Galignaai,  Rua  Vlvieane,  Paris;  tfadiln,  and  Co. 
Dublin ;  w.  ۥ  Campbell  MUd  Con  Hambvg . 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Pttlawits'  '^^^m. 


No.  1645.]         SATURDAY,   FEBRUARY  17,  1855.      [sj;j|^/i^ 


Fig.S. 


3d. 
Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  166,  Fleet-itre«t. 


AN  IMPROVED  STEAM-ENGINE  BOILER. 

Fig.  2.  Fig.  1. 


VOL.   LXII. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


146 
AC^  IMPROVED  STEAM-ENGINE  BOILER, 

BY  MR.  H.  WRIGHT^  OF  MANCHESTER. 

The  boiler  described  in  the  present  paper*  (the  in?ention  of  Mr.  W.  B.  Jobnson,  of 
Manchester),  has  been  at  work  successfully  for  more  than  twelve  months  at  the  author'* 
Works,  near  Birmingham ;  and  the  present  description  has  been  laid  before  the  Institution, 
as  the  boiler  appears  to  possets  sooie  praetioal  Advantagea  \a  eiBcienay-  and  economy. 

It  is  one  of  the  tubular  construction  of  boilers,  and  has  an  impcpveroent  in  the  arrange- 
ment, designed  for  the  purpose  of  removing  some  objections  that  have  been  experienced  in 
tubular  boilers,  and  increasing  the  economy  both  of  working  and  construction. 

The  boUcr  it  atlOHM  Vk  Ibe  engravings  on  the  preceding  p^e^  in  which  fig.  1  represents 
a  transverse  section  ;  fig.  2,  a  longitudinal  section ;  and  fig.  |^  a  plan  of  the  two  boilers 
combined.  The  products  of  combustion  from  each  furnace,  aftfi  fusing  over  the  furnace- 
bridges,  9  B,  xpeet  and  mix  together  in  the  chamber,  D,  attach^  tq  the  back  of  the  boiler ; 
and  when  tbe  furnaces  are  alternately  supplied  with  a  proper  i\||^7i;rt  of  the  fuel,  combus- 
tion is  rei^ered  sufficiently  perfect  to  prevent  ^e  %|^W«^^  «f  WM^Vq  ^^  ^  ^MMey. 

The  i»qUo»  giyen  to  the  vapour  in  coming  ^iqi^  M^k^f^fftf^  tt^«•%  H  %gt  wfH  ^J^fm^^^J 
togetl^,  afteY  ^^^h.  \t  passes  into  the  tub^  £  S>  iumiii;|f  the  bealia^  swpf^  Sf  the 
boUeva.  Ti»«  pcoduoW  of  combustion  are  collect«4  ftoift  ^  tu^  i«t«^  tb«  fn^Jk«->VoXi  F> 
and  coaducted  fy^m  th«9C6  by  the  flue,  Q,  t«  V^«  o^m««^  ?^  IMIMI^^  ^  ftiM  with 
a  damper  to  reguUt«  the  draught  thr«u^)^  ^  tub«%  '^^  Ami9«%  V9A  i«twt|^  ^u^  fiv 
rng  aicoUar  results,  are  sometimes  pk«fsd  \»  ^as  «heU  (u^  ^U«hMil»9t  ^«t  the  umiymirit 
^presented  in  the  engravings  is  recQxwp»ea4^  m  mbWf  ft  m^  Mi  HVMf  M\9»\  $» 
it  must  be  appaieat,  ib«t  if  the  tw«  |m««««s.  uicl  two  set«  of  tuWt  M»ita^e4  fa  the  Ipa 
ibeUa  were  placed,  ^  9J^  it  must  b«  MMid«c«b]jc  Ucgec  ia  dUi»fttet»  sod  ta  that  e^MH 
baoon^  ^niit  foi;  tb^  puipose  of  |ff«4\b9i?^  ite^m  9i  ki^  {ireaaiM«i  Mwi  «(fiW  WW9» 
]|aye  been  constructed  similar  to  this,  and  the  result  has  been  strongly  tn  favour  of  tubular 
he^ttng  |<u%ce. 

As^lh^  VvangeoMat  of  l^e  furnaces  is  shown  in  fig.  i,  which  ii  a  plan,  ^ey  ace  placad 
insi^^  tiU  i^ell  of  tha  boillBEt  ^^re  ^9JMi  WC0I«|M  wth  the  waio,.  »a  oyHB#2^>  ni^ 
traaaxeiat  Hction,  are  placed  opposi^  W  «^a  aaot^f  ^ii^Uudio^aUy*  aad  »¥%  %uj^H«d  wit^ 
fue)  aA  aaob  end  of  the  WIqi.  The  |kiodttoU  of  o«m¥astion  Irojm  eaob  Aumaoe^' after  pas%. 
ing  otef  ^  fumaoe-bridgei,  ^  6,  wjof.  Wgakber  in  Iha  cbamb^K,  Q.  WH^A  the  f^roaoea 
coataiiv  a  proper  amount  of  fuel,  and  ve  alteit^aMj  mppUedi  the  oonsuoBif  tion  oi  th«  9inokf 
ia  ]pia^ieaUy  complete.  From  boileira  o|  3i^  horse-pow^^  an.d  ^S-^aiVU  ^  ftHUMSl^  9t 
smp^a  ^dHced  it  not  more  than  ap^axa  at  tba  ta^  oX  aa  aidiAaiy  kaiiia*  okMnaajb  Vk# 
produ^W  ol  oombuation,  aftev  mixing  ul  the  chaoa^i:;  ftlCt  90JDtT|Z^  ttuCQPH^l  t^  tabuMh  Upl^ 
into  the  tmojte-boxes,  £  £,  and  from  thenoe  iato  the  il\Mi|  WS,  Wiawwaigatwg  vuh  wa 
chiajmav.  Each  amoke-box  ia  provided  with  a  dam^r,  O,  b^  wbiek  eaeh  sel  of  tubss  ^%a 
be  rogujf^lied  in  the  amount  of  heat  they  receive  Uom.  tlM^  obasabaik^ 

The  bo^ert  described  above,  that  are  in  use  at  the  Auihoi^a  w«^l,  ^xt  Vtlft  ia  a<WMl»at 
vor^  {m  a  l^^'y  vith  very  satisfactory  results.  No  iaikus  has  oooun^  oI  ih^  tabs%  at 
any  Qtthav  past,  and  the  tubes  are  not  found  to  chotf;aup  i  iiie  ii«a(4a  balag  \94%  oamfiatslv 
bun|tA  ik/n  dej^it  of  soot  in  the  tubes  ia  thereby  preir^nted>  tnc^  t^^  fiiTa  t|a|  ^eqiuceq 
qleaajag  out  awoe  firat  ata;rtiag  work.  Thasa  tub#a' ua  wiou^kb-iioa,  2  mohaa  disHastai,  aad 
^feattong. 

Tha  fuel  OQoaumed  is  saw-dust  and  rubbish  9$  the  oacpaBtexa'  ahoasy  with  a  small  pjpo- 
jsortl^a  of  ooal-alackj  and  the  boiler  is  found  to  ksap  up  the  steam  well,  at  50  lbs.  per  inch. 
The  aomitxi^tion  of  the  boilers,  and  the  sxiangement  of  the  two  in  oombinaiion,  is  found 
very  tentiQeable  in  economy  of  fuel,  allowing  very  inforiof  quality  to  be  used,  and  the  con. 
sumatioi^  of  the  smoke  is  accomplished  very  completely,  scarcely  any  traae  of  amoke  being 
visible^  a^oap^  fov  a  short  time  when  lighting  the  fixe,  or  getting  up  a  low  fire. 

Ligr  !■■■■-'— •■   ■■■■■■■'■■    .  ■         —  --; 

*  Head  at  tha  Institution  of  Mechanical  Engineers,  Binningbam. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


14^ 
LONDON  FIRB8  IN  1864. 
Tuseuty-fmirtk  Jnaual  lUj^U     By  Mr,  William  Baddeletf,  C,  £. 
{Qmchtded  from  page  129.) 

The  daily  distrilration  of  last  year  was  as  follows : 


1             ' 

1    Hosdav. 

Tuesday. 

WedBesdaj. 

Thunday. 

Friday. 

Saturday. 

Sunday. 

1 

!  ^^^ 

i 

1S3 

ISO 

136 

134 

141 

187 

Their  distributicm  through  the  l^ours  of  day  aad  night  has  been  ix\  the  fgllof  ipg  pfth 
portions : 


P.M.      19 


s 

C 

ii 

M 

1^ 

0 

§* 

a 

o 

s 

s 

o 

i 

22 

1 

> 

O 

14 

c 
16 

•3 

.a 

i 

I 

21 

1$ 

U 

19 

25          29         30         42 

36 

SI 

66 

SO 

82 

61 

62 

The  causes  qffrf,  so  far  as  they  could  be  sat^factoriV  ascertained,  have  been  the  (ol- 
loiring : 


Accidents,    unforeseen)  and  for  the 

most  part  unavoidable     .         , 
Apparel  ignited  on  person 
Candles,  various  accidents  with 

„         ignited  bed- curtains    . 

„  „     window-curtains 

Carelessness,  palpable  instances  of 
Children  playing  with  fire 

„  „  „        lucifers 

Cinders  put  away  hot 
Coke  „         ,,      . 

Copper  improperly  set 
Fire-spaiks        .         .         «         . 
Fireworks,  making  of        , 

„         letting  off 
Flues,  foql  and  ignited 

„      blocked  up       .         «         , 

„      defective  or  overheated   . 

„      hot  air    . 

,.-      of  hot  plate    . 
Friction  of  machinery        • 
Fumigation,  incautious      , 
Furnaces   ..... 
Gas,  escape  of  from  defectiTQ  fittings 


9 

7 

98 

66 

41 

11 

8 

11 

18 

2 

1 

47 

3 

1 

25 

9 

47 

1 

3 

4 

2 

17 

66 


Ga9,  accidents  in  lighting 
„   le(l  burning  too  high,   or  near 
combustible  goods 
„    fitters  at  work    . 
„   stove 
Gunpowder,  explosion  of   . 
Hearths  laid  on  timber 

„        fires  kindled  on     . 
Hot,water  pipe  .        .        • 
Intoxication 
Lamps,  oil         ... 

„        naphtha 
Lime'slaking    , 

Liueu,  drying  or  airing  before  (ire 
Lights  thrown  down  areas,  &c. 
Locomotive,  sparks  from   . 
Lucifer- matches,  making  . 
„  using       . 

„  accidentally  ignited 

ff  «•  '- 

.     by  sun's  heat 
Ovens,  defective  or  overheated 
Pitch  and  tar,  boiling  of    . 
Reading  iu  bed         «        , 
I  2 


27 

1 

1 

1 

7 

4 

1 

9 

4 

2 

6 

34 

16 

2 

2 

10 

U 

1 

11 
12 

2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


148 


LmiBOl^  1IBE8  IN  1854. 


Sha? ingt,  loose  ignited      ...  43 

Smoking  in  bed         ....  1 

t,      meat 2 

Spirits,  drawing  off  .        .        •        .  2 

Spontaneous  ignition  of  chemioals     .  S 

„                 „        cotton-waste  .  1 

tt                 ft        dung     .        .  2 

„                 ,,        greasy  rubbish  6 

„                 I,        lamp-black    .  6 

y,                 f,        wet  rags         .  2 

Steam  boilers,  heat  from    ...  4 

Stoves,  improperly  set,  defeetiye,  or 

overheated 26 

„    drying 18 

„    ironing 1 

»    pip« 7 

„    skeleton 1 

Suspicious         .....  9 

Tobacco,  unextinguished   ...  39 
Varnish,  oils,  &o.,  boiling  of     .        .18 

Wilful 19 

Unknown 77 

9^8 
The  causes  of  fire  during  the  past  yesr  do 
not  present  any  particular  feature  of  no- 
velty. The  use  of  artificial  light  in  the  form 
of  candles,  gas,  &o.,  continues  to  originate 
a  large  proportion  of  fires.  A  fire  has  again 
been  occasioned  by  a  hot-water  pipe,  and  for 
the  second  time  in  the  same  locality ;  viz., 
Mercers* -hall,  the  scene  of  a  similar  acci- 
dent in  the  previous  year.  "  It  is  com- 
monly imagined  that  the  introduction  of 
hot  water,  hoc  air,  and  steam-pipes,  as  a 
means  of.  heating  buildings,  cuts  off  one 
avenue  of  danger  from  fire.  This  is  an 
error.  Iron  pipes,  often  heated  up  to  400*, 
are  placed  in  close  contact  with  floors  and 
skirting-bosrds,  supported  by  slight  dia- 
gonal props  of  wood,  which  a  much  lower 
degree  of  neat  will  suffice  to  ignite."* 

Mr.  Bratdwood  has  stated  his  belief,  that 
by  long  exposure  to  heat  not  much  exceed- 
ing 212^,  wood  is  brought  into  a  condition 
that  will  fire  without  the  application  of  a 
light;  and  that  this  process  takes  from 
eight  to  ten  years.  There  is  no  doubt  that 
such  a  process  goes  slowly  on ;  but  it  is 
probably  a  much  quicker  one  than  Mr. 
Braidwood  supposes ;  influenced,  no  doubt, 
by  the  temperature  of  the  pipes,  and  modi- 
fled  by  many  other  circumsunces.  There 
is  much  analogy  between  this  slow  charring 
and  ultimate  ignition,  and  the  spontaneous 
ignition  of  various  substances ;  as  also  to  a 
circumstance  which,  for  want  of  a  better 
term,  I  call  the  aeeumulatioe  property  of 
heat,  which  manifests  itself  when  large 
quantities  of  carbonaceous  matters,  heated 
much  below  the  igniting  point,  are  heaped 
together  in  bulk,      l^is  phenomena  fre- 


•  OuarUrlif  Review,  No.  czd. 


qnently  takes  place  with  hot  charcoal,  coke, 
roasted  coffee,  chicory,  &e.  In  the  course 
of  a  few  hours  it  is  no  uncommon  thing  to 
find  these  substances,  which  had  been  pre- 
viously cooled  down  so  as  to  be  handled 
without  inconvenience,  in  a  state  of  active 
combustion. 

Nineteen  of  last  year's  fires  are  known 
to  have  been  witfuUy  occasioned;  in 
two  instances  only  was  the  crime  judi- 
cially brought  home  to  the  perpetrators. 
The  first  of  these  was  the  ease  of  H.  J. 
Hall,  beer-shop  keeper,  in  Fleeustreet, 
whose  premises  were  destroyed  by  fire,  early 
on  the  morning  of  February  28th.  Sui&- 
cient  evidence,  however,  remained  to  show^ 
that  the  fire  had  been  wilfully  occasioned. 
It  is  notorious  that  the  insurance  offices  in  . 
general  ''do  not  like  the  trouble  or  bad 
odour  of  being  prosecutors,"  and  in  the  pre- 
sent instance  the  incendfary  nearly  escaped. 
To  the  honour  of  some  of  the  directors  of 
the  Westminster  Fire-office,  they  felt  they 
had  a  duty  to  perform  to  societv,  as  well  as 
to  themselves ;  they  caused  Hall  to  be  ap- 
prehended at  Liverpool,  where  he  was 
hiding,  and  at  the  August  sessions  of  the 
Central  Criminal  Court  convicted  him  of 
arson.  Mr.  Baron  Martin,  in  passing  sen- 
tence said,  that  the  extent  of  injury  that 
might  have  arisen  from  a  fire  in  such  a 
place  as  Fleet-street  was  incalculable,  and 
the  prisoner  must  have  anticipated  that, 
upon  conviction,  the  heaviest  sentence  short 
of  death  would  be  passed  upon  him,  and 
he  should  order  him  to  be  transported  fwr 
life.  The  other  incendiary  was  a  journey, 
man  printer,  who  having  quarrelled  with  his 
employer,  and  been  discharged  from  his 
service,  set  fire  to  his  premises  out  of  re- 
venge, and  then  gave^  himself  up  to  the  po- 
lice; he  was  convicted,  and  (raatported  for 
twenty  years. 

The  writer  already  quoted,*  says,  **  There 
is  no  denying  tliat  the  crime  of  tirson  owes 
its  origin  entirely  to  the  introduction  of  fire- 
insurance  ;  and  there  can  be  as  little  doubt, 
that  of  late  years  it  has  been  very  much  in- 
creased by  the  pernicious  competition  for 
business  among  the  younger  offices.  It  is 
calculated  that  one  fire  in  seven  which  occur 
among  the  small  class  of  shopkeepers  in 
London,  is  an  incendiary  fire.  When  an 
event  of  the  kind  '  is  going  to  happen '  at 
home,  a.  common  circumstauce  is  to  find 
that  the  fond  parent  has  treated  the  whole 
of  his  family  to  the  theatre." 
The  excessive  competition  above  alluded  to, 
which  has  for  some  time  past  been  carried 
on,  for  the  most  part  in  "  hazardous"  and 
"  special "  risks,  has  entailed  heavy  losses  in 
some  of  the  competing  offices,  and  they 

•  Quarterip  Review, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


LOHDON  7IBX8  IN  1854 


have  in  eomtqnenee  abandoned  the  fhrt 
boaineaa  altogether.  The  actual  risk  in 
eertain  classee  of  insnrancee  it  very  nnsatis- 
factoriljr  determined — ^being  tettled,  Appa- 
rently, by  the  rale  of  thumb  1  I  have  now 
before  me,  an  announcement  that  the  Lm^ 
coJtiUrv  Insurance  Company  are  open  to  any 
proposal  for  insuiance  on  goods  in  the 
"  CfysUl  Palaoe,'*  Sydenham,  at  lOf.  (MLper 
eeoL  premium ! 

This  building  is  composed  principally  of 
iron  and  glass,  the  floors  being  almost  the 
I  only  combustible  pert — ^without  any  aly 
I  comers  for  incipient  fires  to  breed  in  unper* 
I  ceived — ^wholly  exempt  from  the  greater 
^        number  of  "  causes  firam  fire"  hereinbefore 

r  enumerated — abundantly  supplied  with  water 
both  within  and  without  the  building-^ 
watched  and  guarded  day  and  night  by  ex- 
perienced firemen,  and  containing  a  larger 
supply  of  available  fire-extinguishing  ma- 
chinery than  is  to  be  found  in  any  provin- 
cial town  in  the  kingdom  (Liverpool  and 
Manchester  only  excepted) ;  and  nere  the 
risk  of  destruction  by  fire,  to  goods  depo- 
sited  therein,  wof  estimated  at  one  guinea, 
[  and  as  now  reduced  it  estimated,  by  the 
^  office  alluded  to,  at  half  a  guinea  per  cent ! 
I  Looking  from  the  terrace  of  the  said  Crystal 
Palace,  there  may  be  seen  a  private  dwelling, 
ooeupied  bj  two  families,  having  fires  and 
candles  in  every  fioor,  liable  to  S^  the  nu- 
merous accidents  which  they  occasion,  the 
only  supply  of  water  being  that  from  a  small 
pump,  and  the  nearest  fire-engine  station 
upwards  of  nine  milei  distant ;  and  yet,  all 
the  risk  of  fire  in  this  building  is  considered 
amply  covered  by  a  premium  of  twtMUmgs 
per  cent  I  On  comparing  these  two  widely- 
different  risks  together,  it  would  Bcem  as  if 
s  the  one  premium  muBt  be  ruinous;  the 
other  excessive,  if  not  fraudulent.  So  far, 
however,  from  the  lower  premium  being 
rainous,  it  is,  according  to  a  report  by 
Mr.  Barnes,  surveyor,*  twice  as  much  as 
the  actual  risk  demands;  and  he  recom- 
mends such  insurances  to  be  taken  at  one 
MkUUng-pet  cent — or,  if  the  house  be  isolated, 
or  semi-detached,  at  ttlnepence. 

Because,  says  Mr.  Barnes,  "  The  instance 
of  a  dwelling-house  having  been  on  fire,  !• 
almost  a  solitary  one,  and  when  it  has  oc- 
eurred,  the  injury  has  been  mostly  of  a 
very  partial  character.  I  have  rarely  heard 
of  injury  done  to  dwelliDg-honses,  and  when 
I  have,  it  has  formed  the  atceptkn  to  an 
almost  universal  rule."  During  the  last 
twenty-one  years  these  exoefftimu  have 
amounted  to  6,942 1  During  the  year  just 
ended,  one  private  dwelling  was  totally  de- 

*  Report  to  the  DirectoTs  of  the  London  Mer- 
cantile Asennmce  Company;  to  he  had  gratis  at 
No.  4,  Oreaham-atreet,  and  at  No.  S,  Church-court, 
Old  Jewry,  London. 


H9 

stroyed;  62  seriously  damaged,  and  245 
slightly  damaged.  Mr.  Barnes  admits  that 
he  has  no  data  whereon  to  found  hit  recom- 
mendation, but  says,  *'  It  is  difficult,  indeed 
next  to  impossible,  to  furniah  any  statistical 
report  of  ttie  number  and  amount  of  risks 
by  fire  of  this  class  of  assurance,  owing 
to  the  slender  means  I  have  at  my  com- 
mand."* 

Mr.  Barnes  supposes  a  very  large  number 
of  private  dwellings  in  the  metropolis  and 
its  suburbs,  insurable  at  the  thittiug  rate ; 
but  there  is  no  doubt  the  number  is  much 
exaggerated ;  and  of  the  actual  number,  a 
very  large  proportion  are  bound,  by  leases 
and  other  circumstances,  to  existing  offices. 
Therefore  "  every  one  **  will  noi  **  insure  his 
dwelling-house  in  the  office  that  charges  the 
most  moderate  premium.''  Again,  the 
**  most  moderate  premium "  may,  after  all, 
involve  a  fallacy ! 

Take  the  ordinary  case  of  a  dwelling- 
house  insured  for 

£       8.  d.   £    s.   d. 
SOOatl     6..0    4    6 

Contento  of  ditto  500  at  1     6 . .  0    7    6 

Duty  upon  SOO  at  8    0..1    4    0 

£1  16    0 


On  removing  this  insurance  to  Mr.  Barnes' 
office,  as  he  charges  28.  upon  the  contents, 
the  account  will  stand  thus : 

£  s.  d.        £   8.    d. 

House  800  at  1     0  ..  0    S    0 

Contents       500  at  2    0  ..  0  10    0 
Duty  800  at  8    0  ..  1     4    0 

£1  17    0 

That  is,  just  one  ahUHng  sierf  than  is  charged 
by  the  present  insurers ! 

Mr.  Barnes  says,  *'  no  doubt  exisU  in  my 
mind  that  these  properties  are  greatly  under- 
insured,  owing  to  the  rate  of  insurance  being 
unquestionably  beyond  the  risk."  But  can- 
not Mr.  Barnes  perceive  that,  if  the  rate  be 
beyond  the  risk,  the  reduction  in  the  amount, 
in  a  great  measure,  restores  the  equilibrium? 

The  dwelling-house  before  alluded  to,  is 
doubtless  under-buured^  its  value  being  full 
£500 ;  but  taking  the  probability  of  its  total 
destruction  as  very  remote,  an  insurance  for 
iS800  is  commercially  considered  to  be  am- 
ply sufficient  If  all  private  dwellings 
{withmt  lodgerej^)  and  their  contents  were 
insured  at  their  JuU  value,  there  can  be  no 
doubt  that  insurances  at  a  shilling  premium 
would  be  a  profiuble  business;  but  then 
comes  the  duty  I 

•  Reference  to  the  Ueehanic$*  Uamine  would 
have  fumitbed  the  information  required. 

t  Mr.  Barnes  says,  '*  Lodgers  do  not  destroy  the 
single  occupancy.*'    I  hold  that  they  do. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


190 


LONDON  F1BE8  IN  1854. 


Taking  the  1i«um  bofbiw  alhid«d  tot 


Hense       500  at   1 
Contents  500  at  1 
Duty  en  1000  at  8 

d. 
0 
0 
0 

..  0 

..  0 

:.  1 

8. 

5 
6 

10 

cl. 
0 
0 

0 

£2 

0 

0 

An  increase  of  four  thilimgs  on  the  present 
insurance,  brought  about  bjH-a' reduction  of 
premium  t 

Mr.  Barnes  wfnda  up  his  extraordinary 
Report  ^y  asking  tbp  Question  I  haye  often 
addresse4  to  otners,  when  in  conversation 
professionally  and  otherwise,  for  the  last 
twenty-fire  years-:-**  When  did  you  last  $C€ 
a  dwetling-houie  on  ire  t^*  1  reply — Jan. 
13th.  at  Holloway  (when  the  private  dwell- 
ing  of  W.  Prentice,  Esq.,  was  destroyed  Sy 
Are) ;  and  having  thus  answered  Mr.  Barnes' 
notable  question,  I  take  leave  of  his  Report. 
The  number  of  flres  in  the  list  of"  totally 
destroyed"  during  the  past  year,  shows  an 
increase  qf  12  above  tQQse  of  1853,  and  an 
increase  of  6  cr  7  on  the  average  qf  the  21 
years  previous. 

The  writer  in  the  Quarterly  Review  before 
quoted^  observes,  that  a  decrease  in  the 
number  of  "totally  destroyed  "  is  the  "  beat 
test  of  the  activity  of  the  Brigade."  Such, 
however,  it  by  no  meant  the  fart,  seeing  that 
the  eiremnttaneot  of  the  eaao,  in  nine  in- 
stances out  of  ten,  are  tneh  as  to  be  altoge- 
ther  beyond  the  control  of  the  Brigade.  Want 
of  water  (ftpom  frost,  abtenee  of  water-mains, 
or  negtect  of  turncock) — distance  from  the 
nearest  engine  station-rdelay  in  calling  the 
firemen — small  size  or  peculiar  construction 
of  the  bttilding,  or  inflammable  nature  of  its 
contents — all  contributed  to  swell  the  num- 
ber of  last  years'  ••  total  lotset.^' 

In  the  list  of  "  seriously  damaged "  will 
be  found  nearly  all  the  largest  fires  of  the 
year;  and  at  them  wat  the  effieieney  and 
activity  of  the  Brigade  most  taWy  tested , — 
dtfliouUies  and  disadvantages  of  no  ordinary 
kind  being  frequently  encountered  and  trf. 
umphantly  surmounted.  In  upwards  of 
thirty  inttancet  the  premises  were  all  hut 
dtsiroyed.  Want  of  spaee  prevents  even 
enumerating  the  oecasiont  upon  which  the 
exertions  of  the  firemen  hare  been  eonspi- 
cnously  eneeestful.  I  may,  however,  just 
mention  the  following  as  a  f^w  of  the  most 
striking  •  —January  5th,  6f  a.m.,  Bennett'al 
hill,  D^etoHs-eommons,  the  premises  of  Mr. 
Coombs,  carpenter  and  builder,  and  Messrs. 
Hodgkinaon,  envelope  -  makers.  Pebruary 
15th,  11}  P.M.,  London-wall,  the  workshops 
of  Mr.  Perry,  cabinet-maker  and  upholsterer. 
February  28th,  2  a.m.,  HoUaud-atreet,  Bank- 
tide,  the  glassworks  of  Mesart.  Pellatt  and 
Co.  Mareh9th,  IO^p.m.,  Wellington-street, 
Strand,  the  papier-mach^  maniifkctory  of 


Mr.  BtoleAM.*  Jano  tltt,  8^  A.M..  Now- 
road,  St.  Ooorge't  £ast,  the  oil  warebMiae 
and  eak>nr-weirkt  of  Messrs.  Pinohin  and 
Jolmton.  July  29th,  8^  ».m.,  Wood>streot, 
Cheapside,  the  premisea  of  Mr.  Jones,  oar- 
penter  and  paoking-oaae  vakor.  Angnsl 
10th,  7j^  A^.,  Old  Fkb^troot,  the  prenrite* 
of  Mr.  Fitch,  mamifaoUirmg  stationer.  An- 
gttft  Ifth,  11^  P.M.,  Thamet>bMik,  Pimlleo, 
the  extensive  premises  of  Meanrt.  Onbitt  aad 
Co.»  Wttildem.  Angnet  SOth,  5  a.m.,  Lewer 
Thanteo-ttrett,  the  warelMMite  of  Means. 
B#ist  Brothefi,  whokfalo  iraggiett,  the 
tamt  premiaet  having  bowi  proviona^  do- 
stroyed  by  fire  in  Oetober,  ia49l  Septeni. 
ber  15th,  8^  p.m.,  INimp^rov,  Old.elre«C- 
road,  the  promlaee  of  Mr.  Hooker,  engineer, 
and  M.  Oaropbigne,  pianoforte-maker — an 
inoendiary  fire.  September  28rd,  8^  p.m.. 
Shad  Thames,  Mettra.  Lainff  and  Shand, 
saiUmakera.  Deoember  8rd,  i^  a.m.,  Aran- 
deUttract,  Strand,  the  Wkittington  CInb. 
booae,  formerly  the  well-known  Crowm  amd 
Antkvr  Tavern. 

Upon  each  of  tbete^  at  np«i  other  ocea- 
Rioiis,  an  immense  body  of  ire  wat  made  to 
tnccumb  to  the  powerftil  ozertiont  of  the 
Firo  Brigade,  under  the  tkilfnl  diroetioii  of 
Mr.  Braidweod,  aided  by  the  diatriot  ibie. 
men,  Messrs.  Poge^  Oolf,  Staples,  and  Hen- 
devaon,  in  eonjunetlon  vrith  the  lPVa#  ^ 
EngUmd  firemen  under  Mr.  Connorton. 

At  many  of  last  year's  fires,  the  exertions 
of  parisli-eogino  keepers  Jnstified  the  good 
opinion  of  Mr.  BraSdwood,  hereinbefore  nar- 
rated. The  writer  in  the  QmmrUriy  Memew 
says,  with  refereneo  to  parish  engines,  "  The 
majority  of  these  are  very  ineffieient,  «oC 
baring  any  porsons  appointed  to  work  them 
who  possess  a  competent  knowledge  of  the 
service.  £ven  women  nsod,  new  pnd  then, 
to  ill  the  ardnees  post  of  direotor  i  and  it 
is  not  long  sinee  a  certain  Mrs.  Smith,  a 
widow,f  might  besetn  at  conflagrations,  hnr. 
rying  about  in  her  pattens,  direeting  the 
firemen  of  her  engine,  which  t>elonged  to 
the  united  parishes  ef  St.  Michael  lU^I 
and  St.  Martin  Vintry,  in  the  City.  We 
question,  indeed,  if,  at  the  present  moanent, 
any  ef  the  parish  engines  ars  mueh  better 
oi&cered  than  in  the  days  ef  Widow  Smith, 
with  the  exeeption  ef  those  of  Hackney, 
Whitechapel.  Islington,  and  perhaps  tec  or 
three  others.*'  The  fir«t  named  parish  huve 
recently  e&tablished  their  engines  upoo  a 
most  liberal  footing,  and  the  inhabitants  are 
justified  in  expoeting  oorresponding  useAil- 
ness.  Wherever  paririi  engines  are  iaeffi. 
ciently  worked,  it  almost  invariably  arises 
from  the  niggardly  spirit  that  vrithhelds  the 
funds,  which  in  this,  as  iu  all  other  caset, 
are  "  the  sinews  of  war.** 

*  Notice  in  vol.  GO,  page  299- 
f  Notice  at  vol.  29,  page  4,  ATecA.  Mag, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OH  CMB  IX.OW  Of  WAiaB  TBOMUOS  PIPBS  AMD  OfimCSS* 


151 


Mr.  imes,  •BpcrintendMit  of  Um  Lfedt 
Fire  Brigade,  m  alio  Mr.  SuperinteDdent 
White,  1  Qravesendi  hATe  nuMJe  M?erml  Terj 
ftueceufulappliofttioDs  of  the/re-ofUiiAiiater, 
abowiDg  Uittwhen  skilfullj  applied  to  a  legi- 
timate ease,  the  apparatus  is  oot  ao  utterly 
valoelesa  as  it  had  appeared  from  the  impro> 
per  uses  to  whieh  it  had  been  applied,  and 
the  exaggerataom  snd  ipisrepresenutions  by 
which  its  pretensions  had  been  supported. 
Hr.  Bamumi  in  his  recently-published  life, 
after  alluding  to  the  unfair  interibrenoe  with 
Mr.  Phillips,  and  the  determined  epposition 
to  his  experimental  demonstration!  very 
Justly  remarks  that,  '<  When  «  fire  has  bro- 
ken  out,  snd  is  raging  furiously,  especially 
if  the  wind  is  blowing,  the  annihilator  can- 
not housed  to  adrantage,  and  in  that  respect 
I  was  deetned  by  the  represenUtions  of  the 
man  who  first  c&lled  upon  tne.  Mv  expe- 
riences in  life  bave  conrinced  me  that  real 
merit  does  not  always  succeed  so  well  as 
'humbug;'  and  I  consider  Phillips'  fire- 
annihilator  i  Ihir  exemplification  of  the 
fact"  It  would  seem  as  if  Mr.  Phillips 
wna  of  precisely  the  aanle  opinion,  and  not 
satisfied  with  the  slow  success  that  waits  on 
modest  merit,  stteiupted  *' humbug,'*  snd 


between  the  two  stools  came  to  the  ground. 
Mr.  Curtia,  Secretary  to  the  Fire-anoihilator 
Company,  has  recently  applied  to  the  Town 
Council  of  Liverpool  for  a  reconsideration 
of  the  practical  merits  of  the  Fire-aiinihi- 
lator,  upon  the  ground  that  the  experiments 
made  therewith  in  Liverpool  Were  most 
unfably  conducted,  and  the  reports  thereon 
falsified.  The  editor  of  the  Lwetpotl  Jeur- 
%al  observes  that,  **  Questions  of  the  great- 
est public  utility  are  prone  to  lose  them- 
selves in  party  and  personal  enmities. 
This  is  the  case  of  thfe  fire  -  annihilator. 
The  Company  say  it  will  extinguish  fires ; 
aeveral  councillors  knd  the  agent  say,  that 
eve)ry  member  in  the  Council  wotild  Say  so, 
had  not  the  superintendent  of  the  fire-poHce 
reported  falsely  against  It.  This  is  a  grave 
charge,  and,  we  believe,  unfounded ;  but 
what  does  the  Watch  Committee  do !  They 
ledd  support  to  the  accusation  by  gathering 
legal  difficulties  around  their  servant,  and, 
like  pettifogging  lawyers,  fencing  themselves 
withm  technibaiities:  This  is  not  the  way  a 
great  Corporation  should  act,  in  reference 
to  an  important  public  matter." 

IS,  AngeU-teitaot,  IslfaigtoB, 
Jan.  «7. 1855. 


ON  THE  PLOW  OF  WATER  THROUGH  PIPES  AND  ORIFICES. 


A  paper  on  the  above  subject  was  resd  at 
the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  on  the 
evening  of  February  6,  by  Mr.  J.  Leslie, 
M.  Inst  C.  £. 

The  author  having  been  professionally 
called  upon  to  report  on  a  small  scheme  of 
water  supply^  in  whieh  it  was  proposed  to 
lay  down  a  pipe  with  unusually  imall  deeli- 
▼ity,  was  induced  to  hsve  a  set  of  experi- 
ments tnade  on  the  discharge  of  a  new  lead 
pipe,  of  2^  inclies  diameter,  and  1,086  nset 
m  length,  with  heads  varying  ttom  A^Hs  of 
an  inch  to  10  feet  This  pipe  was  laid  In  a 
coil  of  about  70  feet  in  diameter,  and 
Iras  afterwards  siiccesvively  shortened  into 
lengths  of  540  feet,  270  feet,  100  feet,  25 
feet,  and  10  feet.  Other  experiments  were 
also  made  with  pipes  of  l^incb,  and  1]  inch 
diameter. 

As  much  care  as  possible  was  taken  to 
insure  the  escape  of  air;  but  the  tesulta 
were  in  some  cases  so  anomalous  as  to  in- 
duce the  bfelief  tbat  complete  success  had 
not,  in  this  respect,  been  always  obtained. 

The  pipes  were  also  carefully  joined  and 
soldered,  and  it  was  believed  that,  with  one 
trivial  exception,  no  internal  obstruction 
bad  existed. 

The  observations,  which  were  exceedingly 
numerous,  were  stated  to  have  been  made 
ivith  much  eare»  by  Mr.  John  Lamondi  an 


assistant  of  the  author;  and  these  had  been 
tabulated  at  great  length,  atid  were  annexed 
to  the  paper. 

The  object  of  the  author  having  been  to 
institute  a  oomparison  between  the  dedub- 
tions  of  hydraulicians,  an^  the  results  of 
direct  experiment,  he  had  adopted,  As  a 
standard  of  comparison,  a  formula  which  he 
believed  to  be  due  to  Du  Buat,  and  firom 
that  had  calculated  "  the  ratio  Of  actual  dis- 
charge  to  Bu  Buat*8  formula.*' 

The  formula  employed  was  thuA  ex* 
pressed : 

8000^5" 


in  which  4  wss  the  velooiqr  per  minute, 
f  the  length  of  the  pipe,  increased  by  50 
diameters,  and  d  the  diameter  of  the  pipe, 
all  in  feet 

For  the  discharge  (D),  in  cubic  feet  per 
minute,  this  formula  became 


D= 


2S56-2  di 


V^ 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


152 


ON  THE  FLOW  OV  WATEB  THBOUGH  PIPES  AND  OBIRCBS. 


Adopting  this  formula,  the  following  were 
a  few  of  the  results  obtained  from  the  pipe 
2^  inches  diameter : 

Pipes  2^  inches  diameter  1,086  long 
+60  diameters=  1,096  feet 


^^ 

«| 

Head. 

Gradient. 

Ft.    In. 

0    OA 

1  in  70,266 

•0^ 

0     1 

„   13,162 

•2t.« 

»^^ 

0     If 

„     7,616 

•241 

•448 

0     21 

„     6.260 

•4412 

•684 

0     51 

„     2,391 

•7407 

•776 

2  4 

„        767 

1-4634 

•863 

394 

2-22 

•946 

4    H 

,,        230 

3- 

•976 

7    0^ 

„        156 

363 

•945 

9  111 

„        109 

4*286 

•961 

(It  was  shown  in  the  discussion,  which 
was  only  commenced,  that  the  formula  re- 
lied upon  by  the  author  was  not  that  of  Du 
Buat,  which  when  applied  ga?e  results  more 
closely  approximating  to  those  of  the  expe- 
riments, than  were  obtained  by  the  formula 
employed  in  the  construction  of  this  table.) 

Numerous  experiments  were  also  made 
on  simple  orifices — on  short  tubes  placed 
sometimes  vertically,  and  sometimes  hori- 
sontally — and  on  vertical  pipes,  from  which 
coefficients  of  discharge,  greatly  at  variance 
with  accepted  data,  had  been  deduced  ;  but 
it  was  afterwards  discovered  that  the  appa- 
rent anomaly  disappeared,  if  the  active  head 
were  measured  by  the  difference  of  level  be- 
tween the  surface  of  the  water  in  the  cistern 
and  the  point  of  exit  from  the  pipe,  or  the 
difference  of  level  of  the  water  in  the  upper 
and  the  lower  cisterns. 

Observations  on  a  large  scale  were  also 
made  on  the  pipes  of  the  Edinburgh  Water 
Company.  The  "Crawley  pipe"  was  16 
inches  in  diameter,  and  44,400  feet  long, 
with  a  differential  head  of  226  feet  The 
actual  discharge  was  266  cubic  feet  per  mi- 
nute,  whereas,  by  the  formula,  it  ought  to 
have  been  294  cubic  feet  per  minute.  This 
pipe  was,  however,  thirty  years  old,  and  was 
known  to  be  considerably  reduced  in  diame- 
ter by  incrustation. 

The  **Collinton  pipe"  was  16  inches 
diameter,  29,680  feet  long,  with  a  differen- 
tial  head  of  420  feet  The  mean  of  16  ob- 
servations gave  an  actual  discharge  of  671 
cubic  feet  per  minute,  whereas  the  formula 
required  that  the  discharge  should  have  been 
675  cubic  feet  per  minute.  This  pipe  was 
only  eight  or  nine  years  old. 


A  section  of  the  same  pipe,  of  26,765  feet 
in  length,  with  a  differential  head  of  230 
feet,  yielded,  on  a  mean  of  26  observations, 
440  cubic  feet  per  minute ;  whereas  the 
discharge  by  the  formula  should  have  been 
467  cubic  feet  per  minute. 

Another  section  of  the  same  pipe,  3,816 
feet  in  length,  with  a  differential  head  of 
184  feet,  yielded  1,216  feet  per  minute,  in- 
stead of  1,063  expected  from  the  formula. 

But  a  new  iron  pipe  of  2|  inches  diame- 
ter, and  1,160  feet  long,  with  about  11  feet  of 
fall,  yielded  about  what  was  doe  by  formula 
to  a  pipe  of  2}  inches  diameter. 

Observations  were  also  made  on  the  Dun- 
dee Conduit,  which  was  2  feet  broad,  with 
rectangular  sides  and  a  bottom  of  smooth 
stone  slabs,  with  the  following  results : 


FALl 

.  1  IN  1,000. 

Actual 

Velo- 

Calcu. 

Actual 

average 

city  by 

Depth. 

lated 

dis- 

ascertain- 

floats 

discharge 

charge. 

ed  velo- 
city. 

at  sur. 
face. 

Inches. 

Cubic  ft. 

Cub.  ft. 

Cub.  ft. 

Cub.f. 

6 

109^ 

11009 

110-09 

1285 

7     1     134^ 

134^83 

116- 

129-7 

8     ,     160- 

162^16 

121-6 

133-1 

9     1     186^ 

184^61 

123^ 

136-7 

10         213- 

21428 

1286 

138-1 

11          2403 

240- 

131- 

140- 

12         268- 

266^6 

133^3 

146-7 

The  formula  used  in  this  instance  might 

be  thus  expressed ; 

44Vhyd.  mean  depth  xf&U  in  feet  per  mile 
= velocity  in  miles  per  hour. 

The  discharges  by  the  sluices  of  the  dock 

Sates  of  Dundee  and  the  lock  gates  of  the 
[onkland  Canal  were  also  ascertained  and 
tabulated.  (The  mean  of  the  first  seven 
observations  gave  a  coefficient  for  feet  of 
6*3,  and  of  the  next  four  observations,  omit- 
tinff  one  imperfect  observation,  of  5'25, 
which  were  consistent  with  the  received 
formula.) 

A  few  experiments  were  also  undertaken 
with  respect  to  the  flow  of  water  over  notch- 
boards  ;  and  some  investigations  were  made 
for  the  purpose  or  determining  whether  the 
theoretical  addition  of  60  diameters  to  the 
length  of  the  pipe  was  practically  correct 

The  author's  conclusions  were,  that  while 
Du  Buat's  formula  gave  very  accurate 
results  at  moderate  rates  of  inclination,  it 
gave  a  great  deal  more  than  the  actual  dis- 
charge with  very  low  gradients,  and  very 
considerably  less  with  steep  gradients. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


POBTEBfS  PATBIT  AMCliOBS. 


158 


PORTER'S  PATENT  ANCHORS. 

BEFORE     THE      JUDICIAL      COMMITTEE    OP 
THE  PEITY   COUNCIL. 

Friday,  Feb,  2,  a$td  Saturday,  Feb.  10, 1856. 

Present — Lord  Chief  Justice  Jerfis,  Sir 
Edward  Ryan,  Sir  John  Dodson,  and 
Mr.  Pemberton  Leigh. 

Thb  was  an  application  of  a  peculiar 
character  for  the  confirmation  of  a  patent, 
originally  granted  in  1838,  for  an  improve- 

I  ment  in  the  construction  of  anchors. 

'  Sir    P.    Thesiger,    with    Mr.   Webster, 

!•  appeared  for  the  applicant,  and  Mr.  M. 

f  Chambers,  with  Mr.  Seijeant  Atkinson  and 

Mr.  Russell,  opposed  the  application. 

Mr.  Pemberton  Leigh  delivered  the  judg. 
ment  of  their  Lordships.  The  followingis 
a  condensed  report  of  his  remarks: — The 
patent,  he  said,  was  granted  on  the  16th  of 
August,  1838,  to  Mr.  Porter,  for  an  im- 
prorement  in  the  manufacture  of  anchors, 
and  expired  on  the  16th  of  August,  1862. 
On  the  18th  of  February,  1863,  Her  Ma- 

4  jesty  granted  a  further  term  of  six  yearr  for 
the  exdusiTe  use  of  the  invention.  The 
term  was  granted  by  new  letters  patent, 
which  contained  a  condition  similar  to  that 
in  the  original  patent,  that  the  grant  was  to 
be  Yoid  if  it  should  appear  that  the  inven- 
tion was  not  new  as  to  the  public  use  and 
exercise  thereof  in  Ens]and,or  not  invented 
and  found  out  by  Mr.  Porter.  In  an  action 
brought  against  Mr.  Bloomer  for  the  in* 
friogement  of  the  patent,  it  was  proved  that 
this  was  not  a  new  invention  within  the 
condition  of  the  letters  patent,  and  it  was 
*  agreed  on  all  hands  that  the  patent  at 
present  was  Toid.  The  Legislature,  how. 
ever,  had  thought  fit  to  vest  in  the  Crown, 
under  certain  circumstances,  on  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Judicial  Committee,  the 
power  of  restoring  and  giving  effect  to  the 
grant  so  become  Toid,  and  upon  a  petition 
being  presented,  it  had  been  referred  to 
their  Lordships  to  inquire  whether  it  was  fit 
that  the  application  should  be  granted. 
The  power  was  conferred  upon  the  Crown 
by  the  6th  and  6th  William  IV.,  chap.  83, 
see.  2,  and  it  had  been  admitted,  that  even 
if  the  petitioner  brought  himself  within  the 
provisions  ik  the  Act,  it  was  still  left  to  the 
discretion  of  the  Judicial  Committee  to 
recommend  or  not  the  confirmation  of  the 
patent,  as  justice  to  all  parties  might  appear 
to  them  to  require.  There  were,  therefore, 
two  questions  before  their  Lordships :  first, 
whether  the  petitioner  had  proved  those 
facts  which  were  necessary  in  order  to 
enable  the  committee  to  recommend  a  con- 
firmation  ;  secondly,  whether  the  circum. 
stances  were  such  as  to  make  it  fit  that  their 
Lordsbipe  should  ezarcise  their  discretion 


by  recommending  a  eonfirmation  if  they 
had  the  power  so  to  do.  It  was  objected  by 
the  opponenU  of  the  petition  that  those 
questions  did  not  arise  in  this  case,  because 
the  provisions  for  confirmation  of  a  pa- 
tent did  not  spply  to  a  patent  for  an  extended 
term.  But  the  grant  of  an  extended  term 
was  a  new  grant  by-  new  letters  patent, 
subject  to  the  same  conditions,  open  to  the 
same  objections,  and,  in  ordinary  cases  at 
least,  entitled  to  the  same  advantages  as 
the  original  grant.  In  the  case  of  "  Aube's 
patent"  it  was  decided  that  the  grant  of  an 
extended  term  must  be  consideied  as  a  new 
grant  There  appeared  to  be  nothing  in 
the  nature  of  the  benefit  now  sought  which 
should  exclude  ite  application  to  a  patent 
for  an  extended  term ;  the  question  there- 
fore arose,  whether  the  petitioner  had  esta- 
blished those  facte  which  were  necessary,  in 
order  to  give  jurisdiction  to  the  committee. 
The  onus  of  proof  lay  on  the  petitioner,  and 
he  must  satisfy  the  committee,  first,  that 
before  the  date  of  the  original  patent  the 
invention  was  not  publicly  and  generally 
used ;  and  secondly,  that  the  grantee  of  the 
original  patent  believed  himself  to  be  the 
first  original  inventor.  It  was  proved  by 
the  evidence,  that  Mr.  Porter  was,  in  no 
sense  of  the  term,  the  first  inventor  of  this 
improvement  The  principle  hsd  been  dis- 
covered and  put  in  use  by  Mr.  James  Logan, 
of  Liverpool,  more  than  ten  years  before 
the  date  of  Porter's  patent ;  he  had  made 
drawings  of  his  invention,  which  he  had 
shown  to  a  great  number  of  persons,  and 
had  procured  models  of  it  to  be  made,  which 
he  had  sent  to  anchorsmiths  and  other 
persons  likely  to  bring  the  iuTcntion  into 
use,  and  had  caused  one  of  those  models  to 
be  hung  up  in  the  room  of  the  underwriters 
at  Liverpool,  where  it  remained  for  twelve 
or  fifteen  years,  and  was  probably  there 
when  Mr.  Porter  took  out  his  patent  It 
further  appeared  that  he  had  actually,  in 
1826,  manufactured  a  large  anchor  upon 
this  principle,  and  had  sold  it  in  that  or  the 
following  year ;  that  it  was  put  on  board  a 
steamer  called  the  fViUiam  Huekitwm,  and 
remained  there  in  use  till  1836,  when,  one 
of  the  toggles  having  been  broken,  it  was 
sent  to  the  yard  of  Messrs.  Logan,  as  one  of 
the  witnesses  said,  to  be  repaired,  and  from 
that  time  it  lay  in  the  yard  open  to  the 
inspection  of  idl  the  workmen  who  were 
employed  there,  amounting,  as  was  said,  to 
about  260,  and  of  all  persons  whom  business 
or  other  circumstenoes  might  bring  to 
Messrs.  Logan's  works.  If  their  Lordships 
could  rely  with  confidence  on  the  accursoy 
of  Mr.  James  Logan's  memory,  the  case 
would  be  carried  much  further  with  re- 
spect to  the  use  of  the  invention.  It 
was  not  easy  to  define  what  was  the  exact 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


IM 


MBfBA'S  ^JOMKT  AXCaOftS. 


meaniiig  of  the,.«spreMiotti  "publiol^  and 
generalTj  used,"  containea  in  the  section 
of  the  act  of  Parliament  referred  to.  Their 
Lordships  oould  not  consider  the  use  of  the 
invention  on  boarsi  a  single  ship,  however 
public,  or  for  whatever  length  of  tiiqe,  as  a 
general  user.  They  were  satiafied  that  the 
invention  had  not  been  publicly  used  at  the 
liate  of  the  original  letters  patent  Whether 
the  petitioner  had  made  out  the  second 
point,  namely,  that  the  original  patentee 
believed  himself  to  be  the  first  and  original 
inventor,  depended  entirely  upon  the  period 
at  which  the  belief  must  be  proved  to  have 
existed.  There  was  no  reason  to  doubt  that 
he  so  believed  himself  when  the  original 
letters  patent  were  granted  i  on  the  other 
hand,  it  was  plain  Uiat  he  oould  entertain 
no  suoh  belief  at  the  time  when  the  re- 
newed grant  was  made.  According  to  the 
doctrine  laid  down  by  Lord  Lyndhurst  in 
''Weatrop  and  Gibbons's  patent"  (Web- 
ster's Cases,  555X  a  party  oould  not  be 
permitted  to  shelter  himself  under  wilful 
Ignorance,  but  must  be  fixed  with  know- 
ledge,  not  only  of  what  he  did  koowt  but 
of  uiat  which  he  would  have  known  if  he 
had  made  the  inquiries  which  it  was  in- 
bumbent  upon  him  to  make.  It  had  been 
arffued,  however,  very  forcibly,  that  the 
belief  of  the  original  patentee  must  mean  a 
belief  at  tlie  time  when  the  original  patent 
was  taken  out,  and  that  neither  the  merit 
of  the  original  patentee,  nor  the  rights  of 
the  assignee  could  be  affected  by  oiroum- 
stanoes  which  came  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
former  only  aAer  the  patent  had  been 
granted,  and  when,  possibly,  as  in  this  case, 
all  his  interests  in  it  had  ceased.  It  was 
impossible  to  deny  that  there  was  great 
weight  in  that  argument  i  but,  on  the  other 
hand,  it  must  be  remembered  that  it  was 
the  new  patent  which  it  was  sought  to 
confirm}  that  it  was  as  a  new  and  an 
original  patent  that  it  was  brought  within 
the  meaning  of  the  clause,  and  that  there 
was  nothing  unreasonable,  when  it  claimed 
the  same  advantages,  in  subjecting  it  to  the 
same  resuiotions  as  an  original  grant. 
tVhatever  doubts  their  Lordships  might 
entertain  upon  other  points  in  this  case, 
upon  that  whioh  was  sufficient  for  its  de- 
cision,  namely,  the  mode  in  whieh  they 
were  to  exercise  their  discretfon,  if  the  cir- 
cumstances gave  occasion  for  it,  they  oould 
enierUin  no  doubt  whatever.  The  power 
given  to  the  Crown  was  to  provide  an 
extraordinary  remedy  for  extraordinary 
cases,  to  supersede  the  ordinary  rules  of 
law  at  the  expense  of  the  public  in  favour 
of  an  individual,  to  give  force  and  validity 
by  a  quasi  legislative  authority  to  a  grant  of 
monopoly  actually  void,  and  to  taolude  from 
the  use  of  the  invention  not  only  the  other 


sniijec.ts  of  Her  Miges^  in  BBgland*  but 
even  the  first  and  original  inventor  who  had 
actually  brought  it  into  public,  though  not 
into  general  use  before  the  first  patent  was 
Uken  out  That  that  was  the  effect  of  a 
confirmation  was  perfectly  clear,  though  it 
appeared  from  Lord  Lyndhur&t's  observa- 
tions  in  '^WesVropandOibbons^s  casc*\that 
such  was  not  the  intention  of  the  framer  of 
the  Aot,  nor  its  efifeot  as  i|  was  originally 
introduoed  into,  and  as  it  left,  the  House  of 
Lords.  To  what  ektent,  under  the  lioi. 
guage  of  the  Act,  other  ol^ectitfns  to  the 
validity  of  the  patent  were  ranoted  by  the 
confirmation  might  be  doubtfbl.  In  the 
oase  of  "Card's  patent"  (6  Moore  7,  e. 
213),  Lord  Campbell  sug|rested  that  the 
generality  of  the  ekpreasion  was  probftbl/ 
intended  to  be  limited  lo  prior  ust  of  the 
invention.  His  Lbrdship  alto  intimated 
that  the  proviaiona  of  the  clause  were 
meant  to  be  confined  tt>  easel  where  either 
doubts  might  exist  Whether  there  had  been 
ftttoh  a  prior  use  as  to  vitiate  the  patent,  or 
where  tne  use  of  the  Invention,  after  some 
fruitless  trials,  had  been  throl^it  aside  and 
abandoned  by  the  original  inventor.  In 
this  particular  oase  th^re  was  no  room  for 
doubt  that,  if  the  faoU  whieh  aetually 
existed  had  been  known  at  the  time  when 
the  original   parent    was   Uken    oat,    oo 

Stent  ought  ever  to  have  been  granted  to 
n  Porter.  If  the  Uttt  now  in  proof  had 
been  knowh  to  their  Lordships  when  Uiey 
recommended  ao  extebftion  of  the  patent, 
they  never  oould  have  given  any  such  re- 
commendation  to  the  Crown.  Their  Lord- 
ahips  had  considered  what  Ought  to  be 
done  with  respect  to  the  Ooats  of  the  oppo- 
nents.  It  was  of  great  importance  tnat 
parties  ahould  not  be  discottrsged  from 
bringing  important  facts  to  the  knowlodge 
of  the  Court  by  the  fear  of  the  oosu  which 
they  might  have  to  pay  if  their  opposition 
was  successful,  and  Upon  that  ground,  In 
'*  Westrop  and  Gibbons,"  the  partiea  op- 
posing were  allowed  their  costa^  But  their 
Lordships  were  not  satisfied  with  the  man- 
ner in  whioh  this  opposition  had  been 
conducted.  Much  expense  had  been  occa- 
sioned  by  relying  upon  patents  for  inven- 
tions which  had  really  no  resemblance  to 
this,  and  witnesses  had  been  produced  to 
whoee  testimony  their  Lordships  could  not 
give  the  amallest  eredit  On  the  whole, 
their  Lordships  would  humbly  advise  Her 
Majesty  that  the  application  ought  not  to 
be  granted,  bat  that  no  costs  should  be 
awarded  to  the  opponenti. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Oir  THE  MOOM*S  MOTION. 


155 


CLARK'S  PATENT  FOR  PURIFY. 
tKG  tTATER. 
(0^^  the  CoM^Hte  nmtmd m  thBplreedimg    I 
Cate.) 

Sattrdoff,  ]^ett^uartf  10,  1855. 

Tan  was  ui  appUeAtion  for  the  extension 
of  a  patent  granted  on  the  5th  of  Mareh, 
1841.  The  bhject  of  Che  patent  was  to 
•often  and  purify  watery  for  domestic  and 
mannfabtnrinf  pnrpneei»  more  espeoiallj  in 
chalk  dittrictai  Bf  the  emplo)rment  of  Ta. 
rio«s  testb  tiie  qualt^  of  the  water  was 
taeertaitaed,  and  bj  the  introdnction  of  lime 
it  was  divested  of  chalkj  and  organic  mat- 
tery one  resnlt  of  which  Would  be  a  gteat 
teving  In  soap.  It  was  atated  that  the  pa. 
ten  tee  had  sustained  te  loss  in  endeavouring 
to  bring  the  process  itato  general  use  of 
ahont  ill  ,000.  The  patent  is  now  in  bpc- 
mtioQ  at  the  Plumatead  Water-wof ks,  and  it 
waa  alleged  that  as  new  edmpaniea  are 
fomed,  ^ert  wak  every  r^Mon  to  believe 
that  they  would  avail  themsevee  of  its  ad- 
Tantages.  The  plan  was  highly  approved 
hy  the  Board  of  Health.  Several  witnesses 
deposed  to  iU  excellency,  fthd,  •niong  them, 
proftsaore  Miller  and  Hoffmant  The  ex- 
tnusion  was  opposed  by  M.  Lelong- Burnet, 
•f  Ft^nise. 

Mr.  Oratea  and  Mr.  Aston  appeared  Ibr 
the  petitioner  (  Mr.  Hindmareh  for  the  op- 
ponent. 

Lord  Chief  Justice  Jervis  said,  their 
Lordships  would  humbly  advise  Her  Ma- 
jcaty  to  grant  an  extension  for  seten  years. 


ON  MJS  MOON'S  MOTION. 
To  Me  AIRvl'  ^  ike  BfgtkaiUef  BfUgttstn^. 

Sir,— A  few  (and  very  tew)  words  sfcem 
to  be  called  for  in  reply  to  the  last  commu- 
nication of  Mr.  Recordon  with  respfect  to 
the  moon's  motion» 

t  must  Mrst  of  all  profess  myself  Unable 
to  penetrate  the  mist  which  veils  his  true 
meaniog  from  the  apprehension  of  the 
-vulgar.  As  far,  however,  as  I  can  under, 
stand  him,  nothtog  seems  to  me  more  vague 
and  unsatisfactory  than  his  whole  train 
of  reasoning.  In  order  that  I  might  do 
him  no  injustice,  I  took  the  trouble  of  pain-' 
/«j/|r  reading  throuffh  his  former  letter.  And 
I  must  confess  that  the  ambiguity  with 
which  he  has  succeeded  in  enveloping  his 
meaning  is  most  ingenious  and  successfuL 
I  do  not  know  whether  any  other  of  youf 
readers  has  taken  the  trouble  to  endeavour 
to  comprehend  him;  but  I  for  one  musi 
own,  that  t  cannot,  for  the  life  of  me,  un- 
deratand  either  from  his  former  communis, 
eationi  or  what  he  has  lately  added  to  it| 


what  he  wishes  to  convey  by  the  statement, 
that  the  **  Moon  and  the  Earth  stand  in  the 
same  dynamical  relation  to  each  other." 

If  he  kneans  to  iiuplv  hy  this,  that  the 
moon's  attraction  on  the  earth  is  of  the 
same  intensity  as  that  of  the  earth  on  the 
moon,  he  is  clearly  in  error;  for  that  would 
require  that  the  quantities  of  matter  in  the 
two  hodies  are  equal,  which  they  are  not 

Again,  if  he  means  that  supposing  the 
mobn  to  be  absolutely  at  rest,  the  earth 
would  revolve  about  the  moon  in  exactly  the 
same  way  as  the  moon  do6s  actually  aoout 
the  earth,  (and  this,  I  confess^  seems  to  be 
what  he  really  wishes  to  convey,  when  he 
says»  page  82.  '*  if  we  consider  the  moon  to 
be  at  rest  while  the  earth  rotates  uniformly 
on  its  axis,  perpendicularly  projected  at  A, 
so  that  one  of  its  points,  B,  describes  a 
whole  circurtiference  in  the  same  tim6  as 
C  did  in  the  former  motion,  hut  in  the 
contrary  direction,")  all  that  I  can  say  is, 
that  supposing  the  moon  to  sUnd  fetill,  the 
apparent  motion  of  the  earth  round  her  is 
not  correbtly  described  in  the  words  quoted. 
The  rotation  of  the  earth  round  her  axis 
once  in  24  hours  would  soon  rftmove  the 
point,  %  from  the  line  joining  the  two 
centres;  and  in  the  time  that  C  (in  the 
moon),  is  making  a  complete  circuit.  B 
would  have  made  no  less  than  2i  complete 
revolutions  round  the  earth's  axis,  and  have 
arrived  at,  and  left  the  position  indicated, 
no  less  than  27  times. 

Moreover,  supposing  (^  (^.3,  page  ^3) 
to  he  the  point  through  ^hieh  the  ni^an 
attraction  of  the  earth  or  the  moon  passes, 
that  point  is  not  a  JUe'd  point  in  the  moon, 
as  Mr.  Recordon's  subsequent  ^  reasoning 
seems  to  imply,  hut  yariable  in  such  a 
manner  that  however  the  moon  be  sup- 
posed to  revolve  shout  her  own  axis,  it  must 
lie  in  the  line  joining  the  centres  of  the 
earth  and  moon.  In  fact,  supposing  the 
moon  a  homogeneous  ^pherci  the  earth's 
attraction,  as  appears  from  this  very  fact, 
can  exert  no  influence  on  the  moon's  rota- 
tion. 

It  ii,  however,  now  tinie  td  examine  the 
new  matter  Mr.  Recordon  hsa  braught  for- 
ward. He  toils  Ui  we  mutt  eonsider  *'  the 
moon  as  it  it  in  reality,  ?is.,  at  en  Imper- 
fect heterogeneous  sphere  (not  even  com- 
posed of  homogeneous  coneentric  shelll.)" 
yfi  should  like  to  know  whence  Mr.  Recor- 
don derives  his  intimate  acqualAtince  with 
the  interior  construction  of  the  moon.  Of 
that  of  the  earth,  which  lies  so  maoh  more 
under  our  control,  we  know  little  enough ; 
but  who  taught  any  sublunary  being  any- 
thing  of  the  law  which  regulates  the  distri. 
bution  of  matter  within  the  moon?  We 
presume  that  Mr.  Recordon  hai  reMlvMl  a 
tiaiti  for  thie  very  purpoM,  fhmi  thtt  Ihr-fottied 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


156 


ON  THE  moon's  MOTION. 


"  maii-in-the-moon."  He  then  infonnt  us, 
that  the  free  rotation  of  the  moon  ahout  her 
axis  is,  in  such  a  case,  impossihle,  though  on 
what  grounds,  it  is  very  difficult  to  under- 
stand  ;  and  sums  up  with  these  remarkahle 
words,  which  seem  to  furnish  him  a  clue  to 
escape  from  eTery  difficulty,  and  would  evi- 
dently he  a  satisfactory  mode  of  accounting 
for  any  and  every  kind  of  motion  conoeiv- 
ahle  or  inconceivable.  '*  Applying  ourprin~ 
ciple,  we  conclude  now,  also,  that  the  real 
moon  can  only  revolve  round  the  earth's 
centre,  as  if  it  were  rigidly  connected  with 
that  point"  To  this  solemn  dictum,  we, 
who  unfortunately  know  no  principles  but 
those  of  mechanics,  can  only  reiterate  the 
question,  What  principle,  and  how  applied? 

Mr.  Reeordon's  explanation  of  his  prin- 
ciple is  one  of  the  most  edifying  insUmces 
of  mystification  that  I  ever  had  the  luck  to 
encounter. 

Supposing  the  moon  at  rest,  he  refers  the 
earth  to  three  co-ordinate  axes,  that  of  y 
being  her  axis,  that  of  x  the  line  joining  her 
centre  with  that  of  the  moon,  and  that  of  x 
the  straight  line  through  the  earth's  centre 
in  the  plane  of  the  moon's  orbit  perpendi- 
cular  to  the  axis  of  z.  He  now  supposes 
another  movable  system  of  co-ordinates  pro- 
duced by  the  modest  change  of  +  '  into 
—  jr.  We  are  then  told  that  hereby  "  one 
and  the  same  dynamical  phenomenon  has 
occurred  in  two  different  systems  of  co-or- 
dinates," whence  "the  meaning  of  saying 
that  from  different  causes,  bodies  have  the 
same  dynamical  relation,  mutt  be  quite 
clear.**  He  might  just  as  well  have  told  us, 
that  because  there  are  fishes  innumerable  in 
the  sea,  therefore  we  are  enjoying  a  good 
dinner ! 

But  we  have  not  yet  done  with  the  conse- 
quences of  this  modest  change  of  -for  into 
— «.    Behold 

"  What  great  events  tnm  little  causes  spring  t  ** 

The  great  magician  flourishes  his  wand; 
-)-x  is  changed  into  -  » ;  and  hey !  presto  ! 

"Taking,  now,  the  first  svstem  of  co-or- 
dinates  again,  we  see  that  the  transmitting 
of  the  said  dTnamioal  phenomenon  to  the 
new  system  has  produced  the  following 
effecte :— ^tr«%,  to  bring  the  earth  to  rest : 
eeamdly,  to  produce  the  often-defined  mo- 
tion of  the  moon;  thirdly ^  to  engender  a 
new  centripetal  force,  equal  in  intensity  and 
coinciding  in  direction  with  C  G.  This  new 
force  being  equal  and  directly  opposite  to 
the  etiU  tubshtmg  force  C  E,  we  may,  ac- 
cording to  D'AIembert's  principle,  Uke 
them  both  away.  And  now,  the  already- 
described  motion  of  the  moon  exists  under 
the  influence  of  the  unaltered  attraction,  C  O, 


from  the  earth,  in  'cw(firmaticm  rf  our  prhn' 
ctpU.** 

Oh  1  rare  co-ordinates !  Mr.  Recordon 
has  at  last  discovered  the  true  philosopher*! 
stone.  Change  •\-x  into —2,  and  you  can  at 
once  bring  the  earth  to  rest,  engender  a  new 
centripetal  force,  and  produce  I  know  not 
how  many  magical  effects. 

Herci  then,  you  blunder-headed  mathe- 
maticians,  who  have  been  content  so  long 
with  using  co-ordinate  axes  simply  to  "fix 
epace^**  and  reduce  to  calculation  the  results 
of  djmamical  causes  previously  existing, 
under  the  false  impression  that  they  could 
do  nothing  more  for  you,  here  is  a  grand 
discovery  1  Change  •¥x  into— x,  and  you 
may  engender  new  forces ;  and  so  bring  the 
most  obstinate  problems,  the  most  recalci- 
trant  cases  of  motion  to  reason. 

Seriously,  however,  is  Mr.  Recordon 
aware  that  the  earth  is  under  preciselj 
similar  conditions,  with  respect  to  foroes  of 
attraction,  as  the  moon  f  The  sun  attracts 
equally  the  two  bodies,  and  the  moon's 
attraction  on  the  earth  is  of  the  same  kind 
as  that  of  the  earth  on  the  moon,  though 
less  intense.  Moreover,  we  know  the  earth 
to  be  a  heterogeneous  body,  whose  layers  of 
equal  density  follow  a  most  complicated 
law.  *'  According  to  our  principle,"  then, 
the  earth  ought  to  revolve  about  her  axis 
once  a  month.  Aye,  but  here's  the  rub,  the 
really  rotates  once  in  twenty-four  hours. 
How  will  **  our  principle"  account  for  this? 

The  difficulty  may  be  great,  but  it  is  not 
insuperable : — for,  has  not  Mr.  Recordon  a 
system  of  co-ordinates  ?  Who  knows,  if  the 
change  of  +  «  into  —  x  do  not  succeed  this 
time,  that  a  further  change  of  +y  into  —  y 
may  do  the  trick  to  admiration  ? 

i  suppose  I  ought  to  say  one  word  with 
regard  to  the  foot-note  to  Mr.  Recordon't 
last  letter,  which  seems  a  kind  of  indirect 
reply  to  my  former  strictures  on  his  use  of 
the  term  centre  of  gravity. 

I  grant  at  once  that  Daniel  Bernouilli's  is 
a  great  name,  and  his  authority  on  most 
mathematical  questions  of  the  highest  grade ; 
but  I  must  except  his  strictures  on  Sir  Isaac 
Newton's  lunar  theory.  Like  most  mathe- 
maticians  of  that  time,  he  had  to  lewm  the 
very  alphabet  of  physical  astronomy  from 
that  great  master,  and  that  in  spite  of  his 
long-cherished  prejudices.  As  a  matter  of 
fact  we  know  it  was  long  before  Newton's 
doctrines  found  anything  like  a  general 
acceptance  on  the  continent.  Bernouilli, 
in  the  passage  quoted  by  Mr.  Recordon, 
evidently  entirely  misconceived  the  term 
centre  of  gravity  as  applied  to  the  moon. 
He  imagined  that  it  was  the  point  of  action 
of  the  forces  of  attraction  to  the  earth's 
centre  ;  whereas,  in  truth,  the  moon's  centre 
of  gravity  has  no  more  to  ^o  with  the  earth' a 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  INDICAISD  H0B8E-P0WSB  OF  BTEAU-KH0IMS8. 


157 


attraotion  than  the  earth  has  to  do  with  the 
moon's  attraction.  According  to  the  New- 
tonian  law  of  unifersal  gravitation,  CTery 
particle  of  matter  in  the  moon  is  attracted 
iy  CTery  other  particle  of  matter  in  the 
moon ;  and  the  moon's  centre  of  gravity  is 
relative  to  these  forces  of  attraction,  and 
would  be  the  same  if  the  sun  and  earth 
were  both  suddenly  annihilated,  and  she 
went  rolling  on  into  space  with  the  velocity 
she  now  has.  It  is  about  axes  passing 
through  this  point  that  the  moon  would 
rotate  freely,  had  a  motion  of  rotation  been 
impressed  upon  her,  quite  independently  of 
any  forces  of  attraction  whose  resultant 
passes  through  this  point  D.^  fiemouilli, 
to  whom  this  notion  was  new,  may  well  be 
excused  for  the  misapprehension  he  has 
fallen  into ;  hot  at  this  time  of  day,  when 
the  doctrine  of  Newton  has  received  so 
much  elucidation,  and  is  explained  with  so 
mueh  of  mmuteness  and  exactness,  it  is 
quite  a  diflTerent  matter;  and  I  am  quite 
aore  that  D.  Bernouilli  himself  would  be 
the  first  to  recall  the  unfortunate  paragraph 
which  has  so  much  misled  Mr.  Recordoo. 
I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Indaoator. 
,  Feb.  IS,  1855. 


ON    THE    INDICATED    HORSE- 

POWER  OF  STEAM  ENGINES. 
To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechame**  Magazine, 

Sir,— Permit  me  to  call  your  attention, 
and  that  of  your  readers,  to  a  very  singular 
error  that  exists  in  the  present  method  of 
"indicating"  steam  engines,  or  rather  in 
the  calculation  of  the  horse-power  from  dia- 
grams obtained  by  a  McNaught's  indicator. 
In  the  present  system  of  calculation,  an 
aversge  is  taken  by  equidieUmt  ordinates  of 
the  pressure  upon  the  piston,  and  this  aver- 
sge pressure  is  multiplied  by  the  average 
velocity  of  the  piston  to  get  the  power. 

Now,  in  proTing  that  this  method  of  cal- 
culation is  essentially  wrong,  we  shall  sim- 
ply require,  as  an  axiom,  that  pressure  mul- 
tiplied by  velocity  gives  power,  and  only 
when  multiplied  by  Telocity. 

Since  we  only  know  by  the  indicator  the 
pressure  upon  the  piston  of  an  engine,  and 
not  that  upon  the  crank-pin,  except  indi- 
rectly,  we  will  confine  ourselTcs,  for  the 
sake  of  simplicity,  to  the  piston  end  of  the 
beam.  Everybody  knows  that  the  piston  of 
a  steam  engine  works  with  a  varying  velo- 
city. It  starts  from  a  state  of  rest  when  the 
crank  is  on  the  *'  dead  centre,"  and  reaches, 
with  a  constantly-accelerating  motion,  the 
middle  of  the  stroke,  thence  gradually  de- 


creasing in  velocity  until  tho  crank  reaches 
the  opposite  centre.  Now  it  is  evident  that 
the  piston  does  not  transmit  the  same  power 
when  starting  from  a  state  of  rest  and  mov- 
ing very  slowly  at  the  commencement  of 
the  stroke,  that  it  does  when  going  with  its 
greatest  Telocity  in  the  middle  of  £e  stroke. 
When  the  indicator  diagram  is  divided  by 
eqnidistoHt  ordinates,  the  manner  of  calcu- 
lating ought,  therefore,  to  be  as  under : 


Fig.  1. 


I    i 


i  •  I  1  X 
1  1  1  1  l\ 

.  1  1  1  J  1  ' 
^«    1   1    •    «    1 

V 

S^. .^ 

'A  ^ « ^1  ^1  ^1 
s  1  ;  «  1  1 

!  1 ;  1  i  1 
^.  1  .  .  .  . 

:  !  iTTt 

The  sum  total  of  the  products  PxV 
(pressure  multiplied  by  velocity)  divided  by 
tneir  number  will  give  the  average  power 
per  square  inch  during  the  stroke ;  but  as 
the  velocity  is  constantly  varying,  an  infinite 
number  of  ordinates  would  be  required  to 
ensure  strict  accuracy. 

To  calculate  diag^rams  in  the  above  man- 
ner  would  be  a  very  tedious  process.  The 
following  is  my  method ;  it  is  aa  simple  as 
that  now  in  use,  and  it  appears  to  me  to  be 
perfectly  correct : 

With  A  and  B,  fig.  2,  as  centres,  and  half 
the  atmospheric  line  (A  B)  as  a  radius, 

Fig.  2. 


describe  two  quadrants  of  circles  cutting  the^ 
atmospheric  line  in  C.  Divide  the  two 
quadrants  into  the  desired  number  of  equal 
parts,  and  from  the  points  so  obtained  pro- 
ject perpendicular  straight  lines  divining 
the  figure.  We  thus  get  a  number  of  ordi- 
nates exactly  proportioned  to  the  velocities 
of  the  different  parts  of  the  stroke. 

I  am  sure  that  no  one,  after  a  moment's 
reflection,  would  say  that  the  power  of  two 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


166 


engines  frem  whioH  ihe  two  fellowiiic^  dia. 
(Cramst  flg»  3  and  lig.  4»  may  be  euppoeed 
to  heve  been  taken  respectively,  would  be 


\'b  nuaxs^'^fmwmmot  APPikitATUfli 


%.3. 


!>>, 

^■\ 

;  :  :  :  K 

1    1     1     1 

i*~~— —  ■ 

1    1    1     1    1 

i     !      '     «     i^^ 

v-  .  ■  .  . 

,    .    .    1    •  y 

equal,  though  it  is  made  to  be  so  by  the 
usual  mode  of  calculation,  supposing  the 


Fig.  4. 


^ 

tt 

i    J     i 
i    1     1 

t^    1 

I    1     1 

1    I  1 

ordinates  of  fig.  8  to  be  32,  30^  l8,  13*5, 
12,  11,  9,  8,  6,  5,  3-5,  and  3  respectiveW; 
and  those  of  fig.  4  to  be  5,  8,  9,  lO,  20,  25, 
23,  18,  12,  10.  6  and  5,  the  average  In  each 

esse  bfeing  _  ^  l4-d» 
'^   IS 

But  if  the  two  figures  above  be  divided 
by  lines  projected  from  two  quadrants  of 
circles  as  before  shown,  the  respective  re- 
sulu  will  be  found  to  vary  considerably, 
which  they  do  for  the  very  obvious  reason, 
that  the  high  pressure  at  the  commence- 
ment  of  the  stroke  in  the  one  figure,  gives  a 
comparatively  small  amount  of  power,  on 
account  of  the  slowness  of  the  piston  ino- 
tion  ;  Wlitlst  in  the  other,  the  tame  average 
amount  of  pressure  is  obtained  on  the  piston, 
but  the  steam  is  used  very  much  more  rapidly 
in  ihe  middle  of  Ihe  stroke. 

I  may  remark,  in  conclusion,  thnt  the 
above  is  no  doubt  the  cause  of  a  part  of  the 
discrepancy  that  is  found  to  exist  between 
the  actual  and  indicated  horse  power  of 
engines  working  expansively.  I  should  be 
much  obliged  if  you,  or  some  of  your  ta- 
lented  correspondents,  would  further  eluci- 
date the  subject. 

I  am.  Sir,  ftci 

iNoiNIBUR. 

ttantiheiter,  Feb.  3, 1855. 


PARKER'S    SMOKE-CONSUMING 
APPARATUS. 

To  the  Edii&r  cf  Vht  Mechanics*  Magttztf^. 

Sir, — I  must  crave  permissiou  to  reply 
to  the  remarks  of  Mr.  Williams^  at  page  108 
of  your  last  number^  who  in  his  anxiety  to 
remove  some  "misapprehensions*'  on  my 
part,  has  fallen  into  very  serious  error  him- 
self. I  am  touch  obliged  to  Mr.  Williams 
for  the  copy  of  hil  very  interesting  treatise 
dD  '*  The  Combustion  of  Coal  abd  the  Pre- 
vention of  Smoke  t"  although  4  careful 
perusal  and  vivid  recollection  of  Mr.  Wil. 
liams's  numerous  eootributions  to  your 
pages  had  Ibng  since  pot  me  in  possession 
of  most  of  the  information  therein  con- 
tained ;  and  I  was  not  a  little  surprised  at 
Mr.  Williams's  quarrelling  with  my  state- 
ment,  **that  the  principle  of  air-distributors 
had  originated  with  Mr.  Argand."  Strictly 
speaking,  this  is  not  quite  so ;  but  then  Mr. 
Williams  has  laboured  so  long  and  so  kea- 
loUsly  to  {establish  the  perfect  identity  of 
principle  between  "ArgaHd  burnerst"  Ap. 
plied  in  lamps»  ahd  "  air-disuibators»" 
applied  to  furnaces,  that  I  confess  I  had 
become  thoroughly  inoculated  witli  hii 
fornier  view  of  the  case.  At  page  34  of  his 
book,  Mr.  Williams  Hays,  "  observing  the 
means  by  which  the  gas  is  effeclually  con- 
sumed in  the  Aruand  Lamp,  it  seemed 
manifest  that,  if  the  gas  in  the  furnace 
could  b«  presetited,  by  means  of  ^e/i,  to  an 
adequate  quantity  nf  air,  u  it  ia  in  the 
lamp,  tlie  reAilt  would  be  the  same.  The 
difficulty  of  fellbt!ti)tg  a  similft)-  distHbtttion 
of  the  gas  in  the  furnace,  by  means  of  jeu, 
however,  feemed  insurmountable:  one  al- 
teruative  alone  remained,  namely,  that,  since 
the  gas  covid  not  be  introduced  by  jets  into 
the  body  of  air,  the  air  might  he  introduced 
bit  jets  itite  the  body  1/  g«."  And  \£r. 
Williams  quotes  Professor  firaode,  to  sup. 
port  the  identity  of  the  two  operations — • 
only  reversed,  or  inverted.  At  page  108  of 
your  last  number,  Mr.  Williams  quotes  the 
Professor's  words,  apparently  to  uphold  a 
iome\>hat  different  opinion.  On  the  same 
page^  Mr,  Williams  says,  ^*  Again ;  I  did 
not  give  the  name  of  Argand  to  my  mode  of 
introducing  the  air.  That  name  wfts  given, 
and  by  another,  many  years,  I  believe,  after 
the  patent  waa  sealed  in  183^.  In  truth, 
the  word  Argand  does  not  appear  in  my 
patent  or  spec^tcation,  and  has  only  been 
used  by  me  in  illustration  of  the  effect  pro- 
duced.*' 

Now  this  statement  is  so  extraordinary, 
that  I  cannot  allow  it  to  pass  uncontra- 
dicted. At  page  94  of  Mr.  Williams's 
book,  he  gives  an  engraving  and  description 
of  "  one  of  the  modes  first  adopted,  under 
the  patent /or  the  AMQAKt>  fmmeu»  of  1839 1" 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


spxcmcATioNS  or  fxxssra  MtsnatHTUx  rtLot, 


158 


At  Mge  89|  Mr.  WiUiams  ouotes,  approv- 
ingly, en  extract  from  Dr.  Ure,*  wbo  a<N 
tually  tells  us,  that  "  One  of  the  many 
ingenious  methods  in  which  Mr.  Williams 
has  carried  out  the  principles  of  what  he 
justljf  calls  ihe  Aroand  furnace,  is  repre- 
sented at  fig.  1510"!!  In  the  37th  vol. 
of  the  Mech,  Mog-t  Mr.  Williams  published 
a  description  of  the  specification  of  his  pa- 
ttnt,  and  at  page  59o,  writes  as  follows: — 
*'The  specification  also  states  that  this 
operation  is  intended  '  for  the  same  purpose, 
as  f,li  IS  admitted  into  the  centre  of  ihe 
body  of  gas  issuing  from  an  Argand  gas- 
burner  ; '  and  hence  a  furnace  so  supplied 
with  air  has  been  called  an  Aroand  fur- 
MACE  "  1 1 ! 

Why  Mr.  Williams  is  now  to  desirous  of 
ignoring  the  name  of  Argand,  after  so  long 
and  extensive  use  thereofi  t  cannot  imagine. 
**  What's  in  a  name?'* 

Although  it  may  be  justly  conceded  to 
Mr.  Williams  that  he  was  the  first  person 
who  developed  the  true  principles  of  eom- 
bustion  in  furnaces,  and  who  made  a  rational 
application  of  air-distributors  for  the  pre- 
vention of  smoke,  yet  it  cannot  be  admitted 
that  the  modes  employed  by  him  are  the  mly 
ones  by  which  that  principle  can  be  made 
available. 

Tiie  real  question  now  at  issue,  raised  by 
Mr.  Williams  himself,  is  this:  Had  Mr. 
Williams,  prior  to  the  date  of  Mr.  Parker's 
patent,  applied  an  air-distributor  to  furnaces 
for  the  prevention  of  smoke,  constructed  and 
placed  like  Mr.  Parker's?  Mr.  Williams 
endeavours  to  establish  an  affirmative,  by 
referring  to  nage  92  of  his  work  ;  but  I  am 
quite  sure  that  Mr.  Parker  would  not  edn- 
aider  the  use  oif  such  an  air-distributor,  so 
placed  in  the  furnace,  any  infringement  of 
his  patent 

The  apparatus  referred  to  by  Mr.  WiUiams 
was  only  the  subject  of  experiment  in  a 
tubular  boiler,  four  feet  long,  and  is  not  re- 
presented as  having  ever  been  actually  em- 
ployed to  any  extent. 

The  principle  of  air- distributors,  so  ad- 
vanUgeously  applied  in  several  ways  (or 
modes)  by  Mr.  Williams,  is  somewhat  differ- 
ently applied  by  Mr.  Parker,  whose  mode  of 
wplication  consisted  in  making  the  Argand 
air-di«tributor  separate  from,  and  indepen- 
dent of,  the  furnace ;  a  mode  which,  if  effec- 
tualf  in  practice  (and  that  it  is  so,  is  matter 
of  daily  demonstration),  unquestionably  is 
the  simplest  and  best  hitherto  devised. 

I  hope  to  be  ever  ready  to  render  unto 
Cssar  the  things  that  are  Caesar's;  but 
then  Cesar  must  not  want,  aUo,  that  which 
belongs  to — aomebody  else. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  ^c, 

William  Baddcley. 


COLOURED  FLUIDS. 

To  ihe  Editor  of  the  Mechanics*  M^gdtine. 

Sir,— It  would  be  a  great  favour  to  me  if 
any  one  of  your  numerous  readers  who  are 
well  itifonned  on  chemical  subjects,  would 
tell  me  how  to  make  a  fluid  or  fluids  that 
should,  while  liquid,  be  of  any  given  colour, 
such  as  crimson,  blue,  yellow,  green.  &c, 
&c.,  but  whicb»  when  spread  out  thinly 
on  any  white  surfkce,  such  as  linen  or  paper, 
and  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  atmospnere, 
would  turn  gradually  very  dark,or  quite  black. 
I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

KicHOLAs  Brown  TON. 
Oldehureft  Bide,  Vfcb.  It,  1851. 


H,  Aftf*U-terttoe,  Ulington>  geb.  7, 1M5. 
•  "  Dictionary  of  AtU." 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Hackett,  John,  of  Derby,  manufac- 
turer. Covering  India-rubber  thread,  whether 
vuicanited  or  otherwise,  with  sewing-sil^  and 
with  other  articles.  Patent  dated  July  20, 
1854.    (No.  1596.) 

Claims, — 1.  Covering  India-rubber  thread, 
whether  vulcanized  or  otherwise^  with  sew- 
ing-silk,  mohair  and  ailk,  linen  thread,  or 
chenille.  2.  The  application  of  threads 
covered  with  either  of  the  above  substances 
to  the  manufacture  of  web. 

••*  The  above  Abstract  should  have  ap- 
peared on  page  139  of  our  last  Number. 

Kewton,  Alprbd  Vincekt,  of  Chan- 
eery-lane,  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughts- 
man. An  improved  construction  of  metallic 
spring.  (A  conmiunieation.)  Patent  dated 
July  21,.  1854.    (No.  1602.) 

This  improved  spring  consists  of  a  thin 
meUUic  strap  and  a  ngid  bar,  connected 
together  at  each  end,  for  the  purpose  of 
susuiping  the  weight  of  carriage  bodies. 
I'be  elastic  force  rendered  available  in  this 
construction  of  spring  is  derived  from  the 
tendency  of  the  thin  metallic  strap  to  retain 
its  length,  and  thus  resist  the  tensile 
strain  put  upon  it  by  the  load  which  it 
carries. 

Mois,  John  Thomas,  of  Arundel-atreet, 
Strand,  Middlesex,  hotel  manager,  /m- 
prwemmUs  applicahle  to  apparatus  for  roast- 
ing meat  and  other  edible  substances.  Patent 
dated  July  21,  1854.     (No.  1603.) 

In  this  invention,  a  wheel  or  its  mecha- 
nical equivalent,  capable  of  being  made 
more  or  less  eccentric,  ii  used  in  combina- 
tion with  cranked  spear  and  other  spits, 
for  the  purpose  of  securing  their  equili- 
brium or  balance  during  their  entire 
rotation  whilst  carrying  joints;  and  the 
inventor  employs  dogs,  whose  prongs  are 
capable  of  eliding  laterally  on  &in  stand- 
ards   or  supports,  and  dega  with  apring 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


160 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATXNTS  BECENTLY  FILED. 


arms,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  joint 
to  the  spit. 

Knioht,  John,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, gentleman,  and  James  Stubbs,  of 
Oldbury,  Worcester,  mechanical  engineer. 
An  improvement  or  improvements  in  the  monu- 
facture  rf  bricks,  tiles,  and  such  other  articles 
as  are  or  may  be  made  of  clay,  which  im~ 
provement  or  improvements  may  also  be  applied 
to  the  manrfacture  qf  artificial  fuel,  and  to 
other  mixing  and  tempering  processes.  Pa- 
tent dated  July  21,  1854.    (No.  1604.) 

The  inventors  introduce  through  the  dies 
or  moulding  sur&ces  of  the  brick-making 
and  similar  machines,  steam,  which  by  con- 
densing on  the  surfaces  of  the  material 
used,  and  of  the  different  parts  of  the 
interior  of  the  machine,  forms  a  layer  or 
stratum  of  water  between  tiie  two,  and  faci. 
litates  the  motion  of  the  piston  and  the 
moulding  substance. 

Brooman,  Richard  Archibald,  of  166, 
Fleet-street,  London,  patent  agent.  An 
improvement  in  treating  raw  silk  fabrics  while 
being  dressed  and  dyed.  (A  communica- 
tion from  Messrs.  C.  Jandin  and  A.  Duval, 
of  Lyons,  France.)  Patent  dated  July  21, 
1854.     (No.  1608.) 

This  improvement  consists  in  holding  raw 
silk  fabrics  in  a  state  of  tension,  both  in 
length  and  breadth,  while  being  dressed  (or 
deprived  of  the  gummy  matter  contained  in 
them)  and  dyed. 

Sedgwick,  James,  of  Lewisham,  Kent, 
master  mariner.  Improvements  in  ship- 
building. Patent  dated  July  21,  1854.  (No. 
1609.) 

Claim. —  Constructing  vessels  in  such 
manner  that  that  portion  of  every  transverse 
vertical  section  which  is  adjacent  to  the 
keel  shall  be  a  convex  curve. 

Harratt,  Charles,  of  Royal  Ex- 
change-bnildings,  London.  Improvements 
in  fastenings  for  ship-building.  Patent  dated 
July  21, 1864.    (No  1611.) 

These  improved  fastenings,  which  are  to 
be  used  instead  of  trenails  and  other  fasten- 
ings now  employed,  are  formed  each  of 
three  or  more  parts,  in  such  manner  that 
these  parts,  being  introduced  into  the  hole 
formed  to  receive  the  fastening,  are  ex- 
panded by  the  introduction  of  an  internal  key. 

FiRTR,  Thomas,  maohine-maker,  of 
Huddersfield,  and  John  Wilson,  finisher, 
of  Mirfield,  West  Riding,  York.  Improve- 
ments in  finishing  woollen,  worsted,  silk, 
and  other  woven  fabrics,  and  in  the  apparatus 
employed  therein.  Patent  dated  July  22, 
1854.     (No.  1614.) 

This  invention  relates  to  what  is  generally 
called '*  pressing,"  and  consists  in  heating 
the  papers  used  in  that  process  (as  well  as 
the  metal  plates),  and  placing  them  in  or 
between  the  foldings  of  the  fkbric. 


LosH,  William  Septimus,  of  Wreay 
Syke,  Cumberland,  gentleman.  Improve-. 
ments  in  bleaeldng.  Patent  dated  July  22, 
1854.    (No.  1616.) 

Claim. — ^The  treatment  of  vegetable  fibres 
preparatory  to  the  bleaching  thereof,  by  im- 
mersing  them  in  a  solution  of  any  of  the 
soluble  combinations  of  sulphur  with  an 
earthy  base,  such  as  the  bi-suiphuret  of 
calcium  or  lime,  alone  or  combined  with  the 
hyposulphite  of  the  same  base. 

HuTCHiNs,  Edward  Francis,  engineer, 
of  Whitechapel-road,  Middlesex.  Constmct- 
ing  the  cylinders  qf  engines  worked  by  steam, 
air,  or  other  fiuid  body  in  a  circular  form  or 
plan,  by  which  means  more  power  is  obtained 
from  a  given  quantity  rf  the  said  fiuid  body,  in 
cases  where  circular  motion  is  required,  than 
by  any  other  known  form  qf  cylinder.  Patent 
dated  July  24,  1854.    (No.  1620.) 

The  inventor  constructs  an  engine  with 
radial  pistons,  moving  round  between  two 
concentric  cylinders. 

Roberts,  RiCHARDf  of  Manchester,  en. 
gineer.  Improvements  in  machinery  for  punch- 
ing,  drilling,  and  riveting.  Patent  dated 
July  24,  1854.     (No.  1621.) 

The  objects  of  this  invention  are — 1.  To 
increase  the  efficiency  of  punohing-macbines 
by  the  direct  application  of  the  fly-wheel  to 
the  eccentric  shaft,  together  with  means  for 
causing  the  flv- wheel  to  acquire  momentum 
sufficient  to  do  its  work,  without  the  inter, 
vention  of  heavy'toothed  wheels.  2.  To 
afford  the  operative  a  much  larger  propor. 
tion  of  the  whole  time  occupied  by  each 
stroke  of  the  machine  than  is  allowed  to  him 
by  the  machines  in  use  for  adjusting  the 
object  to  be  operated  upon  under  the  tool, 
and  so  to  enable  him  to  run  the  machine  at 
a  higher  speed,  and  consequently  to  turn  off* 
more  work.  8.  To  obviate  the  necessity  of 
raising  the  punch  higher  than  is  required 
for  the  a4justment  of  the  work.  4.  To 
adapt  the  punehing-machine  to  perforate 
and  rivet  together  plates  in  the  sides  of 
ships  and  other  large  works,  whilst  being 
suspended  from  a  travellitig>crane,  &c.,  &c. 

JOHNSON,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln*s- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
ments in  the  preparation  qf  silk.  (A  com- 
munication.) Patent  dated  July  24,  1854. 
(No.  1622.) 

Claims, — 1.  A  certain  described  mode  of 
warping  silk  directly  from  the  cocoons.  2. 
A  certain  construction  and  arrangement  of 
"  heck,"  composed  of  two  sliding  bars,  and 
guiding  the  threads  in  a  vertical  plane.  8. 
The  warping  of  the  silk  threads  either  in 
gangs  or  half  gangs,  guided  on  to  the  warp- 
ing  mill  in  the  form  of  bands  or  ribbons, 
each  single  thread  being  separate  from  the 
rest  when  wound  on  the  warping  mill.  .  4u 
The  use  of  revolving  yanes  or  blades,  situ- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPEGIFEGATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BECENTLT  FILED. 


181 


ated  inside  the  warping  mill,  foi  the  porpoie 
of  drying  the  tilk  Uireads,  &c. 

CA8TBT8,  Augusts,  manufacturer,  of 
Paris,  Franoe.  The  extraction  of  a  subttanee 
for  sttpplymg  the  place  rf  pumne.  Patent 
dated  July  24,  1854.    (No.  1623.) 

This  infention  consists  in  suhmittiog  the 
seeds  of  the  plant  called  cumin  to  processes 
similar  to  those  employed  to  ohtain  quinine 
from  cinchona  hark. 

WiLsoH,  Oboro£  Ferousson,  of  Bel- 
mont, Yanxhal),  managing  director  of  Price's 
Patent  Candle  Company,  and  Oeoroe 
Patnb,  of  the  same  place.  Intpropementt 
M  disHlUng  fatty  and  oilp  mattert.  Patent 
dated  Jnly  24,  1854.    (No.  1624.) 

This  inTsntion  consists  in  distilling  neu- 
tral  or  partially  neutral  fats  and  oils  in  an 
atmosphere  of  steam  or  vapour  of  water  in 
such  manner  as  to  distil  over  glycerine, 
together  with  fat  acids  mixed,  hut  not  com- 
hined. 

Bbllford,  Auoustb  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London.  Certaiu 
improvements  in  kneading'maehinet.  (A  com- 
munication.) Patent  dated  July  24,  1854. 
(No.  1625.) 

This  inrention  consists — 1.  In  forming  a 
kneading-machine  consisting  of  a  square  or 
trapezoidal  hox  rotating  ahont  an  axis ;  and 
2.  In  directing  a  current  of  hot  or  cold  air 
into  the  kneading-box  hy  a  &n  or  other 
suitable  means. 

Preston,    Franpis,    of    Mi^ichester, 

spindle  and  flyei^maker.     Certain  imprope- 

mentt  in  machinery  for  preparing  cotton  and 

>  other  JUirout  materiaU.    Patent  dated  July 

25,  1854.    (No.  1627.) 

This  invention  consists  in  an  improved 
mode  of  constructing  the  pressers  for  roving 
frames  and  other  similar  machines,  known 
as  Seed's  Patent  Centrifugal  Pressen ;  in 
making  under  the  hook  by  which  the 
presser  is  suspended,  a  shoulder,  which 
comes  in  contact  with  the  under  side  of  the 
clip  or  bearing,  to  prevent  the  presser 
rising  from  its  working  position,  &c. 

Ckauponnois,  Huques,  of  Chauinont, 

^ciTil  engineer,  and  Jean  Baptistb  Bave- 

'libr,  of   Dijon,  manufacturer.    Improve- 

menu  in  the  manner  rf  treating  beet-root  and 

aU   other    eugary    emd  feadent   vegetables. 

Patent  dated  July  25,  1854.  (No.  1628.) 

Clabnt. — 1.  A  meUiod  of  maceration  or 
extracting  the  saccharine  juices  from  vege- 
table matters  containing  sugar,  hy  means 
of  juices  of  the  same  nature  which  have 
been  previously  partially  or  deprived  en- 
tirely of  the  sugar  they  originally  con- 
tained. 2.  A  mode  of  utilizing  the  fer- 
mentative  power  of  liquors  in  actual  fer- 
mentation, as  a  means  of  producing  fer- 
mentation in  other  suitable  liquors. 

Orundt,  William,  of  the  firm  of  John 


and  Edmund  Grundy,  of  Bury,  Lancaster, 
woollen  manufacturer.  Certain  in^ovemente 
in  the  manvfacture  of  drugget.  (A  com- 
munication.) Patent  dated  July  25,  1854. 
(No.  1629.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  use  of  a 
warp  of  cotton,  flax,  hemp,  or  other  textile 
material  or  materials,  so  arranged  as  to 
form  a  ground  or  hack  for  druggets,  each 
warp-thread  being  so  placed  as  to  allow  the 
upper  woollen  cloth  or  drugget  to  he  milled 
as  usual  and  to  any  extent  required,  and 
which  extra  warp  shall  be  so  woven  in  as  to 
form  a  distinct  cloth  or  "carpet  back," 
when  milled  and  finished. 

Hallum,  Ephraiu,  of  Chester,  cotton- 
spinner.  Improvements  in  machines  for  pre- 
paring,  spinning,  and  doubling  cotton  and 
other  fibrous  substances.  Patent  dated  July 
25,  1854.    (No.  1630.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  machines 
known  as  slubbing  and  roving  machines, 
hand  and  self-acting  mules,  throstles,  and 
doubling  frames,  and  consists  in  the  appli- 
cation to  them  of  such  arrangements  of  me- 
chanism as  shall  impart  to  their  first-motion 
shafts,  and  thus  to  their  spindles,  a  speed 
which  shall  vary  in  inverse  proportion  to 
the  quantity  of  material  built  on  the  cop  or 
bobbin. 

Newtom,  Alfred  Vincent,  of  Chan- 
cery-lane,  Middlesex,  mechsnical  draughts- 
man. An  improvement  in  the  process  qf  coU'^ 
verting  wood  into  paper.  (A  communica- 
tion.) Patent  dated  July  25,  1854.  (No. 
1631.) 

Claims. — 1.  A  process  of  reducing  soft 
woods  to  pulp,  and  rendering  them  fit  for 
the  manufacture  of  paper,  by  clearing  them 
of  kiiots,  cutting  them  into  strips,  and 
crushing  them  between  rollers.  2.  The 
employment  of  chloride  of  lime  or  chlorine, 
as  a  solvent  for  the  gummy  matter  contained 
in  woody  fibre.  3.  The  employment  of 
saL  soda,  in  connection  with  chloride  of 
lime,  for  bleaching  pulp  made  as  above. 

Spence,  Peter,  of  Pendleton,  Lancas- 
ter,  manufacturing  chemist.  Improvements 
in^pbtahung  sulphur  from  iron  pyrites  and 
other  subsUtnees  containing  sulphur,  and  m 
apparatus  for  Meeting  the  same.  Patent 
dated  July  25,  1854.    (No.  1682.) 

Claims. — 1.  "  The  production  of  sulphur, 
by  causing  the  sulphurous  acid  gas  obtained 
from  pyrites  and  other  matters  containing 
sulphur  by  burning  to  be  conveyed  through 
or  in  contact  with  coke,  charcoal,  or  ether 
solid  carbonaceous  or  deoxidizing;  msttera 
kept  at  a  red  heat,  but  not  subjected  to 
combustion  by  the  admission  of  air.  2.  A 
peculiar  apparatus  by  which  the  sulphurous 
acid  gas  is  conveyed  in  a  stoneware  or  other 
pipe  or  vessel  containing  charcoal,  coke,  or 
other  oarbonaoeous  or  deoxidizing  matters. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


162 


SPEOXFTCATIOm  OF  PAIIIITS  BBOBlfTLT  WOXD. 


heated  by  the  combustion  of  the  eabttance 
from  which  the  aUlphurous  acid  gas  is  ob- 
taioed." 

BcLi,  ThoHab,  of  Don  Alkali  Works, 
South  Shields,  and  Henry  Scuolbfield, 
alao  of  South  Shields.  Iwtpnmenuatit  in 
Hu  mawufiKtwe  qfboraxi  Patent  dated  July 
85»  1854.    (No.  163i.) 

ClmwL — Treating  the  miheral  borate  of 
lime  in  saeh  manner  aa  to  separate  the  lime 
and  other  matten  therefrom  ^  and  com- 
bining the  boracie  acid  of  such  mineral 
with  soda. 

Oakland,  Williau  Stbpuen8,  and 
JosiAH  Glasson,  both  of  Soho  Foundry, 
Stafford,  engineers  and  boiler-makers,  'a 
meanM  rf  twntmrning  §mekt  m  fiirttacet.  Patent 
dated  July  26,  1854.     (No«  1634.) 

A  full  description  of  this  invention  will 
be  given  shortly. 

HuRD,  Julius  C.»  of  Medway,  Wor- 
eester,  Maasachusetta,  United  States.  An 
impn^gd  wut^iimi  mid  pneest  for  piekmgf 
hmrring^  and  'cUamng  eotton^  mwd^  and  fir 
Uaringmp  and  redu^ng  old  fahria  U  be 
Tt'tfmn.  Patent  dated  July  26>  1854.  (No. 
1««5.) 

Ciainu — 1.  The  use  of  a  oombifag  in 
which  the  teeth  are  so  curved  aa  to  brine 
the  beater  very  near  to  the  feed-rollers,  and 
united  with  each  other  at  their  bases  in  the 
manner  of  saw-teeth.  2.  A  method  of 
applying  apringt  to  the  slats  of  the  grating 
beneath  the  beaters,  each  slat  being  fur- 
nished with  independent  springs,  whereby 
the  motes,  as  they  fall  upon  the  grating, 
are  inatantly  knocked  through  the  spaces 
between  the  slata,  and  are  not  oarried 
round  by  the  beaters. 

McGafpin,  John,  of  Liverpool,  Lan- 
es stef,  engineer.  Imprei/enmutt  in  cmmrmet- 
ing  a  nd  applying  heada  to  metal  eatke  and 
veiteU,  Patent  dated  July  25,  1854.  (No. 
1636.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  angle  or  curved  iron  ringa  within 
the  ends  of  vessels  made  of  corrugated  iron, 
where  the  tormgationa  run  roiknd  the  ves- 
seU* 

CuTiiNO,  Jambs  A*,  of  Boston,  United 
States,  photographer.  An  improved  preeeu 
nf  taking  pkdtogro^hic  pictures  npon  gkusy 
and  also  of'  beamtifywg  and  preeermOg  the 
MSte.  Patent  dated  July  26,  1854.  (No. 
1638.) 

This  invention  mainly  conaists  in  the  use 
of  alcohol  for  the  purpose  of  depriving  the 
gun-cotton,  of  which  the  collodion  is  made, 
of  its  moisture  after  it  has  been  washed  to 
free  it  from  the  acids  used  in  its  manu- 
facture. 

Church,  Willi  AM,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, civil  engineer,  and  Samuel  Aspinall 
Gk>DDAHi>,  of  Birmiiighanif  merohmnt  a&d 


gun^mauufactuter.  An  imprettement  cr  im- 
provements in  ordaiance.  Patent  dated  July 
26,  1854.    (No  1639.) 

This  iuVention  comprises  the  use  of  a 
certain  collar  and  recest)  a^  compound 
wedge,  and  a  moveable  fiiee-plato* 

Purnbllb,  John  Chillcdtti  of  Tach- 
brook-street,  Pimlieo,  Middlesexi  improve^ 
mente  m  obtedmmg  and  applying  ptoiive  poorer. 
Patent  dated  July  26,  1854.    (No.  1641.) 

This  invention  relates  to  certain  arrMge- 
ments  of  apparatus  by  means  of  which  at- 
mospheric air  is  compressed  and  employed 
for  exerting  pressure  altemlttely  upon  the 
upper  and  under  side  of  a  piston  working 
air-tight  in  a  closed  oyltnder,  and  fitted 
with  vidves  acted  upon  by  a  uppet  motion, 
&c.,  &e. 

Bbllford»  Augustb  Bdouaro  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London.  An  im- 
proved miil/or  grinding  paint  as%d  other  moist 
substances.  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  July  26, 1854.    (No.  1642.) 

This  invention  mainly  conUsta  in  hang- 
ing the  top  atone  by  pivots,  within  a  ring 
or  frame  which  is  hung  by  pivots  on  up- 
right rods,  which  are  capable  of  Bdjttstment 
by  screws  and  nutS)  so  that  while  the  top 
atone  is  free  to  aecommodAie  itself  to  the 
runner,  facility  is  at  the  same  time  afforded 
for  raising  it  to  allow  tlie  stones  to  cool  Off 
when  necessary. 

Koeffler,  Louis  Chrxstiak,  of  Roch- 
dale, Lancaster,  bleaeher  and  dyer.  7m. 
prooentenh  inJlnisUng  or  peUshing  ffOms  or 
thread*.  Patent  dated  July  26»  1854.  (No. 
1643.) 

This  invention  relates  to  a  ibrmet  patent, 
dated  Jan.  31,  1854,  and  conaists— 1.  In 
the  use  of  one  portion  of  the  yarn  as  a  bed 
or  surface  upon  which  another  portion 
travels.  And  2.  In  mounting  the  heated 
surface  so  as  to  render  it  citable  of  being 
moTcd  inward  or  outward. 

PoNTiPEX,  £dmund  Alfred,  of  Shoe, 
laue^  London,  and  Charles  Olabspobo, 
of  Ashburaham-grove,  Greenwich,  /m- 
prwvoments  im  obtaining  srft  ietsd  from  hard 
lead,  fir  the  separatiOH  ef  the  imparitiee  in 
hard  lead,  and  for  the  separation  <^  atitimany 
from  these  imparities.  Patent  dated  July 
26,  1854.    (No«  1644.) 

Gbris».^T)reating  hard  and  impure  leads 
with  alkaline  matter  to  separate  the  impuri- 
ties, but  more  especially  the  antimony  and 
ailica.  Also  separating  the  antimony  firom 
the  dross  obtained  by  the  process  described. 

HucxvALB,  Thomas,  of  Choice-hill, 
near  Chipping  Norton,  Oxoo.  Jmprooe- 
ments  in  machinery  for  gathering  crops*.  Pa- 
tent dated  July  26,  1854.    (No.  16450 

The  inventor  employs  a  rake,  in  combina- 
tion with  endless  belts,  in  such  manner, 
that  the  nke,  being  mounted  on  wheels,  aq 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PM0VI8I0HAL  8FBGinOATI<nfS   NOT  PROGEKIffD  WITH. 


103 


it  is  BMved  over  tb*  lasd,  cmtlMn  up  tli« 
erop,  «nd  passes  it  to  the  eotfless  bands,  by 
whteh  H  Is  raised  to  the  betgbt  desired. 

TixARD,  William  Littbll,  of  Aldgate, 
London  engineer.  ImprmMments  imfsrmen^ 
iationf  and  in  apparatus  employed  tkerem. 
Patent  dated  July  IS/ISM.    (No.  ]64y.) 

Thisinventidn  eonsists  in  combining  witb 
a  fermenting  vessel  an  externa)  attem|Mra. 
tor  for  tbe  purpose  of  producing  either  an 
ascending  or  descending  cirenlation  of  tbe 
worts  undergoing  fermentation ;  and  in  the 
employment  of  a  foree^pump  or  screw  pro- 
poller  In  the  wort  pipe  of  fuimenting  appa. 
ratus  lor  the  parp<we  of  prodneing  or  aiding 
the  eireulation  of  the  worts.  It  also  eon. 
sists  in  three  improved  processes  of  fermen- 
tation, denominated  respeetively,  the  Pro> 
gressive,  the  Intermittent  and  tbe  Acce- 
krating  Proeess.  The  progressive  process 
eonsists  in  keeping  the  wort  or  liqnor  on. 
dergoing  fermentation  in  constant  cirenla. 
tion  through  the  apparatns  during  the 
eontlnuanee  of  the  fermenting  process,  by 
eausing  a  stream  of  water  to  flow  through 
an  attemperator  at  a  lower  temperature  than 
that  of  Uie  wort  in  the  fermenting  vessel, 
whereby  a  eontinnal  enrrent  will  be  pro- 
doeed,  owing  to  the  difference  of  tempera, 
ture  between  the  wort  in  the  fermenting 
vessel  and  the  water  passing  throagh  the 
attemperator.  The  intermittent  process 
differs  from  the  preceding  by  the  alternate 
use  of  hot  and  cold  water  in  the  attempe- 
rator,  and  by  occasionally  changing  the  di- 
rection of  the  currents  of  wort  in  the  vessels 
from  upwards  to  downwards,  and  olee  vertd. 
The  accelerating  process  is  worked  in  con- 
junction with  either  the  progressive  or  in- 
termittent  process,  or  it  is  conducted  inde- 
pendently^ df  either  of  them.  It  eonsists  in 
giving  the  worts  a  circnlating  motion  inde- 
pendent  of  that  produced  by  the  diflference 
of  temperature  between  the  worts  in  the 
attemperator  and  the  fermenting  vessel,  by 
means  of  the  screw  pump  or  forcing  apps- 
ratus  connected  with  the  attemperator,  which 
may  be  worked  either  by  hand»  water  or 
steamo   wer. 

Bbllpord,  AuevsTE  Bdouard  Lora- 
Dovx,  of  Castle-street,  London.  Improve- 
ment$  in  toklering  wtetab,  (A  communica- 
tion.) Patent  dated  July  96,  1854.  (No. 
1850.) 

Ctoim.— Soldering  metals  by  exposing  at 
once  the  whole  length  or  circumference  of 
the  laps  of  those  parts  which  are  to  be 
united  to  the  heated  exterior  snrfeee  of  a 
furnace  or  heater  of  suitable  construction, 
whether  the  soldering  be  eflbeted  solely  by 
the  tin  which  was  received  by  the  plate  or 
plates  in  the  tinning  ptocess,  or  by' a  loose 
strip  of  solder. 
Bf OLVi,  Peam 9018  Dbsik6,  and  Pibrrb 


Martiii,  of  Paris,  France,  engineers.  Cer-^ 
kUH  improoementt  m  koatimg  water  for  ffed^ 
ing  MIere  qf  ■hcomo^iv^  and  mari»e  tSeam^ 
engines.  Patent  dated  July  27,  1854.  (No. 
1«54.) 

Ckdm.  —  Certain  mechanical  arrange- 
monla  applied  to  or  in  connection  with  the 
chimneys  of  locomotives  and  sleam*engines, 
for  abstracting  and  applying  tbe  heat  ge. 
nerally  lost  in  such  chimneys  to  the 
supply  of  healed  water  to  ateam  boilers. 


eaovxsioNAL  specifications  not  fro- 

CEEP^D  WITH. 

MrrcRBLL,  Samuel,  of  Dewsbinry,  York. 
Improvemenis  in  ike  mam^aetttre  of  cards  for 
carding  wool,  cotton^  silk,  and  etker  fibrous 
mater-aU.  Application  dated  July  18,  1854. 
(No.  1583.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
of  a  metallic  covering  to  the  leather,  cloth, 
or  other  material  of  which  the  card  may  be 
made.  This  covering  serves  to  protect  the 
"card  cloth"  from  grease,  oil,  resin,  or 
other  injurious  matters. 

MrcSBLL,  Matthbw,  of  Stoke  New  ing- 

ton,  Middlesex,  brewer.     An  improvement  m 

fkmaees,  having  for  ohieei  the  consumpOon  qf 

smoke.     Application  dated  July  19,  1854. 

(No.  1588.) 

I       The  inventor  employs  as  a  bridge  a  thick 

j   block  of  metal,  having  horizontal  per/ora- 

I   tions  formed  through  it. 

Wbnham,  Francis  Hbrbbrt,  engineer, 
of  Bflfra  Vale,  Lodge-bridge,  Brixton,  Surrey. 
Certain  improvements  in  eteam'engines.  Ap< 
plication  dated  July  19,  1854.  (No.  1589.) 
These  improvements  consist  in  the  ap. 
plication  and  use  of  two  cylinders,  each  ro- 
tating OB  its  own  axis  in  the  same  direction 
and  at  the  same  speed,  one  being  placed 
eccentrically  inside  of  the  other,  and  con- 
nected by  a  flap  piston  valre  or  abutment. 
Jackson,  Oborob,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, decorator.  Certain  improvemenis  im 
the  constr action  of  tents.  Applicaiion  dated 
July  20,  1854.     (No.  1593.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  producing 
a  roof  without  a  central  support,  and  scoared 
to  the  poles  or  shafts,  by  placing  «t  the  apex 
of  the  roof  a  key  block,  with  mortises  to  re- 
ceive the  raflers. 

Pallisbr,  WiLLiAJf,  of  Comrngh,  Wa- 
terford,  esquire.  Improvements  in  projee^ 
tiles  for  fi^-arms  and  ordnance  genemllff. 
Application  dated  July  20,  1854.  (No. 
1597.) 

This  invention  mainly  eonsists  in  com- 
bining wood  and  metal  for  the  purpose  of 
getting  the  centre  of  gravity,  or  greater 
part  of  the  weight  of  the  projectile  at  the 
fore  part  of  it,  and  in  eonstruottng  the  pro- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


164 


PBOVISIONAL  8PE0IFI0ATI0NS  NOT  PSOCEEDED  WIXH. 


jectiles  with  helioft]  or  straight  projeotioDt 
or  flanges,  for  the  purpose  of  causing  it 
to  rotate  upon  its  long  axis  during  its 
flight. 

Delabarrb,  Toussaint,  merchant,  of 
Crenelle,  near  Paris,  France,  and  Leon 
Bonnet,  of  the  same  place.  The  preaerva- 
iioH  qf  meat  m  Us  natur€U  ttaUj  and  wiihoui 
being  cooked.  Application  dated  July  21, 
1854.    (No.  1600.) 

The  inventors  first  extract  about  one-half 
of  its  water  from  the  meat,  and  then  im- 
merse  it  for  a  short  lime  in  heated  gelatine, 
made  from  the  hones  and  sinews  of  animalx; 
it  is  afterwards  hung  up  in  a  well  ventilated 
room  and  dried,  and  after  hanging  for  fif- 
teen days,  it  becomes  hard  and  will  keep 
fresh  and  good,  say  the  inventors,  for  years, 
without  being  packed. 

JcAN,  Amand  Bbnoit  Joseph,  manu- 
facturer, and  Alfred  Alexandre  Huoues, 
engineer,  of  Paris,  France.  Certain  improoe- 
ments  in  reducing  the  friction  qf  axlet  and 
hearing*^  or  other  rotary  ruhbhtg  eurfacee  in 
machinery.  Application  dated  July  21, 
1854.    (No.  1601.) 

The  inventors  construct  an  axle-box,  the 
internal  diameter  of  which  is  larger  than 
the  diameter  of  the  axle,  and  place  a  num. 
ber  of  small  rollers  in  the  annular  space 
between  the  axle  and  box.  These  rollers 
are  connected  together  by  a  ring  or  annular 
frame  at  each  end,  which  keeps  them  at 
equal  distances  apart. 

Alexandre,  Isaie,  of  Bruxelles,  but 
now  at  Birmingham,  Warwick,  merchant, 
and  Alfred  Sommbryillb,  of  Birming- 
ham, merchant.  An  improoement  or  improve' 
ments  in  boots  and  shoes,  and  in  socks  or  inner 
soUsfor  boots  and  shoes.  Application  dated 
July  21,  1854.     (No.  1605.) 

This  invention  consists  in  applying  to  the 
interior  of  the  bottoms  of  boots  and  shoes 
wires  or  plates  of  copper  and  zinc,  or  com- 
binations of  snch  other  materials  as  will 
form  with  the  aid  of  the  moisture  of  the  foot 
galvanic  or  voltaic  combinations,  for  the 
purpose  of  imparting  vigour  to  weakly  per. 
sons. 

Stevens,  Mary  Ann,  of  West  Derby- 
street,  Liverpool.  Improvements  in  bonnets. 
Application  dated  July  21,  1854.  (No. 
1610.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  forming  and 
applying  to  bonnets,  hoods  or  shades,  in  such 
manner  that  they  may  be  made  to  recede 
within,  or  shut  up  to  the  edge  or  front  of 
the  bonnets. 

Francis,  Henry,  of  the  Strand.  An 
improvement  in  feeding  fuel  on  to  the  fire-bars 
qf  boiler  and  other  furnaces.  Application 
dated  July  21,  1854.    (No.  1612.) 

This  invention  consists  in  employing 
streams   of  air  or  steam  passing   through 


j  suitable  tubes  or  passages  above  the  fire- 
{  bars  of  a  furnace  in  such  manner,  that  the 
j  fuel  being  supplied  to  these  tubes  or  pas- 
{  sages,  the  blast  of  air  or  steam  carries  it 
'  into  and  distributes  it  over  the  fire  on  the 
bars. 

Lamb,  John,  of  Newcastle-under-Lyne, 
Stafford,  paper  manufacturer.  Cerlain  im- 
provements in,  or  appHeable  to,  wuukines  for 
making  paper.  (A  communication.)  Appli- 
cation  dated  July  22,  3854.    (No.  1613.) 

This  invention  consists  in  producing  a 
uniform  partial  vacuum  in  a  chamber  pUced 
across  the  paper  making  machine,  whereby 
the  paper  pulp  is  deprived  of  a  portion  of 
its  moisture  before  it  is  taken  off  the  wire- 
cloth  web  to  be  pressed  between  the  couch* 
ing  and  tension  rollers. 

Young,  James  Hadi^bn,  of  College- 
street,  Camden-town,  Middlesex.  Improve^ 
ments  in  gathering  grain  and  other  crops,  and 
securing  the  same.  Application  dated  July 
22,1854.    (No.  1615.) 

In  Mr.  Young*8  arrangement,  the  vehicle 
employed  in  its  forward  progress  causes  an 
endless  belt,  provided  with  projections,  to 
lift  up  the  grain  or  other  crop  into  a  recep- 
tacle placed  behind  it,  and  when  it  is  there, 
a  sliding  panel,  like  a  piston,  is  moved  by  a 
crank,  and  compresses  it  into  a  proper  com- 
pass, and  holds  it  firmly  until  a  ligature 
secures  it. 

Bain  bridge,  John,  of  Ely-place,  Hoi- 
bom-hill,  Middlesex,  agent  Improvements 
infire-grates,  stoves,fumaces,  and  other  similar 
contrivances.  Application  dated  July  22, 
1854.     (No.  1617.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  the 
grate  of  a  number  of  bars,  arranged  so  as 
to  form  a  kind  of  skeleton  cylinder,  sup- 
ported by  and  centered  upon  an  axis. 

Johnson,  William,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  oivil-engineer.  Improve- 
ments  in  the  treatment,  cleansing,  and  dyeing 
qf  fibrous  and  textiie  materials.  (A  commu- 
nication.) Application  dated  July  22, 1854. 
(No.  1618.) 

For  the  purpose  of  cleansing  the  treated 
materials,  and  discharging  colouring  mat- 
ter,  insoluble  carbonates,  such  as  carbonate 
of  lime,  are  used  by  the  inventor ;  and  he 
employs  for  mordanu  hypochloride  and 
muriate  of  alumina,  salts  of  magnesia, 
picric  aud  formic  acid,  and  their  salts, 
&c. 

DiLKS,  Jambs,  of  Parliament-street,  NoU 
tingham,  lithographer  and  embosser.  The 
application  qf  printed  or  painted  l^nen,  cotton, 
or  other  textile  fabric,  either  plain  or  orna- 
mental, for  binding  more  effectually  than 
heretofore  packets  or  parcels  'qf  lace,  hosiery, 
or  other  articles.  Application  dated  July  22, 
1854.    (No.  1619.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOTnioHAL  ntonccnoNS. 


165 


ment  of  printed  or  painted  linen,  cotton ,  or 
other  textile  fabrici  either  plain  or  orna- 
mental, for  the  purpose  named  in  the  title. 

Cole,  Beaumont,  the  younger,  of 
Deardsend,  Knebworth,  Hertford,  engineer 
and  machinist.  Improved  agricultural  ma- 
ehingry  or  apparatus  for  pUmghing  and 
grubbing.  Application  dated  July  29,  1854. 
(No.  1626.) 

The  inTentor  employs  shafts  or  spindles 
ftimished  with  shares,  coulters,  &c.,  one  or 
more  of  which  shafts  he  attaches  to}  and 
eomhines  with  suitable  framing  which  con- 
nects  it  with  a  steam  or  other  engine  which 
will  work  the  plough,  and  cause  the  whole 
to  travel  over  the  field  by  the  aid  of  wheels 
or  rollers. 

Lauacraft,  John,  of  Westhourne-grove, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  ImprooemenU  in  en~ 
vehpet,  or  means  for  securing  letters,  notes, 
and  similar  documents.  Application  dated 
July  26, 1854.    (No.  1687.) 

In  the  improved  envelope  the  lap  is  left 
loose,  as  now,  and  is  made  in  the  shape  of 
the  flap  of  a  pocket-hook,  or  nearly  so,  the 
point  or  tongue  being  provided  with  adhe- 
sive substance,  both  on  its  outer  and  inner 
surfaces,  and  passed  through  a  slit  in  the 
envelope. 

OPFENHEiifEB,  Adolphus,  of  Manchcs- 
ter,  Lancaster,  manufacturer.  Certain  im- 
prooements  in  the  manirfacture  qf  mohair  vel- 
vet or  mohnir  plush,  and  worsted  velvet  or 
worsted  piush.  Application  dated  July  26, 
1854.    (No.  1640.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  peculiar  arrange- 
ment of  the  threads  to  be  used  in  the  manu- 
facture of  the  fabrics  named  in  the  title. 

OoDEFROT,  Peter  Auoustin,  of  King's 
Mead  Cottages,  New  North- road,  Islington. 
Improvements  in  purifying  coal-naphtha  and 
turpentine.  Application  dated  July  26, 
1854.     (No.  1646.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  suiuble  stirring-apparatus  to  stir 
in,  first  strong  acid,  and  then  water,  and  to 
distil  the  same  with  free  steam. 

Delate,  Pierre  Victor,  of  Paris, 
France.  Improvements  in  printing  -  blocks. 
Application   dated   July  26,   1854.      (No. 

1648.)  ... 

This  invention  consists  m  formmg  the 
blocks  used  for  printing  calico,  paper,  and 
similar  surfaces,  of  movcBble  pieces  of  type 
or  parallelepipeds. 

Luques,  Constantin,  of  Boulevart  St. 
Martin,  Paris.  An  improved  centrifugal  go^ 
vemor.  Application  dated  July  26,  1854. 
(No.  1649.) 

The  inventor  connects  the  two  balls,  or 
their  equivalenU,  by  any  suiuble  springs 
which  act  centripetally,  and  are  adjusUble 
by  nuts  and  screws,  for  the  purpose  of  regu- 
lating at  will  the  speed  of  the  governor,  &c 


MuMBBT,  Qborob,  of  Hunter-street, 
Brunswiek-square,  Middlesex,  mechanical 
draughtsman.  Improvements  in  bearings  €md 
in  the  prevention  qf  friction.  Application 
dated  July  27,  1854.    (No.  1651.) 

"These  improvements  consist  in  the 
application  of  a  non-conducting  substance 
as  a  substitute  for  metal  in  the  oearings  of 
machinery  ;  "  also  the  use  of  powdered  talc 
as  a  aubstitute  for  oil  in  the  prevention  of 
friction. 

BuRLBioH,  Richard  Clarke,  of  North- 
umberland-street,  Charing-cross,  Middle- 
sex. Improvements  in  guns,  and  in  the  shot  or 
other  projectiles  fired  t^rrfrom.  Application 
dated  July  27,  1864.    (No.  1652.) 

This  invention  consists  in  detaining  the 
shot  or  other  projectile  in  the  gun  by 
mechanical  means,  and  preventing  its 
moving  under  the  impulsive  force  of  the 
gunpowder  until  that  force  has  reached  any 
amount  desired. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  December  12,  1854. 
S6U.  Richard  Larkin,  lock-maker,  of  St.  John's- 
vilhu,  Highbury,  Middlesex.     Improvements  in 
the  construction  of  locks  and  keys. 

Dated  January  16,  1855. 
109.  Urhain  Charles  Choiinet,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  lamp-maker,  and  Charles  Emlle  Oiajola, 
of  Birmingham,  lamp-maker.    Improvements  in 
moderat<^ur  lamps. 

DaUd  January  19,  1855. 
152.  Maarioe  Delcamp,  of  Paris,  France.     An 
improved  apparatus  for  advertising,  or  for  the  ex- 
hibition of  placards. 

Dated  January  22,  1855. 
166.  Robert  Johnst<>n,  of  Drums -lane,  Lock- 
street,  Aherdeeu,  soap-maker.    The  use  of  certain 
portions  of  fish  in  the  manufacture  of  soap. 

Dated  January  23,  1855. 

172.  John  Coatcs,  of  Sairord,  Lancaster,  engi- 
neer.   Improvements  in  railways. 

174.  William  Dray,  of  Swan-lane,  London,  agri- 
cultural Implemencmaker.  An  improved  machine 
for  cutting  chaff. 

176.  James  Fenton,  of  Low  Moor,  York,  civil 
engineer.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
axles,  shafts,  rods,  and  bars. 

Dated  January  24,  1855. 

178.  Richard  Laming,  of  Carlton-vUlaa,  Haida- 
vale,  Middlesex.  Improvements  In  obtaining  and 
combining  ammonia. 

179.  James  Webster,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
engineer.  A  new  or  improved  method  of  changing 
the  direction  of  and  multipl)ing  motion. 

180.  Sir  James  Caleb  Anderson,  of  Fermoy,  Cork, 
Ireland,  baronet.  Improvements  in  steering  ships. 

181.  Charles  William  Tupper,  of  the  Arm  of 
Topper  and  Carr,  of  Mansion  House-place,  Lon- 
don, galvanised  Iron  manufkcturer.  Improve- 
ments in  the  construction  and  arrangement  of 
coverings  for  buildings. 

183.  Augustus  Edward  Schmersahl,  of  Miles 
Platting,  Lancaster,  analytical  and  practical  che- 
mist, and  John  Augustus  Bouok,  of  the  same 


Digiti 


zed  by  Google 


196 


NOTICE  OP   APPLIOATWW  Wtm   LBAVE  Td  KNTER  DISCtAIMER. 


plM«,  mawttl^olurlny  chsmtol.    linpift«MM«te  in 

mtua  fox  ^^otiQg  tUe  Mme* 

184.  Xfilliam  Edward  Kewton,  of  Chancerjr-Ivie, 
MfddleMX,  etvil  en^neer.  Improved  machinery 
for  raising  ^nd  fercing  fluids.    A  commuRicatioa. 

Dated  January  25,  1855. 

185.  John  Gregojy  and  Avdrev  Peddk  How,  o( 
Mark-lane,  London,  engineers.  Certain  Improve- 
asft&to  in  steam  eagtn«s,  and  in  packing  fov  pumpa 
«Dd  qUikw  machinery  in  whieh  pAcki«g  li  ftaiuTe4« 

186.  William  Winstanley  and  Joseph  K«l^y,  q| 
Liverpool*  Lancaster  engineer^.  Improvements 
inpampgear. 

187.  Barnett  Samual,  of  Shefll^d.  Yark.  MWib 
iBmufccturer.  Improvvpoats  In  tbe  nuAufactoEa. 
of  knife-handles,  umbrella  and  stick  handlea. 
door  knobs,  articles  of  A)miture,  and  other  ar- 
ticles having  the  appearanca  and  transjparancy  af 
solid  iortoiBeab«ll. 

188.  Henry  Buckworth  Powell,  af  Foxleaxe- 
park,  Lyndhurst.  An  improved  precautionary 
keel,  to  be  applied  to  vessels  wben  In  sballow 
water  or  other  diflkcult  navigation. 

189.  Charles  Frederiok  Bumard,  oif  Plynmn^U, 
manufacturing  chemist.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  super-phosphate  of  lime. 

190.  Alexander  William  Anderson,  of  Birming- 
ham, Warwick,  news  agent.  Improvements  in 
pasting  or  exhibiting  advertisements. 

191.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
the  construction  and  arrangement-  of  electric  tele- 
graphs, and  in  the  appHoatioo  thereof.  A  com- 
munieatkm  from  the  Chevalier  Oaetane  Bonelli, 
of  Turin,  Sardinia,  Director  General  of  Sardinian 
telegraphs. 

192.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  lineoln's-inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvement!  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  prcpariug  cotton,  and 
similar  fibrous  m«teriale.  A  communication  from 
Charles  Leyherr,  of  Laval,  France,  spini  er. 

193.  George  Henn^  Bursill,  of  Ranelagh-road, 
Thames-bank,  PimlTco,  engineer  and  assayer  of 
mineraU.  Improvements  in  cases  or  coverings 
for  explosive  substances  or  compounds. 

194.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  168,  Fleet- 
street,  London,  patent  agent.  A  power  accumu- 
lator or  apparatus  to  be  employed  with  hydraulic 
presses.  A  communioatioa  from  Jean  Baptiste 
Falgiii4re,  of  Marseilles. 

Dated  January  26,  1855. 

195.  William  Townsend,  of  Coventry,  Warwick, 
machinist.  Constructing  vehicles  without  axle- 
trees,  and  thus  alTordiiig  an  improved  method  of 
lowering  the  body  of  the  vehicle. 

198.  William  Bealea,  of  Arlington-street,  Cam- 
den-town,  Middlesex,  cartridge  maker.  Improve- 
ments in  cartridges. 

199.  George  Bellt  of  Cannon-street  West,  Lon- 
don, merchant.  Improvements  in  constructing 
air  springs.    A  communication. 

200.  Joseph  Lease,  junior,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, manufacturer.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  process  of  printing  calicos  and  other  textile 
fabrics. 

201.  William  T.  Vose,  of  Massachusetts,  United 
States  of  America.  New  and  useful  improvements 
in  pumps  for  elevating  fluids. 

302.  Isaac  Atkin,  of  Basford,  and  St.  Mary's- 
place,  Nottingham,  lace  manufacturer,  and  Mar- 
maduke  Miller,  of  Vernon- terrace,  Nottingham, 
steam  gauge  maker.  Improvements  in  apparatus 
for  measuring  the  supply  of  water  and  regulating 
the  supply  of  fluids. 

203.  William  Richard  Morris,  of  DeptforA, 
Kent,  engineer  to  the  Kent  Waterworks  Company. 
Improvementa  in  the  construction  and  arrange^ 
ment  of  apparatua  for  preventing  thie  voste  of 
water  ftom  service  pipes  or  cisterns. 

204.  George  Searby,  of  Sloane-ctreet,  Chelsea, 


Middlesex.  Improvementa  In  the  mnnafkelure 
of  hoots  and  ahaes,  also  applleaUe  to  other  arlktlea 
made  of  or  partly  formed  of  leather. 

20S.  Robert  Mallet,  engineer,  of  Dublin,  Ire- 
land. Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of  hol- 
low ahot  and  sheila,  and  similar  hollow  hodlea  el 
cast  iron  of  otbei  cast  SMtaU. 

BttUd  Jtmuarp  2?,  }U5. 

MO.  WUliam  Onion,  of  Birmingham,  Varwiell. 
manufacturer.  An  improvement  or  imi^niamwita 
in  gas  stovea. 

Sll.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  da  Fontainemo- 
reau,  of  South-street,'  London.  An  Improved 
maehine  for  manuflictHring  thimhiee  employed  en 
board  ship  er  elsevrhere.    A  oommunieatioa. 

212.  Henry  Nightingale,  of  Chorley,  Lancaster, 
manager,  and  Robert  Nightingale,  of  the  sanie 
place,  groeer.  Improvement .  In  maohinevy  er  ap- 
pwntus  for  slnhbing,  raving,  and  spinning  cotton 
and  other  fibrous  materials. 

Da4€d  Jasi^ary  29,  18^5. 

%H.  John  Wilkina,  commercial  clerk,  of  Nov 
Chnrles&treet,  City-road.  Middlesex.  An  im- 
proved mod  « or  method  of  damping  or  moistening 
postage,  receipt,  or  other  stamps,  adhesive  labels^ 
the  surface  of  paper,  and  other  substances. 

216.  Henri  Louis  Dormoy,  gentleman,  of  Paris, 
French  Bmpire.  Certain  improvements  in  briU4- 
ing  or  plaiting  machinery.    A  communication. 

218.  John  Imray,  of  Bridge-road,  Lambeth, 
Suney,  engineer.    Improvements  in  loeks. 

220.  Arthur  Collin ge,  of  Bridge-road,  Lambeth« 
Surrey,  engineer.  Improvements  in  spring  hinges. 

222.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  ia 
looms  for  weaving.  A  eommunlcation  fiom  Gna- 
tave  Bombque,  of  BaviUers^  France,  manufac- 
turer. 

224.  Alphonee  Plehot,  printer,  of  Pottieie, 
Franee.  Certain  Improvementa  in  poatage  papec 
and  envelopes. 

226.  Edward  Cunnah,  brass  founder,  and  John 
Hampson,  time  keeper,  both  of  Liverpool.  Lancas- 
ter.   Improved  turnstile  counting  apparatus. 

Dated  January  ai,  1855. 

234.  Arthur  Lyon,  of  Windmill-street,  Finsbury, 
Middlesex,  sausage  machine  nianufttetnrer.  An 
improvement  in  sausagermahtng  or  mincing  ma- 
chmes. 

286.  George  Price,  of  Wolverhampton,  Staflbrd, 
manufacturer.  Improvements  in  iron  safM,  chests, 
and  boxes. 

238.  Jacques  Roux  Del)(uey-Malavas,  eentle- 
man,  of  Montbrison,  France.  Improved  raacninery 
for  obtai-Mng  and  applying  motive  power. 

240.  John  Francis  Porter,  of  Bessborough-strect, 
Middlesex,  civU  engineer.  Improvements  ia  the 
manufacture  of  bricks,  and  other  articles  of  elav 
or  brick  earth. 

242.  Auguste  Edonard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Essex-street,  London.  Improvements  in  nuv- 
chinery  for  forging  nuts  and  washers.  A  commM- 
nication  from  Charles  H.  Wateron,  of  America. 

PATENT  APPLIED  FOR  WITH  COMPLETE 
SPECIFICATION. 

249.  William  Soelman,  of  Bennett-street,  Flts- 
roy-KOuare,  gentleman.  An  invention  applicable 
to  shipping  and  mills,  under  the  title  of  the 
Naukinetic  or  8hip-moving  Machine.  February  2» 
1855. 

NOTICE  OF  APPLIC.\TION  FOR  LEAVE 

TO  ENTER  DISCLAIMER. 
An  application  has  been  made  to  Her  Majesty** 
Attomey-Geaeral  h|y  the  patentee  oad  assises  of 
Letters  ('«tent  granted  to  WiUiam  Ifemy  Fox  T«t> 
hot,  of  Lacock  Abbey,  Wilts,  Esq.,  and  Thomas 
Augustine  Malone,  of  Regent-street,  Middlesex, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WEEKLY  U8T  OV  l^ATEMTS. 


1«T 


ImproTeoMAto  In 
i*aiiA'(ktter 


photogimplier,  fer  I^ve  tq  eA^  a  di«ciatm«S  for 
the  purpofe  of  dltclahhtng  eertain  parts  of  ihe  spe- 
ciflcatlon  of  the  Lcttoft  BataAt  frartad  t«  Ihem 
19th  December,  It^S^  ffiff  "  iiqprQf •SMntB  iA  fbo- 
tography."  _ 

NOTIOBS  OP  INTENTION   TO 
PROCBEI). 

212s.  wniiam  McIfaughV  ^pfiMOTements  in 
•tide  TalTea  fbr  iteam  engines. 

2131.  William  Peel  GauHon. 
breaks,  appUcahIa  la  Mflwfjp 
Tehieles. 

2144.  WOlian)  Frost.  Improyeipents  in  stfim 
CMflnta. 

IMS,  TIfMi  9««a(9%  Ipprowpwits  In  Um 
apparatus  eiaplQZi94  mi  X^  w^W^^^Vf^  •t  99Vlt 
surer,  and metaiieaf. 

2147.  /ohn  Macmillan  Ihinlop.  iBptoveaients 
in  maehinery  or  apparatus  for  preparing,  spinning, 
and  doubling  cotton  and  other  flbroii%  mataxialu 

2148.  Francois  Durand.  Certain  improvements 
in  eiteiilsi  liMnss 

2149.  Andrew  Smith.  An  impmved  snMy  saga 
aa4  appMatna  isi  mlaen. 

1152.  William  Chaabaia.  HaproTanienta  In  ma- 
chinery for  beetling  cotton  and  ather  inbilaa. 

2155.  Valentine  William  Hammerich.  An  im- 
pnrred  construction  of  buoyant  mattress. 

2 1 70.  Henry  Crosley.  Improvementa  In  the  mMr 
nufacture  of  waddings  for  cannon  ana  fire-arms. 

2175.  WlUiaoi  Heniy  Taylar.  ImproTeraents  in 
caitouche-bahSf  or  oases  §ot  containing  eartridges, 
to  be  worn  round  the  waist,  or  otherwise,  eafeu- 
latad  for  anus  of  every  deseiiption,  guns,  pistols, 
and  other  flia^arma. 

2210.  Btieane  Barnol.  A  new  maohina  far  eut- 
tlng  iUea,  which  he  ealla  Bemot's  Flla-«utting 
Machine. 

2214.  Liaaal  John  WethcreU  and  Augustus 
Johann  Holbtaedt.  An  improved  construcnon  of 
pump. 

2225.  William  Easde^  An  improved  means  of 
seeurlng  goods,  or  loading  in  or  on  railway  tracks 


iragons. 
174.  Ric 


2f74.  Richard  Hugh  Hughes.  Improvements 
in  transmitting  motive  powcK. 

2179.  John  Iknry  Joanson.  Improvements  in 
circular  looms.  A  communication  from  M.  Poivaet. 

2309.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
axle-boxes.  A  eommunloatlQn  from  Benjamin 
Laurent,  of  Hauteonit,  France,  manufacture!. 

SM6.  William  Childs  the  younger.  An  improva* 
ment  in  the  manufacture  of  pipes  and  tubes. 

2441.  Charles  Aspcey.  Improvements  in  haa* 
dies,  particularly  applieable  to  dressiog-eaaee,  dit- 
pateh-boxes,  wxitiag-easea,  and  other  rimilar  arti- 
cles. 

2SS7.  Loagin  Oantart.  Improvementa  in  ma- 
chinery  or  apparatua  for  dyeing  and  bleaching  of 
yams  or  threads. 

25311.  Jamca  BIden.  The  prevention  of  smoke 
from  furnaces. 

2555.  Cromwell  Fleelwood  Yarley.  Improva> 
meats  in  producing  and  app^la^  dynamic  eWetcl- 
city. 

2311.  Riehaxd  Larkin.  Impxovemeata  Im  tha 
coostruetion  of  locks  and  keys. 

2706.  Bdwaxd  Loysal.  An  improved  aypasatua 
for  cookiog  or  preparing  edible  substances. 

2707.  Edward  Loysel.  A  new  game  oombinina 
chance  and  skill,  and  the  apparatus  to  ba  usaa 
therewith. 

2959.  George  Edward  Denag.  Imaiayamenta 
in  obtaining  motive  power  whaa  uabig  eleelrlo 
currents. 

2ft.  Geocia  Walkei  Mnir,  Im^ovsneaU  in 
warming  and  veja^ting. 

60.  Henry  Bessemer.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nnfocture  of  iron  and  steel. 


186.  William  Pidding.  Ixpp^veniei^ts  ^  tt^e 
manufacture  of  combs  for  tKe  human  hair. 

137.  William  Plddiag^  lopiavemnits  ia  the 
mapuCsctnie  %f  building  matf  rials,  and  in  tha  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  making  the  same. 

138.  William  Pidding.  Improvements  in  cover- 
ings for  the  feet  of  hip^^a  nnd  Quadrupods. 

150.  Pierre  Charles  Pa«l  Laur9nt-?r6fantaine. 
An  improved  engine,  called  hydraullq  slings  for 
raising  water  and  other  liquids,  or  heavy  bodlee. 

155.  William  Douglas  and  John  Garswell.  Im- 
provements in  dyeing  v(QY9n  fa)>ncsa. 

156.  Sciplon  SalaYille.  An  Improved  inett^uX  of 
preserving  and  purifying  grain  and  seed. 

166.  Robert  Johnston.  Tha  uoe  of  eertain  por- 
tions of  fish  in  fha  avimAJdotfuo  of  Mng.- 

170..  "Villliain  KUgour.  An  Improv^^  nHBHfiptc- 
tpre  of  naphtna,  parafSne,  an4  parajIBn^  oil. 

171.  Feter  Arkell.  An  Improvod  mode  of  puri- 
fying whale  and  seal  oil|« 

177.  George  Bxoo]^  Pet  tit  and  Hem%  Fly  ^th. 
Improvements  In  stoves  and  other  appar^tv^  for 
generating  heat  fnm  gas,  and  in  the  employment 
and  removal  of  the  vapours  produced  by  its  com- 


181.  Charles  William  Tupper.  Improvements  in 
thf  construction  and  anangemeat  of  coverings  for 
buildings. 

191.  John  Henry  Johnson.  ImprovoMonts  la 
the  construction  and  arrangemeat  of  electric  telo- 
giaphs,  and  in  the  applicailon  thereof."  (A  oom- 
munioation  from  the  ChevaUerGaetaao  Bonoltt,  of 
Turin,  Sardinia,  director-general  of  Sardinian  tele- 

196.  John  Lamacraft.  Improvements  in  enve- 
lopes, or  means  for  securing  letters,  notes,  and 
similar  doeoaienta. 

201.  William  T.  Toee.  New  and  useftU  tanpeooa- 
ments  in  pomps  for  elevating  fluids. 

202.  Isaac  Atkin  and  Marmaduke  Mlllof.  Im- 
provements in  apparatus  for  measuring  the  sup- 
ply of  water  and  regulating  the  supply  of  fluids. 

203.  Wnilam  Richard  Morris.  Improvementa 
in  the  constructlott  and  arrangement  of  apparatus 
for  preventing  the  waste  of  water  from  servioo- 
plpes  or  cisterns. 

208.  Samuel  Mayer  and  William  Bash.  Im- 
provements in  reducing  flint  and  other  subetaaces, 
rendering  them  suitable  for  the  manufacture  of 
porcelain,  and  other  earthenware  artielee. 

213.  Auguste  Ldopold  Lenoir.  Improvements 
in  breech-loading  flre-arms. 

220.  Arthur  GoUinge.  Improvements  te  spring 
hinges. 

Oppositiou  can  be  optered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  w  the 
above  List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  Gazette  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
miasioners^-oflice  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  applicatiqa, 


WESKLY  LIST  OF  PATEHT** 

Sealed  Februarff  9,  1855. 
1764.  George  Weeton. 
1771.  William  Todd  and  Ji^cob  Tbdd. 
1800.  JuUan  Bexnarcl 

Ariatide  Balthazard  Berard. 

Richard  Archibald  Broomaa. 

Aaguste  Antoine  Logics. 

Piesra  Andr^  Decoiter. 
2017.  Samuel  Crabtree* 
2218.  Willian  Warn. 
2494.  Walter  Blundell. 
2534.  Robert  Christopher  Witty. 


1854 
1875. 
1878. 
1921 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


168 


NOnCBS  TO  C0BBESP0NDENT8. 


2570.  John  Fairrie. 
2584.  Edward  Acrei. 
2634.  William  Charles  Day. 
2683.  William  Donald  and  William  He- 
ginbotham. 
Sealed  February  IS,  1855. 

1778.  Henry  Smith. 

1775.  John  GreaTesand  Charles  Miebael 
Oreaves. 

1779.  Robert  Caance. 
1792.  Thomas  Wallworth. 
1797.  John  HacketL 

1801.  Louis  Christian  Koeffler. 

1816.  Samuel  Kershaw  and  James  Taylor. 

1880.  William  VitruTiua  Oreenwood  and 

John  Saxby. 

1881.  James  Worrall,  junior. 
1836.  Stopford  Thomas  Jones. 


1838.  Robert  Barlow  Gooley. 

1880.  Robert  McConneL 

1905.  Julian  Bernard. 

1915.  Joseph  Worth  ington. 

1962.  Robert  Macallister. 

2390.  Eugene  Antoine  Ii^pine. 

2460.  Alfred  Tylor. 

2471.  William  Aristides  V^rel. 

2574.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman. 

2598;  Jaines  John  King  and  Thomas 
Brindley. 

2617.  John  Nesmith. 

2698.  John  Henry  Johnson. 

2708.  John  Henry  Johnson. 

The  aboTe  Patents  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  ProYisional  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  seferal  iuTentions  men- 
tioned therein. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


/.  H,  Jt.— Bourdon's  inatrument  Is  used  mainly 
for  reglitering  the  pressures  of  elastie  fluids.  We 
do  not  think  it  could  be  well  applied  as  a  gauge 
for  a  powerful  Brsmah's  press. 

A  person  who  has  invented  and  got  to  work  a 
piece  of  machinery,  cannot  he  interfered  with  in 


his  use  of  it  by  another  who  subsequently  makes 
it  the  subject  of  a  patentf 

C.  £.,  Hoxton.— Can  you  infonn  us  on  what  day 
the  ProTisional  Protection  was  obtained  for  the 
battery  you  mention  f 

JC.-No. 


CONTENTS  OP 
An  Improved  Steam-engine  Boiler.    By  Mr. 

H.yrxifbt  {with  enffravingt) 145 

London  Fires  in  1 854.    Twenty-fourth  Annual 

Report.    By  Mr.  W.  Baddeley.  C.E 147 

On  the  Flow  of  Water  through  Pipes  and  Oriflcet  1 5 1 

Porter's  Patent  Anchors  153 

Clark's  Patent  for  Purifying  Water 155 

On  the  Moon's  Motion 155 

On  the  indicated  Hone-power  of  Steam  Engines  157 

Parker's  Smoke-consuming  Apparatus  158 

Coloured  Fluids 159 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed : 

Hsekett ......Covering  India-rubber 

Thread 159 

Newton Metallic  Springs 159 

Moss  Roasting  Apparatus  ...  159 

Knight  &  Stubbs... Bricks  and  Tiles 160 

Brooman  Raw  Silk  Fabrics  160 

Sedgwick Ship-bullding  160 

Harratt Ship-bullding  160 

Firth  and  Wilson  ..Woven  Fabrics   160 

Losh  Bleaching 160 

Hutchins .Steam  Engine  Cylinder  160 

Roberts Punching  and  Riveting  160 

Johnson Preparing  Silk 160 

Caateta  Substitute  for  Quinine.  161 

Wilson  &  Payne  ...Fatty  Matters 161 

Bellford Kneading-machines  ...  161 

Preston Fibrous  Materials  161 

Champonnois   and 

Bavelier Beetroot  161 

Grundy Drugget 161 

Hallum Fibrous  Subetances  ...  161 

Newton Converting  Wood  into 

Paper 161 

Spenc?   ..Sulphur 162 

Bell  ft  Scholeileld. Borax 16S 

Garland  ft  Olasson.  Furnaces  162 

Hurd Treating    Fibres    snd 

Fabrics  162 

M'Oaffln  Metal  Casks 162 

Cutting Photography    162 

Church  ft  Goddard.Ordnance 162 

Pumelle    Motive  Power 162 


THIS  NUMBER. 

Bellford Grinding  Paints,  ftc...  163 

KoeJBer Finishing  Threads......  162 

Pontifez  ft  Glass- 
ford Separating  Lead 162 

Huckvale  Gathering  Crops 162 

Tixard    Fermentation  163 

Bellford Soldering  Metals 16$ 

Molv6  ft  Martin...FeedingBoiler8  168 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with; 

Michell Furnaces 163 

Mitchell Cards     for     Carding 

Wool,  ftc 163 

Wenham Steam  Engines 163 

Jackson  Tents 163 

Palliser Projectfles 163 

Delabarre  ft  Bonnet  ^..Preserving  Meat 164 

Jean  ft  Hugues Reducing  Friction......  164 

Alexandre  ft  Sommer- 

ville Boots  and  Shoes 164 

Stevens Bonnets 164 

Francia Feeding  Furnaces  ......  164 

I^amb Making  Paper 164 

Young Gathering  Crops 164 

Bainbridge Stoves  and  Furnaces...  164 

Johnaon Fibrous    and    Textile 

Materials 164 

Dilks Binding  Parcels  164 

Cole Agricultural  Machinery  165 

Lamacrafk .....Envelopes 165 

Oppenheimer Velvet  and  Plush 165 

Godefh)y Coal-naphtha,  ftc 165 

Delaye Printing-blocks... 165 

Luques Governors 165 

Mumbey  Bearings,  ft  Reducing 

Friction 165 

Burleiah Guns  aqJA  Projectiles...  165 

Provisional  Protections 165 

Patent  Applied  for  with  Complete  Specifica- 
tion  , ~  166 

Notice  of  Application  for  Leave  to  Enter  Dis- 
claimer   166 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed m....  167 

List  of  Sealed  Patents...... 167 

Notices  to  Correspondents  .m. 168 


LONDON :  Edited,  Printed,  and  PublUhed  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-street, 
in  the  City  of  London.^Sold  by  A.  snd  W.  Oalignani,  Rue  Vivienne,  Paris;  Machini  and  Co., 
Dublin  i  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


pet|an}ts'  Paga^he. 


No.  1646.]         SATURDAY,   FEBRUARY  24,  1855.      [gjl^jjla^i. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  166,  Fleet-street. 

JANDIN  AND  DUVAL'S  IMPROVEMENTS  IN  DRESSING  AND  DYEING 
RAW  SILK  FABRICS. 
Fig.  4.  Fig.  6, 


3. 


NOL.  LXII. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


17Q 

JANDFN  AND  DUVAL'S  IMPROVEMENTS  IN  DRESSING  AND  DYEING 

RAW  SILK  FABRICS. 
(Patent  fl»t«d— «s  A  eommnnicatloii  to  it.  A.  BroomaiH-^nly  91, 1854.) 

Messrs.  Jandin  and  Duval,  of  Lyons,  have  roceotly  patented  in  this  country  an 
invention  which  consists  *'  in  holding  raw  silk  fabrics  in  a  state  of  tension,  both  in  length 
and  breadth,  while  being  dressed  (or  deprived  of  the  gummy  matter  contained  in  tb^m) 
and  dyed."* 

By  this  arrangement,  fractures  of  the  silk  whieh  ocenr  in  other  methods  for  effecting 
the  same  obiept  are  avoided,  and  a  fabric  is  produced  having  the  same  appearance  and 
effisct  as  if  it  had  been  manufoctured  of  silk  which  had  been  dyed  before  being  woven, 
instead  of  that  of  a  fabric  dyed  in  the  piece ;  while  fabrics  manufactured  in  raw  silk  may 
be  dressed  in  eight  or  ten  days,  by  having  the  gummy  matter  boiled  out  of  them,  and  may 
be  dyed  of  any  desired  oolour  to  suit  the  taste  of  the  manufacturer  or  purchaser.  The 
invention  applied  to  inferior  raw  sUk  goods,  such  as  handkerchief  pleoes,  produces  an  article 
stronger  and  of  brighter  colours  than  usual. 

The  raw  silk  fabric  is  kept  in  a  state  of  tension  in  the  direction  of  both  length  and  breadth 
by  being  passed  firom  one  roller  to  another  over  ai|  intermediate  breadth  stretching-drum, 
and  is  dressed  by  being  immersed  in  a  vessel  containing  a  solulion  of  soap  (mainuined  at 
boiling  point)  for  about  three  quarters  of  an  hour,  by  which  the  gummy  matters  are  removed 
from  it.  The  fabric  is  then  washed  in  a  fuitable  vat  in  order  to  remove  the  soap,  then 
receives  the  mordant,  and  is  a^nrards  dyed  i  tension,  both  lengthwise  and  breadthwise, 
being  maintained  throughout  the  whole  of  the  processes. 

The  manner  in  which  the  invention  may  be  p^formed  la  represented  in  the  accompany- 
ing  engravings.  Figs.  1  and  3  are  views  of  the  apparatus  employed  in  the  dreuing  process, 
for  removing  the  gummy  matter  from  the  silk,  the  fbf  mer  bemg  an  end  view,  and  the  latter 
a  front  elevation.  A  is  a  vessel  heated  by  steam  passing  through  e  coil  at  the  bottom 
of  it,  or  otherwise  i  B  B  are  rollers,  upon  which  the  fabrio  Is  wound  and  unwound ;  C  is 
a  stretching-drum,  round  which  it  is  passed  while  being  unwound  fh>m  one  i^nd  wound 
on  to  the  other  of  the  rollers,  B  B.  This  drum,  C,  is  made  to  rise  and  fall  in  the  guides, 
G  G,  by  pulleys  and  ropes,  H  H.  E  is  a  toothed  pinion  worked  by  a  handle,  F,  and  D  is 
a  toothed  wheel  for  communicating  rotary  motiou  \Q  the  roU^if^i  B  B,  through  the  endless 
chain,  J,  which  gears  Into  the  teeth  of  the  wheelj  D,  and  pinioni  £ ;  K  K  are  levers  for 
removing  the  rollers,  B  B,  from  the  vat, 

Fig.  8  is  a  view,  chiefly  in  section,  of  the  imm  employed  for  stretehing  the  fabric  breadth- 
wise. One  half  onlv  of  this  drum  Is  shown  in  detail,  k  la  the  axis  of  the  drum ;  aa  are 
segmental  bands  of  orass  or  other  suitable  metal  of  which  the  drum  is  composed,  tlieir  outer 
surfaces  being  serrated.  The  serrations  or  teeth  on  all  the  segments  forming  one-half  of 
the  drum  inclines  to  the  right,  and  those  on  the  segments  of  the  other  lialf  to  the  left,  c  c 
are  discs  keyed  to  the  shaft,  b;  dd  9,x%  levers  connected  at  one  end  to  the  segments,  a  a, 
while  their  other  ends  work  in  inclined  gr«pvf  wheels,  as  is  hereafter  exptained,  so  as  to 
impart  a  to-and-fro  movement  to  the  bands,  n  4,  There  is  one  lever  for  every  band  or  seg- 
menU  e  «  (re  semi-oylindrical  grooved  wheels  ^ed  in  an  inclined  position  upon  sockets. 
The  levers,  dd,  work  into  the  grooves  of  these  wheels,  and,  by  following  their  inclination, 
produce  the  to-and-fro  motion  of  the  bauds,  •  fl,  in  the  direction  of  their  length,  and  in  a 
reverse  direction  to  each  other  on  each  of  the  dnims,  /  is  a  bent  rod,  carrying  at  each  end 
a  socket,  which  becomes  the  bearing  of  the  aatis  of  the  drum,  and  supports  also  the  inclined 
semi-cylindrical  grooved  wheels,  ee,  ^  is  a  oentre-pin,  by  which  the  rod,  /,  is  suspended, 
and  upon  which  it  is  fVee  to  turn.  The  inner  ends  of  the  segmental  serrated  bands  are  sup- 
ported upon  pins  or  bolts,  jfj,  which  pass  through  an  eye  cast  en  or  otherwise  fixed  to  the 
mside  of  the  oands.  The  pins  or  bolts  are  supported  by  a  ring  or  disc,  h,  keyed  to  the  axis, 
b.  The  fabric,  after  being  passed  four  or  five  times  from  one  roller  to  the  other  over  the 
breadth  stretching-drum  will  be  found  to  be  dressed.  Care  must  be  taken  on  winding  the 
fabric  from  roller  to  roller  to  turn  round  the  breadth  stretching-drum  so  that  the  InoTlni^- 
tions  of  the  teeth  on  the  segments  shall  always  be  presented  in  the  Mme  position  t«  tho 
fabric. 

After  having  had  the  gum  boiled  out,  the  fabric  is  next  to  he  washed,  tnd  for  this  purpose 
it  is  removed  to  such  an  apparatus  as  that  shown  at  fig.  4,  which  is  an  end  view  i  A  A  are 
supports  or  bearings,  on  which  the  rollers  are  placed  when  removed  from  the  dressing 
apparatus ;  B  is  a  stretching  drum,  similar  to  that  shown  at  flg.  8 1  C  C^  the  roUera  off 
and  on  which  the  fabrio  is  rolled ;  these  rollers  are  worked  by  a  Ofank  handle  1  F  F'are  1 


*  See  last  Number,  page  I6O4 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


JAMDnr  AXD  DUVlL'fl  mPmOYBMSHTS  IN  BBR8BINO  VABBI08,  ETC.        171 

of  a  frame  on  which  the  rolleri,  C  C,  are  mounted )  B  £',  hooked  rode,  for  retaining  the 
arms  in  the  required  poeitiona ;  G  is  a  perforated  pipe,  for  sprinkling  the  fabric. 

After  being  washed,  the  fabric  is  next  taken  to  the  dyeing  vat  Fig.  5  it  a  sectional 
elefation  of  Uie  apparatus  used  for  dyeing ;  A  is  a  stretehing-druin,  made  of  wood  and 
shown  in  detail  at  flg.  6 ;  B  B  are  rollers,  on  and  off  which  the  fabric  is  wound  and 
unwound,  after  being  passed  through  the  bath  and  over  the  stretching  drum ;  C  is  a  cylin- 
drical frame,  centred  and  turning  on  bearings,  D  D.  This  frame  is  intended  to  hold  the 
Ikbrio  while  it  it  immersed  in  the  dye-bath.    E  £  are  moveable  arms  or  leyers,  on  which 

Fig.  d. 


the  rollers,  B  B,  are  mounted,  and  by  means  of  which  these  rollers  may  be  moved  nearer 
to  or  farther  from  the  stretching-drum,  A }  F  F  are  hooked  rods  for  retaining  the  arms,  £, 
in  the  required  positions ;  O  is  a  wooden  vat,  in  which  the  dye-bath  is  placed ;  H  is  a  guide 
roller.  Fig.  6  shows  the  construction  of  the  breadth  stretching. drum  ;  A  A  are  bands  of 
wood,  of  the  shape  shown  at  A  in  the  plan,  fig.  3,  and  having  mortices  cut  out  on  the  inside, 
into  which  bara,  b  6,  take ;  each  bar,  b,  ia  connected  to  a  band,  a,  at  each  end,  and  ia 
centred  upon  a  pin  in  the  sbafti  c ;  thia  shaft  is  octagonal  and  the  bars,  b,  pass  through 
mortices  ip  the  ahaft,  tlie  faces  of  which  are  all  inclined  )  dd  are  disca  or  wheela  centred 
on  a  pin  in  the  apindle,  e ;  their  inclination  is  adjusted  so  as  to  afford  more  or  less  play  to 
the  bands,  a  a,  by  meana  of  the  acrews,  a;  e  ia  the  apindle ;  //  are  tightening  acrewa,  for 
holding  the  apindlea,  e,  in  their  bearinga;  gg  are  pina  screwed  in  the  spindles,  e,  which 
support  the  atretching-drum,  and  become  the  axea  on  which  the  ahaft,  c,  revolvea;  hh, 
bearinga  for  the  apindlea,  §e;  t  ia  a  croaa  bar  for  supporting  the  bearinga,  hhi  2  is  a  frame 
fixed  to  the  vat  on  which  the  atretching-drum  and  ita  appendagea  are  mounted ;  m  ia  a 
bolt  h^  which  the  framea,  t  /,  are  held  together,  and  which  forma  a  centre  upon  which  the 
atretchlng-drum  may  be  turned. 

The  proceaa  ia  as  follows : — A  number  of  pieces  of  fabric  are  first  divided  into  lots  of  six 
or  eight  pieces,  according  to  their  length.  One  lot,  of  not  more  than  about  200  yards,  is 
wound  round  a  portable  roller,  which  is  afterwards  placed  on  the  vat,  A,  and  from  which 
the  fabric  is  passed  on  to  the  rollers,  B  B  (fig.  1),  at  the  bottom  of  the  vat.  A  solution  of 
soap  in  water  is  then  poured  into  the  vat,  a,  to  cover  over  the  rollers,  B  B,  and  steam  is  let 
on  in  order  to  raise  the  aolution  to  the  boiling  point,  the  fabric  being  pasaed  from  one  roller 
over  the  drum,  C,  to  the  other  roller,  four  or  five  timea,  the  breadth  atretching-drum  being 
hoiated  up  and  turned  round  each  time,  in  order  that  the  right  and  left  hand  diverging 
edgea  may  always  be  presented  in  the  same  position  to  the  fabric.  The  piece  is  tb.eii 
removed  from  the  bath  oy  the  rollers,  B  B,  which  are  lifted  by  means  of  the  levers,  KK, 
connected  to  their  ends,  tranaferred  to  the  portable  roller  previously  mentioned,  and  allowed 
to  drain. 

The  portable  roller  is  now  placed  on  the  bearings,  A  A,  fig.  4,  and  the  piece  rolled  off 
it,  over  ihe  stretching-drum,  B,  and  thence  to  the  roller,  C  ;  the  portable  roller  being  then 
removed.  The  crank  handle,  before-mentioned,  is  unscrewed,  the  hook,  E,  which  holds 
up  the  arm,  F,  is  un&stened  so  as  to  allow  the  roller,  C,  to  descend.  The  drum,  B,  is 
turned  in  order  to  present  the  proper  side  of  the  fabric.  The  other  of  the  arms,  F,  is 
fastened,  or  hooked  up,  so  as  to  cause  the  other  roller,  C,  which  had  been  out  of  the  water, 
to  pass  into  it,  and  the  first  roller  to  be  lifted  out.  The  handle  is  now  replaced  and  turned. 
Thia  first  part  of  the  operation  ia  performed  in  water  heated  to  about  125'  containing 
about  a  pound  of  carbonate  of  aoda.  When  the  fabric  has  been  twice  paased  through  this 
bath,  a  valve  is  opened  and  the  water  drawn  off  from  the  vat,  which  is  again  filled  with 

k2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


172 


THE  OAPSIZZNa  OF  THE  TBOOP-SHIP  "  PERSEVEBANCE/ 


cold  water  which  flows  through  perforated  pipes,  G,  so  as  to  fall  on  the  fabric,  on  the 
stretching-drum,  and  on  the  roller  on  to  which  it  is  being  wound,  while  the  roller  from 
which  it  is  being  unwound  is  kept  immersed  in  the  water. 

The  fabric  having  been  so  treated  four  or  five  times,  will  be  free  from  soap,  and  ready 
for  dyeing.  It  is  again  rolled  on  to  the  portable  roller,  before  referred  to,  and  transferred 
to  the  mordant  and  dyeing  baths,  shown  in  fig.  5,  and  there  passed  through  the  mordant 
bath  and  the  dye  bath,  being  all  the  time  kept  in  a  state  of  tension  as  before.  The  only 
difference  between  the  construction  of  the  dyeing  apparatus  and  the  washing  apparatus 
consists  in  the  frame,  C,  intended  for  holding  the  fabric  while  immersed  in  the  bath,  and 
in  the  rollers,  which  move  separately,  the  fabric  being  handled  in  the  same  manner. 


THE  CAPSIZING  OF  THE  TROOP-SHIP  "PERSEVERANCE." 


Op  all  the  unanticipated  spectacles 
brought  before  us  since  the  outbreak  of 
the  present  war,  there  probably  has  not 
been  one  more  Remarkable  than  that  which 
was  witnessed  in  the  Royal  Dockyard  at 
Woolwich,  when  one  of  Her  Majesty's 
ships,  on  being  floated  in  dock,  sUrted  from 
her  upright  position  and  rolled  leisurely 
over,  till  her  masts  came  down  upon  the 
ground.  Such  a  circumstance  is  of  im- 
portance,  not  only  on  account  of  the  results 
immediately  following  it,  but  also  because 
it  suggests  considerations  and  excites  ap- 
prehensions which  greatly  tend  to  the  dis- 
quietude of  the  public  mind.  Men  ask, 
and  ask  with  reason,  **  If  the  Admiralty 
provide  us  with  one  ship  which  rolls  over  in 
their  own  docks,  and  before  the  eyes  of 
their  own  executive  officers,  may  they  not 
have  provided,  or  be  now  providing,  us  with 
others,  which,  while  they  are  stable  enough 
to  bear  our  regiments  with  safety  from  our 
harbours,  may,  nevertheless,  pitch  them  out 
into  the  Bay  of  Biscay  or  the  Black  Sea, 
when  the  first  storm  overtakes  them  ?  *' 
They  begin  to  doubt  whether  the  same  fatal 
hand  that  has  slain  one  army  before  Sebas- 
topol,  is  not  likely  to  seize  upon  the  ele. 
ments  of  another  on  their  way  tnither ;  and 
whether  Mr.  Bernal  Osborne  is  not  to  be 
numbered  among  the  lords  of  misrule,  not- 
withstanding  the  boldness  with  which  he 
calls  upon  the  House  of  Commons  to  ad- 
mire the  perfection  of  his  own  department 
of  the  Royal  service. 

Undoubtedly,  when  a  vessel,  in  which  a 
thousand  British  troops  are  about  to  be 
deposited,  suddenly  capsizes  in  still  water, 
some  ready  explanation  of  the  fact  may 
fairly  be  demanded.  The  elucidation  put 
forth  by  the  Duke  of  J^^ewcastle  in  the 
House  of  Lords,  viz.,  that  the  shores  were 
removed  from  the  ship  too  soon— however 
effectual  it  may  have  been  in  silencing  the 
interrogator  of  the  Government,  is  quite 
unfit  to  be  entertained  for  a  moment.  Every 
person  who  has  ever  seen  a  large  ship  un- 
docked  in  a  Royal  dockyard,  must  be  per- 
fectly  well  aware  that  the  upper  tier  of 


shores  (breast-shores)  are  allowed  to  remain 
until  the  vessel  is  fairly  afloat.  But  even 
if  this  were  not  the  case,  and  if  the  shores 
were  actually  removed  before  the  WHter  in 
the  dock  had  altogether  floated  her,  it  could 
only  be  by  an  extraordinary  combination  of 
instability  of  form,  and  inequality  in  the 
distribution  of  the  weights  on  board  the 
vessel,  that  such  a  result  could  be  brought 
about.  In  addition  to  these  considerations 
we  may  add,  that  we  have  been  assured  by 
eye-witnesses  of  the  occurrence,  that  no- 
thing transpired  during  the  undocking  of 
the  Perseverance  which  could  lend  the  small- 
est show  of  truth  to  the  statement  of  the 
War  Minister.* 

To  us  nothing  mysterious  appears  to  be 
involved  in  the  circumstance  under  notice, 
and  nothmg  accidental  is  necessary  for  its 
explanation.  Those  of  our  readers  who 
have  carefully  studied  the  disquisitions  on 
the  science  of  naval  architecture  which 
have  from  time  to  time  appeared  in  our 
pages,  will  have  observed,  that  the  height 
of  the  centre  of  gravity  of  a  ship  always 
enters  into  the  expression  representing  her 
stability  in  such  a  manner,  that  the  stability 
diminishes  as  it  increases,  and  vice  versd. 
It  is  evident,  therefore,  that  for  every  ship 
there  is  a  maximum  height,  beyond  which 
her  centre  of  gravity  cannot  with  safety  be 
elevated,  a  given  displacement  and  draught 
of  water  being  assumed.  This  height  is 
generally  much  less  in  merchant  or  pass- 
enger ships,  than  in  ships  of  war  of  the 
same  tonnage ;  because,  while  the  latter  are 
expressly  formed  to  carry  great  weights, 
such  as  those  of  guns  and  shot,  &c.,  above 
the  water  line,  the  former  are  constructed 
to  carry  the  principal  portions  of  their 
burdens  in  their  holds,  and  but  compara- 
tively small  weights  upon  their  decks. 
Now,  the  Perseverance  was  built  to  carry 
merchandize  and  passengers ;  but  having 
been  purchased  by  the  government  for  the 

•  Sinee  the  above  remarks  were  written,  Admi- 
ral Berkeley  has  contradictedt  in  the  House  of 
Commons,  the  statement  made  by  the  Duke  of 
Newcastle. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


TEn  OAFSizma  of  thb  t&oop-ship  ''  pebsetebakce. 


173 


transport  of  troops,  she  has  had  a  poop  and 
a  forecastle  added  to  her,  and  has  unques- 
tionably been  furnislied  with  much  heavier 
masts  and  yards  than  she  was  originally 
intended  to  carry.  By  these  and  other  ad- 
ditions of  weight  above  the  water  line  of  the 
vessel,  she  has,  beyond  doubt,  had  her  sta- 
bility, (which  was  probably  scarcely  suffi- 
cient even  for  her  original  purpose)  too 
much  diminished,  and  uie  inevitable  result 
has  followed. 

It  is  evident,  therefore,  that  a  mistake  has 
been  made,  and  a  cosUy  vessel  has  been 
purohaied,  and  appropriated  by  the  Admi- 
ralty to  a  purpose  for  which  she  was  quite 
unsuited.  We  know  how  easy  a  matter  it 
would  be  to  pursue  the  subject  further,  to 
show  that  the  error  committed  was  avoid- 
able, and  to  endeavour  to  fix  the  responsi- 
bility upon  those  whose  business  it  is  to 
expend  the  public  funds  with  caution  and 
economy.  But  we  think  it  more  to  the 
public  interest  to  point  out  the  cause  from 
which,  we  believe,  this  and  other  similar 
evils  have  arisen,  viz.,  the  disproportion 
that  exists  between  the  staff  of  the  Surveyor 
of  the  Navy's  Department,  and  the  duties 
that  devolre  upon  it,  especially  at  a  time 
like  this,  when  the  Admiralty  profess  to  be 
putting  forth  the  full  naval  strength  of  this 
great  nation* 

Let  any  competent  person  consider  for  a 
moment  the  amount  of  labour  that  has  fallen 
to  the  lot  of  the  surveyor's  department,  only 
in  these  three  great  divisions  of  its  duties, 
viz. — the  construction  of  new  ships,  the  con- 
version of  sailing  into  screw  vessels,  and 
the  hire  and  purchase  of  suitable  vessels  for 
transport  service  I  And  who  have  there 
been  to  execute  this  ?  A  post  captain  for 
surveyor,  two  professional  assistants  (only 
one  of  whom  has  received  a  thoroughly  pro- 
fessional  education),  and  some  four  or  five 
draftsmen  ;  these  latter  being,  in  almost  all 
cases,  uken  from  the  offices  of  the  dock- 
yards, never  having  received  any  further 
direct  theoretical  culture  than  what  is 
abroad  in  the  mould-lofts  of  those  esta- 
blishments, which  we  confidently  pronounce 
to  be  but  small,  and  to  fall  altogether  short 
of  that  necessary  for  the  determination  of 
the  essential  qualities  of  ships,  such  as  sta- 
tical and  dynamical  stability,  &c.  This  is 
the  staff  appointed  by  the  Admiralty  to  fur- 
nish to  the  dockyards  complete  instructions 
for  the  conduct  of  works,  on  which  upwards 
of  one  million  pounds  for  artificers'  wages 
and  nearly  three  millions  for  the  stores  con- 
verted, are  to  be  expended  during  the  ensu- 
ing year !  It  is  an  incontestible  fact  that 
the  Government  of  this  great  maritime 
country,  which  prides  itself  on  its  skill  in 
naval  architecture,  and  its  supremacy  upon 
the  seas,  has  not  in  its  pay  one  individual 


whose  undivided  duty  it  is  to  perform  those 
calculations  which  must  necessarily  be  ef- 
fected before  the  true  qualities  of  a  single 
ship  can  be  determined  ! 

These  things  tend  to  excite  inquiry  once 
more  into  the  attitude  assumed  by  our  naval 
administrators  towards  those  who  have  pur- 
sued or  are  pursuing  studies  connected  with 
the  more  theoretical  branches  of  the  scieooe 
of  naval  architecture,  and  therefore  into  the 
prospects  of  the  science  itself  among  us. 
We  cannot  now  extend  our  remarks  upon 
the  subject,  but  shall  return  to  it  hereafter. 
Let  it  suffice  for  the  present  to  say  that  the 
fatal  blight — ^proceeding  as  much  from  stu- 
pidity as  from  corruption —which  is  now 
seen  to  have  fallen  ujpon  all  public  depart- 
ments, has  descended  thickly  upon  this.  A 
single  glance  at  our  dockyard  establishments 
attests  the  truth  of  this  statement  The 
members  of  the  first  school  established  by 
the  Government  for  the  improvement  of 
naval  architecture,  are  just  now  stepping, 
grey-headed,  into  leading  positions,  after 
years  of  systematic  depreciation,  while  those 
of  the  late  School  of  Mathematics  and  Naval 
Construction,  whether  meritorious  6r  other- 
wise, are  tossing  about  in  the  most  humi- 
liating positions  that  can  be  found  for  them, 
and  are  subjected  to  frequent  indignities, 
from  which  an  arduous  and  extended  course 
of  mental  culture  should  at  all  times  be  a 
protection. 

We  have  hinted  in  our  previous  remarks 
at  only  a  few  of  the  defects  in  the  adminis- 
tration of  Admiralty  Boards  in  connection 
with  our  dockyard  establishments.  But,  as 
we  write,  innumerable  others  rise  up  before 
us,  and  claim  our  future  consideration. 
Among  these  are  the  paralyzing  influences 
which  result  from  the  placing  of  the  mechani- 
cal departments  of  the  dockyard  under  the 
control  of  captain  and  admiral  superintend, 
ents,  an  arrangement  by  which  the  plans  and 
orders  of  well-informed  professional  officers, 
are  daily  annulled  by  the  mere  caprices  of 
men,  who  are  commissioned  with  authority 
to  dictate  even  where  they  are  incompetent 
to  advise,  and  to  adjudicate  on  matters  of 
which  they  are  necessarily  ignorant : — The 
modern  system  of  promotion  through  the 
various  grades  of  office,  which  system,  while 
it  certoinly  opens  up  a  readier  way  to  pre- 
ferment for  deserving  persons,  at  the  same 
time  opposes  but  an  inconsiderable  barrier 
to  the  progress  of  incompetent  but  favoured 
candidates  for  advancement,  often  conferring 
the  prize  upon  one  who,  though  without  skill 
in  his  profession,  scrambles  through  a 
meagre  examination  in  the  most  elementary 
mathematics,  and  witholding  it  Arom  anotlier 
whose  abilities  and  experience  commend 
him  to  office : — ^And  the  vast  outlay  that  has 
been  made  in  attempts  to  introduce  and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


174 


OK  9I!B  BBNDVLVM  BXPERmSNTfl  IN  HABTOM  OOLUEBY. 


perfect  a  method  by  whioh  the  wftM  of  the 
workpeople  employed  are  apportioned  ac- 
cording to  a  system  of  measurement,  which 
is,  after  all,  a  most  oostly  and  inefflclent 
system,  and  one  which,  as  «re  are  prepared 
to  show,  is  productive  of  evils  whicn  cannot 
be  too  strongly  condemned.  These  we  shall 
hereafter  consider,  and  endeavour  to  throw 
much  light  upon. 

Meanwhile  we  oontent  ourselves  with 
suggesting,  that  the  accident  with  the  Ftt^ 
M94ranee  plainly  calls  ibr  the  adoption  of 
measures  which  shall  enable  the  Surveyor  of 
the  Navy's  department  to  be  more  efficiently 
conducted.  Why  should  there  not  be  per- 
sons appohited  not  only  to  examine  the 
qualities  of  those  ressels  which  the  Admi- 
ralty require  for  present  emergencies,  but 
to  ascertain  and  record  the  qualities  of  so 
much  of  the  mercantile  navy  as  is  likely  to 
be  required  at  any  future  time  for  extra- 
ordinary service?  For  a  most  insigtiificant 
annual  sum  the  Admiralty  might  constantly 
supply  themselves  with  this  information, 
and  thus  prepare  themselves  for  the  exi- 
gencies to  which  a  great  State  is  continually 
liable. 


ON  THE  PENDULUM  EXPERI- 
MENTS   IN    HARTON    COLLIERY. 

BY  THE  ASTRONOIfER  ROYAL.* 

Thb  Lecturer  commenced  with  remark- 
ing that  the  bearing  of  the  experiments,  of 
which  he  was  about  to  give  a  notice,  was 
not  limited  to  their  ostensible  object,  but 
that  it  applied  to  all  the  bodies  of  the  solar 
system.  The  professed  object  of  the  expe- 
riments was  to  obtain  a  measure  of  the 
density  of  the  earth,  and  therefore  of  the 
mass  of  the  earth  (its  dimensions  being 
knovm){  but  the  ordinary  data  of  astro- 
nomy, taken  in  conjunction  with  the  lavrs 
of  gravitation,  give  the  proportions  of  the 
mass  of  the  earth  to  the  masses  of  the  sun 
and  the  principal  planets;  and  thus  the 
determination  of  the  absolute  mass  of  the 
earth  would  at  once  give  determinations  of 
the  absolute  masses  of  the  sun  and  planets. 
To  show  how  this  proportion  is  ascertained, 
it  is  only  necessary  to  remark  that  a  planet, 
if  no  force  acted  on  it,  would  move  in  a 
straight  line ;  that,  therefore,  if  we  com- 
pute geometrically  how  far  the  planet  moves 
in  a  short  time,  as  an  hour,  and  then  com- 
pute the  distance  between  the  point  which 
the  planet  has  reached  in  its  curved  orbit, 
and  the  straight  line  which  it  has  left,  we 
have  found  the  displacement  which  is  pro- 


*  The  tubstanee  of  a  paper  recently  read  at  the 
Royal  Institution. 


duced  by  the  sun's  attraction,  and  which  is 
therefore  a  measure  of  the  sun's  attraction. 
In  like  manner,  if  we  apply  a  similar  cal- 
culation to  the  motion  of  a  satellite  during 
one  hour,  we  have  a  measure  of  the  attrac- 
tion of  its  primary.  The  comparison  of 
these  two  gives  the  proportion  of  the  attrac- 
tion of  the  sun,  as  acting  upon  a  body  at 
one  known  distance  to  tlie  attraction  of  a 
planet,  as  acting  upon  a  body  at  another 
known  distance.  It  is  then  necessary  to 
apply  one  of  the  theorems  of  the  laws  of 
gravitation,  namely,  that  the  attraction  of 
every  attractinsf  body  Is  inversely  as  the 
square  of  the  distance  of  the  attracted  body, 
and  thus  we  obtain  the  proportion  of  the 
attractions  of  the  sun  and  a  planet  when  the 
bodies  upon  which  they  are  respectively 
acting  are  at  the  same  distance  from  both  ; 
and  finally,  it  is  necessary  to  apply  another 
theorem  of  the  law  of  gravitation,  namely, 
that  the  attractions  thus  found  correspond^ 
Ing  to  equal  distancee  of  the  attracted 
bodies,  are  in  the  same  proportion  as  the 
masses  of  the  attracting  bodies  (a  theorem 
which  applies  to  gravitation,  but  does  not 
apply  to  magnetic  and  other  forces).  Into 
the  evidence  of  these  portions  of  the  law  of 
gravitation  the  Lecturer  did  not  attempt  to 
enter:  he  remarked  only  that  they  rest 
upon  very  complicated  chains  of  reasoning, 
but  of  the  most  certain  kind.  His  only 
object  was  to  show  that  the  proportion  of 
the  masses  of  all  bodies,  which  have  planeta 
or  satellites  revolving  round  them,  can 
easily  be  found  (the  proportion  for  those 
which  have  no  satellites  is  found  by  a  very 
indirect  process,  and  with  far  less  accu- 
racy) ;  and  that  if  the  absolute  mass  of  the 
earth  be  known,  the  absolote  mass  of  each 
of  the  others  can  be  found.  As  their  di- 
mensions are  known,  their  densities  can 
then  be  found.  Thus  it  rests  upon  such 
inquiries  as  those  on  which  this  lecture  Is  to 
treat,  to  determine  (for  instance)  whether 
the  planet  Jupiter  is  composed  of  materials 
as  light  as  water,  or  as  light  as  cork. 

The  obvious  importance  of  these  deter- 
minations had  induced  philosophers  long 
since  to  attempt  determinations  of  the 
earth's  density ;  and  two  classes  of  experi- 
menU  had  been  devised  for  it 

The  first  class  (of  which  there  was  only 
one  instance)  is  the  attraction  of  a  mountain 
in  the  noble  Schehallien  experiment.  It 
resta,  in  the  first  place,  upon  the  use  of  the 
zenith  sector ;  and,  in  the  next  place,  upon 
our  very  approximate  knowledge  of  the 
dimensions  of  the  earth.  [The  construc- 
tion of  the  zenith  sector  was  illustrated  by 
a  model ;  and  it  was  shown,  that  if  the  same 
star  were  observed  at  two  places,  the  tele- 
scope would  necessarily  be  pointed  in  the 
same  direction  at  the  two  places,  and  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  TBB  tSHSOVm  KYPKBIMENTS  IN  HABTON  OOLURBT. 


175 


difierenoe  of  direotion  of  the  pluiiib«.UnO| 
u  shown  by  the  different  pointe  of  the 
graduated  arc  whioh  it  oroaied  at  the  two 
plaeea,  would  show  how  much  the  direction 
of  gravity  at  one  place  is  inclined  to  the 
direction  of  gravity  at  the  other  plaoe«] 
Now,  from  our  knowledge  of  the  form  aod 
dimensions  of  the  earth,  we  know  that  the 
direotion  of  gravity  changes  very  nearly 
one  second  of  angle  for  every  100  feet  of 
horizontal  distance^  Suppose,  then,  that 
two  stations  were  taken  on  Schehallien,  one 
on  the  north  side  and  the  other  on  the  south 
side,  and  suppose  that  their  distance  was 
4,000  feet,  then,  if  the  direotion  of  gravity 
had  not  been  influenced  by  the  mountain, 
the  inclination  of  the  directions  of  gravity 
at  these  two  places  would  have  been  about 
40  seconds.  But  suppose,  on  applying  the 
zenith  aector  in  the  way  just  described,  the 
inclination  was  found  to  be  really  62  seconds. 
The  diflferenee,  or  18  seoonds,  could  only  be 
explained  by  the  attraetion  of  the  mountain, 
which,  combined  with  what  may  be  called 
the  natural  direction  of  grarity,  produced 
directions  inclined  to  these  natural  dirto- 
tions.  In  order  to  infer  from  this  the  den. 
sity  of  the  earth,  a  oalculation  was  made 
(founded  upon  a  very  accurate  measure  of 
the  mountain)  of  what  would  have  been  the 
disturbing  effi»ct  of  the  mountain  if  the 
mountain  had  been  as  dense  as  the  interior 
of  the  earth.  It  was  found  that  the  dis. 
turbance  wonld  have  been  abont  S7  seconds. 
But  the  disturbance  was  really  found  to  be 
only  12  seoonds.  Consequently  the  proper^ 
tion  of  the  density  of  the  mountain  to  the 
earth's  density  was  that  of  12  to  27,  or  4  to 
9  nearly.  And  from  this,  and  the  aseer- 
tained  density  of  the  mountain,  it  followed 
that  the  mean  specific  gravity  of  the  earth 
would  be  abont  five  times  that  of  water. 
The  only  objeotion  to  this  admirable  ex- 
periment is,  that  the  form  of  the  oountrv 
near  the  mountain  is  very  irregular,  and  it 
ia  difficult  to  say  how  much  of  the  12 
seconds  is  or  is  not  really  due  to  Sche- 
hallien. 

The  seoond  class  is  what  may  be  called  a 
cabinet  esi^riment,  possessing  the  advan- 
tage  of  bemg  extremely  manageable,  and 
the  disadvantage  of  being  exceedingly  deli- 
cate, and  liable  to  derangement  by  forces  so 
trifling  that  they  could  with  diffiouty  be 
aroid^.  Two  small  balls  upon  a  light  ho« 
rixontal  rod  were  suspended  by  a  wire,  or 
two  wires,  forming  a  torsion  balance,  and 
two  large  leaden  balls  were  brought  near  to 
attract  the  small  balls  from  the  quiescent 
poettion.  We  could  make  a  oalculation  of 
how  far  the  great  balls  would  attract  the 
little  ones,  if  they  were  as  dense  as  the 
genenl  mass  of  the  esrth  }  and  eomparing 
Ihlswith  the  distance  to  which  the  leaden 


balls  really  do  attraet  them,  we  find  the 
proportion  of  the  density  of  the  earth  to  the 
density  of  lead.  The  peculiar  difficulty  and 
doubt  of  the  resulta  in  this  experiment  de- 
pend  on  the  liability  to  disturoances  from 
other  causes  than  the  attraction  of  the  leaden 
balls,  espeoially  the  currents  of  air  produced 
by  the  approach  of  bodies  of  a  different  tem- 
perature i  and  after  all  the  oautions  of 
Cavendish,  Keioh,  and  Baily,  In  their  suo- 
oessive  attempts,  it  seems  not  impossible 
that  the  phenomena  obaerved  may  have 
been  produced  in  part  by  the  temperature 
of  the  great  balls  as  well  as  their  attrae- 
tion. 

These  considerations  induced  the  lecturer, 
in  1826,  to  contemplate  a  third  class  of  ex- 
perimenU;  namely,  the  determination  of 
the  difference  of  gravity  at  the  top  and  the 
bottom  of  a  deep  mine,  by  pendulum  expe- 
riments. Supposing  the  difference  of  gra- 
yity  found,  its  application  to  the  determina- 
tion of  density  (in  the  simplest  ease)  was 
thus  explained  :--^Gonceive  a  spheroid  con- 
centric with  the  external  spheroid  of  the 
earth  to  pass  through  the  lower  station  in 
the  mine.  It  is  easily  shown  that  the  aU 
traction  of  the  shell  included  between  these 
produces  no  effect  whatever  at  the  lower 
station,  but  produces  the  same  effect  at  the 
upper  station  as  if  all  its  matter  were  col- 
lected at  the  earth's  oentrcb  Therefore,  at 
the  lower  station  we  have  the  attraction  of 
the  interior  mass  only :  at  the  upper  station 
we  have  the  attraetion  of  the  interior  mass 
(though  at  a  greater  distance  from  the  at- 
tracted pendulum),  and  also  the  attraction 
of  the  shelL  It  is  plain  that  by  making  the 
proportion  of  these  theoretical  attractions 
equal  to  the  proportion  actually  obaerved  by 
means  of  the  pendulum,  we  have  the  re- 
quisite elements  for  finding  the  proportion 
of  the  shell's  attraction  to  the  internal 
mass's  attraction,  and  therefore  the  propor- 
tion of  the  matter  in  the  shell  to  the  matter 
in  the  internal  mass ;  from  which  the  pro- 
portion of  density  is  at  once  found.  More- 
over, it  appeared  probable,  upon  estimat- 
ing the  errors  to  which  observations  are 
liable,  tliat  the  resulting  error  in  the  density, 
in  this  form  of  experiment,  would  be  less 
than  in  the  others. 

Accordingly,  in  1826,  the  lecturer,  with 
the  assistance  of  his  friend,  Mr.  Whewell 
(now  Dr.  Whewell),  undertook  a  series  of 
experiments,  at  the  depth  of  nearly  1,200 
feet,  in  the  Doleoath  mine,  near  Camborne, 
in  Cornwall.  The  comparison  of  the  upper 
and  lower  clocks  (to  which  further  allusion 
will  be  made)  was  soon  found  to  be  the  most 
serious  difficulty.  The  personal  labour  was 
also  very  great.  They  had,  however^  made 
a  ofrtain  progress  when,  on  raising  a  part  of 
the  instruments,  the  straw  packing  took  firo 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  PENDULUM  EXPEBIHBNTS  IN  HARTON  COLLIERY. 


176 


(the  origin  of  the  fire  is  still  unknown),  and 
partly  by  burning,  and  partly  by  falling,  the 
instruments  were  nearly  destroyed. 

In  1828,  the  same  party,  with  the  assist- 
ance of  Mr.  Sheepshanks  and  other  friends, 
repeated  the  experiment  in  the  same  place. 
After  mastering  several  difficulties,  they 
were  stopped  by  a  slip  of  the  solid  rock  of 
the  mine,  which  deranged  the  pumps,  and 
finally  flooded  the  lower  station. 

The  matter  rested  for  nearly  twenty-six 
years,  the  principal  progress  in  the  subjects 
related  to  it  being  the  correction  to  the 
computation  of  **  buoyancy "  of  the  pendu- 
lum, determined  by  Colonel  Sabine's  expe- 
riments. But  in  the  spring  of  1854,  the 
manipulation  of  galvanic  signals  had  become 
familiar  to  the  Astronomer  Royal,  and  the 
assistants  of  the  Greenwich  Observatory; 
and  it  soon  occurred  to  him  that  one  of  the 
most  annoying  difficulties  in  the  former  ex- 
periment might  be  considered  as  being 
practically  overcome,  inasmuch  as  the  upper 
and  lower  clocks  could  be  compared  by 
simultaneous  galvanic  signals.  Inquiries 
made  in  the  summer,  induced  him  to  fix  on 
the  Harton  colliery,  near  South  Shields, 
where  a  reputed  depth  of  1 ,260  feet  could 
be  obtained ;  and  as  soon  as  this  selection 
was  known,  e^ery  possible  facility  and  assist- 
ance were  given  by  the  owners  of  the  mine. 
Arrangements  were  made  for  preparing  an 
expedition  on  a  scale  sufficient  te  overcome 
all  anticipated  difficulties.  A  considerable 
part  of  the  expemse  was  met  by  a  grant  from 
the  Board  of  Admiralty.  The  £leotric 
Telegraph  Company,  with  great  liberality, 
contributed  (unsolicited)  the  skill  and  la- 
bour required  in  the  galvanic  mountings. 
The  principal  instruments  were  lent  by  the 
Royal  Society.  Two  observers  were  fur- 
nished  by  the  Royal  Observatory,  one  by 
the  Durham  Observatory,  one  by  the  Oxford 
Observatory,  one  by  the  Cambridge  Ob- 
servatory,  and  one  by  the  private  observa- 
tory of  Red  Hill  (Mr.  Carrington's).  Mr. 
Dunkin,  of  the  Royal  Observatory,  had  the 
immediate  superintendence  of  the  observa- 
tions. 

The  two  stations  selected  were  exactly 
in  the  same  vertical,  excellently  walled, 
floored,  and  ceiled;  the  lower  station,  in 
particular,  was  a  most  comfortable  room  or 
rather  suite  of  rooms.  Every  care  was  taken 
for  solidity  of  foundation  and  steadiness  of 
temperature.  In  each  (the  upper  and  the 
lower)  was  mounted  an  invariable  brass 
pendulum,  vibrating  by  means  of  a  steel 
knife  edge  upon  plates  of  agate,  carried  by 
a  very  firm  iron  stand.  Close  behind  it, 
upon  an  independent  stand,  was  a  clock, 
carrying  upon  the  bob  of  its  pendulum  an 
illuminated  disc,  of  diameter  nearly  equal 
to  the  breadth  of  the  tail  of  the  invariable 


pendulum ;  and  between  the  two  pendulums 
was  a  chink  or  opening  of  two  plates  of 
metal,  which  admitted  of  adjustment,  and 
was  opened  very  nearly  to  the  same  breadth 
as  the  disc.  To  view  these,  a  telescope  was 
fixed  in  a  wall,  and  the  observer  was  seated 
in  another  room.  When  the  invariable  pen- 
dulum and  the  clock  pendulum  pass  the 
central  points  of  ribration  at  the  same  in- 
stant,  the  invariable  pendulum  hides  the 
illuminated  disc  as  it  passes  the  chink,  and 
it  is  not  seen  at  all.  At  other  times  it  is 
seen  in  passing  the  chink.  The  observa- 
tion, then,  of  this  disappearance  determines 
a  coincidence  with  great  precision.  Suppose 
the^  next  coincidence  occurs  after  400 
seconds.  Then  the  invariable  pendulum 
(swinging  moro  slowly),  has  lost  exactly 
two  swings  upon  the  clock  pendulum,  or 
the  proportion  of  its  swings  to  those  of  the 
clock  pendulum  is  898  :  400.  If  an  error 
of  a  second  has  been  committed,  the  pro- 
portion is  only  altered  to  397  :  399,  which 
differs  by  an  almost  insignificant  quantity. 
Thus  the  observation,  in  itself  extremely 
rude,  gives  results  of  very  great  accuracy. 
As  the  proportion  of  invariahle-pendulum- 
Bwings  to  clock-pendulum-swings  is  thus 
found,  and  as  the  olock-pendulum-swings 
in  any  required  time  are  counted  by  the 
clock  dial,  the  corresponding  number  of  in- 
variable-pendulum-swings  is  at  once  found. 
Corrections  are  then  required  for  the  ex- 
pansion of  the  metal  (depending  on  the 
therntometer-reading),  for  the  arc  of  vibra- 
tion, and  for  the  buoyancy  in  air  (depend, 
ing  on  the  barometer  reading). 

But  when  the  corrected  proportion  of 
upper-inyariable-pendulum-swings  to  up- 
per-clock-pendulum-swings  is  found,  and 
the  proportion  of  lower-invariable-pendu- 
lum  -  swings  to  lower  -  clock  -  pendulum- 
swings  is  found,  there  is  yet  another  thing 
required,  namely,  the  proportion  of  upper- 
clock-pendulum-swings  to  lower-  ctoek- 
pendulum-swings  in  the  same  time ;  or,  in 
other  words,  the  proportion  of  the  clock 
rates.  It  was  for  this  that  the  galvanic 
signals  were  required.  A  galranometer 
was  attached  to  each  clock,  and  an  appara- 
tus was  provided  in  a  small  auxiliary  clock, 
which  completed  a  circuit  at  every  16 
seconds  nearly.  The  wire  of  this  circuit, 
passing  from  a  imali  battery  through  the 
auxiliary  clock,  then  went  through  the 
upper  galvanometer,  then  passed  down  the 
shaft  of  the  mine  to  the  lower  galvano- 
meter,  and  then  returned  to  the  battery. 
At  each  galvanometer  there  was  a  small 
apparatus  for  breaking  circuit.  At  times 
previously  arranged,  the  circuit  was  com- 
pleted by  this  apparatus  at  both  stations, 
and  then  It  was  the  duty  of  the  observers  at 
both  stations  to  note  the  elock  times  of  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  FLOW  OF  WATER  THBOUGH  PIPES  AND  OBIFIGBS. 


177 


same  signals;  and  these  eYidently  give 
comparisons  of  the  clocks,  and  therefore 
give  the  means  of  comparing  their  rates. 
Thus  (by  steps  previously  explained),  the 
number  of  swings  made  by  the  upper  pen- 
dulum is  compared  with  the  number  of 
swings  made  in  the  same  time  by  the  lower 
pendulum. 

Still  the  result  is  not  complete,  because 
it  may  be  influenced  by  the  peculiarities  of 
each  pendulum.  In  order  to  overcome 
these,  after  pendulum  A  had  been  used 
above  and  pendulum  B  below,  they  were 
reversed ;  pendulum  B  being  observed 
above  and  A  below ;  and  this,  theoretically, 
completes  the  operation.  But  in  order  to 
insure  that  the  pendulum  received  no  in- 
jury in  the  interchange,  it  is  desirable  again 
to  repeat  the  experiments  with  A  above  and 
B  below,  and  again  with  B  above  and  A 
below. 

In  this  manner  the  pendulums  were  ob- 
served  with  104  hours  of  incessant  obser. 
vations,  simultaneous  at  both  stations,  A 
above  and  B  below ;  then  with  104  hours, 
B  above  and  A  below  ;  then  with  60  hours, 
A  above  and  B  below ;  then  with  60  hours, 
B  above  and  A  below.  And  2454  effective 
signals  were  observed  at  each  station. 

The  result  is,  that  the  pendulums  suffered 
no  injury  in  their  changes;  and  that  the 
acceleration  of  the  pendulum  on  being 
earried  down  1260  feet  is  2|  seconds  per 
day,  or  that  gravity  is  increased  by  Tvinr 
part. 

It  does  not  appear  likely  that  this  deter- 
mination can  be  sensibly  in  error.  The 
circumstances  of  experiment  were,  in  all 
respects,  extremely  favourable;  the  only 
element  of  constant  error  seems  to  be  that 
(in  consequence  of  the  advanced  season  of 
the  year)  the  upper  station  was  cooler  by 
V  than  the  lower  station,  and  the  tempera, 
ture  reductions  are  therefore  liable  to  any 
uncertainty  which  may  remain  on  the  cor- 
rection  for  7^  The  redactions  employed 
were  those  deduced  by  Sabine  from  direct 
experiment,  and  their  uncertainty  must  be 
very  smalL 

If  a  calculation  of  the  earth's  mean  den. 
sity  were  based  upon  the  determination  just 
given,  using  the  simple  theory  to  which 
allusion  is  made  above,  it  would  be  found  to 
be  between  six  times  and  seven  times  the 
density  of  water.  But  it  is  necessary  yet  to 
■take  into  account  the  deficiency  of  matter 
in  the  valley  of  the  Tyne,  in  the  hollow  of 
Jarrow  Slake,  and  on  the  sea-coast.  It  is 
also  necessary  to  obtain  more  precise  deter- 
minations of  the  specific  gravities  of  the 
rocks  about  Harton  colliery  than  have  yet 
been  procured.  Measures  are  in  progess 
for  supplying  all  these  deficiencies.  It 
seems  probable  that  the  resulting  number 


for  the  earth's  density  will  probably  be 
diminished  by  these  more  accurate  esti- 
mations. 


ON  THE  FLOW  OF  WATER 
THROUGH  PIPES  AND  ORIFICES. 

At  the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  on 
Tuesday,  February  13th,  the  evening  was 
entirely  devoted  to  the  consideration  of  Mr. 
Leslie's  paper  on  the  above  subject,  pub- 
lished in  our  last  Number. 

In  the  discussion,  when  moving  a  vote  of 
thanks  to  the  author  for  his  interesting 
paper,  it  was  stated  to  be  only  due  to  his 
position  in  the  profession,  to  direct  his  at- 
tention to  certain  points  which  appeared  to 
require  revision,  before  the  paper  was 
printed.  The  paper  might  be  divided  into 
two  heads ;  1st.  As  to  the  accuracy  of  the 
experiments  themselves;  and,  2nd.  As  to 
the  extent  to  which  they  might  be  considered 
as  a  test  of  the  accuracy  of  the  formula  of 
Du  Buat.  With  regard  to  the  experiments, 
in  the  cases  of  low  velocities  and  flat  gra- 
dients, due  precautions  did  not  appear  to 
have  been  taken  for  guarding  against  ob- 
structious,  especially  from  the  effect  of  the 
accumulation  of  air.  For  instance,  in  the 
second  series  of  experiments,  with  a  pipe 
600  feet  long,  it  was  obvious  that  the  results 
could  not  be  relied  upon.  In  experiment  1 , 
with  a  gradient  of  1  in  2,000,  the  flow  of 
water  was  stated  as  *824S,  whereas  in  the 
preceding  series  of  experiments  the  flow  was 
stated  to  be  '7407,  with  a  flatter  gradient  of 
1  in  2,891.  In  experiment  5,  of  the  second 
series,  the  flow  was  suted  to  be  2*18,  with  a 
gradient  of  1  in  220 ;  whereas  in  the  pre- 
ceding  series,  in  experiment  8,  the  flow  was 
stated  to  be  8*  with  a  gradient  of  1  in  230. 
These  were  examples  of  the  discrepancies, 
more  or  less  pervading  the  whole  of  the  ex- 
periments of  the  class. 

With  regard  to  the  test  of  the  formula  of 
Du  Buat,  the  author  had  adopted  a  formula, 
which  omitted  from  it  all  those  corrections 
which  were  introduced  by  Du  Buat,  with 
the  express  view  of  meeting  the  case  under 
consideration.  On  applying  Du  Buat's 
formula  to  the  author's  experiments,  the 
alleged  discrepancies  were,  however,  re- 
duced ;  for  instance,  in  experiment  1,  flrst 
series,  in  place  of  being  as  4  to  1,  they  were 
only  about  2^  to  1.  In'  experiment  2,  in 
place  of  being  2  to  1,  they  were  as  8  to  2 ; 
and  in  experiment  4,  in  place  of  a  discre- 
pancy, as  represented,  of  about  8  to  2,  the 
results  were  nearly  identical. 

Referring  to  the  experiments  by  Mr. 
Previa,  quoted  from  the  **  Trans.  Inst. 
C.E.,"  vol.  il,  the  author  had  omitted,  in 
the  deductions,  to  allow  for  the  head  due  to 
the  velocity  generated  in  the  pipes.    That 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


178 


:  THE  FLOW  OF  WATEB  THROUOH  FIPBi  ijn>  0BIFICB8. 


aUowanoe  being  made,  and  the  oorreot  for^ 
mala  applied,  the  remits  were  identioal  with 
those  of  Du  Bust ;  affording  a  strong  con- 
firmation of  the  accuracy  of  Du  Buat,  not 
only  as  regards  the  formula,  but  also  as  to 
the  experiments  upon  which  that  formula 
was  based. 

While  on  that  subject,  as  there  appeared 
to  be  at  present  a  strong  tendency  on  the 
part  of  public  boards  to  invalidate  esta- 
blished rormulse,  and  to  introduce  others 
affording  larger  results,  the  attention  of  all 
who  desired  to  investigate  the  subject  was 
directed  to  the  article  **  Theory  of  Rivers,'* 
in  Dr.  Robison's  "Mechanical  Philo- 
sophy," vol.  ii.,  page  388.  By  an  attentive 
perusal  of  the  article,  they  would  not  only 
be  confiimed  in  their  faith  in  the  experi- 
ments and  formulas  of  Dn  Buat,  but  they 
would  be  satisfied  how  little  practical  result 
depended  upon  whether,  in  point  of  fact,  the 
fiow  of  water  was  under-stated,  even  to  the 
extent  of  20  per  cent. ;  for  instance,  in  a 
culvert  of  100  inches  diameter,  such  a  dis- 
crepancy would  not  infiuence  its  dimensions 
to  the  extent  of  7)  per  cent,  nor  the  cost  of 
construction  probably  to  the  half  of  that  per 
centage.  In  fact,  practically,  below  the 
margm  allowed  by  all  careful  engineers  for 
contingencies  that  could  not  be  estimated* 
And  after  reading  and  understanding  the 
article,  they  would  appreciate  the  sentence. 
"We  must  understand  their  motions,  ana 
their  mode  of  secret,  slow,  but  unceasing 
action,  thst  our  bridges,  our  wharfs,  our 
dykes,  may  not  become  heaps  ofruiD.  Igno- 
rant how  to  proceed  in  these  daily-recurring 
cases,  how  often  do  we  see  projects  of  high 
expectation  and  heavy  expense  fail  of  their 
object,  leaving  the  state  burdened  with  works 
not  only  useless,  but  frequently  hurtful  1 " 

This  quotation  derived  peculiar  signifi- 
cance from  certain  facts  attending  the  publi- 
cation of  a  pamphlet,  proceeding  from  one 
of  the  recently  appointed  Metropolitan  Com- 
missioners of  Sewers,  and  purporting  to  be 
a  "  Memorandum  on  the  Data  employed  in 
Determining  the  Sizes  and  Estimating  the 
Cost  of  the  Works  designed  for  the  Main 
Drainage  of  the  Metropolis,"  in  which  it 
was  stated : — "  De  Prony's  formula,  applied 
to  this  latter  class  of  cases,  gives  results 
which,  as  Claudel  sUtes  ('  Formulet,'  p.  110), 
deviate  in  some  instances  from  the  truth  by 
no  less  than  29  per  cent."  But  in  reality, 
on  reference  to  the  authority  there  quoted, 
it  appeared  that  no  such  passage  existed, 
and  the  inference  was  entirely  unsup- 
ported. 

It  was  pointed  out,  that  if  several  miles 
of  huge  sewers  in  the  metropolis  were  con- 
structed of  too  large  dimensions,  there  might 
be  an  extra  expenditure  of  5  or  10  per  oent, 
but  if,  by  the  adoption  oS  empirioal  and 


inoorrect  fortonlas,  their  dimeAsions  were 
unduly  restricted,  the  whole  system  might 
be  a  failure,  and  the  expenses  induced  would 
be  enormous. 

On  this  point  it  was  remarked,  that  the 
formulas  published  by  autliority,  and  in- 
sisted on  by  the  Board  of  Health,  gave 
results  differing  very  considerably  from 
those  of  accepted  practised  experimenters, 
and  men  of  admitted  scientific  attainments 
and  mathematical  knowledge  t  it  would  be 
deairable,  therefore,  to  ascertain  how  and 
by  whom  these  modem  experiments  had 
been  made,  in  order  to  be  assured  as  to  th« 
degree  of  credence  to  be  accorded  to  the 
results. 

It  was  thus  elicited  that  the  experiments 
referred  to,  although  generally  suted  to  have 
been  made  for  the  Metropolitan  Commis. 
sloners  of  Sewers,  and  actually  undertaken 
by  a  committee  composed  of  genUemen  at 
that  time  forming  part  of  the  Commission, 
and  the  expense,  amounting  to  upwards  of 
£7,000,  being  paid  from  that  offioe,  yet  thai 
no  complete  records  of  the  proceedings  could 
be  found  in  the  archives  of  the  Commission* 
nor  had  any  official  report  been  presented 
relative  to  the  experiments,  which  had  been 
chiefly  made  by  a  person  who  was  not  an 
engineer  by  profession,  nor  a  man  of  soien. 
tiflo  attainmenta,  but  who  was  a  foreman  or 
clerk  of  works  on  some  small  contracts  for 
sewers.  A  careful  examination  of  the  de- 
tails of  the  experiments  showed,  ooncliu 
sively,  that  they  had  been  itutituted  and  pirp^ 
tecuted  bjf  pertom  entirdy  ignonuU  ^tke 
tetenee  qf  hydrauUoi,  and,  as  a  natural  eon- 
sequence,  that  the  results  were  utterly 
worthless  for  all  practical  parposee,  and 
moreover,  that  such  as  they  were,  they  had 
evidently  been  tampered  with  and  perverted, 
apparenUy  with  the  object  of  fitting  them  to 
preconceived  theories;  thus  the  exteisivo 
circulation  of  deductions  from  these  falla. 
cious  experiments  had  diffaaed  error,  and 
would,  if  persevered  in,  obstruct  the  progress 
of  sound  engineering  in  all  matters  con- 
nected  with  the  drainage  and  supply  of 
water  to  towns  in  this  country. 

In  the  course  of  the  discussion  it  was 
further  elicited  that  the  formula  which  the 
author  had  employed  was  not  the  formula 
of  Du  Bust,  nor  was  it  <ipplicable  to  the 
case  of  very  low  veloeities,  hi  which  the 
adhesion  of  the  water  to  the  sides  of  the 
pipe  would  produce  a  yery  sensible  retarda- 
tive  efibot  The  formula  used  was,  in  point 
of  fact,  a  special  modification  of  Eytelwein'a 
formula,  and  did  not  comprehend  in  its 
terms  this  cause  of  resistance.  Dn  Boat's 
formula,  on  the  contrary,  did  inoludo-tho 
resistance  by  adhesion,  and  also  Uiat  of  vio- 
oidity,  and  was  of  the  following  form,  whoa 
reduced  to  Snglish  inches : 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  FLOW  09  WATE9  THBOUaH  PIPES  AND  OBIFIOES. 


179 


ao7(V  3^0-1)1 

r= 0-3  (yrf-01) 


v^-L  ^s  +  ve 

d  being  the  hydraulic  mean  depth,  a  the  de* 
nominator  of  the  fraction  expreaaing  the 
alope  or  gradient,  and  L  the  hyperbolic 
logarithm  of  the  quantity  to  which  it  was 
prefixed* 

This  formula  gMe  ralues  much  more 
nearly  approaching  the  reanlta  of  the  au- 
thor'i  experiment^  with  minute  heads  and 
low  Tclocities,  than  the  formula  employed 
by  him  ;  bat  it  was  leas  exact  than  the  still 
more  elaborate  formula  of  Dr.  Thomas 
Young,  published  in  the  Philosophical 
Transactions  ibr  1808,  which  afforded  cor- 
rect reaulta  on  pipes  even  so  small  as  the 
^frrd  part  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  with 
velocities  of  only  one-fourth  of  an  inch  per 
second.    This  formula  was  of  the  form 

essaie^-l-aeii 
d  d 

in  which  a  and  e  were  exceedingly  com- 
plicated  fonetions  of  the  diameter,  each 
iuTolTing  four,  or  five  tenns«  For  all  prac- 
tical purposes,  beweYer,  the  formula  of 
Eytelwein,  Prony,  Poneelet,  or  Hawksley, 
might  be  used  almost  with  indifference. 
The  last-raentioned  was  the  result  of  an  in- 
dependent investigation,  had  been  fire- 
quently  Tcriiled  on  a  large  scale,  and  in 
addition  was  better  adapted  for  mental 
calculation  In  the  practical  operations  of 
engineers.    This  formula  was :— 


V=JV- 


h  d 


L  +  IM 


or  more  exactly— '77 /i^. 


h  d 


L  +  lt<f 

V  being  the  Telocity  in  yards  per  second,  L 
the  length  in  yards,  h  the  active  head  in 
inches,  d  the  diameter  in  inches,  and  the 
co-efficient  X\  the  divisor  when  L  vanished 
into  a  tubulated  orifice. 

It  was  also  shown,  that  the  results  of  Mr. 
Leslie's  experiments,  instead  of  being  at 
variance  with  received  formuls,  were  sin- 
gularly consistent  with,  and  eonfirmatoiy  of 
those  fonuttls;  and  this  whether  as  re- 
garded pipes,  orifices,  sluices,  or  weirs. 

The  discharge  by  the  Dimdee  Conduit 
differed  scarcely  at  all  from  theory,  while 
the  discharge  by  the  Edinburgh  pipes  fell 
short  of  theory,  only  just  so  much  as  waa 
due  to  age  and  corrosion.  So  also  the  ex- 
periments through  sluices  and  orer  notch- 
boards  gave  co-effioienta  almost  identical 
with  theory ;  therefore  it  was  incumbent  on 
the  meetiog,  in  returning  thanks  to   the 


Author  for  his  raluable  contribution,  to 
request  that  he  would  undertake  to  revise 
the  tables  of  co-efficients,  and  then  to 
bring  the  subject  again  under  the  notice  of 
the  Institution. 

Great  importance  was  attached  to  the 
communication,  at  the  present  juncture,  in 
consequence  of  the  repeated  attacks  which 
had  been  made  by  certain  public  Boarda 
and  unlearned  members  of  local  bodies,  on 
the  present  advanced  state  of  hydraulio 
science,  with  the  view  of  carrying  out 
visionary  schemes  of  their  own  creation,  or 
of  arresting  proposed  improvements  of  vast 
importance  to  the  community.  Particular 
attention  was  drawn  to  the  very  inaccurate 
experiments,  and  still  more  inaccurate  con- 
clusions of  the  Trial  Works  Committee  of 
the  late  Metropolitan  Commissioners  of 
Sewers,  used  and  extensively  promulgated 
by  the  late  General  Board  of  Health,  which» 
it  was  feared,  coming,  as  they  did,  from  a 
Government  authori^,  were  not  even  yet 
sufficiently  eradicated  from  the  public 
mind}  and  also  to  the  evil  consequenoes 
which  had  resulted,  a&d  still  continued  to 
result,  from  the  suspension  of  the  drainage 
of  the  Metropolis,  while  siieeessive  Boards 
of  Commissioners  appointed  by  Goveni- 
ment,  were  debating  amongst  themselves 
trivial  questions,  as  to  whether  this,  or  that 
formula  ahould  be  used  in  the  calculations 
of  their  engineer,  or  whether  water  would 
run  faster  through  a  cylinder  made  of  one 
kind  of  material,  or  of  another  kind  of 
material.  In  these  respects  Mr.  Leslie's 
experiments  were  most  valuable,  because 
they  confimed  the  conclusions  of  all  prac- 
ticidly  scientific  men,  that  the  accepted 
formuls?  sufficiently  well  represented  actual 
results,  and  that  the  velocity  of  water  waa 
the  same,  whatever  were  the  materials  over 
which  it  happened  to  flow. 

On  behalf  of  the  Author  of  the  Paper,  it 
was  remarked,  with  respect  to  the  alleged 
discrepancies  in  the  second  series  of  experi- 
ments, that  Instead  of  impugning  the 
resulu,  they  rather  proved  the  honesty  of 
the  recorda,  and  demonstrated  their  useful 
character,  whilst  they  pointed  out  the  diffi- 
culties to  be  encountered  in  making  accu*. 
rate  hydraulic  experiments,  and  where  fail- 
ures might  be  anticipated  in  their  appliea* 
tion  to  engineering  practice. 

In  reference  to  the  formula  commonly 
used  for  the  discharge  of  pipea,  it  waa  con- 
tended, that  the  rules  adopted  by  Prony, 
Eytelwein,  Poneelet,  and  others,  were  idl 
substantially  the  same,  varying  only  in  the 
constant  for  friction,  46*6  being  the  lowest* 
and  60*  the  highest  constant  for  feet  per 
second,  now  more  commonly  used  and 
referred  to  as  Du  Buat's  in  the  Author's 
Paper ;  but  it  was  farther  contended,  that 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


180 


BETHUNE'S  IMPBOYEMENTS  in  8TEAH  NAVIGATION. 


the  formala  of  Du  Bust  provided  for  the 
varying  diameter  of  pipes,  and  also  for  the 
reduction  of  discharge  hy  the  loss  of  head 
required  for  overcoming  friction,  at  flat 
rates  of  inclination,  in  a  manner  similar  to, 
but  much  more  complicated,  than  the  plan 
proposed  in  the  paper. 

The  conclusions  of  DuBuatand  of  Bossut, 
a  previous  writer,  were  founded  on  experi- 
ments  detailed  in  a  scientific  paper  by  M. 
Couplet,  the  engineer  of  the  Versailles  water, 
works,  in  the  year  17S2  ;  and  those  experi- 
ments were  confirmed  in  a  remarkable  man- 
ner by  the  large  practical  conclusions  given 
in  the  Author's  Paper. 

It  was  maintained,  that  tlie  conclusions 
of  all  mathematical  writers  of  the  present 
century  were  based  on  the  formula  of  Du 
Buat;  that  Prony,  Eytelwein,  Poncelet, 
Robison  and  the  elder  Leslie,  as  well  as  the 
engineers  of  the  present  day,  had  all  agreed 
in  practice,  in  omitting  the  more  compli. 
cated  part  of  Du  Buat' s  formula ;  in  verifica- 
tion of  this,  ft  table  was  given,  showing 
comparisons  of  the  French  experiments 
from  1732,  down  to  those  recently  made  by 
the  Author,  and  exhibiting  the  most  strik- 
ing coincidences,  of  theory  with  practice ; 
the  variations  for  praotical  purposes  in  the 
different  rules  being  small,  and  the  cor- 
rection proposed  by  the  Author  affording 
an  excellent  application  of  the  principles 
adopted  by  Du  Buat,  for  providing  the  most 
ample  allowance  in  extreme  cases,  such  as 
all  engineers  must  meet  with  in  hydraulic 
operations. 

BETHUNE'S    IMPROVEMENTS    IN 

STEAM  NAVIGATION. 

To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechaniet*  Magazine, 

Sir, — A  friend  having  this  day  put  into 
my  h^nd  your  Magasine  of  the  3rd  instant, 
containing  an  article,  signed  "  J.  C,"  con- 
demning, in  no  measured  terms,  my  article 
upon  **  Improvements  in  Steam  Naviga- 
tion," which  appeared  in  the  Journal  of  the 
Society  €f  Arte,  I  beg  to  solicit  space  in  ypur 
valuable  Magazine  to  reply  to  an  attack  full 
of  bitterness  and  injustice. 

It  is  generally  observable,  that  what  is 
wanting  in  argument  or  proof,  in  attacks  of 
the  nature  of  that  by  "  J.  C."  is  made  up 
by  bold  assertion  and  reckless  vituperation  ; 
and  instead  of  showing  the  defects  of  my 
plan  of  constructing  iron  steamers  which 
shall  hsve  a  "  guaranteed  speed  of  17  knots 
an  hour,"  "  J.  C."  contente  himself  with 
expressing  his  own  opinion  upon  the  sub. 
jeet,  and  with  the  remark,  "  I  wonder  who 
the  prudent  builder  is  who  would  undertake 
such  a  contract." 

Let  me  inform  "J.  C."  that  there  is  not 


only  one  eminent  ship-building-firm  who 
will  enter  into  "  such  a  contract,"  but  two 
at  least ;  and  for  his  information,  I  take  Uio 
liberty  of  giving  an  extract  from  the  letter 
of  one  of  those  firms,  which  may  not  be 
uninteresting  to  your  readers  generally,  as 
well  as  to  "J.  C.'» 

Alluding  to  a  steamer  upon  my  plan,  for 
river  navigation,  and  which  shall  have 
strength  and  etahiUty  sufficient  to  cross  the 
Atlantic  in  summer,  they  say,  "We  will 
build  you  a  steamer  (giving  the  dimensions, 
&c.),  guaranteeing  her  speed  at  twenty-five 
miles  an  hour ;  failing  which,  we  will  return 
any  money  paid  to  account,  with  interest, 
and  keep  the  boat.  And  we  consider  a 
steamer  similar  to  what  you  propose  (with 
alterations  in  dimensions,  scantling,  and 
power)  will  steam  across  the  Atlantic  in 
ordinary  weatlier  in  eeven  days,  and  be  per- 
fectly safe  and  seaworthy."  This  steamer 
is  to  have  sUte-rooms  for  206  cabin  pas- 
sengers, and  to  carry  at  least  500  deck  pas- 
sengers and  80  tons  of  merchandise,  and  be 
perfectly  stifil 

As  such  a  speed  as  is  here  guaranteed  has 
never  been  attained  in  this  countiY,  I  pre- 
sume the  candid  reader  will  say,  that  if  my 
plan  can  produce  such  results,  it  must  be 
far  in  advance  of  any  that  has  yet  been 
adopted.  That  it  can  produce  those  resulta, 
an  eminent  and  responsible  ship-building 
firm  offer  their  guarantee. 

Another  eminent  ship  -  building  firm, 
speaking  of  an  ocean  steamer  upon  my  plan, 
say,  "  We  shall  have  no  difficulty  in  accom- 
plishing the  speed  you  anticipate,  viz.,  18 
knota  or  21  miles  an  hour ;  indeed  the  re- 
sulta already  obtained  by  the  Banshee — 18| 
miles  per  hour — were  nu)re  difficult  of  ac- 
complishment than  18  knota  or  21  miles  an 
hour  will  be  with  yours ;  the  form  and  di- 
mensions in  your  case  being  so  far  prefer- 
able. There  is,  in  fact,  no  doubt  of  the  me- 
chanical result  at  all." 

It  is  very  easy  to  assert  that  a  vessel  upon 
my  plan  will  have  greater  depth  than  ordi- 
nary vessels  ;  but  the  truth  is,  that  it  will  be 
fully  one-third  less,  except  at  the  centre, 
and  there  it  will  not  exceed  the  depth  of 
long  steamers.  Cannot  "J.  C.,'  discover 
that  by  diminishing  the  depth  forward  and 
aft,  and  placing  the  strength  of  the  ship  in 
the  right  place — the  present  fbrm  of  build- 
ing vessels  being  the  weakest  imaginable — 
great  weight  of  material  is  saved  ?  Cannot 
he  discover  that  less  weight  of  material 
and  greater  length  will  have  the  effect  of 
diminishing  the  draught  of  water  ?  Cannot 
he  imagine  that  i}^e  models  in  general  use 
at  present  need  not  be  adopted  ?  and  that 
another  may  be  adopted  which  shall  lessen 
the  draught  of  water,  while  it  gives  lines 
far  superior  to  those  of  any  steamer  afloat  7 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  SMOKE  QUESTION. 


181 


Allow  me  to  gWo  an  extract  from  a  letter 
of  A  well-known  captain,  and  who  has  had 
▼eiy  great  experience  in  the  sailing  and 
construction  of  some  of  the  hest  steamers  in 
the  kingdom :  "  I  have  no  hesitation  in 
stating  Uiat  the  model  and  lines  of  a  Tcssel 
yon  showed  me  are  the  tery  thing  that  is 
required  to  ensure  great  speed  and  com- 
fort" "  Your  plan  would  make  the  route 
such  Teasels  are  placed  on  preferable  to  any 
other.  I  have  often  thought  of  the  plan  of 
fatUmng  you  propose,  and  am  satiMfied  qfthe 
tirengih," 

Here,  then,  we  have  on  one  side  the 
opinions  of  practical  men  who  have  seen 
my  plan,  approving  of  it  in  the  strongest 
manner;  and  on  the  other  we  have  the 
assertion  of  a  nameless  writer,  of  whose 
experience  we  have  no  knowledge,  and  who 
has  not  seen  my  models  and  drawings. 
Which  are  entitled  to  the  greatest  conside- 
ration, I  shall  not  stop  to  inquire.  It  must 
be  borne  in  mind,  that  my  patent  is  not  for 
improved  lines,  but  for  an  improved  mode 
of  fastening  or  strengthening  steam  ships, 
which  enable  me  to  improve  their  shape  and 
speed.  The  public  will,  I  apprehend,  hardly 
think  those  improvements  "intrinsically 
worthless"  which  have  the  approval  of  men 
of  great  practical  ability,  and  wno  are  willing 
to  back  their  opinion  by  a  guarantee  such 
as  they  have  named.  As  my  connection 
with  steamers  dates  back  to  the  year  1830, 
and  has  continued  to  the  present  time, 
having  been  the  owner  of  nearly  a  dozen, 
it  is  probable  I  can  boast  of  an  experience 
at  least  equal  to  that  of  your  correspondent, 
"  J.  C."  Let  me  hope  that  he  will  at  least 
have  tbe  candour  to  admit  that  his  opinions 
of  the  value  of  an  improvement  approved  by 
eminent  practical  men,  and  whose  letters 
caa  be  seen  at  any  time  by  persons  desirous 
of  availing  themselves  of  the  improvement, 
may  be  wrong,  and  that  he  may  have  in- 
dieted  an  injury  by  a  hasty  and  unjust  cri- 
ticism which  he  must  regret. 
I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

D.  Bethune. 

London,  Feb.  15,  1855. 


TUBULAR  STEAM  BOILERS. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Meehames*  Magazine, 

Sir, — I  think  that  in  Mr.  Wright's  paper, 
on  '*  Tubular  Steam  Boilers,"  atpageyT,  in 
your  Magazine,  there  are  one  or  two  mis- 
takes; such  as,  ''The  vapour  containing 
the  heat  may  be  carried  too  quickly  over 
the  heating  suiface,"  and  that  this  "  appears 
to  have  been  overlooked  in  the  first  con- 
structed tubular  boilers." 

Mr.  W.  forgets  that  speed  was  and  is 
given    to    the    heated  vapour,  or    to  the 


draught,  to  intensify  the  heat.  It  will  be 
found  that  by  continuing  to  pass  the  finger 
through  a  flame,  an  increase  of  temperature 
is  gradually  experienced,  till  the  heat  of  the 
flame  is  fully  attained ;  no  matter  what  the 
speed  is  at  which  the  finger  moves.  This 
experiment  is  the  best  argument  in  disproof 
of  Mr.  W.'s  suggestion,  that  "  it  might,  per- 
haps, be  possible  to  convey  vapour  contain- 
ing a  considerable  amount  of  heat  so  rapidly 
over  a  surface  as  that  no  perceptible  heat 
should  be  transferred." 

In  his  example  of  a  boiler  requiring 
100  feet  heating  surface,  with  long  or  short 
tubes,  he  overlooks  the  laws  of  the  motion 
of  fluids ;  from  what  follows,  I  should  say 
he  means  that  if  long  tubes  are  used,  there 
would  be  eight  of  3-inch  diameter,  and 
16  feet  long ;  and  if  short  ones,  say  8  feet 
long,  twelve  tubes,  with  double  the  area  of 
opening.  In  the  latter,  and  not  in  his  sup- 
posed  case,  would  the  velocity  of  the  heated 
vapour  in  the  long  tubes  be  double  that  in 
the  short  ones,  as  the  velocity  of  fluids  ia 
inversely  as  the  area  of  the  orifices.  With 
regard  to  the  loosening  of  the  tubes,  I 
would  inquire,  who  could  be  surprised  at  it, 
when  the  tube,  the  plate,  and  the  ferrule  are 
composed  of  three  different  materials,  all  of 
different  rates  of  expansion  by  heat? 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Y. 


ON  THE  SMOKE  QUESTION. 
To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanic^  Magazine. 

Sir, — Having,  in  my  last,  explained  what 
I  considered  as  misapprehensions  on  the 
part  of  Mr.  Baddeley,  I  have  now  to  notice 
another,  and  for  which  I  can  only  account 
by,  perhaps,  his  not  considering  my  letter 
as  requiring  a  more  attentive  reading. 

Mr.  Baddeley  has  quoted  several  passages 
Arom  my  published  treatise  on  the  Combus- 
tion of  Coal,  in  which  I  relied  on  the  iden- 
tity in  principle  and  effect  between  my  mode 
of  introducing  air  to  the  gat  generated  in 
a  furnace,  and  that  of  introducing  the  got  to 
the  air  in  the  Argand  gas-burner.  Mr.  Bad- 
deley  then  observes—"  Why  Mr.  Williams 
is  now  so  desirous  of  ignoring  the  name  of 
Argand,  after  so  long  and  exclusive  use,  I 
cannot  imagine."  Where  it  is  that  I  have 
ignored  the  name  of  "  Argand,"  or  have 
thus  said  the  reverse  of  what  I  mean,  I  can- 
not discover.  Certainly  not  in  the  letter 
referred  to  by  Mr.  Baddeley.  So  far,  in. 
deed,  from  doing  so,  every  word  I  have 
written  shows  my  claim  to  rest  on  this :  that 
I  saw,  and  reduced  to  practice,  on  the  large 
scale  of  the  furnace,  the  principle  which 
makes  the  so-called  Argand  gat'lmmer  effec- 
tive on  the  small  scale  of  the  lamp. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC  


182 


ON  OEBB  BMOKB  aT7S8IIOM« 


Mr.  Btddeloy  miut  have  OTerlooked  the 
meaning  of  the  peasage  in  my  letter,  whieh 
he  haa  auoted,  aeeing  that  he  haa  giren  but 
one-half  the  short  sentence,  omitting  the 
other  half,  and  to  which  my  objection  re* 
ferred ;  for  I  do  not  suspect  him  of  having 
hitentionally  misquoted  or  garbled.  The 
passage  was  aa  follows,  the  words  in  Itilioa 
being  those  omitted  by  Mr.  Baddeley : 

**  Mr.  Baddeley  obserToa,  Mr.  Williams 
haa  admitted  the  principle  of  perforated  air. 
distributors  had  originated  with  Mr.  Argand, 
toko  appUed  that  principle  to  tk$  weUJtnqum 
lamp  that  bear*  hie  name»**  I  then  went  on 
to  say^-'*  I  have  made  no  sueh  admission, 
aa  Argand  did  not  apply  that  principle  to 
the  lamp.  In  truth,  he  made  no  attempt  of 
the  kind.*' 

I  here  then  repeat,  that  so  far  from  mak- 
ing Buoh  an  admission,  I  distinctly  deny 
either  that  "  the  principle  of  the  perforated 
air-dietrihmteri  originated  with  Mr.  Argand,*' 
or  that  *'he  applied  that  principle  to  the 
lamp  that  bears  hia  name."  In  truth,  the 
▼ery  use  of  gaa  waa  unknown  when  Argand 
invented  liia  oil-lamp  $  and  I  claim,  there- 
fore, to  be  the  first  that  applied  the  princi- 
pie,  not  of  the  Argand  oil-lamp,  but  of  the 
Argand  gfaa-bumer,  to  the  purposea  of  the 
furnace  or  the  introniuction  of  the  air.  The 
principle  and  invention  of  Argand  was  ap- 
plied to  the  use  of  oil.  This  is  well  explained 
by  Pecksten  in  his  "Treatise  on  Gas,"  and 
is  here  worth  quoting,  the  more  so  as  it  bears 
directly  on  the  amoke  question,  and  exposes 
the  error  of  the  "  smoke-bumera." 

"When  the  circumstances,"  observes 
Peeksten,  "  under  which  eonibustion  of  im- 
flammable  nuitter  is  carried  on,  are  favour- 
able, the  flame  is  perfect  and  brilliant  On 
^  the  contrary,  should  the  combustion  be  in- 
complete, part  of  the  matter  (the  carbon), 
capable  of  furnishing  light  and  heat,  wiU 
pate  eff  m  Mie^et  hence,  whenever  much 
soot  is  found,  we  may  conclude  the  body 
producing  it  haa  not  been  used  to  the  great- 
est advanuge.  The  neeeasity  of  a  prefper 
eapphf  of  air  for  supporting  oombustion  to 
advantage,  suggeated  the  idea  of  the  Argand 
lampt  the  ingenious  inventor  of  whieh  |^o- 
ceeded  on  two  principles.  First,  to  increase, 
to  the  greatest  extent,  the  surface  of  the 
wick  t  secondly,  to  increaae  the  qmantitp  of 
air  applied  to  it,  and  in  this  way,  to  pro- 
duce the  combnation  of  all  the  material  (oil) 
absorbed.  It  ia  well  known  that  the  wick 
in  the  Argand  lamp  is  thin  and  circular. 
By  this  arrangement  the  whole  of  the  mat- 
ter that  can  be  burnt  is  consumed  in  oon- 
seqnenoe  of  the  wick  being  spread  through 
a  large  surfaoe,  and  a  current  of  air  pro- 
duced by  the  glaaa  chimney  being  applied 
both  to  the  inside,  and  the  ontaide  of  this 
wick." 


Here,  the  prinoiple  of  Argand' a  oil  lamp 
is  clearly  stated,  and  its  effect  in  increasing 
the  quantity  of  air  is  also  shown.  Taia, 
however,  has  no  relation  to  the  principle  ^ 
the  "  air  distributors,"  that  principle  being, 
not  the  inereaeing  the  quantity  of  air  intra, 
dnced,  but  the  mode  of  introducing  that  quan- 
tity, and  by  which  means  heat  and  flame  are 
instantaneously  created}  whereaa,  on  the 
contrary,  a  cooling  is  produced  by  admitting 
the  same  quantity  of  air  in  maasea,  or  large 
Btreama. 

Pecksten  then  continues :  "  As  the  Argand 
(oil)  lamp,  from  which  the  idea  of  the  Ar- 
gand (gas)  burner  was  evidently  taken  (he 
does  not  say  by  whom),  is  superior  in  effect, 
so  also  great  advantage  arises  from  burn- 
ing gas  upon  a  similar  principle,"  in  the 
lamp. 

So  far,  then,  from  ignoring  the  name  of 
Argand,  I  say  ita  application  to  the  furnaoe 
waa  not  only  correct,  but  extremely  judici- 
ous and  useful,  as  it  brings  at  onoe  into 
view  the  prinoiple  on  which  it  acts,  namely, 
the  bringing  the  air  and  the  gat  together 
and  into  atomic  contact  ao  rapidly,  aa  to 
produce  the  great  desideratum — immediate 
mixture  and  diffusion  between  their  respec- 
tive particlea. 

Mr.  Baddeley  thinks  it  extraordinary  that 
I  should  disclaim  having  "given  the  name 
of  Argand  to  my  mode  of  mtroducing  the 
air."  It  would,  however,  have  been  more 
extraordinary  had  I  claimed  that  which  did 
not  belong  to  me.  That  most  appropriate 
name  waa  given  by  another  gentleman,  and 
has  iinoe  been  generally  received  and  ap. 
plied  to  the  principle  adopted  by  me.  The 
uae  of  the  term  by  Dr.  Ure  is  evidence  of 
the  fact  I  may  repeat,  that  Mr.  Baddeley'a 
mistake  haa  arisen  from  his  haaty  reading 
my  letter,  aeeing  that  he  has  overlooked  the 
other  fiict  of  my  having,  inatead  of  ignoring 
the  name,  pointedly  used  it  in  the  very  quo« 
tation  I  made  from  Profeesor  Brande,  and 
which  he  has  alluded  to.  That  quotation 
waa  as  follows :  *'  Each  jet  of  air  which  you 
admit  becomes,  at  once,  the  source  and 
centre  of  a  separate  flame  t  end  the  effeot  is 
exactly  that  of  so  man^  jets  of  inflammable 
gas  iffnited  in  the  air  [as  in  the  Argand 
bumer]t  only  you  invert  this  ordinary  state 
of  things."  Mr.  Baddeley  appears  to  have 
overlooked  the  circumstance  of  the  worda 
there  riven  in  italics  being  mine,  and  being 
placed  between  brackets,  indicating  that 
they  are  my  words,  and  not  those  of  Pro- 
fessor Brande :  thus  showing  rather  my  ad- 
herence to  the  name,  Argand,  than  ig- 
noring it  I  trust  Mr.  Bi^eley  wlU  now 
do  me  the  justice  to  believe,  that  I  could 
not  be  so  inconsistent  as  to  ignore  the  very 
term  which  I  rely  on,  as  being  suggestive  of 
the  principle  on  which  my  mode  of  intro« 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


anatnoAToaa  or  rATEMTS  BKnamT  nua>. 


18S 


daeing  die  a!r  operates  m  a  preTentiTe  of 
tlie  smoke  nuisanoe. 

I  anil  Sir,  yours,  fro., 

C.  W.  Williams. 
UTerpool,  Feb.  19,  I8S5. 

To  ihe  Editor  rf  the  Mechania*  Magazifu, 

SiRy— You  have  a  oleTor  but  pragmatieal 
oorreopondent,  who  seems  determined  to 
allow  no  one  to  differ  from  his  ideas  on 
smoke  and  combustion. 

He  insists  that  smoke  is  not  combustible, 
and  yet  a  child  who  has  only  read  "  Pin. 
nook's  Chemical  Catechismi"  could  inform 
him  that  the  etHMs  gaseous  products  of  an 
ordinary  fire  (mostly  the  vapour  of  tar), 
which  really  and  truly  eonstitute  smoke, 
pnpremtni  dH,  are  wholly  and  entirely 
combustible  in  a  practical  sense. 

Again,  your  correspondent  pooh-poohs 
the  idea  of  employing  heated  air  to  fiicuitate 
the  ignition  of  the  tmoAy  products  of  eom* 
bustion ;  but  Inflammable  gases  require  a 
oertain  degree  of  temperature  to  insure 
their  ignition,  and  it  is  evident  that  if  such 
gases  are  exaotly  at  the  temperature  re- 
quired to  inflame,  the  introduction  of  cold 
air  would  neoessarily  lower  the  temperature 
of  the  mixture  below  the'  point  of  ignition, 
and  no  combustion  would  take  place.  The 
flame  of  a  eandle  (which,  by-the-byO)  is 
nothing  but  a  pyramid  of  burning  smoke) 
may  be  almost  extinguished  by  supplying 
it  with  intensely  cold  air,  while  a  heated 
atmosphere  increases  the  calorifle  efibet  of 
burning  bodies,  exactly  in  proportion  to  the 
number  of  units  of  heat  brought  to  the 
combustible  by  the  heated  air* 

Very  positive  people  can  only  be  replied 
to  in  a  positive  manner;  therefore,  pray  tell 
your  correspondent,  that  smoke,  <.«.  the 
visible  emanations  of  a  coal  flre,  is  combus- 
tible, and  that  a  flre,  supplied  with  hot  air, 
does  produce  a  greater  calorific  effect  than 
when  the  same  fire  is  supplied  with  eold 
air,  the  increased  eflfect  being  due  to  the 
nuantity  of  caloric  previously  imparted  to 
tneair. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  fire., 

G.  H.  Palmer. 
MaxseOles,  Feb.  17, 185S. 

P.S.— It  may  interest  some  of  your 
readers  to  learn,  that  at  a  sugar  refinery  in 
this  town,  there  are  ^ight  steam  boilers,  of 
the  collective  force  of  400  horses,  the 
flurnaoes  of  which  hate  been  provided,  for 
three  or  four  ffears,  with  Juckes's  revolving 
gratea.  They  are  completely  successful, 
there  is  no  smoke,  and  small  coal  is  now 
used  where  large  was  formerly  necessary, 
the  saving  m  the  value  of  the  fuel  being 
nearly  one-h^f. 


MB.  C.  WTB  WILLIAMS   ON  COM- 

BUSTION. 

To  the  Editor  qf  the  Bfechanic^  Magazine, 

Sir', — I  am  sure  Mr.  Williams  must  have 
overlooked  my  letters  appealing  to  his  good 
faith  and  sense  of  iustice.  He  has  himself 
thrown  too  much  light  on  the  economy  of  com- 
bustion to  be  likely  to  act  the  obstructive,  or 
attempt  to  obscure  any  man's  eandle.  Stand, 
ing,  as  this  nation  now  doea,  under  a  crush- 
ing, weight  of  agony  from  the  results  of 
obstnictiveness,  fovouritism,  and  vested  in- 
terests,  the  universal  feeling  throughout  the 
land  resembles  that  of  the  condemned  at 
their  last  shift,  anxious  to  make  atonement 
by  confessing  all  their  accidents  of  omis- 
sion or  commission.  Mr.  Williams's  position, 
as  the  father  of  ocean  steam  navigation — ^for 
I  believe  it  was  under  his  auspices  that  the 
now  trifling  distance  aorosa  the  Irish  Chan- 
nel was  first  conquered  by  steam  powel^— 
raises  him  entirely  independent  over  that 
fear  of  giving  offence  m  witnessing  the 
truth,  by  which  subordinates  are  sometimes 
painfiilly  eonstrained  to  succumb ;  and  as  to 
any  reluctance  in  publicly  correcting  a 
misapprehension  which  any  one  might  have 
made,  this  feeling  does  not  enter  into  philo- 
sophic minds, — ^to  them  the  pleasure  of  pro- 
moting  valuable  truth  and  redeeming  a 
pledge  surpaases  every  other  oonsideratioo, 
I  am»  yours,  &e., 

David  Mushbt. 

P.S. — ^We  tee  by  the  Timet  last  week 
that  Mr.  Nasmyth's  wrought-iron  cannon, 
after  his  being  at  considerable  expense,  are 
stopped  in  limine^  put  in  limbo,  actually 
suspended,  like  Mahomet's  eoflin,  between 
the  Ordnance  and  the  Admiralty.  Never 
was  there  a  time  when  every  man  should  more 
lend  the  utmost  effbrts  of  his  shoulder  to  the 
wheel  of  improvement 

Feb.  14, 1856. 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Franrham,  Samuel,  of  Greenland- 
place,  Judd-street,  Middlesex,  engineer. 
An  improvement  in  the  eonstrucHon  of  fitr- 
naces.  Patent  dated  July  27,  1854.  (No. 
1667.) 

Cfalm.— Applying  to  steam-boiler  (Vir- 
naces  hollow  fire-doors,  constituting  a  sup- 
plementary steam  generator  in  connection 
with  the  main  steam  boiler. 

Jenrs,  Barton  H.,  of  Bridesburg,  Penn- 
sylvania, United  States,  manufacturer,  /m- 
proving  the  art  qf  weaving,  being  an  im- 
provement in  loomefor  weaving  fancy  fabrics, 
PAtent  dated  July  27, 1864.    (No.  1658.) 

Claims— I.  The  use  of  a  spiral  cam  in 
combination  with  a   shifting   clutch   and 


Digiti 


zed  by  Google     


184 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BECENTLY  FILED. 


leYer  for  raising  and  lowering  alternately, 
or  holding  stationary,  a  two-shelf  shuttle- 
box.  2.  A  method  of  rendering  a  pattern 
or  pin-wheel  capable  of  working  larger 
patterns  than  heretofore,  without  increasing 
its  size,  by  means  of  a  multiplier.  S.  A 
series  of  shuttle-boxes,  independent  of  the 
cheeks  of  the  lay,  and  constructed  of  mere 
shelves  connected  together  by  upright 
bars,  which  serve  also  as  guides,  or  in  any 
other  convenient  manner  so  that  it  is  a 
mere  skeleton  or  frame,  whereby  the  weight 
of  the  moving  parts  of  the  series  of  boxes 
is  materially  reduced,  and  the  changes  can 
therefore  be  safely  made  with  greater  ra- 
pidity than  heretofore,  and  the  speed  of  the 
loom  be  correspondingly  increased,  &c. 

WiCKENS,  Henry,  of  Tokenhouse-yard, 
London,  solicitor.  Improvements  in  the 
means  qf  giving  signals  on  railwaySf  and  for 
other  purposes.  Patent  dated  July  27, 1854. 
(No.  1659.) 

The  inventor' proposes  to  form  a  line  of 
communication  between  the  carriages  of  a 
train  by  .means  of  a  tube,  which  extends 
from  a  cylinder  placed  at  one  part  of  the 
train  to  another  situated  at  any  other  part, 
and  connected  with  a  whistle  or  other  sig- 
nalling instrument 

Law,  Alexander,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
iron-founder.  Improvements  in  crimes,  or 
luting  and  lotoering  apparatus.  Patent 
dated  July  27,  1854.     (No.  1661.) 

This  invention  relates  to  various  modi- 
fications of  safety  contrivances  to  be  ap- 
plied to  that  description  of  movable  derrick 
or  jib-cranes  on  which  the  barrel  of  the 
chain  for  hoisting  or  shifting  the  jib  is 
driven  in  connection  with  the  barrel  of  the 
main  hoisting  chain  or  tackle.  In  one 
modification  of  this  class  of  crane  the 
spindles  of  the  two  hoisting  barrels  carry 
spur-wheels,  and  one  drives  the  other  by 
means  of  an  intermediate  pinion.  This 
intermediate  pinion  is  carried  on  a  stud- 
pin  in  the  crane  framing:  and  ordinary 
cranes  are  so  arranged,  that  when  it  is 
necessary  to  work  the  main  hoist  inde- 
pendently of  the  jib-hoist,  the  pinion  is 
shifted  on  its  stud  out  of  gear  with  the  spur- 
wheels  of  the  two  barrels,  whilst  the  jib  is 
prevented  from  falling  by  a  pall  or  detent, 
which  is  turned  over  by  hand  and  made  to 
take  into  the  teeth  of  the  spur-wheel  on  the 
hoisting-barrel  spindle. 

Thompson,  Robert  Henby,  of  Old 
Charlton,  Kent,  engineer.  A  universal  self- 
acting  sawing  machine.  Patent  dated  July 
28,  1854.     (No.  1664.) 

This  invention  coiijiists — 1.  In  obtaining 
from  the  reciprocating  motion  of  the  saw- 
frame  any  desired  motion  of  the  saw  itself 
during  the  process  of  cutting,  so  that  the 
saws  may  travel  across  the  frame  or  gate, 


and  may  also  be  partially  turned  round; 
and,  if  required,  turned  entirely  round,  and 
thus  cut  backwards,  or  during  the  back  mo- 
tion of  the  timber.  2.  In  obtaining  any  de- 
sired side  motion  or  cant  of  the  canting, 
roll  which  supports  the  timber,  and  of  the 
dogs  which  carry  the  ends  of  the  timber,  in 
order  to  present  the  upper  surface  of  the 
wood  at  any  angular  position  with  respect 
to  the  saws.  We  shall,  probably,  give  an 
illustrated  description  of  this  inventlcm 
hereafter. 

Johnson,  Richard,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, wire  manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
coating  and  insulating  wire.  Patent  dated 
July  28,  1854.    (No.  1665.) 

Claim. — Coating  or  covering  wire  with 
solutions  of  gutta  percha,  caoutchouc,  tar, 
pitch,  asphaltum,  resin,  or  wax,  in  coal 
naphtha,  or  in  any  other  suitable  fluid. 

Morton,  Francis,  of  Liverpool,  Lan- 
caster, engineer  and  contractor.  Certain 
improvements  applicable  to  girders  or  rafters 
to  he  used  in  the  construction  qf  roofs,  bridges, 
buildings,  and  other  erections.  Patent  dated 
July  28,  1854.    (No.  1666.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing 
girders  or  rafters  of  main  centre  pieces, 
which  are  made  to  abut  end  for  end  against 
each  other,  and  are  strengthened  and  held 
in  their  relative  positions  by  side  pieces  or 
plates  so  as  to  form  one  rigid  girder  or 
rafter. 

Petit,  Amablb  Hippolyte,  of  Paris, 
France,  gentleman.  An  improved  mode  rf 
joining  pipes.  Patent  dated  July  28,  1854. 
(No.  1667.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  a  joint 
for  pipes  or  tubes  by  means  of  a  waaher  of 
an  elastic  or  compressible  material,  enclosed 
and  tightly  held  between  the  joints  by  an 
arrangement  of  lugs. 

Gilbertson,  James,  of  Hertford,  Herta. 
An  improvement  in  supplying  air  above  the 
fuel  in  furnaces.  Patent  dated  July  2S, 
1854.    (No.  1669.) 

This  invention  consists  in  applying  a  per- 
forated  air-tube  over  the  fuel  or  on  the  two 
sides  of  the  furnace,  extending  from  the 
front  to  or  beyond  the  bridge,  so  that  the  air 
may  be  heated  in  passing  through  it. 

aIebn,  Robert  John,  of  Liverpool, 
Lancaster,  nautical  and  optical  instrument 
maker.  Improvements  in  the  mariner*s  com- 
pass.  Patent  dated  July  29,  1854.  (No. 
1670.) 

Claims. — 1.  The  employment  of  washers  of 
bone  or  ivory  in  the  adaptation  of  an  India- 
rubber  disc-spring  to  the  cap  of  the  com- 
pass, for  the  purpose  of  preserving  the 
India-rubber  from  the  corrosive  effect  con- 
sequent  on  contact  with  metal.  2.  The 
adaptation  of  a  double  action  metallic 
spring,  or  its  equivalent,  to  the  centre  on 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECIFIGATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BEGENTLT  FILED. 


185 


which  the  compass-card  is  supported,  so  as 
to  obtain  a  spring-bearing  for  the  compass- 
card.  S.  The  adaptation  of  metallic  springs, 
or  their  equivaJent,  to  the  pivots  and 
shoulders  of  the  compass. 

Burke,  Edmund,  of  Upper  Thames* 
street,  London,  gentleman,  and  Alexander 
SouTHWooo  Stocrer,  of  the  Poultry, 
London,  mano&cturer.  Certain  inqn-ove^ 
menu  m  the  mamrfaetnre  of  metaUic  tubes 
and  snch  Uke  artieles.  Patent  dated  July  29, 
1854.    (No.  1672.) 

CUdms, — 1.  The  application  of  a  thin 
sheet  of  metal  coiled  or  lapped  around  a 
suitable  core,  mandril,  or  mould,  to  produce 
a  tube  or  other  hollow  article.  2.  Forming 
one  layer  or  series  over  another  continu- 
ously and  in  close  contact,  without  welding 
the  edges  of  the  plate  or  sheet  together,  for 
the  purpose  of  producing  a  light  and  strong 
tube  or  other  article.  3.  Galvanizing  or 
immersing  in  molten  metal,  for  the  purpose 
of  soldering  together,  massing,  or  consoli- 
dating articles  made  as  above. 

Borland,  John  Yuil,  of  Manchester, 
Lancaster,  machinist.  Improvements  in  ma- 
^dnery  for  preparing  and  spinning  fibrous  ma^ 
terials.  Patent  dated.  July  29,  1854.  (No. 
1676.) 

The  chief  peculiarity  of  this  invention,  in 
respect  to  the  parts  immediately  operating 
to  effect  the  twisting  and  winding  up  of  the 
thread  or  sliver,  consists  in  the  arrangement 
of  a  peculiarly-formed  tube,  mounted  in 
independent  bearings,  and  having  a  revolv- 
ing motion  given  to  it,  to  put  in  the  re- 
quired amount  of  twist  in  the  sliver  or 
thread  which  passes  through  it,  in  combina- 
tion with  a  spindle  having  its  axis  also  in 
independent  bearings  in  a  line  correspond, 
ing  with  the  axis  of  the  tube,  into  the  in- 
terior  of  which  the  end  of  the  spindle  can 
enter. 

Bellford,  Auoustr  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London.  An  m- 
proced  method  qf  engraving,  (A  communi- 
cation.) Patent  dated  July  29,  1854.  (No. 
1679.) 

"This  invention  consists  in  producing 
engravings  of  all  kinds  in  relievo,  by  a  gal- 
vaoio  current,  the  plate  or  metallic  object 
desired  to  be  engraved  being  covered  with 
the  design  in  some  suitable  ink,  and  substi. 
tuted  for  the  soluble  or  feeding  electrode 
usually  employed  in  any  pile  whatever." 

Dixon,  Edwtn  John  Jbffbry,  of  Ban. 
gor.  Improoementt  in  apparatus  for  teaching 
reading  and  arithmetic.  Patent  dated  July 
29,  1854.    (No.  1680.) 

The  inventor  employs  "  alphabet  bands," 
which  are  led  over  pulleys,  like  the  driving, 
bands  of  machinery,  along  the  front  of  the 
apparatus,  and  are  worked  by  levers  acting 
on  ratchet  or  other  contrivances,  and  ar- 


ranged like  the  keys  of  a  cabinet  piano- 
forte, or  in  any  other  convenient  manner. 

Walduck,  Henry,  of  Warwick- court, 
Gray's-inn.  Improoemenis  in  propelling  ves^ 
seU,  Patent  dated  July  29,  1854.  (No. 
1681.) 

CUtim, — The  construction  of  the  blades  of 
propellers  with  grooves  on  the  propelling 
surfaces. 

Demat,  Jean  Chrilottome  Denis,  of 
Leicester-square,  London,  acting  for  An- 
toine  Charles  Cardot,  a  mechanician  en- 
gineer, in  Paris,  France.  Preventing  the 
accidents  on  the  railways  with  the  aid  qf  a 
right  line  of  iron,  and  in  stopping  the  trains 
almost  instant€meously.  (A  communication.) 
Patent  dated  July  31,  1854.     (No.  1683.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  employ  an  ar- 
rangement  of  levers  and  a  peculiar  system 
of  clockwork.gearing  for  working  railway, 
brakes. 

Adams,  Henry,  of  Leonidas-terrace, 
New  Cross,  Deptford,  Surrey.  A  revolving 
ventilator.  Patent  dated  July  31,  1854. 
(No.  1684.) 

The  inventor  employs  rotating  fans,  con- 
tained  between  discs  and  enclosed  in  cases 
in  such  manner  that  an  in-draught  is  pro- 
duced  on  one  side  and  an  out-draught  on 
the  other  without  producing  any  "  draught 
direct." 

Green,  Josefh,  and  William  Jackson, 
both  of  Leeds,  York,  machinists.  Improve- 
ments  in  'mortising-machines.  Patent  dated 
July  31,  1854.    (No.  1686.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
to  mortising-machines  of  a  hollow  rack,  or 
its  equivalent,  through  which  the  spindle  of 
the  cutting  tool  passes,  for  raising  and  low- 
ering  the  cutting  tool,  in  place  of  the  spindle 
generally  used  for  that  purpose,  which  has 
teeth  all  round  it 

Newton,  Alfred  Vincent,  of  Chan, 
eery-lane,  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughts- 
man. An  improved  mode  qf  extracting  sulphur 
from  compounds  of  India-rubber  and  sulphur, 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  July  31, 
1854.    (No.  1687.) 

The  inventor  cuts  the  vulcanized  India- 
rubber  into  small  pieces,  and  soaks  it  in 
camphine  till  it  becomes  soft ;  he  then  fur. 
ther  treats  it  with  camphine,  to  which  is 
added  from  fifteen  to  twenty.fi ve  per  cent 
of  sulphuric  ether,  and  about  five  per  cent 
of  alcohol. 

Bridson,  Thomas  Ridoway,  of  Bolton. 
le.Moor8,  Lancaster,  bleacher.  Improve- 
ments in  preparing  cotton  for  manufacturing 
purposes.  Patent  dated  July  31,  1854.  (No. 
1688.) 

This  invention  consists  in  improving  the 
colour  of  cotton  while  in  certain  stages  of 
manufacture,  by  bleaching ;  and,  when  ve- 
quisite,  in  submitting  the  cotton  to  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


186 


spcomoATioire  of  patents  rkobntlt  fileb. 


action  of  a  loap  bath,  in  order  to  render  the 
fibrei  more  fit  for  undergoing  the  lubse- 
quent  operations  of  preparing  and  ipinning. 

OiLLMAii,  Edwarp,  of  Twickenham, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  Imprwewunii  in  th0 
manufacture  qf  papier  machiand  other  aimUar 
artich$  from  certain  vegetable  tubttwoee. 
Patent  dated  August  1, 1864.    (No.  1689.) 

This  invention  consists  in  tne  employ* 
ment  and  peouHar  treatment  of  the  leaves  or 
fibrous  portions  of  New  Zealand  flaic,  the 
running  or  ereeping  plant  called  giagia,a]id 
the  speoies  of  draoaena  called  ti,  for  the 
produotion  of  pulp  for  the  manufacture  of 
paper,  papier  maoM,  &o. 

Read,  Christopher  Ridout,  of  Moor* 
gate-street,  London.  Improvemente  in  tUde^ 
vtUvee  qftteam  engime.  (A  communieation.) 
Patent  dated  August  1,  1864.    (No.  1603.) 

The  inTentor  arranges  his  slide .vaWe  In 
such  manner,  that  when  an  opening  in  a 
hollow.faoe  plate  at  the  baok  of  the  alide- 
YaWe  corresponds  with  one  of  the  openingt 
in  the  back  of  the  valve,  the  other  opening 
into  the  valve  is  fully  open  to  receive  steam 
from  a  valve*boz,  and  eonseqaently,  the 
steam  from  the  Utter  will  be  passing  into 
the  valve  through  the  faoe-plate,  and  at  the 
same  time,  into  the  valve  direot  from  the 
slide.box. 

McGaffin,  John,  of  Liverpool,  Lan« 
caster.  Jn  improvement  in  the  mant^faeture 
rf$koet*metai  pipee.  Patent  dated  August 
1,1864.    (No.  1683.) 

This  invention  eonsista  in  manafacturing 
sheet-meUl  pipea  of  corrugated  sheet  metal, 
and  by  preference  of  sheet  iron  coated  with 
xinc. 
NBWToif, William  Edward,  of  Ghaneery. 
lane.  Middlesex,  oivil  engineer.  Improve-^ 
menta  in',  the  conetruetion  ef  repeating  Jfpt. 
artfu,  (A  communication.)  Patent  diated 
August  1,1864.    (No,  1604.) 

This  invention  eonsista— 1.  In  lupplying 
a  reserve  of  motive  power,  so  that  the  fire* 
arm  may  be  disoharged  two  or  more  times 
successively;  and,  2.  In  oausing  the  ex« 
plosion  of  the  caps  or  other  percuMlon 
priming  by  the  rotary  motion  of  the  breech 
cylinder,  which  is  made  to  perform  the  fane* 
tion  of  the  ordinary  hammer  or  ooek.  8.  In 
the  applicatipn  to  repeating  fire^arma  of  an 
escapement  or  escapements  for  the  purpose 
of  exhausting  the  store  of  power  obtamed 
for  the  purpose  of  discharging  them* 

Brooman,  Richard  Archibald,  of  166, 
Fleet-street,  London,  patent  «  agent  Im* 
provemenU  m  maekmery  for  ireuing  ftmm^ 
kempt  and  other  Uke  ftkront  tnbetuneeo,  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  August  1, 
1864.    (No.  1606.) 

CioMM.— 1.  The  eonatruction  and  arrange- 
ment of  heckling  and  aeutohing-druma,  or 
of  drums  having  a  aeriea  of  beckling-bar^ 


armed  with  teeth  and  set  at  an  angle  with 
the  radius,  in  combination  with  blant»edged 
scutching  bars,  these  drums  being  arranged 
in  two  rows,  one  above  the  other,  with  tbo 
centres  of  their  shafts  placed  diagonally,  eo 
as  to  cause  the  flax,  in  paaaing  between 
them,  to  be  aeted  upon  bv  both  sets  of 
drums.  2.  Combining  the  shaAs  of  all  the 
drums  with  the  main  driving  power  by  pnU 
leys  or  wheels  of  different  aiies,  eo  graduated 
aa  to  cause  each  successive  drum  to  re  vol  to 
with  greater  velocity  than  the  preceding  one, 
commencing  from  the  feed  plaoe,  whereby 
the  fiax  is  stretched  or  drawn  inward  with  a 
certain  tension,  and  is  thus  made  to  receive 
a  greater  mechanioal  action  from  the  drums. 

Mkrritt,  Thomas  Edward,  of  Maid- 
stone,  Kent,  drawing-master.  /siprevmeitft 
m  apparatme  for  taking  photogmpkie  pieturoe 
in  the  open  air*  Patent  dated  August  1, 
1864.    [No.  1606.) 

This  invention  oonsists  in  adding  to  a 
camera  a  dark  ehaniber,  intended  to  oontain 
prepared  papers  or  glasses,  and  a  box  or 
tray  to  oontain  the  photographic  pietores 
until  they  ean  be  conveniently  developed, 
so  that  the  ordinary  sereen,  which  eom» 
pletely  envelopes  the  head  of  the  operator, 
may  be  dispensed  with,  and  a  number  of 
piotures  taken  in  suooeesion  i  in  oonstruot. 
ing  a  spring  frame  for  holding  the  pro. 
pared  plates  of  glass  used  in  the  coUoaion 
proecMi  and  in  the  nae  of  a  closed  box  for 
containing  prepared  papera  and  glaaees  to 
be  used  in  the  open  air. 

Holland,  John  Simoii,  of  Woolwioh, 
Kent,  engineer.  Jmprooemonte  in  isdt«.  Pn« 
tent  dated  Auguat  1, 1864.    (No.  1697.) 

Theae  improvements  consiat<»-l.  In  mak* 
ing  the  key  of  the  lock  and  the  tumblera 
stationary  during  the  motion  of  the  bolt  t. 
In  making  the  key  of  a  number  of  separate 
pieces  in  ttie  shape  of  pins  or  Bmall  plates, 
each  tumbler  to  rest  on  a  separate  pin  or 
plate  daring  the  motion  of  the  bolt  9.  In 
making  a  ouruin  or  plate  to  be  moved 
round  by  the  key,  and  to  move  the  bolt,  in. 
stead  of  the  key  coming  in  contact  with  the 
bolt  4.  In  making  a  stopper  to  prevent 
the  key  making  more  than  one  revolution 
in  the  same  direotion,  and  thus  stop  the  key 
at  the  point  for  ita  coming  eut  of  the  key« 
hole.  6.  In  making  a  fixed  or  removable 
obstaele  to  prevent  the  key  being  brought 
round  to  the  key.hole,  and  withdrawn  when 
the  bolt  is  not  out  or  looked.  6.  In  making 
locks  intended  to  be  acted  on  from  both 
sides  to  have  two  separate  key.holes,  and 
the  key  to  act  upon  diflfhrent  parts  on  the 
two  sides.  7.  In  making  the  baok  end  or 
ends  of  the  bolt  or  bolts  to  paas  through  the 
oase  of  the  look,  or  into  a  separate  case  of 
the  same  sine  as  the  locking  ends,  and  thna 
preventing  an  amount  of  ahr  equal  in  bulk 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PR0VI8I0KAL  89£OIFICATION8  NOT  PBOOEEDEB  WITH. 


18/ 


to  the  ends  of  iho  bolts  being  fbroed  into  the 
interior  of  the  lock  when  the  bolt  is  shot, 
which  air  might  introduce  a  quantity  of 
dust  8.  In  making  the  bolt  or  bolu  pass 
Into  a  reeeii,  formed  partly  by  the  lock  or 
door,  and  partly  by  the  jamb  or  side  of  the 
chest  or  safe,  so  as  to  render  it  necessary  to 
■hear  the  end  or  ends  of  the  bolt  or  bolts 
longitudinally,  before  the  door  could  be 
forced  by  violence  being  used  to  destroy  the 
bolt.  9.  In  making  the  bolts  look  into 
sheWea  haying  suitable  staples,  hooks,  or 
tongues  to  receive  a  suitable  part  of  the 
bolts  to  look  into  them  at  the  back  or  sides 
of  the  lock.  10.  In  a  mode  of  making  the 
key  of  the  lock  In  separate  pieces  or  steps. 
1 1.  In  fitting  a  certain  case  to  the  key  of 
the  lock.  12.  In  makinff  a  hole  or  holes 
in  the  key  .  pipe,  through  which  the  air 
and  any  dust  may  pass  when  the  key>pipe 
is  thrnst  on  the  key-pin.  18.  In  making 
the  key  of  the  look  with  a  bit  at  each  end, 
instead  of  a  bit  at  one  end,  and  a  bow  at  the 
other,  where  the  key  is  to  be  used  on  both 
sidea  of  the  lock,  one  end  to  serve  for  one 
side,  and  the  other  end  for  the  other  side. 
14.  In  rounding  or  bevelling  off  the  outside 
of  the  key-hole,  or  making  radiating  grooves, 
or  both,  10  as  to  render  ft  more  difflcult  to 
injure  the  lock  by  gunpowder,  by  means  of 
s  plate  or  board  fixed  against  the  key-hole, 
and  also  to  render  it  more  difficult  to  take 
an  impreeaioa  of  the  key-hole.  15.  Inmak- 
ing  a  rabbet  or  tongue,  pin  or  pins,  to  go 
fVom  the  lock  (or  door  to  which  the  lock  is 
fixed)  into  holes  or  recesses  in  the  chest, 
safe,  or  jamb,  in  order  to  prevent  an  open- 
ing being  made  by  force  so  as  to  get  at  the 
outer  end  of  the  bolt  of  the  lock.  10.  In 
rounding  or  bevelling  the  edge  of  the  front 
part  of  the  lock  or  door  and  the  side  to  which 
it  locks,  in  order  to  prevent  instruments 
being  used  to  make  an  opening  to  get  at  thd 
bolt.  17.  In  making  a  latch  in  such  man- 
ner that,  when  set  for  the  purpose,  the  tum- 
blers are  right  for  the  bolt  being  moved 
without  the  key.  18.  In  making  rabbets 
or  tongues  on  the  upper  and  lower  parts  of 
the  case  of  the  lock,  so  as  to  give  increased 
strength  for  fastening  into  the  wood-work 
of  a  door  when  used  as  a  mortice  look.  19. 
In  making  an  elastic  or  flexible  packing  to 
go  round  the  ends  of  the  bolts,  and  nUo 
round  the  key-hole,  and  round  the  front  of 
the  lock  or  door,  to  exclude  dust,  wet,  or 
dampness  from  the  interior  of  the  lock.  20. 
In  making  a  hook  on  the  outside  of  the 
lock,  with  or  without  a  recess  in  the  end, 
into  which  the  bolt  is  shot  when  locked,  so 
as  to  adapt  it  to  be  used  as  a  padlock.  21. 
In  making  a  hole  or  holes  through  or  near 
the  bottom  of  the  lock  when  tised  as  a  pad- 
lock,  in  order  to  let  out  any  water  that  may 
find  its  way  in. 


ORirPiTHS,  Jambs,  of  Wiokham-market, 
Sufiblk,  gentleman.  A  new  or  Improved 
lever  bit  fir  horee*.  Patent  dated  August  2, 
1854.    (No.  1698.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  construc- 
tion of  a  bit  for  horses  in  which  levers  are 
made  to  turn  on  the  4}heeks  of  the  ordinary 
bit,  the  lower  parts  of  these  levers  being 
attached  to  the  pivot  ends  of  the  port  or 
mouth  piece  of  the  bit,  and  the  uppef  ends 
connected  together  by  means  of  a  solid  or 
chain  curb. 

Lees,  Samijel,  of  Salfbrd,  Lancaster, 
manufacturing  ohemist  Improvement*  (n 
macMnery  or  apparatus  to  be  used  in  pur{fy^ 
ing  gas  for  illumination.  Patent  dated  Au- 
gust  2,  1854.    (No.  1099.) 

This  invention  consists  in  agitating  or 
giving  motion  to  the  dry  lime  used  in  the 
purification  of  gas  for  Illumination,  either 
by  causing  it  to  be  deposited  in  a  trough 
in  which  a  screw  or  worm  revolves,  and 
throitgh  ^hich  the  gas  is  conducted,  or  by 
other  suitable  arrangements  of  apparatus. 


PBOVISION AL  iFECIFICATIONS   NOT  FEO^ 
OEEDED  WJTH. 

Varlbv,  Samuel,  of  Stamford,  Lincoln, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  the  construction 
qf  reaping  -  machinery.  Application  dated 
July  27.  1854.    (No.  1655.) 

The  inventor  employs  lozenge  -  shaped 
cutters,  whieh  severally  rock  on  a  centre- 
pin,  and  are  connected  by  links  or  rods 
at  their  inner  ends  to  a  common  reciprocat- 
ing  bar.  These  cutters  are  pressed  up  to 
fixed  serrated  blades  by  springs  bearing 
against  their  under  surfaces,  &c. 

SuoREocKS,  William,  of  Femworth, 
Lancaster,  spindle  and  fiy  -  manufacturer. 
Improvements  in  presser- flyers  fir  preparing 
cotton  and  other  fibrous  substances  fir  spin- 
ning. Application  dated  July  27f  1854. 
(No.  1656.) 

This  invention  consists  In  a  method  of 
employing  a  spring  for  the  purpose  of  cans  • 
ing  the  presser- finger  or  fingers  to  bear 
against  the  bobbin ;  and  in  so  constructing 
the  springs  employed  for  that  purpose  that 
they  shall  be  capable  of  keeping  the  pres?er- 
flngers  outward  when  moved  beyond  a  cer- 
tain point,  so  as  to  facilitate  the  operation 
of  doffing. 

Miller,  NATHANigt,  of  Guide-bridge, 
Lancaster,  railway-inspector,  and  Robert 
Graham,  of  the  same  place,  overlooker. 
Certain  improvements  in  the  construction  of 
certain  parts  of  the  permanent  toay  of  railways, 
commonly  called  crossings.  Application  dated 
July  27,  1854.    (No.  1660.) 

The  inventors  propose  *'  to  employ  a  solid 
block  or  crossing-piece  of  metal,  tapered  as 
required,  and  bolted  at  its  apex  to  its  side- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


188 


PHOVISIONAL   SPECIFICATIONS   NOT  PBOOEEDEB  WITH. 


rails,  with  an  interrening  space  occupied  by 
small  blocks  or  wedj^es  (placed  below  the 
rim  of  the  wheel-tyre)  preserving  the  proper 
space  between  the  rails  and  centre  block." 

Scott,  George  Lamb,  of  Mancbester, 
moulder,  and  Samuel  Bennett,  of  Man- 
Chester,  brass  -  founder  and  coppersmith. 
Improvements  in  springs  far  pressing  together 
roUersfor  mangling  and  other  purposes.  Ap- 
plication dated  July  28,  1854.     (No.  1662.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  producing 
the  requisite  pressure  upon  the  rollers  named 
in  the  title,  by  means  of  springs  of  vulcan- 
ized India-rubber  or  other  suitable  elastic 
material. 

Guild,  Adam,  of  Salford,  Lancaster,  en- 
gineer, and  John  Pendlebury  the  younger, 
of  Manchester,  in  the  same  county,  bleacher. 
Jwsprooements  in  apparattis  for  scouring  or 
bkaehing.  Application  dated  July  28,  1854. 
(No.  1663.) 

The  chief  features  of  these  improvements 
are,  that  the  scouring  liquid  is  heated  in  a 
vessel  distinct  from  the  bowking  kier,  but 
connected  therewith  by  a  pipe  leading  from 
the  top  of  the  vessel  to  the  upper  end  of  the 
kier,  and  another  from  the  lower  end  of  the 
kier  to  the  bottom  of  the  vessel. 

Clipt,  Samuel,  of  Manchester,  manu- 
facturing chemist  Iwtprovements  in  making 
papert  patieboard,  and  papier-maehS,  Ap- 
plication  dated  July  28,  1854.  (No.  1668.) 

The  inventor  steeps  in  a  solution  of 
potash,  soda,  or  ammonia,  green  grass, 
nettles,  or  hay  that  has  not  been  too  much 
heated  in  the  rick,  preparatory  to  convert- 
ing them  into  paper,  &c. 

Smith,  William  Henry,  of  Blooms- 
bury,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Certain 
improvements  in  the  permanent  way  of  raii^ 
ways.  Application  dated  July  29,  1854. 
(Nn.  1674.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  use  of  a 
railway  chair,  formed  in  two  parts,  adapted 
to  each  other  so  as  to  form  a  kind  of  joint, 
the  pressure  of  the  rail  with  the  superin- 
cumbent weight  causing  the  jaws  or  upper 
parts  of  the  chair  to  clip  the  rail  firmly 
between  them,  &c. 

CoLLASsoN,  Gustave  Emile  Ber. 
HARD,  gentleman,  of  Paris,  France.  Cer- 
tain  improvemenis  in  the  means  for  arresting 
er  cheeking  the  progress  of  trains  on  railways, 
(A  communication.)  Application  dated  July 
29, 1854.    (No.  1675.) 

The  inventor  works  the  brakes  of  railway 
carriages  by  means  of  steam  cylinders 
attached  to  each  brake  carriage,  and  con- 
nected with  each  other  by  means  of  flexible 
or  jointed  pipes 

Fawcett,  John,  of  Gateshead,  Durham, 
chemist.  An  apparatus  for  regulating  and 
eeonomiting  the  consumption  qf  gat  gene- 
rally,   but  more  particularly  when  employed 


for  the  purposes  of  iAcMtnoMmi;    Applica- 
tion dated  July  29,  1854.    (No.  1677.) 

This  invention  consists  in  regulating  the 
gas  at  the  burner,  by  means  of  a  supple- 
mentary cock,  and  in  so  constructing  the 
burner  that  when  it  is  adjusted  it  can  only 
be  altered  by  a  suitable  instrument ;  an 
index  is  attached  to  the  burner  for  the  pur- 
pose of  ascertaining  whether  the  apparatus 
has  been  tampered  with. 

Inoall,  George  Henry,  of  Waroford- 
court,  Throgmorton-street,  Middlesex,  gen- 
'tleman.  Improvements  in  elastic  bands  for 
holding  books  and  papers.  Application 
dated  July  29,  1854.    (No.  1678.) 

The  inventor  forms  a  band  of  elastic  web- 
bing,  or  other  suitable  elastic  material, 
with  a  coupling  piece  by  means  of  which 
the  length  of  the  band  may  be  varied. 

Thatcher,  Gboroe,  of  Welton,  Mid- 
somer  Norton,  Somerset.  Improvements  im, 
Die  manufacture  of  woven  fabrics,  yam,  cord- 
age, ropes,  paper,  and  pasteboard,  by  the  ap" 
plication  of  a  material  not  hitherto  used  far 
such  purposes.  Application  dated  July  29, 
1854.    (No.  1682.) 

This  invention  consists  in  employing  the 
fibres  of  the  leaves  of  horse-radish,  in  the 
place  of  hemp  and  flax,  in  the  manufacture 
of  woven  fabrics,  &c 

Green,  Henry,  of  Liverpool,  Lancas- 
ter,  whitesmith  and  ironmonger.  Improved 
apparatus  applicable  to  the  hanging  rf  doors^ 
gates,  and  windows,  and  for  closing  or  holding 
open  the  same  when  required.  Application 
dated  July  31,  1854.    (No.  1685.) 

In  applying  this  invention,  the  doors, 
windows,  or  gates  are  mounted  on  gudgeons 
or  pivots,  combined  with  a  certain  friction- 
roller,  which  works  upon  and  against  an  in- 
clined plane,  formed  on  the  end  of  a 
weighted  lever. 

BouNEAU,  Jules  Frederic,  of  .Paris, 
France.  Improvements  in  propelling  ships. 
Application  dated  August  1,  1854.  (No. 
1690.) 

The  inventor  places  on  each  side  of  the 
vessel  two  rollers,  on  which  travels  an  end- 
less  chain  or  cable  carrying  paddles  fixed 
perpendicularly  to  it  and  made  capable  of 
folding  down. 

EvANB,  Thomas,  the  younger,  of  Bel- 
mont-terrace,  Lewisham,  Kent,  gentleman. 
Certain  improvements  in  the  rigging  qf  ships, 
and  all  other  vessels  using  or  carrying  sails, 
whether  propelled  by  steam  or  otherwise,  or  on 
whatsoever  sea,  river,  or  other  water  navi- 
gated. Applicatiou  dated  August  1,  1854. 
(No.  1691.) 

The  inventor  suspends  a  sail  of  "  any  sise 
or  shape  "  to  a  pole,  rail,  chain,  or  rope,  by 
means  of  a  fixed  or  shifting  block,  pulley, 
or  other  such  contrivai^e,  afilxed  to  the 
yard  on  which  the  said  sail  is  to  be  set 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 


189 


*  Palmer,  Okoroe  Holwortht,  of  Ade- 
laide-roadi  Hampfltead,  Middlesex,  cWil 
engineer.  Improoemenia  m  guna^  gun. ear ~ 
riaggf  and  appmrtenaneeSf  and  m  the  mampu- 
iatUn  or  toorking  af  gum.  (A  communica- 
tioD.)  Application  dated  August  2,  1854. 
(No.  1700.) 

The  bore  of  the  gun  described  by  the 
patentee  is  made  completely  through  the 
breech  end  of  it ;  a  key- way  or  cotter- way 
is  cut  through  tlie  gun  near  the  breech-end 
at  right  angles  to  the  bore,  and  a  key  or 
cotter  fits  into  this,  and  closes  the  breech. 
The  patcfntee  also  proposes  to  make  arrange- 
ments  for  turning  guns  on  board  ship  into 
vertical  positions,  muxzles  downwards,  and 
to  load  them  from  the  deck  below  ;  also  to 
adopt  certain  methods  of  reducing  the  re. 
coil. 

ChbvroNi  Clbo.  of  Paris,  mechanician. 
Impnvemenis  in  horns  for  weaving.  Ap- 
plication dated  August  2,  1854.  (No. 
1701.) 

These  improvements  relate  to  certain  mo- 
difications of  looms  for  weaving  cut  pile 
fabrics,  and  to  an  apparatus  for  rolling  the 
pile  warp  threads  on  their  cylinders. 

Brown,  Joshua,  of  Stockport,  Chester, 
superintendent  of  police.  Iwtprovemeuts  m 
the  method  i^  consuming  smoke.  Application 
dated  August  2,  1854.    (No.  1702.) 

The  inventor  closes  the  front  of  the  fire- 
place and  ash-pit  as  nearly  as  possible,  and 
"  opens  a  communication  between  the  flue 
or  chimney  and  the  fire  at  any  convenient 
situation  (in  addition  to  the  usual  opening 
to  the  chimney),  by  which  arrangement  the 
air  necessary  for  the  support  of  combustion 
must  come  from  the  fine  or  chimney,"  and 
is  to  carry  the  smoke  with  it 

Oernbr,  Henry,  of  Moorgate-street, 
London,  architect.  Improvements  in  the 
construction  qf  omnibuus,  parts  qf  which  are 
applicable  to  carriages  generally.  Applica- 
tion dated  August  3,  1854.    (No.  1704.) 

In  the  improved  omnibus  the  passengers 
are  to  sit  back  to  back,  separated  by  a  lon- 
gitudinal partition,  and  steps  are  placed 
throogltout  the  whole  length  of  the  om- 
nibus on  each  side  so  arranged  as  to  pass 
over  the  wheels. 

Daylet,  Maurice  Atkinson,  of  Lon- 
don-street, Fitzroy-square,  Middlesex,  pro- 
fessor of  ventilation.  Improvements  in  fur» 
naees/or  the  purpose  ef  consuming  smoke  and 
economizing  fuel.  Application  dated  Au- 
gust 4,  1854.     (No.  1710.) 

This  inventor  so  arranges  his  furnace 
that  the  smoke  given  off  from  H  he  fuel 
last  thrown  on  the  fire  may  be  caused 
to  pass  through  a  mass  of  incandescent 
fuel. 

Hamilton,  Bdmond,  of  Edinburgh, 
Midlothian,  gentleman.  ImprovemenU  in 
the  wtam^acture  or  produetum  if  beverages  or 


occasional  drinks.     Applieation  dated  An- 
gust  4,  1854.     (No.  1712.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  variety  of 
methods  of  treating  the  juices  of  apples, 
plums,  cherries,  and  other  English  fruits, 
&c. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  October  24,  1854. 

2264.  Isaac  Adams,  of  Mauaehusetts,  United 
States  of  America.  Now  and  useAil  improvements 
in  machinery  for  printing. 

Dated  December  25,  |854. 

2719.  Warren  De  La  Rue,  of  BunbUl-row,  Mid- 
dlesex, manufacturer.  Improvements  in  treating 
products  arising  fN>m  the  distillation  of  a  certain 
tar  or  naphtha  to  render  the  same  suitable  for  dis- 
solving or  removing  fktty  or  resinous  substances. 

Dated  December  SO,  1854. 

2758.  Francis  Preston,  of  Manchester,  machinist. 
Improvements  in  bayonets,  and  in  the  machinery 
for  manufacturing  the  same. 

Dated  January  16,  IS55. 

116.  Jean  Antoine  Fran(?ois  Victor  Oudin,  of 
Mons,  D^partcment  of  Seine  and  Mame.  France, 
priest.    A  new  liquid  for  prerenting  sea-sickness. 

Dated  January  22,  1855. 
163.  Sannden    Trotman,    of   Fortman-square, 
Middlesex,  hydraulic  engineer.    Improvements  in 
filtering  apparatus. 

Dated  January  26,  1855. 

206.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
the  construction  of  kites,  and  in  the  upplication 
thereof  to  the  purposes  of  carrying  lines,  and  of 
signalling.  A  communication  from  Andr6  Marie 
Pr6verand,  of  Paris,  France. 

Dated  January  29,  1855. 

215.  William  Polkinhorn,  of  Gwennsp,  near 
Redruth,  Cornwall,  miller.  Improvements  in  ap- 
paratus for  cleansing  wheat. 

217.  John  Doddridge  Humphreys,  of  Charlotte- 
street,  Caledonian-road.  Improvements  in  steam 
engines. 

i19.  George  Goodfellow,  of  Great  Fenton,  Stoke- 
opon-Trent,  Staflbrdshire  Potteries.  Improve- 
ments in  supplying  heated  air  to  the  bottoms  and 
flues  of  potters'  and  brickmakers'  ovens  and  kilns, 
and  of  steam-engine  boilers. 

221.  Thomas  BInks,  of  Wentworth,  York, 
plumber  and  glazier.  Improvements  in  raising 
and  regulating  the  supply  of  water  and  other 
fluids. 

226.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
the  senention  of  steam.  A  communication  ft-om 
Paulin  Jean  Charles  Montety.  of  Toulon,  France. 

225.  Ephntm  Death  and  John  Poppleweli,  of 
Halstead,  Essex,  engineers.  An  improved  stop- 
valve  or  cock  for  water,  gas,  and  other  liquids  and 
fluids. 

Dated  January  80,  1855. 

227.  David  Mollne,  of  Adelaide-place.  London, 
merchant.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
metallio  window-frames  and  skylights.  A  com- 
municattoD. 

226.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  166,  Fleet- 
atreet,  London,  patent  agent.  An  improved  filter. 
A  eommunieation. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


190 


NOTICES  OF  nrrENTIOlf  TO  PROCEED. 


"  990.  G«Mg«  WffliMu  Henri,  of  Piiheigalv,  York. 
A  new  compouDd  or  meal  mixture  for  feeding 
cattle. 

232.  David  Warren,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark,  en- 
gineer.   ImproTements  in  acrew  propellers. 

Dated  January  31,  1855. 

233.  John  Smith,  of  Langley  Mills.  Braneepeth. 
paper  manufacturer,  and  James  Hollingworth,  of 
the  same  place,  both  In  Durham,  manager.    Im- 

rrements  in  treating  certain  fibrous  materials 
manufacturing  paper. 
285.  Stephen  White,  of  Southport,  Lancaster, 
gentleman.    Improvements  in  the  manufketure 
of  pencils  or  crayons. 

237.  James  Howard,  of  Bedford,  agricultural 
implement  maker.    Improvements  in  ploughs. 

239.  Martin  Samnelson  and  Alexander  Samuel- 
son,  of  Soott-street  Foundry,  Hull,  engineers  and 
shipbuilders.    Improvements  in  steam-engines. 

241.  Josiah  Harrington,  of  Pelham  -  street, 
Brompton,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  priming 
fire-arms. 

Dated  February  1,  1855. 

243.  William  Taylor,  of  Oxford-terrace,  Hyde- 
park.  Improrements  in  cables  for  holding  at 
anchor,  and  towing  ships,  and  other  floating 
bodies. 

244.  Thomas  Ogden  Dixon,  of  Steeton,  near 
Keighley,  York,  bobbin  manufacturer.  Improve- 
ments in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  turning, 
boring,  cutting,  and  shaping  wood  and  similar 
materials. 

245.  Alexander  Prince,  of  Trafslgar-square, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  fire-arms.  Acom- 
munication. 

246.  Isaae  Jeeks,  of  Trowse  Newton  Lodge,  near 
Norwich,  Norfolk.  A  machine  for  sweeping  grass 
or  weeds  from  lawns  or  fields,  and  depositing  the 
same  into  a  box  or  other  receptacle. 

247.  Alexander  William  Williamson»  of  Univer- 
sity College,  Gower-street,  Middlesex,  Imncove- 
meuts  in  apparatus  for  feeding  fires. 

Dated  February  2,  1855. 

248.  Benjamin  Goodfellow,  of  Hyde,  Chester, 
engineer.    Improvements  in  ordnance. 

250.  George  Ritchie,  of  Monmouth-plaee,  New- 
cross,  New  Kent-road.  Improvements  in  beds  or 
mattresses. 

251.  Jules  Castel,  merchant,  and  Frederic  Mau- 
richeau  BeauprA,  doctor,  of  Marseilles,  Prance. 
A  new  system  of  burner  for  lamps,  called  the 
•'  pyropneuroatie  burner." 

252.  Isidore  Carlhtan  and  Isidore  Corbl^re,  of 
Castle-street,  Holborn.  London,  and  Bue  du  Sen- 
tier,  Paris,  lamp  manufacturers.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  moderator  lamps. 

Dated  February  8, 1855. 

256.  Robert  James  Maryon  (engineer  civil),  of 
York-road,  Lambeth,  Surrey.  Improveraeut  or 
improvements  in  the  construction  of,  and  maoufao- 
ture  of  bullets,  or  shot,  or  projectiles. 

2S8.  Edmund  Clegg,  of  Shore  Mill,  near  little- 
borough,  Lancaster,  and  James  Leach,  of  the 
same  place,  manufacturers.  Improvements  in 
temples  for  looms. 

260.  Hippolyte  Victor  Pinondel  de  U  Bertoehe, 
gentleman,  of  Paris,  French  Empire.  Certain  im- 
provements in  manufacturing  paper,  pasteboard, 
and  pulp. 

262.  Edward  Cecil  Bisshopp,  of  Stonehouse, 
Devon.  Improvemenu  in  breech  loading  fire- 
arms. 

Dated  February  5,  1855. 

264.  Augttste  Edouard  Loradoux  BelUbrd,  of 
Essex-street,  London.  An  improved  mode  of  oon- 
sjructlng  hulls  of  vessels.  A  communication  from 
Virgil  Putnam  Corbett,  of  CorbettsviUe,  Broome 
County,  New  York. 


166.  Alexander  Morton,  of  KUmanoek,  Ay», 
manufacturer.   Improvements  in  weaving  carpeU, 

268.  John  Dorrell,  of  BUston.  Stelford.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  for  pressing,  sqneering, 
and  rolling  Iron. 

270.  John  Imray,  engineer,  of  Biidgo-nad. 
Lambeth,  Surrey.  Improvenenta  in  meaauriof 
instruments. 

272.  Pierre  Joseph  Carr6,  of  Aanieres,  Seine, 
Prance.  Improvements  in  omameliting  iabrin 
with  metal  leaf. 

Dated  February  6,  1855. 

274.  Deane  John  Roare,  of  Salisbory-etreet, 
Strand,  Middlesex,  esquire.  Certain  lasprovw- 
ments  in  propelling  veaaels. 

276.  Henry  Trappes,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 
gentleman.  A  process  for  the  preparation  of 
leather  to  be  nsed  in  the  manufacture  of  a  new 
flock,  and  for  the  manufacture  of  the  same,  to  be 
vsed  and  applied  in  lieu  of  flock  made  from 

Eoundcd  or  ground  wool  and  woollen  materiala, 
eretofore  commonly  nsed  in  the  manufkctnre  of 
painted,  printed,  and  dyed  decorating  pi^iera, 
carpets,  oil-cloths,  and  other  things,  and  also  to  be 
used  as  a  paste  or  pulp  for  the  manufacture  of  all 
kinds  of  paper,  parchment,  and  paste-board,  of 
toys,  of  ornamental  and  other  picture-frames,  of 
mouldings,  architectural  and  sculptural  oma- 
msnta,  and  other  things.    A  conununieation. 

278.  Frederick  Gray,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
manufkcturer.  An  improvement  or  improvementa 
in  candlesticks. 

280.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Ltneoln'a-iui-  4 
fields,  Middlesex,  ventleman.  Improvementa  in 
the  combination  of  materials  for  waterproofing, 
and  similar  purposes.  A  communtcation  tiom 
Jonathan  T.  Trotter,  ef  New  York,  United  BUtaa 
of  America. 

282.  William  Sandford  Roberts,  of  Lodersvine, 
Pennsylvania,  U.  8.  A.  Coupling  railway  car- 
riages. 

284.  John  Grainger,  of  Birch  wood,  Alfreton. 
Derby,  brickmaker.  Improvementa  in  the  menu- 
(kcture  of  pantiles. 


NOTICE  OF  APPLICATION  FOR   PRO- 
LONGATION OF  PATENTS. 

A  petition  will  be  presented  to  Her  Maieety  in 
Council  by  Frederic  John  Reed,  of  Friday-street, 
Cheapside,  London,  solicitor,  Charlee  Foard,  of 
the  Stock  Exchange,  London,  atock  jobber, 
and  Thomaa  Shepperson,  of  Heme  HUl,  Cam- 
berwell,  Surrey,  Esq.,  praying  Her  MiU«sty  to 
grant  a  prolongation  of  the  several  letters  patent 
granted  to  John  Juekes,  of  Lewlsham,  Kent,  but 
now  of  the  Queen's  Prison,  Surrey,  for  England, 
4th  September,  1841 ;  for  Scotland,  28th  December. 
1841 ;  and  for  Ireland,  2Ist  April,  1842,  for  "Im- 
provements in  furnaces  or  fire-places." 

On  the  29th  March,  or  on  the  next  day  of  sitting 
of  the  Judicial  Committee  of  the  Privy  Council,  if 
it  do  not  sit  on  the  day  mentioned,  an  application 
will  be  made  to  that  Committee  to  fix  an  early  day 
for  hearing  the  matters  contained  in  the  said  peti- 
tion; and  any  person  desirous  of  being  heard  In 
opposition,  must  enter  a  caveat  to  that  effect  in 
the  Privy  CouncU  Oflice  on  or  before  that  date. 


NOTICES   OF  INTENTION   TO 
PROCEED. 
{From  the  **  London  Gazette,"  February  20M, 
1855.) 
2157.  Thomas  Roberts  and  John  Dale.  Impiove- 
ments  in  obtaining  and  treating  extracts  from  cer- 
tain dye  woods,  and  in  apparatua  for  obtaining 
such  extracts. 

2177.  Robert  Cruise.    Improvements  In  machi- 
nery or  apparatus  for  stopping  railway  carrii«ee. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WBBSI.T  UBT  or  PATKMTS. 


191 


Sl«.  Sir  James  Caleb  Andtnon,  ImyxoTementa 
IB  locodDotiTe  eiiKiiiM. 

21M.  Arthur  Dobaon.  Certaiq  improvemanta  ia 
looBoa  for  wesTinff. 

S191.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbory,  Improved 
appaiatua  for  heating  buildings.    A  oomxnnnica- 

S19S.  Oooxge  Weeks  and  George  Pinner.  Im- 
proTemeots  in  the  eonstruction  of  ftirnaees. 

S19A.  John  Harrison.  Improvements  in  the 
toeeea  applied  to  mttlstmee. 

Slff.  John  Coope  Haddan.  Improvements  in 
Mm  mawnlbftture  of  eannmi,  aad  of  projeetiles  ibr 

001.  Robert  PinkMF*  ImpnvamenU  ta  bot- 
tles. Jan,  and  other  like  viisali,  and  in  the  method 
•g  ^oppMteg  them. 

tM7.  Thomta  Xdwin  Moofo.  Improvements  In 
appnrains  for  sharpening  knlTOS,  soiaaois,  and 
ocher  similar  edged  tools. 

2219.  Louis  Comidee.  An  improved  apnaratns 
fcr  aaalgnasafting  the  geld  and  silver  eontained  in 
polverlaed  ores. 

22M.  Eobert  Walter  Winfleld.  An  improve- 
mmt  or  improvements  in  tubes  and  rods  used  in 
the  eonstraetion  of  articles  of  UMtallie  fumituxe. 

2237.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  do  Fontainemo- 
loao.  Imptovemeats  in  the  oonstmetion  of  grates. 
A  eommunication. 

22S9.  Thomas  Btggart  and  Allan  London.  Im- 
pxDTonMats  in  rmlatiBg  motive  power  engines. 

224A.  William  Joseph  Smith.  A  certain  improve- 
ment In  battens. 

2264.  Isaac  Adams.  New  and  usefhl  improve- 
noents  in  machinery  for  prlntine. 

2299.  Auguste  Edonard  Loradouz  BelUbrd.  An 
improved  mode  of  operating  trip  hammers.    A 


2900.  Claude  Francois  Vauthier.  Certain  im- 
■fovementa  in  blowing  m^i*}iinfff 

tSOi.  John  WainwriglU.  ImprovemenU  in  flt- 
•ing  up  shops,  ofBoes,  aad  other  like  plaees  and 
ahoP'firon'ts- 

taoft.  John  Coope  Haddan.  Improvements  in 
fc^oetUee,  and  in  maeldnefy  for  mannflwtniing 

2915.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
llthographie  Minti»g*preeses.  A  eommunieation 
tMa  Plane  oMH  Vat4,  of  Paris,  Franoe,  ma- 
ehiniat. 

1994.  WilHam  Henry  Woodhovse.  An  improved 
Meter  Cmt  water  and  other  liquids. 

2979.  John  Berry  Richard  Beny,  Thomaa  Berry 
fbm  younger,  and  Thomas  Bovds.  Certain  im- 
provements in  maehinofy  for  spinnlag,  commonly 
known  as  '*  mulee." 

2999.  Jamee  Thomson.  An  improvement  In  ob- 
taining motlTe  power  when  fluids  or  liquids  are 
used. 

2999.  Peter  Annand  Leeomte  de  Fontalaemo- 
renu.    Improvements  In  flre-engines.    A  oommu- 


tf  II.  John  Kealy.  Improved  machinery  for  eut- 
tlng  up  turnips  and  other  roots. 

2960.  Edward  Hammond  Bentall.  An  improved 
eonstruetion  of  locomotive  steam-engine. 

2699.  James  Fenton.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  axles,  ptoton  rods,  and  shafts,  girders, 
and  other  like  ertieles. 

2719.  Warren  de  la  Rue.  Improvements  in 
ticnting  products  arising  from  the  dbtillatlon  of  a 
oettafn  tar  or  naphtha,  to  render  the  same  suitable 
Ibr  diseolving  or  removing  faity  or  resinous  sub- 


27S9.  Francis  Preeton.  Improvements  in  bayo- 
nets and  in  the  maehlneiy  for  manufteturing  the 

91.  Robert  Ashworth  and  Samuel  Stott.  Im- 
provemenU in  machinery  for  preparing,  spinning, 
and  doubHng  fibrous  substances. 

95.  Oustov  Wameeke.  ImpioTemeats  in  pi»> 
serving  vegetnbles  and  fruits. 

151.  William  Smith  aad  Thomas  Phillips.    Im- 


provements ia  eoeks  or  taps,  and  in  balls  or  floats 
to  be  used  therewith. 

221.  Thomas  Binks.  ImproTements  in  raising 
and  regulating  the  supply  of  water  and  other 
fluids. 

223.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
the  generation  of  steam.  A  eommunication  firom 
Paulin  Jean  Charles  Montety,  of  Toulon,  France. 

226.  Edward  Cunnah  and  John  Hampton.  Im- 
proved turnstile  counting  apparatus. 

298.  Martin  Samuelsou  and  Alexander  Stmoel- 
son.    Improvements  in  steam  engines. 

248.  WUUam  Taylor.  Improvements  In  cables 
for  holding  at  anchor  and  towing  sh^s,  ond  other 
floatingbodles. 

244.  Thomas  Ogden  Dixon.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  turning,  boring,  cut- 
ting and  shaping  wood  and  similar  materials. 

248.  Bei^amui  Ooodfellow.  Improvements  in 
ordnance. 

252.  Isidore  Carlhian  aad  Isidore  Corbibre.  Cer- 
tain improvements  in  nsoderator  lamps. 

260.  Hippolyte  Victor  Pinondel  de  la  Bertoche. 
Certain  improvements  in  manufacturing  paper, 
pasteboard,  and  puIiK 

266.  Alexander  Morton.  Improvements  in  weav- 


ing carpets. 

290.  John  Henry 
the  combination  of  materials  for  waterprooflng  and 


Henry  Johnson.     Improvements  in 


similar  purposes.  A  eommunication  firom  Jona- 
than T.  Trotter,  of  New  York,  United  Statee  of 
America. 

282.  William  Saadford  Roberts.    Coupling  rafl- 
way  oaxriagoe. 

OppoBition  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
above  List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  OoutU  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
missioners'-office  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  application. 
» 
WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 
SedUd  February  16, 1855. 
1834.  Thomas  Miller. 
1853.  James  Hadden  Toang. 
1947.  Joseph  Westwood  and    Robert 
Baillie. 
SeaUd  February  20,  1855. 

1889.  Thomas  Lees. 

1860.  Thomas  Hayter. 

1861.  Hector  Grand  de  Ch&teauneuf. 
1869.  William  Woodcock. 

1890.  Louis  Napoleon   Langlois  and 

Jean  Baptiste  Glavi^res.  I 

1892.  John  Seithen. 

1908.  John  Macmillan  Dunlop. 

1911.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fon- 
tainemoreau. 

1928.  Oeorge  Mackay  Miller. 

1953.  Henry  Lund. 

2121.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton, 

2387.  Edward  Loysel. 

2403.  Ismail  Isaac  Abadie. 

2609.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton. 

The  above  Patents  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  Provisional  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  several  inventions  men- 
tioned  therein. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


192 


NOTICES  TO  GORREaPOMDENTS. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


A,  B.t  of  Glasgow,  writes  as  follows :— "  A.  and 
B.  were  both  experimenting  on  a  new  mechanical 
Invention.  The  matter  was  unknown  to  each 
other,  and  B.»  after  getting  satlsftbctiou  flrom  his 
expariroents,  «>plied  for  letters  patent,  and  ob- 
tained them.  Some  months  after  having  the  com- 
plete specification  filed.  B.  hears  of  A.  trying  the 
same  machine,  and  calls  upon  him  to  stop  his  pro- 
ceedings. JL,  however,  holds  that  he  has  no  right  to 
stop,  because  of  his  experimenting  so  long  (as  he 
alleges)  before  B.  secured  the  letters  patent.  He 
thinks  that  he  has  a  prior  claim,  although  as  yet 
his  machine  is  not  complete,  and  therefore  objects 
to  stop  his  proceedings.  Querw, — Can  A.  on  that 
account  be  allowed  to  proceed  in  the  fsce  of  B.'s 
letters  patent  f  "  A.  has  no  claim  whatever  in  the 
matter.    The  first  inventor.  In  the  eye  of  the  law, 


is  he  who  first  discloses  his  invention  to  the  pub- 
lie.  A.  made  no  publication  whatever,  but  was 
engaged  on  a  series  of  private  experimeuts  before 
the  date  of  B.'s  patent.  Unless  B.  obtained  the 
invention  firom  A.,  B.  would  be  held  legally  to  be 
the  first  and  true  inventor,  and,  as  such,  entitled 
to  lus  patent. 

Tjrro.— The  relative  advantages  of  convex,  eon- 
cave,  and  stnUght  water-lines  for  the  bows  of 
vessels  have  long  been  under  discussion,  and  year 
suggestion,  therefore,  contains  nothing  new. 

StpHwnu.—ltjwi  wUl  take  the  trouble  to  refer 
to  our  part  for  August  last,  you  wOl  there  find  an 
abstract  of  the  specification  of  the  patent  named« 
under  the  head,  "  Complete  Specmeations  Filed 
with  ApplieaUons." 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

Undertake  the  ProonratUm  of  Patents 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Coantriefl,  and  the  transaotion  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.    Costs  of  Provisional  Protection— £10  lOs. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  "  Mechanics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office/'  166,  FleeUstreet,  London. 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


Jandin  and  Duval's  Improrements  in  Dress- 
ing and  Dyeing  Raw  Silk  Fahrica— (wi<*  en- 

gravingM) 169 

The  Capaising  of  the  Troop-ship  "Perseyer- 

anoe" 172 

On  the  Pendulum  EzperimenU  in  Harton  Col- 
liery.   By  the  Astronomer  Royal 174 

On  the  Flow  of  Water  through  Pipes  and  Ori- 
fices   ^ 177 

Bethune's  Improvements  in  Steam  Naviga- 
tion    180 

Tubular  Steam  Boilers 181 

On  the  Smoke  Question 181 

Mr.  C.  Wye  Williams  on  Combustion 183 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed  : 

Frankham  Furnaces 183 

Jenks Weaving  18S 

Wickans Railway  Signals 184 

Law  Cranes  184 

Thompson Sawlng-machine 184 

Johnson Coating  Wire  184 

Morton Girders  184 

Petit  Joining  Pipes  184 

Ollbertaon Furnaces 184 

Keen Compasses 184 

Burke  &  Stocker  ..Metallic  Tubes  185 

Borland Fibrous  Materials 185 

Bellford Engraving 185 

Dixon Teaching  Arithmetic...  185 

Walduck Propelling 185 

Demay  Railway  Brakes  185 

Adams  Ventilators 185 

Green    Mortising  Machines    ...185 

Newton India-rubber 185 

Brldson Preparing  Cotton 185 

Gillman Papier-mach6,  8rc 186 

Read Slide-yalves 186 


M'Gaffln   Metal  Pipes IM 

Newton Repeating  Fire^mna  ...  186 

Brooman  Dressing  Flax mm.  186 

Meiritt  Photography  186 

Holland Locks 186 

Grifliths Bits  for  Horses 187 

Lees Puriiying  Gas 187 

Provisional  Speoifleations  not  Proceeded  with : 

Varley  Reaping-machines 187 

Shorroeks Pressor- flyers  187 

Miller  A:  Graham..Permanent  Way 187 

Scott  &  Bonnet  ....Springs ^ 188 

Guild    it   Pendle- 

buiy Bleaching m....  188 

Clin Paper 188 

Smith Permaneot  Way 188 

Collasson Railway  Brakea 188 


Fawcett Gas-regulators.« 

Ingall Elastic  Bands 

Thatcher  Woven  Ffbrica  ... 

Green Hanging  Doors  ... 

Bouneau  Propelling «. .. 

Evans  Rigging  Ships.^.. 

Palmer  Guns  

Chevron  .^ Looms  . 


.....  188 
....  188 
..M.  188 

188 

.....  188 

188 

.....  189 
.....  188 

Brown  Consuming  Smoke......  189 

.  Gemer  Omnibuses 189 

Dayler Consuming  Smoke 189 

Hamilton    Production  of  Drinks  189 

Provisional  Protections 189 

Notice  of  Application  for  Prolongation  of  Pa- 
tent    190 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed... 19«> 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 191 

Notices  to  Correspoudentd 192 


LONDON  :  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-street, 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Galignani,  Rue  Viyienae,  Paris;  Machin,  and  Co., 
Dublin ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


D^itized  by  Google 


Pet|antcs'  Paja^he. 


No.  1647.]  SATURDAY,  MARCH  3,  1855.  [s.Jl^'jJd 'ii. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  166,  Fleet-street. 


PARSEY'S  PATENT  COMPRESSED-AIR  ENGINE. 
Fig.  1.  Fig.  6. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


■.."^  194 

PARSEY'S  PATENT  COMPRESSED-AIR  ENGINE. 
(Patent  dated  January  18, 1854.) 

Mr.  Parsey,  whose  former  improvements  in  the  employment  of  air  as  a  source  of 
motive  power  are  well  known,  has  recently  patented  an  invention  which  consists,  first,  in 
the  employment  of  an  improved  pump,  used  for  compressing  or  exhausting  air ;  teeond,  in 
the  construction  of  an  apparatus,  called  an  aerometer,  or  movable  reservoir,  for  receiring 
and  storing  air  or  water  forced  into  it,  and  for  giving  it  oat  again  under  pressure  when 
required;  and  third,  in  a  mode  of  heating  the  working  cylinder  of  an  engine. 

Fig.  1  of  the  accompanying  engravings  shows  a  douhle-action  pump  constructed  accord- 
ing to  tb«  6rst  part  of  the  invention.  A  A  is  a  cylinder  or  pump-barrel,  with  a  hollow 
piston,  a  a,  and  hollow  piston-rod,  h ;  the  piiton  bemg  furnished  with  valves,  c  c,  on  the 
top  opening  upwards,  and  others,  d  df  on  the  bottom  opening  downwards.  The  piston-rod 
is  perforata  within  the  piston,  e,  and  et  the  end,  #,  cleer  of  the  length  of  the  stroke,  form- 
ing thereby  an  inlet  pr  passage  for  the  air  or  other  fluids.  As  the  piston  descends,  the 
valves,  <f«I,  will  close,  and  the  Vftlvee,  ee,  will  open  and  admit  the  air  above  the  piston.  As 
the  piston  afcepd»,  the  raWes,  n  c,  will  close,  and  the  valves,  d  d,  will  open,  and  the  con- 
tents of  the  pump  will  b«  expelled  at  the  top  and  bottom  of  the  cylinder  by  the  passage  or 
passages,  /,  or  other  outlet  ports.  When  the  eyiinder  is  left  open  at  the  top,  and  the 
contents  of  the  pump  are  only  required  to  issue  from  the  bottom«  the  piston  will  require 
to  be  valved  on  the  under  side  only,  tnd  Um  outlet  pMsegf  iney  be  suitably  a4Jttftted  to  the 
purposes  of  single  action  pumps. 

The  metal  piston  must  be  accurately  fitted  into  the  eyiinder,  and  a  channel, »,  ont  around 
the  top  and  bottom,  into  which  is  securely  fitted  a  rlnp:  packing  cr  cup  of  leatlier,  or  other 
suitable  material,  which,  from  the  pressure  of  the  flm4  within  the  cylinder,  will  secure  the 
piston  from  leakage,  h  h,  is  the  upper  valve,  as  large  as  the  cylinder,  through  which 
the  piston-rod  slides,  a  spiral  spring,  f,  being  coiled  around  the  rod  to  keep  the  ralve 
seated. 

Fig.  2  is  a  plan  of  the  piston,  a,  showing  the  channel,  g,  the  valves,  e  o,  and  the  seetion 
of  the  piston-rod,  6.  Instead  of  constructing  the  top  and  bottom  similarly,  the  cylinder, 
B,  may  be  connected  to  the  top  of  the  cylinder,  A  (fig.  1),  the  valve,  /,  forming  the  bottom 
of  the  cylinder,  A  {  and  a  ierlee  of  ovlMers  or  barrels,  A,  B,  C,  with  simlltr  Talve  fittings 
may  be  graduated,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  and  applying  compressed  air  or  any  other 
elastic  fluid  at  a  high  density* 

Fig.  3  is  a  plan  or  transverse  section  of  the  valve,  I,  showing  the  guide  gland,  as,  with 
hollows  or  corves,  ami,  and  the  fillets,  nn,  which  fit  the  cylinder,  B.  o  Is  the  guide-rod, 
which  has  a  spiral  spring,  o,  coiled  round  it  to  keep  it  seated,  the  rod  working  through  a 
eentral  hole  in  the  fixed  guiae-piece,  g  q,  made  of  a  similar  form  to  the  guide-gland,  m  «, 
and  fitting  the  cylinder,  B.  Each  succeeding  valve  of  a  series  of  cylinders  of  the  same 
sise  may  be  adopted  in  this  or  a  similar  manner  to  effect  the  same  purpose. 

Fig.  4  shows  an  aerometer  constructed  according  to  the  second  part  of  the  Invention,  and 
worked  by  means  of  the  pump  before  described,  a  a  is  a  cylinder,  closed  at  one  end  and 
turned  mouth  downwards  over  the  block  or  piston,  b,  which  is  fixed  on  legs  or  a  frsming,  cc  t 
a  ohannel  or  groove,  g,  is  cut  around  the  edge  of  the  piston,  b,  and  is  fitted  with  a  oup  or 
peeking,  as  illustrated  in  fig.  I.  d  shows  an  inlet  valve  and  pipe,  and  «  shows  the  outlet 
passage  and  pipe  for  conducting  the  discharge.  ^*  On  the  cylinder,  a  a,  being  forced  up  by 
any  means,  it  will  fill  with  air,  water,  or  other  fluid.  On  attaining  its  elevation,  by  dosing 
the  inlet  or  injection-pipe,  d,  or  disengaging  it  f^om  the  lifting  tackle,  its  weight  will  cause 
it  to  descend,  and  force  its  contents  through  the  conducting  pipe,  e«  A,  in  flg.  4,  is  a  small 
cylinder,  which  may  be  fitted  on  to  the  iojection-pipe,  d,  to  assist  the  injection  of  air  or 
elastic  fluids,  and  to  prevent  back  pressure.  A  block,  I,  slightly  domed,  is  placed  on  the 
bottom,  with  a  deep  cup,  k,  of  leather  or  other  flexible  material,  which  may  be  nearly  filled 
with  water,  oil,  or  other  liquid,  forming  a  valve  for  the  elastic  fluids  to  pass  around,  whence 
they  pass  onward  through  the  upper  part  of  the  pipe,  d,  the  pressure  of  the  fluid  on  the 
cup  valve  preventing  back  leakage." 

Instead  of  forcing  air  or  water  into  the  movable  reservoir,  aa,  by  means  of  a  pump  or 
pumps,  the  reservoir  may  be  charged  by  drawing  it  up,  and  opening  valves  to  permit  the 
air  or  water  to  be  forced  up  into  it  by  the  pressure  of  the  atmosphere.  When 
charged,  the  inlet  valve  or  valves  being  closed,  and  the  power  applied  for  elevating  the 
reservoir  disconnected  from  it,  the  reservoir  will  be  left  free  to  descend,  and  by  its  weight 
(with  or  without  the  aid  of  any  additional  weight  placed  upon  it)  force  out  the  air  or  water 
contained  in  it  whenever  the  outlet- valve  shall  be  opened  for  that  purpose.  Instead  of 
using  only  one  such  reservoir,  several  maybe  employed.     The  inventor,  in  his  specification, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  MJLGNCCIG  BBPULSIOK.  195 

shows  a  cfNnbiostioa  of  six,  smnged  about  a  centre,  and  sapportsd  on  a  saitaUe  frame- 
work. Ib  the  eentre  of  tbem  is  placed  an  hydraulic  lift,  with' a  framing  fixed  on  to  the 
bead  of  the  ram,  and  bolted  on  to  the  top  of  each  of  the  cylinders.  When  the  water  is 
forced  in  under  the  ram,  it  with  the  six  oyiinders  and  connecting  framing  will  be  raised, 
causing  a  ipaoe  or  Taciftiuii,  wbich  wiU  be  filled  by  air,  water,  or  any  other  fluid 
passing  through  the  inlet-pipe  or  pipes  ss  the  cylinders  are  elevated.  On  the  water  being 
withdrawn  from  under  the  ram,  and  the  discharge-pipe  opened,  the  whole  weight  of  the 
bead  work,  ram,  and  cylinders  will  cause  their  descent,  and  discharge  the  contents.  From 
the  well-known  eharaoter  and  oonstmotion  of  hydraulie  machinery,  no  Aiither  description 
need  be  given  of  that  means  of  lifting. 

In  fig.  4,  Y  is  a  cylinder  and  apparatus  sttached  to  the  reserrwr,  for  regulating  the 
working  pressure  of  the  compressed  air  or  other  elastic  fluids  oontsined  in  it,  for  which 
(with  other  things)  Mr.  Parsey  obtained  letters  patent,  October  17,  1844.  Z  Z,  fig.  4,  is  a 
section  of  a  piston-engine,  aetuated  by  the  regulated  pressure  of  compressed  air  from  the 
interposed  regulator,  which  is  introduced  for  the  purpose  of  illustrating  the  action  of  the 
apparatus. 

Fig.  6  shows  the  applieatioa  of  air-pumps  to  a  compressed  air  locomotive  engine.  «  a  is 
a  reservoir  to  be  charged  with  compressed  air  to  a  high  density  or  pressure ;  Y  is  the  regu- 


Fig.  5. 


Fig.  2. 


Fig.  6. 


later  of  the  working  pressure  ;  and  e  is  the  drif  ing  engines  actuated  by  the  pressure.  To 
economise  the  store  of  power  in  the  reservoir,  a,  pumps,  b,  are  attached  to  the  working 
machinery,  or  to  cranks  or  eccentries  on  the  axletrees  or  otherwise,  for  obtaining  and 
applying  an  auxiliary  supply  of  oompressed  air  to  the  regulating  cylinder,  Y,  so  that  the 
draught  on  the  reservoir,  att,  may  be  economized.  The  pomps  are  intended  to  be  worked 
by  means  of  the  momentum  of  the  locomotive  whilst  it  is  descending  an  inclined  plane,  or 
when  it  may  be  necessary  to  stop  the  engine,  so  that  tlie  power  necessary  to  retard  or  stop 
the  motion  of  the  train  with  which  it  is  connected,  may  be  applied  in  pumping  air  into  the 
regulator,  Y,  or  a  spare  reservoir,  X,  shown  in  fig.  4.  The  pumps  may  be  furnished  with 
blow-off  cooks,  or  other  means,  so  as  to  be  capable  of  being  thrown  ? irtually  out  of  action 
when  not  required  for  the  purposs  above  mentioned,  and  may  be  placed  in  connection  with 
the  machinery  of  the  engine,  or  on  tenders  or  carriages  drawn  by  the  engine.  Fig.  7  is  a 
plan  of  fig.  6,  showing  in  outline  the  pumps,  6,  and  regulator,  Y,  connected  with  cranks 
on  the  axle,  the  driving  machinery  and  other  gearing  of  a  locomotive  engine  being  too  well 
known  to  need  further  description. 

The  third  part  of  the  invention  is  shown  in  fig.  5.  The  heating  is  effected  by  means  of 
a  coil  of  pipe,  a  z,  surrounding  the  cylinder,  and  a  current  of  hot  air  or  water  sent  through 
the  pipe,  so  as  to  keep  the  cylinder  hot,  for  the  purpose  of  increasing  the  expansive  action 
of  the  air  admitted  into  it  daring  the  working  of  the  engine.  The  temperature  will 
be  kept  up  more  effectually  if  the  coil  of  pipe  be  surrounded  by  an  external  jacket  or 
covering. 


ON  MAGNETIC  REPULSION.* 


Th£  lecturer  eommcnoed  by  showing  that 
bodies  are  repelled  by  the  poles  of  a  magnet) 
in  virtue  of  a  state  of  excitement  into  which 


BY    PROFESSOR   TYNDALL,  F.R.8. 

they  are  thrown  by  the  latter.  The  repul- 
sion  of  bismuth,  and  the  attraction  of  soft 
iron,  followed  precisely  the  same  laws  when 


•  The  substance  of  a  psper  recently  read  at  the  Royal  Institutfon. 

l2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


196 


ON  MAGNETIO  BEPULSIOK. 


the  strength  of  the  influencing  magnet  was 
augmented,  the  respective  forces  being  pro- 
portional, not  simply  to  the  sirengtli,  but 
within  wide  limits,  to  the  bqiiare  of  the 
strength  of  the  magnet.     The  result  is  ex- 

Slained  in  the  case  of  iron  by  the  fact  of  its 
eing  converted,  while  under  magnetic  in- 
fluence, into  a  true  temporary  magnet,  whose 
power  varies  with  that  of  the  influencing 
one ;  and  in  the  case  of  bismuth,  the  result 
can  only  be  explained  by  the  fact  that  tlie 
dia-magnetic  mass  is  converted  iuto  a  true 
dUi'tttngnei* 

It  was  next  shown,  that  the  condition  of 
excitement  evoked  by  a  magnetic  pole  was 
not  the  same  as  that  evoked  by  another  pole 
of  an  opposite  quality.  If  the  repulsion 
were  independent  of  the  quality  of  the  pole, 
then  two  poles  of  unlike  names  ought  to 
repel  the  bismuth,  when  brought  to  act  upon 
it  simultaneously.  This  is  uot  the  case. 
Two  poles  of  the  same  nau)e  produce  repul- 
sion ;  but  when  they  are  of  equal  powers 
and  opposite  names,  the  condition  excited 
by  one  of  them  is  neutralized  by  the  other, 
and  no  repulsion  follows. 

Bars  of  magnetic  and  dia-magnetic  bodies 
were  next  submitted  to  all  the  forces  capa- 
ble of  acting  upon  them  magnetically ;  first, 
to  the  magnet  alone ;  secondly,  to  the  electric 
current  alone ;  and,  thirdly,  to  the  magnet 
and  current  combined.  Attention  to  struc- 
ture was  here  found  very  necessary,  and  the 
neglect  of  it  appears  to  have  introduced 
much  error  into  this  portion  of  science. 
Powdered  bismuth,  without  the  admixture 
of  any  foreign  ingredient,  was  placed  in  a 
strong  metallic  mould,  and  submitted  to  the 
action  of  a  hydraulic  press ;  perfectly  com- 
pact metallic  masses  were  thus  procured, 
which,  suspended  in  the  magnetic  field  with 
the  line  of  compression  horizontal,  behaved 
exactly  like  magnetic  bodies,  setting  their 
longest  dimensions  from  pole  to  pole.  This 
identity  of  deportment  wiih  an  ordinary 
magnetic  substance  was  also  exhibited  in 
the  case  of  the  electric  current,  and  of  the 
current  and  the  magnet  combined.  In  like 
manner,  by  the  compression  of  a  magnetic 
powder,  magnetic  bars  were  produced,  which, 
betweeu  the  two  puiea  of  a  magnet,  set 
exactly  like  ordinary  dia-maguetic  ones ; 
this  identity  of  deportment  is  preserved 
when  the  bars  are  submitted  to  the  action  of 
the  current,  and  of  the  current  and  magnet 
combined.  Calling  those  bars  which  show 
the  ordinary  magnetic  and  dia-magnetic 
action  normal  bart^  and  calling  the  com- 
pressed bars  abnormal  ones,  the  law  follows, 
that  an  abnormal  bar  of  one  class  of  bodies 
exhibits  precisely  the  same  deportment,  in 
sU  cases,  as  the  normal  bar  of  the  other 
class;  but  when  we  compare  normal  bars 
of  both  classes  together,  or  abnormal  bars 


of  both  classes,  then  the  antithesis  of  action 
is  perfect  The  experiments  prove,  that  if 
that  which  Gauss  calls  the  ideal  distribution 
of  magnetism  in  magnetic  bars  be  inverted, 
we  have  a  distribution  which  will  produce  all 
the  phenomena  of  dia-magnetic  qnea. 

The  important  question  of  dia-magnetic 
polarity  was  submitted  to  further  and  stricter 
examination.  A  flat  helix,  whose  length 
was  an  inch,  internal  diameter  an  inch,  and 
external  diameter  seven  inches,  was  attached 
flrmly  to  a  table,  with  its  coils  verticaL  A 
suspension  was  arranged  by  means  of  which 
a  bar  of  bismuth,  five  inches  long,  and  0*4 
of  an  inch  in  diameter,  was  permitted  to 
swing  freely,  while  surrounded  by  the  helix. 
With  this  arrangement  the  following  expe- 
riments were,  or  might  be  made: — 1.  A 
voltaic  current  from  twenty  of  Grove's  cells 
was  sent  through  the  helix,  A,  the  direction 
of  the  current  in  ike  upper  lutfoi  the  helix 
being  that  denoted  by  the  arrow  (fig.  Vy 


The  north  pole  of  a  magnet  being  placed  at 
N,  the  end,  a,  of  the  suspended  bar  of  bis- 
muth, a  b,  was  attracted  towards  the  pole. 
N.  2.  The  south  pole  of  a  second  magnet 
being  placed  at  S,  and  the  current  being 
sent  through  the  helix  in  the  same  direction 
as  before,  the  bar  left  its  central  position, 
and  approached  N  with  greater  force  than 
in  the  former  experiment  The  reason  was 
deemed  manifest ;  the  state  of  excitement 
which  causes  a  to  be  attracted  by  N,  causes 
it  to  be  repelled  by  S  ;  both  poles,  therefore, 
act  in  unison,  and  a  deflection  of  greater 
energy  is  produced.  3.  The  pole,  S,  being 
removed  to  the  position  S',  the  deflection 
was  also  found  to  be  about  twice  as  foreible 
as  when  the  single  pole,  N,  was  employed. 
Here,  also,  the  reason  is  plain ;  the  two  ends, 
a  and  b,  of  the  bismuth  bar  are  in  different 
states  of  excitement ;  the  end  a  is  attracted 
by  a  north  pole,  the  end  b  is  attracted  by  a 
south  pole  ;  both  poles  act,  therefore,  as  a 
mechanical  couple  upon  the  bar,  and  pro- 
duce the  deflection  observed.  4.  The  pole, 
S',  was  replaced  by  a  north  pole  of  the  same 
strength,  thus  bringing  two  poles  of  the 
same  name  to  bear  upon  the  two  ends  of  the 
bar;  there  was  no  deflection  by  this  ar- 
rangement;  it  is  manifest  that  N's  attrac- 
tion for  the  end  a  was  nullified  by  the  repul- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  TH£  FLOW  OF  WATJ6tt  THBOOaH  PIFES  AMD  OaiFlCBS. 


197 


ftioD  of  the  end  6  by  a  like  VK»le ;  the  expe- 
riment thus  fiumishes  in  additional  proof  of 
the  polar  condition  of  a  b.  5.  We  have 
iiuppoied  the  pole,  S,  to  be  removed  into 
the  position,  S' ;  but  permitting  the  pole,  S, 
to  remain,  and  introducing  another  pole  (a 
south  one)  at  S',  a  greater  action  than  that 
producetl  with  two  magnets  was  obtained. 
G.  Finally,  adding  another  north  pole  at  N^ 
and  allowing  four  magnets  to  operate  upon 
the  bismuth  bar  simultaneously,  a  maximum 
action  was  obtained,  and  the  bar  was  attracted 
and  repelled  with  the  greatest  promptness 
and  decision.  In  ail  thsse  eaut,  whisre  an 
iron  bar  wot  substituted  for  the  bismuth  bar, 
a  b,a  deflection  precisely  the  vpposite  to  that 
exhibited  by  a  b  was  produced,  A  branch  of 
the  current  by  which  the  bar  of  bismuth 
was  surrounded  could  be  suffered  to  circu- 
late round  a  bar  of  iron,  suspended  freely 
in  an  adjacent  helix ;  when  the  forces  acting 
upon  the  iron  were  the  same  as  those  acting 
upon  the  bismuth,  the  bars  were  always  de- 
flected in  opposite  directions. 

The  question  of  dia-magnetic  polarity 
was  next  submitted  to  a  test  which  brought 
it  under  the  dominion  of  the  principles  of 
mechanics.  A  mass  of  iron  was  chosen  for 
the  movable  magnetic  pole,  of  such  a  shape 
that  the  diminution  of  the  force  emanating 
from  the  pole,  as  the  distance  was  aug- 
men  ted,  was  very  slow ;  or,  in  other  words, 
the  field  of  force  was  very  uniform.  Let 
the  space  in  front  of  the  pole,  P  (iig.  2),  be 

Fig.  2. 


such  a  field.  A  normal  bar  of  bismuth,  a  b, 
was  attached  to  the  end  of  a  lever  trunsverse 
to  the  length  of  the  latter,  and  counterpoised 
by  a  weight  at  the  other  extremity ;  the 
system  was  then  suspended  from  its  centre 
of  gravity,  g,  so  tliat  the  beam  and  bar 
swung  horixontally.  Supposing  the  bar  to 
occupy  the  position  shovm  in  the  figure,  then 
if  the  force  acting  upon  it  be  purely  repulsive 
— that  is  to  say,  if  the  dia*  magnetic  force 
be  unpolar — it  is  evident  that  ti^e  tendency 
of  the  force  acting  upon  every  particle  of  the 
masa  of  bismuth  tends  to  turn  the  lever 
round  its  axis  of  suspension,  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  curved  arrow.  On  exciting  the 
magnetism  of  P,  however,  a  precisely  con- 
trary motion  is  observed  —  the  Uver  ap^ 
proaches  the  pole.    This  result,  which,  as  far 


as  the  lecturer  could  tee,  was  perfectly  inex- 
plicable on  the  assumption  that  the  dia- 
magnetic  force  was  purely  repulsive,  is  ex- 
plained iu  a  simple  and  beautifol  manner  on 
the  hypothesis  of  dia-magnetic  polarity. 
According  to  this,  the  end  b  of  the  bar  of 
bismuth  is  repelled  by  P,  and  the  end  a  is 
attracted ;  but  the  force  acting  upon  a  is 
applied  at  a  greater  distance  from  the  axis 
of  suspension  than  that  acting  upon  b ;  and 
as  it  has  been  arranged  that  the  absolute 
intensities  of  the  forces  acting  upon  the  two 
ends  differ  very  slightly  from  each  other, 
the  mechanical  advantage  possessed  by  a 
gives  to  it  the  gr^satest  moment  of  rotation, 
and  the  bar  is  attracted  instead  of  repelled. 
Let  a  magnetic  needle,  n  s  (fig.  S),  be  at- 

Fig.  3. 


taehed  like  the  bar,  a  6  (fig.  2),  to  a  lever, 
and  submitted  to  the  earth's  magnetism. 
Let  the  north  pole  of  the  earth  be  towards 
N  ;  the  action  of  the  pole  upon  n  is  sttrae- 
tive,  upon  s  repulsive ;  the  absolute  intensi- 
ties of  these  forces  are  the  same,  inasmuch 
as  the  length  of  the  needle  is  a  vanishing 
quantity  in  comparison  with  iu  distance 
from  the  pole,  N  f  hence  the  mechanical 
advantage  possessed  by  the  force  acting 
upon  s,  on  account  of  its  greater  distance 
from  the  axis  of  rotation,  causes  the  lever 
to  recede  from  N,  and  we  obtain  a  result 
perfectly  analogous  to  that  obtained  with 
the  bar  of  bismuth  (fig.  2).« 


ON   THE    FLOW   OF  WATER 
THROUGH  PIPES  AND  ORIFICES. 

At  the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  on 
Tuesday,  February  20th,  the  evening  was 
again  entirely  devoted  to  the  discussion  of 
Mr.  Leslie's  Paper  on  the  sbove  subject 

It  was  stated,  that  the  necessity  for  intro- 
ducing into  the  recognised  formula  some 
modification  to  adapt  it  to  cases  greatly  de- 


•  A  paper  submitted  to  the  Royal  Society  last 
November,  and  a  portion  of  which  formed  the 
subject  of  the  Bakerian  Lecture  for  the  present 
year,  contsint  a  more  oomprehensive  discuuion  of 
this  subject.  In  it  are  explanations  of  the  difll- 
euUles  adduced  by  M.  Matteueel,  in  bis  instruc 
tivs  '<  Court  Special,"  recently  published. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


198 


ON  THB  FLOW  OF  WATER  THROUOH  FIFES  AND  OBIFICSS. 


paitinff  ttook  a  medium  ▼•looity  or  dimen* 
•ionS)  bad  be«n  admitted  and  fUlly  diacuraed 
by  D'Attbuisson  and  by  Weisbach ;  tbe  for- 
mer tttggesting  the  law  of  increase  of  friction 
to  be  as  the  square  of  the  Telocity,  plus  a 
certain  addition  of  the  velocity  itself  i  the 
latter  proposing  a  law  of  inerease  com- 
pounded of  the  square,  plui  the  square  root 
of  the  cube  of  the  velocity.  It  was  argued, 
however,  that  in  oasM  where  such  modifica- 
tions were  neooMaryi  they  should  rather  be 
applied  at  fixed  veloeitiea  of  the  water,  than 
at  any  fixed  gradient. 

A  comparison  was  inititutevl  between  the 
friction  of  water  in  pipes  with  that  known 
under  the  term  '*ikin  resistance"  of  ves- 
sels passing  through  water.  It  appeared 
from  the  results  obtained  by  Mr.  Leslie,  in 
the  experiments  on  the  pipes  of  the  Edin- 
burgh Water  Company,  and  those  by  Colo- 
nel Beaufoy  on  floating  bodies,  that  there 
was  a  marked  identity  of  the  diminution  of 
the  law  of  increase  from  that  of  the  squares, 
as  the  higher  speeds  were  attained ;  and  also 
that  the  resistance  per  square  foot  of  the 
side  of  a  ship  was  only  about  one-half  that 
per  square  foot  of  the  internal  surface  of  a 
pipe,  at  identical  velocities.  Whether  this  had 
any  reference  to  the  mass  of  water  around 
the  ship,  as  compared  with  the'  content!  of 
a  pipe,  was  a  subject  for  eonsideration. 

It  was  explained  that  the  expression 
known  as  "  Hawksley's  formula"  waa  only 
assumed  to  be  applicable  to  useful,  practical 
cases,  falling  within  the  ordinary  practice 
of  hydraulic  science,  and  extreme  oases  of 
minute  diameter  and  almost  vanishing  velo- 
city were  expressly  exoltided.  The  meaning 
of  the  term  '*  friction "  in  hydraulics,  was 
explained  to  be  that  resistance  encountered 
in  the  oond noting  of  water  whieh  varied  as 
the  square  of  the  velocity.  The  influence 
of  "the  adhesion  of  the  particles  of  Tvater  to 
the  internal  periphery  of  the  pipes  was  then 
explained,  in  order  to  render  clear  that  of 
which  all  engineers,  combining  science  with 
practice,  were  well  aware  that,  within  cer- 
tain limits,  the  friction  of  water  in  pipes  was 
independent  of  the  nature  of  the  material 
over  which  it  flowed.  In  fact,  the  adhesion 
of  a  film  of  fiuid  to  the  interior  of  the  pipe, 
caused  the  formation  of  a  tube  of  water, 
through  which  the  body  of  water  flowed, 
virtually  reducing  the  diameter  which  was 
provided  for  in  the  formtiloe.  There  must 
be  some  resistance,  whatever  the  pipe  might 
be  composed  of,  but  as  the  film  of  water  was 
equally  existent,  under  all  circumstances,  so 
the  resistance  was  identical  in  all  cases.  On 
this  assumption  Du  Buat  and  Dr.  Young 
had  given  the  corrections  in  their  formulsp. 
The  result  had  been,  that  If  the  eauations 
mentioned,  modified  for  rivers,  or  for  ordi- 
nary cases  of  pipes  for  waterworks,  were 


applied,  tbe  results  would  be  found  to  coin- 
cide accurately  with  those  of  practical  expe- 
riments when  correctly  performed.  This 
had  been  confirmed  by  accurate  investiga- 
tions and  by  gauging  rivers,  and  also  by  the 
examination  of  sewers,  as  shown  in  Mr. 
Wicksteed's  Report  on  the  Drainage  of 
Crojrdon. 

It  had  been  assumed  that  the  greater  fall 
of  side  branches  or  inlets  increased  the  velo- 
city  of  the  flow  in  main  sewers ;  practice, 
however,  showed  this  assumption  to  be  fal- 
laeious,  as  the  various  bends  and  junctions 
caused  considerable  retardation  of  the  cur- 
rent. It  was  maintained  that  the  explana- 
tion of  the  resistance  of  the  interior  peri- 
phery of  pipes,  of  whatever  material  they 
were  composed,  was  consistent  with  the 
results  of  actual  experiment,  and  that  any 
further  expenditure  on  trials  for  demon, 
strating  the  supposed  advantages  of  smooth, 
ness  of  internal  surface  would  be  entire 
waste.  On  the  other  hand,  it  was  well 
known  that  the  state  of  the  external  surface 
had  much  influence  on  the  resistance  of 
floating  bodies  moving  through  water ;  and 
no  doubt  this  fact  had,  from  analogy,  led  to 
the  delusion  that  the  smoothness  or  other- 
wise of  the  internal  surface  of  pipes  would 
exercise  an  influence  on  the  velocity  of  the 
flow  of  water. 

The  fkcts  whieh  had  been  stated  with 
respect  to  the  experiments  of  the  Trial 
Works  Committee  of  the  former  Commis- 
sioners of  Sewers,  and  the  corrupt  use  that 
had  been  made  even  of  those  worthless  ex- 
periments, was  another  striking  instance  of 
the  bad  effects  produced  on  private  enter- 
prise, and  on  the  development  of  sound 
practice,  by  the  rapid  growtn  of  functioneer- 
ing  influence  during  late  years.  The  always 
useless,  and  sometimes  injurious  interference 
of  the  Railway  Deportment  of  the  Board  of 
Trade,  of  the  Harbour  Commission,  and  of 
the  Board  of  Health,  was  strongly  insisted 
upon,  and  well-known  instances  were  given 
in  support  of  that  opinion  —  referring  to 
previous  discussions  at  the  Institution  as 
examples.  During  a  long  period  of  peace 
the  cumbrous  machinery  of  Government 
departments  had  been  presumed  to  have 
been  rendered  perfect,  and  was  assumed  to 
be  so,  whilst  no  demand  was  made  on  their 
active  energies,  or  so  long  as  no  exigencies 
arose ;  but  the  late  melancholy  and  disas. 
trons  events  had  shown  their  utter  inability 
to  fulfil  their  fVinetions  under  any  unex- 
pected  pressure,  or  to  conduot  any  practical 
measure  in  a  business-like  manner;  why, 
therefore,  it  was  nrged,  should  the  rising 
generation  of  engineers  be  restricted  and 
controlled  by  officials,  not  deriving  their 
appointments  from  merit,  but  from  personal 
or  politicftl  ififlttenee  ? 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THE  MXGHANIOAL  XNVSMTIONS  OF  JAMES  WATT. 


199 


In  extenuation  of  the  alleged  penrenion 
of  the  experiments  of  the  Trial  Woika 
Committee,  it  was  stated  that  the  results 
had  not  heen  wilfully  perverted,  but  the 
apologist  would  not  render  himself  responsi- 
ble for  the  acts  of  the  Board  of  Health ; 
stiJl  it  must  be  remembered  that  otKer  engi- 
neers besides  those  employed  by  that  Boaxd 
had  extensivdy  used  pot  pipes  for  sewers, 
and  there  were  instances  of  small  sewers  of 
two  thousand  years  old.  The  sweeping  de- 
nunciation of  the  acta  and  constitution  of 
the  late  Board  of  Health  was  earnestly 
deprecated. 

In  reply,  it  was  urged  that  the  remarks 
made  were  not  personal,  but  were  directed 
against  a  system  proved  to  be  pernicious, 
and  from  which  the  roost  serious  results 
must  be  anticipated.  That  the  engineers 
who  had  used  pot-pipes  for  main  sewers  had 
only  done  so  under  the  compulsory  pressure 
of  the  Board  of  Health,  aa  by  no  other 
roeana  could  they  have  procured  permission 
to  execute  the  drainage  works  they  had  uo. 
dertaken.  With  respect  to  the  experiments 
of  the  Trial  Works  Committee,  it  was  ra- 
markable  that  whilst  the  results  of  experi- 
ments which  bad  coat  upwards  of  iC7,000 
had  been  suppressed,  the  late  Board  of 
Health  had  not  hesitated  to  pay  a  oonsi- 
derable  sum  for  some  tables  of  observationa 
of  a  similar  nature,  made  by  an  individual, 
and  to  publiah  and  cireulata  them  exten- 
sively. 


The  Origin  and  Progreu  of  the  Mechanical 
InventiomM  of  Jorngs  WaM.  lUMttraUd  iy 
ku  Conre^Muknce  with  Aw  Friendtf  mnd 
the  Speeificatkms  cf  his  Patents.  By 
James  Patxick  Muirueap,  Esq.,  M.A:; 
3  Vols.  Jabn  Murray,  Albemarle- 
siveet 

Mr.  TeanyaoB's  Princess*  us  one  of  bev 
outbreaks  of  hrilliaot  dedamialion,  describes 
"Faine"Ma 

**  Flake  of  rainbow  iyiag  on  the  highest 
Foam  of  men's  deeds. " 

The  fiinM  of  James  Watt  ie  certainly  of  a 
much  more  solid  ebaraeter  than  that  to 
which  this  description  is  applicable.  Day 
by  day,  as  the  arts  and  manufaeturee  which 
the  inventions  of  that  great  man  have  Me- 
tered thicken  in  thia  land,  and  extend  them- 
selves to  others,  new  tributes  are  paid  to 
his  genius,  and  new  histre  is  added  to  his 
reputation.  Nor  is  it  fiineifbl  to  say,  that 
while  to  him  we  are  eonsciously  indebted 
for  very  many  of  the  oomlbrta  and  advan- 


tages  of  our  soeial  life,  we  unconsoionsly 
owe  to  him  a  thousand  things  which  daily 
afford  us  either  pleasure  or  profit  Although 
less  than  forty  years  have  passed  since 
James  Watt  died,  we  shall  shortly  see,  aa 
one  of  the  results  of  his  discoveries,  **a 
hundred  pennants"  borne  at  will  from  end 
to  end  of  the  Baltic,  without  regard  to  wind 
or  tide. 

In  noticing  the  volumes  mentioned  above, 
we  do  not  propose  to  lay  before  our  readers 
any  connected  history  of  Watt,  but  simply 
to  bring  forward  a  few  interesting  particu- 
lars connected  with  thoae  discoveries  and 
inventions  which  will  be  for  ever  memora- 
ble to  the  lovers  of  mechanical  soienoe. 

It  was  after  spending  a  year  of  appren- 
ticeahip  to  a  mathematical  instrument 
maker  m  London,  and  during  the  pursuit  of 
his  trade  as  instrument  maker  to  the  Uni< 
versity  of  Glasgow,  that  Watt  conceived  the 
first  idea  of  ths  Condbnsimq  Steam- 
engine.  The  circumstances  attending  this 
great  conception,  as  ^detailed  by  Watt  him- 
self, have  been  brought  to  light  by  the  re- 
searchea  of  Mr.  Muirhead,  who,  in  the 
volumes  before  us,  presents  lengthy  extracta 
from  a  long  series  of  letters  from  Mr.  Watt, 
discovered  in  the  archives  of  his  brother* 
in-law,  by  which  he  (Mr.  M.)  is  enabled 
"  to  oooAplete  a  copious  journal  of  the  oourse 
of  Mr.  Watt' a  life  and  thoughts,  his  novel 
ideas  and  versatile  experimenta,  while  he  was 
engaged  in  deviaing  and  essaying  his  yieiy 
earliest,  and  all  o&er  sucoesMve  improve 
ments  in  the  steam-engine." 

*'  Mr.  John  Hart,"  says  Mr.  Muirhead, 
"an  ingenious  tradesman  of  Glasgow,  who 
was  a  native  of  Borrowstooesa,  and,  together 
with  bis  brother,  was  diatinguiahed  by  a 
predilection  for  the  practical  arts  oonneeted 
with  science,  has  related,  that  Mr«  Watt 
frequently  conversed  with  him  on  sul^eets 
of  mechanical  interest  t  and  that  being 
asked  by  him  in  1817  whether  he  recollected 
how  the  first  idea  of  his  great  discovery 
came  into  his  mind,  he  replied,  *  Oh  yes, 
perfectly.  One  Sunday  afternoon  I  had  gone 
to  take  a  walk  in  the  Green  of  Glanrow, 
and  when  about  half-way  between  the  Herd's 
House  and  Arn's  Well,  my  thoughts  having 
been  naturally  turned  to  the  expenments  I 
had  been  engaged  in  for  saving  heat  in  the 
cylinders,  at  that  part  of  the  road  the  idea 
occurred  to  me,  that  as  steam  was  an  elastic 
vapour  it  would  sxpand,  amd  rush  saie  a  pre^ 
eienWy  exhausted  space  ;  and  thai  if  I  were 
to  produce  a  vacuum  in  a  separate  vesseU  and 
open  a  communicatUm  between  the  steam  in  the 
cytmder  and  the  exhausted  vessel,  such  would 
he  the  consequence.* " 

For  a  long  time  prior  to  the  year  1800 
Watt  and  his  nartner,  Mr.  Boulton,'  wera 
almost  constantly  occupied  with  litigatioB 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


200 


THE  MECHANICAL  INVENTIONS  OP  JAMES  WATT. 


in  defence  of  their  patents.*  From  a  docu- 
ment, entitled  "A  Plain  Story/'  prepared 
by  Watt,  in  1796,  as  a  general  answer  to  the 
objections  which  his  opponents  raised  to  his 
specifications,  we  derive  the  followinpf  de- 
tails respecting  the  manner  in  which 
his  intention  of  separate  condensers  wns 
dcTeloped.  This  document  commences  thus : 

<*  W.  found  that  a  well-made  brass  model 
of  Newcoraen*s  engine  consumed  quantities 
of  steam  and  fuel,  out  of  all  reasonable  or 
direct  proportion  with  larger  engines.  He 
consulted ' Desaguliers'  'Natural  Phiioso- 
pliy,'  and  Belidor's  *  Architecture  Hydrau- 
iique,'  the  only  books  from  which  he  could 
hope  for  information.  He  found  that  both 
of  them  reasoned  learnedly,  but  by  no 
means  satisfactorily ;  and  that  D^saguliers 
bad  committed  a  very  gross  arithmetical 
error,  in  calculating  the  bulk  of  steam  from 
the  water  evaporated  in  a  common  steam- 
engine  ;  which  being  rectified,  it  appeared 
next  that  his  data,  or  assumed  facts,  ware 
fahe.  By  a  simple  experiment,  W.  found 
what  was  the  real  hulk  of  water  converted 
into  steam  ;  and  from  his  friend  Dr.  Black 
he  learned  what  was  the  heat  absorbed  and 
rendered  latent  by  the  conversion  of  water 
into  steam,  which  the  Doctor  then  publicly 
taught,  and  had  done  for  some  years.  Ex- 
periments had  been  made  long  before  by 
Dr.  Cullen,  Mr.  John  Robison,  and  others, 
in  public  classes,  which  proved  that  water, 
when  placed  in  an  exhausted  receiver, 
boiled,  and  was  converted  into  steam  at  the 
heat  of  70*  or  80*  of  Fahrenheifs  thermo- 
meter, while  it  was  well  known  that  under 
the  pressure  of  the  atmosphere  it  required 
212  of  heat  to  make  it  boil,  and  emit 
steam  capable  of  displacing  the  air.  It  was 
evident  that  under  intermediate  pressures, 
intermediate  degrees  of  heat  would  be  re- 
quired to  make  it  boil,  and  that  in  the 
steam-engine  more  or  less  cold  water  must 
be  thrown  in,  according  to  the  degree  of  ex- 
haustion which  might  be  required ;  or,  in 
other  words,  according  to  the  number  of 
pounds  per  inch  the  engine  was  loaded  to.*' 

After  describing  Savory's  and  Newco- 
men's  engine  with  admirable  precision. 
Watt  goes  on  to  say, 

"Of  all  those  things.  Watt  must  say, 


*  "A  bill  or  costs,"  says  Mr.  Muirhead,  "  sent 
in  by  cue  lirm  of  solicitors  in  London,  for  their 
outlay  and  professional  services  in  matters  con- 
nected with  the  various  infringemenis,  has  been 
preserved,  and  is  now  before  us,  amounting,  for 
the  short  space  of  the  four  last  years  of  the  time  to 
which  the  extension  of  the  patent  was  limited,  vis., 
from  1796  to  1800,  to  between  five  and  six  thousand 
pounds  i  This  was  unquestionably  a  fearful  tax, 
—a  burden  grievous  to  be  borne  by  the  successful 
diftcoverer  in  science,  and  his  enterprising  asso- 
ciate, in  seeking  the  final,  though  tardy,  eiiforce- 
of  Justice  f" 


•  JVb»  ea  nostra  voco,'     The  things  that  are 
his  remain  to  be  told. 

"  He  found,  by  the  application  of  the 
knowledge  which  has  been  mentioned,  that 
t))e  cause  of  the  great  consumption  of  fuel 
was,  that  the  cylinder  being  cooled  by  the 
injection-water,  that  vessel  must  condense  a 
large  quantity  of  steam  whenever  it  was  at- 
tempted to  be  again  filled  with  steam  ;  that 
the  vacuum  could  not  approach  to  perfec- 
tion without  the  steam  was  cooled  below 
100'  ;  and  that  such  cooling  would  increase 
the  evil  complained  of  in  a  fourfold  or 
greater  ratio,  because  the  penetration  of  the 
heat  or  cold  into  the  cylinder  would  be  as 
the  squares  of  the  differences  of  the  heats 
between  that  vessel  and  the  steam.  How 
was  this  to  be  avoided  ? 

•*He  tried  to  make  the  cylinders  of  wood 
or  other  materials  which  conduct  heat 
slowly,  but  he  could  not  prevent  the  steam 
from  coming  into  contact  with  the  compa- 
ratively cold  water  which  remained  in  the 
bottom  of  the  cylinder,  and  which  must  be 
expelled  by  the  steam ;  besides,  his  wooden 
cylinders  did  not  seem  likely  to  be  of  long 
duration.  In  such  like  experiments  he 
spent  much  time,  and  more  money  than  was 
suitable  to  his  circumstances,  yet  he  made 
no  advances  towards  a  beneficiai  discovery. 
But  the  matter  having  got  firm  hold  of  his 
mind,  and  his  circumstances  obliging  him 
to  make  exertions  to  regain  what  he  had 
spent,  he  turned  the  matter  over  in  every 
shape,  and  laid  it  down  as  an  axiom — thcU 
to  make  a  perfect  tteam-englne,  it  was  veees- 
sary  thai  the  cylinder  should  be  always  as 
hot  as  the  steam  which  entered  it,  and  that  the 
steam  should  be  cooled  down  below  ]00*>  in 
order  to  exert  its  full  powers.  The  gain  by 
such  construction  would  be  double : — first, 
no  steam  would  be  condensed  on  entering 
the  cylinder ;  and  secondly,  the  power  ex- 
erted would  be  greater  as  the  stea'U  was 
more  cooled.  The  postulata,  however, 
seemed  to  him  incompatible,  and  he  con- 
tinued to  grope  in  the  dark,  misled  by  many 
an  ignis  fatitus,  till  he  considered  that  steam 
being  an  clastic  fluid,  it  must  follow  the 
law  of  its  kind ;  and  that  if  there.were  two 
vessels,  A  and  B,  of  equal  or  other  dimen- 
sions, the  one.  A,  filled  with  steam,  and  the 
other,  B,  exhausted,  if  a  communication 
were  opened  between  those  vessels,  the 
steam  would  rush  from  the  full  one  into  the 
empty  one,  and  they  would  both  remain 
half  exhausted  (if  the  vessels  were  equal  in 
size),  or  be  filled  with  steam  of  half  the 
density.  If,  then,  into  the  second  vessel,  B, 
an  injection  of  cold  water  were  made,  or 
cold  water  applied  to  its  outside  in  sufficient 
quantity,  the  portion  of  steam  which  it  con- 
tained would  be  condensed  or  reduced  to 
water;  and  by  the  same  law  of  nnture  that 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  MOON^S  MOTION. 


201 


had  operated  before,  more  steam  xrould  issue 
from  A  into  B  until  the  whole  was  con* 
densed,  and  nearly  a  perfect  Yacuum  esta- 
blished in  both  vessels;  yet  as  the  cold 
water  had  not  entered  or  touched  A,  that 
vessel  would  still  retain  its  heat. 

"  This  idea  once  started,  the  rest  imme. 
d lately  occurred.  The  vessel  A  being  sup- 
posed to  be  the  cylinder,  B  would  be  the 
vessel  called  now  the  condenser ;  the  water, 
air,  &c.,  accumulated  in  B,  he  immediately 
saw  could  be  discharged  or  drawn  out  by 
means  of  a  pump,  or  the  water  might  be  let 
run  out  by  a  pipe  more  than  34  feet  long 
going  downwards,  and  the  air  might  in  that 
ease  be  expelled  at  a  valve  by  filling  B  with 
water,  provided  the  descending  eduction, 
pipe  were  shut  meanwhile.  On  the  whole, 
however,  he  preferred  the  pump.  Another 
difficulty  appeared,  which  was  the  making 
the  piston  tight.  That  could  not  be  done 
with  water,  as  in  Newcomen's  engines ;  for 
that  might  get  in  and  evaporate,  and  pro. 
duce  steam.  He,  therefore,  thought  of  wax, 
oil,  and  similar  substances  as  substitutes, 
knowing  that  they  would  not  evaporate  in  the 
heat  of  boiling  water ;  and,  for  greater  se- 
curity, he  proposed  to  employ  the  steam 
itself  as  the  acting  power  on  the  piston. 

"  The  diameters  of  the  pipes  necessary 
to  convey  the  steam  into  and  out  of  the  cy- 
linder, he  regulated  from  those  in  use.  The 
size  of  the  condenser  he  assumed  at  ran- 
dom, as  he  did  that  of  the  air-pump,  which 
it  was  evident  must  be  larger  than  was  ne- 
cessary to  contain  the  water  and  probable 
quantity  of  air.  All  this  passed  in  his  mind 
in  the  course  of  a  few  hours ;  and  in  a  few 
days  he  had  a  model  at  work,  with  an  in- 
verted cylinder,  which  answered  his  expec- 
tations, and  was,  as  far  as  he  remembers, 
equal  in  its  properties  of  saving  steam  and 
fuel  to  any  he  has  made  since,  though  in 
point  of  mechanism  much  inferior.  Very 
Hiinple  cocks  were  employed  as  regulators 
or  steam-valves,  and  his  air-pump  and  con- 
denser  were  of  tin-plate.  His  cylinder, 
however,  was  good,  and  of  brass,  [about]  2 
inches  diameter  and  a  foot  long ;  the  cocks 
were  turned  by  hand,  instead  of  being 
wrought  by  the  engine.'* 

The  "Plain  Story"  afterwards  proceeds : 

"  Had  W.  been  content  with  the  mechan- 
ism of  steam-engines  as  they  then  stood,  his 
machine  might  soon  have  been  brought  be- 
fore the  public;  but  his  mind  ran  upon 
making  engines  cheap  as  well  as  goodf  and 
be  had  a  great  hankering  after  inverted  cy- 
linders and  other  modifications  of  his  inven- 
tion, which  his  want  of  experienoe  in  the 
praettce  of  mechanics  in  great,  flattered 
him  would  prove  more  commodious  than 
his  nutured  experience  baa  shown  them  to 
be.     He  tried,  therefore,  too  many  fruitless 


experiments  on  such  variations.  He  wanted 
experience  in  the  construction  of  large  ma- 
chines; that  he  endeavoured  to  acquire; 
but  experimental  knowledge  is  of  slow 
growth,  and  with  all  his  ingenuity,  so  much 
boasted  to  kis  prejudice y  he  was  concerned 
in  making  some  very  indifferent  common 
engines.  'Other  avocations,  to  him  neces- 
sary, obliged  him  to  turn  his  attention  firom 
the  subject  till  he  obtained  the  patent,  so 
that  at  that  time  he  had  made  no  advances 
in  the  improvement  of  the  meehanism.  He, 
therefore,  thought  it  proper  to  specify  only 
what  was  his  invention ;  and  to  leave  any 
mechanical  improvements  he  might  make 
to  be  secured  by  other  patents,  if  worthy  of 
them." 
The  document  concludes  thus : 
"  It  was  found  that  the  external  cylinder, 
or  steam-case,  was  very  expensive.  The 
method  of  covering  the  cylinder  itself  ^Hh  a 
lid  or  cover  (which  had  been  used  in  some 
of  the  models),  and  conveying  the  steam  to 
the  lower  end  of  the  cylinder  by  a  pipe,  was 
adopted,  and  a  less  expensive  method  of 
applying  the  envelope  of  steam  was  used. 
Ouier  kinds  of  regulators  were  invented, 
and  the  whole  mechanism  of  the  engine  was 
gradually  improved,  and  these  improvements 
have  been  progressive  for  the  last  twenty- 
one  years.  Some  of  them  W.  has  secured 
by  other  patents,  but  many  of  the  most  es- 
sential he  has  left  free,  and  by  means  of 
them  Newcomen's  engines  have  been  im- 
proved to  his  loss. 

•  •  *  « 

*'  W.'s  invention  is  merely  a  contrivance 
to  prevent  cooling  the  cylinder,  and  to  make 
the  vacuum  more  perfect  by  condeushg  the 
steam  in  a  vessel  distinct  Jtom  the  eyUnder 
itsetf;  this  is  the  nature  of  the  invention. 
The  means  of  keeping  the  cylinder  warm — 
the  substitution  of  the  powers  of  steam  for 
those  of  the  atmosphere — of  grease,  &c.,  in 
place  of  water  to  keep  the  piaton  tight— and 
the  drawing  out  the  air,  &c.,  by  meana  of 
pumps — are  merely  aids  in  performing  the 
principal  object.  This  ought  to  be  kept  in 
view  in  judging  of  the  specification  ;  also, 
that  W.  supposed  it  to  be  addressed  to 
mechanics  and  philosophers,  and  not  to  the 
ignorant." 

{To  be  eontittited,) 

♦ 

ON  THE  MOON'S  MOTION. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Mechanics*  Magagine, 

Sir, — In  the  letter  signed  "  Indagator," 
which  appeared  in  your  Number  for  Febru- 
ary 3rd  (page  106,  column  2),  there  is  sn 
erroneous  statement,  which  I  take  the  li- 
berty of  pointing  out  to  the  able  writer,  and 
which  I  should  have  noticed  before,  had  I 
lead  his  letter  carefully  through.    Taking, 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


203 


ON  THE  moon's  MOTION. 


howe? er,  but  little  interest  in  the  confuta- 
tion of  suck  ttointelUgible  produetionB  as 
Mr.  Reoordon'e,Ibad  only  glanced  aligbtly 
at  the  £rftt  letter  of  **  Indagator/'  until  mj 
attentton  happened  to  be  called  to  it  by  a 
fViend. 

The  error  to  which  I  allude  is  the  refer- 
ence to  the  principal  axes  of  a  body  as  being 
permanent  axes  of  rotation.  This  is  only 
true  wkem  m  foreea  oeL  **  Indagator,"  in- 
deed,  asserts  that  **the  earth's  attraction 
exerts  no  force  to  interfere  with  the  motion 
of  rotation  whieh  the  moon  has  had  im- 
'pressed  upon  her  round  one  of  her  principal 
axes."  But  he  has  given  no  proof  of  tnis 
assertion,  and  it  does  not  follow  at  all  from 
the  above-named  property  of  the  principal 
axes.  That  property,  aa  I  have  just  said, 
applies  only  to  the  case  of  a  body  moving 
perfectly  free,  and  not  under  the  action  of 
external  foreee.  The  attraction  of  the  earth 
is  an  external  force  acting  on  the  moon,  and 
therefore  the  proposition  respecting  principal 
axes  being  permanent  ones  of  rotation,  doea 
not  apply  in  this  ease. 

It  is  shown  in  hooka  whieh  treat  of  these 
subjects  (as,  for  instance,  Pratt's  **  Mecha. 
nical  Philosophy,*'  second  edition,  art  459, 
460),  that  if  we  neglect  very  small  quantities, 
the  attraction  of  the  sun  and  moon  does  not 
alter  the  velocity  of  the  eartVs  rotation 
round  its  axis  (which  is  a  principal  and  per- 
manent axis  in  this  oasejb  Now,  the  same 
iNtfy  be  equally  true  with  regard  to  the 
attraction  of  the  sun  and  earth  on  the  moon. 
But  it  requires  fnw^f,  and  does  not  merely 
form  a  consequence  of  that  principle  which 
"Indagator"  has  brought  forward. 

With  regard  to  Mr.  Record  on  and  his 
communieation,  I  oertainly  wonder  that 
**  Indagator'*  has  taken  so  much  trouble  as 
he  seems  to  have  done  in  the  effort  to  ex- 
tract any  sense  from  what  is  utterly  without 
sense. 

As  the  name  of  that  great  mathematician, 
D.  Bernoulli,  however,  has  been  introduced 
into  the  controversy,  I  shall  add  a  few  re^ 
marks  with  regard  to  his  views.  The  pas- 
sages quoted  by  Mr.  Recordon  occur  in  the 
third  chapter  of  his  "  Trait6  sur  le  Flux  et 
Reflux  de  la  Mer."  This  chapter  (as  Sir 
J.  VV.  Lubbock  has  remarked,  in  his  ac- 
count of  this  treatise  of  Bernoulli's)  has  very 
little  to  do  with  the  main  subject  of  the 
treatise  (the  "  Tides "X  and  contains, 
amongst  other  things,  an  attempt  to  account 
for  that  lunar  revolution  which  has  been  so 
abenrdly  denied  by  some  of  yonr  oorre- 
spondents.  In  this  attempt,  Bernoulli  as- 
sume»  that  knowledge  of  the  <*  interior  con- 
struction of  the  moon  "  whieh  "  Indagator** 
is  so  much  surprised  at  in  Mr.  Recordon. 
He  says,  **  Considtrons,  done,  que  la  par- 
iaite  bomogMttC  dans  lea  eouehes  concen- 


triques  de  la  lune  aniti  bien  que  sa  parfaito 
spbsrioiti  mnt  moraUfunt  in^Miibkt,** 

"  Moral  imptribiHty  "  is,  certainly,  rather 
a  doubtful  foundation  for  a  physical  argu- 
ment (quite  aa  good,  though,  by  the  way,  as 
nine- tenths  o(  what  has  recently  been  writ- 
ten about  the  PluraUty  <^  IVwrkU);  and, 
even  granting  it  as  an  axiom,  **  il  n'est  pas 
encore  explique  comment  on  pent  deduire 
de  Ut  pourquoi  la  lune  nous  montre  to^^ours 
une  m^me  faoo,*'  as  Bernoulli  ntSvely  aidds. 

To  this  task  he  next  addresses  himsdf; 
and  the  chief  cause  which  he  assigns  ia, 
"the  unequal  gravitation  of  ita  parts  to- 
wards the  eardi;  the  gravitation  being 
greater  in  proportion  as  the  parts  are  nearer 
to  tbo  earth."  This  amounts,  in  short,  to 
taking  into  consideration  the  diftremi  dia- 
tanoet^of  different  portions  c»f  the  moon*s 
mass  finra  the  earth's  centre,  and  the  con- 
ae^nent  variations  of  gravity.  *^  This  cause 
is  alone  sufficient,**  says  Bernoulli,  "  when 
joined  to  the  *  figure  *  of  the  moon,  to  pro- 
dnce  the  phenomenon  in  question,  'mcm 
tcitre  tks  wfoom  perfeeiiy  kmnogemeomi,*  **  He 
proceeds  with  his  attempt  as  followa : — Ijet 
A  be  the  centre  of  the  earth  ;  B  C  F  D,  an 


ellipse,  for  example,  B  F  being  the  maior 
and  C  D  the  minor  axis  \  and  suppose  tnis 
ellipse,  by  revolving  round  B  F,  to  generate 
the  body  of  the  moon.  Suppeee  the  moott 
homcgeneona  and  movable  round  its  centre, 
£,  and  that  eaeh  particle  gravitates  towarda 
A,  aceording  to  the  hsveise  aqnaie  of  the 
distance  from  A.  **  This  being  eotabliahed, 
I  aseert,"  says  BevnonlK,  ^  that  the  xaotm 
will  always  twrn  the  same  iaoe,  C  B  D,  t». 
wards  A,  and  that  the  axis,  F  B,  will  ahiraya 
pMS  through  A,  and  that  the  moon,  if  tunsed 
aside  from  this  poaitioD,  would  return  to 
it.** 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BETHUNES  IMPAOV£HEMrS  IN  SmP-BUlLDIXG. 


203 


**  At  this  matter,"  taya  he,  '^  U  Tery  in- 
teresting both  for  astronomy  and  physics,  I 
will  explain  it  by  an  example  which  will 
render  what  we  have  said  Yery  clear.  T  say 
tlien  that  we  ought  to  regard,  in  this  respect, 
the  moon  as  a  body  floating  in  a  fluid  ;  for 
the  parta  of  such  a  body  are  similarly  ani« 
mated  by  different  forces  of  gravitation. 
Now  we  know  that  a  floating  body  which  is 
not  spherical,  or,  being  so,  is  not  homou 
geneooa,  is  not  indifferent  to  all  situations; 
but  takes  a  certain  position,  to  which  it 
always  retmrns  if  disturbed  from  it  Some- 
times the  body  has  only  one  position  of 
equilibrium ;  at  other  times  it  l)as  several, 
according  to  the  structure  of  the  body  \  but 
we  should  be  mistaken  if  we  supposed  the 
centre  of  gravity  of  the  body  always  to  seek 
the  lowest  possible  |Situation ;  in  the  same 
way  we  should  deceive  ourselves  if  we  sup- 
poaed  that  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  moon 
always  seeks  to  get  away  as  far  as  possible 
from  the  centre  of  the  earth." 

After  this  most  luminous  and  convincing 
"  example,"  Bernoulli  concludes  this  singu- 
lar proof  thus : — "  We  see,  therefore,  suffi. 
ciently,  that  the  principal  cause  why  the 
moon  always  presents  tlie  same  face  to  us, 
is  the  inequality  of  gravity  ;  and  to  this 
cause  we  must  join  either  the  want  of  perfect 
sphericity  or  of  perfect  homogeneity  of  the 
strata  of  the  moon,  or  the  two  causes  to- 
gether."  This  is  absolutely  all  the  "  proof" 
he  gives.  It  is  really  marvellous  that  so 
acute  a  man  could  satisfy  himself  with  sueh 
reasoning;  or  that  he  could  forget  the 
simple  fact,  that  by  the  very  same  reasoning 
he  would  prove  equally  well  that  tlie  earth 
muat  always  present  the  same  (ace  to  the 
sun. 

That  there  is  some  physical  cause  for  this 
phenomenon  in  the  coincidence  of  the  times 
of  revolutioii  round  ita  own  axis  and  round 
the  earth — a  coincidence  so  remarkably  ex- 
tended in  the  case  of  other  satellites  and 
their  primaries — is  not  to  be  questioned  for 
a  moment  Such  attempts  have  been  made 
recently,  but,  in  the  opinion  of  so  competent 
a  judge  aa  Sir  John  Hersebel,  "  somewhat 
too  Mistily"  (Astronomy,  art  434  of  the 
4th  edition). 

I  have  trespassed  longer  than  I  intended  , 
on  your  spaee,  but  the  subject  is  one  of  con- 
siderable interest,  aa  Bernouilli  says,  '*  tant 
poor  I'attronomie  que  pour  la  physique; " 
and  I  hope  that  some  competent  mathema- 
tician will  ere  long  take  up  the  question 
and  treat  it  in  a  satisfactory  manner. 
I  am,  Sir,  yoort,  &o., 

A.  H. 


BETHUNE'S    IMPROVEMENTS    IN 

SHIP-BUILDING. 

To  ike  Ediior  ef  the  Meektmiet*  Magagine. 

Sir, — Mr.  Bethune's  letter  in  your  num- 
ber of  last  week  certainly  calls  for  some 
reply  from  me.  I  shall  not,  however,  tax 
to  any  very  great  extent  your  indulgence, 
as  I  shall  follow  Mr.  Bethune's  example  in 
this  particular,  and  be  very  brieC  Indeed 
I  have  very  little  now  to  say,  for  I  have 
already  expressed  my  opinion,  and  (as  I 
believe)  justified  it  in  my  former  letter. 

Mr.  Bethune's  letter  is  an  attempt  to 
prove  the  respectability  of  bis  invention  by 
means  of  the  evidence  of  men  supposed  to 
he  well  competent  to  decide  sucii  a  ques- 
tion. There  is  one  feature  in  the  letter 
which  I  think  did  not  appear  in  (he  article 
in  the  Journal  of  the  Society  of  Arts ;  Mr. 
Bethune  seems  to  have  some  faith  in  the 
success  of  the  invention  himself. 

The  argument  with  which  Mr.  Bethune 
designs  to  lay  me  in  the  dust  is  rather  a 
curious  one,  as  your  readers  no  doubt  have 
already  perceived ;  for  the  very  particulars 
which  would  have  rendered  it  of  any  weight 
are  most  carefully  omitted.  Mr.  Bethune 
pretends  to  confound  my  anonymous  criti- 
cism by  arraying  against  me  the  testimony, 
favourable  to  his  invention,  of  two  eminent 
ship-building  firms  and  a  well-known  cap- 
tain, and  with  this  view  he  quotes  from 
their  letters  their  opinions  on  tne  subject; 
butjte  neglects  to  tell  us  who  they  are.  So 
their  opinions  are  utterly  worthless  thus 
brought  in  argument,  as  indeed  they  would 
perhaps  be  if  their  names  went  with  them. 

I  do  not  intend,  Sir,  to  appeal  to  my 
experience  in  the  profession  of  ship-building 
to  give  weight  to  what  I  advance.  By  way 
of  argument  I  propose  that  it  shall  have  no 
other  power  than  that  which  it  derives  from 
the  principles  upon  which  it  pretends  to  be 
based.  I  considered,  and  do  so  still,  that 
the  extracts  made  from  my  last  letter  from 
the  article  in  the  Journal  of  the  Society  of 
Arts  amply  justified  my  criticism.  And 
I  think  that  had  Mr.  Bethune  the  means  of 
showing  my  professional  authority  and 
eminence  to  be  as  small  as  his  own,  he 
would  not  in  the  slightest  degree  diminish 
the  weight  of  my  remarks. 

In  the  first  authoritative  extract  which 
Mr.  Bethune  makes,  there  is  a  parenthetical 
clause  of  great  significance,  viz.,  (with  alte- 
rations in  dimensions,  scantling,  and  power). 
It  is  easily  seen  that  the  dimensions  may 
be  so  altered  as  entirely  to  eliminate  Mr. 
Bethune's  principles  from  the  construction 
of  the  vessel  altogether.  From  this  same 
passage  I  conclude,  that  if  the  ship-build- 
ing firm  to  whom  it  is  ascribed,  be  sincere, 
they  will  build  the  vessel  on  their  own  ac- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


204 


THE   SMOKE   QUESTION. 


f  ount,  ond  without  delay,  for  iu  ihcir  own 
opinion  it  seems  pretty  clear  it  would  pay 
them  well  ;  so  we  look  forward  to  having 
a  steamer  in  a  few  months  which  sliall 
prove  or  disprove  the  reasonableness  of  Mr. 
Bethune's  expectations.  On  the  issue  of 
this  experiment,  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  leave 
the  discussion  on  the  justice  of  my  criticism. 

I  have  just  one  remark  to  make  on  the 
depth  which  the  proposed  class  of  vesfel  is 
to  have.  Tl^ere  is  a  very  strong  objection 
against  making  the  extremities  of  a  ship 
much  lower  than  is  usual.  It  has  always 
been  an  object  to  make  thift  portion  of  a 
vessel  which  is  above  water,  as  low  as  is 
compatible  with  the  purpose  for  which  she 
was  designed,  and  of  course  it  has  been  seen 
that  the  heights  of  the  forecastle  and  quarter 
deck  have  been  those  which  admitted  of  the 
smallest  reJuction.  They  require  height  to 
keep  the  ship  dry  and  give  her  sea-worthy 
properties.  Again,  as  to  the  influence  that 
the  increased  height  amidships  would  have 
on  the  qualities  of  the  vessel,  I  can  only 
say,  that  to  me,  there  is  no  doubt  whatever, 
that  if  this  top  hamper  be  made  sufficiently 
heavy  to  add  in  any  important  degree  to  the 
strength,  it  will  diminish  to  a  dangerous 
cxteut  the  stability  of  the  ship. 

Mr.  Bethune  says  in  his  concluding  re- 
marks, that  the  letters  from  eminent  prac- 
tical men  can  be  seen  by  persons  wishing  to 
iivail  themselves  of  the  improvements.  Now 
T  do  not  wish  to  try  them,  so  I  am  still  left 
to  wonder  who  tlicsc  prudent  ship-builders 
are,  and  must  wait  for  the  appeirance  of  the 
Fhip  which  they  evidently  intend  to  build. 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

J.C. 

Deptford,  Feb.  27,  1855. 


THE  SMOKE  QUESTION. 
To  the  Editor  (if  the  Mechanics'  Magazine, 

Sir, — Nothing  is  more  vexing  than  to  see 
very  simple  and  very  ui^cful  propositions 
entirely  misconceived.  After  all  the  clear 
definitions  in  your  pages,  here  is  Mr.  Pal- 
mer writing  from  Marseilles  to  tell  us,  on 
ilie  authority  of  a  child's  book,  "that  ihe 
visible  gaseous  products  of  an  oidinary  fire 
(not  chieliy  tar  vapour)  are  entirely  combus- 
tible  iu  a  practical  sense.*'  AVho  has  ever 
qnes-tioned  it?  Did  not  Mr.  Mansfield  in- 
form us  that  when  a  child  also,  he  put  coal 
into  a  tobacco-pipe,  and  luted  it  in  with 
clay,  and,  placing  the  bowl  in  the  fire,  the 
emoke,  as  he  termed  the  gas  distilling  through 
the  stalk,  could  be  ignited,  tar  vapour  and 
all,  into  a  stream  of  flanjc  ?  Hardly  any 
child  but  has  accomplished  this  feat  in  past 
days,  when  *'gas"  was  the  new  wonder. 
How  singular,  then,  is  it  not  to  perceive  the 


correct  distinction  drawn  by  Mr.  AVilliams 
between  this  gas  be/ore  it  is  consumed,  and 
the  vapour  or  true  smoke  which  ensues  qfter 
it  has  been  imperfectly  consnmed.  The  gas 
so  issuing  from  the  pipe  is  perfectly  con- 
sumed because  it  has  plenty  of  air ;  but 
when  gas  is  distilled  suddenly  from  coal 
thrown  into  a  hot  furnace,  with  a  confined 
supply  of  air,  then  the  true  smoke  results. 
A  part  of  this  gas  only  being  inflamed  when 
there  is  not  air  enough  present  for  the  whole, 
a  compound  vapour  passes  oiT  through  the 
flues,  consisting  of  gases  not  decomposed  at 
all ;  carbonaceous  particles,  or  soot,  liberated 
from  the  hydrogen  which  is  decomposed; 
nitrogen,  carbonic  acid,  and  the  whole  of 
these,  incorporated  with  a  large  volume  of 
steam  generated  from  the  consumed  hydro- 
gen. This  constitutes  the  true  smoke  tsea* 
ing  from  factory  chimnies,  and  in  no  parti- 
cular  has  Mr.  Williams  done  more  real 
service  than  by  pertinaciously  (or  **  prag- 
matically") discriminating  this  incombos- 
ble  compound  from  the  gaseous  products 
distilling,  before  combustion,  from  the  eoal, 
and  which  are  "  wholly  and  entirely  com- 
bustible in  a  practical  sense." 

There  is  no  more  important  feature  re- 
specting furnaces  than  the  consideration  of 
the  effects  of  the  steam  yielded  by  consum- 
ing  hydrogen.  Tho  forcible  admixture  of 
this  product  with  the  current  in  the  flues, 
already  lowered  in  temperature  by  the  great 
heat  abstracted  in  volatilizing  the  consti- 
tuents of  the  coal,  acts  as  a  powerful  agent 
in  checking  further  combustion  and  pro- 
moting smoke.  Mr.  Pahrer  makes  the 
extraordinarily  crude  assertion,  that  the 
flame  of  a  candle  **  is  nothing  but  a  pjm- 
mid  of  burning  smoke ; "  let  him  add,  that 
the  flame  of  an  Argand  gas-burner  is  nothing 
but  a  cylinder  of  burning  smoke,  his  aseer- 
tion  will  have  consistency,  and  be  resolved 
to  the  simple  proposition  that  gas  ongki  to 
be  termed  smoke.  Some  other  name  in  place 
of  smoke  being,  then,  given  to  the  cloud 
issuing  from  chimnies,  we  arrive  simply  at 
a  change  of  nomenclature,  which  he  may 
adopt  for  his  own  use,  and  whether  other* 
choose  to  adopt  it  or  not,  we  shall  at  least 
understand  what  it  means.  As  to  what  the 
flame  of  a  candle  is,  according  to  the  scientific 
terms  in  use.  I  beg  to  refer  him  to  your  nom- 
her  of  the  2nd  December  last,  page  634.  Jn 
addition  to  what  is  there  indicated,  let  Mr. 
Palmer  bring  the  polished  cold  surface  of  a 
knife-blade  within  half  an  inch  of  the  candle 
flume,  and  mark  the  deposition  of  steam, 
intercepted  and  condensed,  as  it  flies 
rapidly  outward  into  the  surrounding  air. 
lie  will  then  appreciate  the  cfleets  of  this 
vapour,  when  forcibly  confined  and  inter. 
mingled  with  the  produots  of  the  raw  coal 
in  narrow  passages,  such  as  the  small  tabes 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


MR.  iniil JAMS  ON  COMBUSTION. 


of  those  boilers  the  evils  of  whose  introdue- 
tion  into  the  marine  serriee  Mr.  Williams 
so  amply  explains  and  illustrates  in  his 
Treatise.  In  larger  flaes  it  has  a  similar 
eflTect  in  smaller  degree,  if  the  whole  gas  is 
not  at  once  converted  at  the  proper  point 
and  time.  In  the  "  smoke  "  from  the  tobacco- 
pipe,  the  conical  '*  smoke "  of  the  candle, 
and  the  cylindrical  **  smoke "  of  the  gas- 
burner,  this  steam  rapidly  liberates  itself 
during  combustion  by  its  natural  expansion. 
There  is  a  singular  oversight  in  Mr.  Palmer's 
statement,  that  eoiii  air  mny  be  made  almost 
to  extinguish  the  flame  of  a  candle.  The 
fiercer  burning  of  a  fire  in  cold  weather 
iHight  have  led  him  to  suspect  a  fallacy. 
When  a  candle  is  supplied  with  "  very  cold 
air,'*  the  fiame  is  diminished  in  brightness, 
as  we  have  all  witnessed  in  the  late  intense 
season,  simply  by  the  fact  that  the  tallow  or 
eomposition  becomes  so  cold,  that  the  heat 
radiating  downward  from  the  flame  is  not 
adequate  to  melt  the  liouid  fuel  fast  enough 
to  supply  the  wick.  Tliis  is  the  solution  of 
the  paradox  of  a  different  action  of  the  same 
cause  tipoH  the  table  and  in  the  grate.  How 
fortunate  would  it  have  been  had  the  "  in- 
tensely cold  air"  extinguished  the  late 
flames  in  Holland-street ! 

Last,  on  the  **  hot  air  "  mistake.  It  is 
quite  true  that  if  a  fire  be  supplied  with  a 
given  weight  of  air  heated,  and  with  the 
same  weight  of  air  cold,  we  may  assume 
that  the  resolting  heat  in  the  first  case  will 
he  so  much  greater  as  is  the  greater  quantity 
of  heat  brought  in  with  the  heated  air.  But 
this  proposition  requires  to  be  oorr3Ctly« 
applied  and  reaaoned  on.  Suppose  a  certain 
number  of  diffusion  orifices,  supplying  jets 
of  cold  air  to  a  furnace.  Then  let  the  same 
tpeigkt  of  heaied  air  be  driven  through  these 
apertures.  Say  the  air  be  heated  to  500^, 
its  volume  will  be  doubled ;  and  to  furnish 
the  same  weight  of  oxygen,  a  compression 
of  one  atmosphere  must  be  effected.  For 
many  practical  reasons,  I  do  not  consider 
that  the  beneficial  combustion  in  the  furnace 
would  be  increased  by  nearly  all  the  amount 
of  the  500<*  of  heat  previously  imparted  to 
the  air.  But,  for  argument's  sake,  grant  it 
would  be  so.  What  follows?  What  bearing 
will  the  admission  have  on  any  known  con- 
struction of  furnace?  None  at  all.  In 
order  to  »iy)p1y  the  same  weight  of  oxygen 
for  combustion  as  enters  without  effort  when 
the  air  is  permitted  to  be  cold,  we  must  have 
.1  eon^ressing  or  hltut- apparatus j  engine,  or 
other  power  to  work  it,  and  a  heating- appO" 
ratut  to  heat  the  air.  That  is  to  say,  a  costly 
|»lant  and  two  extra  fires  for  the  sole  purpose 
of  forcing  into  the  '*  smoke"  air  raised  to 
about  one.fourth  the  temperature,  which  it 
would  inauntly  assume  from  its  own  com- 
biution,  if  imffered  to  go  in  of  itself,  cold,  at 


the  proper  time  and  place.  No  one  has  yet 
suggested  such  a  preposterous  "smoke-con- 
sumer ; "  there  has  been  no  plan  proposed 
for  increasing  the  caloric  of  a  furnace  by 
**  the  caloric  thus  previously  imparted  to  the 
air."  Therefore  Mr.  Palmer  speaks  of  no- 
thing  but  of  a  wasteful  exploit  which  no 
sane  msn  will  ever  attempt  to  perform. 

In  fact,  nothing  shows  how  little  he  is 
aware  of  the  true  bearings  of  his  own  data, 
thsn  the  reference  to  Juckes's  grate.  This 
is  the  most  conclusive  pf  all  cases  against 
the  hot-air  quackery ;  for  there  ia  no  furnace 
in  which  the  air  it  and  must  be  introduced 
so  essentially  cold  as  where  these  grates  are 
used,  and  yet  it  is  the  mott  petfeet  of  fmokt' 
eonmmert.  The  bars  matt  be  kept  as  coid  as 
possible,  to  preserve  the  links  and  coupling- 
pivots  from  rupture  or  distortion.  When 
this  grate  is  well  made,  and  placed  where 
there  is  a  good  chimney,  with  a  sharp 
draught  to  pass  the  cold  air  rapidly  In,  ita 
success  is  complete,  and  it  realiEcs  the  sav- 
ing asserted  in  the  value  of  the  fuel  which  it 
can  consume.  When  properly  working,  the 
hand  may  be  placed  on  the  bars  without 
inconvenience;  and  as  there  is,  therefore, 
no  hot  ash-pit  to  even  warm  the  air,  and 
never  any  thickness  of  incandescent  fuel  for 
it  to  pass  through,  Mr.  Palmer  haa  settled 
the  hot-air  ambiguity  by  quoting,  in  ita 
support,  the  best  known  smoke-consumer 
requiring  the  coldest  known  temperature  of 
air.  Where  there  is  room  to  generate  the 
steam  from  a  large  boiler  surface  by  a  low 
rate  of  combustion,  and  where  the  great 
weight  of  the  machinery  is  no  object,  this 
self-feeding,  cotd-air  "smoke-consumer" 
is  undoubtedly  the  best  thing  yet  devised. 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

David  Mushet. 

Feb.  M,  18M. 


MR.  WILLIAMS  ON  COMBUSTION. 

To  the  Editor  qf  the  Meehaniet'  Magazius, 

Sir,  —  I  beg  to  assure  Mr.  Mushet, 
through  your  columns,  that  I  did  not  over- 
look  his  previous  letter,  with  reference  to 
*'  a  most  important  mistake  which  had  crept 
into  the  last  edition  of  my  work,"  on  com- 
bustion. That  misUke  consisted  in  my 
having,  in  Mr.  Mn»het*s  opinion,  attributed 
to  Mr.  Craddock  ceruin  views  and  state, 
menta  in  connection  with  the  use  of  tubes 
in  boilers ;  but  which  were  not  borne  out  by 
what  appeared  in  Mr.  Craddock's  published 

I   lectures  on  his  steam  engine. 

I  So  far  from  overlooking  Mr.  Mushet's 
remarks,  I  immediately  wrote  Mr.  Dircks 

j  (his  agent  in  London,  and  through  whom 
I  had  been  apprised  of  the  alleged 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


206 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BEOENTLT  FILED. 


take),  Mking  if  he  bad  the  marooraBdum 
alluded  to  by  Mr.  Musbet,  or  a  copy  of  it» 
at,  being  at  the  time,  and  long  after,  oon- 
fined  and  suffering  under  a  serious  illness, 
the  matter  had  oninteotionally  lain  over, 
and  I  was  unable  to  find  it  I  would  regret 
having  published  any  misstatement  of  Mr. 
Craddook's  views  or  facts  ^  and  if  Mr. 
Mushet  has  a  copy  of  the  memorandum,  or 
will  be  good  enough  to  communicate  to  Mr. 
Direks  the  terms  in  which  it  was  eonveyed, 
I  will,  witliout  delay,  request  your  giving  it 
a  plaeo  in  your  columns. 

I  avail  myself  of  the  present  opportunity 
of  giving  insertion  to  the  following  letter,  on 
the  subject  of  Mr.  Baddeley's  oommunioa* 
tion  in  your  Magasine,  of  the  17  th  ult., 
page  159.  That  gentleman  having  thought 
it  extraordinary  I  should  disclaim  the  term 
Arg9md,  as  applied  to  my  mode  of  intro- 
ducing air  to  furnaces,  or  my  having  given 
it  that  name,  I  replied  that  I  could  not 
claim  what  did  not  belong  to  me.  The  foU 
lowing  letter,  from  Mr.  Diroks,  will,  I  trust, 
satisfy  Mr.  Baddeley  on  that  head. 
I  am,  Sir,  yoors,  &e., 

C.  W.  Williams. 
Liverpool,  Feb.  M,  1855. 

MK.  DIRCK'8  LBTtBR  TO  MR.  WILUAMR, 

"  Dear  Sir, — In  reply  to  your  esteemed 
letter,  of  the  Idth  instant,  I  beg  to  state  that 
it  was  about  1840-1,  when  I  first  adopted 
the  title  of  *Argand  furnace ^  to  distinguish 
your  invention  from  the  numerous  schemes 
for  '  smoke-burning.'  the  term  Argand  has 
since  become  as  much  a  conventional  or 
household  word  as  MacAdam  or  Kyan. 
Having  been  transferred  from  distinguish- 
ing a  peculiar  constmction  of  ail-lamp,  to 
designate  an  improved  gas-burner,  the  tran. 
sition  was  natural  as  applied  to  your  fttr- 
nace ;  for,  as  the  Argand  '  gas-burner*  pre- 
sents jets  of  gas  to  a  body  of  air,  your 
arrangement  of  distributors  presents  jets  of 
air  to  a  body  of  gas.  This  principle  was 
fully  discussed  and  applied  in  your  specifi- 
cation of  1839,  and  in  the  first  edition  of 
your  work  on  the  'Combustion  of  Coal.' 
Since  my  denominating  it '  the  Argand  fur- 
nace,*  it  has  been  universally  known  by  that, 
and  by  no  other  name. 

*'  I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &e., 

•*  H.  DiRCKi. 
<*  LowloA,  S2,  MeoTftale^reet, 
Feb.  21, 18^" 


ELASTIC  WOOLLEN  CLOTHS. 

To  (he  Editor  of  Vie  Mechanics"  Magazine, 

Sib, — Has  it  occurred  to  any  manufac* 
turer  of  woollea  goods  to  nsake  a  material 


for  trousers  which,  when  worn,  would  not  be 
so  liable  to  become  stretched  at  the  knee  as 
the  fabrics  now  in  use  7  Such  a  maonfaoture 
I  have  no  doubt  would  be  among  the  num. 
ber  of  those  which  meet  with  success.  With 
regard  to  the  means  of  efiecting  this  object, 
the  following  suggestions  may  be  of  use: 
A  thin  sheet  of  vulcanized  India-rubber 
may  be  attached  by  cement  (if  auch  there 
be),  or  otherwise  to  tlie  reverse  aide  of  the 
material  of  which  the  leg  of  the  trouser  is 
made ;  this  will  expand  and  bear  the  atrain 
consequent  upon  the  bending  of  the  leg, 
and  when  the  strain  is  removed,  the  India, 
rubber  will  return  to  its  former  position, 
bringing  with  it  the  fabric  to  which  it  is  at. 
tached.  Another,  and  perhaps  a  better  mode 
is  that  suggested  by  ihe  specification  of  a 
patent  granted  in  1833,  to  Mr.  R.  W.  Sievier, 
for  "  Improvemenu  in  the  making  or  ma. 
nufaoturing  of  elastic  goods  or  fabrica,"  the 
second  object  of  which  patent  is  '*  to  maau* 
facture  in  the  ordinary  loom  on  elastic  wool- 
len  cloth  by  the  introduction  of  cords  or 
strands  of  India-rubber  among  the  longi- 
tudinal  threads  or  yarns  which  constitute 
the  chain  or  warp,  and  alao  among  the 
transverse  threads  or  yams  which  constitute 
the  weft  or  shoot,  and  which  cloth  shall 
be  capable  of  being  afterwards  iielted  and 
dreaeed  with  a  nap."  Now  were  this  plan 
of  "  introducing  cords  or  strands  of  India- 
rubber"  adopted, an  elastic  strip,  about  four 
or  five  inches  wide,  might  be  woven  in  the 
material  (aa  the  ornamental  strip  is  at  pre* 
sent  produced)  in  such  a  poaition,  that  when 
•made  into  trousers  this  elaatic  strip  would 
pasa  down  each  leg  in  front  of  the  knee,  and 
being  felted  and  dreased  with  a  nap,  would 
not  be  apparent  on  the  o^taide,  but  from  Ha 
elaatioity,  would  yield  to  the  strain,  and 
when  releaaed,  return  to  its  fonner  positioiK 
Hoping  that  theae  suggestions  may  be  of 
use  to  some  of  your  readers  who  are  engaged 
ia  the  manufacture  of  woollen  cloth, 
1  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

SVBSCRIBBR. 
Feb.  28, 1855. 

SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

SoREsiNA,  Paul  Garavaolia  de,  of 
Bedford-row,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in 
treating  JLax  and  hemp.  Patent  dated  Au- 
gust  2,  1854.    (No.  1703.) 

This  invention  consists  in  subjecting  flax 
and  hemp  to  the  percolation  of  cold  water, 
under  pressure,  to  the  action  of  grooved 
rollers,  steam,  &c. 

Rye,  William,  and  William  Crow. 
TH£R,bothof  Oldham,  Lancaster,  engineers. 
Improvements  in  steam-engines.  Patent 
dated  Auguat  3,  1854.    (No.  1705.) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


8PECI7I0ATI0NB  OF  PATENTS  SSCBMTLY  KLBD. 


207 


This  iDTention  relates  to  the  go? ernon  of 
steam-engines,  and  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  sliding  bush  and  tapered  tappets 
in  such  manner  that  when  the  engfine  is 
working  at  its  proper  velocity  the  governor 
holds  the  bush  in  such  a  position  that  the 
tapered  tappets  impart  the  requisite  motion 
to  the  expansion  valves,  for  admitting  the 
regular  quantity  of  steam  ;  but  when,  owing 
to  the  diminished  velocity  of  the  engine, 
the  governor  balls  collapse,  the  sliding 
bush  of  the  governor  acts  upon  levers 
which  move  the  sliding  hush,  and  the  tap. 
peta  are  made  to  increase  the  traverse  of 
the  expansion  valves  until  the  engine 
r^ains  its  regular  velocity. 

Tetley,  Charles,  o(  Thurlow  -  villa, 
Dulwicli,  Surrey.  Improvements  in  rotatory 
engines  to  he  worked  by  steam  or  water.  Pa* 
tent  dated  August  3,  1854.    (No.  1706.) 

This  invention  consists  in  combining  the 
parta  of  rotatory  engines  "  in  such  manner, 
that  the  pressure  of  the  atmosphere  shall 
act  on  both  ends  of  the  axis  of  such  en- 
gines, or  when  one  of  the  ends  of  a  rotating 
hollow  axis  of  such  an  engine  is  subjected 
to  the  pressure  of  the  steam  or  water,  the 
other  end  of  the  axis  shall  be  subjected  to 
a  like  pressure,  thus  keeping  tlie  axis  of 
such  engines  in  a  state  of  equilibrium  in 
respeet  to  end  pressure  when  rotating." 

GosftAOB,  William,  of  Widneti,  Lan- 
caster,  maAutaoturiftg  ehemist  Improve* 
menis  in  the  wMarfacture  rf  eertmn  kinds  oi 
soap  and  other  detergent  eomponnds.  Patent 
dated  August  3, 1864.    ( No.  1707.) 

These  improvementa  mainly  oonaiat  in  the 
application  of  solutions  of  solnble  glass  t* 
the  production  of  oompouod  soap  by  mixing 
them  with  genuine  soap  made  from  rosin, 
combined  with  not  move  than  donble  its 
quantity  of  tallow  or  oil,  or  of  a  mixture  of 
uDcw  and  oil. 

Hallbn,  Edward,  of  Comwall-road« 
Lambeth,  Survey.  Certain  impronemente  in 
chairs,  ehatr^hedoteadst  and  other  seats  and 
bodsteods.  Patent  dated  Angust  4,  1854. 
(No.  1708.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  ehairs, 
&C.,  with  sliding-lrames  or  supports,  and  in 
making  flat  iron  frames,  and  filling  the  same 
in  with  a  webbing  of  cane  or  other  nui- 
tcrial,  &c. 

Milks,  Louis  Plater,  of  Ravens- 
bourne-park,  Lewiaham,  Kent,  gentleman. 
Improvements  in  the  eonstmetion  qf  loeko^ 
Patent  dated  August  4,  1854.     (No.  1709.) 

The  Bsveutev  constructs  his  lock  with 
certain  spring  tumblers  combined  with 
another  tumbler,  called  a"  regulator,"  which 
has  a  diiierent  motion  from  tiw  others,  and  ia 
without  a  spring ;  it  receives  the  pressure 
from  the  springs  of  the  other  tumbkrs,  mt4 
iu  case  of  any  attempt  at  piekiag  it^  le-aeta 


I  upon  them,  and  produces  "  a  combination  of 
difficulties." 

Taylor,  Samuel  Lawrence,  of  Cotton- 
end,  Bedford.  Improvements  in  constructing 
and  arranging  the  beaters  and  dressing  machi^ 
nerff  qf  threshing  machines.  Patent  dated 
August  4, 1854.    (No.  1711.) 

The  inventor  employs  as  beaters  plates  of 
iron,  formed  with  ridges  and  fixed  with 
screws,  and  the  grain  falls  from  the  straw- 
shaking  apparatus  of  the  threshing  ma- 
ehinery  on  to  an  inclined  platform  to 
which  a  shaking  or  vibratory  motion  is  given. 

KoRTRioHT,  Alfred,  of  James-street, 
Adelphi,  Middlesex,  commander.  Royal 
Navy.  Improvements  in  marine  and  ftir- 
veying  compasses.  Patent  dated  August  4, 
1864.    (No.  1713.) 

Claim. — The  construe  lion  of  marine  and 
surveying  compasses  in  oast-iron  rings  or 
cases,  which  rings  or  oases  may  or  may  not 
be  electro-typed. 

Harrison,  Charles  Wbiohtman,  of 
Richmond,  Surrey,  electric  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  obtaining  and  applying  electric 
currents^  and  in  the  treatment  of  certain  pro- 
duets  derived  in  obtaining  the  same,  part  or 
parts  qf  which  improvements  is  or  are  appU- 
cable  to  the  production  qf  motive  power. 
Patent  dated  August  4,  1854.  (No.  1714.) 

Claisu^l.  The  employment  of  sodium  or 
potassium,  in  combination  with  zinc,  zinc 
and  mercury,  or  any  other  metals  whatever, 
as  positive  eleetrodea  in  gaWanic  arrange- 
ments, 2.  The  employment  of  positive 
electrodes,  consisting  of  an  amalgam  or 
eompound  of  mercury  and  zinc.^ — 3.  The 
employment  of  an  alloy  or  compound  of 
iron  and  platinum,  as  negative  electrodes. 
4.  The  employment  of  negative  electrodes 
formed  of  divided  or  partly  divided  plates 
or  sheets  of  metal.  5.  The  eenstruetion 
and  use  of  a  certain  described  concentric 
galvanic  battery.  6.  The  use  in  galvanic 
singW-fittid  arrangements  of  a  solution  of 
nitrous  acid,  consisting  of  equal  or  nearly 
equal  parts  of  nitrous  acid  and  water.  7. 
The  use  of  hypochlorous  acid  or  euchlo- 
rine,  either  as  an  exciting  or  secondary 
agent,  or  both.  8.  The  employment  of 
cells  or  divisions  f<Hrmed  wholly  or  in  part 
of  asbestos.  9.  The  employment  of  square, 
fiat,  or  rectangular  wires  or  ribbons  in  the 
construction  and  use  of  eleetro-magnets. 
10k.  The  employment  of  bundles  of  any 
Bumbev  of  separately  uninsulated  square, 
fiat,  or  rectangular  wires  or  ribbons  in  the 
ooDStruction  and  use  of  electro-magnets. 
11.  The  employment  in  the  application  of 
electric  currents  jfor  producing  native 
power  of  a  certain  **  plate  horse -i^oe  elec- 
tro-magnet" 12.  The  employment  of  elec- 
tro-magnets, with  convex  or  rounded  poles 
or  faces,  in^the  pro«kiction  of  electRK^naguo- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


208 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATFJTTS  RECENTLY  FILED. 


tie  motive  power.     13.  A  mode  of  arranging 
** plate   liorsc-shoe    electro-magnets'*    and 
keepers,    or    fixed   and    movable    electro, 
magnets,  whereby  a  reciprocatory  or  vibra- 
tory motion  may  be  obtained.     14.  A  cir-    • 
cular  or  cylindrical  arrangement  of  "  plate  j 
horse-shoe    electro-magnets,"    whereby    a   j 
continuous  rotary  motion  may  be  produced. 

15.  The  use  of  triangularly- formed  keepers 
or  armatures  ii)  arrangements  for  the  pro- 
duction of  electro-magnetic  motive  power. 

16.  The  employment  of  square,  flat,  or 
rectangular  wires  or  ribbons,  in  the  con- 
struction  of  galvanometer  coils  for  electric 
telegraph  instruments.  17.  The  useof  ferro- 
cyanio  acid,  in  the  production  of  colour- 
ing materials  from  products  of  galvanic 
action.  18.  The  use  of  chromic  acid  in  the 
production  of  colouring-matter  or  com- 
pounds  from  products  of  galvanic  action. 
19.  The  use  of  oxides  of  chromium  and 
salts  of  cobalt,  for  the  production  of  green 
colours  or  compounds  from  products  of 
galvanic  action.  20.  A  mode  of  producing 
brown  colours  or  compounds  from  the  pro- 
ducts of  galvanic  action. 

BoiBSOMNEAU,  AuGUSTE,  of  Paris,  France, 
oculist.  Jmpnwementt  in  artificial  eyet. 
Patent  dated  August  15,  1854.   (No.  1715.) 

CUdmt^l,  Proportioning  the  length  of 
artificial  eyes  in  such  manner  that  their 
carunculsr  and  temporal  portions  shall  not 
exert  pressure  upon  the  corresponding 
organic  parts  of  their  orbit  2.  Making  the 
necessary  shortening  of  the  eye  for  this 
jmrpose  only  in  the  temporal  section.  3. 
The  formation  of  a  notch,  perforation,  or 
aperture  in  the  inferior  palpebral  section 
of  artificial  eyes  for  the  purpose  of  establish- 
ing a  communication  between  the  interior 
and  exterior  thereof,  and  thus  allowing  the 
lachrymal  fluid  to  maintain  its  proper  level 
in  the  hollow  of  the  eye,  and  restoring  the 
functions  of  the  lachrymal  canal. 

St AN8BURY,  Charles  Frederick,  of  the 
firm  of  Nourse  and  Co.,  of  Comhill,  Lon- 
don. Improvements  in  machinery  for  making 
rope,  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
August  5,  1854.    (No.  1716.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  ring  with  cogs  on  its  inner  and 
outer  edges,  and  rotated  by  pinions  work- 
ing into  the  exterior  cogs,  for  the  purpose 
of  regulating  the  relative  twist  of  the  sepa- 
rate strands  and  the  entire  rope,  by  dimi- 
nishing,  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  the 
number  of  the  revolutions  of  the  fliers ;  and 
also  in  the  use  of  clamps  for  receiving 
finished  rope. 

Stansbury,  Charles  Frederick,  of 
the  firm  of  Nourse  and  Co.,  Cornhiil,  Lon- 
don. ImprovemenU  iu  locomotive  and  tteam 
boiler  furnaeet,.  (A  eouiniunication.)  Pa- 
tent dated  August  5,  1854.    (No.  1717.) 


Claims — 1.  Conducting  off  the  heavy 
gaseous  products  of  combustion  by  means 
of  a  pipe  connecting  the  lower  portion  of 
the  furnace  with  the  smoke-pipe  or  flue. 
2.  Surrounding  the  induction-pipe  with 
a  large  eduction-pipe,  by  which  mesns  the 
heat  of  the  escaping  heavy  gaseous  pro- 
ducts is  imparted  to  the  air  entering  to 
supply  the  fire. 

Stansbury,  Charles  Frederick,  of 
the  firm  of  Nourse  and  Co.,  Comhill,  Lon- 
don. Improvements  in  cttt-nail  machines. 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  Au- 
gust 5, 1854.    (No.  1718.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  com- 
bining pairs  of  fixed  stocks  and  cutters 
with  others  which  are  vibrating,  when 
the  latter  are  so  arranged  as  to  be  capable 
of  being  operated  from  one  lock-shafl  by 
one  cam  and  lever,  and  the  pairs  or  sets  of 
stocks  constitute  the  griping-jaws  for 
holding  the  blank  whilst  it  is  being  headed. 

Stansbury,  Charles  Frederick,  of 
the  firm  of  Nourse  and  Co.,  Cornhiil,  Lon- 
don. Improved  air-tight  vessels,  (A  com~ 
munication.)  Patent  dated  August  5,  1854. 
(No.  1719.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming,  at 
or  near  the  mouth  of  vessels  which  it  is 
intended  to  render  temporarily  or  per- 
manently  air-tight,  a  groove  into  which  the 
edge  of  the  cover  may  pass,  and  placing 
a  fluid  in  the  groove  when  the  vessel  has  to 
be  frequently  opened,  or  a  composition  of 
gutta  percha  and  rosin,  when  it  is  to  be  her- 
metically sealed.  Also,  in  an  arraogemcoi 
for  preventing  the  fluid  employed  as  before 
described,  from  spilling. 

Cunningham,  John,  of  Beith,  Ayr,  card. 
perforator.  Improvements  in  the  preparativm 
or  production  qf  printing  surfaces.  Patent 
dated  August  5,  1854.    (No.  1720.) 

These  improvements  mainly  consist  in  « 
mode  of  producing  patterns  on  surfaces  or 
matrices  composed  of  types  or  pins  built  up 
into  a  regular  mass,  wherein  a  depressing 
apparatus,  furnished  with  prickers  or  de- 
pressors and  corresponding  finger-keys,  and 
arranged  similarly  to  the  well-known 
"  piano  "  punching-machine  for  perforating 
Jacquard  cards,  is  used  for  depressing  por- 
tions of  the  pins  or  types  in  accordance 
with  a  set  pattern. 

Alexandre,  Edouard,  organ-builder, 
of  Paris,  France.  Improvements  in  con^ 
certinas.  Patent  dated  August  7,  1854. 
(No.  1724.) 

Claims — 1.  Supplying  organ  sound-boarda 
to  concertinas.  2.  Applying  the  piano- 
forte  key- board  to  concertinas.  3.  Apply, 
ing  the  so-called  percussion  system  to  con- 
certinas. 4.  Making  the  sounding  cham- 
bers of  greater  depth  for  the  baas  than  for 
the  higher  notes. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS   KECENTLY    FILED. 


Cox,  George  Addiaok,  of  Lochee, 
Dundee,  Forfar,  power.looiti  linen  manu- 
facturer. Improvements  in  machinery  or  appa^ 
ratus  for  winding  yams  or  thread.  Patent 
dated  August  7,  1854.    (No.  1725.) 

Claims — 1.  A  mode  of  winding  yarn  pr 
thread  by  means  of  horizontally  disposed 
spindles  lying  upon  the  peripheries  of,  and 
driveu  by,  surface-wheels  upon  horizontal 
spindles.  2.  A  mode  of  stopping  the  mo- 
tioii  of  the  spindles  of  winding  machines, 
when  horizontal  spindles  are  used,  by  means 
of  cams  or  equivalent  mechanical  details, 
arranged  to  lift  or  move  the  spindles  out  of 
contact  with  the  surface-driving  wheels,  on 
releasing  a  catch  by  hind  or  by  the  action 
of  the  spindle  itself  when  full 

Lucas,  Samuel,  of  Droniield  Foundry, 
near  Sheffield,  York,  steel-converter.  /In 
improvet^mode  of  mannfactnrhtg  steel.  Patent 
dated  August  7,  1854.     (No.  1730.) 

The  main  object  of  this  invention  *'  is  to 
convert  bar-iron  into  bar-steel  in  the  pre- 
sence of  iron  ore,  which  ore  will,  at  the 
same  lime,  be  itself  converted  into  steel.*' 

Watkriiouse,  Thomas,  of  Sheffield, 
York.  Tmprofjements  in  machinery  for  cut- 
ting files.  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  August  8,  1854.     (No.  1732.) 

According  to  one  of  these  improvements 
(of  which  there  are  many),  the  bed  on  which 
the  "  blank"  which  is  to  be  cut  into  a  file 
rests,  is  made  capable  both  of  sliding  and 
turning  on  an  axis,  thus  allowing  the  angu- 
lar position  of  the  "blank"  to  be  varied, 
whilst  the  line  of  action  of  the  hammer  and 
cutter  is  still  retained. 

HuLME,  Joseph,  of  Manchester,  engi- 
neer.  Improvements  in  apparatus  for  prevent- 
ing the  explosion  of  steam  boilers,  for  measur- 
ing the  pressure  qf  steam  and  other  fluids, 
and  in  heating  toater  for  the  supply  of  steam 
boilers.  Patent  dated  August  8,  18.54.  (No. 
1734.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  fitting  to 
boilers  a  disc,  constructed  so  as  to  explode 
when  the  steam  exceeds  a  given  pressure. 
2.  In  certain  improved  apparatus  for  mea- 
suring the  pressure  of  fiuids,  consisting  of  a 
piston  and  weighted  lever.  S.  In  suspend. 
ing  over  a  fire  an  open  shallow  vessel,  to 
which  vessel  the  water  to  be  heated  is  sup- 
plied. 

Turner,  Henry,  of  Leeds*,  leather  mer- 
chant. Improvements  in  preparing  hides,  and 
in  cutting  tliem  into  straps  for  driving  ma- 
chinery. Patent  dated  August  8,  1854.  (No. 
1735.) 

*  Claims. — 1.  The  application  and  use  of  a 
compound  of  Irish  moss  and  palm  oil  for 
preparing  hides.  2.  Certain  improvements 
in  cutting  hides  into  straps  by  means  of  a 
4escribed  rotary  machine. 

MooRuousE,  Henry,  of  Denton,  Lan- 


209 


caster,  tailor.  Improvements  in  certain  parts 
of  machinery  or  apparatus  used  in  preparing 
cotton,  wool,  or  other  fibrous  materials  to  be 
spun.  Patent  dated  August  8,  1854.  (No. 
1736.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  the  com- 
bination of  a  certain  block  or  presser  for 
the  purpose  of  compressing  the  fibrous  ma- 
terial by  its  gravitating  force,  with  a  can 
movement  for  etfecting  the  indraught  of  the 
web  or  sliver,  and  the  disposition  of  the 
latter  in  coils  or  circular  layers  by  the  re- 
volving motion  of  tije  can  or  vessel. 

CoRVi,  Antoine,  organ-builder,  of  Paris, 
France.  Improvements  in  musical  instruments. 
Patent  dated  August  8,  1854'.     (No.  1738.) 

This  invention  relates  to  a  system  of 
stringed  and  wind  instruments,  so  con- 
structed and  combined  as  to  imitate"  the  per- 
formance of  orchestras,  when  played  like 
barrel  or  key-board  organs.  This  system 
comprises  amongst  others,  violins,  tenor- 
violins,  vioHncellos,  &c. 

Ogq,  Alexander,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
shoemaker.  A  new  composition  applicable,  to 
the  cementing  of  leather.  Patent  dated  Au- 
gust 8,  1854.     (No.  1739.) 

This  composition  is  formed  of  a  quarter  of 
an  ounce  of  asphaltuin,  one  ounce  of  gutta 
percha,  and  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  of  resin, 
dissolved  in  five  ounces  of  bi-sulphate  of 
carbon. 

Wihte,  William,  of  York-villa,  Ken- 
sington-park, Bayswater,  consulting  che- 
mist. An  improvement  in  deodorizing  the 
contents  of  cesspools,  privies,  and  also  like 
matters  in  other  places.  Patent  dated  Au- 
gust 8,  1854.     (No.  1741.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  powder  consisting 
of  charcoal,  prepared  from  night  soil  com- 
bined with  vegetable  matter,  or  prepared 
from  the  substantive  parts  of  night  soil  with 
burned  clay  and  sulphate  of  the  protoxide 
of  iron. 

Pitt,  William  Charles,  of  Pimlico, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  the  construction 
of  knobs  mid  roses  used  with  locks,  latches,  and 
such  like  fastenings  as  are  constructed  with 
spindles.  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
August  9,  1854.     (No.  1742.) 

These  improvements  consist — 1.  In  con- 
structing the  knobs  of  locks  or  latches  with 
a  long  neck  or  collar  which  fits  upon  and 
covers  that  part  of  the  spindle  which  pro- 
jects beyond  the  sides  of  the  case  ;  nnii,  2. 
In  forming  the  rose  with  a  hole  through  its 
centre,  of  the  sani'*  size  as  the  diameter  of 
the  neck  or  collar  of  the  knob,  for  the  latter 
to  turn  or  work  in  freely. 

OuLTON,  Plato,  of  Dublin,  gentleman. 
Impfovements  in  obtaining  motive  potoer.  Pa- 
tent dated  August  9,  1854.     (No.  1744.) 

Claim. — *'  A  mode  of  constructing  and 
combining  mechanism  so  as  to  be  capable  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SIO 


SPEOIFICATIOlfS  OF  PATENTS  BEGBNTXiT  FEI^ED. 


being  kept  in  motion  by  the  oonibined 
action  of  b«lla  or  weight*  upon  the  peri, 
pbery  of  dri¥ing.wbeelg»  such  balle  vt 
weights  being  sucoesuTely  returned  to  their 
position  for  acting  upon  the  wheels  bj 
means  of  worm  shafts,  or  their  mechanical 
equivalents." 

GiLBEE,  William  AniiANn,  of  South, 
street,  London,  gentleman.  Imprc^emenU 
in  hydraulic  mackLtei.  (A  communication. 
Patent  dated  August  9,  1864.     (No.  1745.) 

The  patentee  describes  a  peculiar  oom. 
bination  of  circular  chests,  arranged  one 
above  another,  and  fitted  with  pistons  tux- 
nished  with  bags,  with  eonioal  And  metal, 
lie  wire  sieves,  &c. 

JoBARU,  Jean  Baptiste  Ambbobe  Mar- 
cELiN,  of  Brassels,  Belgium,  director  of  th« 
Museum^of  Industry  at  Brussels.  A  muf 
tystem  qf  pump.  Patent  dated  August  9, 
1864.    (No.  1746.) 

The  inventor  employs  im  India-rubber 
tube,  which  is  compressed  by  means  of  an 
external  cam  whioh  rolls  along  it  from  be- 
low upwards,  and  forces  forward  the  air  and 
water  in  front  of  it;  the  fluid,  of  course, 
rises  in  the  tube  after  the  cam  bM  passed, 
and  thus  an  exhausting  and  forcing  aotion 
is  produced. 

liivEiBY,  John,  of  New  Lenton,  NoU 
tingham,  laee-maker«  Impr<mem$tUt  in  tk$ 
mmiMfactwrt  of  fringe**  Patent  dated  Au* 
gust  9,  1854.    mo.  1748.) 

CZotnw. — 1.  A  certain  combination  of  ma^ 
chinery,  whereby  bullion  fringes  are  m«de, 
twisted  and  finished  i^t  the  same  tinMi,  and 
by  means  of  which  a  larger  number  of  anoh 
fringes  than  usual  can  be  made  at  once, 
their  united  depth  being  greater  than  the 
vridth  of  the  machinery  emjployed.  2,  A 
cerUin  combination  of  machmerv  whereby 
other  than  bullion  fringes  are  made  and  out 
at  the  same  time,  in  oombination  with  (i 
gain  of  space  as  in  the  first  claim.  8.  A 
certain  arrangement  for  making  fringes,  by 
which  additional  twist  m%y  be  put  in  the 
material  to  form  the  bullion  part  of  the 
same  during  the  making  of  it. 

Hackbtt,  John,  of  Derby,  mannfactuvar. 
Improvements  in  $he  mavufacture  ^garmenti, 
or  ef  appendag^t  cr  appii<meet  to  garmSiu, 
or  parts  qf  garments.  Patent  dated  August 
9,  1854.    (No.  1749.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  leather  cloth,  or  artificial  leather, 
in  the  manufacture  of  gaiters,  overalls,  &c. 

Clabburn,  William  Houghton,  manu- 
facturer,  of  Pitt-street,  Norwich.  Improve^ 
menu  in  the  mani{factwre  qfska^  and  scarfs. 
Patent  dated  August  10,  1854.  (No.  1750.) 
The  olgect  of  this  invention  is  to  produce 
effects  similar  to  those  visible  in  <*  Tellover" 
or  imitation- India  shawls  and  scarfs.  By 
using  the  warp  (to  form  a  part  of  the  figure) 


in  some  inatanoea  with  a  vaciety  of  colour, 
I  and  in  others  with  a  single  colour,  the  in« 
ventor  reduee^  the  number  of  shuttles, 
avoids  waste  of  material,  and  obviates 
the  objection  raised  against  the  cutting  of 
the  superfiuous  stuff.  In  the  improved  ar- 
tictes,  as  in  the  real  India  productions,  the 
shute  is  firmly  bound  in  in  the  process  of 
weaving. 

MoNSON,  BnwARD,  of  Birmingham, War. 
wick,  daguerreotype  artist  New  or  iaquroved 
machinery  for  mmn^facturing,  cleaning,  and 
poUshing  daguarreotype  plates.  Patent  dated 
August  11,  1854.    (No.  1752.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  con. 
structing  a  machine  in  which  the  plates  to 
be  operated  upon  are  fixed  on  a  bed  moved 
so  as  to  bring  every  part  of  them  in  succes- 
sion under  the  operation  of  the  tools ;  and 
in  hammering,  burnishtpg,  bufiing,  or 
grinding  and  polishing  the  plates  (whether 
in  manufacturing  new  or  cleaning  old 
plates)  by  means  of  a  hAmn»er,  burnisher, 
and  buffa,  b11  of  whioh  receive  their  motion 
from  the  same  shaft  as  tho  bed. 

BioKKRTON,  Samuel,  of  Oldbam,  Lan- 
caster. Ah  improved  gas-light  governor  or 
regulator,  which  inventUm  is  also  appUet^le  ta 
regulating  the  supply  qf  water  and  other  ftaids. 
Patent  dated  August  11, 1854.  (No.  1753.) 

CUamr^l^  The  construction  of  a  vessel 
or  outer  case,  similar  to  an  inverted  syphon 
or  pressure-gauge  one  leg  of  which  is  ex* 
posed  to  the  preaiure  of  the  gas  or  other 
fluid  and  the  other  to  the  atmon>heriQ 
pressure.  2.  The  oonstruction  of  a  float  of 
nearly  the  same  specific  gravity  a«  the  fluid 
in  which  it  is  suspended,  4md  of  such  a  form 
that  the  fluid  flowing  against  the  VBlve,  t^  it 
psBses  into  the  ontlet-pipe,  shall  o^use  the 
no4t  to  rlsoi  and  thus  open  the  v^lve  to  an 
extent  proportioned  to  tne  quanli^  of  flnid 
required,  and  the  intensity  of  the  oarrent 

Reimann,  Joseph,  of  Breslaw,  Prussia, 
and  Freperick  Sauermann,  of  the  same 

Slaoc,  Improvewsents  m  fire-arms^  Patent 
ated  August  11,  1854,  (No.  1754.) 
This  invention  relates  to  needle-guns,  and 
consists  in  a  combination  of  parti  bv  which 
the  gun  is  put  on  full  cook,  and  the  oar* 
tridge-holder  set  at  liberty,  and  by  means 
of  which  the  axis  of  the  bore  of  the  oar* 
tridge-holder  is  placed  at  right  angle«  to 
that  of  the  barrel. 

0RBVILLB,    PbnISTON     OrOSVBNOR,    of 

Lombard-street,  London,  gentleman,  /m* 
provements  in  the  mqntifBclure  rf  cards  fm 
working  wool  and  cotton,  (A  communica- 
tion.) Patent  dated  Aug.  11, 1854.  (No.  1755.) 
These  improvements  consist  in  employing 
in  the  manufacture  of  cards,  woollen  or  cot- 
ton Btufi;  which  is  of  a  thickness  varying 
according  to  the  height  of  the  teeth,  but 
reaches  alw«y«  to  tl)«  bwd  of  the  teeth, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PROVISIONAL   8PSGIFIGATION8  KOT  PROOEEDEB  WITH. 


211 


amlwlifoh  iaftxed  before  the  manttflteture  of 
the  eardft  on  the  leather  o»  other  material 
employed  fbr  thepurpose,  by  meant  of  glue. 

Blundell,  Waltbr,  ii  New  Broad- 
•treet,  London,  aurgeoii  dentist  An  Im. 
proved  apporatna  for  tremting  er  prepming 
ttny  part  rf  the  hmmaH  bvdy  ftfkiHng  to  te 
mr^iea/ly  operttted  tipoH,flir  the  ptirpom  ff 
totally  or  partiaUy  henumhing  the  tentt  rf 
fitUog  at  tht  detired  port  ^  the  h^man  body. 
Patent  dated  Angnat  11,  18M.    (No.  ir58.) 

The  principal  feature  of  this  invention 
consists  in  causing  a  liquid  cooled  by  ice,  or 
any  known  fireeihig  miictnre,  to  eoeulate 
through  a  piece  of  metal,  bladder,  oiled 
ailk,  membrane,  or  other  nnaterial  of  suit- 
able character  attached  to  the  apparatus. 

OiBsoN)  JoBN»  of  Paddington,  Middle- 
aex,  engineer.  ImprovememU  in  the  moMufaC' 
Utre  of  railway  wheels.  Patent  dated  August 
12,1854.    (No.  1780.) 

This  invention  consists  in  securing  tyres 
opon  the  bodies  of  railway  wheels,  having  a 
dovetail  or  undercut  periphery,  by  means  of 
ribs  or  fillets  fbrming  part  of  the  tyres,  by 
setting  or  calking  one  or  both  of  the  ribs 
or  fiUett  on  one  or  both  sides  of  the  dove- 
tail or  undercut  portion  of  the  bodies  at 
intervals,  or  with  spaees  between  such  set- 
tings or  calkings. 


FROVISIOHAL  flPEClFICATlOff^   NOT  PRO- 

cbbded  with. 

Gathercolb,  Jambs,  of  £ltham,  Kent, 
envelope  -  manufacturer.  Imptoifemettte  in 
bordering  or  producing  deticet  upon  the  edges 
rf  envelopes^  letter-paper^  or  other  article*  qf 
etoiionery.  Application  dated  Auguat  5, 
1864.    (No.  1721.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  to  substi- 
tute  for  the  ordinsry  hand  proeess  employed 
in  the  operations  named  in  the  title^  the 
common  ptinting  process,  by  which  the 
whole  of  the  parts  of  the  paper  to  be  bor- 
dered  have  the  oolour  printed  on  them  at  a 
aingle  operation. 

JoHNSOH,  JoBN  HbHRIT,  of  Liucoln's- 
ion-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
menis  in  the  wtum^meture  nf  railwuy  and  other 
wheeU,  Applieation  dated  August  5, 1854. 
(No.  1722.) 

This  invention  consists  in  manufacturing 
wheels  of  malleable  iron,  the  material  being 
operated  upon  in  a  heated  state  by  means 
of  compressing  and  combined  rolling  and 
drawing-apparatus. 

Yafp,  OeoROE  WAOSTAf  f ,  of  CornhiU, 
London.  An  improvement  in  steam 'boiler 
and  other  furnaces.  Application  dated  August 
7,  1854.    (No.  1728.) 

This  improvement  consists  In  the  em- 
ployment of  a  grating,  or  series  of  bars, 
placed  at  or  near  the  mouth  of  the  fumaooi 
m  a  perpendicular    or  slanting   position, 


fbr  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  f\iel  Arom 
falling  or  being  pushed  beyond  a  certain 
line  until  after  it  has  been  subjected  for 
some  time  to  the  action  of  the  fire  in  the 
body  of  the  furnace. 

AUBERT)    JllAN     BaFTISTB     ToUBSAIHT 

and  Fedble  Amtomio  Cossvs,  of  Paris, 
merchants.  hntprtMmenU  fa  oMsMMg  fibre 
from  wooUen  rag**  Application  datea  Au- 
gust 7, 1854.    (No.  1726.) 

The  rags  being  first  prepared  by  teethed 
and  grooved  rollers,  are  afterwards  subjected 
to  the  action  of  other  rollers  on  which  are 
rows  of  points  so  placed  as  to  pass  between 
other  rows  on  opposite  rollers ;  these  latter 
have  motion  given  to  them,  so  that  their 
points  travel  in  opposite  directions,  and 
work  immersed  in  water  up  to  their  axes. 

Thwaitbs,  John  Hall  Brock,  of  Bris- 
tol,  dentist,  /mproeemefift  in  apparatus  to 
faeilitaie  the  Communication  by  cypher.  Ap- 
plieation dated  August  7, 1854.  (No.  1727.) 

This  invention  consists  In  employing  a 
series  of  alphabets  which  can  be  arranged 
from  time  to  time  in  any  order,  so  that  the 
combination  aeleeted  for  communication 
may  be  varied. 

KMiottT,  John,  of  Stamfbrd,  Lincoln, 
engineer,  htprovemenis  in  engines  to  be 
worked  by  kteam,  air,  or  other  fiuids  or  Hquids, 
Applicatiott  dated  August  7,  1854.  (No. 
1728.) 

The  inventor  monnts  the  cylinder  of  his 
engine  in  such  manner  that  it,  as  well  as 
the  piston,  is  made  to  reciprocate. 

DnaOBSNB,  Emmatiubl  Francois,  .of 
Brussels,  Belgium.  An  improved  mode  tf 
manufacturing  gas  for  illumination.  Appli- 
cation dated  August  7, 1854.    (No.  1729.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  substitution 
of  bones,  and  other  animal  refuse  of  a  like 
nature,  for  coal,  resin,  &c.,  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  gas. 

DiRCKs,  Hbnry,  of  Moorgate  -  street, 
London,  engineer,  fmprooements  in  steam^ 
engine  boller-fumaees  (md  other  furnaces  for 
O  prevention  of  smoke.  Applieation  dated 
August  8,  1854.    (No.  1731.) 

This  invention  refbrs  to  the  construction 
of  perforated  alr-distributing  apparatus  **  in 
the  form  of  boxes,  plates,  bnrs,  bricks,  tiles, 
or  fire-lumps,  made  of  iron  or  fire-clay,  and 
placed  on,  above,  and  around  the  furnace- 
doors,  or  in  any  convenient  part  of  fVimaces 
best  suited  for  their  introduction." 

Stoy,  Hugh,  of  SL  John's-road,  Batter- 
sea-rise,  Surrey,  yeoman.  Stopping  of 
engines  and  carriages  on  railways^  and  aUo 
vehicles  of  every  description  on  the  common 
roadi.  Application  dated  August  8,  1854. 
(No.  1783.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  wheri  the 
speed  of  the  engine  or  luggage-van  Is 
checked,  the  carnages  are  to  run  into  it 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


212 


PKOVISIONAL   PBOTECTIONS. 


and  meet  a  projecting- bar  thrown  out  by 
the  driver  or  guard  by  means  of  a  rack, 
and  thus  to  throw  breaks  into  action  on  the 
wheels  of  all  the  carriages. 

White,  Charles,  of  Tachbrook-slreet, 
Pimlico,  Middlesex,  paper-stainer.  Im- 
protfemenls  in  prinling -blocks  for  printing 
ornamental  or  decorative  paper.  Application 
dated  August  8,  1854.     (No.  1737.) 

The  inventor  pro])08e8  to  employ  several 
slips,  each  of  the  thickness  of  the  block, 
attached  together  in  any  simple  manner,  so 
that  the  several  slips,  or  any  one  of  tiicm 
can  be  removed  at  pleasure,  and  re- arranged 
80  as  to  form  diffeient  patterns. 

Webb,  Edward,  of  Worcester,  hair-cloth 
manufacturer.  An  improved  poufer- loom  for 
weaving  horsehair  and  otfier  fibrous  sub- 
stances f  where  the  weft  or  shoot  is  not  com- 
posed of  a  continuous  thread.  Application 
dated  August  8,  1854-.     (No.  1740.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  of  certain 
means  for  eflecting  the  to-and-fro  traverse 
of  the  hook  or  shuttle  of  horsehair  and 
other  like  looms. 

Kaye,  Thomas,  of  Grange-moor,  Whit- 
Icy  liOwer,  near  Dewsbury,  York.  Im- 
provements in  the  means  of  reversing  the 
direction  oj  motion  qf'  steam  engines.  Appli- 
cation dated  August  9,  1854.     (No.  174<{.) 

Tiie  inventor  employs  two  two-way  cocks, 
which  have  separate  communications  by 
means  of  branch  pipes  with  the  top  and 
bottom  of  the  cylinder,  so  that  upon  im- 
parting motion  during  any  part  of  the  stroke 
to  a  lever  affixed  to  one  of  them,  that  which 
betorc  was  the  eduction  will  become  the 
induction  pa&sage. 

Lucas,  John,  of  Lincoln,  agricultural 
implement  maker.  Improved  machinery  for 
pulping  and  reducing  veyetable  substances* 
Application  dated  August  9,  1854.  (No. 
1747.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  hollow  i oiler,  the 
periphery  of  which  is  composed  of  sheet 
iron,  or  steel,  and  punched  full  of  holes  from 
the  inside,  so  as  to  form  a  rough  surface. 
The  vegetable  substances  to  be  pulped  are 
fed  to  the  machine  from  a  hopper,  and 
pressed  up  against  the  rough  rotating  sur- 
face by  a  sliding  presser. 

Uren,  Edward  Wills,  of  Fogginton, 
Dartmoor,  Walkhampton,  Devon.  A  new 
or  improved  machine^  and  arrangements  of 
machinery^  for  the  manufacturing  qf  bricks, 
pipes,  tiles,  and  artificial  stone  from  clay  and 
other  pUtstic  materials.  Application  dated 
August  10,  1854.     (No.  1751.) 

This  invention  primarily  consists  in  tlie 
employment  of  small  wheels  attached  to 
the  shafts  of  conical  rollers  for  crushing 
and  pugging  tlie  clay,  but  comprises  also  a 
variety  of  apparatus  for  completing  the 
processes  named  in  the  title. 


Tennant,  John,  of  Shields,  Monkton, 
Ayr,  farmer.  Improvements  in  grubben  for 
agricultural  purposes.  ApplicAtion  dated 
August  11,  1864.    (No.  1757.) 

This  invention  consists  in  fixing  to  each 
prong  or  tooth  of  tiie  grubber,  at  a  short 
distance  from  the  point,  a  pair  of  lateral 
teeth  inclined  backwards  and  slightly  up- 
wards. 

*•*  The  documents  of  No.  17G5  are 
with  the  law  officers  under  objection. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  January  10,  1855. 

67.  Henry  Bessemer,  of  Queen-slreet-plaoe.  New 
Cannon-Btreet,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  tbe 
construction  and  mannfacturo  of  ordnance. 

Dated  January  20,  1855. 

161.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  LincolnVinn-fieldt, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  con- 
struction of  seats  and  similar  articles  of  fumiturr*. 
A  communication  from  Pierre  8choltu»,  of  Paris, 

I    France,  piano  manufacturer. 
Dated  January  27,  1855. 

I  207.  John  Hutchinson,  of  Lonin'oyd-bridge,  Had- 
I  dersfield,  York,  engineer.  Improvements  in  appa- 
I    rat  us  to  economise  steam. 

21U.  Klias  Davis,  of  Aldgatc,  London,  India- 
rubber  manufacturer.  Improvements  in  rendering 
paper  waterproof. 

Dated  February  3,  1855. 

253.  Frederick  Samson  Thomas,  of  Cornhill* 
London,  and  William  Evans  Tillcy,  of  Kirby-street* 
Holborn,  Middlesex.  Improvements  iu  plating  or 
coating  metals. 

255.  James  Timmina  Chance,  of  Birmingham. 
Improvements  In  the  manufacture  of  pipes  or 
tubes  of  glass  or  other  vitreous  matter. 

257.  John  Patterson,  of  Beverley,  York,  engi- 
neer. Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus 
for  washing,  vrriiiging,  and  mangling  or  pressing, 
clothes  or  textile  fabrics. 

259.  I  sate  Lippmann.  of  Rue  Geoffroy  Saint 
Ililare.  Paris,  Prance,  tanner.  An  improvfd  me- 
thod of  dyeing  or  colouring  the  ludcs  and  skins  of 
animali?. 

261.  Thomas  Allan,  of  Adelphl-terrace.  West- 
minhter,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  obtain- 
ing and  tran^mitling  motive  power. 

Dated  February  5,  1855, 

263.  Godfrey  Patiison.of  Glasgow,  Lanark,  mer- 
chant. Improvements  in  machinery  for  dressing 
and  finishing  woven  goods  or  fabries.  A  commu- 
nication. 

265.  John  Henry  Johni^on,  of  Llncoln's-iun- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gent'eman.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  or  construction  of  steam  boilers 
or  generators,  and  in  the  application  of  materijiU 
to  such  manufacture.  A  cornmunieation  from 
Jackson  Brothers,  Pettn,  Gaudet,  and  Co.,  of  Riie 
de  Gicr,  France,  engineers. 

267.  I'eter  Armand  Lecoratc  de  Fontainerooreau, 
of  South-street,  London.  An  improved  mode  of 
preserving  railway  and  other  tickets.  A  commu- 
nication. 

269.  Ebentzer  Ilartnall,  of  St.  Mary  Axe.  Im- 
provements in  preservmg  animal  and  vegetable 
substance 4  for  food. 

271.  Joseph  Gibbons,  of  Oxford-street,  Middle- 
sex. An  improvement  in  fixing  the  spindles  of 
door-locks  to  their  knobs. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PROVISIONAL   PJ|0TJ£CTI0N8. 


21B 


273.  Thomat  Barnabaii  Daft,  of  the  Ule  of  Man, 
esq.  Improvement*  in  the  manufacture  of  beds  or 
surfaces  to  recline  or  lie  on. 

Dated  February  6,  1855. 

275.  John  GedKe,  of  Wellington-street  South, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  In  nrames  suitable  for 
photographic  or  stereoscopic  proofs  or  pori  raits.  A 
communication  f^om  J.  E.  Pointeau,  of  Paris, 
France. 

277.  Theopl.ilus  A^ton,  of  Compton-street,  Re- 
gent's-square,  Middlesex.  Improved  apparatus 
and  means  for  enabling  persons  conveyed  in  car- 
riages to  communicate  with  the  drivers  or  con- 
ductors thereof 

279.  Arthur  Warner,  of  New  Broad-street,  mer- 
chant, London.  Improvements  in  eo.iting  or 
combining  sheet  iron  aud  stcvl,  with  sheet  lead, 
2inc,  tin,  copper,  or  alloys  of  such  metals. 

281.  Peter  Smith,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark,  machine 
maker.  Improvements  In  nmehlnery  or  appara- 
tus for  printing  textile  fabrics  and  other  surlmces. 

28S.  George  Audeman,  of  Lausanne,  Switxer- 
land.  Improvements  in  obtaining  and  treating 
vegetable  fibres. 

Dated  February  7,  1855. 

285.  Peter  Armand  LeeomCe  de  Fontainemo- 
reau,  of  South-street,  London.  An  improvement 
in  the  mode  of  applying  as  motive  power  heated 
air,  eombined  with  the  vapour  of  ether,  or  of  any 
other  Uonid  easily  vaporised.    A  communication. 

2M.  William  warbrick,  of  Dukinfleld,  machine 
maker,  and  John  Walker,  of  Compstall-bridge, 
near  Stockport,  mechanic,  both  in  Chester.  Cer- 
bUn  improvements  in  machines  for  preparing, 
spianlcg,  doubling,  warping,  and  dressing  cotton, 
wool,  and  other  fibrous  substances. 

2<7.  John  Grove  Johnson,  of  Baiinghall- street, 
London.    Improvements  in  surgical  bandages. 

288.  George  Tomllnson  Bousfleld,  of  Sussex- 
place,  Urixton,  Surrey.  Improvements  in  steam 
ploughing  machines.  A  communication  from 
Obed  Hussey. 

289.  £dward  Davies,  of  Liver|K>ol,  oil  refiner 
and  distiller,  of  the  Arm  of  Davies,  Syers,  and 
Co.  An  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of  an 
oil  and  paraiBn,  fh>m  a  material  not  hitherto  used 
for  snch  purposes. 

290.  George  Tomlinson  Bousfleld,  of  Sussex- 
place,  Brixton,  Surrey.  Improvements  in  looms 
for  weaving  ornamental  figured  fabrics,  and  in  the 
construction  of  the  rollers  to  be  used  upon  the 
pattern  chains  of  such  looms.    A  communication. 

291.  Richard  Dover  Chatterton,  of  Cobourg, 
Canada  West.  Improvements  in  propelling 
vessels. 

292.  Augustus  Johann  Hoffstaedt,  of  Albion- 
place,  Blackfiriars,  and  Samuel  Blackwell,  of  Ox- 
ford-street. An  improvement  In  powder  flasks 
and  shot  belts  or  pouches. 

293.  Georfre  Briggs,  of  Wigmore-street,  Mid- 
dlesex, carriage  builder.  An  Unproved  spring  for 
carriages. 

294.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chancery-lane, 
Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman.  An  im- 
proved construdtion  of  spur.    A  communication. 

295.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chancery-lane, 
Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman.  An  im- 
proved mode  of  constructing  dry  docks.  A  com* 
inuo  ication . 

296.  WUliam  Hartfield,  of  Prospect-row,  Ber- 
mondsey,  Surrey,  tortoise-shell  worker.  Making 
book  covers  in  tortoise-shell,  inlaid  or  not  with 
pearl  or  Ivory,  and  for  Improvements  in  machinery 
for  embossing,  carving,  and  inlaying  book  covers 
with  pearl  and  ivory,  and  for  making  metal 
joints  by  which  such  books  may  be  widely  opened ; 
the  said  improvements  to  be  applicable  to  inlaying 
pianofortes. 

Dated  February  8,  1855. 

397.  John  Wilson,  of  Manchester,  calico  printer. 


Improvements  in  the  manufMCturc  of  rollers  for 
printing  and  embossing  caliro  and  other  fabrics. 

298.  Adolphe  Oirard,  chemist,  of  Pertuis,  de- 
partment of  Vaueluse,  France.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  extinguishing  fires. 

299.  Francis  Puis,  of  Soho-square,  Middlesex, 
chemist.  Certain  Improvements  In  apparatus  to 
be  used  in  smoking  tobacco. 

500.  Joseph  Armstrong,  of  Nor  man  ton  Station, 
Wakefield,  York.  Improtemcnis  in  certain  parts 
of  the  permanent  way  of  railwnyH. 

501.  George  Fergusson  Wilson,  of  Belmont, 
Vauxhall,  mana/ini;  director  of  Price's  Patent 
Candle  Co.,  and  George  Payne,  of  the  same  place. 
Improvements  in  treating  glycerine. 

302.  Frederick  Ransome,  of  Ipswich.  Improve-, 
ments  in  drying  articles  made  of  plastic  mate- 
rials. 

303.  Robert  James  Maryon  (engineer  civil),  of 
York-road,  Lambeth,  Surrey.  Iiiiproveinent  or 
improvements  in  the  construction  of,  and  manu- 
facture of,  ordnance,  part  or  section  of  his  said 
invention  he  applies  for  improvement  in  the  con- 
struction of  fire-ams  of  every  class. 

Dated  February  9,  1855. 

304.  Charles  Armsdell,  of  Fenchurch  -  street, 
London,  painter.    An  improved  sifter  or  shovel. 

305.  Joseph  Martin,  or  Liicrpool,  I.ancaster, 
com  and  rice  miller  and  merchant.  Improvements 
in  machinery  for  treating  wheat  and  other  grain. 

806.  William  Bridges  Adams,  of  Adam-street, 
Adelphi,  Middlesex,  engineer.  Improvements  in 
the  construction  and  application  of  elastic  springs 
for  sustaining  loads  or  moderating  concussion  in 
fixing  or  moving  machines  or  carriages. 

307.  John  Lees,  of  Park-bridge  Iron  Works, 
Ashton-under-Lyne,  Lancaster,  and  William  Heap, 
of  Ashton-nnder-Lyne,  Lancaster,  tool  maker. 
A  new  or  improved  machine  or  apparatus  for  cut- 
ting and  straightening  bars  of  metal. 

308.  WUllam  Beckett  Johnson,  of  Manchester, 
Lancaster,  manager  for  Messrs.  Ormerod  and  Sons, 
engineers.  Improvements  in  steam  boilers  and 
engines. 

309.  Bartb^emy  Pont,  of  Rue  Bourdaloue, 
Paris,  France,  photographic  artist.  A  process  of 
autographic  engraving. 

310.  Francis  Parker,  of  Waterloo,  Northamp- 
ton. An  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of 
paper. 

311.  John  Langman,  of  Plymouth,  Devon, 
architect.  Improvements  in  portable  buildings 
specially  adapted  to  campaigning  purposes. 

Dated  February  10, 1855. 

312.  Charles  Barnard  and  John  Bishop,  of  Norr 
wich,  Norfolk,  ironmongers  and  copartners.  Im- 
provements in  apparatus  for  cutting  vegetable 
substances. 

314.  George  Henry  Ingall,  of  Throgmorton- 
strcet.  City,  gentleman.  Certain  improvements  In 
telegraphic  communication  and  apparatus  con- 
nected therewith. 

315.  Samuel  Russell,  of  Porter-street,  Sheflleld, 
York.  Improvements  in  projectiles  for  fire-arms 
and  ordnance. 

316.  George  Hallen  Cottam  and  Henry  Richard 
Cottam,  of  St.  Pancras  Iron  Works,  Old  St.  Pan- 
cras-road.  Improvements  in  the  construction  of 
iron  buildings. 

317.  WiUiam  Balk,  of  Ipswich,  Suffolk,  engi- 
neer.  Improvements  in  machinery  for  crushing 
grain  and  other  substances. 

318.  Alexander  Sands,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
ironfounder.  An  improved  fastening  or  detainer, 
to  be  employed  as  a  substitute  for  "clothes 
pegs,"  or  for  other  similar  purposes.  A  conunu- 
uieation. 

310.  Louis  Adulphe  Ferdinand  Besnard,  of  Paris, 
France,  gentleman.   An  improved  composition  for 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


214 


KOTIOES  OF  INTENZION  TO  PBOCEED. 


fixing  lithographs  and  engravtngB  on  eanvai  after 
being  transposed  or  reproduced  by  a  printing 
presR. 

320.  Augttste  Edouard  Loradonx  Bellford,  of 
Essex-street,  London.  Certain  materials  to  1>e 
used  for  eementing  and  painting,  and  also  appli- 
cable to  priming  and  dressing  or  finishing  fabrics. 
A  communication  from  Professor  Prederic  Kuhl- 
raann,  of  Lille,  France. 

921.  George  Rennle,  of  Holland-street,  Surrey, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  marine  steam  en- 
gines. 

Dated  February  12,  1855. 

328.  Samuel  Smith,  of  Manchester,  cotton-spin- 
ner. Improvements  in  machinery  Ibr  winding 
cotton  and  other  yama  or  threads. 

823.  David  Barr,  commercial  clerk,  of  Dale  End, 
Birmingham.  A  new  or  improved  tap  for  hot  and 
cold  fluids,  ateam,  and  gaset. 

327.  Richard  Shirley  Harris,  of  Leioeater,  gen- 
tleman. Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
looped  fabrics. 

Dated  February  li,  1855. 

829.  Samuel  Smith,  of  Manchester,  spinner,  and 
Moses  Morris,  of  Swinton,  near  Manchester,  over- 
looker. An  improved  machine  for  spinning  cot- 
ton and  other  fibrous  materials. 

331.  Augusto  Vallery,  of  Rouen,  France,  civil 
engineer.  An  improved  machinery  for  the  pi epara- 
tion  of  flax,  hemp,  and  other  textile  materials. 

833.  George  Dalton,  of  Lymingtoa,  Southamp- 
ton, gentleman.  Improvements  in  reverberatocy 
furnaces. 


DE  NORMANDY'S  APPLICATION  FOR  PRO- 
LONGATION OF  PATENT. 

The  application  of  Alphonse  Rene  le  Mire  de 
Normandy  for  a  prolongation  of  the  patent  granted 
to  him  for  *' Certain  ImproTements  In  the  manu- 
facture of  soap,"  is  to  be  made  on  the  2nd  of 
April  next.  Instead  of  the  12th  Maroh,  as  pre- 
viously stated.    (No.  1644,  p.  142.) 


NOTICES   OF   INTENTION   TO 
PROCEED. 

{From the  "London  Gazettef"  February  27th, 
1855.) 

•  2221.  Alfred  Illingworth  and  Henry  Illingworth. 
Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  comb- 
ing wool  and  other  fibrous  stibstanees. 

2223.  Robert  John  Chippindall.  An  improred 
pencil-case. 

2229.  Georve  Hamilton.  Improvements  in  ob- 
taining soundings. 

2230.  John  Mason  and  William  Robertson.  Im- 
prorements  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  prepar- 
ing and  spinning  cotton  ana  other  fibrous  sub- 
stances, ]inrt  of  which  improvements  is  also  appli- 
cable for  shifting  straps,  by  which  motion  Is  com- 
municated in  other  machines. 

2288.  Howard  Ash  ton  Hol  den.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  rooMamps  for  railway  and  other  car- 
riages, and  for  parts  used  in  connection  with  the 


22S8.  John  Platt.    Improvements  In  machinery  • 

or  apparatus  for  making  bricks.  | 

2245.  Julius  Smith  and  Frank  Sandom  Thomas,  i 

An   improved   apparatus  Ibr  steering  ships  and  I 
other  vessels. 

2248.  John  Jamieson.  Certain  improvements  in 

steam  engines.  | 


•'  2260.  Bennett  Johns  Heywood.  Improved  ap- 
paratus for  affixing  postage  and  other  stamps  to 
envelopes,  letters,  and  other  documents. 

2252.  Edward  Abell.  An  improved  instrument 
to  assist  the  hand  in  writing. 

2253.  Henry  Hales.  Improvements  in  machi- 
nery for  propelling  vessels. 

2254.  George  Savage.  A  new  or  improved  singe- 
ing lamp. 

2261.  Charles  Cowper.  Improvements  in  pre- 
paring to  be  spun  ana  in  spinning  silk  waste.  A 
communication. 

2278.  William  Thomas  Smith  and  George  Hill. 
Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  win- 
nowing, washing,  sifting,  or  separating  com, 
gravel,  minerals,  and  other  materials. 

2282.  John  Healey,  John  Poster,  and  John  Txiwe. 
Improvements  in  machinery  to  be  used  for  draw- 
ing, moulding,  fbrming,  and  forging  articles  in 
metal. 

2288.  Joseph  Eceles.  Improvements  in  maehi- 
nerv  for  the  manufacture  of  bricks. 

228S.  Peter  Armand  Leeomte  de  Fontainemo- 
reau.  Improvements  in  bleaching,  dyeing,  and 
preparing  hemp  and  flax  to  be  spun.  A  commu- 
nication f^om  Messrs.  A.  and  H.  Six,  of  Wasem- 
mes-les-lille. 

2293.  William  Boutland  Wilkinson.  Improve- 
ments In  the  construction  of  fireproof  dwellings, 
warehouses,  and  other  buildings,  or  parts  of  the 
same. 

2297.  Edward  Lindner.  Improvements  in  re- 
volving breech  fire-arms  and  magaxlne. 

2316.  Archibald  Craig.  Improvements  In  the 
manufacture  of  railway  wheels. 

2319.  George  Taylor.  Certain  improvements  In 
mills  for  grinding  com  and  other  substances. 

2321.  James  Bae.  Improvements  in  machinery 
or  apparatus  fbr  assisting  In  propelling  vessels. 

2333.  Isidore  Alexandre  Molneau  and  Jean  Gus- 
tavo Lemasson.  Improvements  in  elastic  mat- 
tresses and  seats. 

2384.  Edouard  Alexandre.  Improvements  In 
orean  pianos. 

2338.  John  Adcock.  The  novel  application  of 
the  stem  or  stalk  of  the  tobacco  leaf  for  various 
useful  purposes. 

2343.  Joseph  Bettelev.  Improvements  In  the 
construction  and  manufacture  of  Iron  knees,  and 
the  application  thereof  for  ships'  fastenings. 

2408.  Lancelot  Klrkup.    Improvements  in  an- 

2418.  Pierre  Joseph  Meeus.  A  new  or  Improved 
wind  instrument.    A  communication. 

2448.  Th6odule  Fran9ois  Calard.  Certain  im- 
provements in  bedsteads. 

2488.  John  Davie  Merries  Stirling.  Improve- 
ments in  the  manufacture  of  metallic  tubes. 

2507.  John  Taverner.    A  new  edible  compound. 

2508.  Thomas  Knight  and  Stephen  Knl;(ht.  Jm- 

Erovements  in  apparatus  for  heating  water  for 
aths  and  other  purposes. 

2579.  George  Aubury  and  William  Richard 
Bridges.  A  portable  apparatus  for  the  manufac- 
ture and  supply  of  gas. 

26S9.  Thomas  and  Samuel  Baker.  Improve- 
ments in  the  mode  or  method  of  lining  or  lowering 
weights  or  heavv  bodies  by  steam  or  hand  power. 

2722.  Benjamin  Bishop  and  Joseph  Dyer.  Im- 
provements in  the  manufacture  or  hinges. 

67.  Henry  Bessemer  Improvements  in  the  con- 
struction and  manufacture  of  ordnance. 

176.  James  Fen  ton.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  axles,  shafts,  rods,  and  bars. 

178.  Richard  Laming.  Improvements  in  obtain- 
ing and  combining  ammonia. 

190.  Alexander  William  Anderson.  Improve- 
ments in  posting  or  exhibiting  advertisements. 

193.  George  Henry  Bursill.  Improvements  In 
cases  or  coverings  for  explosive  substances  or 
compounds. 

237,  James  Howard.  Improvements  in  ploughs. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WEEKLY  UST  OP  PATENTS. 


215 


250.  George  Ritchie.  Improvements  in  beds  or 
mattresses. 

255.  James  Tlmmins  Cbance.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture  of  pipes  or  tubes  of  glass,  or 
other  vitreous  matter. 

283.  Godfiej  Pattison.  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery for  dressing  and  finishing  woven  goods  or 
fabrics.    A  communication. 

283.  George  Audemars.  Improvem3nts  in  ob« 
taining  and  treating  vegetable  fibres. 

284.  John  OralnRer.  Improvementt  in  the 
manufacture  of  pantiles. 

287.  John  Grove  Johnson.  Imprevementt  in 
suridcal  bandages. 

290.  George  Tomlinson  Bousfletd.  Improve- 
ments in  looms  for  weaving  ornamental  figured 
fabrics,  and  in  the  construction  of  the  rollers  to 
be  used  upon  the  pattern  chains  of  such  looms.  A 
eororaunieatleii. 

295.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton.  An  improved 
mode  of  constructing  dry  docks.  A  communica- 
tion. 

301.  George  Fergasson  IVilson  and  George 
Payne.    ImproToments  in  treating  glyoerine. 

812.  Charles  Barnard  and  John  Bishop.  Im- 
provements in  apparatus  for  eutting  vegetable 
substances. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
above  List,  who  have  ^ iven  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  *  one 
dmys  from  the  data  of  the  Gazette  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
inissioners'-offlce  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objeotion  to  the  application. 


VTBEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 

Sealed  Febmary  23,  1S55. 

1885.  George  Burch, 

1886.  James  Lamb  Hancock. 
1889.  Thomas  McNally. 
1927.  James  Parker. 

19tf6«  Julian  Bernard. 
1974.  Thomaa  Clowes. 


1980.  Samuel  Szontagh. 
1999.  Alfred  Wilson  and  George  Wilson. 
2041.  William  Hodson. 
2158.  William  Johnson. 
2180.  Edward  John  Serille. 
2442.  George  Tomlinson  Bousfield. 
2596.  George  Taylor. 
•    2624.  Samuel  Fisher. 
2627.  Thomas  Haines. 
2630.  James  Redgate,  James  Thornton, 

and  Edwm  Ellis. 
2638.  James  Rose. 
2668.  Robert  Von  SeckendorfT. 
2726.  John  Nash. 
2730.  William  Edward  Kewton. 
2740.  WilUam  Ward. 

Seated  February  27, 1865. 
1803.  John  Fisher  WiUiama. 
1914.  James  Danks. 

1919.  Henry  Bernoulli  Barlow. 

1920.  Nicholas  Callan. 
1930.  William  Hill. 

1936.  Jacques  Fran^oise  Henry  Hypolite 

Herve  de  Lavaur. 
1940.  Samuel  Stocker. 
1958.  John  Jones. 
1982.  Martin  Billing. 
2008.  Andrew  Barclay. 
2440.  John  Macadam. 
2525.  Joseph  Whitworth. 
2595.  Joseph  Alfred  Nicholson. 
2686.  Richard    Whytock    and    Thomas 

Preston. 
2702.  John  Hunt. 
2736.  John  CockoroA. 
2739.  James  Murdoch. 

The  above  Patents  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  Provisional  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  seteral  inventions  men- 
tioned therein. 


LIST  OF  DESIGNS  FOR  ARTICLES  OF  UTILITY  REGISTERED. 


Date  of     No.  In 
Registra-   the  Re- 
gister. 


Proprietor's  Names. 


Addresses. 


Subject  of  Design. 


tlon. 

Feb.  10  3683  M6ge  and  Zaehns-dorf Frith-street... Bracelet  Clasp. 

13  3684  Clark  and  Tlmmins  Birmingham  Lamp  Iron. 

20  9685  Price's  Candle  Company Vauahall Stove  Lamp. 

21  3686  Oakes  and  Ward Birmingham LampHanOle. 

22  3687  Smith  and  Ashby    Stamford Mill  Frame. 

23  3688  Price's  Candle  Company  .........  Vauxhall     Stove  Lamp. 

28  3689  Hlnks  and  Wells  BirmlDgham Penholder. 


LIST  OF  PROVISIONAL  REGISTRATIONS. 

Feb.   7       637    R.  Jacobs Charing*ero«s ParasolJoint. 

10       63S    W.  Graham Cheapside Brace  Ends. 

17       639    W.B.Flint Birmingham  Shutter  Bar  Clip. 

19  640    Harris  and  Sous Long  Crendon  Sail  Needle. 

20  641    E.  B.  B.  Wren  Tottenham-court-road Camp  Arm  Chair. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


|16 


NOTICKS  TO  CORRESFONDKNT.S. 


NOTICES  TO  COftREBPOKDENTS. 


S.  Barton.  DerbY.— Mr.  NiehoUon  makea  no  ex- 
elunive  claim,  we  believe,  to  the  uie  of  the  doable 
pall,  except  when  it  is  employed  in  combination 
with  the  other  parta  of  his  stock. 
.    A  Thirtg  Yearf  Subscriber,— Vfe   bslieve   the 


Specification  of  Mr.  Callan's  patent  for  a  new  luM- 
tery  will  be  made  public  this  day  (Saturday,  March 
Srd).  If  so,  we  Khali  shortly  pabllsh  a  description 
of  it.  We  will  endeavour  to  answer  your  first 
question  more  fully  in  our  next. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

Hi^dertake  Uia  Proouratioa  of  Pateats 
;  r 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Counlriea,  and  the  tranaaclion  generally  of  all 

busineaa  relating  to  PAtBNTs.    Costs  of  Provisional  Protection — iSlO  10s. 
Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  Intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 
to  Messrs.  aOBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  ''Mechanics'  Magasine  and 
-     Patent  Office,"  166,  Fleet-sUeet,  London. 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


Parley's  Patent  Compressed  Air-Sogine— (wiM 

enffravingt) 193 

On  Mafnietic  Repulsion.    By  ProfMsor  Tyn- 

dM—iwUhiUacraiiu) 195 

On  the  Flow  of  Water  through  Pipes  and 

Oriflees 197 

The  Origin  and  Progress  of  t>io  MechaUical 
Inventions  of  James  Watt,  ice    By  /.  P. 

Muirhead,  Esq.,  Bi^.— (iS«view.)..... .199 

Oart^e-|dofn^8^  Motion... .j ;.,; 201 

nsOi'une'tf  Improvem'enis  in  ^hip-building...'.^.  *203 

The  Smoke  Question  : ..;,......, 204 

Mr.  WillUms  on  Comhuetion .......; .....C.l  '303 

Elastic  Woollen  Cloths.. .\.>iim'*v« •»"  :^^ 

Speeifleations  of  Patents  recently  Filed {  •  - 

Soresina Flax  and  Hemp 20G 

Rye  d;  Crowther...fiteara-englbes 206 

'Tetley Rotary  Engines  207 

Oossage Soap 207 

Hallen Chairs  and  Bedstesds..  207 

Miles Locks... 207 

Taylor m.  ...Threshing  Machines  ...  207 

Kortright CompsMea 207 

Harrison.. Electric  Currents 207 

Boissonneau  Artificial  Eyes 208 

Stanshuiy Rope 208 

'  Stanshury Furnaees 208 

Stansbury.: Cutmail  Machines 208 

Stanshury Air-ti^ht  Vessels 208 

•Cunningham Printing  Surfaces 208 

Alexandre Coneertinns 208 

Cox Iwinding  Yarns 200 

Lucas  ....^... .^..ManuiSsoturing -Steel ...  209 

Waterhouse  .........Cutting  Files 209 

Hnlme .'.....'.....Steam  Boilers 209 

Turner .......; l.Hides 209 

Moorhouse  ....' Fibrous  Materials 209 

Corvi-. ...........Musical  Instruments...  209 

Ogg •. Cementing  Leather......  209 

wliite Deodorizing 209 

Pitt  .*....». ...Locks  and  Latches 209 


Oulton Motive  Power  ...........  209 

GUbee ......Hydraulic  Marlines  ...  210 

Johard Pumps .^ 210 

Livesey ....Fringes 2ia 

Haekett Oaiters,  fte. 2(0 

Clabbuin Shawls  and  Scarfs  ......  210 

Monson Daguerreotype  Plates  ..  iw 

Bickerton Gas  Regulator 210 

Reimann  ft  Sauer- 

mann Firentfrns 210 

Greville Cards 2lto 

Blundell Benumbing  the  Body.   2 1 1 

Gibson Railwsy  Wheels 21 1 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with  * 

Gatheroole ...Bordering  En veiopee...  211 

Johnson Railway  Wheels «  211 

Yapp Furnaces  211 

Aubert  &  Cossus ...Treating  Rags 2 1 1 

Thwaltes  ..Communicating  by  Cy- 
pher  211 

Knight .'.Steam  Engines,  ftc.  ...  211 

Dugnesne ^.Gas 3 II 

Dlrcks Furnaces  2.1 

Stoy Brake zll 

White.: Printing-Blocks 212 

Webb ..Power-Looms  Hi 

Kaye Reversing  Gear  21  i 

Lucas ...Pulping 212 

Uren  Bricks  and  TUes.... 212 

Tennant ..Grubbers 21^ 

Provisional  Protections 212 

De  Normandy's  Application  Xor  Prolongation 

of  Patent 214 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed...  ...........<.«...  214 

List  of  Sealed  Patents..... ......'. 215 

List  of  Designs  for  Articlts  of  Utility  Regis- 
tered  215 


list  of  Provisionsl  Registrations  . 
Notices  to  Correspondents  .MM. 


215 
216 


LONDON':  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richsrd  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  16d,  Fleet-streer, 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Galignani,  Rue  Vivieniie,  Paris.;  Machin,  and  Co., 
Dublin ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


P[et|antt$*  '^n^^mt 


No.  1648.]  SATURDAY,   MARCH  10,  1855.  [sJ^^^Liw. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  IM,  Fleet-street. 

WILLIAMS'S  PATENT  SCREW  PROPELLER. 
Fig.  I.  Fig.  2. 


Fig.  3.  Fig.  4. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


218 


WILLIAMS'S  PATENT  SCREW  PROPELLER. 
(Patent  di'.ed  May  10,  UH.) 

Mr.  W.  Williams,  of  Dublin,  has  patented  a  screw  propeller,  formed  by  the  combina- 
tion of  blades  or  fans  of  a  particular  form,  with  a  conical  axis  which  has  an  opening  or 
channel  through  it  for  the  passage  of  the  water  after  it  has  been  acted  upon  by  the 
propeller. 

Fig.  1  is  an  end  view  of  the  propeller  detached,  as  seen  from  the  front ;  fig.  2  a  side  view 
of  it,  showing  an  edge  view  of  the  fans  or  blades ;  fig.  3  an  end  view  of  it,  applied  to  a 
vessel,  and  as  seen  from  behind  ;  and  fig.  4  a  side  view  of  it,  showing  the  openings  in  the 
conical  tube  more  plainly  than  in  fig.  2.  "  A  is  the  ordinary  horizontal  shaft;  B  is  a  boss 
fixed  upon  this  shaft,  and  filling  the  space  between  it  and  the  inside  of  the  conical  tube,  C. 
This  boss  has  grooves  or  channel*,  6,  formed  upon  it,  to  facilitate  the  passage  of  the  water 
from  the  centre  of  motion  of  the  propeller ;  the  conical  tubo)  G^haa  lUso  openings  or  chan- 
nels, c,  cut  or  formed  in  it  for  the  lame  purpose.  Thetf  openings  or  channels,  it  will  be 
seen  from  fig,  4,  are  of  considerable  sise,  so  as  to  admit  of  a  tltst  postage  of  the  water  away 
from  the  propeller  after  it  has  been  acted  upon  by  the  latter.  D  D  ere  the  fans  or  blades 
which  are  to  be  fixed  to  the  conical  tube,  C,  by  means  of  angle  Iroa  end  rivets,  as  shown,  or 
they  may  be  utiited  thereto  In  any  convenient  manner.  TJie  form  of  these  fans  or  bladei| 
it  will  be  seeui  is  not  truly  spiral,  the  fore  part,  as  at  £,  leading  f^om  the  outer  line  of  the 
eoniei)  inbe,  C,  to  the  hinder  iMurt,  F,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  Inereeee  gracWally  the  eagle 
miide  by  the  inner  side  of  the  fan  or  blade  with  the  shaft.  A.*' 

This  propeller  nay,  of  course,  be  constructed  in  various  ways  i  but  the  Inv ehtot  Vtt^ 
that  both  the  eotlieal  tube  and  the  fans  or  blades  should  be  formed  of  malleable  ttoD|*  m 
united  together  end  to  the  boss  by  means  of  angle  iron  and  bolts  or  rivets,  ot  la  tttf  i 
that  will  ediiill  of  fixing  the  fans  or  blades  while  at  sea. 


PROFESSOR  FARADAY   ON    MAGNETIC   PHILOSOPHY  AlfD   THE 
PHILOSOPHY  OF  FORCE. 


Tbb  inquisitif  eness  of  the  human  mind 
hae  no  bounds.  The  questions  Howt  aa4 
Wherefore  f  are  eontlnuelly  proposed,  and 
horn  ev err  answer  gi?en,  new  interrogatories 
epring.  It  seems  altogether  impossible  to 
satis^,  at  least  through  her  own  sgcncy,  the 
intense  desire  of  the  eoul  to  possess  a  full 
end  periect  knowledge  of  the  wonders  and 
nysteriee  in  whieh  she  ie  embosomed.  All 
the  toil  that  thie  deeire  has  urged  inen  to 

Sirform  seems  rather,  by  the  exercise  of 
eir  faculties,  to  have  increased  the  long- 
ing, than  in  any  degree  to  promise  its  ap- 
peasement.  From  every  truth  we  acquire, 
numberless  new  questions  arise  and  await 
our  solution,  so  that,  in  gaining  an  increase 
of  knowledge,  we  are  but  witnessing  the  re. 
movel  of  a  veil  which  concealed  a  larger 
fgnoranee  and  e  wider  field  of  labour  than 
we  before  beheld. 

Thus  es  we  toil  on,  eugmenting  our  stores 
of  knowledge  and  experience,  while  we  in. 
crease  the  number  of  the  things  that  we  know 
more  or  less  partially,  we  become  conscious 
that  we  are  adding  much  more  to  the  num- 
ber of  those  of  which  we  are  utterly  igno- 
rant  A  piece  of  wood,  in  burning,  is  felt 
to  spread  its  rays  of  heat  through  its  neigh- 
bourhood ;  and  when  we  ask  how  this  pheno- 
menon  is  produced,  the  chemist,  who  has 
done  his  best  to  discover  all  about  the  matter, 
comes  forward  and  tells  us  that  the  oxygen 


of  the  atmosphere  has  a  great  attraction  for 
the  constituenU  of  the  wood — that  by  vir- 
tue of  this  attraction,  it  combines  with  them, 
— and  that,  in  the  combination  thus  formed, 
the  latent  heat  which  was  essential  to  their 
separate  exiatence  is  not  needed,  end  is 
therefore  given  off  during  the  process  of 
combustion.  This,  though  useftil  informa- 
tion, so  far  from  satiafying  our  curiosity, 
leads  us  to  wonder  end  to  question  more 
than  ever.  The  feet  that  this  oxygen  gas 
plays  the  pert  it  does  in  the  process  is  quite 
as  fruitful  a  source  of  astonishment,  end  is 
quite  as  inexplicable  to  us,  as  the  phenome- 
non of  combtistion  itself.  Thus,  after  a 
while,  we  find  that  in  what  we  at  first  re- 
ceived as  a  full  explanation  of  the  matter, 
the  chemist  has  only  presented  us  with  de- 
tails, each  of  whieh  is  es  mysterious  es  thet 
of  whieh  we  sought  an  explanation ;  end 
our  original  riddle  has  but  been  resolved 
into  e  number  of  others,  eeoh  as  difficult  as 
itself.  Though  we  have  gained  what  it  is 
important  for  us  to  possess,  and  what  may 
be  turned  to  our  edventage,  we  certainly 
have  not  found  whet  we  sought 

Again,  we  ask  why  the  parts  of  e  solid 
body  cling  so  obstinately  to  each  other  f  end 
the  natural  philosopher  furnishes  us  with 
his  reply,  but  in  it  gives  us  no  more  then 
the  scientific  name  which  he  has  given  to 
the  cause  of  the  phenomenon,  and  ue  phe- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PB0VE8S0B  FABABAT  ON  MAOMETIG  PHILOSOPHT,  ETC. 


219 


nomenon  itself,  stated  in  systematic  terms, 
fie  informs  us  that  the  molecules  of  the 
body  lia? e  for  each  other  an  attraction  which 
is  brought  into  operation,  and  exerts  its 
influence,  only  when  they  exist  in  close 
proximity  to  each  other,  and  that  it  is  by 
virtue  of  this  force  of  attachment  that  they 
bold  together  in  so  aggregated  form«  resist- 
ing separation.  To  do* thus  much  is,  of 
course,  to  do  us  a  service,  yet  it  is  no  more 
than  making  a  clear  and  ^stematic  state- 
ment  rf  the  faet,  not  a  method  of  account- 
ing  for  it. 

Then  there  is  the  apple  falling  to  the 
earth,  exciting  the  mind  to  inquiry — to  ask 
why  it  it  that  all  terrestrial  bodies,  when 
left  to  themselves  without  support,  should 
idways  move  on  the  downward  road.  All 
Itnow  how  Newton,  pondering  on  this  ques- 
tion, came  to  the  discovery,  not  why  bodies 
fall,  but  that  all  bodies  move  or  tend  to 
move  towards  each  other — that  is,  that  by  a 
universal  law,  every  particle  of  matter  at- 
tracts every  other  particle,  and  endeavours 
to  bring  itself  in  contact  witli  it.  The  merit 
of  this  discovery  Isy,  not  in  showing  the 
nature  of  the  cause  of  the  falling  of  the  body, 
but  simply  in  establishing  its  identity  with 
that  which  regulates  the  motions  of  the  pla- 
netary bodies  in  space  ;  but  here,  again,  we 
find  nothing  mors  tbw  a  pkiiotopkical  state- 
ment  rf  the  /act. 

Magnetism  is  as  great  a  marvel  to  us  as 
anythmg  that  has  yet  been  mentioned,  and 
u  probably  a  greater,  from  the  fact  that  its 
manifestations  are  at  present  found  only  in 
a  certain  not  very  wide  class  of  sabstances ; 
and  it  is  with  the  researches  of  Professor 
Faraday  into  the  nature  of  the  magnetic 
ibrce,  and  iu  relation  to  physical  force  ge- 
nerally, that  we  have  to  do  at  present,  bating 
our  remarks  upon  the  abstract  of  a  lecture 
on  the  subject,  which  we  recently  had  the 
pleasure  of  hearing  him  deliver,  at  the 
Royal  Institution  ;  and  upon  a  paper  of  hts, 
iu  the  February  number  of  the  Philosophical 
Magaiune,  together  with  such  other  of  his 
productions  as  we  may  find  it  necessary  to 
refer  to. 

Before  proceeding  further,  however,  we 
think  it  neeessary  to  remark,  that  there 
■eems  to  be  some  danger  of  misuuderstsnd- 
ing  these  writings,  on  account  of  a  want  of 
strictness  in  the  use  of  terms,  of  which  Mr. 
Faraday  is  certainly  guilty.  But  as  ex- 
amples of  this  laxity  in  the  use  of  language 
will  come  before  us  hereafter,  we  shall  not 
enlarge  upon  it  here. 

The  dwl  or  double  character  of  magnet- 
ism is  a  tavourite  subject  of  Mr.  Faraday's, 
and  has  reoeived  considerable  attention  in 
the  papers  before  us.  .  Several  expeximenta 
are  oiled,  wblsh,  it  is  alleged,  prove  that  the 
two  phases  of  the  niagnetic  forces  are  inse- 


parable ;  that  is,  that  no  substance  exists, 
or  can  exist,  which  will  manifest  either  of 
the  two  magnetic  forces  alone,  and  without 
its  coimterpart ;  though  how  some  of  these 
experimenu  connect  themselves  with  this 
dogma  at  all,  is,  to  say  the  least,  not  very 
dear.  We  will  quote  the  following  instance 
from  the  Philosophical  Maga^iMf  in  the 
author's  own  words : 

*'  The  essential  relation  and  dependenoe 
q{  the  two  magnetic  dualities  is  ntauifested, 
I  think,  in  a  very  striking  manner,  by  the 
results  which  occur  wheu  we  attempt  to 
isolate  northness  or  southness,  by  concen- 
trating either  of  them  on  one  space  or  piece 
of  matter,  and  lookin^f  for  their  presence  by 
effects,  either  of  tension  or  any  other  kind, 
whether  connected  with  polarity  or  not  A 
soft  iron  bar,  1  inch  square,  3  or  4  inches 
long,  and  rounded  at  the  edges,  had  thirty- 
two  convolutions  of  covered  copper  wire, 
■05  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  put  round  it,  so 
that  covering  the  middle  of  the  bar  chiefly, 
it  could  be  shifted  if  needful  a  little  nearer 
to  one  end  than  the  other ;  such  a  bar  could 
be  rendered  magnetic  by  an  electric  current 
Mssed  through  the  wire,  and  a  degree  of  ad- 
justment, in  the  strength  of  the  N  and  S 
extremities,  could  be  effected  by  this  mo- 
tion of  the  iron  in  the  helix.  Having  six 
of  these,  it  waa  easy  to  arrange  them  with 
their  like  poles  together,  so  as  to  include  a 
cubical  space  or  &amber  (fig.  1),  and  in 
this  space  I  worked  by  every  means  at  my 
disposaL 

Fig.  1. 


Access  to  it  was  easily  obtained  by  a  pre- 
vious removal  of  a  portion  ,of  the  solid 
angles  of  the  ends  which  were  to  be 
brought  together,  or  by  withdrawing  the 
electro-magnet  a  little  the  one  from  the 
others,  and  then  a  ray  of  light  could  be 
passed  into  or  across  it|  msgnetic  needles 
or  crystals  of  bismuth  could  be  suspended 
in  it,  a  ring  helix  could  be  introduced  and 
rotated  there,  and  the  motions. of  anything 
within  could  he  observed  by  the  eye  out- 
side. 

"  A  small  magnetic  needle  hung  in  the 
middle  of  thii  space  gave  no  indication  of 
any  magnetic  power.  Near  the  op^n  edges 
and  angles  vibrations  ocourredt  l^ut  they 
were  as  nothing  compared  to  the  powerful 
M  2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


220 


PROFESSOR  FARADAT  ON  KAGIHSTIC  PHILOSOPHY,  ETC. 


indications  given  oaUide  the  chamber ;  even 
when  the  needle  was  many  inches  away,  a 
crystal  of  bismuth  waa  entirely  indifferent. 

"  A  piece  of  soft  iron,  hung  on  a  jointed 
copper  wire  within  the  chamber,  showed  no 
trace  of  magnetic  power,  whether  examined 
by  the  little  needle  or  in  any  other  manner. 
Iron-filings,  on  a  card  across  the  chamber, 
were  not  affected  in  the  middle  part,  but 
only  near  the  partly  open  angles.  A  ring 
helix  of  many  convolutions,  having  its  ter- 
minations  passing  out  at  opposite  comers, 
was  connected  with  a  very  sensitive  gal- 
vano  meter  and  rotated ;  it  showed  no  trace 
of  inductive  action.  Numerous  other  ex. 
periments  were  made,  but  with  results  alto- 
gether negative.  Attempts  (though  des- 
perate) were  made  to  ascertain  if  any  electro- 
chemical conditions  were  inducted  there, 
but  in  vain.  Every  kind  of  trial  that  I 
could  think  of,  not  merely  by  tests  of  a 
polar  character,  but  of  all  sorts,  were  insti- 
tuted, but  with  the  same  negative  result. 

"  It  was  of  cottrse  not  to  be  expected  that 
any  polar,  th&t  is,  any  dually  related  polar 
action,  could  be  related  in  this  place ;  but  if 
the  polarities  can  exist  without  mutual  rela- 
tion, we  might  surely  expect  some  condition, 
some  tonic  or  static  state  in  a  chamber  thus 
prepared  and  surrounded  with  a  high  inten- 
sity of  magnetic  power,  acting  in  great 
concentration  on  one  particular  spot  or  sub 
stance.  But  it  is  not  so,  and  the  chamber 
offers  a  space  destitute  of  magnetic  action, 
and  free,  under  the  circumstances,  from 
magnetic  influence.  It  is  the  complete 
analogue  of  the  space  presented  within  a 
deep  metallic  vessel  or  globe  when  charged 
with  electricity.  There  is,  then,  no  elec- 
tricity within,  because  that  necessary  con- 
nection and  dependence  of  the  electric  duals, 
which  is  essential  to  their  nature,  cannot 
be.  In  like  manner  tlicre  is  no  appear^ 
anoe  of  magnetic  force  in  the  cubical  cham- 
ber, because  the  duals  are  not  both  there 
at  once,  and  one  cannot  be  present  without 
the  other." 

The  meaning  of  this  experiment  seems 
very  difficult  to  discover.  How  it  could  be 
expected  to  prove  either  that  the  polarities 
of  a  magnet  are,  or  that  they  are  not  inse- 
parable, is  not  readily  perceived.  If  it  has 
any  connection  whatever  with  the  conclusion 
that  Professor  Faraday  comes  to  on  the 
matter,  we  think  his  language  must  conceal 
it,  for  it  certainly  does  not  reveal  it.  To 
the  unsophisticated  this  experiment  would 
merely  prove  that  six  -magnets  placed 
symmetrically,  about  a  fiven  point,  de- 
stroyed, or  more  properly  counteracted, 
each  others'  effecU  ;  and  it  would  not  at  all 
seem  to  them  to  prove  that  the  north  were 
inseparable  from  the  south  poles.  The 
question  to  be  tried  is — can  a  substance  be 


found  that  shall  have  the  properties  which 
reside  in  either  of  the  poles  of  a  magnet, 
without  at  the  same  time  possessing  those  of 
the  other  poles  of  the  magnet  ?  To  deter- 
mine this,  six  magnets  are  taken,  each 
known  to  possess  both  polarities,  and  al- 
though, from  experiments  with  these,  no 
other  results  are  obtained  than  might  have 
been  foretold  would  be  arrived  at,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  existence  of  these  polarities. 
Professor  Faraday,  nevertheless,  says  that 
these  results  are  capable  of  deciding  the  in- 
quiry.    But  we  have  still  to  ask  how  ? 

The  readiest  explanation  of  all  the  phe- 
noinena  associated  with  what  have  been 
called  chambers  rf  weak  magnetic  ocf/on,  is 
contained  in  supposing,  not  that  the  powers 
of  magnetic  attraction  that  appear  to  sur- 
round them  are  non-existent,  out  that  they 
are  in  full  action,  but  operating  in  opposing 
and  neutralising  the  effects  of  each  other, 
and  (as  the  experiments  show)  that  this 
balance  of  power  is  perfect  at  one  point 
only.  This  point,  in  the  case  of  the  cubical 
chamber  and  the  equal  magnets,  is  the  centre 
of  the  cube.  The  experiments  prove,  too, 
as  might  be  anticipated,  that  as  we  recede 
from  this  point  in  making  observations, 
manifestations  of  magnetic  power  appe&r 
and  reach  their  maxima  on  the  outside  of 
the  chamber. 

The  following  consideration  in  ooo- 
nection  with  gravitation,  would  lead  one 
to  regard  the  authority  of  these  experi- 
ments as  still  more  unimportant :  Let  us 
suppose  the  earth  to  have  a  hallow  spaoe, 
of  the  form  of  a  sphere,  say,  whose  centre 
shall  be  coincident  with  the  centre  of 
gravity.  Now,  any  heavy  body  placed  in 
ths  centre  of  this  cavity  will  stand  in  the 
same  relation  to  the  force  of  gravitation  ajt 
does  the  magnetic  needle,  when  placed  in 
the  magnetic  chamber,  to  the  magnetic 
attraction ;  that  is,  there  will  be  no  indica- 
tion of  force  at  all  in  it  Yet  it  would  not 
be  proper  to  say  that  the  particles  of  the 
earth  have  no  attraction  for  a  body  in  such 
a  situation,  nor  could  such  an  experiment 
be  said  to  prove  that  the  attraction  of  gra- 
vitation cannot  exist  as  a  non-dual  force. 
The  fact  seems  to  us  to  be  that,  if  the 
north  poles  were  separable  from  the  south, 
and  if  they  could  be  brought  into  proximity 
with  each  other,  after  separation,  in  the  man- 
ner described,  ordinary  people  would  expect 
the  manifestation  of  those  very  results  which 
are  said  to  prove  their  inseparability. 

The  only  experiment  we  have  ever  heard 
of  having  any  bearing  on  this  question 
which  we  are  capable  of  conceiving,  is 
that  of  dividing  the  magnet  at  its  equator, 
and  showing  that  that  part  which  one  might 
have  expected  to  fina  possessing  the  pro> 
perties  of  the  north  pole  alone,  aotns^y 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOFKS80B  FABADAT  ON  MAGNETIC  PHILOSOPHY,  ETC. 


221 


manifeatfi  those  of  the  sonth  pole  also,  the 
■oath  being  utiuted  ia  the  extremity  which 
was  pieTiously  joined  to  the  other  half  of 
the  original  magnet  This  division  being 
eoiitinued,  shows  that  every  particle  of  a 
magnet  is  more  or  less  magnetic,  and  pos- 
sesaea,  in  a  higher  or  lower  degree,  the 
whole  of  the  properties  which  are  manifested 
by  the  mass  which  they  compose. 

Another  striking  feature  of  Professor 
Faraday's  magnetic  philosophy  is  presented 
to  ns  in  his  **  Physical  Lines  of  Magnetic 
Force.*'  He  imagines  that  the  polarities 
are  related  necessarily,  not  only  by  their 
connection  by  the  magnetic  body  in  which 
they  are  resident,  but  that  they  are  also 
oonnected  by  lines  external  to  the  magnet 
(and  therefore  curved),  through  which  lines, 
by  means  of  some  physical  medium,  they 
feed  and  sustain  each  other's  strength.  We 
will  just  notice  briefly  the  facts  and  experi- 
ments which  have  suggested  the  existence 
of  such  lines,  and  afrarded  some  supposed 
probability  to  the  hypothesis.  So  far  as  we 
can  nnderstand,  the  argument  stands  thus : 
— The  polarities  are  necessarily  related  and 
in  eomiiiunication  the  one  with  the  other, 
and  they  must  keep  up  their  communication 
either  in  right  lines  through  the  magnet, 
or  in  carved  lines  without  it.  Experiments 
show  that  the  internal  arrangement  of  force 
ia  not  affected  by  the  presence  or  absence 
of  other  magnets  while  the  forces  in  external 
lines  are  so  affected.  We,  of  course,  may 
be  mistaken,  but  we  cannot  but  think  that 
it  would  take  a  great  number  of  arguments 
like  this  to  raise  a  very  smsll  authority.  It 
ia  not  easy  to  see  the  ntcettity  for  any  means 
of  eommnuication  further  than  that  formed 
by  the  proximity  and  cohesion  of  particle 
to  particle.  We  quote  the  following  expo- 
sition  of  lines  of  force  from  one  of  Professor 
Faraday's  lectures  at  the  Royal  Institution. 
He  says  :  "  The  term  line  of  magnetic 
force  is  intended  to  express  simplv  the  di- 
rection of  the  force  in  any  given  place,  and 
not  any  physical  idea  or  notion  of  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  force  may  be  there  ex- 
erted i  as  by  actions  at  a  distance,  or  pulsa- 
lions,  or  waves,  or  a  current,  or  what  not 
A  liae  of  magnetic  force  may  be  defined  to 
be  that  line  which  is  described  by  a  very 
small  magnetic  needle,  when  it  is  so  moved 
in  either  direction  correspondent  to  its 
length,  that  the  needle  is  constantly  a 
tangent  to  the  line  of  motion ;  or  it  is  that 
line,  along  which,  if  a  transverse  wire  be 
moved  in  either  direction,  there  is  uo  ten- 
dency to  the  formation  of  an  electric  cur- 
rent in  the  wire,  whilst  if  moved  in  another 
direction  there  is  such  a  tendency.  The 
directions  of  these  lines  about  and  between 
ordinary  magnets  is  easily  represented  in  a 
general  manner  by  the  well-known  use  of 
iron  filings," 


The  following  paragraph  from  the  same 
lecture  is  not  quite  so  intelligible : — *'  The 
general  conclusions  are,  that  the  magnetic 
lilies  of  force  may  be  easily  recognised  and 
taken  account  of  by  the  moving  wire,  both 
as  to  direction  and  intensity,  within  metals, 
iron  or  magnets,  as  well  as  in  the  space 
around;  and  that  the  wire  sums  up  the 
action  of  many  lines  in  one  result,  that  the 
lines  of  force  well  represent  the  tMturet  om- 
dition,  direeHons,  and  amount  of  the  mag- 
netic forces.  That  the  effect  is  directly  as 
the  number  of  lines  of  force  intersected, 
whether  the  intersection  be  direct  or  ob- 
lique ;  that  in  a  field  of  equal  force,  it  is  di- 
rectly as  the  velocity,  or  as  the  length  of 
the  moving  wire,  or  as  the  mass  of  the 
wire;  that  the  external  power  of  an  un- 
changeable magnet  is  definite  yet  iUimitabk 
in  extent ;  and  that  any  section  of  all  the 
lines  of  force  is  equal  to  any  other  section. 
That  the  lines  of  force  within  the  magnet 
are  equal  to  those  without,  and  that  they 
are  continuous  with  those  without,  the  law 
of  force  being  closed  curves." 

This  paragraph  totally  masters  our  com- 
prehension. We  cannot  see  how  a  line  can 
DO  said  to  possess  intentity,  nor  how  such  a 
line  can  **  represent  the  nature*^  a  force;*' 
nor  how  we  can  speak  about  the  number  of 
such  lines  which  a  wire  intercepts  when  the 
number  which  may  be  conceived  in  any 
given  space  is  indehnite, — nor  how  the  num- 
ber of  these  lines  outside  the  magnet  can 
be  estimated  and  proved  equal  to  the  num. 
her  within  it  * 

Why,  these  lines  do  not  necessarily  denote 
the  direction  of  the  magnetic  force  any  more 
than  the  direction  of  a  scale's  beams  denotes 
that  of  terrestrial  gravitation.  It  may  be 
readily  shown,  that  the  small  needle  men- 
tioned in  the  above  definition  of  a  line  of 
magnetic  force,  may  assume  the  series  of 
positions  there  mentioned,  by  virtue  of  at-  > 
tractive  and  repulsive  forees,  acting  in 
straight  lines  passing  through  the  poles  of  the 
magnet.  Let  A  B  (fig.  2)  be  the  dominant 
Fig.  2. 

v.. 


magnet,  whose  length  »  6  ;  C  D  the  small 
needle  pivoted  on  £,  its  middle  point,  C 
being  the  pole  which  is  repelled  by  B  and 
attracted  by  A  ;  D  that  repelled  by  A  and 
attracted  by  B.  Then  we  may  regard  C  D 
as  a  lever  whose  fblcrum  is  E,  and  which 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


222 


ON  STEAM  AND  SAILING  COLLIEBS. 


is  acted  on  by  the  four  foroesj 


in  the 


BC* 


BDs 
in  the  diiection  B  C, 

p 

'in  direction  A  D,  and      -^  in  the  di- 

reetlon  C  A.    The  needle  will  here  assume 
such  a  position  fof  that  of  equilibrium  as 


direction  D  B, 
P 


will  make  the  resultant  moment  of  these 
forces  about  the  point  £  vanish.  We  may 
suppose  C  D  so  small,  that  the  lines  EC 
and  B  D,  as  well  as  A  C  and  A  D,  may  be 
considered  parallel.  We  may  not,  however, 
regard  CD  as  so  small  as  to  make  the 
attracting  and  repelling  forces  practically 
equal,  because  in  that  ease  the  needle  would 
^est  in  any  direction  in  which  it  might  be 
placed. 


Let  BY  and  AY'  be  perpendiculars  irom  B  and  A  on  the  direction  of  CD. 
Suppose  BY=p,  AY=|/.  BE«r,  AErrr',  C£=DE«a. 


Then 


BC-r  +  a^ 
ds 

BD-r-a  *1 
d* 

AC-r'+a*' 


AD 


-^r'^a^l 


and  the  equation  of  moments  is 


'({"4)'*('4)-}-#{e"?r*e-4)-} 


or, 


'^+  «*  ay 


_  t 


r"  + 


["■-©■] 


The  geometrioal  equations  between  r,  p,  r^ 
and  p'  are  readily  determined ;  but  the  eli- 
minations are  not  so  easily  performed.* 

We  have,  however,  said  enough  to  show 
that  there  is  very  little  foundation  for  sup- 
posing that  the  direction  of  the  needle  indi- 
oates  the  direction  in  which  the  magnetic 


force  aets.  Whether  the  lines  described 
can  represent  the  naiun  of  magnetic  force* 
or  whether  lines  of  any  kind  are  capable  o^ 
representing  the  nature  of  any  force  what^ 
ever,  are  questions  upon  whioh  we  need  not 
here  enter. 

(To  be  eoM/miM^.) 


ON  STEAM  AND  SAILING  COLLIERS. 


A  paper  on  the  above  subject  was  read 
on  the  evening  of  Tuesday,  February  27,  at 
the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  by  Mr. 
E.  E.  Allen.  The  first  section  of  it  was 
devoted,  principally,  to  a  comparison  of  the 
original  cost  anil  working  expenses  of 
screw  and  sailing  colliers.  The  details  of 
their  construction  being  a  distinct  subject 
for  inquiry,  wan  only  so  far  noticed  as  they 
differed  slightly  in  the  case  of  screw  vessels, 
according  to  the  mode  of  ballasting.  It 
appeared,  however,  to  be  generally  agreed, 
that  they  should  be  fully  rigged  and  be 
capable  of  steaming  ftiU  seven  knots  per 
hour ; — but  a  higher  speed  might  be  advan- 
tageous, under  certain  states  of  the  tide  at 
the  various  ports. 


From  certain  particulars  which 
read,  respecting  the  quantity  of  coala  deli- 
tered  in  London,  it  was  concluded,  that  the 
screw  colliers  carried  about  double  the 
average  cargoes  of  sailing  eoUiers,  and 
#ere  capable  of  making  three  times  the 
number  of  voyages  per  annnm  :  —  one 
Screw  collier  being,  therefore,  equal  in 
capability  to  six  sailing  colliers. 

Comparisons  were  then  instituted  be- 
tween the  original  cost  and  working  ex- 
penses of  six  sailing  colliers,  each  carrying 
Mn  average  cargo  of  800  tons,  and  making 
10  voyages  per  annum,  and  a  screw  coUter 
carrying  600  tons,  and  making  30  voyages 
per  annum.  As  good  wooden  vessels,  sn it- 
able  for  colliers,  were  always  to  be  bought 


*  For  a  inore  oompleM  Invostifation  of  tU&  above  problem,  in  which  rectangular  ce-ordinatea  are 
employed,  see  a  paper  by  our  correspondent  "  A.  H.,'*  page  206,  Vol.  XLV. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OK  BTEAX  AND  SAILING  C0LLIEB8. 


223 


for  i(l,200  to  /1,800,  and  iron  aerew  col. 
Hen,  ill  ordinary  tiinea,  at  i(9,000  to 
iS  10,000, — the  original  cost  might  be  tcken 
as  about  eqaai.  It  was  stated,  from  actual 
experience,  that  the  working  expenses  of 
six  sailing  ressels  would  aniouiit  to  £6.420, 
and  ibr  one  screw  eollier  to  £5fi50  per 
annum,  these  sums  including  all  expenses, 
and  giving  about  It.  64,  per  ton,  or  20  pet 
oent.  in  flkvotir  of  the  one  screw  collier,  on 
the  18,000  tons  supposed  to  be  deliverud  in 
eaeh  ease. 

It  was  next  considered  to  what  extent  the 
eost  of  transit  would  be  diminished,  by  in- 
oTMsing  the  number  of  royages  per  annum, 
and  a  table  waa  given,  showing  the  addi- 
tions  to  th^  working  expenses  for  12  and  14 
voysget  for  sailing  vessels,  and  34  and  M 
for  terew  eolHars,  and  exhibiting  a  reduc- 
tion of  the  costs  of  transit  from  7s.  ltd.  to 
6$,  8dL  and  6a.  ^ii.  per  ton  by  the  former, 
and  flrom  5».  14.  to  da.  U,  and  4a.  104,  in 
the  latter  case;  atill  being  a  aaving  of  about 
la.  6A  per  ton,  and  equal  in  the  last  caae  to 
26  per  cent 

It  was  next  shown  how  the  cost  of  trail, 
ait  by  sailing  vessels  waa  varied,  by  their 
being  insured  at  Lloyd's,  or  in  Glubt ;  by 
being  ballaated  in  the  ordinary  way,  or  by 
water;  and  by  being  discharged  by  coal 
whippets,  or  by  steam  etanes  \  and  tables 
were  given,  showing  the  aaving  effected  by 
working  both  aailing  and  screw  colliers, 
under  all  the  diferent  circumstances  de- 
scribed, the  various  combinations  resulting 
in  eight  systems  of  working.  Tablea  were 
also  given  combining  the  several  systems 
of  working  with  the  Tarying  number  of 
voyages,  and  the  result  showed,  that  sailing 
vesaels,  worked  on  the  most  improved 
plan,  could  bring  coals  from  Newcastle 
to  London  at  5a.  8<2.  per  ton  and  screw 
colliers  at  S«.  6dL  per  ton  t  being  a  saving 
of  88  per  cent.  The  cost  was  taken  at 
the  present  high  rates  both  of  wages,  pro- 
visions, and  stores,  and  might  be  con- 
sidered ss  being  about  20  per  cent,  above 
the  average  prices. 

The  paper  then  described  the  various 
modes  of  ballasting  now  in  use ;— ordinary 
aand-ballast ;  bag  water-ballast ;  bottom 
water. ballast ;  hold  water-ballast ;  and  tank 
water-ballast.  The  three  first  only  were 
at  present  employed  in  colliers.  The 
fourth  plan,  of  having  a  water- hold,  waa 
described  aa  being  adopted  in  two  colliers 
now  building  by  Messrs.  J.  Scott  Russell 
and  Co.,  and  had  been  already  used  with 
success  in  the  Pioneer  and  Imperial  screw 
steamers.  In  reviewing  these  methods, 
both  the  cost  and  the  time  occupied  in 
working  them  were  considered. 

Vessels  took  about  one-sixth  of  their 
aTetmge  cargoes  in  ballast,  and  the  cost  of 


aand  ballaating  waa  usually  estimated  at  8«. 
per  ton  in  aailing  Vessels,  and  if  used  in 
screw  vessels  would  be  6s.  per  ton;  this, 
however,  included  allowance  for  loss  of 
time.  The  bag  water- ballast,  invented  by 
Dr.  D.  B.  White,  of  Newcastle,  waa  then 
described,  and  aamples  were  shown  of  the 
materials  used  and  the  mode  of  joining.  frt\ 
The  first  eost  was  stated  to  be  about  50*. 
per  ton,  and  the  saving  by  its  adoption 
about  fUl,  per  ton  on  the  quantity  of  coala 
delivered.  The  first  eost  would  be  saved  in 
one  year,  or  a  year  and  a  half,  regular 
working.  The  bags  were  described  as 
being  arranged  on  the  floor  of  the  vessel, 
and  connected  with  a  canvas  hose,  com. 
muuicating  through  the  side  of  the  vessel, 
by  a  larfTs  stop  cock,  with  the  external 
Water,  which  ran  in  and  filled  them  when 
requited.  In  discharging  them,  the  water 
was  let  into  the  hold,  and  then  pumped  out 
with  the  bilge  water,  by  the  ordinary 
pumps,  or  by  a  nump  especially  designed 
by  Dr.  White  for  the  purpose.  A  model  of 
the  latter  was  shown,  and  it  appeared  that 
tiie  water  waa  always  delivered  at  the  level 
of  the  water  outside  the  vessel,  instead  of 
being  raised  to  the  deck  as  by'  ordinary 

Sumps ;  thus  saving  on  the  average  three- 
fihs  of  the  labour  in  lifting. 
Bottom  water -ballaat  was  described  as  the 
method  of  adding  a  second  bottom,  or  ceil- 
ing to  iron  vessels,  and  filling  the  interme- 
diate space  with  Water ;  the  first  cost  was 
stated  to  be  about  £2  per  ton  on  a  vessel 
(builder's  measurement),  which  for  vessels 
carrying  600  tons  of  cargo,  would  amount 
to  about  /1, 000  to  £1,200;  this  giving 
about  £6  per  ton  of  ballast. 

Hold  water-ballast  was  described  as  con- 
sisting of  an  irdn  water-hold,  placed  amid- 
ships, and  capable  of  containing  IVom  200 
to  250  tons  of  water.  The  covering  of  iron 
plating  being  fitted  with  an  Iron  hatch,  with 
a  water-tight  cover ;  the  plating  being  decked 
over.  The  hatch  was  made  large  enough  to 
allow  of  the  hold  being  used  for  oargo.  On 
this  plan  from  SO  to  40  tons  of  water  was 
carried  under  the  forecastle,  which  had  a 
caulked  ceiling,  and  an  iron  man  -  hole 
arranged  for  the  purpose.  The  first  cost  of 
this  plan  would  probably  not  exceed  £2  per 
ton  of  ballast,  where  this  quantity  was  re- 
quired. 

A  comparison  was  instituted  between  the 
first  and  yearly  cost  of  100  tons  of  bag  and 
100  tons  of  bottom  water-ballast  applied  to 
an  iron  vessel ;  and  the  result  was,  that  bag- 
ballast,  fitted  under  flaps,  as  tried  in  the 
NarikumherkauL^  cost  yearly  about  £100,  or 
£\  per  ton  per  annum  ;  and  bottom  water- 
ballast  about  £\  10s.  per  ton;  the  double 
bottom  giving,  however,  great  additional 
security,  and  compensating  for  the  increased 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OABLAMD  AMD  OLASSOM's  PATENT  SMOKELESS  FUBNACES. 


cost, — a  redaction  of  lOs.  per  cent,  on  the 
inBurance,  if  made,  being  sufficient  to  cover 
it 

The  adf  antages  likely  to  result  f^om  ex- 
tending the  use  of  screw  colliers  in  coaling 
such  a  station  as  St  Vincent,  one  of  the 
Cape  de  Verd  Islands,  were  then  discussed ; 
and  it  was  urg^d,  as  an  interesting  and  im- 
portant matter,  to  determine  whether  coals 
for  the  out  and  home  Toyages  between  Eng- 
land  and  Australia,  could  be  adTantageousTy 
carried  in  a  very  large  and  peculiarly-con- 
structed vessel,  at  the  rate  of  15  knots  per 
hour,  or  whether  the  capital  expended  in 
the  part  of  the  vessel  intended  for  the  coals 
could  not  be  better  employed  in  the  con- 
struction of  screw  colliers,  calculated  to 
make,  either  by  sail  or  steam,  about  7  or  8 
knots  per  hour.  It  was  calculated  that  a 
complete  and  efficient  coaling  station  could 
be  established  at  St.  Vincent's,  and  vessels 
constructed  for  delivering  8,000  tons  per 
annum,  for  about  £50,000 ;  the  vessels  not 
being  nearly  fully  employed.  The  cost  of 
coals  at  St.  Vincent's  being  thus  reduced  to 
about  SOs.  per  ton,  and  probably,  by  a  simi- 
lar arrangement  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
to  608.  per  ton. 

It  was  urged,  that  the  additional  cargo 
room  given  by  coaling  on  the  way  out  and 
home,  instead  of  taking  a  large  stock  from 
England,  was  of  vital  importance ;  and  it 
was  argued,  that  shipping  only  6,000  tons 
of  coal  in  England,  and  making  up  at  St 
Vincent  and  at  the  Cape,  the  saving  on  2| 
voyages  of  a  very  large  steamer,  for  the 
year,  would  be  about  /100,000.  This  cal- 
culation supposed  the  coaling  stations  to  be 
properly  established,  and  a  full  cargo  of 
goods  to  be  obtainable.  The  case  of  the 
Creuut  was  cited,  as  having  taken  1,000 
tons  of  coal  for  her  outward  voyage,  and 
400  tons  of  patent  fuel  for  the  return,  and 


the  fallsey  of  the  saving  said  to  have 
been  effected  by  this  arrangement  was 
pointed  out  All  notice  of  the  loss  of 
freightage  being  omitted,  shipments  being 
good  at  the  time,  and  the  freight  being  JtJ 
per  ton.  Tt  was  argued  that,  with  proper 
stations  established,  a  gain  of  iS3,000  on 
the  voyage  would  have  resulted  from  her 
shipping  only  600  tons  of  coal  at  South- 
ampton. 

A  table  was  given,  showing  the  profit 
which  would  result  from  coaling  2,000  tons 
on  different  plans,  either  wholly  in  England 
at  16s.  per  ton,  down  to  600  tons  in  Eng- 
land at  16s.,  and  600  tons  respectively  at 
St  Vincent,  the  Cape,  and  Australia;  freights 
being  from  168.  to  120s.,  with  the  object  of 
demonstrating  that  until  freights  were  down 
to  15s.  per  ton,  nothing  could  justify  ooaling 
entirely  in  England ;  supponng  that  the 
coal  could  be  obtained  at  tne  other  places 
at  30s.,  60s.,  and  100s.  per  ton  respectively ; 
for  simplicity,  the  quantities  required  to  be 
taken  at  the  different  stations  were  taken  at 
600  tons. 

The  extent  of  the  cosl  trade,  particularly 
that  of  London,  was  then  examined,  and 
tables  were  given  of  the  areas  of  the  ooal 
formations  of  the  different  countries  of  the 
world,  and  the  annual  production  in  1862. 
The  annual  produce  of  England  was  sUted 
to  be  estimated  at  86,000,000  tons,  and  the 
quantity  exported  about  8  per  cent  of  the 
quantity  raised.  The  areas  of  the  coal  fields 
in  the  United  Kingdom  gave  a  grand  total  of 
nearly  8,000  square  miles. 

The  gradual  increase,  particularly  in  the 
trade  by  railway,  was  pointed  out  Tables 
were  also  given  of  the  kinds  of  coals  im- 
ported  into  London,  stating  the  ports  whenoe 
they  were  shipped,  as  also  the  chargca  of 
the  port  of  London  on  colliers. 


OAKLAND  AND  GLASSON'S  PATENT  SMOKELESS  FURNACES. 
( Patent  datmi  July  26,  1854. ) 
Fijj.  1.  Fig.  2. 


Me8BR8.  Garland   and   Glasson,  of  the 
Soho  Foundry,  patented  at  the  above  date 


Ian  improvement  in  furnaces,  which  consists 
In  the  employment  of  hollow  fire  or  grate 


grate 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THE  HBOHAHIOAL  INVENTIOm  07  ^TABIES  WATT. 


225 


bars  fonned  of  cast-iron,  wioughUiron,  or 
other  raitable  materiala.  for  the  ftdmiision  of 
air,  haring  bends  at  their  back  ends  which 
rise  np  and  form  the  bridge.  Fig.  1  of  the 
annexed  engraving  is  a  sectional  elevation  ; 
and  flg.  2  a  transverse  section  of  a  Cornish 
boiler,  to  which  the  invention  is  applied. 
A  is  the  boiler,  and  B  the  grate  formed  of 
the  hollow  bars  through  which  the  air 
passes  from  a  to  6,  and  the  ends,  ec,  of 
which  form  the  bridge,  as  shewn.  It  is 
evident  that  the  same  arrangement  of  fur- 
nace may  be  easily  applied  to  any  other 
form  of  boilers. 


The  Origin  and  Progress  rf  the  Mechanical 
Inventions  qf  James  Watt.  lUustraied  by 
hie  Correapondenee  with  his  Friends,  and 
the  SpeeifieatUms  rf  his  Patents,  By 
James  Patrick  Muxrhbad,  Esq.,  M..V. 
S  Vols.  John  Murray,  Albemarle, 
street 

{Concluded  Jrom  page  201.) 
It  was  not  till  the  year  1784,  nineteen 
years  after  the  invention  of  the  separate 
condenser,  that  Watt  originated  that  most 
simple  but  ingenious  contrivance,  the 
"parallel  motion,"  as  appears  from  the 
fouowing  letter : 

MR.  WATT  TO  MR.  BOULTON. 

"  Birmingham,  Jwne  SO,  1784. 

"  I  have  started  a  new  hare.  I  have  got 
a  glimpse  of  a  method  of  causing  a  piston 
rod  to  move  up  and  down  perpendicularly, 
by  only  fixing  it  to  a  piece  of  iron  upon  the 
beam,  without  chains,  or  perpendicular 
guides,  or  untowardly  frictions,  arch-heads, 
or  other  pieces  of  clumsiness;  by  which 
contrivance,  if  it  answers  fully  to  expect- 
ation,  about  five  feet  in  the  height  of  the 
[engine.]house  may  be  saved  in  8-feet 
strokes,  which  I  look  upon  as  a  capital 
saving;  and  it  will  answer  for  double  en- 
gines  as  well  as  for  single  ones.  I  have  only 
tried  it  in  a  slight  model  yet,  so  cannot 
build  upon  it,  though  I  think  it  a  very  pro- 
bable thing  to  succeed,  and  one  of  the  most 
ingenious  simple  pieces  of  mechsnism  I 
have  contrived ;  but  I  beg  nothing  may  be 
said  on  it  till  I  specify." 

On  the  11th  of  July,  of  the  same  year,  he 
again  writes  to  Mr.  Boulton,  thus :  "  I 
have  made  a  very  Isrge  model  of  the  new 
substitute  for  racks  and  sectors,  which 
seems  to  bid  fair  to  answer.  The  rod  ffoes 
up  and  down,  quite  in  a  perpendicular  line, 
without  racks,  chains,  or  guides.  It  is  a 
perpendicular  motion  derived  from  a  com- 
bination of  motions  about  centres,  very 
simple,  has  very  little  friction,  has  nothing 
atanding  higher  than  the  bacl^of  the  beam, 


and  requires  the  centre  of  the  beam  to  be 
only  half  the  stroke  of  the  engine  higher 
than  the  top  of  the  piston -rod  when  at  the 
lowest,  and  has  no  inclination  to  pull  the 
piston-rod  either  one  way  or  another  except 
straight  up  and  down.  It  has  rather  more 
power  at  beginning  and  end  of  the  stroke 
than  in  the  middle, — I  think  about  one- 
sixth  ;  which  I  believe  will  do  no  hurt  in 
rotative  motions,  and  little  in  any  case. 
Beams  mounted  in  this  way  need  no 
arches  ;  and  the  whole  iron-work  will  not, 
I  think,  be  more  than  chains,  martingales, 
and  their  appendages,  if  quite  so  much. 
However,  don't  pride  yourself  on  it;  it  is 
not  fairly  tried  yet,  and  mav  have  un- 
known faults.  Where  it  is  used,  the  beams 
will  be  best  above  the  centre  of  motion, 
which  will  answer  double  engines  very  well, 
and  may  in  most  cases  be  dispensed  with  in 
the  others." 

His  energies  and- faculties  were,  however, 
by  no  means  exclusively  devoted  to  the 
improvement  of  the  steam  engine.  In 
Watt  appeared  the  happy  combination  of 
great  mental  power  with  ceaseless  and 
cheerful  industry.  Wherever  a  field  for 
improvement  in  the  arts  or  sciences  was 
made  visible  by  the  bright  light  of  his  in- 
tellect, there  he  was  sure  to  be  found 
labouring,  always  with  vigour,  and  rarely 
without  success. 

Upon  this  phase  of  his  character  his 
biographer,  Mr.  Muirhead,  dwells  with 
pleasing  fervour.  "  In  the  retired  course 
of  life,"  he  says,  *'  which,  from  choice,  as 
well  as  necessity,  he  appears  to  have  fol- 
lowed  (after  his  removal  from  his  residence 
in  the  Glasgow  College  to  an  abode  in  the 
city),  manual  labour  and  mental  study  were 
blended  in  pretty  equal  proportions;  but 
idleness  or  mere  amusement  had  certainly 
no  share.  He  ardently  seized  every  oppor- 
tunity  of  extending  his  scquaintance  with 
the  various  branches  of  physical  philosophy, 
and  of  investigating  the  principles  of  its 
phenomena,  as  if  prophetically  conscious 
that  to  his  untaught  but  earnest  apprehen- 
sion might  be  revealed  those  secrets  which 
hitherto  had  been  hidden  even  from  the  wise 
and  learned  ;  endeavouring — to  use  an  ex- 
pression  of  his  own — *  to  find  out  the  weak 
side  of  Nature,  and  to  vanquish  her.'  Be- 
yond the  necessity  for  some  daily  labour  in 
order  to  earn  his  daily  bread,  and  his  hope 
— often,  as  will  be  seen,  very  uncertain — 
of  future  independence,  he  had  little  elxe 
than  the  pleasure  he  found  in  philosophical 
pursuits  to  stimulate  or  reward  his  seal: 
the  toils  of  his  business  were  severe,  and  the 
profitable  returns  but  small ;  while  of  those 
whose  society  was  open  to  him,  there  were 
few  indeed  who  possessed  either  an  equality 
of  learning  or  a  community  of  tastes  with 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


226 


THE  MEORAMIOAL  INVENTIONS  OF  JAMES  WATT. 


himielf.  But  in  his  endeavours  to  subju- 
gate,  by  the  resources  of  practical  art,  those 
natural  difficulties  which  presented  them- 
seWes  to  his  hand  or  eye,  nothing  seemed  to 
deter  his  teal  or  baffle  his  penetration ;  a 
very  curious  proof  of  which  was  afforded  by 
his  frequent  construction,  about  the  period 
at  which  we  have  now  arrived,  of  musical 
instruments  of  perfect  compass  and  tone, 
although  he  had  himself,  by  nature,  an 
absolute  deficiency  of  all  musical  ear.'* 

A  remarkable  instance  of  this  is  recorded 
in  a  document  written  by  Watt's  friend  and 
brother  philosopher.  Professor  Robinson : — 
"A  mason -lodge  in  Glasgow,*'  says  the 
Professor,  "  wanted  an  organ.  The  office- 
bearers  were  acquaintances  of  Mr.  Watt 
We  imagined  that  Mr.  Watt  could  do  any- 
thing ;  and,  though  we  all  knew  that  he  did 
not  know  one  musical  note  ih>m  Another,  he 
was  asked  if  he  cbuld  build  this  organ.  He 
had  repaired  one,  and  it  had  amused  him. 
He  said  '  Yes  ;  *  but  he  began  by  building 
a  very  small  one  for  his  intimate  friend  Dr. 
Black,  which  is  now  in  my  possession.  In 
doing  this,  a  thousand  tbings  occurred  to 
him  which  no  organ- builder  erei^  dreamed 
of— nice  indicators  of  the  strength  of  the 
blast,  regulators  of  it,  &c.,  &c.  He  began 
to  the  great  one.  He  then  began  to  study 
the  pliilosophical  theory  of  music.  Fortu- 
nately for  the,  no  book  was  at  hand  but  the 
most  refined  of  all,  and  the  only  one  that 
can  be  said  to  contain  any  theory  at  all — 
'  Smith's  Harmonics.*  •  Before  Mr.  Watt 
had  half  finished  this  organ,  he  and  I  Were 
completely  masters  of  that  most  refined  and 
beautiful  theory  of  the  beats  of  imperfect 
consonances.  He  found  that  by  these  beats 
it  would  be  possible  for  him,  totally  ignorant 
of  music,  to  tune  this  organ  according  to 
any  system  of  temperament ;  and  he  did  so, 
to  the  delight  and  astonishment  of  our  best 
performers.  In  prosecution  of  this,  he  in- 
vented a  real  monochord  of  continued  tone; 
and,  in  playibg  with  this,  he  made  an  obser- 
vation which,  had  it  then  been  known,  would 
have  terminated  a  dispute,  between  the  first 
mathematicians  in  Europe — Buler  and  D* 
Alembert ;  which  completely  establishes  the 
theory  of  Daniel  Bernouilli,  who  difiered 
frofti  both  of  those  gentlemen  about  the 
mechanism  of  the  vibration  of  musical 
chords ;  and  as  completely  explains  the  har- 
monic notes  which  accompany  all  fiill  mu- 
sical notes,  overturning  the  theories  of 
Rameau  and  Tartini.** 

We  shall  not  attempt  here  even  to  enu- 
merate  the  many  inventions  perfected  by 
Watt,  each  of  which  bears  the  stamp  of  his 
sound  judgment  and  extraordinary  skill. 
Mr.  Muirhead's  volumes  must  be  perused 
by  those  who  would  derive  pleasure  and  im- 
prorement  from  a  narrative  of  what  Watt 


did,  and,  which  is  almost  equally  interest- 
ing, of  what  he  laid.  In  them  the  life  of 
that  great  man  is  sketished  by  an  able  and 
laborious  hand,  knd  the  work  is  completed 
by  voluminous  extracts  fVom  Watt's  own 
correspondence,  which,  of  themselves,  form 
a  most  charming  autobiography.  We  com- 
mend  the  work  to.  our  readers  with  entire 
confidence,  feeling  assured  that,  while  they 
gather  from  it  knowledge  which  is  of  the 
highest  interest  to  students  of  practical  sci- 
ence, they  will  not  fiiil  to  meet  with  much 
that  is  calculated  to  shed  a  cheerful  and 
hopeful  light  upon  the  path  of  all  who,  by 
genius  and  industry,  seek,  like  Watt,  to 
extend  the  great  agencies  of  civilisation. 

We  subjoin  the  following  random  pas- 
usages  Arom  the  ^*  correspondence,**  as  6ha- 
racteriatie  of  the  illuslrioua  man  whom  we 
have  been  oQusidering : 

f<  MK.  WATT  to  DE.  LIMD. 

«  Olatg^m,  April  29,  1765. 
"Dear  Lind, — •  •  •  I  have  now  almost 
a  certainty  of  the  faeturum  of  the  fire-engine, 
having  determined  the  following  particulars: 
the  quantity  of  steam  broduced ;  the  ulti- 
matum of  the  lener  tngtne ;  the  quantity  of 
steam  dtistroyed  by  the  cold  of  its  cylinder ; 
the  quantity  destroyed  in  mine :  and  if  there 
is  not  some  devil  in  the  hedge,  mine  ought 
to  raise  water  to  44  feet  with  the  same  quan- 
tity of  steam  that  theirs  does  to  S2  (suppos- 
ing  my  cylinder  as  thick  as  theirs),  which  I 
think  I  can  demonstrate.  I  can  now  make 
a  cylinder  of  2  feet  diameter  and  3  feet  high, 
onfy  a  40th  of  an  inch  thick,  and  strong 
enough  to  resist  the  atmosphere;  $edtace» 
In  short,  I  can  think  of  nothing  else  but  this 
machine.*^ 

"  MR.  WATT  TO  DR.  ROEBUCK. 

**t?AMgOt0,  11  Oct.,  1765. 
*'  I  have  made  a  trial  of  my  machine.  It 
has  noL  entirely  answered  my  expectatioos* 
though  it  has  no  fault  but  what  I  think  I 
can  cure.  The  principal  one,  and  I  believe 
the  only  one,  was  the  unttghtness  of  the  pi«. 
ton,  which  I  think  I  have  found  a  remedy 
for.  However,  I  am  certain  its  consumptiea 
of  steam  will  be  extremely  small,  and  the 
condensation  ouick  enough ;  and  it  may  pos- 
sibly be  some  days  before  I  can  come  to  yoa» 
ns  I  must  remedy  everything  before  I  send 
it  away." 

*'  MB.  WATT  TO  DR.  IHALL. 

"  Glasgow,  28  April,  1769. 


"  If  linen-draper  Moore  does  not  use  my 
ngine  to  drive  his  chaises,  he  can*t  driye 
hem  by  steam.  If  he  does,  I  wiU  stop 
bem.     t  suppose  by  the  rapidity  of  hie 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  nrDTCATEB  H0B8E-P0WEB  OF  STEAM  ENGINES. 


227 


be  dangerous.  Let  me  know  all  you  know 
of  him. 

"  Nothing  leM  than  the  experience  I  hate 
had  of  Bteam  and  steam  engines  will  enable 
anybody  to  erect  one  ef  my  engines  so  as  to 
be  perfect,  unless  they  ^ould  see  one  of 
mine  and  eopy  it  esaetly." 

In  the  same  letter  we  find  him  growing 
weary  of  his  labours  and  disappointments* 
He  says:—"  I  sm  resolved,  unless  those 
things  I  have  brought  to  some  perfection 
reward  me  for  the  time  and  money  I  have 
lest  on  them,  if  I  can  resist  it,  to  invent  no 
more.  Indeed,  I  am  not  near  so  capable  as 
I  was  encow  I  find  thst  I  am  not  the  same 
person  I  was  four  years  ago,  when  I  invented 
the  fire-engine,  and  foresaw,  even  before  I 
made  a  model,  almost  every  circumstance 
that  has  since  occurred.  I  was  at  that  time 
spurred  on  by  the  alluring  hope  of  placing 
myeelf  above  want,  without  being  obliged  to 
have  much  dealing  with  mankind,  to  whom 
I  have  always  been  a  dupe.  The  necessaiy 
experience  in  greet  was  wanting ;  in  acquir- 
ing it  I  have  met  with  many  disappoint- 
menta.  I  must  have  sunk  under  the  burthen 
of  them  if  I  had  not  been  supported  by  the 
frietidriiip  of  Dik  Roebuck,  t  #  I  have 
now  brought  the  engine  near  a  conclusion, 
yet  I  am  not  in  idea  nearer  that  rest  I  wish 
for  than  I  was  four  years  agOk  However,  I 
am  reeolved  to  do  all  I  can  to  carry  on  this 
bnsinese,  and  if  it  does  not  thrive  with  me, 
I  will  lay  aside  the  burthen  I  eanuot 
carry." 

Finally,  like  almoet  all  great  inventors, 
Watt,  too,  was  victimised,  and  sometimes 
sickened,  by  adventurers*  **  Of  all  things  in 
life,"  be  saye,  "  there  is  nothing  more  foolish 
than  inventing.  Here  I  work  five  or  more 
years  contriving  an  engine,  and  Mr.  Moore 
hears  of  it,  is  more  4vtiU4,  gets  thtee  patents 
at  once,  publiahea  himself  in.  the  newspa- 
pers,  hires  two  thousand  men,  sets  them  to 
work  for  the  whole  world  in  St  George's 
Fields,  geu  a  fortune  at  once,  and  prose- 
cntes  me  for  using  my  own  invention  V* 


Dttimai  Ccinag$  FrntUiarlff  BtcpkUned  <n 
Theory  and  Practice ;  together  iblfft  TtAiee 
AdaipUng  it  to  Popular  Use,  and  tome 
Smggeetiime  on  Decimal  Weights  and  Mea- 
tarst.  By  Cornblius  WALFoan,  Jun«, 
London:  Fitman,  Paternoster-row,  and 
Tuplin,  Strand. 

This  little  pamphlet,  which  is  a  reprint  of 
a  series  of  papers  that  appeared  in  the  BritUh 
O&HtrovertiaUsf,  contains  a  very  admirable 
popular  account  Of  the  present  condition  of 
the  decimal  question.  The  author,  by  re- 
ptric^ng  himsfelf  loainly  toan  unbtasied  state* 


ment  of  the  apparent  advantages  and  dis- 
advantages  of  the  various  systems  proposed, 
has  afibrded  to  the  reader  the  best  possible 
means  of  forming  an  intelligent  estimate  of 
their  respective  merits.  The  pamphlet,  by 
being  widely  circulated,  will  assist  greatly 
in  forming  that  public  opinion,  the  want  ot 
which  was,  in  the  judgment  of  the  late 
Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer,  the  only  . 
hindrance  to  the  adoption  of  a  decimal  sys- 
tem. 


ON    THE    INDICATED    HORSE- 
POWER OF  STEAM  ENGINES. 

lb  tk€  Editor  qf  the  iieehanies*  Magazine, 
Sir,— «In  the  number  of  the  Medumiae' 
Magatdne  of  the  17th  of  last  month,  "  In- 
g^iieur  **  calls  your  attention  and  that  of 
your  readers  to  what  he  conceives  to  be  a 
very  singular  error  that  exists  in  the  present 
meUiod  of  oaleuiating  the  power  of  engines, 
from  diagrams  obtained  by  the  indicator. 
I  find  no  notice  taken  of  his  communication 
in  your  last  number,  and  as  I  consider  his 
notions  to  be  erroneous,  I  beg  te  trouble 
yeu  with  what  I  oonceive  to  be  a  more  enr- 
rect  method  of  handling  the  subject. 

The  problem,  as  I  understand  it,  ia  this : 
Given  an  indicator  diagram  to  find  the  work 
done  by  the  piston  of  the  engine  from  which 
it  was  obtained  in  one  stroke. 

There  is,  I  think,  no  necessity  to  intra* 
duct  the  notion  of  time,  and  consequently 
of  vdecit7»  into  tiie  question ;  it  will  be 
more  convenient  to  proceed  in  the  usual 
way,  which  I  believe  to  be  as  fbllows :  The 
atmospheric  line  of  the  diagram  rcpreeenta 
at  a  certain  scale  the  stroke  of  the  piston, 
in  feet  and  fractions  of  feet.  The  ordinate 
erected  at  any  point  of  this  line  will  repre*. 
sent  «t  a  certain  scale  the  pressure  in  lbs. 
on  each  unit  ef  surface  of  tire  piston  at  this 

Cint  of  its  stroke,  and  if  a  aeoend  ordinate 
erected  at  a  point  aeparated  from  the 
former  by  an  infinitely  email  distance,  the 
arithmetical  mean  between  the  two  ordinatee 
will  represent  the  pressure  on  the  piston 
during  the  infinitely  small  fraction  of  ite 
stroke,  lepresented  by  the  distance  between 
the  two  ordinatee  t  if,  then,  this  distance 
be  multiplied  by  the  mean  of  the  two  or- 
dinatee, the  product  will  give  the  work  done 
by  each  unit  of  the  piston's  surface  during 
die  element  of  its  stroke,  repreeented  by  the 
distance  between  the  ovdinatee.  But  this 
pvednet  represents  also  the  area  of  the  in- 
finitely small  portion  of  the  diagram  com- 
prised between  the  ordinatee  {  coneequently, 
in  order  to  obtain  the  quantity  of  work  done 
by  each  unit  of  the  piston's  surfece  during 
its  whole  stroke,  it  is  necessary  only  to  And 
the  area  of  the  dlagnun,  which  can  be  rea- 
dily done  by  Simpson's  formula.  The  result 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


228 


DEFECTIVE  ILLUSTRATION  OF  8CIEMT1FI0  WOEKB. 


will  enable  ua  to  calculate  the  work  done  by 
the  steam  during  each  stroke  of  the  piston, 
hut  the  effective  power  transmitted  to  the 
crank-ahaft  can,  I  think,  be  ascertained  by 
no  other  means  than  by  the  application  of 
the  brake. 

I  will  add,  in  conclusion,  that  I  think  that 
the  indicator  was  intended  by  its  illustrious 
author  (James  Watt)  to  indicate  the  state  of 
efficiency  of  the  engine,  rather  than  its 
power,  inasmuch  tliat  if  the  engine  be 
known  to  be  in  good  working  order  and 
well  proportioned,  the  diagram  could  be' 
constructed  without  the  aid  of  the  instru- 
ment.  But  if  the  effective  power  of  the 
engine  is  to  be  calculated  from  the  diagram, 
it  can  only  be  done  by  the  aid  of  a  coeffi- 
cient, the  value  of  which  cannot  be  easily 
determined. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Mecanicien. 

Paris,  March  1, 1865. 


To  tke  Editor  of  the  Mecbonics*  Magasnne, 

Sir,— As  no  one  has  condescended  to 
notice  the  letter  of  **  Ing6nieur,"  who 
attempts,  in  your  number  of  the  1 7th  of 
last  month,  to  prove  that  the  present  method 
of  calculating  the  horse  power  of  the  ateam 
engine  by  diagrams  taken  by  a  M'Naught 
indicator  is  singularly  erroneous,  ^  ill  you 
allow  me  to  make  a  few  remarks  in  reply  ? 

It  is  plain  to  me  that  the  average  of  the 
preaanxe  of  the  ateam  in  pounds  upon  each 
souare  ineh  of  the  piaton,  during  each  atroke 
of  the  piston,  multiplied  by  the  area  of  the 
piaton  in  aquare  inchea,  and  thia  laat  pro- 
duet  multiplied  again  by  the  apace  in  feet 
the  piaton  paaaea  through  per  minute,  will 
give  the  unita  of  work  performed  upon  the 
piaton  per  minute.  If  this  last  product  be 
divided  by  38,000,  or  the  units  of  work 
performed  by  one  horse,  the  quotient  will 
be  the  number  of  horses  power  of  the  en- 
gine,  allowing  nothing  for  friction.  By 
referring  to  diagram  No.  1,  at  page  157,  it 
will  be  found  that  the  perimeter  of  that 
diagram,  as  well  as  that  of  all  others,  is 
formed  by  the  pencil  of  the  indicator  whilst 
the  piston  of  the  engine  is  making  one 
down  and  one  up  stroke.  The  alighteat 
reflection  will  convince  any  one  that  it  is  a 
matter  rf  perfect  ittdifference  what  is  the 
peloeit^  if  the  piston  ^kuring  any  portion  of 
either  the  down  or  up  stroke  if  the  pieton, 
since  all  that  is  wanted  to  be  known,  in 
order  to  tell  exactly  the  preaaore  upon  each 
inch  of  the  piaton,  is  the  area  of  the  figure, 
bounded  by  the  perimeter  made  by  the 
pencil  of  the  indicator,  whilst  the  piston  of 
the  engine  is  making  one  down  and  one  up 
»troke. 

It  is  quite  clear,  if  we  only  knew  the  area 


of  this  figure,  in  order  to  get  the  average 
preaaore  of  ateam  upon  each  inch  of  the 
piston  of  the  engine,  we  should  have  only  to 
divide  the  area  of  the  figure  by  the  length  of 
the  atmospheric  line  which  is  made  by  the 
indicator.  The  method  which  is  adopted  to 
find  the  pressure  upon  the  piston  of  the 
engine  by  the  indicator  is  to  put  a  ruler  at 
right  angles  across  the  atmospheric  line, 
and  then  rule  off  a  number  of  lines  (usually 
ten  in  number)  acroaa  the  area  of  the  dia- 
gram, aa  is  shown  by  the  dotted  lines  acroaa 
fig.  1,  page  157.  The  aggregate  of  these 
lines  is  then  divided  by  the  number  of  the 
lines,  and  the  quotient  is  taken  to  repreaent 
the  average  pressure  of  the  steam  upon  eaeh 
inch  of  the  piston.  Now,  Sir,  it  is  admitted 
by  all  parties  acquainted  with  the  subject, 
that  this  method  is  at  best  only  an  ap- 
proximate method  of  coming  at  the  average 
pressure  of  steam  upon  each  end  of  the  pis- 
ton, and  in  some  cases  gives  results  wide  of 
the  truth.  What  is  wanted  to  make  the 
indicator  a  perfect  measure  of  pressure  of 
steam  upon  the  piaton  is  come  contrivance, 
by  means  of  which  the  area  of  the  diagram, 
of  whatever  form,  may  be  found  exactly 
and  easily.  I  cannot  see  that  the  method 
pointed  out  by  "  Ingenieur  "  at  all  meets  the 
case,  and  I  think  by  this  time  he  will  see 
that  he  is  in  error  when  he  pointa  out  the 
varying  motion  of  the  piston  from  bottom 
to  top  or  from  top  to  bottom  as  any  source 
of  error  in  calculating  the  horse  power  of 
steam  engines  by  diagrams  taken  by  a 
M*Naught  indicator. 

I  remain,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 
Burnley,  March  6, 1865.  Jameb  £MXfiTT. 


DEFECTIVE  ILLUSTRATION  OF 
SCIENTIFIC  WORKS. 

To  the  Editor  of  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 

Sir, — It  is  just  fifteen  years  since  I  pub- 
lished, in  your  thirty-seoond  volume  (page 
680),  a  letter  condemnatory  of  the  faulty 
illustrations  then  appearing  in .  various 
popular  scientific  works;  and  I  am  not  a 
little  chagrined  to  find  the  complaints  then 
urged  so  often  applicable  to  similar  works 
at  the  present  time. 

I  have  now  before  me  the  fifth  volume  of 
The  Museum  rf  Science  and  Art,  edited  by 
Dionysius  Lardner,  D.C.L. ;  a  work  whioh, 
from  its  high  pretensions,  as  well  as  the 
world-wide  celebrity  of  its  author,  would 
have  led  us  to  expert  better  things.  No.  60 
of  this  work  is  devoted  to  a  familiar  ex- 
planation of  "Common  things,"  with  the 
most  uncommon  illustrations.  The  subject 
matter  of  this  number  is  pumps,  and  it  is 
much  to  be  regretted,  that  the  learned  Doc 
tor  attempted  to  dispose  of  so  important  and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


MB.  WILLIAMS  ON  COMBUSTION. 


229 


intorwting  a  tubjeet  in  a  small  tract  of  six- 
teen paff^i  by  no  means  closely  printed. 

The  Trontispieee — or,  as  a  sailor  woald 
eall  it,  the  flgure-bead— H)r  this  tract  is  said 
to  represent  "a  forcings  pump,"  and  is,  it 
appears,  doing  duty  for  *'  a  garden  engine, 
fig.  19/'  absent  without  leave!  The  same 
cat  appears  in  page  189  as  fig.  16  of  the 
illustrations,  and  is  described  as  "  con- 
■tmeted  for  demonstration  at  popular  lee- 
turea !  **  Passing  by  the  serious  dispropor- 
tion of  the  small  air-vessel  to  the  larger 
pump-barrel,  I  would  obserTC,  that  there  is 
no  oommunication  whateyer  shown  between 
them  ;  and  that  the  pump-handle  is  im- 
movably attached  to  the  piston  by  a  rod 
which  passes  through  the  solid  cover  of  the 
pump-barrel,  and  therefore  can  only  move 
in  9iroigkt  Umes^  while  the  extremity  of  the 
pump-handle  can  only  describe  a  curve, 

Fiff.  IS  is  said  to  represent  '*  the  working 
model  of  a  suction-pump,  usually  provided 
for  demonstrations  in  popular  lectures,"  but 
isjostas  mnworkdble  as  the  other,  and  for 
two  reasons.  In  this  instance,  the  piston- 
rod  is  carried  down  a  long  narrow  tube, 
mounted,  without  any  rhyme  or  reason,  on 
the  top  of  the  pump-barrel,  entailing  the 
antagonism  between  motion  in  ttraight  and 
cmned  lines  as  before.  The  piston  appears 
nearly  at  the  top  of  its  stroke,  but  the  end 
of  the  pump-handle  is  so  nearly  in  contact 
with  the  elevated  glass  reservoir,  that  there 
is  %'0  room  for  motion. 

Dewkmttratietu  with  such  **  working  mo- 
dels "  would  indeed  be  Q(ueer)  £(nougb) 
D(one);  the  only  thing  that  could  possibly 
be  demmutraitd  would  be  the  stupidity  of 
their  designer  \ 

Fig.  20  is  said  to  be  a  section  of  a  fire- 
engine  in  its  "  most  usual  form ;  "  it  should 
have  been  most  umuuaL  Neither  entrance 
nor  exit  passages  are  shown,  and  a  learner 
would  be  exceedingly  puzzled  to  discover 
how  the  water  gets  in  or  out,  or  how  the 
apparatus  itself  is  put  together. 

That  such  objectionaliTe  illustrations  as 
the  foregoing  should  be  admitted  into  popu- 
lar scientific  works  in  \S55,  when  the  same 
subject  was  illustrated  by  better  figures 
nearly  two  centuries  ago,  is  truly  surprising, 
and  by  no  means  creditable  to  authors, 
artist*,  or  publishers.  It  cannot  possibly  be 
objected  that  the  low  price  of  the  work  pre- 
cluded the  use  of  better  illustrations,  because 
correct  outline  drawings— the  very  best  for 
the  purpose — ^would  have  cost  lem  than  the 
full-shaded,  fanciful  figures  which  now  dis- 
figure the  pages  in  question. 

Variety  is  charming,  and  originality  de- 
sirable ;  but  surely  originality  does  not 
necessarily  imply  absurdity,  nor  need 
variety  entail  disgust. 

The  appearance  of  these  monstrosities  is 


the  more  to  be  regretted,  because  most  o  • 
the  illustrations  in  TV  Museum  of  Science  ■ 
and  Art — take  the  article  on  steam-engines 
in  the  same  volume  for  instance— are  ex- 
ceedingly good. 

Commending  my  former  letter  of  April, 
1840,*  to  the  careful  consideration  of  all 
authors,  illustrators,  and  publishers  of 
popular  treatises, 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Wif.  Baddbley. 
IS,  Angell-terrace.  liUngton, 
March  7,  1655. 


MR.  WILLIAMS  ON  COMBUSTION. 

To  the  Editor  </  the  Medusnia^  Magazine. 

Sir, — In  reply  to  Mr.  Williams,  I  beg  to 
sute  that  I  had  no  copy  of  the  memoran- 
dnm  in  question.  I  only  recollect  its  con- 
tents referred  generally  to  the  error  I  indi- 
cated, and  closed  with  an  expression  of 
satisfaction  at  finding  that  the  practice  of  so> 
eminent  sn  engineer  as  Mr.  Craddock  was 
entirely  in  support  of  Mr.  Williams's  own 
views.  But  though  this  paper  be  lost,  there 
will  be  little  difficulty  in  supplying  its  place. 
I  wrote  fully  on  the  oversight  to  Mr,  Dircks; 
and  lent  him,  by  request,  my  copy  of  the 
lectures  (published  by  the  bye,  not  lately, 
as  named  in  Mr.  Williams's  treatise  but 
nine  years  since),  to  complete  the  investiga- 
tion. Besides  this,  your  invaluable  journal 
for  1847,  contains  in  July,  August,  and  Sep- 
tember, copious  particulars  illustrated  with 
excellent  engravings,  by  the  aid  of  which 
no  one  will  be  at  a  loss  to  ascertain  that 
I  allege  correctly  that  it  is  a  considerable 
I  mistake  to  confound  tubes  containing  water 
and  surrounded  by  a  space  of  flame  emi- 
nently  calculated  to  promote  every  requisite 
for  perfect  combustion,  with  tubes  contain- 
ing flame,  surrounded  by  water,  and  tending 
to  foster  all  those  elements  of  imperfect 
combustion  which  Mr.  Williams  deprecates. 
Hearing  of  Mr.  Williams's  indisposition  and 
regretting  it,  I  should  have  left  the  promised 
correction  to  his  leisure,  but  when  the  most 
proper  disavowal  of  the  "  league"  appeared, 
I  felt  I  could  not  conscientiously  remain 
silent,  when  I  knew,  what  Mr.  Williams 
evidently  never  thought  of,  that  I  was  the 
same  person  who  had  been  engaged  in  this 
indirect  communication.  The  loss  has  been 
Mr.  Williams's  in  mistaking  one  whom  he 
fully  characterizes  as  the  most  comprehen- 
sive writer  on  the  subject  of  boilers.  The 
lectures  in  question,  and  the  works  they 
describe  are  avowedly  based  upon  the  prin- 
ciples set  forth  in  Mr.  Williams's  first  trea. 
tise,   and  had   the  master  understood  the 

•  Meek.  lfff^.,voI.  xxxil.  p.  680. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PARKEB's  patent  BMOKE-OONSUiaKO  APPASATUB. 


disciple  m  completely  as  the  disciple  un- 
derstood the  tnsKter,  the  forty  or  fifty  steam 
ships  of  the  City  of  Dublin  Navigation 
Company,  might  have  been  now  working  at 
an  economy  of  two-thirds  their  present  con- 
sumption  of  coal,  with  total  immunity  fVom 
danger  by  explosion.  Whilst  this  was' doing 
other  companies  would  not  likely  have  been 
slow  in  pursuing  such  a  race  of  economy 
and  commerce,  and  the  result  might  have 
been  a  penetration  of  the  rhinoceros  hide 
of  the  Admiralty.  The  amazing  and  im. 
perturbable  stolidity  of  official  routine  might 
have  been  moved  to  intelligence,  and  the 
same  advantages  being  admitted  to  the  200 
war  steamers  now  afloat,  some  oompensatioa 
in  this  service  might  have  been  derived  for 
thehorribla  and  **  heart-rending"  vast*  and 
destruction  of  other  departments. 

I  cannot  better  illustrate  the  amount  of 
the  error  than  by  the  following  comparison : 
Suppose  some  eminent  writer,  Priestley,  for 
instance,  at  the  end  of  the  last  century, 
should  in  some  treatise  have  commented  on 
the  new  steam  engine  which  Watt  was 
bringing  forward.  If  he  had  censured  Watt 
for  omitting  in  his  statements  the  lot*  <if 
heal  arUingfrom  condensation  in  the  cylinder, 
this  would  have  been  a  great  mistalce,  for 
the  very  essence  of  the  invention  w^u  to 
save  this  loss  by  condensation  in  a  separate 
vessel.  So,  also,  Craddock's  boiler  was  es- 
pecially devised  to  annihilate  all  those  coo- 
ditions  of  loss,  which  are  carried  to  extreme 
in  the  flue  tubes  condemned  by  Mr.  Wil- 
liams. It  is  therefore  a  mistake  to  charge 
him  with  overlooking  defects  which  it  had 
been  his  successful  effort  to  remove. 

It  is  but  three  years  since  1  became  ae- 
qnainted  with  these  great  improvements  in 
steam  power.  In  that  interval  I  hare  done 
what  I  could,  from  public  motives,  to  make 
them  known.  The  matter  I  have  published 
on  them  in  various  works,  would  make  a 
bulky  octavo  if  collected;  and  as  some  papers, 
those,  for  instance,  of  comparison  with  the 
Ericsson  bubble,  have  been  exclusively  re- 
printed,  I  hope  I  have  done  some  good.  But 
it  is,  at  least,  very  little  compared  to  what  I 
wished  to  effect,  had  not  my  time  and  means 
been  absorbed  in  a  tedious  chancery  suit 
with  a  host  of  combined  barbarians,  laical, 
clerical,  and  quakerial,  whose  doings  would 
startle  even  the  most  ardent  devotee  of  ro- 
mantic fictions.  I  shall  therefore  be  well 
pleased  to  have  the  aid  of  those  actually 
interested  in  steam  power,  to  promote  the 
truth  and  carry  this  great  agent  a  stage  as 
far  beyond  the  maturity  of  Watt,  as  he  car- 
ried it  beyond  the  rudiments  of  Newcomen. 
I  am,  &c., 

David  Mushet. 

Mareh  5,.1855. 


PARKER'S  PATENT  SMOKE-CON- 

SUMING  APPARATUS. 
To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mechamies*  Magazine, 

Sir, — Considering  that  the  special  plead- 
ing of  Mr.  Williams,  at  page  181,  was  no 
answer  to  my  last  letter,  and  that  such  of 
your  readers  as  took  any  interest  in  the 
question  at  issue  had  materials  enough  be. 
fore  them  whereupon  to  form  an  opinion,  I 
had  determined  not  to  trespass  farther  on 
vour  valuable  space.  The  contents  of  your 
last  number,  however,  have  induced  me  to 
resume  my  pen,  with  a  view  of  showing  that 
I  am  neither  so  forgetful  a  reader,  nor  so 
careless  a  writer,  as  Mr.  Williams  seems  to 
intimate.  Regard  for  your  limited  space 
had  certainly  led  me  to  write  with  more 
brevity  than  was  perhaps  judicious,  Sn 
dealing  with  so  skilful  a  controversialist  as 
Mr.  Williams  :  but  no  matter. 

Mr.  Williams  having  ingeniously  diverted 
the  present  discussion  from  the  original 
topic,  permit  me  to-  remind  your  readers 
that  It  originated  in  Mr.  Williams  having 
upon  two  occasions  (unjustly,  as  I  con- 
ceived) designated  the  smoke  -  consuming 
apparatus  patented  by  Mr.  Parker,*  "  a  re- 
invention.'* To  this  I  objected,  contending 
that  both  Mr.  Williams's  and  Mr.  Parker's 
contrivances  were  each  distinct  and  legiti- 
mate applications  to  furnaces,  of  the  well- 
known  principle  originally  introduced  by 
M.  Argand  in  the  lamp  which  bears  his 
name.  This  reference  to  M.  Anand,  at 
one  time  mush  dwelt  upon  by  Mr.  Williams 
himself,  is,  it  seems,  now  distasteful  to  him, 
and  he  says  that  "he  did  not  give  the  name 
of  Argand"  to  his  furnace,  or  to  his  mode 
of  introducing  air  thereto.  To  show  that 
the  mistake,  if  it  be  one,  did  not  originate 
with  me,  I  quoted  extracts  from  Mr.  Wil- 
liams's own  book,  in  which  it  is  most  dis- 
tinctly  asserted  that  he  did  give  the  name 
of  Argand  to  his  mode  of  introducing  air, 
&c. 

Mr.  Williams  further  stated  that  "the 
name  of  Argand  did  not  appear  in  his  Pa- 
tent Specification."  Whereupon  I  referred 
to  Mr.  Williams's  own  communication  in 
your  37th  Volume,  in  which  he  told  us  that 
the  name  of  Argand  did  appear  in  that  do- 
cument Still  further,  Mr.  Williams  says, 
the  name  of  Argand  was  not  given  to  his 
patent  furnace  until  "  many  years  after  the 
date  of  his  patent."  Whereas,  a  reference 
to  the  Mechanics'  Magazine,  and  many  other 
publications,  shows  that  Mr.  Williams's 
invention  was  universally  known  as  the 
Argand  furnace,  almost  as  soon  as  made 
public. 

In  the  first  part  of  Mr.  Williams's  treatise 

•  D«M:ribed  in  vol.  Ixt.,  p.  444. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


IFE01F1CATI0H8  OF  PASMTS  BXGElfTLT  WILED* 


on  CombustioDy  be  tpeaks  indifierently  of 
tb«  **  Arf  uid  Immp,  the  Argftodl  principle, 
and  tK?  Argand  ftthitee."  He  now  endea- 
▼oiirs  (page  182)  to  draw  a  very  nice  and 
■nbtle  distinetion  between  the  "Argand 
Imp**  and  the  "Argand  gag-hnmer,"  a 
distinetion  nowhere  adterted  to  in  Mr. 
WillianiB's  book  or  ibrmet  writinga,  nor  is  it 
even  at  this  time  a  matter  of  any  import- 
ance. Nerertbeless,  this  disttnetioB  is  care^ 
ftilly  imitated  by  Mr.  Williams's  echo,  Mr 
Dirtka,  in  the  letter  introduced  by  Mr. 
Williams  at  page  306.  In  this  letter,  too, 
Mr.  Direka  states  that  he  gave  the  name  of 
"jirgond'*  to  Mr.  Williams's  Aimace  in 
1840-1  (not  **  many  years  after  the  date  of 
the  patent,'*  by  the  bye !).  Bat  if  Mr. 
Williams  is  right  in  saying  it  was  so  de- 
scribed in  the  specification,  then  the  chris- 
tening must  have  taken  place  previous  to 
December,  1839. 

Singularly  enough,  and  most  ikpropos, 
yvur  last  Number  contains,  among  the  list 
of  <*  provisional  speciQeations  not  proceeded 
with,'*  one  by  this  same  Mr.  Direks,  for 
perforated  air-distributors  in  the  ftirm  of 
boxes,  bricks,  &e.,  placed  in  any  convenient 
part  of  ftimaces.  The  reason  for  this  patent 
not  being  proceeded  with  may  probably  be 
attributable  to  this  wonld-be  patentee  having 
been  forestalled  by  Mr.  Parker,  whose  per- 
fofated  air-distributors,  in  the  form  of  boxes, 
or  bricks,  &c.,  had  been  ptevioosly  pa- 
tented. 

Tht  Act  of  Mr.  Direks  —  the  enter- 
prising and  energetic  agent  of  Mr.  Williams, 
and  who  boasts  that  '*  he  has  superintended 
the  erection  of  above  2,000  Argtmd  ftr-. 
nflWf,"* — having  applied  for  such  a  patent, 
is  the  vtrongest  possible  proof  that  Mr. 
Dircks«  like  myself  and  others,  is  decidedly 
of  opinion,  that  his  late  employer,  Mr.  Wil- 
Hams,  has  not  so  thoroughly  monopolised 
or  exhausted  the  principle  of  perforated  air- 
distributors  as  applicable  to  fornaces,  but 
that  novel  and  usefol  modifications  thereof 
may  yet  be  devised  (Mr.  Parker's  to  wit) 
that  will  not  constitute  mere  "re-inven- 
tions **  of  Mr.  Williams's  expired  patent. 
I  am.  Sir,  yours,  ftc, 

Wm.  Badi>blet. 
19^  AnfsH-tenraee,  Iillngtoa, 
iteRbft,lS6ft* 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Tatl«r,  Thomas  QBoaoB,  of  King's 
Arms-yard,  Loudon,  steam  share  broker. 
The  use  or  appUcation  qf  the  ttalk  rf  the  hop 
fUmU  tn  4ke  man^fadum  tf  pttpers  pattehoBpd, 

•  WflHsmson  *•  OomlmsUoB,"  p.  S44. 


md  wHUboard,  cordage,  rope,  'md  texHk  ftt* 
hHtM.  Patent  dated  Attgnst  IS,  1854.  (No. 
1761.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  sub- 
mitting the  plant  to  process  immediately 
after  the  stalk  is  cut  and  the  hops  gathered. 

Woodcock,  Williait,  of  the  Earl^s- 
court  Brewery,  Brompton,  Middlesex.  An 
iatprevemtmi  in  the  eombuthen  ^fiul  Pa- 
tent dated  August  13,  1854.    (No.  1763.) 

A  foil  description  of  this  invention  was 
given  in  Nos.  1627  and  1629. 

Webtoh,  OsonoB,  of  Sheflield,  York, 
cabinet  maker.  An  improved  veneering  appa- 
rahu.  Patent  dated  August  12,  1854.  (No. 
1764.) 

This  invention  consists— 1.  In  transmit- 
ting heat  through  a  sheet  of  metal  to  the 
glue  after  the  veneer  has  been  placed  upon 
the  foundation  to  which  it  is  to  bo  con- 
nected. 2.  tn  tbe  employment  of  metal 
screw  clamps  in  the  place  of  damps  made 
of  wood  in  veneering  operations. 

Pbteib,  John,  Jun.,  of  Rochdale,  Lan- 
caater.  Ironmonger.  ImprevemenU  itk  ma- 
ehinery  er  €^9parahu  for  drying  wooL  Patent 
dated  Augn&t  12,  1854.    (No.  1766.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  drying 
wool,  after  the  washing  or  other  process  hsi 
left  it  damp,  by  causing  currents  of  air  lo 
pass  in  contact  with  it,  by  means  of  a  fan  or 
other  equivalent  mechanism.  Also,  in  the 
employment  of  perforated  or  borous  flaps, 
upon  which  the  wool  is  placed,  and  which 
form  the  enclosures  of  a  chamber  through 
which  air  is  forced  or  drawn. 

Hbmhbbuttb,  Henri  'Levis  Bdmond 
DftsiB^  of  Ksquermes  les  Lille  Nord, 
France,  tmpr&vemente  tn  the  manrfacinrt  ^ 
varnishes.  Patent  dated  August  14,  1854. 
(No.  1768.) 

Glaiai.-^The  distillaUon  of  raw  gnm 
oopal,  of  any  description,  for  the  purpose  of 
rendering  it  entirely  soluble,  by  expelling 
from  it  the  insoluble  portion. 

MooBE,  Joseph,  of  Manchester,Lancaster, 
silk  manufacturer,  Samuel  Beswick,  of 
Failsworth,  same  county, warehouseman,  and 
Benjamin  Wilson,  of  Woodhouses,  sa^ie 
county,  weaver.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  mamtfach&e  of  piled  goods  or  fabriev. 
Patent  dated  August  14, 1854.   (No.  1769.) 

Ciaims,^\.  The  use  of  a  lath  or  bar,  by 
the  aid  of  which  one  warp-^beam  may  be  dis- 
pensed with  in  the  Weaving  of  double 
grounds  or  tloths.  2.  The  use  of  a  straight 
blade,  with  one  cutting  edge,  mounted  or 
encased  in  a  gauge  or  guide,  so  that  whilst 
the  sheath  gauge  or  guide  stretches  the  two 
cloths  asunder,  the  pile  being  thus  kept 
tightly  distended,  the  sharp  edge  of  the 
cntting- blade  is  held  firmly  in  the  middle  of 
tbe  pile,  and  cttts  it  by  means  of  the  to-attd- 
ho  motion. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


232 


8PECIFI0ATI0N8  OF  PATENTS  BECENTLT  FILED. 


Todd,  William,  of  Haywood,  Lancas- 
ter, manufacturer,  and  Jacob  Todd,  of  the 
same  place,  overlooker.  Certain  improve^ 
mentt  in  power  looms  for  weaving.  Patent 
dated  August  14,  1854.     (No.  1771.) 

The  inventors  claim  a  picking  motion, 
effected  by  a  double  motion  attached  to 
cross  pins  or  studs  and  operating  upon  the 
pioking.rod  ;  and  the  application  and  use  of  a 
quadrant  and  pinion  or  segmental  plate, 
and  of  straps  working  vertically  and  reci- 
prooally,  ariven  by  appropriate  gearing 
from  the  crank-shaft,  and  imparting  mo- 
tion to  the  healds  as  well  as  to  the  opposing 
cross  pin  of  the  picking  motion,  &c. 

Crosland,  William,  of  Hulme,  Lan- 
caster, engineer.  Certain  improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  governing  or  re- 
gulating the  speed  qf  steam  engines,  or  other 
motive-jwwer  engines.  Patent  dated  August 
14,  1854.    (No.  1772.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  placing 
on  a  shaft,  connected  with  and  driven  by 
the  engine,  a  screw,  fitting  loosely,  but  so  as 
to  partake  of  the  revolution  of  the  shaft, 
and  in  attaching  to  the  end  of  the  screw  a 
lever  connected  with  the  regulating- valve  of 
the  motive  power,  tliis  screw  having  a 
tendency  to  close  the  valve  by  sliding  along 
the  shaft.  The  fulcrum  upon  which  the 
screw  is  made  to  act  is  removed  by  a  vi- 
brating pendulum  or  balance-wheel,  the 
screw  being  allowed  to  move  in  an  opposite 
direction,  to  the  extent  of  one  thread,  by 
means  of  a  weight. 

Smith,  Henry,  of  Smethwick.  Improve- 
ments in  the  manuf<»cture  of  wrought -iron 
wheels.  Patent  dated  August  14,  1854. 
(No.  1773.) 

Claim,-^**  The  manufacture  of  the  central 
portion  of  a  wrought-iron  wheel  out  of  a 
mass,  by  extrusion  of  the  plastic  iron  from 
a  cylinder  or  receiver  into  a  mould  com- 
bined therewith." 

Beardmore,  Joseph,  jun.,  of  Stowage, 
Deptford,  Kent,  Improvements  in  supplying 
air  to  furnaces.  Patent  dated  August  14, 
1854.     (No.  1774.) 

Tliis  invention  consists  in  employing 
hollow  fire  bars  in  combination  with  hollow 
iron  bridges. 

Greaves,  John,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, manufacturer,  and  Charles  Mi- 
chael Greaves,  of  Birmingham,  manu- 
facturer. An  improvement  or  improvements 
in  the  manufacture  qf  certain  kinds  qf  spec- 
tacle  frames.  Patent  dated  August  15, 1854. 
(No.  1775.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  ^  In  cutting 
spectacle  frames  out  of  sheet- metal.  And  2. 
In  forming  the  joints  of  spectacle  frames, 
by  attaching  suitably-formed  pieces  of  metal 
to  the  sides  of  the  frames. 

Stratford,  Benjamin  O'Neale,  Earl 


of  Aldborough,  of  Stratford-lodge,  Wick, 
low,  Ireland.  Improvevsents  in  prefeeiiles. 
Patent  dated  August  15,  1854.    (No  1776.) 

Claim. — The  construction  of  projectiles 
the  greatest  transverse  diameter  or  section 
of  which  is  at  the  extreme  foremost  part,  or 
whose  foremost  part  is  at  least  as  broad  as 
any  other  portion  of  the  projectile,  inelud- 
ing  in  this  measurement  the  breadth  of  an 
air- channel  with  a  trumpet-mouth,  which 
pasiies  through  the  projectile  in  a  longi- 
tudinal direction ;  this  invention  being  ap. 
plicable  to  projectiles  of  all  descriptioas, 
whether  for  smidl  arms  or  ordnance. 

Norton,  John,  of  Cork,  esquire.  Im- 
provements in  bolts  and  projectiles  for  firt" 
arms.  Patent  dated  August  15,  1854. 
(No.  1777.) 

A  full  description  of  this  invention  will 
shortly  be  given. 

Caunce,  Robert,  of  Bolton-le- Moors, 
Lancaster,  cashier.  Certain  improvements  m 
machineryfor  preparing  cotton  and  other  fibrous 
materials.  Patent  dated  August  16,  1854. 
(No.  1779.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
to  roving  frames  and  other  like  machines 
used  in  preparing  fibrous  materials  of  cer. 
tain  improved  machinery,  whereby  any 
single  spindle  and  bobbin  may  be  stopped 
and  again  started,  without  stopping  the 
entire  mi^chine. 

Framkham,  Samuel,  of  Greenland- 
place,  Middlesex,  engineer.  Improved  wieaiu 
qf  consuming  smoke  and  eamomizing  fuel  m 
furnaees.  Patent  dated  August  16,  1854. 
(No.  1785.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  constructing^ 
the  walls  of  the  furnace,  '*  that  the  smoke 
and  combustible  matters  from  the  fuel 
may  be  made  to  pass  through  a.  series  ot 
openings  of  moderate  size  and  be  brought 
into  contact  with  the  fiame  from  the  fire." 

Kennard,  William,  of  Little  Queen- 
street,  Holborn.  Improvements  in  attaching 
door  or  other  knobs  or  handles.  Patent  dated 
August  16,  1854.    (No.  1787.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  forming  the 
knobs  or  handles  that  they  turn  in  the  rose, 
which  is  fixed  by  means  of  a  screw  and  nut. 
For  this  purpose  the  shanks  of  tiie  knobs  or 
handles  are  made  with  projections  which  fit 
into  and  revolve  in  grooves  formed  in  the 
roses. 

Burgess,  William,  of  the  firm  of  Bar- 
gess  and  Key,  of  Newgate-street,  London, 
agricultural  engineers.  An  improvement  in 
or  addition  to  reaping  and  mowing-machines. 
Patent  dated  August  16,  1854.  (No. 
1788.) 

Claim, — Constructing  reaping  and  mow- 
ing-machines with  one  or  more  Archimedean 
screws  fitted  thereto,  for  the  purpose  of  de- 
livering the  cut  crops  off  such  machines. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECmOAXIORS  OF  PAnCNTB  BECENTIT  WJCLSD. 


233 


S1DDON8,  William,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  gun-lock  maker,  fmprovementt 
in  locks  for  guns  and  other  fire-  arms.  Patent 
dated  August  16, 1854.     (No.  1789.) 

Gbjmi.^l.  Constructing  percussion-lock 
plates  with  a  second  and  outside  support  or 
Dealing  for  the  axis  of  the  tumbler.  2. 
Forming  the  tumbler  in  gun-locks  with  a 
lengthened  arm,  and  employing  in  combina. 
tion  therewith  a  lengthened  swWel  or  link, 
formed  with  knife  edges,  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  rapidity  of  action  and  quickness 
of  fire. 

Lamb,  John,  and  Thomas  Lamb,  both  of 
Kidderminster,  Worcester,  machinists.  Im- 
propememts  in  Jaeqttard  machinerif,  and  in  the 
apparaisu  eomteeted  therewith.  Patent  dated 
August  16,  1854.    (No.  1790.) 

Claims. — 1.  The  use  of  a  shield  or  guard 
for  the  purpose  of  protecting  the  ends  of  the 
needles.  2.  The  use  of  a  perforated  sliding 
plate,  open  frame,  or  grating,  as  a  substitute 
for  the  ordinary  cylinder.  8.  The  use  of 
certain  gnide-studs  or  pins  for  the  purpose 
of  guiding  or  directing  the  cards  in  front  of 
the  needle  actuator.  4.  A  peculiar  con- 
struction, arrangement,  and  mode  of  work. 
ing  these  guide-studs  or  pins.  5.  A  mode 
of  adjusting  these  guide -studs  or  pins  late, 
rally,  to  suit  any  variety  in  the  length  of  the 
cards.  6.  The  use  of  metal  eyelets  fitted 
into  the  nipple  or  peg-holes  of  rtie  cards,  for 
the  purpose  of  prerenting  undue  wear  at 
those  parts.  7.  A  peculiar  arrangement  of 
needles,  whereby  nine  needles  in  depth  are 
made  to  operate  upon  three  reeds  in  a  five 
or  six-frame  Brussels  loom.  8.  A  method 
of  atopping  the  loom,  or  sounding  an  alarum 
when  any  card  is  improperly  prosented  to 
the  needles,  &c. 

Wall  WORTH,  Thomas,  of  Manchester, 
Lancaster,  British  gum-manufacturer,  /m- 
provements  in  Ratifying  and  treaiing  grain, 
and  in  dressing  fionr,  and  in  machinery  for 
these  purposes.  Patent  dated  August  16, 
1854.     (No.  1792.) 

The  grain  to  be  operated  upon  is  taken 
in  a  dry  state,  and  while  passing  through  an 
inclined  cylinder  of  wire-work  or  perforated 
plate  is  acted  upon  by  straight  blades, 
which  are  fixed  at  an  angle  to  a  radial  line, 
on  an  axis  which  is  made  to  revolve  rapidly, 
&c. 

JoRNSoir,  William,  of  Linooln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improtfe- 
ments  in  fiumaees,  and  in  the  eonsnmpiion  or 
prevention  of  smoke,  (A  communication.) 
Patent  dated  August  16,  1854.  (No. 
1793.) 

Claims.^1.  A  mode  of  consuming  or  pre- 
venting smoke,  by  causing  -the  gases  fi-om 
furnaces  to  be  conveyed  a  second  time  or 
oftener  through  the  fumaoe  by  means  of 
exhausting  and  blowing  apparatus.    2.   A 


mode  of  conducting  the  gases  from  furnaces 
along  with  fresh  atmospheric  air  beneath 
the  fire-bars,  so  as  to  pass  again  through 
the  furnace. 

CowpRR,  Charles,  of  Southampton- 
buildings,  Ch»ncery.1ane,  Middlesex.  Cer- 
tain improvements  in  the  felting  tf  hats,  and 
in  machinery  for  that  purpose.  (A  commu- 
nication.) Patent  dated  August  17,  1854. 
(No.  1795.) 

Claims. — I.  Constructing  machinery  for 
the  felting  of  hats  having  an  upper  and 
lower  series  of  rollers  (or  rollers  and  revolv- 
ing brushes)  mounted  in  two  separate 
frames,  which  receive  an  alternate  recipro- 
cating transverse  motion,  and  so  arranged 
that  file  rollers  in  the  upper  series  may  be 
over  the  spaces  between  those  in  the  lower 
series.  Also,  certain  arrangements  for  va- 
rying the  extent  of  the  motions  in  the  afore- 
said machinery.  2.  Felting  hats  by  means 
of  the  machinery  described;  and,  also, 
heating  both  sides  of  the  hat  bodies  by  hot 
water  and  steam  during  the  process  of  felt- 
ing by  machinery.  3.  A  mode  of  felting 
hats  of  unequal  thickness  in  different  parts, 
by  operating  on  the  hat  bodies  in  a  folded 
state  by  the  described  or  similar  machinery. 

Wright,  John  Turner,  of  Birming- 
ham, Warwick,  manufacturer,  and  Edwin 
Payton  Wright,  of  Birmingham,  manu- 
facturer.  An  improeement  or  hnprooewtents 
in  the  manufacture  of  ropes,  cords,  lines,  and 
twines.  Patent  dated  August  17,  1854. 
(No.  1796.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  machine  in 
which  tiie  processes  of  scraping,  sizing, 
scouring,  stripping  or  polishing,  and  dry. 
ing,  are  simultaneously  performed  upon 
ropes,  coids,  &c.,  as  they  pass  slowly 
through  it. 

Hackbtt,  John,  of  Derby,  mannfac 
turer.  The  manufacture  of  new  €ind  tm- 
proved  fabrics  of  cotton  and  of  linen,  and  of 
cotton  and  Unen  combined.  Patent  dated 
August  17,  1864.    (No.  1797.) 

Tliis  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  doubled  or  twisted  linen  or  cotton, 
or  linen  and  cotton  combined,  of  two  or 
more  threads  to  the  cord,  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  cloth  of  not  less  than  ten  inches 
wide. 

Blakb,  Charles,  of  St.  Leonard's, 
Sussex,  painter.  An  improvement  in  or 
addition  to  doors,  and  door  on^  window- 
frames.  Patent  dated  August  17,  1854. 
(No.  1798.) 

This  invention  consists  in  putting  spring 
slides  to  doors  and  windows  and  to  their 
frames  for  the  purpose  of  excluding  draught, 
dust,  &c.,  and  of  preventing  rattling. 

Bbrmard,  Julian,  of  Club-chambers, 
Regent-street,  Middlesex,  gentleman,  /m- 
provemenis  in  the  manufacture  qf  boots  and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


234 


8PECIFIGATI0NS  OV  PATENTS  BECENTLT  FILED. 


shoes,  or  other  coverings  for  the  feet.     Patent 
dated  August  17, 1854.     (No.  1800.) 

This  invention  consists  in  uniting  the 
outer  soles  and  heels  of  boots  and  shoes  to 
the  upper  and  other  partdi  when  an  adhe* 
sive  substance  or  material  h  employed,  in  a 
vacuum. 

KoEFPLER,  Louis  Christian,  of  Roch- 
dale, Lancaster,  bleacher  and  dyer.  /m. 
provewents  in  extracting  colouring  matter, 
also  applicable  for  extracting  size  or  glue 
from  animal  substances.  Patent  aated  Au- 
gust 17,  1854.    (No.  1801). 

This  invention  consists  in  the  use  of  two 
or  more  vessels  connected  together  in  such 
a  manner  that  the  extract  can  be  trans- 
ferred from  the  one  to  the  other  at  pleasure, 
by  steam  or  other  pressure,  and  can  be 
discharged  into  cisterns  placed  in  any  con- 
venient  situation. 

Spaldin,  Sara,  of  Hull,  Yorkshire, 
spinster.  Jmprooemenis  in  afparatus  for 
preventing  loss  qf  life  at  sea.  Patent  dated 
August  18,  1854.    (No.  1802.) 

The  inventor  constructs  life-buoys  of  any 
suitable  light  material,  and  provides  the 
sides  and  fronts  of  them  with  receptacles 
for  storing  provisions,  spirits,  clothing, 
papers,  signal  rockets,  in  air  and  water- 
tignt  boxes,  canisters,  &c.,  and  around  the 
exterior  edge  of  each  Ufe-buoy  attaches 
a  looped  rope,  to  which  persons  may  cling 
if  necessary. 

Trehert,  Edward,  of  Stourbridge,  Wor- 
cester,  conductor.  J  new  or  improved  ma- 
chine  for  driving  piles.  Patent  dated  Au- 
gust 18,  1854.    (No.  1808.) 

The  hammer  or  ram  of  the  improved 
machine  is  raised  and  detached  from  the 
raising  mechanism  by  means  of  a  rack 
attached  to  a  chain  which  is  connected  to  a 
pulley  haneing  in  a  second  chain  the  eoa 
of  which  M  coiled  on  a  drum  working  on 
the  frame  of  the  machine. 

Walton,  Joseph  Fowibll,  of  Sarratt- 
hall,  Hertford.  Improvements  in  obtaining 
impressions  from  lithographic  stones  or  plates. 
Patent  dated  August  18,  1854.  (No.  1805.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  a  mode  of 
obtaining  impressions,  either  in  colours  or 
in  black  and  white,  from  stones  or  plates,  by 
so  preparing  and  treating  the  latter,  after 
the  drawing  has  been  made  upon  them,  that 
the  design  shall  be  "  etched,"  on  by  means 
of  nitric  or  muriatic  acid. 

Clarkb,  John  Pretty,  of  tieicester, 
cotton-winder.  Improoementt  in  ^  manu- 
facture qf  reels  for  reeling  qf  cotton,  linen, 
thread,  silk,  or  otherjibrous  material.  Patent 
dated  August  18,  1854.  (No.  1807.) 
I  'This  invention  consists  in  manufacturing 
reels,  or  ends  of  reels,  of  wood,  bone,  hoo( 
horn,  ivory,  pearl,  papier  mach^  paste- 
board, gutU  peroha,    leather,  china,  and 


glass,  in  such  manner  that  the  contents  of 
the  reels  mr.y  be  seen  through  one  or  both 
ends. 

Kammell,  Thomas  Webster,  of  Trafal- 
gar-square,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in 
stoves  and  fire-places.  Patent  dated  August 
18,  1854.    (No.  1808.) 

This  invention  consists  in  "  constructing 
fire-places  or  stoves  of  fire-clay,  or  moulded 
forms  of  fire-clay,  with  a  downward  drafl^ 
and  in  such  manner  that  the  upper  part  of 
such  stove  or  fire-place  may  be  open,  and 
the  fire  on  all  sides  closed." 

Nbwt6n,William  Edward,  of  Chancery- 
lane,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improved 
machinery  for  cutting  files  and  rasps.  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  August  18, 
1854.    (No.  1809.) 

This  invention  consists  in  construeting, 
oombining,  and  operating  a  certAin  ham- 
mer, cutter,  racka,  pinions,  cams,  or  eccen- 
trics, &c.,  &c.,  in  connection  with  a  vibrating 
hammer,  for  the  purpose  of  efifeoting  the 
graduation  of  the  blow  at  the  commence, 
ment  of  the  operatiop. 

Coney,  John,  of  Birmingham,  Warvicki 
corkscrew  and  steel- toy  manufacturer.  Jn 
improved  construcii^  qf  corkscrew.  Patent 
dated  August  18,  1854.    (No.  1811.) 

Claim. — A  mode  of  connecting  a  certain 
screw-stem  and  helix  screw  together,  and 
of  imparting  the  requisite  rotary  »nd  vertical 
motion  to  the  latter,  for  the  pnrpose  of 
piercing  the  cork,  and  of  mfterwaida  orawing 
it  out 

Fomtainbmorbau,  Petbb  Armand 
Lecomtb  db,  of  South- street,  London. 
Impro^^ements  in  preserving  com  and  etkmr 
dry  seed.  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
August  18,  1854.    (No.  1812.) 

Claims. — 1.  The  employment  of  certain 
air-tight  and  water-tight  store-rooms.  2. 
Ceruin  mechanical  arrangemenu  for  in- 
specting  the  grain  and  seeds  when  enclosed 
in  these  store-rooms.  8.  A  mode  of  rega- 
lating  the  desiccation  of  grain  and  sMdn 
containing  too  great  an  amount  of  humid&ty 
before  storing  the  same,  by  means  of  a 
thermometer. 

Kbr,  William,  and  Ma^trbw  Ker, 
both  of  Tottenham-court-road,  Middlesex^ 
cabinet-makers.  An  improvement  in  the 
frames  qf  expanding  tables.  Patent  dated 
August  18,  1854.     (No.  1814.) 

C/aiM.— Forming  one  set  of  the  frames 
with  a  T,  or  other  suitsbly-shaped  tongue- 
piece,  and  fitting  the  eorresponding  frames 
with  friction  rollers  or  clips  placed  at  inter- 
vals, and  between  which  the  tongues  are 
free  to  slide. 

Calvert,  Fredbrick  Cracb,  of  Man. 
Chester,  Lancaster,  professor  of  chemistry. 
Improvements  in  the  treatment  ef  heating, 
puddUng,  and  r^fimry  tren  tiage  or  dnd^rw. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECIFICATIONS   OF  PATENTS  RECENTLY    FILED. 


235 


Patent    dated    August    18,    1854.       (No. 
1815.) 

Ckimf^Th9  use  of  hydrate  of  lime,  or 
•lacked  lime,  in  eombinatioik  or  iotimately 
iniied,  with  ketftiag,  paddling,  and  lefinery 
ireli  aUigfl  at  cinders,  both  before  and  after 
calcining. 

Kershaw,  Samubl,  of  Heywood,  Lan- 
caster, manufacturer,  and  James  Tatlor, 
of  the  same  plaee,   manager.     Certain  na- 
-prooement*  in  carding  engimes.    Patent  dated 
August  18,  1854.    (No.  1816.) 

These  improvements  consist  **  in  the  ap- 
plication of  a  comb  or  toothed  or  serrated 
«dge  or  plate  to  the  extremity  or  edge  of 
*  Admer's  feeding  plate,'  in  combination 
with  *the  patent  India-rubber  cards,'  ap- 
plied for  the  purpose  of  wrapping  or  clotli- 
mg  the  '  feed  roller.'  " 

Lund,  Edward,  of  Manchester,  Lancas- 
ter, gentleman.  ImprovaneniM  in  eoclu,  solsef, 
waier^pings,  and  JleMbU  joints.  Patent  dated 
August  18,  1854.    (No.  1817.) 

A  fall  description  of  this  inTcntion  will 
be  given  hereafter. 

Johnson,  William,  of  Lincoln' s-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  ImproM- 
wienis  in  mauiding  or  tkaping  articles  if  val- 
eoMtscii  emeutekone.  (A  communication.) 
Patent  dated  August  18,  1854.  (No.  1819.) 
CUdwu — "  A  mode  of  forming  or  mould- 
ing sheets,  scrapings,  filings,  dust,  or  powder 
of  hard  vulcanised  India-rubber  mto  a 
compact  and  solid  mass  of  any  desired  form, 
by  means  of  a  high  degree  of  heat  and 
pressure,  in  moulds  or  matrices." 

Barrows,  Joseph,  of  Handsworth,  Staf- 
ford, wine-merchant  A  n«to  or  immroved 
inatrument  ie  be  used  in  cutting  haves  tff  bread 
and  other  artieles  qf/ood.  Patent  dated  Au- 
gust 19,  1854.    (No.  1824.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  tray^  having 
clamping  mechanism  for  holding  the  article 
of  food  while  it  is  cut,  and  a  guard  for  pre- 
venting accidents  when  the  same  is. in  use. 
Brouoh,  Nxhbhiah,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  machinist  J  new  or  improved 
dress'./astening.  Patent  dated  August  19, 
1854.     (No.  1825.) 

Claim. — A  dress- fastening,  in  which  two 
parts  which  compose  it  are  made  to  engage 
with  and  disengage  from  each  other,  in  a 
peculiar  manner,  as  described. 

HoDOsoN,  James,  of  Sweeting-street,  Li- 
verpool Improvements  in  the  construction  of 
iron  vessels.  Patent  dated  August  19,  1854. 
(No.  1826.) 

The  inventor  constructs  iron  vessels  with 
openings  at  the  bottom,  capable  of  being 
closed  by  water-tight  valves  or  covers,  for 
the  purpose  of  facilitating  the  discharge  of 
their  eargcSes. 
Allbn,  Jambs,  of  North-street,  Aber- 


deen, practical  engines,  and  James  Tat- 
lor, of  the  same  place,  joiner,  iwspnm^ 
ments  in  the  eausiniciion  ef  rotatory  engimes. 
Patent  dated  August  19»  1854l   (Na  1827.) 

In  this  improved  rotatory  eneine,  of  which 
we  shall  probably  give  a  fuU  description 
hereafter,  the  steam  passes  through  a  steam- 
way  in  an  axis,  and  acting  against  a  fixed 
partition,and  againat  parts  connected  with  the 
axis,  communicates  motion  to  the  latter,  and 
then  passes  out  into  a  containing  caae,  &C 

Greenwood,  William  Vitruvius,  and 
John  Saxry,  of  Brighton,  engineers.     Im-  * 
provemenis  in  signaUlamps,      Patent   dated 
August  19,  1854.     (No.  1830.) 

The  outer  casing  of  the  improved  lamp  is 
furnished  with  two  ordinary  lenses  or  bulls' 
eyes  of  uncoloured  glass,  and  within  it  is 
fitted  a  cylindrical  metal  frame,  which  ex- 
tends above  the  lenses,  and  in  which  are 
fastened  two  pieces  of  coloured  glaaa,  one 
red  and  the  other  green,  in  such  manner 
that  either  of  these  glasses  may  be  inter- 
posed at  will  between  the  flame  of  the  lamp 
and  one  of  the  lenses,  and  a  light  of  dif- 
finrent  colours  be  thus  exhibited. 

Worrall,  Jambs,  jun.,  of  Salford,  Lan- 
caster, dyer  and  finisher.  Improvements  in 
the  method  of  cutting  fustians,  cotton  velvets, 
and  other  piled  goods  or  fabrics.  Patent 
dated  August  19,  1854.    (No.  1831.) 

This  invention  consists  in  causing  the 
doth  to  advance  to  the  cutter,  by  means  of 
machinery,  so  that  the  operative  is  enabled 
to  cut  each  single  race  the  entire  length  of 
the  piece  without  removing  his  knife,  and 
to  perform  this  operation  throughout  the 
entire  width  of  the  piece  consecutively  upon 
each  race.  SuiUble  machinery  is  described 
by  the  inventor. 

Brisco,  Robbrt,  of  Low  Mill  House, 
Saint  Bees,  Cumberland,  esq.,  and  Peter 
SwiRBs  HoRSMAN,  of  St  Johu's  Beckcr- 
met,  in  the  same  county,  gentleman.  Im- 
proved maehinerff  for  preparing  jiflx,  hemp, 
and  other  fibrous  substances  for  spinning.  Pa- 
tent dated  August  21, 1854.     (No.  1832.) 

Claims— I.  The  application  to  spreading 
machines  of  a  self-acting  feeder,  for  de- 
positing the  stricks  of  flax  on  the  travelling 
gills.— 2.  The  application  of  a  presser  for 
pressing  down  the  stricks  of  flax  on  to  the 
leeth  of  the  gills. 

Miller,  Thomas,  of  Fairfield-placc, 
Stepney,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  ap* 
paratus  for  raising  coaU  and  other  weights 
from  the  holds  (?  ships  and  other  places. 
Patent  dated  August  21,  1854.  (No.  1834.) 
At  the  ends  of  a  lever  or  yard,  fitted  so 
as  to  be  capable  of  motion  in  the  direction 
of  its  length,  upon  an  upright  spar  or  mast, 
are  attached  ropes  or  chains,  which  are 
passed  first  over  gins  or  pulleys,  fixed  to 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


236 


FROVISIOXAL   SPF.CinCATIOXS   NOT  PROCEEDED  WITH. 


the  lower  ends  of  the  upright  «par,  then 
over  other  pulleys  at  the  ends  of  the 
lef  er  or  yard,  and  are  then  led  the  one  to 
the  weight  to  he  raised  and  the  other  to  tKe 
barrel  of  a  windlass. 


PROyiSIONAL   SPECIPICATIONS    NOT   PRU- 
CEEDED  WITH. 

Cox,  Thomas,  of  Southampton-street, 
Strand,  Middlesex,  church  warehouseman. 
Improoementi  in  stools,  emhiotu,  and  hassocks. 
Application  dated  August  12,  18ol-.  (No. 
1759.) 

This  invention  consists  in  providing 
stools,  8rc.,  with  movable  covers  made  (o 
protect  their  upper  surfaces  from  dirt  when 
not  in  use,  and  in  forming  them  with  re- 
cesses for  the  feet,  lined  with  fur. 

RoGUiER,  Pierre  Athanasb,  of  Paris, 
France.  A  new  mode  rf  treating  and  curing 
varicose  veins  of  ilie  human  body,  (A  coni- 
nmnicatlon.)  Application  dated  August  12, 
1854.    (No.  1763.) 

This  inveiition  consists  In  the  application 
to  varicose  veins  "  of  a  mixtuie  composed 
of  liquid  per*chIoride  of  iron  and  a  ntace- 
ratiou  of  the  white  clematis  plant,  made  by 
steeping  the  said  plant  in  the  said  liquid 
per-chloride  of  iron,  and  also  in  anew  oint- 
ment, composed  of  liogs*-Urd,  per-chloride 
of  iron  iu  a  solid  state,  sal  ammoniac,  and 
deut-oxide  of  iron." 

Stonbuam,  James  Tolputt,  of  Man- 
chester, Lancaster,  manager.  Improvements 
in  the  mode  or  method  of  rendering  woven 
fabrics  ufoUrprorf,  and  in  the  substance  or 
composition  used  for  the  purpose,  Applicatipn 
dated  August  H,  1854.    (No.  1767.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  make  a  compo- 
sition  of  tar,  oil,  resin,  beeswax,  and  caout- 
chouc, or  solvents  of  caoutchouc,  and  mix 
the  same  with  any  felted  fibrous  matter,  and 
to  force  the  mixture  into  the  materinl  to  be 
waterproofed  by  pressure. 

Haworth,  Peter,  of  Msnehester,  Lan- 
caster, currier  and  leather  dealer.  JIn  im- 
proved bell,  band,  or  strap  fastener.  Appli- 
cation dated  August  14,  1854.    (No.  1770.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  plate  of  metal, 
having  secured  to  its  back  surface  three 
small  bars,  two  forming  spaces  for  the 
reception  of  the  belts,  band,  or  strap,  and 
the  third  for  ihat  of  a  broad  bent  piece  of 
metal,  which  forms  the  connecting  link, 
&c. 

Taylor,  John  Withers,  and  Charles 
Jackson  Taylor,  of  Nottingham,  manu- 
facturers. The  employment  of  ad/iesive  imi- 
tation embroidery  to  lace,  muslin,  silk,  woollen, 
eotion,  or  other  fabrics,  such  embroidery  being 
formed  qf  cut,  pressed,  or  stamped  patterns  rf 
velvet,  crape,  or  other  materials.  Application 
dated  August  15,  1854.    (No.  1778.) 


In  describing  this  invention,  the  inventor 
repeats  the  title. 

Coupland,  John,  of  Southampton,  news- 
paper proprietor.  7%«  preparalum  and  ma» 
mtfacture  rf  a  pulp  to  supersede  the  use  ef 
rags  and  timiiar  fabrics  m  the  manrfactture  of 
paper.  Application  dated  August  16, 1854. 
(No.  1780.) 

This  invention  consists  in  mannfaoturing 
pulp  from  clover,  grass,  fern,  furze,  weeds, 
and  rushes,  in  some  cases  combining  with 
them  a  small  proportion  of  flax. 

Atkins,  Thomas,  sen.,  civil  engineer, 
Oxford.  Improvements  m  the  mode  if  pre- 
paring land,  constructing  machinery  and 
other  apparatus  for  applying  and  maiutahung 
an  under  current  arterial  circulation  of/lwd 
manure,  gases,  vapours,  and  air  to  the  seeds 
and  roots  of  plants.  Application  dated 
August  16,  1854.    (No.  1781.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  employ  tanks, 
cisterns,  or  cesspools,  fitted  with  proper 
induction  and  eduction  valves,  which  may 
be  reversed  at  any  required  time,  and  ot 
distribute  the  fluid  manure,  gases,  vapours, 
and  air  through  a  series  of  perforated  pipes. 

Forster,  William  Charlton,  of  Hat- 
ton-garden,  Middlesex.  The  manrfaehtre  rf 
gas  for  illumination  and  heating  from  mate- 
rials not  hit/terto  employed  for  such  purpose. 
Application  dated  August  16,  1854.  (No. 
1782.) 

The  inventor  mixes  the  refuse  bark  called 
tan,  after  it  has  been  used  for  tanning,  with 
hops,  after  they  have  been  used  for  brewing 
beer,  and  with  satvdust,  in  equal  parts,  and 
burns  them  in  a  retort  for  the  purpose  of 
nitmufacturing  gas. 

Maniere,  Edward,  Jean  Baptiste, 
Adolphb  Piettb,  and  Jean  Francois 
Mermet,  all  of  Bedford -row,  Holborn, 
Middlesex.  The  conversion  of  peat  into  co- 
lours. Application  dated  August  16,  1854. 
(No.  1783.) 

The  inventors  disaohe  various  oxides, 
nitrates,  and  sulphates  in  water,  and  then 
mix  them  with  the  peat,  which  is  after- 
wards pressed  and  left  to  dry.  When  per- 
feclly  dry  it  is  burnt,  and  the  ashes  result- 
ing form  the  colour. 

HioGiNsoN,  Francis,  of  King  William- 
street,  London,  Esq.  Effecting  certain  im- 
provements in  the  mode  ^  It^ying,  directing, 
and  aiming  with  ordnance,  ship,  garrison,  and 
battering  guns,  and  field'pieces  of  every  de- 
scription. Application  dated  August  16, 
1854.     (No.  1784.} 

Into  the  centre  of  the  cascable  or  breech- 
knob  of  any  gun  the  inventor  fixes  a  short 
steel  index  pin  or  pointer,  which  always 
stands  parallel  to,  and  shows  the  precise 
direction  of,  the  centre  of  the  gun's  bore. 

Carr,  Robert,  chemist,  Shrewsbury- 
road,  and  William  Crobsby,  miller,  Divi- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PR07TSIONAL  SPECIFICATIONS  NOT  PROCEEDED  WITH. 


237 


rioo^treet,  both  of  Sheffield,  Tork.  Smrm- 
img  or  ctmsmmumg  swuke  m  Jmrmae  «  «mI  Jhes 
fir  engime^hoUgrt.  Application  dated  August 
16,  1854.    (No.  1786.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  reroWing  &n, 
which  is  fixed  in  a  flue  composed  of  metallic 
pipes  or  bricks,  by  means  of  whieh  fan  the 
smoke  is  repeatedly  conducted  back  into 
the  fire. 

Hamilton,  Edmond,  of  Edinburgh,  Ifld- 
lothian,  gentleman.  Improvewiemts  m  tke 
mumfmctmrt  or  frodbetfiim  vf  be9erage$  or  oe- 
eashmai  drinks.  Application  dated  August 
16,1854.    (No.  1791.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  variety  of  me- 
thods of  treating  fruits  and  other  English 
productions. 

Joh:i8oh,  William,  of  Lineoln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improm^ 
menu  in  urindUtsses,  (A  communication.) 
Application  dated  August  16,  1854.  (No. 
1794.) 

The  patentee  describes  a  windlass  having 
two  barrels,  so  arranged  that"  the  rope  or 
chain  passes  from  the  first  round  the  second, 
and  then  returns  round  the  first,  &c.,so  that 
as  tlie  main  barrel  is  urged  round,  the  rope 
or  chain  turns  the  secondary  barrel,  from 
which  it  passes  off  to  the  object  to  be  lifted. 

Griffiths,  Robert,  of  the  Strand.  Jn 
improoement  m  the  numrfaelwre  rf  bnuhes. 
Application  dated  August  17,  1854.  (No. 
1799.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  making 
brushes,  the  central  portions  of  which  con- 
sist of  wire,  while  the  edges  are  composed  of 
bristles  or  other  similar  materials. 

Baker,  William,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, clock  and  clock-case  manufacturer. 
A  new  or  improved  method  of  manufacturing 
the  hezUs  or  rings  used  in  glazing  the  dials  of 
clocks  and  barometers,  and  for  other  like  pur- 
poses. Application  dated  August  18,  ISSi, 
(No.  1804.) 

This  invention  consists  in  making  the 
■aid  besils  or  rings  of  sheet  metal  instead  of 
casting  them. 

Hill,  John  Rbbd,  of  Princes- street, 
Stamford-street,  Lambeth,  civil  engineer. 
Improvements  in  machinery  for  pulverizing 
metallic  ores  or  other  similar  hard  substances. 
Application  dated  August  18,  1854.  (No. 
1806.) 

The  inventor  employs  "conical  rollers, 
revolving  on  a  horizontal  bed  plate,  and 
having  a  circular  depression  fitted  to 
them." 

Newton,  Alfred  Vincent,  of  Chan- 
oery-lane,  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughts- 
man. Certain  improvements  indirect-acting 
marine  engines.  (A  communication.)  Ap- 
plication dated  August  18,  1864,  (No. 
1810.) 

This  invention  consisU  m  transmitting 


I  die  power  of  the  piston  to  the  crank  of  the 
propeller  shaft,  by  a  single  connecting  rod 
I  of  comparatively  great  length,  attached  to  a 
I  cross  head  placed  at  the  end  of  the  cylinder 
I  opposite  to  that  which  faces  the  propeller 
;  shaft. 

j  Pontainbmorbau,  Pbtbr  Armard  Lb- 
!  coiiTB  DE,  of  Sottth-street,  London,  ^ii 
'  improved  compotitivn  for  fixing  Rtkographt 
^  tmi  engravings  on  emsvat,  tfier  being  tra$u- 
'  posed  or  repndaued  by  a  printing  preev.  (A 
communication.)  Application  dated  August 
18,1854.    (No.  1813.) 

The  inventor  mixes  a  preparation  of  g«la» 
tine  with  a  solution  of  linseed  water  and 
saccharine  matter,  and  heats  the  whole  to 
ebullition.  The  application  of  the  mixture 
fixes  printed  impresuous. 

Mathibu,  FRAN^ois,  of  Bartlett's-build- 
ings,  Holborn,  Middlesex,  gentleman,  /at- 
provewunts  in  filters.  Application  dated 
August  18,  1864.    (No.  1818.) 

The  inventor  describes  various  forms  of 
filters,  in  all  of  which  the  filtering  medium 
is  made  up  of  diaphragms  of  felt  or  other 
similar  material,  between  which  are  inter- 
posed layers  of  charcoal  or  other  carbon- 
aceous matter, 

Johnson,  William,  of  Liucoln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improve- 
ments in  the  manttfacture  ^  hat -bodies.  (A 
communication.)  Application  dated  Au- 
gust 18,  1854.     (No.  1820.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  application 
of  what  is  technically  known  as  *'  hard 
rubber"  to  the  manufacture  of  hat-bodies. 
The  material,  when  in  the  state  of  soft 
sheets,  is  moulded  to  the  proper  form,  and 
is  afterwards  vulcanized  on  the  mould. 

Fox,  William,  and  William  Henry 
Fox,  of  Comptoii-street,  Middlesex,  engi- 
ueers.  Improvements  in  furnaces  to  facilitate 
the  combustion  qf  smoke.  Application  dated 
August  19,  1854.    (No.  1821.) 

This  invention  consists  in  providing  the 
interior  of  a  furnace  with  one  or  more 
movable  valves  or  dampers  working  in 
frames,  and  so  constructed  as  to  open  and 
shut  during  the  process  of  firing. 

O'NsfLL,  Charles,  of  Liverpool,  Lan- 
caster,  joiner.  Improvements  in  the  mode  or 
method  qf  fitting  up  or  fixing  the  berths  in 
emigrant  ships  or  other  vessels.  Application 
dated  August  19,  1854.     (No.  1822.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  make  stationary 
only  a  portion  of  each  berth,  and  to  make 
the  other  part  to  slide  in  and  out,  either  on 
the  lower  or  upper  part  of  the  decks. 

Smartt,  Oeorqe  Thomas,  gentleman, 
of  Doncaster,  York.  Economizing  the  useqf 
grease,  oil,  or  other  lubricating  articles  in 
axle-boxes.  Application  dated  August  19, 
1854.  (No.  1828.) 
This  invention  consists  in  the  use  of  an 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


238 


KOTIGES   OF  INTENTION  TO  PBOGEEB. 


*'  evaporating  auifaoe"  on  the  outer  surfaee 
of  axle-boxes,  the  supply  of  the  eraporatlng 
fluid  being  maintained  either  from  a  reaer- 
voir  attached  to  the  axle. box,  or  by  means 
of  a  tube  or  tubes. 

LaiiB,  6bor«b  Newtov,  of  8t.  Helen's, 
Itancasteri  cement-manuiadturer,  Impnm- 
i»««if  m  9ke  ikm^fa9itlr§  of  lVlfan4  eemtni. 
Application  dated  Auguat  19, 18H,  (No. 
1829.) 

This  ioTention  oonsiita  in  the  use  of  the 
waste  arising  from  the  maaufaeture  of  soda* 
ash,  known  as  ohemioal  waste,  in  and  for 
the  manufacture  of  a  eement  resembling 
Portland  stone. 

Simpson,  Tribtham  SbAntt,  of  St. 
Aun's-place,  Limehouse,  Middlesex,  eaf- 
penter.  Iwtpnmement9  m  $talkM»  Applica- 
tion  dated  August  31,  1M4l    (No.  1888.) 

These  improvements  oonsist  in  the  eon* 
struction  of  iashes  with  double  styles, 
grooves,  and  tongues,  connected  by  means  of 
a  pivot-joint  or  other  similar  eontrivanee, 
and  placed  in  sueh  pontions  that  any  part 
of  the  window  or  saah  requiring  cleaning, 
painting,  or  glasing,  may  be  moved  in  any 
required  direction. 

e*«  The  documents  of  No.  1708  are 
iHth  the  Law  Officers  under  objeetion. 


TROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  January  18,  18ij5. 
92.  John  Britten,   of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
engineer.    An  improvement  or  unprovements  In 
the  moans  of  flltenng  Uquldi. 

DaUd  January  24,  1855. 
in.  Jolm  Lirosey,  of  New  LentoBt  Nottingham, 
lace  manufacturer.    Improvements  in  laee  machi- 
nery. 

DaUd  February  8, 1855. 
S54.  Patrick  Moir  Crane,  of  Athy,  Klldare,  ma- 
nager of  works.    Improvements  in  the  mannfao- 
ture  of  products  fTom  peat. 

Dated  February  12, 1855. 

S2S.  John  Ramsbottom,  of  Longsight.  n.^ar  Man- 
chester, engineer.  Improvements  in  the  construc- 
tion of  certain  metallic  pistons. 

Sa4.  Oeorge  lucas.  of  Hulme,  Manchester,  me- 
chanic. Certain  improvements  in  machinery  for 
preparing,  spinning,  doubling,  and  twisting  cot- 
ton, wool,  silk,  and  other  fibrous  materials. 

326.  Robert  Kerr,  of  Colenian-etreet,  London, 
architect  and  surveyor.  Certain  improvements  in 
nreparing  loaf  sugar  for  use,  and  certain  apparatus 
for  the  same. 

828.  John  Foster,  of  long  Saton,  Derby,  ma- 
chine builder.  Imprevemeata  in  nsehinay  for 
the  manufacture  of  lace. 

DaUd  February  18,  1858. 

980.  Joseph  Louis  Lambot,  of  Carces,  Depart- 
Aent  of  Var,  Franco.  An  Improved  building  nuh 
Urial,  to  be  used  as  a  substitute  lor  wood. 

832.  Robert  Petrie  Cornfield,  of  Upper  Holloway, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  elec- 
tro coating  of  iron  and  other  metals  with  ^o  and 
other  metals.    Partly  a  communication . 


Dated  February  14,  1855. 

384.  Thomas  Metcalfe,  mechanic,  VUliaa  SlalA- 
ing.  cotton  stripper,  and  John  Metcalfe,  qtechai^le, 
of  Clitheroe,  Lancaster.  An  improvement  In  the 
machines  for  preparing  cotton,  known  aa  Dyer's 
tube  fMunes. 

189.  John  Raphael  Isaao.  of  Liverpool,  Lancas- 
ter, draughtsman.  Improvements  in  the  construc- 
tion of  portable  bufldings. 

338.  Hugh  Lee  Pattinson,  Junior,  of  Stotes  HaU, 
Jesmoadt  Newcastle-upon-Tylie.  An  impM>ve- 
mcnt  in  the  manufacture  of  iron  carriage-wheels. 

Dated  February  15,  1855. 

840.  WiUlam  Blythe,  of  Oswildtwisfle,  Laocas- 
ter,  manufacturing  chemist,  and  Smile  ftopp,  of 
Accrington,  Lancaster,  chemist.  Improvements 
In  the  mannfticture  of  soda  ash  and  snlphufie 
acid. 

348.  James  Leadbetter,  of  Halifax,  Iferk.hia- 
sier.  Improvements  in  the  mode  or  method  of 
applying  breaks  to  railway  and  other  carriages. 

ID.  John  Mason,  of  Rochdale,  Lancaster,  ma- 
chinist, Bamuel  Thornton,  of  the  same  place,  and 
Thomas  Spencer  Sawyer,  of  Longsight,  same 
county,  engineer.  Improvements  in  flnishlog  or 
polishing  and  drying  yams  or  threads. 

840.  Cnristqphe  Franfoto  Delabarre,  of  Paris, 
France.  Improved  apparatus  to  be  used  In  fie- 
pcUing  gases  and  forcing  liquids. 

Dated  February  18,  1885. 

848.  Kugtae  Carleas,  of  Stepney,  Middlesex. 
Improvements  In  the  nuwufaetoM  of  pqwr-eloth, 
known  as  artificial  leather,  and  in  ooattng  er 
covering  the  surface  thereof  with  colouring  |nat- 
rer,  sale  colouring  process  being  also  adapted  to 
the  colouring  or  stauitng  ofpapee. 

830.  William  Carter  Stafiord  Percy,  machinist, 
and  William  Craven,  engineer  and  tool -maker,  of 
Vauxhall  Iron  Works,  Collyhurst-road,  MiAchee- 
ter.  Lancaster.  Improvements  in  the  maanraeture 
and  in  machinery  and  apparatus  used  In  the  maan- 
factorc  of  bricks,  tiles,  pipes,  and  other  artidee 
made  from  plastic  materials. 

352-  Hugh  Lee  Pattinson,  Junior,  of  Stotes  Hall, 
near  Newcastle-uponTyne.  An  Improveinont  in 
the  manufacture  of  wrought  iron  tubes. 

Ui.  Robert  Blackburn,  of  Wandewprth  Paper 
Mills,  Wandsworth,  sllA  WiUlam  Lundl  Dancdn, 
of  Bridgefield-terrace,  Wandsworth.  Improve- 
meats  in  bleaching. 

886.  Andrew  Uenshaw  Ward,  junior,  of  Massa- 
chusetts, United  States  of  America-  A  new  and 
useful  or  improved  loom  temple.  A  communica- 
tion from  Jeremiah  C.  TUton,  of  New  Hampshire, 
United  States. 

Dated  February  17,  1855. 

860.  John  Hackett,  of  Derby,  manufacturer.  An 
Improved  leather  cloth,  and  the  employmeat  tbeie- 
of  for  various  nseful  purposes. 

362.  John  Robb,  timber  merchant,  and  Iao- 
rence  Hill,  shipbuilder,  of  Greenocx,  Renfrew. 
Improvements  In  the  masts  and  spars  of  ships  and 
vessels. 

Dated  February  19,  1855. 
804.  Oeorge  Redfleld  Chittenden,  of  London, 
gentleman-    Improved  apparatus  for  meesnriag 
fluids.    A  communication. 


NOTICES  OP  INTENTION   TO 
PROCEED. 
(Frvm  the  "  Limdon  Gazette,'*   March  6/A, 
1855.) 
2251.  Wniiam  Green  and  Jeseph  Flekett.    Im- 
provements in  treating  or  ornamenting  textile  ma- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WEEKLY   LIST  OF  PATENTS. 


239 


terialt  or  fabrics  ftod  paper,  and  in  machineiy  or 
apparatus  for  effecting  the  same. 

iS66.  Joseph  Hopkinson  the  younger.  Improve- 
ments in  steam  enfdno  boilers  and  safety-valves, 
and  in  apparattu  for  indicating  the  vacuum  in 
steam-engine  condensers  in  relation  to  the  exist- 
ing atmoepheiic  pressure. 

1187.  Jonn  Welsh.  Improvements  in  extraet- 
Ing  liquids  from  saeehartae  and  other  matters. 

1178.  Loolt  Vital  Helin.  Improvements  ia  the 
mannlhrtnre  of  paper  from  straw. 

tStt.  William  GriBdIey  Craig.  lapro^emtnts 
in  the  mode  or  method  of  consuming  smoke,  and 
In  the  machinery  or  appaiatns  emploved  therein. 

22M.  Charles  Henry  Olivie^.  An  improved  ^- 
paratus  for  drying.    A  commanieatlon. 

2286.  Peter  Armaad  Lecomte  de  Fontalnemo- 
leaa.  Improvements  in  transferring  coloured  pic- 
tares,  portraits,  and  engravings.  A  eoramunlca- 
tion  flrom  Leopold  MuUer  and  Antoina  Widl,  of 
Vienna,  Anatrm. 

2287.  James  Grlfllths.  ImproTsments  In  tha 
mode  or  process  of  mannlhcturing  certain  kinds  of 
boa,  ana  in  the  maehinery  or  apparatus  used  in 
such  manuCscture,  part  of  which  improvements 
are  also  applicable  to  maehinery  used  In  the  ma- 
anfaeture  of  other  deserlptlons  of  iron. 

1292.  William  AshtoB.  Improvements  fn  safety 
or  eeeape  velvet. 

22M.  Jean  Pierre  Barourd.  An  Improred  gold 
coin  doteetor,  applicable  also  for  weighing  postal 
eetamnnieatlons. 

^JOS.  Gustavo  Hermann  Lllfa.  A  new  material 
ibr  the  manubcture  of  paper. 

tSlS.  Charles  Vorster.  Imprerements  la  the 
manafsetnre  of  ribbons. 

2817.  Bewicke  Blackborn.     Improtements  in 


the  manufaetnre  of  pipes. 
2828.  Jamee  and  WOliai 


Improve- 


liam  Bndshaw. 
awnta  in  time-pieces. 

28M.  Hyppoiyte  Bordler.  Making  alcohol  or 
spirit  fhnn  diilbrent  plants  and  yegetable  produo- 
tton«  of  a  Ihrinaoeous  nature. 

2877.  Igaaeo  Porro.  Certain  applications  of 
total  or  partial  reflection  of  light  on  transparent 
sorfaeoo,  either  alono  or  eomuaed,  with  the  re- 
fraction. 

2881.  DoTid  Tanks.  Improvementt  in  walehes, 
docks,  chronometers,  time-pieces,  tad  all  other 
taetmmeats  for  the  measurement  of  time. 

2404.  David  Caddlok.  Inprovemeats  la  paddling 


Ml 8.  Rtehard  Ardtlbald  Brooman.  ImproTO- 
menU  In  the  .manofaetare  of  thread  ftem  gutta 
pereha  and  similar  gums,  in  gilding,  silvering,  and 
Mnamenting  the  same,  before  or  after  being  ma- 
aafaetared  uto  fabrles,  and  in  machinery  and  ap- 
pinttts  employed  therein.    A  oommunieation. 

2888.  Dominique  Baiatne.  An  improTOd  sys- 
tem of  railway,  applicable  especially  on  common 


2541.  Peter  Armaad  Leeomte  de  Fentainemo- 
feaa.  Improvements  In  the  manufacture  of  palm- 
leaf  haU  and  carcases  for  hats.  A  communica- 
tion firom  Messrs.  Langenhagen,  brothers,  of  Bas 
Rbia,  France. 

2861.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Foatainemo- 
feaa.  Improvemeats  in  coatiog  and  colouring 
metals  and  alloys  of  metals.    A  commnaieation. 

2368.  Joseph  Phelps.  Improvements  in  tppa- 
laias  for  damping  postage  and  other  stamps,  labels, 
aad  like  articles. 

84.  Benjamin  Cook.  Certain  improved  appara- 
tus fbr  separating  filings  of  iron  or  steel  from  other 
metaUie  filings. 

44.  Joseph  Player.  Improvements  In  the  eon- 
struetioa  of  furnaces  for  the  prevention  of  smoke. 

116.  Jean  Antoine  FraafOls  Victor  Oudin.  A 
a«w  liqold  for  preventing  sea-eicknese. 

194.  Richard  Archibald  Bcoodm.  A  pqwerae- 
cnmulator  or  apparatus  to  be  employed  with  hy- 
draulic presses.  A  conununication  firom  Jean 
Baptiste  Falgoftre,  of  Marseilles. 


211.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontalnemo- 
reau.  An  improved  machine  for  manufacturing 
thimbles  employed  on  board  ship  and  elsewhere. 
A  communication. 

280.  George 'William  Henri.  A  new  compound 
or  mesl  mixture  for  feeding  cattle. 

283.  John  Smith  and  James  Holllngwerth.  Im- 
provements in  treating  certain  fibrous  nuterials 
for  manufacturing  paper. 

286.  George  Price.  Improvemenls  in  iroh  safm, 
chests,  and  boxes. 

289.  Isale  Lippmano.  An  improved  method  of 
dyeing  or  colouring  the  hides  and  skias  of  animals. 

806.  William  Bndgse  Adams.  Improvemeats 
ia  the  construction   and   application   of  elastic 

airings  for  sustaining  loads  or  moderating  concus- 
on  in  fixed  or  movm;;  machines  or  carriages. 
856.  Andrew  Hensbaw  Ward,  Junior.    A  new 
and  usefttl  or  improved  loom  temple.    A  commu- 
nication ft-om  Jeremiah  C.  TUton,  of  Kew  Hamp- 
shire, United  States. 

Oppoaitiou  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
above  List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  Oaxette  in  which 
the  notioe  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
miasioners'-office  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  olgeetion  to  the  applicktion. 


WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATKNTS. 

SeiUed  March  2, 1^55. 

1942.  John  Henry  Pane. 

1951.  Paul  Adolphe  damaud. 

1957.  John  Youil.      ^ 

1960.  Tony  Peti^'ean. 

1963.  William  Prior  Sharp  and  William 

Weild. 
19S5.  Charles  Wentworth  Forbes. 

1996.  Charles  Frederick  SUnsbury. 
1998.  Charles  Frederick  Staosbury. 
2022.  Joseph  Porter. 

2026.  Martin  Billing  and  Oeorge  White. 

head. 
2046.  Thomas  Laurence. 
2050.  Thomas  Oamett. 
2052.  Thomas  Banks  and  Henry  Banks. 

2092.  Thomas  Fozall  Griffiths. 

2093.  Thomas  Mohan. 

249S.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fon. 

tainemoreau. 
2666.  Louis  Henry  Frederic  Melsens. 
2687.  Oeorge  Tomlinson  Bousfield. 
2694.  Henry  Render. 

SeaUd  March  6,  1855. 
1970.  Achille  Guyardin. 

1976.  John  Rigby. 

1977.  Bdward  Palmer. 

1981.  John  Chillcott  Pumelle. 
1983.  Edward  Gillman. 

1997.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbury. 
2003.  Thomas  Purdou. 

S004.  Robert  Rawlinson. 
2083.  Augusta  Edouard  Loradoox  Bell- 
ford. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


240 


NOTICES   TO  CORRESPONDKNTS. 


2038.  William  Prior  Sharp  and  William 

Weild. 
2057.  Georges  Daure. 
2079.  Robert  Renfrew. 


2420.  Frederick  Joseph  Bramwell. 
1855. 

9.  Joseph  Arnold. 
112.  George  Jackson. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


Jsaac  Morgan.  —You  may  depend  you  liate 
come  to  a  fal'je  coDcluflion  resiiecting  the  merits 
of  your  invention. 

Indagator.^  The  publication  of  your  reply  to 
the  letter  of  "  A.  H."  is  unavoidably  deferred 
until  the  appearance  of  our  next  Number. 


Our  correspondent,  whose  letter,  relating  to  an 
advertisement  on  our  nronthly  wrapper  we  have 
mislaid,  may,  we  have  reason  to  bslleve,  rely 
confidently  upon  the  respectability  of  the  persons 
named. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOIVIAN,  &  CO. 

Undertake  the  Proouration  of  Patente 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  tlie  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.    Costs  of  Provisional  Protection— ig  10  lOs. 

"  ^f  echanics'  Magazine  and  Patent  Office/'  166,  Fleet-street,  London. 

CONTENTS  OP  THIS  NUMBER. 


Williams's  Patent  Screw  Propeller -(w>/A  ei*- 

graoingi) 2)7 

Professor  Faraday  on   Magnetic  Philosophy 
and  the  Philosophy  of   Force — {utiih    diu- 

granu)  S18 

On  Steam  and  Sailing  Colliers  222 

Garland  and  Glasson's  Patent  Smokeless  Ftur- 

nace 224 

The  Origin  and  Progress  of  the  Mechanical 

Inventions  of  James  Watt,  ftc— (concluded )  225 
DecimHl  Coinage  Familiarly  Explained.    By 

C.  Walford,  Jun.— (Review)  227 

On  the  Indicated  Horse  power  of  Steam  En- 
gines   227 

Defective  Illustration  of  Scientific  Works 228 

Mr.  Williamson  Combustion 229 

Parker's  Patent  Smoke-consuming  Apparatus  230 
Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed  : 

Taylor  Paper 2Sl 

Woodcock Furnaces 231 

Weston Veneering 291 

Petrle Drying  Wool 231 

Hennehutte Varnishes 231 

Moore,  Beswlck,  ft 

Wilson  Piled  Fabrics 231 

Todd  &  Tood Power-looms  282 

Crosland Governors 232 

Smith Wrought-iron  Wheels..  232 

Beardmore Furnaces  232 

Greaves  ft  Greaves.Spectacle-frames  232 

Stratford  Projectiles 232 

Norton  Projectiles 232 

Cannce  Fibrous  Materials  232 

Frankham  Furnaces  2.tS 

Kennard Door-handles  232 

Burgess Reaping-machines 232 

Siddons Gun-lacks 233 

Lamb  ft  Lamb Jaoquard  Machinery...  233 

Wallworth  Treating  Grain  233 

Johnson  Furnaces  233 

Cowper Felting  Hats 233 

Wright  ft  Wright..  Ropes  and  Cords 233 

Hackett Improved  Fabrics  233 

Blake Door-Arames 233 

Bernard Boots  and  Shoes 233 

koeffler Extracting  Matters  ....  234 

Bpaldin Lifebuoys .-. 234 

Trenery  Driving  Piles 234 

Walton  Lithographic     Impres- 
sions    234 

Clarke  Reels 234 


Rammell Stoves,  ftc 234 

Newton FUes  234 

Coney Corkscrews  -....  2M 

Fontainemoreau  ...Preserving  Seeds  234 

Ker  ft  Ker Expanding  Tables 234 

Calvert Iron  Slags 234 

Kershaw  ft  Taylor.Cardlng-enginea 233 

Lund Cocks  and  Valves  .......  tiS 

Johnson  Caoutchouc  Articles  ...  233 

Barrows Cutting  Bread 235 

Brough Dress-fastenings 2S3 

Hodgson Iron  Vessels «  233 

Allen  ft  Taylor  ....Rotary  Engines  233 

Greenwood  ft  Sax- 

by  Signal-lamps «.  285 

Worrall Cnttina  Piled  Fabrles..  235 

Brlsco  ft  Horsman. Preparing  Fibrous  8u\h 

stances  235 

Miller Raising  Weights 235 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with: 

Cox Stools  and  Cushions  ...  tJtf 

Roguier Varicose  Veins 238 

Stoneham Waterproofing 236 

Haworth Belt-fastener  236 

Taylor  and  Taylor  Embroidered  Fabrics...  236 

Coupland Paper  Pulp  286 

Aikins  Cultivating  Land   236 

Forster Gas •. 236 

Maniere,  Baptiste, 

Plette,ftMennet.Peat   286 

Higginson Ordnance 236 

Can*  and  Crossby...  Furnaces  286 

Hamilton  Beverages 237 

Johnson Windlasses  237 

Griffiths    Brushes 237 

Baker Olazing  Besils 237 

Hill Reducing  Ores    237 

Newton Marine  Engines 287 

Fontainemoreau  ...FixingLithographs 287 

Mathieu...... Filters    287 

Johnson Hat  Bodies  ^  237 

Fox  and  Fox   Furnaces  ;.......  287 

O'Neill  Fixing  Berths 287 

Smartt Axle-ooxes 287 

Lamb Cement ...*.......  288 

Simpson Sashes 238 

Provisional  Protections 288 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed. 238 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 289 

Notices  to  Correspondents 240 


LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  PublUhed  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-stieet, 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Oalignani,  Rue  Vivienne,  Paris ;  Maehin,  and  €ou, 
Dublin  ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1649.]  SATURDAY,  MARCH  17,  1855.  [si^^i. 

EdlUd  bj  R.  A.  Bfootnui,  166,  FlMt-ttrMt. 

BURGESS'S  PATENT  IMPAOVEMENTS  IN  REAPING  AND  MOWING- 

MACHINES. 

Fig.  1. 


Fig.  2. 


VOU  LZII. 


Digitized  by  LjOOQ IC 


242 

BURGESS'S  PATENT  IMPROVEMENTS  IN  REAPING  AND  MOWING- 

MACHINES. 

(Patmt  dated  AofMt  16, 1M4.) 

Mr.  W.  Buroess,  of  the  firm  of  Burgeti  thd  Key,  the  well-known  agriealtanl  engt- 
neers,  of  Newgate-ttrett,  London,  haye  patented  an  intention  whieb  cooaete  in  the  adap- 
tation of  one  or  more  Archimedean  acrewa  to  the  platform  or  other  convenient  part  of 
reaping  and  mowing-machines,  fur  the  purpose  of  deli? ering  the  out  crop  to  the  side  of  the 
machine,  or  of  removing  it  therefrom ;  motion  being  communioated  to  the  acrewa  from  the 
running  parts  of  such  machines. 

Fig.  1  of  the  engravings  on  the  preceding  page  is  a  side  elevation,  and  fig.  2  a  plan  of  a 
reaping-machine,  to  the  platform  of  whisK  three  Archimedean  screws  are  fitted.  A,  B,  C 
are  the  screws ;  D  D  are  side  frames,  bolted  or  otherwise  fastened  to  the  platform,  in  which 
A  re  bearings  for  the  axes  of  the  screws.  The  screw,  A,  is  driven  by  a  strap  from  a  rigger, 
E,  affixed  on  its  axis^  driven  by  some  ronninf  part  of  the  machine.  The  screw,  B,  reeeivee 
motion  from  a  band  and  rigger,  F,  mounted  on  the  axis  of  the  screw.  A,  while  the  screw, 
C,  receives  motion  from  a  band  wbieh  works  over  a  rigger,  G,  mounted  on  its  axis,  and 
over  the  rigger,  F.  On  the  shaft  of  the  screw,  A,  id  fitted  a  conical  guard,  H,  for  the 
purpose  of  keeping  the  cut  crop  clear  of  the  gear  of  the  machine.  On  the  reaper  beinc 
set  to  work,  the  crop  will  be  directed  on  to  tiM  platform  by  the  reel,  when  the  acrewa  wifi 
deliver  it  off  from  the  machine. 

The  inventor  does  not  limit  himielf  to  any  particular  number  of  acrewa,  as  circumstancea 
may  render  it  desirable  to  use  more  or  less  indii  the  three  shown ;  neither  does  he  oonfine 
himself  to  the  described  mode  of  setting  the  scfews  in  motion,  so  long  aa  the  motion  ia 
communicated  from  some  ranning  part  of  the  madhlne.  The  poaitioBB  of  the  sereira  may 
also  be  so  altered  that  they  dhall  deUvtr  the  eat  erep  at  the  baok  of  the  machini^  if  it  ia 
thought  desirable. 


DISPUTES  IN  THE  ROf  AL  AND  HOYAL  AftTAONOMIOAL  SOCIETIES. 


A  review  of  Mr.  Babbage'a  "  Bxpotitioa 
of  1861,'*  whioh  appeared  m  Nos.  1484  and 
I486  of  this  Magazine,  and  a  letter  from 
Sir  J.  South,  which  followed  the  ^oncluaioa 
of  that  review,  have  given  rise  to  disoua- 
sions  of  a  peculiar  character,  in  both  the 
Royal  and  the  Royal  Astronomical  Socl- 
etiea.  A  report  of  what  passed  at  the  Royal 
Society  was  Riven  in  our  number  of  March 
11th,  1854  (No.  1596),  and  a  paper  con- 
taining comments  upon  that  report,  tras 
prepared  by  the  writer  of  the  above-nailied 
review,  and  published  in  our  numbers  of 
April  29th  and  May  6th,  of  the  same  year 
(Nos.  1603  and  1604).  In  that  paperi  the 
Rev.  R.  Sheepshanks  wat  atrongly  urgdd  to 
produce  the  defence  he  waa  reported  to  have 
promised,  and  to  make  known  the  **  friend  " 
to  whom  he  had  himself  imputed  the  fratda- 
lent  importation  of  a  foreign  instrument 
with  a  forged  name. 

In  December  last,  Mr.  Sheepshanks  itnt 
forth  a  pamphlet,  entitled,  **  A  Letter  te  the 
Board  of  Visitors  of  the  Greenwich  Reyal 
Observatory,  in  Reply  to  the  Cahunnied  of 
Mr.  Babbage,  at  their  Meeting,  in  Jone^ 
1853,  and  in  hia  Book,  entitled,  'The  Kt- 
position  of  1851.* "  As  the  editeridl  paperd 
which  appear  to  have  affoWM  fhd  oeettthm 
of  the  publio  diapwit  between  the  anthof 
and  hia  antagoniita  were  puUidbed  in  the 
Ifedkontcf '  Magmlm,  dnrisf  th»  lift  ef  th4 
late  Idmdnled  Mildly  «M  hm  kWMM  «- 


pressed  no  opinions  upon  the  subject.  But 
as  Mr.  Sheepshanks  has  chosen  to  comment 
upon  the  character  of  our  respected  prede- 
ceeaor,  we  ftel  called  upon  to  take  notice  of 
the  production  of  the  rev.  gentleman.  In 
doing  this,  we  shall  not  enenmber  our  pages 
with  a  discttsaion  of  more  than  a  few  of  the 
meet  important  points  mooted  in  it. 

We  may,  at  the  outaet  observe,  that  we 
write  with  no  hope  of  dmcting  either  the 
dentimenta  or  the  eondmot  tf  Mr.  Sheep, 
ahanks,  providing  he  id  vulnerable  to  no 
other  weapons  than  those  whieh  he  himself 
widldd ;  for  to  the  ude  of  thedd  we  certainly 
dhall  not  resort.  We  comiddd  it  due  to  the 
dense  we  espouse  that  we  shottld  trust  with 
pdrfeet  eonfidenoe  to  the  eftddey  of  those 
noana  whioh  ch€tlahm§  are  idd  mnch  ao- 
•ttdtomed  td  diaoard,  but  whkh  are  always 
dofiloient  ftnr  the  dSddotion  dl  an  honest 
Wiidertakhig. 

tn  explanation  of  the  nnsddttly  spectacle 
which  Mr.  Sheepehanka  edniwdedly  pre- 
ddntd  is  ofibrinf  sndh  d  padiphlet  to  the 
pwblid  at  hia  age  {» the  sbadf  dUd  of  three- 
dddre"),  he  asyd,  «*I  have  be*  dragged 
IntethddhhidydtsfaMllBywitti  Mif  my 
advdradries  find  themselves  wiil  broken 
hddds,  it  is  not  my  fault" 

In  dirder  to  furnish  our  readers  with  some 
addWTdtd  estimate  of  the  intelleetnal  and 
m&tii  fnalitiel  of  the  reverend  author,  we 
^  ^«lddnt  d  few  rMtdom  dxtraotd  torn  tho 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Dttpons  m  m  botaei  akd  boyai*  jlatbomoiuoal  eoimmiis. 


348 


pMBfUet  beloM  «i^  uftosf  nMeh  are  pa«* 
••fM  wbiok,  wo  oMifett*  quite  staf getM  iia 
wheB  w*  r^meinbeied  that  they  proceeded 
from  one  who  U  either  retaioedorMidbretf  as 
e  oonfMiioii  of  edoeeled  men,  and  of  eome 
of  the  kigheet  publie  aoientifio  officeTo  ef 
tkie  oountiy.  We  feel  thai  in  teprodnoing 
theto  paaitgee  here,  we  owe  eome  apolony  $  it 
m«et  be  found  in  the  help  th«f  afibrd  to  the 
deeiekn  of  tbo  poiaU  at  iatfue  between  th< 
diopnuntk 

•  *  '*Id  the  eorreapendenoe  which 
folkmod  thia  oulbreak,  I  have  no  reaeen  to 
think  that  Sir  Jainet  had  the  adYaniage, 
mtdjgotikekut  wwA"* 

•  •  "  And  to  hie  reply  that  he  did  not 
•are,  I  told  him  I  would  make  him  eare»'* 

•  •  "I  own  that  when  Troufthtoo 
•ailed  8ir  Jamea  *  a  dirty  rascal/  I  offered 
no  opposition*" 

e  •  « I  denied,  in  the  flattest  and  least 
eivil  lanfuj^e,  the  truth  of  the  rest  of  Sir 
James's  story," 

•  •  **  I  wanted  to  return  a  sauey 
asisirtr.  •  •  •  It  gites  trouble  and 
•osu  time  to  reftite  eivilly,  but  decidedly, 
•neh  idle  suggestions." 

(The  reader  should  remember,  that  these 
are  the  remarks,  not  of  a  "  vulgar  boy  "  of 
mstten,  but  of  a  clergyman  of  sUtp,) 

•  •  "  I  avoided  the  tempution  of  being 
induced  to  prosecute  a  man  for  whom  I  fek 
myself  more  than  a  mateh  at  his  own 
weapon." 

•  •  «I  aUow,  that  though  I  think 
myself  undoubtedly  right  in  the  view  I 
took,  the  vehemence  of  language  was  all  on 
my  side." 

•  •  *•  I  gave  the  most  positive  denial, 
and  in  the  least  eourtcous  terms,  to  the 
graver  part  of  those  chatges." 

•  *  *«  Lieutenant  Stratford  then  urged 
fay  appointment  as  secretary"  (to  thcRoys^ 
Astronomical  Soeiety)  "  to  ketp  tht  FreM^ 
ikni"  (Sir  J.  South)  "<a  ard^r.  This  dis^ 
agreeable  office  I  endeavoured  to  ekeouts, 
and  I  believe  with  some  effects  but  as- 
suredly this  strange  official  relation  caused 
sooM  unpleasant  feeling  on  both  aides, 
thongh  I  am  bound  in  candour  to  admit 
that  Sir  James  bore  my  tutelage,  on  the 
whole,  very  tolerably^  The  bosiiiess,  how. 
ev«r,  was  ae  irksome  to  me,  that  in  Fe^ 
bruary,  1S31, 1  quitted  the  council,  assig- 
ning openly  as  my  reason,  ihftt  I  was  too 
buay  to  attend,  but  telling  my  partioular 
frionds  that  I  had  belled  the  cat  long 
enough,  and  was  tiled  of  such  hangman's 
work." 

•  •  **I  think  it  will  be  admitted  that  I 
hid  BOW  given  Sir  James  South  suffleient 
piwvooaCi«n  to  set  loose  his  tongm,  if  he  had 


any  dissgreeable  charge  to  make  agi^iasl 
me.  But  before  this  time  be  had  'mor« 
dirt  to  eat,*  and  partly  at  my  hands." 

•  e  <*  But  though  I  did  my  honest  fn. 
deavours  to  make  Sir  James's  situation  un- 
plcaaant  to  him,  I  cannot  claim  the  merit 
of  driving  him  away." 

•  e  «<  Troughton  died  while  the  suit  waa 
going  on,  and  my  conduct  on  the  trial  was 
more  provoking  than  ever." 

Whan  it  is  remembered  that  the  points  St 
issue  between  Mr.  Sheepshanks  on  the  one 
side,  and  Mr.  Babbage,  Sir  J.  South,  and 
our  predecessor  oo  the  other,  involve  ques- 
tions  of  honour,  honesty,  gentlemanly  feeU 
ing,  and  moral  worth,  the  above  fragments 
are  surely  almost  sufficient  of  themselves  to 
decide  the  matter.  It  is,  however,  neces* 
sary  that  other  considerations  should  be 
suggested. 

The  title  of  Mr.  Sheepshanks*  letter  is  a 
misnomer,  and  was  probably  adopted  for  a 
pnrpose,  which  those  who  aro  at  all  skilled 
in  the  art  of  pamphleteering  will  at  onee 
discover.  We  know  of  no  calumnies  of 
Mr.  Babbage,  either  at  the  Meeting  of  the 
Board  of  Visitors  of  the  Royal  Observa- 
tory, or  in  the  '*  Exposition  of  18^1."  in 
the  latter  there  appears  nothing  beyond  a 
narrative  of  facts  founded  upon  the  testi- 
mony of  the  rev.  gentleman  himself;  and 
the  discussion  at  the  Board  of  Visitors  was 
occasioned  by  a  request  on  the  part  of  Mr. 
Babbage  for  an  explanation  of  the  letter, 
published,  in  our  pages  by  Sir  Jamea 
Soutli.  It  cannot,  therefore,  be  shown  that 
Mr.  Babbage  is  the  calumniator  in  this 
matter,  unless  to  seeb^to  purge  the  Scientific 
Societies  of  the  land  from  grave  suspicions, 
or  to  give  publicity  to  facta  which  are 
dangerous  while  concealed,  is  to  ealum- 


Let  us  now  notice  the  •charges  which 
have  been  pressed  so  repeatedly  and  euergSk. 
tically  upon  Mr.  Sheepshanks,  and  to  treat 
which  his  "  Letter "  is  mainly  intended, 
or  would  have  been  intended,  had  not  the 
author  aought  to  transfer  attention  to  sub- 
jecU  of  leas  bitterness  to  himself.  These 
charges,  as  staled  by  Mr.  Babbage,  from 
Sir  J.  South's  letter,  are  aa  follows : 

1.  Having  caused  the  name  of  Troughton 
to  be  forgeaupon  a  foreign  instrument.  In 
order  to  pass  it  through  the  Cuatom-house 
as  an  Eoglisli  inHtnimsut. 

2.  That  Mr.  Sheepshanks  committed  this 
forgery  for  the  purpose  of  defrauding  the 
levenie. 

d.  that  Mr.  Sheepahanks  iq>plied  to  Mr. 
Troughton  to  allow  him  to  suborn  one  ff 
bis  workmen  to  perjure  himself  by  swearing 
that  the  Frenob  instrumant  was  ntade  t^ 
Troughton. 

4.  TbMtMMigiRMHMrf  8liisH6«iks 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


244 


DI8PUTB8  nr  THE  BOUL  AMD  BOTAL  ASIBOXOMtOAL  800EBTIX8. 


in   getting   tome  other 
t  Hdiehood,  or  did  it 


eitber  tneeeeded 
perton  to  swear  to  that 
himielf. 

We  franlcly  confett  that  we  have  bat  little 
diipotition  to  trouble  either  oortel? et  or  our 
readera  with  auch  matters  aa  are  brought 
forward  here,  when  they  are  tiewed  only  in 
relation  to  their  moral  and  soeial  turpitude ; 
and  did  they  not  eonnect  UiemseWes  with 
other  subjects,  which  fall  within  our  pro- 
vince, and  which  are  of  a  much  weightier 
character,  we  certainly  should  dismiss  them 
without  comment  But  aa  they  have  been 
shown  to  ally  themaelvea  with  much  that  is 
of  the  first  importance  to  men  of  science, 
and  that  dim  the  lustre  of  science  itself  in 
this  country,  we  cannot  refuse  to  consider 
them  impartially. 

The  reply  to  the  above  charges  occupies 
about  /m  pages  in  the  pamphlet  of  ninetv- 
two  (I),  and  we  think  it  right  that  it  should 
appear  here  at  length.    It  is  as  follows : 

"  An  insinuation  is  clearly  made  in  the 
first  paragraph  that  I  wanted  to  tMx  a 
firaudulent  value  to  a  second-rate  instru- 
ment, by  attaching  Troughton's  name  to  it 
How,  then,  did  the  instrument  come  into 
Troughton's  hands  r  Surely  he  was  the 
yei7  last  person  to  whom  I  should  have  sent 
it,  if  I  had  withed  to  pass  it  under  his  name, 
and  to  the  <  injury  of  his  reputation.'  I 
may  also  aak,in  what  way  could  I  merit  the 
designation  of  '  an  expert  forger  f '  I  could 
not  engrave  the  spurious  inscription,  for  I 
was  in  England  all  the  time ;  bait  if  I  had 
been  in  Paris,  how  could  I  have  taught  a 
French  engraver  to  write  like  an  English 
oner  Troughton's  name  waa  (I  think) 
rightly  spelt— rather  a  remarkable  thing— 
but  the  writing  was  altogether  and  unmis- 
Ukeably  French. 

That  the  language  attributed  to  Trough- 
ton  is  'arrant 'South,'  and  quite  difl^ent 
from  his  own  genuine  Anglo-  Saxon,  is  no 
solid  objection  to  the  general  truth  of  the 
story.  Sir  Jamea  could  no  more  copy,  or 
even  recite,  the  iptiuima  mrba  of  his  '  re- 
vered friend,*  than  Dr.  Johnson  could  make 
little  fishes  talk  any  language  but  that  of 
big  whales.  Sir  Jamea,  profeasing  to  quote 
*  the  very  words '  of  his  authorities,  evi- 
dently uses  his  own.  It  is  desirable  that 
this  peculiarity  of  *  ornamenting  everything 
he  touches'  (and  I  wish  his  license  ex- 
tended no  farther)  should  not  be  over- 
looked. 

I  will  now  state  the  real  circumstancea 
of  the  caae,  and  in  more  detail  than  I  could 
well  do,  vied  poee,  at  the  meeting  of  the 
Visitors  (when  I  was  so  unexpectedly  called 
upon),  or  at  the  Boyal  Society,  where 
my  condensed  defence  waa  so  irregularly 
stopped. 

It  ia  known  to  several  members  of  the 


my  time  paid  eoiisl- 
aatronomieal  inalni- 


Board  that  I  have  in 
derable  attention  to 
menta — and,  indeed,  waa  even  n  aort  of 
authority — until  my  excellent  friend,  the 
Astronomer  Royal,  took  the  wind  ontof  my 
aails.  I  waa  particularly  smitten  with  the 
principle  of  repetition ;  and  after  having 
purchased  a  Borda's  circle  by  Tnmghton 
(which  introduced  me  to  his  acqnaintaoee), 
I  waa  most  anxioas  to  obtain  a  Borda's  ns . 
JUding  circle  by  him.  I  soon  diseovored 
that  from  Mr.  Trooghton  nothing  eould  be 
got,  and  lenst  of  all  an  inatrument  the  prin- 
ciple of  which  he  dialiked.  In  this  dilemmn, 
I  saw  a  fiivourable  account,  by  Sir  Thomna 
Brisbane,  of  the  nerfomunce  of  a  circle  of 
refiexion  by  Jecker,  of  Paris ;  and,  aa  n 
friend  was  going  to  Paris,  in  the  winter,  I 
believe,  of  1822,  I  requeated  him  to  prooure 
me  a  circle  of  Jecker's,  and  to  get  Tronglu 
ton's  name  engraved  upon  it,  so  aa  to  pasa 
onr  Customs  without  duty,  and  witboat 
cauaing  him  delay  or  trouble.  Tbia  waa 
done,  and  the  instrument,  I  am  pretty  sure, 
left  by  him  at  Troughton's  shop  in  Fleet- 
street,  to  have  the  inscription  erased,  and  to 
be  adapted  to  the  stand  of  a  British  circle 
which  Troughton  had  recently  sold  me.  It 
is  most  probable  that  the  officers  at  Dover 
had  their  attention  drawn  to  the  erroneoaa 
inscription  by  the  commiasiooer,  and  ao 
passea  it  {  but  I  can  aay  nothing  about  this 
of  my  own  knowledge. 

I  own  that  I  am  now  heartily  aahamedof 
thia  transaction,  although  everybodT  smug- 

fled  in  those  days,  directly  or  indirectly.* 
'he  absurdity  and  injustioe  of  our  fiaeal 
laws  were  self-evident,  and,  consequently, 
few  felt  bound  to  obey  them.  To  me,  then 
a  student  In  the  Temple  (being,  as  I  waa 
already,  a  free-trader  of  the  firat  water,  and 
not  favourably  disposed  towards  the  finan- 
cial arrangements  of  an  mnrrfeirmed  honae), 
the  duty  on  astronomical  instruments  waa 

I  particularly  ridiculous,  the  article  beinff  aa 
ittle  likely  to  be  imported  into  England 
from  France  in  those  days,  as  coals  into 
Newcastle.  I  should  be  surprised  if  the 
duties  on  astronomical  instruments  imported 
from  France  into  England  in  ten  years  from 
the  peace,  amounted  to  aa  many  shillings. 
The  duty,  like  some  others,  must  have  been 
imposed  merely  to  complete  the  symmetry 
of  the  stupid  system  of  peUeeHam^  now 
happily  disappearing ;  and  had  not  the  poor 
merit  of  the  laws  compelling  buriala  in 
woollen,  and  the  use  of  metal  buttons; 
there  were  no  imports  on  which  it  could  be 
levied. 


•  •'  At  that  time  Bandana  haadkeRhleft  wsn 
eouirabamdg  yet  every  gentleman,  as  Mr.  Bnme 
remarked  In  the  Bouse,  had  a  hsndana  la  hb 
poeket,  from  Mr.  Speaker  Oownwards." 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


miti 


DI8F0TK8  Of  THB  lOTAL  AKD  fiOTAL  ASlBOllOiaOAL  BOGIBXnS.         S45 

principle  of  dbe^ienee  to  law  is  one  too 
Wliuble  to  bo  broken,  in  any  eaae,  unleaa 
where  a  poeitifely  wrong  aet  ia  commanded 
to  be  done.  Happily  our  reforma  in  the 
laat  thirty  yean  haTO  tolerably  reconciled 
oor  law*  with  common  lente  and  common 
fiumeta;  but  I  ask,  and  have  a  right  to  ask, 
to  be  judged  by  the  ordinary  practice  thirty 
years  ago,  when  the  occurrence  took  place.** 

Mr.  Sheepshanks  next  states  how  fcsKte- 
iJMi  waa  msde.  It  appears  he  imported  a 
theodolite  (for  which  he  had  previously 
applied),  paying  the  duty;  afterwarda,  on 
receiTtng  permission  to  bring  the  instrument 
in  duty  free,  he  sought  repayment  at  the 
Custom-house,  but  £kding  how  repugnant 
the  refunding  of  what  had  once  been  re- 
ceived was  to  the  usages  of  the  establiah- 
ment,  (that  is,  being  unable  to  succeed,)  he 
"  gave  it  up ! "  Thus  the  Rev.  R.  Sheep- 
shanks made  Testitution  1 1 

A  feir  other  paragraphs  there  axe  in  the 
"  Letter  '*  which,  in  justiee  to  the  accused, 
wt  give.    He  says, 

*'  I  have  already  mentioned  that  the  in- 
strument was  delivered  J^reeiUf  by  Mr. 

to  Trooghton,  and  I  am  as  certain  of  this  as 
I  can  be  of  anything  which  I  don't  positively 
recollect.  I  am  mn  it  did  not  pass  pre- 
viously  through  my  hands.  I  remember, 
most  distinctly,  that  I  learned  from  Trough- 
Eton's  own  mouth,  how  Jecker  had  executed 
my  commission  of  engraving  his  name. 
There  waa  no  need  of  erasure,  he  said,  for 
Jecker  had  engraved  his  own  name,  and 
then  screwed  over  it  a  small  plate  with  his 
(Troughton*s)  name.  He  said,  too,  that 
the  work  was  better  than  the  French  work 
he  had  formerly  seen  (I  am  pretty  sure  we 
had  not  then  heard  of  Gamoey,  and  that 
Troughton  alluded  to  Fortin's  circles),  but 
that  he  did  not  like  it  well  enough  to  adopt 
it  as  his  own. 

Now  this  is  all  ^that  passed  between 
Troughton  and  myself  on  this  matter;  I 
am  positive ;  and  as  I  am  sure  he  never  said 
knowingly  anything  that  was  untrue,  I 
assort  that  the  ad&tions  with  which  Sir 
James  has  garnished  my  simple  story  aro 
the  coinage  of  his  own  '  base  and  bit- 
ter '  imagination.  I  had  nothing  to 
do  penonaUff  with  the  introduction  of  the 
instrument.  I  never  applied  to  Troughton 
to  procure  me  false  evidence  (he  was  cer- 
tainly one  of  the  last  men  to  apply  to  in 
such  a  case)  nor  to  any  one  else,  nor  did  I 
take  any  step  to  procure  the  admission  of 
the  instrument,  either  by  myself  or  through 
any  other  person,  beyond  what  I  have  S- 
ready  stated.  I  give  the  most  flat  and  posi- 
tive contradiction  to  Sir  James's  '  recollec- 
tions;' and  if  I  do  not  repeat  the  still 
more  offensive  word  which  escaped  from  me 
when  I  first  heard  from  Mr.  Babbage  what 


I  had,  besides,  my  own  grievaneea 
against  the  Customs,  as  I  suppose  most 
persons  had  who  travelled  thirty  years  ago. 
Prom  a  mistake  in  form,  I  had  some  time 
before  paid  the  duty  upon  a  Geneva  watch 
meewdimg  to  ilu  priet  paid  ai  Otmeva,  M<1 
not,  aa  the  law  im,  omtke  vahu  aatigmid;  a 
dUference  which,  in  thia  ease,  amounted  to 
•everal  pounda.  Another  time,  returning 
through  Brighton,  my  party  and  myself 
vera  detained  several  hours  in  a  passage  of 
the  Cnstomohouse,  while  a  select  portion  of 
the  Brighton,  unwashed  was  gathered  round 
the  doorway ;  and  this  beeause  the  officer 
had  no  competent  acquaintance  with  his 
duty,*  and  could  not  ret  through  his  work. 

The  law  being  ridiculous  and  ill-admi- 
nistered, and  enacted  by  an  unreformed  par- 
liament, I  leaned,  I  fear,  to  the  doctrines  of 
my  Cambridge  fellow-student,  <*  Alein,  the 
elerk**: 

•  For,  Jebn,  tlier  It  a  Uwe  that  laieth  that, 
That  if  aman  In  o  point  be  acieved. 
That  in  another  he  shal  bs  x^ed." 

I  looked,  perhaps,  upon  smuggling  aa  a  sort 
of 'reprisals'  on  an  enemy.  Whether  the 
idea  of  putting  a  false  mark  to  mislead  the 
officers  was  suggested  by  my  Brighton  ex- 
perience of  their  stupidity,  or  by  a  common 
practice  of  traders,  or  by  a  wish  to  triumph 
over  the  ignorance  of  the  searchers  (the  de- 
ception was  so  gross  as  to  give  me  that  sort 
of  satisfaction),  I  cannot  now  recollect  j  I 
rather  tlunk  that  a  wish  to  spare  Mr.  — — 
any  delay  or  trouble  in  paying  the  daty  was 
my  roal  motive.  The  auty  itself^  on  a  pro- 
estimation  of  the  instrument,  could  not 

ive  exceeded  fifty  shillings  or  three  pounds. 

I  ahall  scarcely  be  held  to  justify  this 
transaction  now;  as  I  said  beforo,  I  am 
heartily  sorry  for  it.  I  admit  that  silly  and 
oppressive  laws  must  be  obeyed  so  long  as 
tney  continue  to  be  'laws ;  and  though,  in 
point  of  fact,  the  evasion  of  such  laws  has 
generally  been  the  efficient  cause  of  their 
romoval,  I  allow  that  the  only  proper  mode 
of  proceeding  is  to  press  earnest^  and  peace- 
ably  for  their  abolition,  obeying  them  mean- 
while. It  is  not  enough  to  say  that  the 
maker  of  the  bad  law  is  more  to  blame  than 
the  breaker.    That  it  true ;  yet  the  general 

•  *«  The  offlc«r,  who  had  bean  a  dark  In  the  Cus- 
toBM,  tofgcatod  to  the  Board  that  the  olerkt  weie 
man  nnniefous  than  neeeHsry.  On  loqnixy  this 
was  found  to  be  tret,  ami  tk§  rMfvcMoa  mUmdtdio 


kkwuO/;  as  a  ooaipeBaatlon,  he  was  sent  to  Brigh- 
ton as  a  aeaiehar.    This  I  learned  afterwards  ftom 


>  80  Ignorant  was  this  person 
of  his  doty,  that  I  was  foroed  to  ask  him  fbr  the 
tarir,  and  to  teaeh  him  the  diArenee  between  thhigs 
contraband  and  those  paying  dutr.  He  womd 
have  ehaiged,  but  ibr  my  interfereaoe,  a  poor 
French  meehanle  for  three  or  four  books  printed 
In  Knglaad.  Some  trifling  things  were  stolen 
l^eia  us  on  this  occasion  Iqr  the  lower  offlelalf,  but 
no  redress  eenld  be  had." 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


946 


ON  nm  tuKDVAonms  ov  xbon. 


s: 


I  am  ehurgad  with,  it  n  bectnte  I  doD*i 
know  the  mental  state  of  Sir  James  at  tha 
time  be  fublitkid  tbia  atery.    He  migbt~<« 
'  Like  one 
Who  haying,  unto  truth,  by  telling  of  it, 
MiMle  tach  a  sinner  of  hti  memory, 
To  credit  hU  own  lie,*— 

feall^  have  believed  in  1852  what  be  bad  no 
tutpioion  of  in  1824!»  nor  some  years  later." 

Again :  **  I  will  propose  to  Sir  James  a 
few  mconsistencies,  and  I  will  trouble  him 
or  bis  ally,  Mr.  Babbage,  toclesr  tbem  up. 

"  He  says,  and  I  suppose  Mr.  Babbage 
believes  biro  (we  are  all  a^eed,  I  faney,  to 
grant  implicit  credit  to  Troughton),  that  I 
iroposed  to  Trougbton  to  lend  me  a  man  te 
eclare  tbe  circle  of  British  origin,  which 
Trougbton  most  indignautly  refused.*  He 
also  says  that  Troujfbton,  *  a  few  days  after* 
wards,'  repeated  this  fit  of  ?irtuous  indigna. 
tion  ;  but  now,  in  ike  presence  (if  the  qfetuhte 
circle,  which  woe  quietly  occupying  a  place  in 
TroMghtan^M  shop,  Tliougb  Sir  James  does 
not  tell  bis  story  rery  clearly,  tbe  meaning 
must  be,  that  I  applied  to  Trougbton  (the 
circle  being  in  lioiboj  to  assist  me  to  libe- 
rate it  by  a  false  oatn,  that  he  most  indig- 
nantly refused,  that  I  then  got  it  out  my- 
self, by  making  a  false  declaration,  person- 
ally or  by  proxy,  and  then  sent  it  to 
I'rougbton,  us  Q  nothing  disagreeable  had 
happened ;  that  he  took  it  in  with  the  same 
nonchalancet  reserving  to  himself  tbe  privi- 
lege of  venting  his  indignation  in  big  words  io 
Sir  James  South.  It  is  now  many  years 
since  Trougbton  died ;  but  some  of  the  gen- 
tlemen I  am  addressing  may  remember 
enough  of  him  to  judge  whether  he  could 
have  acted  thus  inconsistently  and  weakly. 

I  ask,  too,  whether  such  an  imputation  on 
Trougbton  can  be  rendered  probable  by 
such  a  witness  as  Sir  James  South,  twenty- 
eight  years  afterwards  7  " 

Mr.  Sheepshanks  afterwards  states,  that 
during  the  year  in  which  Jecker's  circle  was 
imported,  and  subsequent  to  that  occurrence, 
he,  in  compliance  with  a  presiding  invitation 
from  Mr.Troughton  and  Sir  J.  South,  accom- 

?anied  the  former  to  Paris,  on  a  visit  to  Sir 
ames,  and  was  himself  invited  to  take  up 
his  abode  with  the  latter.  And  this  con- 
cludes the  defence. 

From  what  baa  gone  before,  we  therefore 
discover,  that  of  tbe  four  charges  above 
enumerated,  Hit  first  is  admitted  to  be  true, 
without  change  or  limitation,  by  the  ac- 
cused ;  that  the  second  is  pronounced  by 
him  to  be  substantially  correct,  and  only 
requires    the    substitution    of    the    words 

•  '•  I  go  fttrtber }  my  vlfrofem  vnA  kfgh-splrKed 
old  friend  would  have  Ueked  say  one  out  of  taU 
shop  who  had  made  such  a  diahonourabk  and  in- 
•uUing  proposal;  and  would  have  repeated  tbe 
proeeec,  ioiies  qmoHer,  if  the  seouadrel  who  made 

II  iMA  4M«»  hiiMslf  ««s  i«aiiu'* 


"oauaad  to  be  oommitted"  ibr  the  w«rd 
**  committed"  ta  make  it  literally  ao;  that 
tbe  third  is  simply  contradicted  by  him ;  and 
that  tbe  fourth  ia  left  in  an  equally  unsa- 
tisfactory atate.  With  regard  to  the  third 
and  fourth,  we  may  remark,  that  if  Mr. 
Sheepshanks  would  have  bis  sUtements 
oredited,  be  should  uodonbtedly  produce  ia 
evidence  tbe  '*  friend"  by  whom  tbe  trana- 
action  was  effected,  who  is  eleaely  able  to 
throw  much  light  upon  the  whole  of  the  cir- 
aumstancea  connected  with  it*  Until  tbe 
Hev.  gentleman  doea  tbia,  and  while  tbe  al- 
legations of  the  acousev  are  met  by  nothing 
stronger,  and  every  way  more  credible  than 
the  denials  of  tbe  accused,  there  is  but  om 
conclusion  to  wliiob  we  can  anive.  And  it 
muat  not  be  forgotten,  that  much  depends 
upon  tbe  truth  or  untruth  of  these  two 
charges.  If  a  false  oath  waa  neceaaarily 
taken  by  some  one,  it  is  clearly  ot  great 
importance  to  tbe  disputanU  to  have  truly 
disclosed  the  part  taken  by  tbe  principal  in 
the  matter. 

The  excuaes  set  up  by  Mr.  Sheepsbanka* 
for  the  acknowledged  fraud  and  forgery,  are 
two  in  number:  firsts  that  tbe  crime  of 
smuggling  was  felt  (o  be  less  heinous  in 
1824,  when  the  fiscal  lai^  of  (be  country 
were  foolish  and  irritating,  than  now ;  and 
second,  that  the  offender  is,  in  1854,  heartily 
sorry  ft>r  the  offence  committed  in  1824. 
It  is  perfectly  lust  that  both  these  conii- 
derations  should  be  allowed  to  have  their 
due  weight;  but  at  tbe  same  time  Mr. 
Sheepshanks  mnst  not  be  permitted  to 
claim  an  acquittal  when  charged  with  de- 
liberately instigating /erf  ery,  on  the  ground 
that  smuggling  was  populsr  when  the  crime 
was  executed,  nor  can  he  be  allowed  to 
invest  with  any  peeuliar  merit  or  dignity 
that  very  familiar  form  of  extennatlon,  "  I 
am  very  sorry  for  what  I  have  done«  and 
will  never  do  so  any  more.'** 
{To  be  continued,) 

ON  THE  MANUFACTURR  OP  iHON. 

REMTOn'S   MEtnon   OF   vakino  mallea- 
BLfi   IRON   DIRECT  FROH   TBE   ORE. 

[Tub  following  paper,  which  we  extract 

*  **  We  were  much  astonished  at  fhrdtng  our 
osaatly  Just  and  able  eentemporafy,  fUtt  AA^iutnm 
<No.  141«)  tacredneiMf  «fte  ielbnee  ef  H r.  SlMsp- 
sliajihs  wkh  these  wetds:-^  Before  attaekiag  Wa 
Bsese  toHnedlste  oppoileni,  Mr.  fheepebaakS  fltee 
an  aeeeont  of  the  Castoas-heese  traasaciloae 
wtaleft  Mf.  BaVbasa  and  ifr  Jsasee  foutli  Rave 
eaatfsiated  Rito  a  deliberate  ebaree  of  Mlfery : 
and  ^  this  dMff e  has  ham  ^tf  Ateaelve%  dr- 
eulataA.  It  la  tfoe  to  lff>.  Aeepsbanks  that  we  ok- 
tvaot  his  ezplaaatton  ef  the  cfptamstaaea,  aad 
leave  U  to  the  tadgaseiil  of  ear  ffradett,'*-^d 
laavinf  H  with  Che  leaart,  '^Thie  Is  frank."  !%• 
etire  aittele»  hewever,  appeam  to  be  yrvaded  by 
■I  aalMM,  townMl,  Iff  We  ait  OfC  i ""  " ""  "  '^ 
hold  the  clue. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OK  «U  lCAMW46fmUE  Of  OtOH. 


147 


'ScieiiM  utA  Ifeefaaniim/'  «r  tiM 
lUostniUd  CaUlogve  erthe  New  York  Bx- 
hilntioo,  oontifais  a  dewriptioii  of  the  pro- 
eeee  of  miJciiig  neUeoble  Iron  direet  tnm 
the  ore,  whleh  was  patented  by  Mr.  Rentoft, 
of  New  York,  New  JerMj,  In  1811,  end 
whick  was  spoken  of  witk  finTour  by  Profes- 
tor  Wilson  in  kis  leeture  reeentlj  read  at 
the  flocietj  of  Arts  •«  On  the  Iron  Industry 
of  the  United  States."] 

Thh  eeonomy  of  fnel  in  the  mannfketnrs 
of  iron  is  one  of  tke  most  important  olijeets 
whieh  can  oeenpy  the  Ingcttuity  and  re- 
search of  eeientifle  and  praetieal  nien.     It 
ie  welt  known  that  the  quantity  of  fuel  een- 
snmed  in  making  a  giren  quantity  of  malle- 
ahle  iron,  it  a  eonsiderable  multiple  of  that 
whieh  would  be  neeessary  if  a  eomplete 
eeooomy  of  the  heat    eould   be  effected. 
Eveiy  one  knows  that  there  are  two  distinet 
▼arietiee  of  iron  In  use  all  orer  the  world, 
which  go  tinder  the  names  of  pig  or  east 
iron,  and  bmr  or  m^€abh  iron,  and  most 
petaens  are  aware  also  that  bar  iron  ia  the 
Mreat  fbrm,   and  that  east  iron  owes  its 
brittlenets,  fosibilfty,  and  erystalHne  stme- 
two  to  the  prescnee  of  imporitiee,  ehieiy 
earbon,  which  muat  be  extracted  to  convert 
it  into  mallesble  Iron.    Now,  although  a 
eeruin  quantity  of  east  iron  will  always  be 
required  by  the  world,  its  Aisibility  being, 
Ibr  many  uses,  an  indispensable  property, 
yet  the  quantity  used  eompared  with  that  of 
malleable  iron  will  always  be  oomparatively 
very  small,  and,  in  fact,  nearly  the  whole  of 
the  pig.iron  is  made  for  the  ejcpress  purpose 
of  being  subsequently  oonverted  into  inal- 
leahle  iron.    Thia  Is  the  almost  unirersal 
moden  praetice  of  making  malleahle  iron, 
to  obtain  from  the  ore,  in  the  firat  plaee,  an 
impure  and  earhonaeeous  iron  by  one  pro- 
eess,  and  then  to  remove,  as  far  as  possible, 
these  impuritiee   by  another  proeesa.    In 
reality,  great  pains  and  expense  are  inenrred 
ia  the  first  place,  partially  for  the  purpose 
of  introducing  Into  the  iron  an  impurity 
(for  the  ore  contains  no  carbon),  ibr  the  sole 
pnrpoee  of  removing  which  an  additional 
amount  of  labour  and  expense  is  necemary. 
In  this  light,  the  present  condition  of  the 
iron  manufacture  atems  exeeedingly  primi- 
tiTeanduasoieniiflo.    Roundabout  as  thia 
way  ia,  however,  it  ie  far  preferable  in  point 
of  ooonomy  to  the  older  **  bloomery  *'  pro- 
oese.    By  thia,  malleahle  iron  is  obtained 
dinetly  from  the  ete  by  one  fire,  which  fire 
mnat  ht  M,  however,  1^  the  most  expensive 
kind    of  fuel,    generally   oharaoal;    and, 
owug  to  the  vsiy  great  Quantity  of  Aul 
whieh,  from  the  nature  of  the  process,  must 
nooesewily  be  eoosomod  without  oonlribut. 
in^  to  the  effoot,  tiM  prooeaa  is  even  less 
ooonomleal  than  the  othii,  and  can  only  be 
«atd  wheto  oim^ooal  ia  o^ry  ^^mp.    fltHl, 


however,  a  very  great  proportlwi  of  our  very 
best  qualities  of  iron  is  made  by  this  pre- 
eoss,  Ibr  example,  the  lUsaian  Iron)  tho 
iron  from  whieh  the  Hindoo  preparea  his 
celebrated  •*  woota,"  or  Indian  steel,  and 
others.      Thia  auperiority  is  due    to    the 
greater  fireedom  from  impurities  of  thIa  Iron, 
whieh  is  owing  to  the  fact  that  it  eonaes  into 
contact,  during  its  manufkoture,  with  no 
other  contaminating  influenee  than  that  of 
the  aah  of  charcoal,  which  is  comparatively 
free  from  those  substaneee  which  are  most 
injurious  to  iron.    The  alkali  contained  in 
the  charcoal  has,  undoubtedly,  also  an  im- 
portant effect,  having  the  property  of  com* 
bining  powerfully  with  all  these  contami- 
nating substances,  thus  having  a  tendency 
to  prevent  their  eombination  with  the  iron  i 
thus  it  has  been  proposed  recently  to  use, 
in  the  ordinary  manufacture  of  iron,  sub- 
stances containing  alkalies,  suoh  aa  wood 
ashes,  soda  ash,  or  even  common  salt,  and 
the  latter  substance  is  said  to  have  been 
used  in  Bn gland,  where  it  is  exceedingly 
cheap,  with  marked  advantage.     It  ia  evi- 
dent, however,  that  in  thia  eaae  prevention 
ia  better  than  cure,  and  that  the  submiieion 
of  the  iron,  during  ite  manufaeture,  to  aa 
Ibw  deteriorating  iniluenoes  as  possible,  Is 
far  preferable  to  the  adoption  of  any  necea- 
sarily  Imperfret  means  of  obvlatiag  these 
influences.    Thus  the  process  which  eom^ 
bines  the  greatest  economy  of  ftiel  with  the 
least  possible  contact  of  the  iron  during  its 
formation  with  the  fuel  itself,  will  ultimately 
supersede  all  others.    Now,  in  any  procees 
of  obtaining  soft  iron  directly  from  its  ores, 
there  muat  necessarily  be  two  distinot  stages. 
All  iron  ores  consist  essentially  of  iron  and 
oxygen,  and  the  first  stage  of  the  process 
muu  eonaiat  In  the  removal  of  the  oxygen, 
CO  aa  to  reduce  the  iron  to  tlie  metallic  fenn, 
and  the  aeoond,  in  the  agglutination  or  ag- 
gregation of  thia  iron  into  a  denae  homo- 
geneoua  maaa^  free  from  all  viaible  porta. 
Now  a  fret  haa  been  long  known  to  ohemiata 
which  haa  a  bearing  upon  the  first  stage  of 
this  procees  in  the  highest  degree  important. 
This  is,  that  the  oxides  of  iron  of  which  iron 
ores  are  composed,  do  not  require  for  their 
oxidation  or  reduction  to  the  metallic  form, 
the  intense  heat  of  a  blast-Airnace ;  but  by 
the  proper  deoxidizing  agonta  they  may  be 
brought  readily  Into  the  tnetallie  form  by  a 
oomparatively  low  heat.    Thus  to  obtain 
pure  metallic  iroii  for  the  use  of  physicians, 
or  the  ftuhUfmri  of  the  pharmaeopcsiaa,  the 
praetiee  has  been  for  many  years  to  submit 
prepared  oxide  of  iron  heated  in  a  tube  to 
the  action  of  a  current  of  hydrogen  gas, 
which  abetraoto  ita  oxygen,  forming  water. 
This  haa  nadoubtodly  suggested  the  recent 
impvovemente  whieh  have  been  introdttoed 
into  dM  iron  monnfoolmn.    It  if  of  oowae. 


Digitized  by 


Google     — 


248 


OK  THB  MAMUf  AOTUBE  07  nOH. 


howerer,  impoMible  to  employ^  in  operatiooi 
on  a  manuuoturing  scale,  so  ezpensif  e  a 
gas  as  hydrogen,  and  recourse  is  therefore 
had  to  the  Ur  cheaper  gas  called  carbonic 
oxides  The  general  scheme  of  all  the  pro- 
cesses which  have  been  recently  proposed 
for  obtaining  soft  iron  directly  from  the  ore, 
is  to  crush  the  ore  to  a  coarse  powder,  mix 
it  with  some  carbonaceous  matter,  also  in 
powder,  and  heat  the  mixture  in  a  closed 
f  essel  to  a  red  heat  until  the  oxygen  of  the 
ore  has  passed  off,  together  with  the  carbon, 
in  the  form  of  carbonic  acid  gas,  upon  which 
the  metallic  iron  powder  is  transferred  to  a 
reverberatory  furnace,  where  it  is  caused, 
by  an  intense  heat,  just  as  in  an  ordinary 
puddling  furnace,  to  agglutinate  together 
mto  a  mass,  which  the  workman,  with  his 
tool,  c  in  work  up  into  balls,  and  put  under 
the  trip-hammer.  The  first  person  who  suc- 
ceeded in  accomplishing  this  practically  was 
an  English  iuTentor,  by  the  name  of  Clay, 
who  heated  his  mixture  of  iron  and  carbon 
in  a  gas  retort,  and  after  deoxidation  trans- 
ferred  it  to  the  hearth  of  a  rererberatory 
furnace.  His  patent  dates  about  the  year 
1840.  The  process  immediately  under  con- 
sideration is  an  important  modification  of 
this.  lu  peculiarities  consist  in  the  heating 
of  the  mixture  of  ore  and  carbon  in  ttpright 
Jlat  tube*,  which  are  heated  by  the  watte  heat 
of  the  rcTerberatory  furnace,  this  heat  being 
found  amply  sufficient  to  accomplish  the 
deoxidation  of  as  much  ore  as  can  be  balled 
in  a  given  time.  The  quantity  of  carbon, 
in  the  form  of  anthracite,  mixed  with  the 
ore,  is  only  from  16  to  20  per  cent,  of  the 
ore.  Pure  magnetite  ore  requires  for  com- 
plete  deoxidation  less  than  1 1  per  cent  of 
pure  carbon ;  but  on  account  of  impurities 
in  the  coal,  and  the  necessity  of  using  an 
excess,  a  greater  proportion  is  found  desir- 
able.  The  time  required  for  the  deoxida. 
tion  depends  upon  the  fineness  to  which  the 
materisls  arc  pulTerised ;  but  eren  lumps  of 
ore  of  the  site  of  a  walnut  will  be  found  in 
the  course  of  a  few  hourt  oompletely  con- 
verted into  iron,  the  metallic  lustre  of  which 
is  easily  developed  by  slight  burnishing. 
The  process  which  goes  on  in  the  interior  of 
the  tubes  during  the  deoxidation  is  un- 
doubtedly as  follows:  By  the  combination 
of  Uie  carbon  with  the  oxygen  of  the  ore, 
wherever  the  particles  of  the  two  are  imme- 
diately in  contact,  a  portion  of  earbomie  oxidt 
gas  is  formed,  which  pervades  the  whole 
mass,  and  on  account  of  the  porosity  of  the 
ore  can  penetrate  by  diflbsion  into  the  centre 
of  masses  even  of  considerable  sise,  and 
having  the  power  of  combining  with  twice 
the  quantity  of  oxygen  which  it  already  con- 
tati|s,  to  form  eorionje  oeM  gas,  gradually 
combinee  with  and  removes  the  oxygen 
firom  cveiy  part  of  the  mats.    So  tliat  this 


process  is  precisely  the  reverse  of  Boyden'a 
process  of  converting  cast  into  malleable 
iron.  In  this  process  the  object  is  to  re- 
move oxygen,  and  the  affinity  of  carbonic 
oxide  for  oxygen  is  takeil  advantage  of; 
while  in  Boyden'a  process  the  object  is  to 
remove  carbon,  and  the  power  used  is  the 
affinity  of  carbonic  acid  for  carbon. 

The  time  and  amount  of  fuel  required  to 
make  one  ton  of  malleable  Iron  fh>m  the 
ore  by  this  process  are  about  the  same  as 
those  requirad  to  make  a  ton  of  malleable 
iron  firom  pig  in  a  puddling  fiimace,  thua,aa 
it  would  seem,  saving  the  whole  expense  and 
time  required  to  smelt  the  ore  in  a  smelting 
furnace,  and  accomplishing  the  same  efl^t 
within  the  same  time  by  the  use  of  but  one 
fire,  which  has  been  heretofore  accomplished 
with  two.  But  economy  of  Aiel  is  not  the 
only  advantage  claimed  for  this  process. 
The  other  grand  desideratum  mentioned 
above  appears  to  be,  to  some  extent,  ac- 
complished, namely,  a  very  much  less  de- 
gree of  contact  of  the  iron,  during  its  forma- 
tion, with  the  ftiel  and  its  contaminating 
ingredients.  Two  fumaeea  on  this  plan 
have  been  ereoted  at  Newark,  New  Jersey, 
and  have  been  in  operation  for  more  than  a 
year.  The  ore  ia  first  crushed  by  stampers, 
mixed  with  15  or  20  per  cent  of  pulverised 
Hazelton,  or  other  superior  variety  of  an- 
thracite coal,  which  ia  found  preferable  even 
to  charcoal  for  the  deoxidation.  The  mix., 
ture  is  raised  by  an  elevator  to  the  tops  of 
the  tubes,  which  are  filled,  loosely  covered 
over,  and  exposed  to  the  waste  heat  for  some 
hours.  The  deoxidized  iron  is  then,  by 
the  opening  of  a  valve,  allowed  to  fall  horn 
the  tube  and  slide  down  a  short  inclined 
plane  immediately  to  the  hearth  of  the  re- 
verberatory,  where  it  is  balled.  During  the 
balling,  the  silica  contained  in  the  ore  and 
in  the  ashes  of  the  fiiel  melts  down  with  a 
portion  of  the  oxide  of  iron  not  deoxidised* 
together  with  the  other  impuritiea  present, 
into  a  alag,  which,  from  time  to  time,  is 
drawn  through  an  aperture  at  the  side.  A 
specimen  of  this  slag  gave  upon  analyiia 
60  per  cent,  of  iron  and  about  12  per  cent 
of  silica.  The  loss,  however,  of  iron  in  the 
form  of  slag,  owing  to  the  small  quantity  of 
this  slag,  is  not  greater  than  in  the  usual 
operation  of  smelting  with  a  flux,  and  when 
a  sufficient  quantiQr  of  this  richly  ferrifw- 
ous  slag  has  accumulated,  it  maybe  smelted 
in  a  blast«fumaee  like  any  other  ore  of  iron, 
and  converted  into  pig.  These  two  Aimaeea 
make  each  two  tons  of  blooms  in  twenty, 
four  hours,  which  is  about  the  capacity  of 
an  ordinary  puddling  furnace.  The  coat  of 
making  these  blooms  at  Newark,  according 
to  the  estimate  of  the  Company  who  have 
erected  the  two  furnaces  spoken  of,  is  lesa 
than  80  dollars  per  ton.    One  fiMt  mnat  not 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBORBflOB  CALLASfn  HXW  MATHOOTH  SmOU-FLVID  BATTKBT.        249 


be  pMMd  over  withont  mention,  which  is, 
that  ulieiona  ores  oannot  be  worked  to  any 
adTantage  by  this  prooeat,  for  carbonic  ox- 
ide gas  has  not  the  ^wer  of  decomposing 
silicate  of  iron,  and  m  working  such  ores 
it  is  always  necessary  to  add  lime,  for  the 
porpose  of  decomposing  the  silicste  of  iron 
oefore  a  deoxidising  agent  will  act  No 
orss  are,  therefore,  adapted  for  this  process 
bnt  msgnetites,  hematites,  including  limon- 
ite  and  specular  iron,  spathic  iron  ores,  and 
clay  ironstones  nearly  free  from  silica. 

PROFBSSOR  CALLAN'S  NEW  MAY- 
NOOTH  SINGLE-FLUID  BATTERY. 

[Trb  following  is  an  exact  copy  of  the 
specification  of  Professor  Callan's  new  pa- 
tent for  improTcments  in  gaWanic  bat- 
teries.] 

My  inTcntion  consists,  in  the  first  place, 
in  using,  as  exciting  agents,  in  all,  or  nearly 
all  single  fluid  galvanic  batteries,  and 
tome  double  fluid  gal? anic  batteries,  for  the 
negatiTC  and  positive  elements,  or  the  nega- 
tive element  alone,  certain  proportions  of 
sulphuric  and  muriatic  acid  with  water, 
either  separately  or  together,  and  mixed  or 
not  mixed  with  an  alkaline  or  metallic  salt; 
where  these  solutions  are  used  in  exciting 
both  the  positive  and  negative  elements, 
these  elements  may  or  may  not  be  separated 
by  a  porous  diaphragm. 

The  following  are  the  various  solutions, 
and  the  proportions  in  which  they  are  in- 
tended to  be  used. 

FinL  Any  solution  of  sulphuric  acid 
which  does  not  contain  less  water  by  measure 
than  acid,  if  the  acid  be  not  below  the 
ordinary  strength ;  nor  more  than  four  or 
four  and  a  half  times  as  great  a  bulk  of 
water  as  of  acid,  unless  the  acid  be  above 
the  ordjnsry  strength. 

Seeomdl^  Any  solution  of  snlphnric  acid 
in  which  a  cheap  metallic  salt,  such  as 
chloride  of  sodinm,  is  dissolved,  and  in 
which  the  quantity  of  water  it  not  less  by 
measure  than  that  of  acid,  if  the  acid  be 
not  below  the  ordinary  strength,  nor  more 
than  seven  or  eight  times  as  great  as  that  of 
acid,  unless  the  add  be  above  the  ordinary 
strength. 

THrihf,  Any  solution  of  sulphuric  and 
muriatic  acid  together,  in  which  tne  quantity 
of  water  is  not  less  by  measure  than  that  of 
the  acids,  if  neither  of  the  acids  be  below 
the  ordinary  strength,  nor  more  than  four 
or  four  and  a  half  times  as  great  as  that  of 
the  acids,  if  neither  of  them  be  above  the 
ordinary  strength. 

FmarMy.  Any  solution  of  muriatic  acid 
in  which  the  quantity  of  water  is  not  less 
by  measure  than  that  of  acid  {  if  the  acid 
be  not  below  the  ordinary  strength,  nor 


more  than  four  or  four  and  a  half  times  as 
great  as  that  of  acid. 

It  will  be  useful  to  dissolve  in  all  the 
above-mentioned  exciting  fluids,  except  the 
second,  an  alkaline  salt,  such  as  carbonate, 
sulphate,  or  phosphate  of  soda,  or  perman- 
ganate  or  arseniate  of  potash.  The  addition 
of  these  salu  serves  to  keep  the  service  of 
the  zinc  clean. 

The  batteries  for  which  I  claim  the  use 
of  the  above-mentioned  exciting  agents  are 
those  in  which  amalgamated  sine  is  the 
positive  element,  and  iron,  copper,  platina, 
or  carbon,  but  especially  cast-iron,  is  the 
negative  element  These  exciting  agents 
act  most  powerfully  when  the  negative 
element  is  oast  iron. 

When  great  galvanic  power  is  required,  I 
recommend  a  battery  consisting  of  cast-iron 
and  amalgamated  sine,  excited  by  anv  of  the 
following  fluids,  but  particularly  by  the  last : 

1.  Strong  muriatic  acid  diluted  with  an 
equal  bulk  of  water. 

2.  About  equal  parts  of  sulphuric  and 
muriatic  acid,  diluted  with  an  equal  bulk  of 
water. 

S.  Sulphuric  acid,  diluted  with  twice, 
or  a  little  less  than  twice,  its  bulk  of  water. 

4.  Sulphuric  acid,  mixed  with  three 
times  its  bulk  of  a  strong  solution  of 
common  salt 

A  cast-iron  battery,  in  which  the  sine 
and  cast  iron  are  very  near  each  other, 
excited  by  any  of  those  fluids,  will  circulate 
more  electricity  in  a  given  time  than  a 
nitric  acid  battery.  Such  a  battery  I  pro- 
pose to  call  the  Maynooth  single- fluid 
battery,  in  order  to  distinguish  it  from  the 
cast-iron  nitric  acid  battery,  which  is  known 
by  the  name  of  the  Maynooth  battery,  and 
is  a  double  fluid  battery. 

In  some  cases  it  may  be  thought  desir- 
able to  separate  the  positive  and  negative 
elements  of  a  battery  excited  by  any  of  the 
foregoing  agents  by  the  intervention  of  a 
porous  diaphragm.  The  plan  may  be 
adopted  when  it  is  required  to  produce  uni- 
formity of  action,  but  it  is  attended  with 
loss  of  power.  Any  of  the  exciting  agents 
hereinbefore  described  may  be  used  for 
exciting  the  negative  element  alone  of  some 
double  fluid  batteries. 

First  When  the  negative  element  is  iron 
or  cast  iron,  and  the  positive  element  sine 
is  excited  ^  a  different  fluid,  the  two  ele- 
ments being  separated  by  a  porous  dia- 
phragm. 

Secondly.  When  the  negative  element  is 
iron,  cast  iron  or  a  platinised  metal,  these 
fluids  may  be  used  along  with  sulphate  of 
copper  or  of  iron,  whilst  the  sine  or  positive 
element  is  excited  by  a  different  fluid,  ^e 
two  elements  being  separated  by  a  porbus 
diaphragm. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


950 


dH  9fSAiI  Aim  iAEUMft  «OLtffiM. 


Mj  invention  6«iiti«tt  in  the  eeeond  place 
in  substituting  iron  or  east  iron  for  the 
eopper  or  a  solution  of  sulphate  of  iron  for 
that  of  the  tulphate  of  eopper  used  in  Da- 
niell's  eonstanl  batterj,  or  other*  of  sinsi- 
lar  construction,  that  is  to  say,  batteries  In 
which  the  negatSTc  element  is  copper  and 
is  excited  hy  a  solution  of  sulphate  of  eop- 
per, and  the  positiTe  element  is  sine,  and  is 
excited  by  a  different  fluid. 

My  invention  consists  in  the  third  place, 
in  using  iron  or  cast  iron,  and  a  solution 
of ,  sulphate  of  iron  for  the  eopper,  and 
solution  of  sulphate  of  eopper  used  in  Da- 
niell's  and  other  similar  constant  batteries, 
so  that  the  negative  element  will  be  iron  or 
cast  iron,  and  will  be  excited  bj  a  solution 
of  snlphate  of  iron. 

And  my  invention  consists  in  the  fourth 
place,  in  using  for  the  positive  element  of 
Certain  galvanic  batteries,  £tnc  eoated  with 
an  amalgam  of  mercury,  tin  and  lead,  or  with 
an  amalgam  of  mercury,  and  either  of  the 
other  two  metals.* 

ON  ST£AM  AND  SAILING 
COLLIERS. 

The  iTiscussion  following  Mr.  Allen's 
paper  on  the  above  subject  f  took  place  at 
the  Institution  of  Civil  Bngineers,  on  the 
evening  of  Tuesday,  March  6. 

The  oag-ballast  was  admitted  to  be  con- 
venient in  some  cases,  but  it  waa  better 
adapted  for  long  than  for  short  voyages,  and 
the  wear  and  tear  of  the  bags,  when  in  con- 
stant use,  waa  a  ponsiderable  item  of  ex<- 
pense. 

The  system  of  ballasting  with  water  was 
now  generally  pzeferred ;  the  plan  of  hold 
water-ballast  appeared  at  the  first  view  to 
be  the  simplest,  out  there  might  be  a  doubt 
whether  in  heavy  weather  a  vessel,  with  such 
a  weight  concentrated  in  one  part,  would 
not  labour  and  strain.  This  objection  might, 
to  a  certain  extent,  be  overcome  by  having 
aeveral  buJkheads;  but  it  was  considered 
objectionable  to  divide  the  hold  of  a  collier 
ship.  Unless,  also,  the  central  water-hold 
was  carefully  filled  and  kept  up,  to  provide 
against  any  leakage,  the  roaas  of  water 
"  heeling  over  "  might  capsize  a  vessel. 

The  system  of  double-bottom  water-bal- 
last, with  a  timber  ceiling,  was  objected  to, 
9u  account  of  the  extra  original  cost,  the 
apparent  impossibility  of  keeping  it  tight, 
and  the  trouble  arising  from  the  air.  These 
gbjeciions  had  now  caused  the  system  to  be 


V  We  have  hien  omittad  the  elaima  made  bv 
^rofMior  Callan  la  this  specification;  they  will 

T  In  due  course  among  the  Abstraets  or  Spe- 

laacwMKtlFViM. 

t  See  laat  Dumber,  p.  2S|. 


'Msa, 


regarded  aa  a  ftdlnre,  tmA  U  had  ham  Mper- 
seded  by  a  system  eonaiating  of  a  aeriea  of 
fore  and  aft  unks,  supplied  with  and  ke|»t 
ibll  of  water,  from  a  tank  in  the  fore  peak  t 
the  discharge  being  accomplished  bypampa 
worked  by  a  small  auxiliary  engine.  No 
difficulty  had  been  experienced  with  this 
system ;  there  waa  spare  apaee  for  extra 
light  cargo,  and  the  ship  waa  eaaier,  on  aO' 
count  of  the  elevation  of  tho  eontre  of 
grnity. 

The  objections  to  the  hag*ba}laat  were 
reiterated ;  especially  when,  as  in  short  voy- 
ages, tha  bags  required  to  ha  Irequently 
moved :  instances  were  given  when,  in  cases 
of  emergency,  the  working  and  weeping  of 
these  bags  had  been  watched  with  intenae 
anxiety  \  on  board  the  Northumberlmmd  iteir 
term  of  duration  did  not  exceed  nine 
months. 

The  mid-ship  tank,  or  oorapartment  of 
the  hold,  waa  objected  to,  on  aooount  of  the 
prejudieial  effect  of  auch  a  weight  in  the 
centre  of  the  ahip,  and  the  diriaion  of  tho 
hold  into  three  parts. 

It  was  eontanded  that  a  double  bottom  of 
iron,  with  a  eelllng  of  timber  laid  on  the 
iron,  was  superior  to  any  o{  the  other  aya- 
tems  t  the  water  only  occupied  apaoe  whieh 
was  not  available  for  aargo  i  the  Increaaeei 
depth  of  the  floora  gave  stability  at  aea,  and 
strength  when  taking  the  ground  in  har- 
bour, or  accidentally ;  tha  apaoe  being  suf- 
ficient, in  all  caaes,  for  examination,  painu 
ing,  and  repair. 

The  extra  expense  of  the  double  hettom 
waa  urged  aa  the  chief  objection  to  the  last 
ayatem  described  {  the  working  advancagee 
being  admitted. 

It  waa  evident  that  a  timber  ceiling  eould 
never  be  kept  tight ;  the  rolling  ef  the  ship 
produced  a  partial  vaeuum,  and  the  oakum 
was  forced  inwarda  by  the  atmospheric  prea- 
aure,  and  the  formation  of  a  partial  vacuum 
below. 

It  was  contended  that  it  waa  preferable  to 
place  the  weight  and  hulk  of  water-ballaat 
in  the  centre  of  the  vessel,  than  to  liave  the 
weight  at  the  extremiiiea  {  inasmuch  aa  it 
waa  better  to  have  the  huUa  of  the  planks  of 
the  deck  and  upper  worka  in  oompreaaioo, 
and  the  timber  ol  the  keel  in  extenaion. 

It  waa  explained,  that  the  flat  tanka  were 
ao  placed  in  either  wing  of  the  hold,  that, 
on  their  being  filled  with  water,  the  ahip 
was  exactly  in  ballaat  trim.  With  reapeet 
to  the  double  iro»  bottom,  it  waa  stated  that 
the  eost  would  not  be  nsore  than  five  per 
cent,  in  exceas  over  that  of  either  tank  or 
hold-ballaRt,  while  the  construotien  inaured 
a  salbr  and  more  weatherly  ahip. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BEPLT  TO  *'A.  H."  ON  THE  HOOH^S  MOTION. 


251 


n:ew  rule  of  ths  American 
patent  office. 

A  IMW  Mid  imporUnt  rule,  enaoted  under 
the  advioe  of  the  Attorney  General,  has  re- 
cently been  put  Id  force  at  the  Petent^ffice, 
New  York,  reUtjng  to  the  withdrawal  of  a 
portion  of  tlie  foea  paid  on  rejected  applica- 
tiooB  for  lettera  patent.  It  ia  ordered,  if  the 
applicant  ia  a  citizen  he  shall  be  permitted 
to  make  oath  a  second  time,  after  which  ar- 
g-uments  may  be  heard  lor  a  reconsideration 
•f  the  ease ;  bnt  if  the  applieation  ia  again 
rejected,  the  right  to  withdraw  the  fees  ia 
fwfeited.  The  same  rule  ia  obserred  with 
regard  to  foreign  applications,  when  a  re- 
lieved declaration  is  made  on  the  part  of  the 
in? entor  by  his  agent. 


JIEPLT  TO  "  A.  H.**  ON  THE 

HOOK'S  MOTION. 

IV  Hke  Eiitor  rf  Hi€  Mtckmne^  MagoMim. 

Sir, — It  appears  to  me  that "  A.  H."  and 
his  friend  hsTe  diseofered  a  mare's  nest.  I 
was  much  surprised  to  find  the  statement 
attributed  to  me,  that  a  motion  of  rotation 
impressed  round  a  principal  axis  of  a  body 
would  subsist  undiminished,  whaterer  ex- 
ternal forces  act  on  it ;  and  I  am  at  a  loss 
now  to  discover  what  words -of  mine  hare 
eonTeyed  such  an  idea.  At  the  risk  of 
being  tedious,  I  will  quote  my  words,  only 
italicising  those  which  ought  to  hare  left 
no  doubt  on  "  A.  H/a  "  mind  as  to  the  case 
in  which  I  understood  principal  axes  were 
permanent 

"  *  The  prinoipal  axes  of  a  body  passing 
Areogh  the  centre  of  grarity  are  perma- 
nent,' that  is,  if  he  requires  explanation, 
any  motion  of  rotation  impressed  about 
such  axis  will  continue  uniform  and  undimi- 
nished, so  tong  09  fiQ  force  aeti  to  rotard  or 
cheek  it.*' 

I  do  not  see  how  I  conld  have  stated  the 
necessary  limitation  more  clearly. 

'*  A.  n."  should  remember,  that  when 
mathematicians  state  that  *  the  principal 
axes  of  a  body  are  permanent  axes,"  they 
always  imply  tiiis  limitation :  the  statement 
of  it  is  quite  unnecessary,  as  no  person  at 
all  acquainted  with  natural  philosophy 
would  imagbe  that  any  kind  of  motion  is  un- 
affected  by  the  action  of  an  unbalanced  force. 

The  remunder  of  A.  H.'s"  remarks  on 
this  subject;  shows  that  he  strangely  mis- 
apprehends the  matter  in  dispute  in  my 
first  letter.  Mr.  Recordon  had  undertaken 
to  show  that,  supposing  the  moon  a  peifect 
homogeneout  tpkete,  she  must  more  as  she 
does  and  in  no  other  way.  Accepting  this 
hypothesis^  I  pfof ed  that,  eyen  on  his  own 
Mowing,  the  attractions  of  the  earth  and 
mtm,  mut  kn%  resaltan^i  passing  through 


the  moon's  centre,  and,  therefore,  exerting 
no  influence  on  her  rotation. 

If  "A.  H."  wishes  for  a  proof  of  this  fiict, 
he  will  find  it  ih  the  Chapter  on  Attrac 
tions,  in  **  Pratt's  Mechanical  Philosophy." 

Haring  now  shown  that  '*  A.H."  accuses 
me  of  error,  without  any  reason,  I  will 
point  out  an  emr  into  which  he  has  him- 
self fallen — I  hope  inadTertantly. 

When  he  says,  that  my  assertion  about 
this  attraction  *'  does  not  follow  at  all 
from  the  above-named  property  of  the  prin- 
cipal axes,'*  he  either  imputea  to  me  an 
ignorance,  which  I  am  not  aware  that  any 
statement  of  mine  warrants,  or  shows  a 
want  of  clearness  in  his  own  ideas  on  this 
subiect  How  any  person  at  all  acquainted 
with  the  true  principles  of  mechanical 
philosophy  could  impute  to  another  the 
notion  that  any  mechanical  principle  can 
prore  anything  with  respect  to  the  actual 
zorcea  exerted  in  any  particular  case,  I  am 
at  a  loss  to  conceire.  The  process  ip  the 
mind  of  a  mathematician  is  exactly  the 
converse  of  this.  Having  established  the 
truth  of  a  certain  principle  or  proposition, 
he  inquires,  when  any  case  of  motion  is 
presented  to  him,  whether  the  circum- 
stances are  such  as  to  make  it  fidl  under 
his  principle  or  not.  Now,  in  th  '  case  be- 
fore us,  supposing  (he  moon  a  pe"Ject  homo~ 
geneous  sphere,  the  mean  attractions  of  the 
earth  and  sun  on  her  act  through  her 
centre  of  gravity,  and  therefore  tend  to 
impress  no  motion  round  any  axis :  conse- 
quently, as  rej^ards  rotation,  the  moon  (as 
we  hare  conaidered  her)  is  under  the  io- 
fiuence  of  no  forces,  (for  '*  A.  H.,"  as  a 
mathematician,  ought  to  know  that  when  a 
force  has  been  proved  to  exert  no  influence, 
mathematicians  rightly  treat  it  as  non- 
existent) and  therefore  her  motion  does  in 
that  case  fall  under  the  principle  stated. 

**  A.  H."  seems  labouring  under  the  error, 
that  the  mere  fact  that  an  external  force 
aota  on  a  body  places  it  neoessariiy  and  at 
once  out  of  the  sphere  of  the  raplieation  of 
this  principle.  At  least  I  ean  dtkw  no  other 
conclusion  from  tiiese  words :  '*  The  attrac- 
tion of  the  earth  is  an  external  foree  aeting 
en  the  moon,  and,  therefore,  the  proposition 
respecting  principal  axes  being  permanent 
ones  of  rotation,  does  not  sppty  in  tins 


I  should  be  unwitting  to  retort  npon 
**  A.  H.*'  the  imputation  of  Ignorance,  whioh 
he  has  been  so  ready  to  apply  to  me.  Bnt 
this  I  wni  tell  him ;  that  ks  stateni«iti  m 
It  stands,  without  limitation,  Is  erroneous. 
To  make  it  correct,  he  should  prove  that 
the  resultant  earth's  attraotion  does  not 
pass  through  the  moen's  centre  of  gravity, 
and,  therefore,  produces  *  moment  or  couple 
about  an  axis  through  thntpofait.  <«A.9l/' 


Digiti 


zed  by  Google  


252 


PROFF.S£(0B  W.  TH01C80K  ON  THE  LUMIHIFEROUS  HEDID1L 


if  he  understands  the  question  in  dispute, 
has  been,  like  many  others  who  hafe  trou- 
bled themselves  with  the  moon's  motion, 
"  too  hasty  "  in  his  conclusions. 

Witli  respect  to  the  actual  case  of  the 
moon's  motion,  I  submit  that  we  have  no 
sufficient  data  for  founding  any  mathema. 
tical  inyestigation  on  it.     If  her  shape  ap- 
proaches in  any  degree  to  that  of  a  spheroid, 
as  the  earth's  does;  if,  that  is,  the  equatorial 
and  polar  diameters  are  unequal,  and  there 
is  protuberant  matter  about  her  equator, 
then  undoubtedly  the  same  investigation  as 
that  applied  to  the  earth  would  show  that 
inequalities,  similar  to  the  precession  of  the 
equinoxes  and  the  nutation  of  the  earth's 
mean  axis,  exist  with  regard  to  the  moon. 
But  we  have  no  data  for  founding  such  an 
investigation  on.    I  am  not  aware  that  any 
astronomer  has  recorded  any  observable  dif. 
ference  in  the  magnitude   of  the   moon's 
diameter,  measured  in  different  directions, 
which  must  be  the  oace  if  her  form  differs 
perceptibly  from  that  of  a  sphere.    In  the 
case  of  the  earth,  precession  and  nutation 
arise  from  the  attraction  of  the  sun  and 
moon  on  the  protuberant  matter  about  the 
equator,  that  is,  upon  that  portion  only  of 
the  earth  which  lies  without  a  sphere,  de- 
scribed on  the  polar  axis  as  diameter.    The 
sensible  magnitude  of  this  portion  arises 
from  ihe  appreciable  ratio  which  the  cen- 
trifugal force  bears  to  the  mean  force  of 
gravity.    We  know  that  the  mean  gravita- 
tion at  the  moon's  surface   is  about  one- 
sixth  of  that  at  the  earth's,  while  the  centri- 
fugal force  which  depends  on  the  square  of 
the  anffular  velocity  and  the  equatorial  ra- 
dius  of  the  moon,  would  bear  to  the  centri- 
fugal force  at  earth's  equator  a  ratio  of  not 

^"^^  *'''"'  gx(29)«  ("•^^^)  •  *•  ^^ 
effisct  on  the  form  of  the  moon  would 
consequently  be  very  trifling.  Still,  how- 
ever, the  diffsrenoe  of  the  equatorial  and 
polar  diameters,  though  not  perceptible, 
may  be  auffioient  to  produce  some  small 
effeots,  similar  to  precession  and  mutation 
in  the  earth.  It  must,  however,  be  home 
in  mind,  that  with  these  questions  neither 
Mr.  Reoordon  nor  I  were  ooncerned.  lAr, 
Recordon  had  undertaken  to  prove  that  on 
the  supposition  of  the  moon  being  a  homo- 
geneotu  perfect  tpkere,  she  could  have  no 
other  motion  than  that  which  wefcnowshehas. 
I  undertook  to  prove,  on  the  tame  aetumptUm, 
that  there  was  no  force  in  his  argument 

With  regard  to  my  reply  to  Mr.  Reoor- 
don,  I  should  certainly  nave  preferred  to 
have  been  spared  the  neoessity  of  making  it 
But  as  his  communieation  had  found  a 
plaee  in  your  paces,  and  seemed  tc^  favour 
the  heresy  that  the  moon  has  no  motion  of 
rotation  properly  so  called ;  and  as,  more- 


over, with  some  of  your  readers  its  very  ob- 
scurity  might  have  passed  current  for  a 
depth  of  mechanical  reasoning  which  was 
unanswerable,  I  thought  it  right  to  aav  a 
few  words  to  show  this  class  of  your  readers 
the  true  character  of  his  lueubrations. 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Indaoator. 
London,  March  9,1858. 


PROFESSOR  W.  THOMSON  ON  THE 

LUMINIFEROUS  MEDIUM.* 

To  the  Editor  of  the  Meektmiee^  MagasOm, 

Sir, — As  an  earnest  student  and  lover  of 
science,  I  have  watched  for  some  years  the 
progress  of  physical  science,  and  deeply  de- 
plore the  tehokutie  teeknicalitiee,  the  learned 
verbosity,  and  mathematical  abturditie8,f 
which  too  generally  characterize  modem 
scientific  memoirs,  and  which  so  effectually 
shroud  the  simple  light  of  truth  from  popu- 
lar apprehension. 

I  feel  deeply  impressed  with  the  opinion 
that,  if  any  periodical  would  undertake  (with 
suitable  talent)  to  analyze  and  re-represent, 
in  plainest  and  briefest  language,  the  facts 
and  opinions  of  scientific  progress,  that  a 
great  boon  would  be  realized  in  aid  of  gene- 
ral enlightenment.  There  are  some  preten- 
sions in  this  direction,  but  nothing  at  all 
approaching  a  sound  standard. 

What  interest  such  papers  as  the  abo?e<- 
named  may  awaken  in  the  minds  of  those 
who  are  trained  to  the  formulae  of  the 
schools,  I  have  no  means  of  judging ;  but  I 
can  easily  imagine  the  pain  and  disappoint- 
ment of  ordinary  readers,  or  working  men, 
like  myself,  who  mav  wish  to  form  some 
estimate  of  these  hidden  mysteries. 

In  this  case,  aa  in  many  others,  undeterred 
by  the  parade  of  algebra  and  mathematical 
treatment,  I  have  laboriously  studied  the 
context,  in  the  ardent  hope  of  indirectly 
realizing  some  new  ideas  of  truth  and  beauty 
in  the  great  e:onomy  of  physical  providence. 
But  the  oraoles  are  very  exclusive;  and 
with  ardent  desire,  and  much  effort,  the  re- 
sult is  painful  and  humiliating. 

But  heaven  is  never  unmindnil  of  its  hum- 
blesl^  weakest  worshippers!  The  darkest 
shade  is  proof  of  stronger,  brighter  light! 
and  in  some  analogous  cases  I  have,  from  a 
poaition  of  g^at  humility  and  unpopularity, 
sent  these  great  men  "  back  to  read  their 
lesson  anew,  and  oonvioted  them  of  blind- 
ness and  error." 

On  the  subject  of  Ught^  however,  I  have 
no  pretensions.   It  is  doubtless  one  of  great 

*  8oe  page  54,  currant  volano. 
t  Our  correapoBdent  appears  afterwards  to  avow 
hia  ignoraooe  of  mathematloal  adoDoe ;  bow  then 
oaa  be  detennlae  what  are  ^' 
ditiea!"— Sn.lLM. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


9BORft0Oft  W«  nOMflOlf  OK  TBB  LmmimBOIIV  MBBIUIL 


ass 


beAQty  and  interest*  and  nigbt  well  reward 
an  humble  aim  and  timple  treatment  Mj 
only  hope  ii  to  urge  other  and  niperior 
nmda  not  only  in  Uie  right  direetion,  but 
n  that  spirit  which  beaten  rewards.  With 
tils  motive,  and  in  the  spirit  of  inquiry, 
I  ofller  the  following  remarks : 

The  Professor  says :  •*  If  we  knew  the 
velooities  of  the  wbratory  mothnt,  we  might 
ssoertain  the  deniittf  of  the  ktmhtiferout  me- 
dbm  t  or  eonTersely,  if  we  knew  the  density 
of  the  medium,  we  might  determine  the 
velocity  of  the  moving  particles.  We  may 
assign  a  superior  limit  to  the  velocities, 
and  deduce  an  inferior  limit  to  the  quan- 
tity of  matter,  by  oonsidering  the  nature 
of  the  motions ;  for  the  amplitudes  'of  the 
vibrations  must  bo  small  fractions  of  the 
wave  lengths,  and  therefore  the  velocities 
are  small  in  relation  to  the  propagation  of 
BghV'  &e. 

There  Is  no  doubt  that  the  rate  of  propa* 
gation  of  sound  vibrations  varies  with  the 
density ;  but  the  velocities  of  the  vibratory 
particles  art  not  thiu  rtlaiedl  With  the 
same  density  of  medium  we  may  vary  **  the 
Telocity  of  the  particles"  by  variation  of 
pitch,  or  by  variation  of  amplitude  or  in- 
tenaity;  but  in  both  oases,  the  rate  of 
propagation  is  unafibcted. 

3n£y.  But  does  it  really  mean  what  it  ae- 
tnally  sajs— "The  velocity  of  the  moving 
particles  t"  for  in  the  context  the  phrase 
IS  Tsried:  "The  velocity  of  the  vibratory 
motions."  Is  it  right  or  desirable  to  per- 
plex the  humble  student,  the  lowly  lover  of 
science,  with  such  grammatieo-scholastio 
and  mathematical  riddlea  f  The  subject  lU 
self  is  not  too  easy  and  familiar,  and  we 
might  fairly  desire  the  plainest  and  most 
appropriate  language  in  ita  treatment 

Sappoeing  that  by  these  phrases  is  meant 
the  **  rate  of  vibrations ;  '*  still  we  do  not 
aee  how  that  would  explain  the  dilemma,  for 
with  the  $am€  d^iui/y,  and  the  same  rate  qf 
prtpagatiom,  we  may  vary  the  rate  of  vibra* 
tions  ad  h^ttm,  or  pice  wrtd. 

However  monstrous  it  mar  appear.  It 
must  mean  the  absolute  "  velocity  of  the 
moving  particles,"  or  the  force  of  the  argu- 
ment, "  for  the  amplitudes  of  the  vibrations 
must  be  small  fractions  of  the  wave  lengths, 
and  therefore  the  velocities  are  small  in  re- 
lation to  the  propagation  of  light,  &c.," 
would  be  utterly  inapplicable.  Every  tyro 
in  physios  must  know,  that  the  amplitude 
mmaly  determines  the  Telocity  of  the  vi- 
brating particle,  te#  H  hu  as  rtlatiom  to 
the  rate  of  vibration  or  the  rate  of  propa- 
gation! 

Srdly.  Supposing  a  ray  of  light  to  pass 
from  the  sun  to  the  earth,  space  being  uni- 
formly dense  (though  why  it  should  be  so 
I  cannot  imagine),  yet  we  know  that  the 


media  adjacent  to  the  earth  increases  enor- 
mouslr  In  density;  but  do  not  the  "  veloci- 
ties of  the  vibratory  motions  "  preserve  an 
absolute,  or  at  any  rate  an  approximative 
Uoekrmiam  t  If  so,  where  can  be  the  im- 
portant connection  assumed?  This  reminds 
me  of  Faraday's  similar  assumption  in  re- 
spect to  sound.  In  his  recent  Six  Lectures, 
edited  by  Scoi&m,  while  urging  the  Paleyan 
argument,  Faraday  says,  "  Nitrogen  and 
oxygen  mingle  perfectly,  because  their  spe- 
cino  gravity  is  nearly  alike  (a  very  amoma^ 
km»  view  of  the  law  of  gaseous  difihsion). 
If  the  density  were  otherwise,  then  they 
would  have  separated,  and  the  atmosphere 
had  been  ill  adapted  for  the  propagation  of 
sound.  Now  there  is  a  perroaneney  of  so- 
norous pitoh ;  tlien  the  pitch  would  have 
been  continually  varying,  and  the  art  of 
music  lost,"  &e.  I  csnnot  but  regard  this 
as  mistaken  in  principle.  Is  not  isochron- 
ism  a  necessary  part  of  the  law  of  the  trans- 
mission of  all  vibratory  force.  Irrespective 
of  varying  density  t 

I  conclude  with  a  quotation  from  a  letter 
reeently  written  on  another  subject: — ^"It 
by  no  means  follows  that  this  attitude  is 
opposed  to  mathematical  treatment,  quite 
the  reverse;  but  like  any  other  combinatiou 
of  inanimate  and  un  intellectual  powers,  ma- 
thematical science  should  be  duly  watched 
and  carefully  controlled. 

"  It  is  beyond  doubt  a  lever  of  enormous 
power,  and  like  the  applications  of  tteam, 
thoroughly  indispensable  for  the  require- 
ments of  modem  science;  but  it  is  not  less 
true  that  its  abstract  functions  are  in  them- 
selves essentially  indiscriminate  and  unin- 
tellectual  —  that  its  mighty  powers  are 
as  equally  available  for  the  cause  of  error  as 
for  that  of  truth — and  that  ita  misguided 
applications  are  the  source  of  intolerable 
confusion  and  perplexity. 

"  Certain  portions  of  the  nndulatory  theory 
have  been  carried  to  great  lengths,  and  ma- 
thematical demonstrations  freely  supplied 
only  to  be  laid  aside  by  newer  and  better 
treatment ;  and  If  I  mistake  not,  the  same 
fate  awaits  the  entfare  superstructure;  and 
the  great  theory  of  undulations,  as  the  ex- 
ponent of  optic  and  acoustic  laws  may  have 
to  vanish  like  the  baseless  fabric  of  a 
vision."  I  am»  Sir,  yours,  &&, 

Samuel  K  Phillips. 
Qnsen's-road,  Brlfhtoa, 
Feb.  1858. 

P.S. — One  more  kindred  illustration  of 
the  character  of  "  Modem  Popular  Sci- 
ence ; "  from  that  admirable  work,  where, 
of  all  othera,  we  might  most  expect  perspi- 
cuity, at  p.  117,  No.  7 : 

"  To  produce  an  impression  on  the  ear, 
but  a  moderate  velooity  in  the  Tibrations  Is 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


354  iw  «Bi  mmoJ^n»  j»^flii^<yirm  m  wbah 


It  npffiUB  libil  ft  aoinuL  rnqr 
rMMin  awiiblt  with  #  velocity  of  no  iQor« 
than  oa«.h«Bdjr«dth  pwt  of  tn  ia«h  in  a 
a«con4  i  perhftpi  with  ^  o^ucl^  smaller  Telo- 
city eron  than  this." 

Hera  again  are  ^he  movi  a&owaloiis  rela- 
tion!, wkith  I  cannot  undefatand.  Ib  it 
possihla  that  a  vibratory  affection,  moring 
at  the  alow  rate  of  one  inch  in  100  eeoonda 
could  be  audible?  Musical  aounda  vaiy 
from  about  90  to  2000  ?ibrationa  per  ae« 
cond  {  taking  30  a»  very  eztreioe»  we  thooi 
have  m  vibrating  a  atring,  aay  vith-^ 
awplituda  of  1  in-  a  motion  of  60  in.  per  een^ 
^  *  ,»         JO 

H  1^  Iff  1  M 


ON   THE    INDICATED    HOBSS- 

POWER  OF  STEAM-ENGINES. 

To  ihe  Editor  rf  the  MtckwUe^  Mtgmme, 

Sir,— Permit  me  to  offer  a  few  words  in 
replv  to  tbe  remarka  of  "  Mecanicien  "on 
the  indicated  borae-pover  of  ateam-eoginea. 

"  M^canicien  "  roust  be  aingularly  obli- 
vious of  the  fint  principlea  of  his  art,  or  h^ 
would  never  venture  to  present  a  class  of 
scientific  readeraj  such  as  the  Mechanh^ 
Mtfgaatiae  posaeases,  with  the  gratuitous 
piece  of  information,  that  pressure,  inde- 
pendently of  velocity,  gi?es  power ;  for 
what  other  interpretation  can  we  put  upon 
his  communication  in  your  Number  for 
March  10th,  where  he  says,  *'  there  is,  I 
think,  no  necessity  to  introduce  the  notion 
of  time,  and  conaequently  of  velocity,  into 
the  question  ? "  This  statement  is  so  pal- 
pably absurd,  that  it  requires  neither  refuta-  . 
tion  nor  comment  on  my  part.  He  then 
goes  on  to  tell  us,  that  all  we  have  to  do  ia 
to  find  the  area  of  the  diagram  by  Simp- 
son's formula  or  otherwise,  and  "  the 
result,"  says  he,  "  will  enable  us  to  calculate 
the  work  done  by  the  steam  during  each 
stroke  of  the  piston  ;"  by  what  process  we 
are  left  to  guess,  but  of  course  the  number 
of  strokes  per  minute  has  no  earthly  bearing 
on  the  subject  I J 

He  tells  us,  in  conclysion,  that  the  illus- 
trious Watt,  the  inventor  of  the  indicator, 
intended  that  instrument  to  ahow  **  the  atate 
of  efficiency  of  the  engine  rather  than  ita 
power,"  which  ia  no  doubt  very  true ;  but 
"MicjKnioifin"  aiirety  will  not  deny  that  the 
indicator  is  now-a-4lays  universally  em- 
ployed as  a  means  pot  only  of  testing  the 
working  condition  of  the  engine,  hut  fjso  of 
finding  its  power,  more  eapecislly  with  a 
view  to  Ascertaining  the  comparati?f  eco- 
nopj  ffi  e|Ag^e»  in  regm:^  tQ  U»e  (soniunap. 


tina  of  steam  for  a  eertain  amoant  of  duty 
performed. 

But  i  must,  in  common  politeness,  ac- 
knowledge the  *' condescension "  of  Mr. 
James  fimmett,  who  kindly  noticed  my 
letter  whieh  appeared  in  your  number  for 
the  17  th  of  February,  when  no  one  else 
would*  This  gentleman  certainty  does  take 
a  more  correct  view  of  the  subject  than 
"  M^aninien,"  insomuch  as  he  admits  that 
time,  and  consequently  velocity,  have  seve- 
thing  to  do  with  the  calculation  i  but  aa  he 
merely  eays  that  it  is  plain  to  him  that  the 
present  method  of  calculation  is  correct,  and 
makes  no  effort  to  prove  it  so,  we  are  left  a$ 
much  in  the  dark  as  before  his  singularly 
lucid  communication. 

But  what  shall  we  say  for  the  logic  of 
the  following  sentence,  in  which  Mr.  Em- 
mett  evidently  loses  himself,  and  foigets  tliat 
he  has  admitted  previoualy  that  it  ia  neces* 
vary  to  multiply  by  **  the  space  in  feet  the 
piston  passes  through  pa  minute,**  in  order 
to  get  at  the  workjMrformed.  The  sen- 
tence reads  thus :  **  The  slightest  reflection 
will  convince  any  one  that  it  U  a  matter  tf 
fjterfeet  indifferenae  tphat  is  the  velocity  qf  the 
pifton  during  any  portion  rf  either  ihe  dowm 
or  up-ttroke  a/*  the  pittom,  since  all  that  ia 
wanted  to  be  known  in  order  to  tell  exactly 
the  preaaure  upon  each  inch  of  the  piston, 
is  the  area  of  the  figure  bounded  by  the  pe- 
rimeter  made  by  the  pencil  of  the  indicator 
whilst  tlie  engine  is  making  one  down  and 
one  up-stroke.'*  Mr.  Emmett  must  either 
be  entirely  unacquainted  with  the  subject, 
or  he  is  writing  i>urelj  at  random ;  for  if 
there  is  any  meaning  in  the  foregoing  sen- 
tence (which  is  a  matter  of  grave  doubt),  it 
is  that  since  the  velocity  of  the  piston  does 
not  show  the  pressure  upon  the  piston,  it  is 
perfectly  immaterial  with  regard  to  the 
power  transmitted,  whether  the  engine  makea 
4  or  24  strokes  per  minute  1 

My  reason  for  condemning  the  present 
method  of  calculating  diagrams  as  given  in 
my  letter  published  in  your  number  of  the 
17th  of  February,  is  briefly,  that  since  the 
velocity  of  the  piston  is  constantly  varying 
throughout  the  stroke,  and  since  the  pres- 
sure upon  the  piston  also  varies  (in  an  infinite 
variety  of  ways  in  different  engines)  jt  is  im- 
possible, except  by  the  merest  chance,  to 
obtain  a  correct  result  by  aoeraging  both  the 
pressure  mid  the  velocity  /  and  J  tnere  gave 
aome  lUuatrationa  which  I  flatter  myself  will 
render  that  fact  perfectly  obvioijs  to  any 
gentleman  pr^tically  pr  theoretically  ac- 
quainted with  the  workinff  of  the  ateam 
engine  who  will  give  himaelf  the  trouble  to 
look  them  oarefuUy  over. 

Now  neither  *^  M^canicien  *'  nor  Mr. 
Bmmett  advance  a  vijgle  argument  to  dia- 
prore  mj  fiUttem^nt,  TM  fpHPer  merely  sya 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


YIBKSS'9  WmXUJJJL 


365 


Uut  he  thinks  tlw  trtA  •Idle  diagran  (wUek, 
by  the  hje  is  nmply  the  length  of  the  stroke 
multiplied  1^  diie  srerage  preisnre  upon 
the  piston)  will  eneble  us  to  calevlate  the 
work  performed  {  whilst  the  Utter  makes  all 
the  difficulty  to  eonsist  in  finding  the  area 
of  the  diagram,  a  task  which  may  be  per- 
formed with  sufficient  acevracy  by  any 
school-boy  of  eleven  years  of  age,  of  ordi* 
nary  Intel lagirnee.  It  is  quite  clear  that 
neither  the  one  nor  the  other  has  verj  pro. 
feandly  eoneidared  the  subject,  which  is 
nerertbelesa  one  of  immense  importance, 
both  to  engineers  and  to  all  partiea  employ. 
ing  steam  power,  as  the  indicator  is  the  only 
means  we  possess  of  testing  the  eomparative 
merita  of  steam  engines  with  regard  to  eeo« 
Bomy  of  fuel,  and  also  of  showing  the  saving 
ei&cted  by  the  use  of  steam  ezpansively. 

I  think  it  would  be  a  benefit  to  the  coun- 
try at  large,  and  particularly  to  the 
-  mannfaeturing  district  thereof  if  some 
other  gentleman  tkonmgkly  comwenamt  with 
the  subject  in  question,  would  £ivomr  us  with 
his  views  upon  it. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

iNOiNIEUB. 
Maneheiter,  March  1 3, 1855. 
[In  Mr.  Emmett's  letter,  on  page  228  of 
our  last  Number,  col.  2,  line  21,  the  words 
"each  end   of  the   piston,"  should  read 
"  each  inch  of  the  piston."] 


MECHANICAL  ILLUSTRATIONS  OF 
ASTRONOMY. 

To  At  Bdiiat  qf  the  Ufdtanic^  Magazine. 

Sir, — Vtres  acqutrU  eundo  ouffhtto  be  the 
motto  of  the  little  controverfiy  I  so  uninten- 
tionally excited  on  the  moon's  motion.  One 
of  my  crudities  has  effected  "  a  motion  of 
translation  "  into  the  columns  of  the  Mcni- 
teur,  and  on  the  28th  of  February,  the  Sor- 
bonne,  true  to  its  ancient  fidelity  as  the  guar- 
dian of  the  truth,  in  full  sitting,  produced  a 
model  condemnatory  of  my  heretical  views. 
M.  Meret,  a  stranger  to  me,  but  who,  it 
appears,  has  for  thirty  years  been  immer»ed 
in  that  hot  water  into  which  I,  thirteen 
weeks  since,  so  inadvertently  plunged,  has 
very  obligingly  sent  me  from  Paris  the  ap- 
paratus, Togeniously  contrived  and  beauti- 
fully finished,  by  M.  Robert,  the  well-known 
chronometer -maker.  A  description  of  this 
instrument  will,  I  hope,  prove  both  useful 
and  interesting.  The  principle  on  which  it 
IS  based  is  identical  with  that  illustrated  by 
••  J.  C."  and  Mr.  Cheverton  in  the  winch- 
handle  and  lathe,  and  in  the  compass  by 
"  Z."  and  **  Dejere,"  and  on  which  £  ex- 
pressed my  views  in  the  too  lenj^  letter  of 
January  last  Bv  meana  of  a  drtving-band 
aurranged  precisely  as  in  the  illuatnitiOBi  I 


pfp|ieeeH  ia  the  aem  leHev  «a  esU  pr  e«l« 
it  made  to  rotate  thrangh  tlie  eentre  of  the 
moon  by  the  act  of  rerolutioii,  and  the  rota** 
tion  is  made  palpably  anpareni  by  a  steel 
needle  on  the  aiirfaee  of  her  tilver  crown. 
Thie  axle,  passing  up  from  the  drum  through 
a  eylinder  rigidly  etUched  la  the  centre  of 
rerohition,  the  moon  gaxee  steadfastly  a| 
the  earth  through  the  whole  period,  with  a 
oouDtenaaee  made  not  quite  se  lovely  as  we 
were  wont  to  gaxe  on  in  **  Dian'a  temple  " 
m  the  eld-faahioned  clocks,  but  mere  appto- 
priately  of  a  somewhat  grim  andrceoto^ofMry 
aspect.  I  have  explained  in  the  above  lettei 
(which  I  certainly  must  publish  when  I  have 
a  little  time)  that  (what  I  think)  the  fallacy 
of  these  arraagements,  depends  pn  overlook- 
ing the  atrietiy  and  diatinet  mathematical 
defioitiona  af  the  elemente  of  a  rototion  and 
a  revolutioQ  and  the  axes  of  motion ;  but  I 
do  not  here  enter  into  any  controveray,  I 
merely  deacribe  ft  maphine  ingeniously 
finished,  well  worth  the  attention  of  my 
adversaries.  By  a  very  neat  anraogement 
of  the  rigid  attaehraent,  the  libration  of  the 
moon,  both  in  latitude  and  langitude,  is 
aimultaneeusly  exhibited.  I  eould  say  some* 
thing  on  this  question,  but  it  would  open  a 
deluge  of  eontreversy ;  and  as  I  ^uUe  agree 
with  your  oorrespondento  on  the  intsonclu- 
sif  e  and  unaupported  reasonings  of  D.  Ber- 
noulli and  othera,  I  beg  to  unite  with  "  A. 
H."  in  the  hope  that  some  "competent  ma- 
thematician*' will  arise  to  reconcile  so  many 
differences,  and  discover  the  **  physical 
cause"  of  the  phenomenon.  It  is,  of  course, 
a  step  in  the  right  direction  to  know  that 
my  errors  are  so  authoritatively  displayed. 
Several  machioea  were  suggested  during 
the  discussion;  and  certainly,  from  this 
specimen,  and  a  descriptive  Ust  of  apparv 
tus  illustrated  by  plates  which  aceompaniea 
it,  I  must  say  that  M.  Robert  has  brought 
the  exhibition  of  the  celestial  movements  by 
machinery  to  a  perfection  never  before  wit- 
nessed. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

David  Mushbt. 
March  12, 1855. 

P.S.  Through  neglect  of  dotting  an  i  and 
crossing  a  t,  last  week,  I  have  led  your  oom- 
posttor  to  print  "  eMsmeree  "  and  **  exelu- 
sively,"  instead  of  "eonvenleikeQ''  and  '*e)(- 
lenaively." 

PARKER'S  FURNACE. 
To  ti^  Editor  af  the  Mechanict*  Magaxinp. 

SiR,-*-Mr.  Baddeky  etlH  asserte  that  I 
had  **  unjustly  designated  the  emoke  con- 
suming Apparatus,  patented  by  Mr.  Parker, 
a  re-inventieB  {"  adding,  that  ''both  Mr. 
Williams's  «nd  Mf«  Parkei'a  eontrivaaeea 
weft  eaA  iiellMit  and  kepento  api^eA. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPEOmOATIOlf 8  OF  PAnOffTS  BIOBNTLT  YILBD. 


doDB  of  the  welUknown  principle  orif^nellj 
introdneed  by  If.  Ar|^d,  in  the  lamp  thy 
bears  his  name.*'  In  all  this  I  differ  from 
Mr.  Baddeley. 

Now,  as  the  "oontriTanoes"  here  spoken 
of  are  identieal,  being  the  means  by  whieh 
the  air  is  introduced  through  numerous  ori. 
fices  punched  in  an  iron  plate,  if  there  be 
any  difference,  it  can  only  be  in  the  situa- 
tion or  position  of  such  perforated  plate. 
On  this  head  Mr.  Baddeley  will  find  the 
oontrif  anee  of  Mr.  Parker  thus  mentioned 
in  my  Treatise,  page  91 :  "  It  is  a  matter  of 
perfect  indifference,  as  to  effect,  in  what  part 
of  the  furnace  or  flue  the  air  is  admitted, 
provided  this  alUimportant  condition  be 
attended  to;  namely,  that  the  mechanical 
mixture  of  the  air  and  the  gas  be  continu- 
ously effected  before  the  temperature  of  the 
earbom  qf  th^  gatf  then  in  the  state  of  flame, 
be  reduced  below  that  of  Ignition ;"  and  thia 
very  contrivance  of  Mr.  Parker's  is  given  as 
one  of  the  illustrations  of  that  fact  In 
that  illustration  (see  figs.  89  and  40  in  my 
Treatise)  "the  main  object  being  the  in- 
troducing the  air  in  a  divided  state  to  the 
gaseoua  atmosphere  in  the  furnace,  the 
upper  portion  of  the  plate,  projecting  three 
inches  above  the  fuel,  was  punched  with  five 
rows  of  half-inch  holes,  through  which  the 
air  issued  in  56  streams.*'  This,  it  will  be 
seen,  is  identical  with  the  contrirance  called 
"  Parker's  smoke-consuming  apparatus," 
and  the  term  re-invention  is  atnctly  cor- 
rect 

Mr.  Baddeley  then  repeata  his  impres- 
sion, that  I  was  desirous  of  ignoring  the 
nsme  of  Argand^  obterving  that  "  it  is  dis- 
tasteful to  me."  Having  in  my  last  letter 
shown  that  my  feeling  is  the  very  reverse  of 
what  that  gentleman  imputes  to  me,  I  need 
not  further  refer  to  it 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

C.-W.  Williams. 

Liverpool,  March  1 3, 1855. 


THE  BENUMBING  INFLUENCE 
OF  ICK  ' 

To  iht  BdUar  rf  Sht  Meehtmie^  Magaxiue. 
Sib, — In  a  recent  eommunication  to  the 
Lancet,  Mr.  Thomas  Wakley  observes,  that 
"  The  experience  of  the  last  few  weeks  has 
proved  to  my  complete  conviction,  that 
local  ansssthesia  can  be  obtained  by  the  be- 
numbing influence  of  ice,  without  resorting 
to  the  administration  of  chloroform.  I 
have  tried  the  ice  in  several  cases,  in  both 
hospital  and  private  practice,  and  in  almost 
every  instance  the  success  waa  evident;  the 
patient,  when  blinded,  being  ignorant  of  the 
use  of  the  knife.  It  affords  me  great  plea- 
sure to  confim  the  evidtnoe  of  Dr.  Amott 


upon  this  interesting  subject,  and  to  draw 
the  serious  attention  of  surgeons,  both  at 
home  and  abroad,  to  this  agent" 

At  page  211  of  your  pTesent  volume  is  a 
notice  of  a  patent,  taken  out  by  Mr.  Blnn- 
dell,  for  the  application  of  this  agent  for  the 
purpose  of  totally  or  partially  benumbing 
the  desired  part  of  the  human  body,  prepa- 
ratory to  surgical  treatment 

From  all  this,  most  persons  would  natu- 
rally suppose  that  the  benumbing  influence 
of  ice  was  a  most  imporunt  modem  dUeo^ 
very.  So  far  from  this  being  the  case,  the 
fact  haa  been  long  known,  and  publicly 

Practised.  It  is  now  nearly  ten  yean  since 
saw  "  the  benumbing  influence  of  ice  " 
resorted  to  upon  several  occasions,  at  Ouy'a 
Hospital,  prior  to  the  performance  of  pain- 
ful  and  critical  operations,  by  Edward 
Cock,  Esq.  The  method  then  adopted  was 
to  partially  flU  a  laige  bladder  with  broken 
ice,  and  keep  it  in  contact  with  the  part  of* 
the  body  to  be  operated  upon,  until  the 
desired  msensibility  was  produced, 
I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Wm.  Baodelbt. 

13,  Angell-terraee,  Itllngton, 
March  IS,  1855. 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Smith,  William  Hbnbt,  M.D.,  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, United  States  of  America,  Hbnbt 
Bessemer,  of  Baxter-house,  St  Pancras, 
and  KoBBBT  Lonosdon,  of  Homsey.lane, 
engineers.  Improeementt  in  the  mamffactMre 
and  treatment  iftlag  and  mtreout  eubetaneet, 
and  the  combination  toother  snbstaneee  there- 
wUh.  Patent  dated  August  21,  1854.  (No, 
1885.) 

CIojflM. — 1.  A  mode  of  conveying  the  fluid 
slag  in  heated  gutters.  2.  The  use  of  clay 
pots  in  a  suitable  furnace  for  the  reflning  of 
slag.  8.  The  mixture  of  colouring  or  other 
matters  with  slag  for  certain  purposes,  iw 
The  pouring  together  or  partially  mixing  of 
,two  or  more  different  coloured  slags.  5. 
The  coating  of  iron  surfaces  with  slag,  whe- 
ther such  surfaces  are  plain  or  pierced ;  and 
also  the  grinding  and  polishing  of  the  same, 
d.  The  casting  of  slag  in  close,  damp  sand 
moulds,  and  in  moulds  made  of  dry  loam. 
&c.,  &c. 

Jones,  Thomas  Stopfobd,  of  Union- 
court,  Old  Broad-street,  London.  Further 
improtfementt  to  rednee  and  wath  mineralt  to 
extract  metalt  therrfrom,  especially  gold. 
Patent  dated  August  21,  1854.  (No. 
1886.) 

Claim* — A  pan  in  combination  with  a 
perforated  pulverizer  and  a  hollow  lower 
apindle. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


8PEGIFI0ATI0N8  OF  PATENTS  BEGENTLT  FtLSB* 


257 


OaisTy  Jomn,  of  Itlington,  MiddleieT, 
engineer.  ImprouemenU  in  madunery  for 
tkg  wtamt^aeiure  nf  etuAs,  bturgh,  and  other 
thtOar  articles.  Patent  dated  August  21, 
ia54w    (No.  1837.) 

An  illuttnted  description  of  this  Inren- 
tion  will  hereafter  be  given. 

CooLET,  Robert  Barlow,  of  High- 
street,  Nottingham,  and  of  Meroer's-row, 
Northampton,  hatter  and  gloTer.  Jn  im~ 
prooemeni  in  gloves.  Patent  dated  August 
21,1854.    (No.  1838.) 

Claiin, — The  employment  of  elastic  web, 
inserted  in  the  form  of  a  gusset  or  gussets,  in 
the  upper  or  other  suitable  part  of  gloTos. 

Lees,  Thomas,  of  Stockport,  Chester, 
machinist  Certain  improvements  in  the 
mode  of  lubricating  parts  of  steam-engines, 
and  pf  apparatus  attacked  to  steam  boilers, 
and  in  ike  method  rf  preparing  and  adapting 
certain  suhstances  for  that  purpose.  Patent 
dated  August  22,  1854.    (No.  1839.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists — 1.  In 
rendering  down  raw  suet,  fatty  oiSkl,  or  other 
unprepared  animal  tissue,  and  extracting  the 
fat  or  grease  therefrom,  by  means  of  steam 
admittdL  from  the  vessel  or  chamber,  within 
which  the  grease  is  to  be  applied ;  and  2.  In 
the  transmission,  by  self-acting  means,  into 
the  vessel  or  chamber  aforesaid,  of  the 
grease  so  prepared,  in  minute  quantities 
and  at  frequent  intervals,  in  order  to  effect 
Ihe  diffhsion  of  it  over  the  surfaces  to  be 
lubricated. 

Jacqublain,  AuausTiN,  professor  of  che- 
mistry, in  Paris,  France.  Certain  improve^ 
wtente  in  ihe  wtam^facture  rf  gas  for  iUuminO' 
tion  and  heat.  Patent  dated  August  22, 
1854.    (No.  1840.) 

Claim, — I.  The  manufacture  of  gas  by 
exposing  oarbon,  either  alone  or  in  com- 
bination, to  an  ezeeas  of  steam  at  a  high 
temperature,  so  as  to  convert  the  carbon 
into  carbonic  acid,  which  is  afterwards  ah- 
•orbed  and  removed  by  means  of  lime  or 
other  suitable  substance,  leaving  the  hydro- 
gen  of  the  steam  in  a  free  state  and  with 
fittle  or  no  admixture  of  carbonic  oxide. — 
2,  The  pnriiication  of  water-gas  obtained 
by  any  m  the  ordinary  means  by  exposing 
it  with  an  excess  of  steam  to  a  high  tem- 
perature, so  .as  to  convert  the  carbonic 
oxide  into  carbonic  acid,  which  is  after- 
wards  absorbed  by  lime,  or  otherwise,  leav- 
ing the  hydrogen  pure  or  nearly  so. — 3. 
The  decomposition  of  coal-gas,  by  expos- 
ing it  with  an  exeess  of  steam  to  a  high 
temperature  scT  as  to  convert  the  carbon 
and  carbonic  oxide  into  carbonic  acid, 
which  is  afterwards  absorbed  by  lime,  or 
otherwise,  leaving  the  hydrogen  jpure  or 
aearly  so.— 4w  The  nsanulsctnre  of  illumin- 
ating gas,  by  paaaing  hydrogen  gas,  mann^ 
ftetvrad  M  before  deMtibedfaad  freci  or 


nearly  so,  from  caibonic  oxide,  through  a 
retort  containing  coal,  and  heated  by  a 
sand  bath. 

Johnson,  Williah,  of  Lineoln's-inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  civil-encrineer.  Improve., 
menls  in  the  mant(faeture  tf  carding  appara^ 
tus  for  the  preparation  rf  fibrous  materials. 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  August 
22,1854.    (No.  1841.)  ^ 

This  invention  relates  to  the  manufacture 
and  use  of  wire  cards,  employed  for  pre- 
paring  and  carding  cotton  and  other  fibrous 
materials,  with  curved  teeth  instead  of  an- 
gular  teeth  as  generally  used. 

Meriwether,  John  Hunter,  of  Mor- 
ley's  Hotel,  Strand,  Middlesex.  Improve^ 
ments  in  the  construction  ^fences  and  hurdles. 
Patent  dated  August  22, 1854.  (No.  1842.) 
This  invention  consists  in  the  use  of  *<  un. 
dulated  or  zig-zag  wire '»  as  a  substitute  for 
the  ordinary  straight  wire  in  the  construe 
tion  of  fences  and  hurdles. 

Meriwether,  William    Hunter,    of 
Morley's  Hotel,   Strand.    Improvements  in 
producing  surfaces  for   fying,  reclining,   or 
sitting  upon.      Patent    dated   Aujrust    22 
1854.    (No.  1845.)  * 

This  mvention  consists  in  the  use,  for  the 
manufacture  .of  the  articles  named  in  the 
title,  of  "  undulating  or  zig-zag"  meUUic 
^  wires,  which  are  intended  to  yield  to  pres- 
*  sure  by  the  expansion  of  the  undulations 
and  regain  their  form  whenever  the  pressure 
is  withdrawn. 

Hancock,  James  Lamb,  of  Milford  Ha- 
ven, Pembrokeshire.  An  improved  pneumatic 
safety  inkstand.  Patent  dated  Aueust  22 
1854.    (No.  1846.)  * 

CZnim.— Forming  an  inkstand,  with  the 
reservoir  for  the  ink  enclosed,  except  to  a 
dip-cup,  by  a  diaphragm  capable,  when  de- 
pressed  at  the  insUnt  of  Uking  ink,  of 
causing  a  fresh  supply  of  ink  to  flow  to  the 
dlp-cup;  and  when  the  supply  haa  been 
obtained,  and  the  depression  is  removed 
of  permitting  the  ink  to  return  again.  ' 
Newton,  William  Edward,  of  Chan- 
eery-lane,  civil  engineer.  Certain  improve* 
menu  in  earding^engines.  (A  communica- 
tion.) Patent  dated  August  22,  1854.  rNa 
1847.)  ^ 

Claims.^1,  The  application  of  two  or 
more  pairs  or  sets  of  feeding-rollers  to  the 
main  working  cylinder  of  carding-engines, 
as  described.  2.  Reversing  the  relative 
velocities  of  the  peripheries  of  the  main 
working  cylinder  and  stripper,  at  intervals, 
by  an  automatic  movement,  for  the  purpose 
of  cleaning  or  preventing  the  clogging  or 
packing  of  the  main  cylinder. 

Bhtnt,  Charles,  of  Svdenham,  Kent, 
gentleman,  and  Jobbph  John  William 
Watson,  of  Wandsworth,  doctor  of  philo- 
sophy.    An  ie^sroved  description  ^  art^^UM 


Digiti 


zed  by  Google 


258 


SPEGIFIOATtONS  OF  PATENTS  BEGENTLT  FILED. 


fueL    Pat(snt*d»ted  August  22,  185i.    (No. 
1848.): 

CUum.'^Th^  formation  of  blocl^s  of  the 
fuel|  with  passages  iRto  or  through  their 
bnl(  and  silbstAnce,  for  th«  purpose  of  ad- 
mittiBg  current!  of  the  surrpunding  Mmp. 
sphere  thereto. 

Smith,  William  Shsphcrd,  of  Char- 
lotte-street, Fitzroy  -  square,  Middlesex, 
pianoforte  manufacturer.  Imffrovementa  in 
pianqfyrtet.  Pateqt  dl^te4  August  23,  1854. 
(No.  18490 

This  infention  relates — 1.  To  a  mode  of 
arranging  the  strings  or  wires  of  piftnofprtes, 
by  means  of  peculiar  bridges,  the  strings 
being  quite  straight  when  wound  up  for 
tuning  withouj^  bearing  or  pressing  on  tlie 
sounding-boards;  and  2.  To  an  arrange- 
ment for  bringing  tl)e  bearing  of  the  me- 
tallic back-strapping  %o  be  made  fast  in 
front  of  the  instrument?* 

Norton,  John,  of  Cork,  esquire.  Jn 
igniier  or  ajtmtraiu$  for  igniHmg  explotiv9 
and  comVuttible  naterialt.  .  Patent  dated 
August  23.  18£4.    (No.  18^1.) 

Claim, — An  igniter  pr  apparatus  com- 
posed of  a  pipooclayy  gUss,  or  pther  suit- 
able tube,  charged  with  a  compound  ex- 
plpsive  by  percussion  and  friction^  and 
nermetUiall^  closed  at  both  ends,  with  or 
without  fOL  e^tpra^l  wrapper  of  wster-proof . 
msterial. 

Curtis,  Matthew,  of  l^ancbester, 
L^ucaster,  machinist;  Wi^lIam  Hbnrt 
Rbodss,  of  Gortoj),  ifi  the  said  county, 
mechanic ;  and  John  Wain,  of  Oreenacres- 
moor,  Oldham,  in  the  said  county,  mschanic 
Improvementf  in  certain  mqehinet/or  spinning 
imd  doubling  coium  and  otf^er  JUfrout  sub- 
itqncet.  Patent  dated  August  23,  1854. 
(Ho.  1853.) 

eiolM.— T)ie  application  of  a  differential 
motion,  to  cause  the  carriage  #t  the  termin- 
Ution  of  its  inward  run  to  be  drawn  up  to 
and  held  against  the  buffers  or  other  stops, 
whiW^  yarn  continues  to  be  wound  on  the 
spindiei  until  ^he  position  pf  the  fallers  is 
enanged. 

^IraR^,  AribtidiA  Balthazard,  of 
Paris,  France,  engineer,  and  chevalier  qf 
the  Legion  of  Honour.  Certain  improve- 
menti  A  the  mant^mstftre  gf  gtUf  coke,  and 
Hker  prodnct$  from  cool,  and  in  apparatutfor 
Aai  pnrpHfi..  Patent  dfited  August  23,  (854. 
(No.'lS^.)  ■ 

The  iQTentor  injp^  ^  If  the  ooal  be  sur- 
ffonnded  on  all  sides  by  the  beat,  the  ffases 
will  be  driren  towards  the  centre  of  the 
1 1  in  aecordanoe  with  this  principle,  I 


]uT9  sucoeeded  |n  adTantageonslv  collect- 
in^  fhe  Tolatile  and  gaseous  products  from 
«  oo&slderable  mass  St  coal,  by  establishing 
the  tutl^t  Ibx  (he  gi|^  In  the  centre  of  the 
mmJ*    Hm  dlatllllttipn  li  conducted  by 


the  inventor  In  closed  vessels  inaccessible 
to  air. 

Fairbairn,  Peter,  andTRotcAtCktSBN- 
wooD,  both  of  Leeds,  Yorki  machinists. 
Improvementt  in  nuuMnery  for  preparing  to 
be  spun  cotton,  wool,  fiat,  tilkt  and  other 
fibrotu  materials.  Patent  dated  August  tS, 
1854.    (No.  1855.) 

C/alm. — Applying  to  one  and  the  same 
comb-cylinder  a  taking-comb  or  combs, 
and  in  the  rear  thereof  working  combs, 
which  will  act  upon  the  pendent  end  of  the 
fibrous  material  immediately  afrer  It  has 
been  discharged  from  the  taking-combs,  and 
while  held  stationary  by  the  presser  bar. 

Bouvet,  JuLiEN  Louis  Pierrb  Jban 
Baptiste  Hector,  of  Paris,  France.  jIn 
imoroved  suction  apparatus  for  pumping  and 
exhausting  purposes.  Patent  dated  Auguet 
28,  1854.    (No.  1856.) 

Claims, — 1.  Producing  a  vacuum  by  the 
defelopmentof  flexible  Cage.  2.  Slevating 
water  or  sny  other  liquids  by  moving  alter, 
nately  up  and  down  two  eolnmns  of  the  said 
liquid  ^at  are  In  equilibiio  with  eaeh  otbcv, 
ftc. 

Brooke,  Willtam,  of  Martin's -line. 
Cannon-street,  London,  manufacturing  che- 
mist Consuming  smoke,  €tnd  condensing 
noxious  and  other  gases  and  vapours,  and 
eoneeriing  the  products  thereof  to  wUtiaHe 
purposes,  iohich  nout  escape  to  the  injury  rf 
animal  and  vegetable  life.  Patent  dated  Au- 
gust 24,  1854.    (No.  1858.) 

This  inrention  consists  in  an  arrange- 
ment of  apparatus  by  which  the  producu 
of  combustion  are  caiued  to  pass  through  a 
second  Are  of  charooal,  coke,  breese,  ot 
other  suitable  fuel  in  an  ignited  state,  and 
from  thence,  by  means  of  a  fan  blower,  to  a 
condensing  and  purifying  ehamber.  Alee 
in  passing  the  products  direct  from  the  first 
ftimace  to  the  purifier. 

Hatter,  Thomas,  of  the  KIng's-bead, 
Southwark.  improvements  in  apparaimsfer 
holding  strops  for  sharpening  hMxors,  Patent 
dated  August  24,  1854.    (No.  1860.) 

The  apparatus  described  consists  of  a  pair 
of  jaws  or  clamps  connected  by  a  pin-jeint, 
and  Oftpable  of  opening  and  elosieg,  ao  aa 
to  clasp  the  edge  of  a  table  or  other  fixed 
surfiice,  and  be  fixed  to  it  hf,  a  screw  and 
nut  A  loose  leather  strap  is  to  be  buekled 
ya  this  apparatus  when  required. 

Chatbaunbuf,  Hector  Grand  or,  ef 
f  4lt8,  France,  civil  engineer*  OeHsdm  Isi- 
provements  <e  the  process  and  apparafus  Jir 
washing.  Patent  dated  August  M,  1854. 
(No.  1101.) 

CMsM.^The  employment  ef  steam  pre- 
duced  in  a  separate  generator  at  a  pteasttie 
of  two  or  three  atmospheres,  and  intredueed 
into      ■  .    ..      -      - 

eep 


nto  a  hermetically  dlosed  apparatM 
eptlble  tft  re*lsling  «lie  prtesoM  ef  m 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOnSIONAL  SPEOnQATIOMS  XOT  PBOCEEDED  WITH. 


258 


heated  to  260*  Fahr.^  for  washing  and 
oleanein^  clotliee.  2.  Certain  arrangements 
of  machinery  for  carrying  out  the  foregoing 
proceaa. 

FOMTAINEU OREAU,  PbTBR  ARMAND  Lb. 

coiiTB  DB,  of  South-street,  London.  Certain 
iw^ovemenit  in  apparatus  for  illuminating, 
(A  eommuoication).  Patent  dated  August 
24,1854.    (No.  1862.) 

CkAKu* — 1.  The  substitution  of  short  for 
long  glasses  in  lamps,  &c.  2.  A  method  of 
repUciag  the  guard-pin  at  present  em* 
ployed.  3.  The  employment  of  perforated 
caps  of  diiTerent  kinds,  one  of  which  is 
called  an  extender,  and  serves  chiefly  to 
increase  the  volume  of  flame  by  impeding 
the  escape  of  the  gases.  4.  The  employ, 
ment  of  a  fine  wire-gauze  csp,  called  a 
protector,  above  the  chimneys  to  protect  the 
flame.  5.  The  employment  of  chimneys 
with  caps  for  wax  candles,  especially  when 
used  as  night-lights  or  in  lanterns. 

TuciL,  JoaBTH  Hbnry,  of  PalUmall, 
Middlesex,  engineer.  Improvement*  in  pack" 
ing  for  pittont,  pitlom-rodt,  vahee,  emd  other 
met.  Patent  dated  August  U|  lStf4.  (No. 
1865.) 

The  ob|eel  of  this  invontion  is  to  combine 
a  fleziMe  material  with  an  elastie  material 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  oaus«  one  to  be  con* 
stantly  kept  in  eentaet  with  the  rubbing 
or  bearing  suifaoe  by  the  elasticity  of  the 
other. 

BBMBllBt,HBKRY,0fBAXt6f-ho«iC,  Old 

8t.  Pancras-road,  Middlesex,  efl|[ioeer. 
Improvements  in  guns  Jar  throuftng  pr^eeiiUs 
fernmal  rnnA  miUiary  putpoHt,  Patent  dated 
Angust  24,  1S54.    (No.  1861) 

CWsu.^l.  The  reloading  of  guns  by 
means  of  mechaflisaa  dorivittg  its  motive 
power  partly  or  wholly  from  the  foree  of  the 
explosion  within  them.  2.  The  reloading 
of  guns  by  means  of  mechanism  deriving 
its  iiMitive  power  partly  or  wholly^  from  a 
reservoir  of  water,  air,  or  elastie  fluid  under 
pretaore.  8.  The  use  of  a  piston  or  plunger 
in  guns  worked  by  wster,  air,  or  other  elastic 
material.  4.  Cleansing  and  cooling  the 
piece  by  foreiog  water  through  it. 

Woodcock.,  William,  of  the  Earl's-oourt 
Brewery,  Brompton,  Middlesex,  brewer.  An 
improvement  in  the  eonstrtteti&m  ^/kmaees. 
Patent  daud  August  26, 1844.    (No.  1869.) 

A  full  deseription  of  this  invention  was 
given  in  Vtm,  1627  and  1629.) 

Wall,  Oeoroe,  of  Mancbester,  IitA- 
•aatav.  improvements  in  wtaekimrjf  or  appm- 
ratusfor  the  mimffimiure  sfpoUerp,  Patent 
dated  Aoguit  26,  1854. '  (No.  1879.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  concentrifl  mould 
made  in  separate  parte,  so  oone(r«eted  that 
the  necesaary  pressure  is  appliedjto  each 
oart  auccessivefy,  beginning  at  the  centre, 
\$  t&ict  4^  preidurf  is  80  ObucH  reduced, 


I 


and  applied  so  graduallv,  that  the  common 
absorbent  moulds  of  plastet  tff  Psrls  Will 
bear  it,  with  the  assistance  of  ail  iron  ease 
Or  hoop  round  them.  The  inventor  pTaeei 
a  sheet  of  stretched  caoutchouc  between  tho 
concentric  mould  and  the  day. 

Gedgb,  ^oh8,  of  Wellington -street  Sooth, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  horing-instru-' 
ments  linown  as  augers,  bits,  of  gimlets,  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  Anguftt  26, 
1854.    (No.  1872.) 

The  instruments  described  by  the  paten* 
tee  are  formed  with  a  *'  lip  commencing  st 
the  screw  or  centre  point,  and  tnnmuft 
nearly  at  right  angles  thereto,  until  mm 
than  half  way  from  the  eentre  to  the  oute^ 
part,  when  it  assumes  a  cur? e  upwards  or 
towards  the  handle  end  of  the  Initrumeilt, 
which  curve  is  eontinned  until  it  U  fiearfy 
semicircular,  or  until  it«  extremity  tuilis 
within  the  periphery  of  the  auger  or  bit." 

Smith,  William,  and  ThoiIa8  Phil- 
LIPS,  of  Snow.hlll,  London.  A  new  maiejf 
constructing  and  coMUcting  plpiit  er  Hhesfit 
gast  water,  or  steam  patpotes,  P$tMt  dated 
August  26, 1854.    (No.  1873.) 

The  iiiTentor  fbrmsthe  efid«  of  pipes  With 
bevelled  edges,  so  that  when  tW6  are  br<mgl^ 
together  they  form  a  groove,  And  ovet  thetti 
is  fitted  a  socket  formed  in  two  parts,  \t  the 
interior  of  which  there  is  a  groove  to  re- 
ceive the  rims  of  the  pipes.  The  groove 
formed  by  tho  bef  elled  edges  and  the  spad^ 
in  the  groove  of  the  socket  are  filled  with 
lead,  cement,  hemp,  of  otlier  materia]  Ibr  the 
purpose  of  producing  an  air-tight  Joint,  and 
the  two  parts  of  the  tooket  are  fheil  screwed 
together  by  screw  bolts  passing  through 
flanges  on  each  part  of  the  socket. 


provisional  •ftcirtCAttctik  fl6t  MtO- 

*  0B8D8»WItII« 

BBHTofi,  ROBERt,  of  Saltley^hidl,  Bir- 
mingham, surveyor  and  land  assent.  ImpfdvB' 
ments  In  marine  and  raitwdv  ietegrO^.   Af- 

?Iication  dated  August  H,  18l4.  (No. 
843.) 

The  inventof  proposed  'to  employ  fbr 
marine  purposes  a  signal  Uinp  with  coloured 
devices,  and  for  railway  purposes  anangulsr 
tube  placed  at  an  elevation  of  about  15^ 
above  (he  platfonli  of  the  rear  carriage, 
from  which  a  pair  of  rockeU  may  be  flred 
in  diflTerent  direcdons. 

Bt/cHAKAfl,  John,  of  Leimhtgton  Prfofs. 
Improvements  in  mafine  ingiUi.  AptiUf^- 
tion  dated  August  22, 1854.    (ITd.  Idf4.) 

Thitf  intention  eonslsts  hi  eausfng  the 
conn««r(ion  of  the  piston  fo^fo  ti€  Made  from 
their  outer  ends,  or  th4  Aidl  ftrthest  tt- 
mov64  &oiQ  the  A^» 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


260 


PB07I8I0NAL  P&OTECTIONS. 


Frost,  Hkney,  of  Sheffield,  York,  time- 
keeper to  John  Jobson  Smith,  of  Rosooe- 
place,  Sheffield,  stove.grate  manufacturer. 
Impro9ementt  in/umacet  orfire-plaeitfortUam 
gtneraior*' and  other  pmrpotes.  Application 
dated  August  24, 1854.    (No.  1857.) 

In  Mr.  Frott*8  improved  furnace  or  fire- 

frate,  "  the  coals  are  placed  upon  a  bed  of 
re-brick  or  other  suitable  material,  and  the 
air  is  admitted  over  the  fire-place." 

HoRROcKi,  John,  of  Piikington,  Lan- 
caster,  machine-maker.  Certain  tmprove- 
munt*  in  pin  eopt,  or  inn  hobbinSf  or  spooUfor 
ufeaving.  Application  dated  August  24, 
1854.    (No.  1859.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  a 
screwed  thread  or  coil  upon  the  outer  snr. 
free  of  the  ordinary  pin  cops,  pin  bobbins, 
or  spools,  instead  of  forming  them  smooth 
or  plain. 

Froooart,  Robert  Beck,  of  Manches. 
ter,  Lancaster,  analytical  and  manuficturing 
chemist  Intprooementt  in  the  mode  or  method 
rfpnrifying,  clarifying,  and  reducing  the  tpe» 
eyUi  gravity  qf  oils  or  fatly  bodies,  and  alio 
<^  clarifying  fermented  liquids  with  the  ma^ 
eUnery  or  apparatus  used  in  the  said  processes. 
Application  dated  August  25,  1854.    (No. 

The  inventor  employs  a  large  barrel  per. 
forated  at  the  bottom,  and  to  each  of  the 
perforations  attaches  bags  fitted  with  taps, 
through  which  the  oil  or  other  liquid  is 
filtered.  He  then  covers  the  holes  with 
coarse  copper-wire  gauxe,  and  places  over 
it  a  layer  of  the  double  sulphate  of  potassa 
and  alumina,  about  six  inches  deep ;  and 
then  another  covering  of  the  copper-wire 
gauze,  and  at  the  top  of  this  a  layer  of 
rough  animal  charcoal  about  twelve  inches 
deep,  with  another  covering  of  the  copper- 
wire  gauce  above  it;  then  alayerofsilicated 
potash,  and  at  the  top  of  all  a  covering  of 
hair  felting  about  two  inches  thick. 

Skinner,  Jambs  Thomas,  of  Oeorgiana- 
street,  Camden -town,  Middlesex.,  Improved 
apparatus  for  rendering  the  shunts  or  points 
^railways  se\f.aeting,  applicable  also  to  the 
working  vf  railway  signals.  Application 
dated  August  25,  1854.    (No.  1866.) 

The  inventor  provides  the  locomotive  en- 
gine with  a  bar  or  lever  which  acts  as  a 
wedge,  and  when  set  for  that  purpose  strikes 
ap^ainst  a  bowle  carried  by  a  sliding  plate 
situate  between  the  rails  of  a  line. 

Davbt,  Henrt,  of  Kent-street,  South- . 
wark,  Surrey,  builder.     Consuming  smoke  in 
furnaces.     Application  dated    August   26, 
1854.    (No.  1871.) 

The  inventor  employs  an  iron  box,  open 
at  the  bottom,  and  fixed  to  the  top  of  the 
lumace  at  about  two-thirds  of  the  distance 
from  the  door  to  the  flue,  and  reaching  from 
side  to  side*    Through  this  box  hot  air  is  to 


be  supplied  to  the  gases  by  means  of  a 
metal  tube  passing  from  the  front  of  the 
fbmace  into  the  box. 

Kermoal,  Corentin  Marie  Perron 
DE,  gentleman,  of  Paris,  France.  Jn  im^ 
proved  system  for  preserving  and  transporting 
animal  and  other  aUmentary  substances.    Ap- 

flication  dated  August  26,   1854.     (No.  • 
874.) 

The  meat  is  first  partiaHy  cooked,  to- 
gether with  vegetables,  by  the  inventor,  and 
IS  then  cut  into  pieees  and  placed  in  tin 
boxes,  after  having  been  immersed  in  a 
mixture  of  vinegar,  salt,  and  water.  The 
boxes  are  filled  up  and  soldered  tight,  and, 
with  'their  contents,  are  subjected  for  a  pe- 
riod to  steam  of  250®  Fahr. 

*•*  The  documenU  of  Nos.  1863  and 
1867  are  with  the  Law  Officers  on  first  re- 
ference. 

PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  January  80,  1855. 
131.  Heniy  Davis  Pocbin,  of  Salford,  Lancaster, 
of  the  ILrm  of  Halliday,  Pocbin,  and  Co.,  auuia- 
fketuring  ehemltts.  Improvements  In  the  treat- 
ment of  certain  eomponndi  of  alnmtiia,  and  the 
application  of  the  lame  in  printing  dyeing,  tawing, 
paper-making,  and  such  like  purposes. 

Dated  February  14,  1855. 
9S5.  John  Henry  Johnson,   of  Liaooln*s-ina- 
fields,  Middleeex,  gentleman.    Improvements  in 
governors  or  regulators  for  steam-engines  or  other 

K'me  movers.    A  communication  fTom  Hippolyte 
mond  Branche.  meehanldan,  and  Cliarlee  Coote, 
merchant,  of  Paris,  France. 

SS7.  James  Nichol,  of  Edhihurgh,  Scotland, 
bookseller.    Iinprovements  in  hookblnding. 

SS9.  Frands  Brown  Blanchard,  of  Maine,  United 
8utes  of  America.  A  new  and  nseftil  appaimtns 
Ibrgenerating  motive  power  from  heated  air,  steam, 
and  the  products  of  the  combustion  of  coal  or  other 
fUel. 

Dated  February  15, 1855. 

841.  Robert  Molesworth,  of  Half  lloon-street, 
Biahopsgate-street,  London,  bmshmaker.  Un- 
pTovements  in  the  eonatruetioa  of  bmshee. 

M5.  Henry  Spencer,  of  Bochdale,  Lancaster, 
manager.  Improvements  in  machinery  for  pro- 
paring  and  spinning  cotton  and  other  fibrous  snb- 


Dated  February  16,  1855. 

847.  William  Spence.  of  Chaacery-Une,  Middle- 
sex. Improvements  in  substitutes  for  glaas  for 
ornamental  purposes.  A  oommuDication  tnm 
Emmanuel  Ludovico  Rapacdoli.  of  Turin,  Sardi- 
nia, engineer  to  the  Corps  Roval  du  Gdnie. 

849.  William  Abbott,  genUemaa,  of  Lansdown- 
place,  Richmond,  Surrey.  A  boot  and  shoe  clean- 
ing machine. 

858.  Fortunato  Gaetaoo  Pietro  Maria  Ylttorio 
Maneglia,  of  the  Turin  and  Genoa  Railway.  Im- 
provements in  railway  carriages. 

858.  Samuel  Barlow  Wright,  of  Parkfields,  Stone, 
Staflbrdshire,  and  Henry  Thomas  Green,  of  Mors- 
ton,  Staffordshire.  Improvements  in  the  manu- 
foeture  of  encaustic  tiles. 

Dated  February  17, 1855. 

857.  James  Wright,  of  Park-street,  Kenningtoa, 

Snney,  oven-bnUder.   ImprovemenU  In  the  eon- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PB0VI8I0NAL  PBOTBCIXQKS. 


sei 


imelloB  «f  ftinuwat  ftir  flMpnrpoM  of  eonnmiinf 
Mon  cfbetuallj  ttun  heretoforo  the  imoke  eon- 
tatDoil  tkfMvlii. 

SS9.  John  Haekott,  of  Dorlyy,  naanfiKtiirer.  A 
BOW  uid  ImpioTod  taM.9  or  fkbriet  for  tho  nuuni- 
teotan  of  nmbrtf  IM,  ponaols,  aad  tattoos,  ud 


r  ochor  vnrpoooft* 

8M.  John  Oxlej,  of  Borodoy,  Tork,  .couh- 

*"     and  whoel-nuailMtaror.    ImproTomonU 


r 


hi  noehiiiory  for  making  vhoeU,  or  tho  varioat 
parts  of  which  whoels  aio  oomposed. 

MS.  Robert  James  ICafyon,  of  York-road,  Lam- 
beth, Bwrey,  meehsnidan.  ImproToment  or  im- 
paoremonts  In  the  constmetlon  of  sad  application 
«r  stoMB  engines  fbr  the  better  means  of  trans- 
mitting motion  and  eonTsrsion  of  motion,  and  of 
amljtng  motive  power. 

DutedFthruary  19,  1855. 
M5.  Richard  Arehibsld  Brooman,  of  16d,  Fleet- 
atieot,  London,  patent  agent.  Improvements  in 
tiw  mannfiKtnn  of  capsales  for  stopping  or  cover- 
ing  bottles,  jars,  and  other  similar  vessels,  and  in 
tlM  mnrhhiwy  emplcyed  therein.    A  oommunlca- 


pVOTO] 

fighth 


DtUdFthruatyVi,  1865. 
Ooorge  Tlllett,  of  Clapham,  Sairey.    Im- 
mcnts  m  tlie  eonstmction  of  bedsteads. 
M7.  David  Hnlett,  of  Holbom,  Middlesex.  In- 
crements In  apparatus  for  heating,  cooking,  and 
^htlagbygas.    Partly  a  eommonieation. 
S6g.  Samoel  Bellamy,  of  Torauay,  Do? on.    Im- 
provements in  fire-arms  and  ordnance. 

Sf9.  Charles  Roper  Mead,  of  Langdalo-road, 
Peckham,  Surrey,  gas  engineer.  An  Improred 
oonetmction  of  gas  rwrulator. 

570.  Albert  Louis  Thirion,  of  Asche  en  ReCsil, 
Kamnr,  Belgium.    Improvements  in  pumps. 

571.  Henry  8cliottlander,  of  Paris,  Fmnce,  ma- 
■afisctnier.  Impfo? emonts  in  ornamenting  look- 
iag-flasses. 

572.  Samuel  Kershaw,  of  Heywood.  Lancaster, 
maavlhetttrer,  and  James  Taylor,  of  tho  same 
plaee,  manager.  Certain  improvements  in  carding 
•Bgines. 

S7S.  John  Hareonrt  Brown,  of  Trafslgar-square, 
Charlng-eroes.  Improvements  In  the  eonstruetion 
of  ball  cartridges  for  fsdiitating  the  loading  and 
habrlealing  of  flio-arms. 

375.  Jean  Wothly,  of  Zofiogeo,  Swltserland. 
lapiovsments  in  the  prseetvation  of  meat. 

DaUd  Fehruary  21,  1855. 

SM.  Joshoa  KIdd,  of  KUdwick,  near  Biadlbrd, 
Tork*  and  of  Bradtad,  stuff-maaulheturer.  Im- 
ptovouMBts  la  miehinery  and  apparatus  tor  sew- 
bg  and  stitehing  doth  and  other  isbrios. 

177.  RiotodLMiiInf ,  of  Carlton-villas,  Maida. 
▼ale,  Middlesex.  An  Improved  piooess  for  eom- 
bfadng  tho  pniiflcation  of  gas  with  the  obtaining 
of  certain  valoalde  products. 

S78w  BoflJanln  Ooodfeliow,  of  Hyde,  Chester, 
•Bgineer.  uaprovements  In  machinery  for  pump- 
lag,  whloh  impiovements  sie  applSeabie  to  the 
air-vBmpa  of  steam  engines  and  to  other  pnrpoees. 

SiO.  Thomas  Orgsa,  of  Binningham,  Warwick, 
nannfiMtnrer,  and  Ckorge  Pitt,  of  Birmingham, 
naehinist.    A  now  or  improved  dress  fhstonuig. 

Ml.  George  Nasmyth,  of  Kenntngton,  Surrey, 
dvn  ottginoer.  Improvements  In  preserving 
BBiBMl  and  vcfstable  matters. 

Stt.  Goorge  Beppel,  of  Prsston,  Lancaster,  gen- 
tleman. An  improved  rotary  pump  and  engine. 
A  eenmunleation  firom  John  Mortimer  Heppel,  of 
Ceire,  Switieilattd. 

tU,  Frederick  WlUism  Norton,  of  Edinburgh, 
MidlofUan,  mannlbiTturer.  Improvements  In  the 
BHnniiwture  of  printed  or  coloured  warp  fiibrics. 

3S4.  Jdhn  Hyde  Pidoock,  of  LeIghton  Bussard, 
Beds..  dvU  eoglaoer.  An  Improved  method  of 
pfopdllng  and  ttatring  venals,  which  is  alio  i^ 


pUcablo  to  the  fovelag  aad  dinetlBg  of  Uqnids  and 
fluids. 

8W.  Frederic  Prince,  of  South  Parade,  Chelsea, 
Middlesex.    Improvements  In  fire-arms  and  ord- 


387.  William  Maynes,  of  Stockport,  Chester, 
agent.  Certain  improvements  In  self-acting  tem- 
ples to  be  used  in  weaving. 

588.  George  Noble,  of  Sunderland.  Improve- 
ments in  the  nunulSMtnre  of  fire- bricks. 

589.  .Paul  Prince,  of  Derby,  railway  inspector. 
An  Improvement. In  the  patterns  employed  In  * 
making  moulds  for  railway-chairs. 

590.  Charles  Low,  of  Bowoden,  Dolgelly,  North 
Waloi,  gentleman.  Certsln  improvements  in  the 
extraction  of  gold  firom  Its  ores. 

DaUd  February  22,  1855. 
391.  Thomas  Harrison,  of  Hackney.  Middlesex, 
ship  owner.    A  composition  for  ooverlng  and  pro- 
tecting the  bottoms  of  ships  and  vessels. 

393.  wnUam  Kiriage,  of  Edmand-street,  Cam- 
ber well,  Surrey,  surveyor.  Consuming  or  bnmiug 
smoke. 

383.  Robert  McConneU,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
bleecher.  Improvements  In  finishing  or  dreso- 
ing  textile  fabrics. 

394.  James  Bunten,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark,  tim- 
ber merchant,  and  George  Lamb,   of  the  same 

K'ace,  joiner.    Improvements  in  cutting  and  shap- 
gwood. 

395.  Peter  Garke,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  en- 
gineer. Improvements  applicable  to  locomotive 
steam  engines.    A  communication. 

898.  Walter  Nellson,  of  Glasgow,  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  locomotive  engines. 

397.  Frederick  William  East,  of  Bermondsey- 
street,  Sonthwark,  and  John  MlUs,  of  William- 
street,  Cobonrg-rosd,  Old  Kent-road.  Improve- 
ments in  destroying  the  noxious  vapours  arising 
firom  boiling  oil,  bones,  and  other  matters  In  the 
open  air. 

Dakd  Fehnuary  28,  1855. 

398.  wmiam  Hartcliib,  of  Salfoid,  Lancaster, 
machinist,  sad  Joseph  Waterhonse,  of  Msachester, 
manager.  Certain  improvements  In  looms  for 
weavug. 

399.  Andrew  Taylor,  of  Duko-stroet,  Maachet- 
ter-square,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Self-acting 
latlway  signals,  and  apparatus  coAnected  there- 
with, for  Improving  the  means  of  communication 
between  persons  in  charfo  of,  snd  the  drivers  of 


trains,  and  to  render  coTlIsions  less  fluent  on 
railways. 

401.  WUliam  John  Macquom  Raaklno,  of  Saint 
Vincent-strset,  Glasgow,  civil  engineer,  and  John 
Thomson,  also  of  Saint  Vincent^street,  sub-assbt- 
aat  engineer  to  the  East  Indian  Railway  Com- 
pany. Improvements  In  machinery  for  laying 
subaqueous  electrical  conductors  for  totographw 
communication. 

4«S.  William  Henry  Zahn,  of  Norfolk-street, 
Strand,  London.  Certain  improvements  in  wind- 
mills.   A  communieatlon. 

403.  Nicholas  Bennett,  of  Fumival's-inn.  Hol- 
bom, Middleeex,  gentlemaa.  A  substitute  for  tho 
scaffolding  at  present  employed  in,  and  for  the 
ersetfaig  aad  repairing  of,  taildings,  which  is  also 
appUcaole  In  part  to  the  ventilation  of  buildings. 
A  ttffmmnniwt***!*  ■ 

404.  John  Edmund  Gardner,  of  the  firm  of  H. 
and  J.  Gardner,  of  the  Strand,  Westminster,  ma- 
nufiwtnrers.  Improvements  in  portable  cooking 
mparatus  and  In  cooking  lamps. 

406.  Simon  Martin  Allaire,,  hatter,  of  Paris, 
French  empire.  Certain  Improvements  In  hats, 
eaps,  and  bonnets. 

408.  BenJandn  Looker,  Junior,  of  Kingston- 
upon-Thames,  Surrey.  Improvements  in  ventilat- 
ing stables  and  other  buildings. 

407.  Nathan  Thompson,  Junior,  of  New  Tork. 
Impiwenoatt  la  eooftmetlng  lifo-boirti. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


se2 


NOnOBS  OV  VKfWmm  to  tlOOSEI). 


408.  Victor  JoMph  Lotoel,  of  P«U,  Jom  Fonr- 
nlot,  of  Plirls,  prtAtert,  and  Jean  BaptUte  Rem- 
yon,  of  P«riB,  fnerehant.  Improvemente  In  typo- 
graphic pre8se«« 

409.  Bamaby  Atigelo  Murray,  of  DnUin,  vro- 
ftoMor  of  lani(iia|rea.  ImprovemenU  in  winding, 
doubling,  and  twiating  lilk,  flax,  and  ottier  fibroni 
lUbitaaeet. 

410.  John  Henry  Johnion,  of  LIneoln'e-lnn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improrementi  in 
fountain  pent.  A  communication  from  Newell  A. 
Prince,  of  New  Tork^nited  States  of  America. 

411.  John  Hainee  White,  of  Manchester.  lan- 
eaater.  dentist.  An  ImbroTement  in  the  method 
of  apply  Ing  artificial  teeth. 

4 It.  Joscpb  TUatt,  John  PhHUpa  Player,  and 
Luke  Duncan  Jackson,  of  Winchester-buildings. 
Machinery  or  appatatui  Ittr  drying  tan,  peat,  and 
iueh  like  substances. 

4 is.  John  Scott  Hnisell,  of  Mill-wall.    An  Im- 

{irovement  in  the  construction  of  ships  or  vessels 
0  fhcflltate  the  use  of  water  as  ballast. 

Dtitd  Fthrwarf  28,  I86<w 

414.  WUHam  Brown,  of  Anrany-raad,  Old  Kent- 
road,  Camberwell.  Surrey,  eneineer.  Certain  im- 
pTOTemenU  in  machinery  for  printing. 

415.  Hamiltim  Martin  and  Jose^  Smethurst, 
of  the  Guide  Bridge  Iron  Works,  near  Manchester, 
engineers.  Improvements  in  the  construction  of 
fences  or  casings  Px  shafts,  pulleys,  and  other 
parts  of  machintrY. 

416.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellfbrd,  of 
Bssex-<tr«el,  London.  Certain  improTements  in 
the  application  of  breaks  on  railways.  A  commu- 
nieattoo  ftom  W.Loughridge,  of  WeTorton,  United 
States. 

417.  Pierre  Andr«,  merchant,  of  Paris,  France. 
Certain  improvements  in  grlndlng-mflls. 

418.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bell  ford,  of 
Essex-itreet,  London.  Certain  improTements  in 
the  manufteture  of  soda.    A  communication. 

419.  Janet  WUKam  Spunray,  af  Manmonth- 
plaae«  New  Cross,  Oeptfoid.    A  traTelliag  pass. 

4S0.  Alexwder  Btaws,  of  Tarbet,  Dumbarton, 
engraver.  ImproTcments  in  the  manufaeture  of 
yapcv.  and  in  tiM  pt oduation  of  taxtUa  materials. 

481.  Charles  He«ry  Roberta,  of  Cornwall-road, 
Laabath,  Sonay.  Aa  improTemant  la  tha  ma- 
BvCsolura  of  rubbers  for  painters  and  ottiero. 

488.  Thomas  Nash,  Junior,  of  Great  Dovar-iaad, 
NewlngtoB,  Surrey,  brush  maouCaetarar.  Im- 
provements in  painting-brushes,  applicable  also 
to  other  br«s1ias  aad  to  bioonu. 

483.  WUHam  Armand  Gilbee,  of  Southstraat, 
London,  gentlemaa.  An  improved  process  of  ma- 
Bufhoturing  alcohol  from  the  sMm  and  ear  of 
nalaB.    A  ooasmnniastlon. 

Dated  February  27,  1865. 

494.  WHltam  Armand  Oilbea,  af  ianih-iCrset, 

ILandaa,  gantleatan.    An  improved  teap  te  wtaieh 

he  gives  the  name  of  saponttoUna.    A  eommnnl* 

nation. 

485.  Jamea  Brodie,  of  Bow  of  Vifli,  Nostb  Bfl- 
taln,  elerk.    ImprovanenU  In.  aad  appliaabia  ta, 
Bga.  ptiefs,  vioea,  and  other  taoldlBg  Inatramaats. 
480.  Alftad  Jean  Barehtald,  engraver,  af  Paila, 
'  mDrovameaita  ta  a    ' 
ivffig  an  metala  or  < 


French  empire.    Certain  im^ovoaMita^ta  apply- 


ing the  pkotognyUo 


487.  Hanry  Gardner,  af  Aftbur-itiaat,  Old 
Kent-road,  Surrey,  gentlaiiiaB.  Certain  tasprova- 
■Mots  in  tha  aenstmetlon  of  haase-^baea,  and  in 
•liaeB  mu4  Ibe  tba  sfeaaiog  tff  haofed  anUnals. 

428.  Joseph  Cooper,  of  Lionel-Btiaet,  Btrmtng- 
bam,  Warwiekf  basoa  and  Mt  mannlilatarer.  Cer- 
tain tannovamaBta  In  jnlnan'  btaeaa,aad  fta  tlm 


tain  tannDvamanta  m  jdkxmr  btaeaar  aoa  la  t 
mode  or  forminf  or  MrllaUy  isnalnf  tlio  ▼ark 
Mta  t«  M  naaZ  iMmm  m  any  a«Mr  kiirt 


nist,  and  WmSsni  WaUd,  engineer,  of  UaBcSSSer, 
Lancaster.  Improvements  in  machinery  ibf  comb- 
log  eoiton,  wool,  llaxi  lUk,  and  other  nkreus  ma- 
terials. 

i30.  William  Campion,  of  Nottingham.  Cartabi 
improvements  in  knitting  machinery. 

481.  Alexander  TheopbUus  Blskely,  of  Little 
Ryder-street.  St.  James's,  Middlesex,  captain  of 
the  Royal  Artillery.    Improvements  in  ordnance. 

Dated  PehmarviS,  1955. 

486.  Jesse  Brickies  and  Thomas  Thorpe,  maau- 
faoturers,  and  Joseph  lille.  engineer,  of  Manches- 
ter. Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of  plabi 
and  ornamental  wov«n  fabrics. 

488.  Ward  Holroyd,  of  Queen's  Head,  negr  Hall- 
fax,  York,  manager.  Art  Improved  method  of 
fencing  harlAmtai  and  atber  shafts  in  factories 
and  other  ulaces  wheve  such  fencing  m^  be  r»> 
quired  fof  the  purpose  of  preventing  accidents. 

440.  John  Gredge,  of  Wellington- street  South, 
Middlesox.  Improvements  in  a^paTatus  or  ma- 
chinery for  stopping  or  retarding  vehhrlts  used  ob 
railways.  A  eommnnleatloit  froYn  Sophia  Rlchtat, 
of  Gorlitz,  PruHsia. 

442.  Beujsoain  William  Gaode.  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  manufacturer,  and  Neliemiah  Broogh, 
of  Birmingham,  machinist.  A  naw  or  improvad 
Are-arm. 

444.  Edward  Taylor  BdlhoUse,  of  the  Eagle 
Foundry,  Manchester,  Lancaster,  engineer,  abd 
Thomas  Cowbum,  of  the  same  place,  engineer. 
Improvements  in  vacuum  valves  and  safety  valves. 

446.  Thomas  Cook,  liauteuant,  R.K.,  professor 
of  fortifleations,  of  Addiscombe,  Surrey.  Improva- 
ments  in  working  punkas  and  apparatus  for  Mitat- 
ing  air  in  churches,  hospitals,  and  other  buUdings. 

448.  Henry  fenney.of  Tork-place.  Baker-street, 
Portman-square,  MIodlesex,  vamiah  maker.  An 
imnroved  mode  of  treating  vulcaniaed  or  cured 
India-rubber. 


FATKlIT  APPLIED  FOR  WITH  COMPLBTl 
SPECIFICATION. 

484.  Jaalaa  Reddia,  of  Anstratbar,  fife.  if«n- 
mongar.  An  bnpiovad  aaaial  tboveL  Vabmaiy 
88,1885. 

NOTICE  OF  APPLICATION  FOR  LRAVB 
TO  FILE  DISCLAIMER. 

An  apiMcation  will  be  made  to  Her  Majesty's 
AMonay-GaMrai  by  WBlbm  Tbtmae,  aC  Obaap- 
aide,  Lendan,  aMrehant*  Car  leava  ta  eater  a  d»- 
alabnai  of  part  of  tba  Snaolfleation  off  Lattva  Fa- 
tent  granted  lo  him  Isl  Deeember,  1848,  for  *'  Im- 
praramanta  In  wawhinery  tax  aairbig  ar  tticaldng 
variotta  fabrioa.** 


APPIiICATlON  FOE  PROtiOltaATION  OF 

JUCKEy  ^rtRNTS.. 
Tba  a^ilieatlOTi  ibt  pfatongatiaii  of  tba  abava- 
aaentloised  paSeau  la  ta  be  amda  en  tba  I8ib  af 
April  naxt,  inetaad  of  tte  89tb  lfafob,aa  ptevian:ly 
•tatad,iNa.ldld,p.l90.) 

KOTIC«Sf  OF  mttNTlQN  TO 

FROCBBD. 

(^Mi  Ma  "Imtdtm  QemHie^''   Mmtk  ISH, 

n55.) 

8888.  Loiing  D.  Dewey.   Prateetlan.  agtfntt  ite 
' Bis  ar  buUdtoft,  by  ; ' 


witUut  pavBonal  aid,  or  wtih  feiy  IMla,  and 
agawat  incandkiy  or  toudnknt  Mm  md  mn^m 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


mMtait  tton  tff  >ATKinni« 


ofTcnala.    Ha  It  lift  tffiM  tat«t«r  •!  It  li  »art, 
mU  OTvprittor  of  the  whote. 
fsn.  NalliMlel  Topp.  loliil  Holt,  rad   John 
ImpiUfMiwBtft  In  ~      ~      '      ~ 


~tSS7.  O«oife  Lm  Baxter. 

ffHOMChillCS. 


ImpcoTamaiiU  in 
ImproTementt  in  lelf* 


"^M.' Jamae  Whitehead, 
aettng  molet. 

M7S.  Paal  Pietich.  ImprovenenUin  prodaeing 
oopper  and  othftt  platea  far  printing. 

U94.  Eugene  Rimmel.  Iraprovementi  U|  eom- 
Mnlnf  laattert  to  he  employed  In  coating  teh^tet 
ana  leather,  and  for  other  nses  in  (ubttilntlon  of 
tndla-rubher.  A  eammualoation  firom  Hippolyta 
Megen. 

23M.  William  Kloen.  ▲  new  at  impfftvad  oi«- 
thod  of  omamentiBg  and  attaching  labelsi  earde» 
window,  and  other  bilU. 

S414.  George  Bodley.  Improvement!  in  revolT- 
Ing  eannon. 

24S7.  Augntte  Edouard  Loredous  Betlford.  Im- 
proTements  In  lilk-wlnding  maehlnery.  A  eam> 
nmn&eation. 

24SS.  WUUam  Low.  Improvanmiia  In  ventlhlh 
ing  mtnea. 

<m.  Jamea  Bitfftiia  and  Thomas  Sehofleld 
Whltworth.  Improvements  in  apparatus  for  mould- 
ing for  catting  ahot,  ehalla,  and  other  eitielM* 

24«S.  Pierre  Alexandre  Dulaurens  and  Marie 
Anatole  Lanbiy.  Certain  improvements  in  glove- 
flsingt  (or  ftttentaiga. ) 

1463.  Jean  Baptiate  Bagary.  Improvements  in 
aawing  appamtna. 

1591.  Richard  James  Morrison.  Improvementa 
In  propelllog  ships  and  ▼eseela. 

MM.  GnsUTo  Irente  Sculfort^  Certain  improve- 
nents  Id  nanufaeturing  screw  plate i. 

S747.  Ashton  Stansfield  and  Josiab  Greenwood. 
Certain  improrements  in  power-looms  for  weaving. 

0.  Bashlev  Britten.  A  aheai^  and  eoovihient 
ttatbad  and  appantna  lar  obtaining  n  copy  of 
wrltlagSt  diaarlngSv  wt  tratlngi  in  ink. 

8.  Henri  Louis  Dormoy.  &rtain  Imprtvettents 
In  manafoetmlng  and  twitting  sUk,  cetloa,  wool, 
and  other  flbroos  suhttaaaea.    A  oommnnleetion. 

114.  JasMa  Wabatar.  Improvemenm  In  the 
mplication  of  motive  power. 

190.  George  Belt  Improvementa  in  eonalruct- 
Ing  air  springs.    A  eommnnicatlon. 

M7.  John  Hi 

lis.  HenlyNigiitfiii^aad  Bobert  Mltfhtin- 
cale.  ImproTomenta  in  machinery  or  apparatus 
m  alnbbing.  roving,  and  apinning  cotton,  and 
jithei  ftbrana  mateifala. 

111.  Henry  DaTia  Pochin.  Improvements  in 
tha  treatment  of  eeitala  cemponnda  of  alnatlna, 
and  the  application  of  the  same  In  printing,  dye- 
ing, tawing,  paper  making,  and  aneb  Hke  par< 
noaea. 

147.  Alerander  William  wyiiamson.  ftaprovo. 
naata  fai  apparatna  for  IbeAIng  Area. 

1S4.  Prtrfck  Mttir  Crane.  Inipiovettenta  In  the 
fliaunfbctuia  of  products  from  peat. 

11 8.  Alezaader  lands.  An  hnprovad  fhttenlng 
ar  deiaiaer  to  he  employed  aa  a  tabalkute  Ibr 
dotbaa  pegt,  at  Ik  atbir  similar  pntpoetti  Aeom- 


Bnteblnaea.    Improvemenla  kH  ap- 


119.  Laolt  Adalpha  Ferdmand  Basaard.  An 
fanpiovad  composition  for  llzina  lithogiaphi  and 
enginvlnis  an  eanvaa,  after  beUg  trtnipnitd  ar 
rapvadneed  by  aprfantig  prees. 

llJ.  Jamea  Ntohal.    Impiavanenlt  In  baok- 

189.  Francis  Brovm  Blanchard.  A  new  and  use- 
Ail  apparatus  for  generating  motive  power  flrom 
I:  eaud  air,  steam,  and  the  pcodoato  of  tha  oombna- 
tton  af  wa^  oi  athec  ibe]« 

$¥L  inmam  jiytba  HMO^^thfla  Kopfe^  tUh 


"»: 


Ia(Nf«MBl«ia  mlMtt- 


16S 

tntea  for  glaaa  for  tmamsntal  Mnaatt.  A  «tm- 
munlcatifv  fnm  EmmMttal  LodavMo  Baa pac- 
doli,  of  Turin,  Sardinia,  enginaer  t»  the  Corps 
Boyal  du  GAnie. 

S5S.  Fortunato  Oaataaa  Metfo  Maria  Vltterlo 
Maneglla.    Impravamlnte  hi  railway  tarriagea. 

881.  JohnOxley.  Imprevementt  in  machinery 
for  making  wheela,  or  the  various  parte  oi  which 
wheels  are  composed. 

868.  Richerd  Archibald  Brooman.  Improve- 
ments in  the  manufeottire  of  capsules  for  stopplag 
or  covering  bottles,  Jars,  and  other  similar  vessels, 
had;  in  tha  maahJnaiy  empleyed  theraln.  A  com- 
munication. 

877.  Richard  Lamtng.  An  improved  process  for 
combining  the  purification  ef  gaa  with  the  obtein- 
ing  ef  oertain  vahxable  predncta. 

881.  George  Nasmyth.  Improvementa  in  pre- 
serving animal  and  vegetable  matters. 

888.  George  Noble.  Improvemeute  in  the  ma- 
nnfbetofB  of  ftre-brteks. 

889.  Paul  Prince.  An  improvement  in  the  pat- 
tents  empleyad  in  making  moulds  for  rallway- 
cbairs. 

894.  JaoMt  Bmten  and  George  Lamb.  Im- 
provements in  cutting  and  shaping  wood. 

418.  John  Henry  Johnaon.  Improvomento  in 
fountain-pens.  A  communication  from  Newell  A. 
FAnce,  e#New  York.  United  Statea  of  America. 

488.  Alfred  Jean  Berchtold.  Certain  improve- 
mente  In  applying  the  photographic  engraving  on 
metals  or  omv  mateittlt. 

480.  William  Campion.  Certain  improvements 
in  knitting  machbiwy. 

Oppoiltion  oan  ke  entered  to  the  granting^ 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
above  Liat,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  data  of  tha  GauiU  in  which 
the  notiee  appeara ,  hy  leaving  at  the  Com  - 
mi8fioa«t**.efllce  partieulara  In  writing  of 
the  o^eetion  to  the  appUoation. 


WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENT*. 

Seabd  March  9, 1805. 

1988.  William  Naah  and  John  Jewell. 
1990.  Auguite  Edouard  Loradoui  Bell- 
ford. 
2001.  William  Bramwell  Hayea. 
2007.  John  William  Perkins. 
2032.  Aoguste  Edouard  Loradoux  BelU  ^ 

2036.  Auguate  Edouard  Loradoux  Bell- 

ford. 
2068.  George  Speoeer, 
2076.  Jonathan  Edge. 
2189.  Thomas  Edwm  Moore. 
2226.  Auguate  Edouard  Loradoux  Bell- 
ford. 
2680.  Frederie /o1i:f. 
2610.  Chriatian  Henry  Richard   Xhert 
and  LJppmann  Jneob  Lawiiehn. 
2688.  Robert  Walker. 
2744.  Jamea  Kaamyth. 
1856: 

IM.  Charlea  Van  den  Bergh. 

20^3.  Jamas  K«r^w« 
2045.  Henry  Holliiid. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


264 

2000. 
2089. 
2127. 
21S4. 
2141. 
242?. 
2761. 


MOnCBS  TO  OOBBBSPQinMEMTB. 


Robert  MeCoBaeL 

Charlec  William  Lancaster. 

John  Kerthaw. 

Thomas  Crossley. 

Enoch  Oldfield  TindalL 

James  Buchanan. 

Thomas  Slater  and  Joseph  TalL 


\%65: 


and 


41.  Charles  John  Edwards,  Jun.» 

FiedeijclL  Frasi. 
71.  John  Norton. 
79.  Augosto  Edouard  Londonz  Bell- 

ford. 


100.  Joseph  Edlyn  Outridge. 
The  above  Patente  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  Provisional  Protection  was 
granted    for  the  several  inventions  men- 
tioned therein.  ^ 

NOTICSS  TO  CORRESPONDBNTS. 

C— We  will  peblish  the  papers  yon  kindljr  teat 
la  onr  next  niuilMr,  tf  w«  eaa  make  loom  for 
them:  If  not  then,  ss  soon  as  b  eoBTenient. 

R,  jr.— >We  pnrpoee  putUsblnf  a  descilption  of 
the  pump  rptt  mention  at  onr  earliest  opportunity. 

O,  il.— >Tonr  questions,  whkh  eame  to  hand 
late,  shall  be  replied  te  in  ear  next. 

7.  B.-^Tooxa  reached  us  too  Isto  tor  insertion 
thb  week. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

VMactilM  tlM  PvoranllMi  of  Palwti 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Coontries,  and  the  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents,    Coete  of  Provisional  Protection— £10  10s. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN.  and  Co.,  "Mechanics'  Magasine  and 

Patent  Office,"  166,  Fleet^treet,  London. 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


Bnrfess*s  Patent  Improrements  in  Reaptng 

and  Mowing-BBachtnes-KwMk  mgra9im§t) ...  Ml 
DUputes  In  the  Royal  and  Royal  Astronomleal 

Soeletlee...... S4S 

On  the  Manulketure  of  Iron.— Renten*s  Me- 

thod  of  makinf  Malleahle  Iron M6 

Proftasor  Callaa's  New  Maynooth  Single-fltttd 

Battery............................................. U9 

On  Steam  and  Salltn;  Colliers SfO 

New  Rale  of  the  Amerloaa  Patent  Office  ......  S51 

Reply  to  "  A.  H."  on  the  Moon's  Motion 151 

Profeasor  W.  Thomaon  on  the.  Lumlnlferoua 

1C0U11UU     ••••••eeaoO*  #*•»«•  ••e  •**e  ••••••  *««B«»eo*  •■••••  eo«    SvSi 

On  the  Indlnted  Ilorse-power  of  Steam  En- 

flnes - IM 

MechanleallUuatnttonsofAstiononiy  .........  SM 

Parker's  Furnace  ^ m....mm....m....m..m  U5 

The  BennmMng  Influence  of  Ice... S56 

Speeifleations  of  PatenU  reeently  Filed : 


ftliongsdon. 
Jones  ...M. ....... 

Oilst  ............. 

Cooley  ........... 


iaeqnelain  ....... 

Johnson 

Meriwether ....... 

Meriwether ....... 

Hancock ........... 

Newton m..... 

Blunt  ft  Watson. 

Smith 

Norton  ............. 


..Slac 

...Redueing  Ores 

-.Caaks  ................... 

...OloToa  ................ 

...Lnbileatinc .......... 

...Oaa «.... 

...Carding'apparstus ., 


..Solka,  ftc.  ...M.M.. 

..Inkstands  .* 

,.Cardlng>enjlne8  . 
..  ArtlOelal  Fuel .... 
..Pianofortes  ...m.. 
..An  Igniter  ........ 


...  SS6 

...  sse 

...  157 
...  S57 
...  S57 

...  S57 
«.  «67 
...  U7 
...  S57 

...  m 

...  U7 
...  S57 
...  t58 
...  IM 


Curtis,  Rhodes,  ft 

Wain  M.....M ...... Sninning  .««.«..«....«  I5t 

B«rard ......Gas,  fto....................  tH 

Fairhaira  ft  Qreen- 

wood  ....^..........FihroQaMatariala  ......  t5t 

BouTot  ............... Pumpe  ....................  IM 

Brooke  ......... ^....Conauniing  SaBeke...M.  t58 

Hayter  ..............  Raaor-stropa......M.......  IM 

Chateanneuf......... Washing  .............m...  259 

Fontainemoreau...  Illuminating ^  f59 

Tuck  ..................Packings  for  Machinery  159 

Bessemer ...... M*M.Oans  ............m, .........  tse 

Woodeoek... ......... Fumaeea  ...................  t59 

Wall ........ Pottery  ........... ..  15* 

Oedge... ............ ...Augers  ......  ...m.  .........  S5S 

Smith  ft  PhUUps...Joinlng  Pipes  ............  S59 

Prerlsional  Spedflcailons  not  Proeeedod  with : 

Beaton  ....M......M.Telegraphs tSS 

Buchanan... .........Marine  Engines  m.^....  iS$ 

Frost  .M...M... ..Fumaieea  ...m..m...m.m.  ttO 

Hemeka  ........ ...Pin  cope.....................  tSO 

Froggart ...... ......Fatty  Bodies  ..........  SiO 

Sklnnor..........Rallway  Points  ........  SiO 

Davey  ...........Consuming  Smoke....  Mt 

Kermeal ....... ...Preaerring  Meate  .....  SSt 

Froriaional  Proteetlona  .....................  SSg 

Patent  Applied  for  with  Complete  Speeiflea- 

Nottee'orAppi'lM^im'for'^^ 


Applieation  Ihr  Prolongation  of  Jackee*  Patent  MS 
Notloeo  of  Intention  te  Proceed..............  Set 

List  of  Sealed  Patente  ......................  SU 

Notlees  te  Correspondento ..................  St« 


LONDON:  JEdlled,  Printed,  and  Puhllahed  by  Richard  Arohlbald  Broomaa,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-street, 
to  the  City  of  London.-6old  by  A.  and  W.  OaUgnanl,  Roe  TiTleaae»  Pads;  Maehin,  and  Co., 
W.  C  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hanhorf. 


■  Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1650.]  SATURDAY,   MARCH  24,  1855.  [Tt^^i'^i. 

EdiUd  by  R.  A.  Brooman ,  166,  Fleet-street. 


TENDALL  AND  TROTTER'S  PATENT  ORE  CRUSHER. 


VOL.   LXII. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


266 
TENDAtL  AND  TROTTER'S  PATKNT  ORB  CRUSHER. 

(Patent  duted  January  17, 1 85i.) 

Messrs.  Tendall  and  Trotter,  of  LondoA,  ha?e  patented  improvements  in  ma* 
cfainery  for  crushing,  washing,  and  amalgamating  ores,  which  consist  in  the  employment 
of  a  heavy  hody,  the  base  of  which  is  made  to  form  an  aoute  angle  on  either  side  of  a 
perpendicular  line  drawn  through  its  centre,  and  which  must  be  tilted  upon  one  side  in 
order  to  make  it  revolve  upon  its  base.  The  body,  which  is  by  preference  of  a  conical 
form,  revolves  in  a  metal  basm,  and  is  held  therein  by  a  pin  projecting  upwards  from  the 
centre  of  the  basin  ;  this  pin  fits  into  an  apertare  in  the  bottom  of  the  crushing  body,  the 
upper  part  of  which  is  held  by  a  pin  which  fits  into  a  slot  cut  in  the  arms  of  a  wheel  con- 
nected with  bevil  gearing,  by  which  the  body  is  put  in  motion.  "  From  the  peculiar 
form  of  this  crusher,  and  the  manoor  III  wbiob  It  it  supported,"  say  the  inventors, 
"a  cone  of  considerable  weight  may  bt  vauMd  to  fVf^lrt  with  a  trifling  expenditure 
of  power.* » 

Fig.  1  of  the  engranogt  on  thi  prtoeding  pag«  is  an  •lefftdon,  and  fig.  2  a  vertical 
section  of  tiM  mMbmo.  ''a a,*'  $nj»  the  specification  of  tho  patontees,  «is  a  stout 
wrought  or  eatt-iron  casing,  formed  In  sections  or  parts  (br  oon?onlence  of  carriage; 
these  are  secured  together  by  means  of  bolts  and  nuts,  as  shown.  The  casing  is 
secured  in  a  similar  manner  to  a  heavy  wrought  or  east  metallic  baaln.  h,  in  which  the 
crushing  body  rotates  i  the  basin,  h,  rests  upon  and  If  supported  by  a  strong  wooden 
or  motallic  framing,  e.  Below  the  basin  and^  wlUtln  the  framing  Is  a  pan  or  trough,  d 
One  or  more  opentngi,  e,  ore  made  in  the  oasing,  a,  and  through  these  openings  the 
material  to  bo  crushed  Is  M,  either  by  hand  or  by  hoppers,  or  other  suitable  means 
adapted  to  the  partleular  uso  to  whiok  tho  maehino  Is  applied.  //  are  pipes  or  shoots 
for  conveying  the  ground  snbstance  to  tho  trough»  4i  too  apertoroe  in  the  casing,  a, 
leading  to  tnese  pipes  or  shoots  are  eovored  with  wire  net  work,  to  prevent  all  but  tlie 
finest  partioloi  powlng  through,  g  Is  a  ehannel  for  eonveying  the  pulverized  matter  to 
the  trough)  hf  whioh  Is  fitted  with  a  serlee  of  wire  work  soroons  which  reuin  ail  the 
solid  matter  within  the  trongh,  the  refUso  water  alone  passing  through  them.  I  is  a  Up  by 
whteh  the  water  and  other  matter  la  the  lower  part  of  tho  machine  may  be  run  off  when 
deslrod.  To  the  upper  part  of  tho  oasingi  «,  Is  bolted  the  rim,  k,  within  which  the 
horisontal  wheel.  I,  rotates,  to  the  axis  or  which  is  keyed  a  bevil  wheel,  m,  in  gear 
with  a  similar  wheel,  n ;  the  shaft,  o,  of  the  wheel,  n,  is  supported  by  bearings,  p,  fitted 
in  tho  standards,  qq;  to  the  outer  end  of  the  shaft,  o,  is  fitted  a  handle,  r,  if  the 
machine  is  to  be  actuated  by  manual  power,  or  with  bevil  gear  or  fast  and  loose  pullies, 
if  steam  power  be  used.  The  form  of  the  crushing  body,  which  we  designate  the 
'  cone,'  and  internal  arrangement  of  the  machine  are  shown  by  fig.  2.  t  is  the  metal 
cone  (  this  may  bo  ooft  or  wrought  in  separate  parts  for  more  readily  conveying  it  from 
place  to  plaoo  i  tho  bose  of  this  cone  forms  two  aoute  angles,  with  a  perpendicular  line 
drawn  through  the  oontro  of  it*  The  uppor  part  of  tbo  oone  terminates  in  a  solid  pin 
or  stud.  An  aperture  If  lofl  In  tho  sldo  of  tno  oono»  oo  that  it  may  be  filled  with  any 
solid  or  liquid  body  to  Inoreaso  its  weight*  Whoo  tbo  eono  reets  on  the  ba«n  of  the 
maohlne  it  leans  over  upon  ono  sldo,  tbo  whole  of  Its  weight  beinff  thrown  upon  the 
comparatively  small  space  immediately  bonoath  It,  and  It  Is  rotolned  In  this  position  by 
tho  pin,  t,  which  projeete  (torn  the  centre  of  the  basin  and  fits  the  orlfiee,  t,  m  the  base 
of  the  oone  i  the  pin  «,  at  the  top  of  the  oone  passes  through  a  slot  in  the  wheel,  / ;  the 
slot  is  made  long  enough  to  allow  the  pin,  «,  to  traveno  to  and  (to  therein  f  at  the  inner 
end  of  the  slot  a  piece  of  vuleanif  ed  India-rubber,  g,  la  seeurtd  by  a  wedge.  The 
obfool  of  this  arrangement  is  to  allow  the  cone  to  roll  over  any  large  pioeoa  or  other 
Bubstaneo  that  may  get  beneath  it  (  the  pin,  v,  traverolng  freely  in  the  slot  of  the  wheel, 
I,  odmits  of  this  freedom  of  motion,  tho  India-rubber  loMonlog  tho  ellbct  of  a  tndden 
jei1(.  When  the  machine  is  put  in  action  a  quantity  of  quarto  or  other  mineral  or 
subsConoo  to  be  crushed  is  put  into  the  maohine  by  ths  apparatus*  #•  and  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  water  added  to  It ;  tho  cone  is  put  in  motion,  and  tho  ground  material  fiows 
through  the  tubes,  //,  into  tho  trough,  d.  and  from  theneo  the  lighter  portion  is  carried 
oiT  through  the  channel,  g,  by  •  stream  of  water  supplied  to  tho  maehino,  to  the  trough, 
A,  tho  wire  network  placed  before  the  opeuingo  of  which  orrests  all  the  solid  substance, 
allowing  only  the  water  and  soluble  matters  to  run  ofT  to  waste,  leaving  the  finely- 
ground  mineral  perleetly  washed,  and  in  a  fit  state  for  any  subsequent  operation.  If 
the  process  of  amalgamation  be  performed  simultaneoualy  with  the  crushing,  then  a 
quantity  of  mercury  b  put  into  the  trough,  d,  by  removing  one  of  the  pipes  leading 
thereto,  or  a  separate  channel  or  tube  may  be  fitted  for  the  purpose ;  the  trough,  d,  may 
be  heated  to  the  requisite  temperature  either  by  steam  or  other  convenient  meana.    Aa 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


DISPUTES  IN  TH]S  BOYAL  AND  ^7AI^  AST^NOMJOAL  SQCIKT^Sg.         267 

the  gol4  pombipei  wilb  the  mercury  t1)9  puherize^  quarts  it  Qarried  off  a«  before 
described  ;  the  auudgam  may  be  remo?ed  from  the  trough,  d,  by  a  pipe  or  tube,  v,  fitted 
to  the  bottom. 

"Jo  the  tonfowg  we  have  deaoribed  the  improved  crualuog  machine,  and  ita  appli* 
cation  to  cruahmg  (juartz  and  other  mineraU  only,  but  it  will  be  obvious  that  the 
machine  ia  equally  applicable  to  the  prushing  an4  grinding  of  other  aubstaftces  and 
materials  as  veil  a«  minerals," 


DISPUTES  IN  THE  EOTiX  AND  HOYAL  ASTHONOMICAl.  SOCIETIES, 

(CoDslsderil  from  p.  Mt.*) 

ia  Mr.  Sheepshanks,  and  the  subject  he 
w1)o  gave  to  the  light  the  humiliating 
tranaacrions  of  that  gentleman  before  dia. 
cussed,  there  will  be  no  room  to  wonder 
ft  their  bitterness,   and  no  necessity,   we 


Wn  are  fblly  persuaded  that  the  "  Re- 
viewer "  mentioned  in  our  laat  paper  inust 
have  known  Mr.  Sheepshanks  well,  and 
have  acted  upon  his  knowledge,  when  he 
urged  the  reverend  gentleman  to  publish 
his  defence.  It  was,  to  say  the  least,  aQ 
"  unkind  cut."  For  it  is  evident  that  no 
one  could  have  dealt  more  injuriously  wltli 
the  case  than  the  defendant  He  aadly  lacks 
mastery  both  of  himself  and  of  his  sulject. 
PUT  that  he  had  no  "  friend"  at  his  elbow 
with  gentleness  enough  to  purge  his  sar> 
eaam  of  some  of  ita  savageness,  and  with 
sense  enough  to  hav9  instilled  a  little  more 
wisdom  Into  his  wit ! — to  have  nut  Into  thiS 
hand  of  the  combatant  the  handle  apd  no| 
the  blade  o(  his  weapon^to  have  furnished 
him  with  other  missiles  than  those  of  the 
boomerang  charapteri  which  return  a^d 
amite  the  sender ! 

Throughout  the  *'  l^etter  "  there  is  a  sad 
deficiency    of    tact,    polish,    and    UUrary 

"  What  boots  It,  tby  vtrtust 


What  profit  thy  parts  f 
IHitle  ooe  thtac  tnou  lacl 
The  art  ef  all  arts  < 


The  QtkXf  eiedeDtfals, 

Passport  to  tuccesi, 
Opens  eastle  and  parlour— 

Addnsa,  man,  Address  I" 

Mr.  Sabbage,  we  aboold  think,  ooul4 
wiah  fat  no  ampler  or  more  elaborAte  con. 
flfmation  of  the  alleged  habit  of  <*  dispa. 
ragement "  practised  by  Mr.  Sheepahanka 
than  is  to  be  found  in  the  pagea  of  the 
"  Letter  "  before  ua.  In  it  ao  unmitigated 
are  the  depreciatory  passages,  particularly 
those  directed  againat  Sir  J.  South,  that  the 
author  must  have  written  them  in  entire 
Ibrgetfnlneaa  of  the  fact, 

**  net  he  «M>  tk»  /arthu$  who  goas  Ihr  enough. 
And  that  aU  berend  thatis  Jnel  holbfc  and  stair." 

We  shall  not  occupy  onrseivea  with  a 
reply  to  his  proftise  aod*^ contradictory  critir 
oisms  of  Sir  James's  character  and  abilities. 
When  it  Is  remembered   that  the  author 

•  Mfrmimm.—ln  the  former  part  of  this  artiele 

(for  whieh  he  hfd  previously  so* 

~  '     IS  II  and  II,  shottid 


pUedV'  on  P*  S4«*  eol.  S,  Upas  II  and  1 
nave  followed  the  woids, "  pengusiioii  to 
instrument  ia  d«^  ftoe,"  Ones  M  aii4  ltf» 


Mag  the 


conceive,  tp^demonstrate  their  Inmstice.  If 
Sir  James  thinks  otherwise,  it  will  certainly 
cost  him  but  little  trouble  to  deal  effectively 
with  that  which  contains  its  own  refutation. 

We  may,  however,  remark,  before  passing 
to  new  considerations,  that  the  alleged  con> 
tinuance  of  the  intimacy  of  Sir  James  with 
Mr.  Sheepshanks  after  the  Custom-house 
transaction  ^ay  be  susceptible  of  many 
aatisfactory  ezplanationa.  For  instance,  it 
may  have  resulted  firom  a  peculiar  pertin^^ 
city  in  the  companionship  of  Mr.  Sheep- 
shanks, {t  is  not  always  in  the  power  of  a 
man  to  break  effectually  with  a  disagree- 
able associate ;  and  it  is  not  every  Gfanville 
(to  take  ratber  a  bad  illustration)  that  has  a 
devoted  Pelham  to  liberate  him  from  the 
insolent  intrusions  of  a  boisterous  Thorn- 
ton. Tlien,  again,  what  forqe  is  there  in  the 
appeal,  "  I  think  it  will  be  admitted  that  I 
had  now  gjven  Sir  James  South  sufficient 
provocation  to  set  loose  hjs  tongue,  if  he 
had  any  disgraceful  charge  to  make  against 
me/'  when  it  has  already  been  admitted  by 
Mr,  Sheepshanks  himself,  that  Sir  James 
had  the  disgraceful  charges  of  fraud  and 
the  authorization  of  forgery  to  make  against 
him,  and  yet  withheld  them  ui>til  18^2  7 
But  we  must  pass  on. 

The  difficulties  met  by  Mr.  Sheepshanks 
in  dealing  with  the  statements  of  Mr.  Bab- 
bage  must  certainly  have  been  great,  and 
hia  reply  demonstrates  his  embarrassment. 
Mr.  Babbage  is  a  man  of  acknowledged 
genius  and  probity.  We  know  of  no  living 
author  or  man  of  science  who  has  given 
more  striking  proofs  than  he  of  the  posses- 
sion of  those  faculties  by  which  the  boun- 
daries of  knoiyledge  are  extended  and  the 
mechanical  arte  improved.  It  may  be  true 
that  less  haa  proceeded  from  him  than  might 
have  been  anticipated,  judging  from  his 
early  literary  efforts,  and  from  the  uncom- 
mon mental  resourcea  which  were  exhibited 
ia  the  conception  and  development  of  those 
ealeulatins  machiues,  which  have  rendered 
hl#  name  &in<mi  'm  att  ff»}tiyAt«d  »amamai^ 


02 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


268 


DISPUTES  IN  THE  BOYAL  AND  AOTAI.  ASTBONOMICAL  SOCIETIES. 


ties.  But  if  it  should  be  shown,  as  it  pro- 
bably might,  that  his  action  has  been  re- 
stricted by  the  machinatioiia  of  men  who, 
having  not  a  tithe  of  his  genius,  ha?e  con- 
trived  to  eneomber  his  path  with  unnatural 
obstructions,  the  fact  would  only  serve  to 
arm  us  with  indignation  against  his  adver- 
saries. But  be  this  as  it  may,  the  past 
labours  of  Mr.  Babbage  have  been  suffi- 
ciently illustrious  to  give  to  him  a  very 
eminent  position  in  the  world  of  science, 
and  to  shed  over  his  name  a  brightness  that 
is  associated  only  with  extraordinary  endow- 
ments. In  assailing  the  positions  of  Mr. 
Babbage,  Mr.  Sheepshanks  is  therefore  com- 
pelled to  resort  to  the  use  of  other  instru- 
ments than  those  he  would  have  employed 
against  a  less  protected  opponent  His  in- 
genuity furnishes  him  with  three  modes  of 
assault,  which  are  all  that  we  think  it  neces- 
sary to  mention  here. 

He  first  suggests  that  Mr.  Babbage,  in 
all  that  relates  to  the  reverend  author,  is  the 
victim  of  maniacal  hallucinations.  He  says, 
*'  To  this  gentleman  I  have  been  for  some 
years  a  very  bugbear,— one  to  whom  he  has 
ascribed  all  sorts  of  injuries,  calamities,  and 
persecutions,  and  with  such  confidence  that 
I  fear  some  unsuspecting  people,  ignorant  of 
his  malady,  may  believe  him.  f  have  no 
hope  of  removing  his  monomania,  nor,  so 
far  as  I  am  personally  concerned,  do  I 
mind  what  Mr.  Babbage  may  think  of  me. 
I  know  I  should  be  very  sorry  to  be  tried 
for  burning  St  Paul's,  if  he  were  on  the 
jury,  at  the  Old  Bailey.  I  ftar  he  uwdd 
find  me  guilty ^  and  ttarve  upon  it,  though  he 
had  seen  the  church  t<rfe  and  sound  the  moment 
before  he  took  his  place  in  the  box.**  This  is, 
indeed,  gross  writing.  Of  course,  Mr.  Sheep- 
shanks loses  no  time  in  abandoning  so  ab- 
surd an  hypothesis  as  he  here  puts  forth ; 
but  then  what  can  be  thought  of  an  indi. 
vidtial  who  feels  no  compunction  in  dealing 
thus  unscrupulously  witn  the  characters  of 
eminent  men  ?  If  he  can  go  to  such  lengths 
"  upon  the  housetops,"  what  would  he  shrink 
from  speaking  **  in  the  ear  in  closets"  ?  Does 
he  not  himself  put  it  out  of  our  power  to 
believe  him  incapable  of  almost  any  "  dis- 
paragement "  f  Let  our  readers  contrast  the 
foregoing  paragraph  with  the  spirit  and 
manners  that  are  common  among  instructed 
persons,  if  they  would  truly  estimate  the 
character  of  the  writer.  As  we  read  it,  we 
can  but  recall  to  mind  the  language  of  a 
respected  correspondent,  whom  an  untimely 
death  has  recently  removed  from  us.*  Mak- 

•  We  take  this  opportunity  of  expresilnf  our 
deep  regret  at  the  accident  by  which  the  late  Mr. 
C.  Blachford  lianifield  met  with  hie  lamenUble 
death.  Engaged,  ai  was  his  wont,  in  the  pursuits 
of  experimental  science,  he  accidentally  spilt  open 
hit  garmenta  an  inflammable  fluid,  which  ignited 
and  burnt  for  some  time  unassuaged.    He  at  last 


ing  allusion,  in  a  private  communication,  to 
a  charge  brought  against  him  by  an  indi- 
vidual who,  though  far  less  rude  than  Mr. 
Sheepshanks,  had  written  with  rashness,  he 
says,  "  When  he  accuses  me  of  dishonour- 
able  conduct,  he  makes  my  whole  man  sick." 

We  have  no  wish  to  exaggerate  the  fiiults 
of  Mr.  Sheepshanks.  To  see  him  con  tin  ually 
wounding  his  own  reputation,  as  he  does 
t!hroughout  this  "  Letter,"  gives  us,  we  are 
certain,  more  pain  than  he  is  able  to  con- 
ceive. But  we  must  not  sacrifice  the  greater 
to  the  less.  If  tiie  author  had  exercised 
his  bellicose  and  mischievous  propensities 
in  a  less  presumptuous  manner,  we  should 
have  held  our  peace  ;  as  it  is,  we  are  com- 
pelled to  efiTect  his  condemnation  by  quoting 
his  defence. 

Mr.  Sheepshanks  having  to  resort  to  a 
charge  of  madness  against  Mr.  Babbage,  aa 
a  cover  for  his  own  defence,  afterwards  adopts 
another  common  but  extreme  expedient  in 
further  attempting  to  weaken  the  eflfects 
of  the  simple  but  severe  statements  re- 
corded in  the  "  Decline  of  Science  "  and 
the  "  Exposition  of  1851."  He  says,  "  Mr. 
Babbage  wished  to  be  secretary  "  (of  the 
Royal  Society),  "  and  he  conceived  that  the 
president  (Davy,  I  believe)  was  favourable 
to  his  appointment.  Whether  Davy  changed 
his  mind,  or  whether  Da  vies  Gilbert,  who 
succeeded  him,  did  not  hold  himself  bound 
to  carry  out  the  intention  of  his  predecessor, 
or  whether  Mr.  Babbage  deceived  himself, 
I  do  not  know;  but  I  do  know — for  I 
heard  it  from  Mr.  Babbage — that  he  quar- 
relled with  the  Royal  Society  because  it  did 
not  get  rid  of  the  president,  who  had  done 
him  such  an  injustice  as  to  reject  him  as 
secretary.  He  had  a  notion,  too,  which 
struck  me  at  the  time  as  a  very  crazy  one — 
that  there  was  some  underhand  dealing,  and 
that  he  had  been  invited  to  be  a  candidate 
to  give  Mat  to  Captain  Sabine.  With  this 
key,  I  think  '  The  Decline  of  Science '  will 
be  much  more  intelligible  to  the  greneral 
reader  Hf  any  reader  there  be  of  that  work) 
than  it  has  been  hitherto." 

To  say  that  the  source  from  which  charges 
of  this  kind  spring  is  so  common  among 
men  that  they  are  listened  to  with  eagerness, 
is  only  to  add  another  to  the  many  existing 
examples  of  human  depravity.  It  is  quite 
true  tliat  men  have  an  appetite  for  imputa- 
tions like  the  foregoing,  and  but  few,  we 
should  think,  understand  the  craving  better 
than  Mr.  Sheepshanks.  He  doubtless  knows, 
also,  how  rapidly  and  effectually  the  leaven 
of  their  influence  spreads  through  the  entire 


succeeded  in  plunging  into  the  canal  near  to  hl> 
laboratory,  but  not  until  he  had  sustained  injuries 
which,  after  a  few  days,  unhappily  proved  fatal. 
In  him  we  have  lost  a  man  of  great  vtrtoe,  and  of 
high  scientiflo  attainments. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


DISPUIES  IN  THE  BOYAL  AND  BOYAL  ASTRONOMICAL  SOCIETIES. 


269 


lump  of  a  man's  ehaneter  and  conduct  Oct 
men  to  believe  that  the  pencil  of  the  painter 
18  steeped  in  the  paltry  colours  of  his  own 
nYsriee  and  Tanity,  and  they  turn  with  dis- 
gust from  his  picture !    But,  happily,  it  is 
also  true  that,  beneath  the  prurient  surface 
of  the  common  mind,  there  is  a  hidden  but 
enduring  spirit  of  justice  and  honour,  which 
eorrectii  momentary  errors,  and  lostbes  no- 
thing more  than  successes  won  by  slanders. 
The  facu  connected  with  the  nomination 
of  Mr.  Babbage  to  the  Secretaryship  of  the 
Royal  Society   are  not  only  not  as  Mr. 
Sheepshanks  describes,  but  are  such  as  to 
rend^  it  impossible  for  any  one  to  entertain 
the  opinion  that  he  seeks  so  skilfully  to 
establish.    The  fact  Appears    to    be,  that 
some  eminent  persons  in  The  Roval  Society, 
amongst  them   Mr.  (now  Sir  J.)  Herschel, 
were    anxious   that    Mr.    Babbage  should 
fill  the  office  of  secretary,  and,  after  obtain- 
ing  his  consent  to  accept  the  post,  were 
induced  to  abandon   their  intention  by  a 
counter  influence,   of  which,  we  believe, 
Sir  H.  Davy  was  the  organ.    The  opposition 
to  Mr.  Babbage's  appointment  was  of  a 
character  which,  in  our  judgment,  the  gen- 
tlemen who  had  invited  him  to  become  a 
candidate  ought  to  have  effectually  resisted, 
as  they  might  have  done ;  but,  unhappily, 
men  possessed  of  high  scientific  attainments 
are  not  always  endowed  with  moral  force 
enough  to  root  out  the  corruption  which  is 
fostered  in  all  great  societies.    We  do  not 
loiow  that  Mr.  Babbage  has  ever  made  any 
secret  of  the  fact  that  he  did  disapprove  of 
the  part  taken  by  some  on  that  occasion, 
nor  do  we  think  any  sensible  person  will 
consider  secresy  necessary  under  such  cir- 
cumstances.  Mr.  Sheepshanks  might  natu- 
rally enough  have  held  his  peace,  andtought 
a  nbtequent  nomhuuUm  ;  but  there  could  be 
no  reason  why  a  man  like  Mr.  Babbage,  who 
would  have  carried  honour  to  the  office,  and 
whose  nomination  certainly  did  "  give  iclat 
to  Captain  Sabine,"  should  so  demean  him- 
self. We  say  Mr.  Babbage's  nomination  did 
give  fylai  to  Capt.  Sabine ;  it  did,  but  it  was 
when  CaptSabine  wasnominated  the  year  fol- 
lowing  the  invitation  given  to  Mr.  Babbage. 
Tlietwocandidateswere  not  competitors.  We 
might  enter  into  statemenu  which  would 
prove. how  little  Mr.  Babbage  had   to  do 
with  his  own  nomination  to  the  office,  and 
how  justly  he  complained  of  having  had  his 
name  and  fame  used  as  a  convenience  by 
Royal  Society  officers;  but  to  do  so  falls 
scarcely  within  our  province.  We  have  said 
enough  to  show  that  the  only  *'  key  *'  pre- 
sented  by  Mr.  Sheepshanks  to  the  "  Decline 
of  Science,"  is  one  which  admits  us  still 
further  into  the  evil  secrets  and  mysteries 
which  Mr.  Babbage  might  have  refrained 
firom  revealing  with  great  advantage  to  him- 


self, but  which  he  has,  at  much  to  his  hurt 
as  lo  his  honour,  made  known  and  de- 
nounced.  We  are  persuaded  that  the  quali- 
ties of  courage  and  integrity  have  made  Mx. 
Babbage  hateftil  to  many  to  whom  the  oppo- 
sites  of  these  virtues  would  have  endeared 
him. 

There  are  other  points  somewhat  analo- 
gous to  the  foregoing.mooted  in  Mr.  Sheep- 
shanks' pamphlet,  but  we  should  weary  our 
readers  if  we  attempted  to  draff  them 
through  so  dreary  a  series  of  perxonuities  as 
they  constitute.  The  Astronomer  Royal 
fetM  dreadfully  dosed  with  the  praises  of  an 
individual  from  whom  he  appears  unable  to 
free  himself.  We  do  feel  an  unaffected  pity 
for  him.  If  anything  we  have  said,  or  have 
to  say,  should  prove  a  bitter  cup  to  the 
author,  none,  we  should  think,  will  be  more 
grateful  to  us  than  Mr.  Airy.  We  know 
not  whether  a  too  zealous  friend  or  an 
enemy  be  the  greater  affliction  to  a  man,  but 
we  can  scarcely  imagine  it  possible  for  the 
powers  of  satire  and  malignity  combined 
to  harass  an  individual  more  than  a  fri»nd 
who  will  praise  you  without  stint — in  season 
and  out  of  season ;  especially  if  you  are  a 
public  man  I 

The  Calculating  and  Analytical  Machines 
of  Mr.  Babbage  afibrd  the  occasion  of  the 
third  portion  of  Mr.  SheepRhanks'  stric- 
tures  upon  Mr.  Babbage.  He  says,  "  I 
have  always  condemned  Mr.  Babbage* s  con- 
duct in  not  giving  a  satisfactory  account  of 
'  the  Calculating  Machine,'  and  the  reasons 
of  its  failure,  but  without  pretending  to 
judge  of  the  machine  itself,  about  which  I 
never  felt  any  interest."  Tbe  machines  are 
also  spoken  of  slightingly  on  the  last  page 
of  the  pamphlet,  although  the  author  is  in- 
duced to  add,  "  If  my  friends  had  treated 
me  Proteus  fashion,  and  applied  thumb, 
screws,  I  should  have  advised  that  the  Cal^ 
eulating  MaOtine  should  be  finished  under 
Mr.  Babbage's  direction  (with,  perhaps, 
some  little  control  over  the  purse),*  and  that 
the  second,  or  AnalyHeal  Maehin$,  should  be 
postponed  till  the  completion  of  the  former. 
Although  the  machine  might  have  been  of 
little  value  for  actual  calcnlation,  it  would 
have  been  something  to  have  had  a  piece  of 
machinery  which  would  calculate.  The 
country  would  have  been  better  satisfied,  I 
think,  and  we  should  at  least  have  had  a 
clever  toy  for  our  money.  It  is  very  likely 
that  some  of  tbe  contrivances  would  have 
found  useful  applications  elsewhere,  and 
that  the  novelties  would  have  fructified  in 
other  brains.    The  possibility  of  these  in- 

*  Mr.  Sheepshanks,  on  page  64,  In  reference  to 
Mr.  Babbace's  intercourie  with  the  Oovemment 
on  tbe  engines,  says,  "  I  need  not  say  that  I  have 
^ways  leonted  any  charge  of  pecuniary  dis- 
honesty." 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


370 


DISPUTBB  IK  T^S  BOTAL  ANP  B07AL  ASTBOVOiaOAIi  ^OCIBTIES. 


lUrect  a4F»ntagtt  »bould  alwayB  reokon  ipr 
something  when  new  scheme*  lure  pro. 
pounded.  I  have  understood  that,  in  the 
hands  of  Mr.  Clement,  the  construction  of 
the  Calculating  Machine  formed  a  school  of 
better  Vtorkmanship  than  had  hitherto 
existed.  If  it  tended  to  develop  the  taleutf 
of  Mr.  Joseph  Whitworlh,  the  coat  hM  bten 
amply  repaid." 

M  a  final  »nsFe]r  tp  all  that  Mr*  $hft0p- 
9hanks  h^  said,  or  may  yet  say,  upon  this 
subject,  we  will  give  an  extract  f^po)  the 
''Address  of  the  Rigbt  Honourable  the 
Ear)  of  Rossa,  ftp.,  &c.,  &c.,  the  Preaident, 
delivered  at  the  Anniversary  Meeting  of  the 
Eoyal  Society,  on  Thursday,  Noveniber  30, 
Wi"*  To  do  this  will  s^ve  «8  trouble, 
and  be  the  most  effectual  answer  that  can 
be  presented. 

**  You  are  all,  gentlement  no  doubt  aw^xa 
that  in  1828  vour  epupci),  at  the  request  of 
the  Lords  of  the  Treasury,  appointed  a 
committee  to  report  upon  Mr.  Babbage's 
plan  for  the  construction  of  a  calculating 
ipiaohine,  which  he  called  a  difference- 
engine.  The  ooD)p)ittee,  J  peed  hardly  say, 
was  composed  of  men  eminent  for  their 
theoretical  and  practical  acquaintance  with 
such  subjects:  that  comu)ittee  reoorn- 
meiided  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury  to  aasist 
Mr.  Babbage  in  carrying  out  his  und^fr 
taking.  The  Lorda  of  the  Treasury  ap^ 
quiesced,  and  the  work  w^  proceeded  with, 
Mr.  Babbage  exercising  a  constant  apd 
vigilant  superintendence,  furnishinit  ^^ 
designs,  making  the  computations,  iu  faot 
supnlying  all  the  theoretical  requirements, 
while  the  Government  supplied  the  manual 
labour  and  raiv  materials.  In  the  thep 
backward  state  of  mechanical  engineering, 
great  difficulties  were  encountered;  at 
length,  in  1828,  the  Royal  Society  was 
again  consulted  by  Government,  and  the 
result  was  a  report  from  a  committee  to  (h^ 
effect  that  satisfactory  progress  had  been 
made,  considering  the  difficulties,  and  that 
the  engine  was  likely  to  answer  the  expec- 
tations of  its  inventor.  The  council  adopted 
the  report,  and  communicated  it  to  Govern* 
ment,  with  a  strong  recommendation  iu 
favour  of  the  undertaking.  The  Goveru- 
ment  acting  under  that  recommendation  sup. 
plied  further  funds,  on  the  condition  that 
the  engin^e  was  to  oe  public  property,  and 
the  work  proceeded.  In  1830.  the  Royal 
Society  was  again  consulted  oy  Govern- 
ment ;  and  the  couitoil,  acting  as  on  former 
occasions,  appointed  a  committee.  The 
report,  which  was  drawn  up  in  a  detailed 
form,  waa  satisfactory  to  the  Treasury,  and 
the    council   were    mfonned    that    funds 

•  London:  Printed  by  Taylor  and  Francis,  Bed 
Uon-oouit,  Flset-itreet. 


would  be  Bttppli#4  from  time  to  time  till  tlie 
engine  waa  completed.    Very  soon  a  new 
difficulty  occurred ;  it  became  ueoeasary  to 
change  the  engineer,  and  it  was  then  found, 
that  by  the  rules  of  the    trade,  tbo  tools 
whicb  had  been  constructed  at  the  publig 
expense,  were  the  private  property  of  thM 
ongipeer:  there  was  no  oboiee,  therefore, 
but  to  sacrifice  the  tools,  or  to  endeavour  tfi 
efieet  a  cpmpromise  for  a  large  aum^    Thf 
prograsf  of  the  work  vaa  suspended :  there 
was  a  change  of  government    Science  waa 
weighed  againat  gold  by  a  new  standard, 
and  it  waa  resolved  to  proceed  no  furtbei; 
No  enterprise  could  b<kve  had  Ua  begipuiog 
under  more  ^splpjous  circumstances :  t|ia 
Government  had  taken  the  initiative ;  they 
had  called  far  advice,  and  the  adviser  was 
the    highest    aoieuti^c    authority    in    this 
country— your    council,    guided    by    such 
men  as    Davy,  WoUaaton,  and  Heraohel, 
By  your  council  the  undertaking  was  in* 
augurated ;  by  your  council  it  waa  watched 
over  in  its  progress.     Thai  the  first  great 
^ort  tq  emphy  the  power9  rf  caiculating 
meehanitm,  in  aid    qf  the  human  intelleei, 
should  have  been  st^fered  in  this  great  eountrjf 
to  expire   fruitlese,    beeause    there    uhu  uq 
tangible   evidence    qf   immediate   prqfit   ae 
a  Britieh  eui\jeet,  I  deeply  regret,  and,  at  a 
Fellow,  my  regret  itgccompamed  mihfeelinge 
qf  bitter  disappointment*    T^here  a  question 
has  once  beon  disposed  of,  suoceeding  go« 
vernmeiits  rarely  re-opeu  it ;  still  I  thought 
I  should  not  be  doing  my  duty  if  {  did  not 
take  some  opportunity  of  bringing  the  (ketf 
onpe   more  before  government     Cjroum- 
stauces  had  chauged,  mecbanical  engineer- 
ing had  made   much   progreas,  the  toola 
required  and  trained  workmen  were  to  be 
found  in  the  workshops  of  the  leading  me- 
chanists, the  founder's  4rt  waa  so  advanced 
that  casting  bad  been  substituted  for  cutting 
in  making  the  change  wheels,  even  of  screw- 
cutting  engiuiss,  and  therefore  it  waa  very 
probable  that  persons  would  be  found  will, 
ing  to  undertake  to  complete  the  difference 
engine  for  a  apecific  sum? 

"  That  finished,  the  question  would  then 
have  arisen,  bow  far  it  was  advisable  to  en- 
deavour, by  the  same  means,  to  turn  to 
account  the  great  labour  which  had  beeu 
expended  uuder  the  guidance  of  inventive 
powers  the  most  original,  controlled  by  ma- 
thematics of  a  very  nigh  order,  and  which 
had  been  wholly  devoted  for  ao  mauy  yeara 
to  the  great  task  of  carrying  the  powers  of 
calculating  machiuery  to  its  utmoat  limits  t 
B^ore  I  tqoh  any  step,  I  wrote  t9  several 
very  emineot  men  of  science  inquiring 
whether  in  their  opinion  any  great  scientific 
object  would  be  gained,  if  Mr.  Babbage's 
▼iews,  aa  explaiu^d  in  M^nabr^a's  littlf 
essay,  were  eompleuly  realised  ?    Tbi  an- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


KOtA  MAtHEMATICJfi. 


swert  I  received  were  Ittrott^ly  in  (hi  afflfM- 
atif  e.  As  It  wot  necetiary  the  subject  ihtmkt 
h^  laid  before  GMemment  in  a  firm  as  pfnc" 
tieal  as  possible f  I  mrote  to  one  of  oar  nutst 
eminent  meekanleal  engineers  to  inquire  tehe- 
iher  I  shoald  be  safe  in  stating  to  Qoeemment 
that  the  expense  qf  the  eateulating  engine  had 
been  more  them  repaid  in  the  improvements  in 
ihetfkdnism  directly  rrferable  toUt  he  repUed^ 
'  VnquestUmably.*  Fortified  by  these  cpi- 
nions,  I  Btibmitttfd  tlli§  proposition  to  Go- 
ternment: — That  they  should  call  upon  the 
President  of  the  Society  of  (3iril  Engineers 
to  report  whether  It  would  be  practicable  to 
make  k  dorftract  for  the  com|i!etidtt  of  Mr. 
Babbage't  difference  engine,  and  If  so^  for 
what  sunl.  This  was  in  1852,  during  the 
short  fldmiiifstration  of  Lord  Derby,  and  it 
led  to  no  result  The  time  was  unfortunate, 
t  great  political  contest  was  impending,  and 
before  there  was  a  lull  in  politics,  so  thut 
the  toice  of  science  could  oe  heard,  Lord 
Derby's  goremment  was  at  an  end. 

"  Although,  in  Cdttmuhicating  with  Lord 
Derby,  I  was  not  acting  tinder  the  directions 
Of  your  Council,  still,  as  my  object  wafi  to 
induce  the  government  to  complete  a  work 
in  which  this  society  had  tiiken  So  great  an 
interest,  I  conceited  it  to  be  thy  duty  to  lay 
the  facts  before  you,  as  k  basis  to  proceed 
upon,  should  it  hefeafter  be  Considered  ex- 
pedient  to  renew  the  subject" 

The  above  remarks  convey  an  Answer  not 
only  to  the  enemies  of  Mr.  Babbsge,  but 
also  to  much  thut  has  beeti  said  about  the 
eTil  prejudices  treated  by  the  grants  of  the 
government  for  th^  constructioh  of  his 
madhlnes-^to  this  from  Mr.  Sheepshanks 
letter  for  instance :  "  1  have  felt  this  want 
of  explanation  *»  (on  the  part  of  Mr.  Bab- 
bage),  "and  I  think  others  hate  felt  it  too, 
A  Mion  it)  the  path'  when  ftny  application 
for  public  mon^y  was  suggested;**  fb^  it 
now  appears  '*  that  the  expense  of  the  tfal- 
culatinl  eiigine  had  been  more  than  repaid 
in  the  imptovements  in  mechanism  directly 
referable  to  it" !  So  that  really  those  gen- 
tlemen  who  have  done  their  best  to  damage 
Mr.  Babbage's  inventions  with  the  govern- 
raent  have  summoned  up  an  imaginary 
"lion  in  the  path,"  and  impeded  the  exer- 
cise of  those  fostering  ftinctiohs  which  the 
govemmeht  should  always  be  ready  to  em- 
ploy for  the  gettuine  progress  of  the  Urts 
and  sciencea.  The  vindication  Of  Lord 
Rosse  is  surely  suifieiedt  to  sink  the  insi. 


2?1 


nuatiobs  of  d  icore  of  fttieh  individtiids  as 
Mr.  Sheepshanks. 

l^inally  :  The  Only  charge  that  gentleman 
has  to  bring  against  our  predecessor  is,  that 
he  published  articles  in  fkvour  of  Mr.  Bab- 
bage  and  Mh  Adams,  Sir  James  South' i 
letter,  and  the  letter  of  Bxoniensis  an  the 
discovery  ot  the  planet  Neptune.  As  a 
specimen  of  the  manner  in  which  his  com- 
plaints are  ^fjtpresaed  we  quote  the  following  : 
**  I  ftney  thii  Editor  felt  nettled  by  my  re. 
mark,  and,  with  the  meanness  cf  persons 
qfhis  kidney f  has  Itot  himself  to  the  calum- 
nies of  Mr.  Babbage  and  South,  though  he 
might  have  seen  that  they  were  probably 
untrue."  We  will  not  reply  to  so  sensible 
and  moderate  kn  attack  is  that ! 

The  remark  above  referred  to  by  Mr. 
Sheepshanks  was,  that  he  considered  the 
letter  of  ''  Bkoniensis  "  so  tidiculous,  that 
he  supposed  it  wak  a  hoax.  And  yet  the 
only  etpUtiatlon  of  the  Neptune  question 
offered  by  him  is  given  thus :  "  The  Whole 
difficulty  arose  from  Mr.  Adams's  neglect 
in  not  replying  to  the  letter  in  which  Mr. 
Airy  asked,  wnether  the  hew  olanet  would 
account  fbr  the  irregularities  in  the  radius 
f  ector  as  well  as  fbr  tnose  in  the  longitude 
of  Uranus  t  Mr.  Adams  conid  have  an- 
swered this  query  in  five  miUutes,  if  he 
could  have  overcome  the  dislike  he  has  to 
writing  at  all."  Surely  this  is  scarcely  a 
efficient  reason  for  nearly  handing  over 
the  honour  of  one  of  the  greatest  soientlfio 
feats  of  modem  times  into  the  himds  of  a 
Frenchman ! 

In  his  prefkce,  Mr.  Sheepshanks  thinks 
*'this  journal,  too,  had  its  own  induce- 
ment" Well,  all  we  can  say  to  that  is, 
that  Mr.  Sheepshanks  is  at  liberty  to  think 
so  —  it  is  natural  he  should.  We  think 
otherwise,  and  so  will  most  persons  who 
love  other  objects  more  than  scandal,  and 
Other  Gods  more  than  Mammon. 

If  Mr.  Shee))shanks  is  annoyed  with  what 
we  have  written,  he  will  nevertheless  have 
to  thank  us  fbr  our  lenience.  Let  him  try 
to  learn  a  little  wisdom  even  now,  and,  for 
the  future,  distinguish  between  things  that 
are  antagonistic.  Hd  would  do  well  also  to 
remember  that  genuine  virtue  is  of  more 
Worth  than  spurious  wit— that  innocence  is 
better  than  apologies  fbr  crime — and  that 
paltry  partizanahip  i^  opposed  to  the  Wise 
command,  *'  Render  to  all  their  duH." 


i  PUlosophical  Society  t  of  the 


NOTiB  MATHEMATICS. 

(By  T.  T.  WUkinion,  F.R.A.8.,  Member  of  the  Mancheiter  Literary  an 
Historical  Society  of  Lancashire,  ftc.) 

MO.  VI. 

(Ootttiiiuea  from  p.  682,  vol.  Izi.) 
8ino«  th^  death  Of  Pto(^kiQt  DavlOs,  in  i  eigoyed  his  personal  acquaintatioe,  or  were 
January,  lS5i,  several  of  those  who  either  |  fiiTowred  With  bn  eeiritpOBd«iM^  hafO  en- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


NOTiB  MATHEMATIC^B. 


dearonred  to  do  justice  to  his  abilities  as  a 
mathematician,  and  to  his  character  as  a 
man.  Immediately  after  his  decease,  Pro- 
fessor Toung  paid  a  fitting  tribute  to  his 
memory,  in  No.  1431  of  this  Journal;  and 
some  time  afterwards,  Dr.  John  Cockle 
commenced,  and  his  brother,  James  Cockle, 
Esq.,  M.A.,  completed,  a  "Biographical 
Memoir"  of  the  "Great  Geometer,"  in 
Nos.  18  and  51  of  the  Expositor.  About 
the  same  period,  I  drew  up  a  short  account 
of  his  writings,  for  the  editor  of  the  Architect 
and  Civil  Engineer,  which  appeared  in  No. 
166  of  that  serial,  and  was  afterwards  re- 
printed, with  some  alterations,  in  No.  42  of 
the  Educational  Timet.  Finally^  in  the 
Westminster  Review,  for  April,  1851,  I  en- 
tered into  still  further  details  respecting  the 
nature  and  extent  of  his  writings,  and 
pointed  out  some  of  their  many  relations  to 
"  English  Mathematieal  Literature."  Since 
that  time  there  have  not  been  wanting  nu- 
merous instances  in  which  the  labours  of 
Professor  Davies  haTC  been  spoken  of  with 
much  respect  M.  Chasles,  in  his  Giomi- 
trie  SupMeure,  styles  him  "  le  savant  prqfes- 
seur,**  when  referring  to  the  contents  of  the 
second  volume  of  his  edition  of  Hutton's 
**  Course,"  and  in  the  PJalosophieal  Maga- 
zine, and  elsewhere,  we  may  find  ample 
proofs  of  his  havinsr  made  himself /eZf  in 
many  departments  or  pure  and  applied  ma- 
thematics. Geometry,  howcTer,  was  his 
forte;  to  its  systematic  treatment  he  di- 
rected his  best  energies,  on  many  occasions, 
with  considerable  success ;  nor  can  the  geo- 
metrical student  fail  to  profit  largely  by 
what  he  has  eifected  in  its  application  to 
▼arious  interesting  inquiries,  but  more  espe- 
cially to  porisms  and  the  modern  geometry. 
As  yet  his  personal  characteristics  remain  a 
desideratum.  But  Jittle  is  known,  beyond 
the  immediate  circles  of  his  associates,  re- 
specting tlie  late  Professor  as  he  appeared 
in  his  private  capacity ;  and  hence  no  apo- 
logy is  requisite  for  occupying  one  of  these 
notes  with  the  following  supplementary 
sketch,  by  one  of  his  most  intimate  friends. 
It  will  be  seen  from  the  dates  that  the  ma- 
nuscript has  been  completed  for  a  consider- 
able period,  and  I  may  add  that  I  feel 
honoured  by  baring  been  permitted  by  its 
author  to  lay  it  before  the  readers  of  this 
Journal  in  its  original  form : 

"  THB  LATE  PROFESSOR  DAVIE8. 

["  The  following  supplementary  memoir 
of  Professor  Davies  is  intended  by  iu 
author  as  an  addendum  to  that  from  which 
an  extract  was  published  at  pages  4S2,  483 
of  vol.  Iv.  of  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 
**  James  Cockle,  M.A., 

"  Barrister-at-Law. 
"  2,  Pump^conrt,  Temple, 
"  18th  Juno,  1W2."] 

"  The  portion  of  the  extract  above  men- 


tioned, which  owes  authorship  to  me,  eom- 
roences  with  the  beginning  of  the  last  para- 
graph but  two  of  the  right-hand  colunm  of 
page  432.  I  have  given,  in  a  foot-note^ 
corrections  of  some  errors  which  occur  in 
it*  Omissions  of,  I  fear,  a  graver  kind,  I 
shall  here  endeavour  to  supply. 

There  is  inherent  in  most  minds  a  desire 
to  realize  to  the  imagination  the  features 
and  personal  peculiarities  of  those  with  the 
works  of  whose  genius  we  are  acquainted. 
A  portrait  of  Professor  Davies  appeared  in 
No.  18  of  the  Expositor;  and  notwithstand- 
ing  the  refractions,  if  I  may  use  the  expres- 
sion, which  the  likeness  has  sustain^  In 
being  transmitted  from  the  living  features 
to  the  canvas,  from  the  canvas  to  the  draw, 
ing,  and  from  the  drawing  to  the  engraving, 
a  good  general  idea  of  his  countenance  may 
be  formed  from  it  Considering  with  how 
many  kindred  intellects,  in  so  many  depart- 
ments of  knowledge,  that  of  Davies  held  in- 
teroourse,  it  may  be  thought  interesting  if  I 
add  a  few  of  the  traits  and  social  character- 
istics of  that  estimable  man. 

He  was  of  a  spare  build,  and  rather  short 
in  stature.  His  face,  not  very  long,  vraa 
broad  at  its  upper  and  sharp  in  its  lower 
portion.  A  forehead  ample,  but  not  re- 
markably lofty ;  eyes  blue  or  grey ;  a  com- 
Slexion  pale  and  somewhat  sallow;  hair 
ark,  but  slightly  changed  by  time ;  a  halt- 
ing gftit,  the  result  of  an  early  injury  to  one 
of  his  feet ;  a  pronunciation  slow  and  mes- 
sured,  contrastmg  strangely  with  the  readi- 
ness  and  facility  of  his  written  composition ; 
— such,  when  I  first  knew  him,  were  hia 
bodily  characteristics.  *  His  mental  vivacity 
and  sprightliness,  and  a  certain  lurking  hu- 
mour, rendered  him  a  charming  compsniont 
and  suited  a  temperament  by  no  means  uo- 
convivial.  Like  many  other  persons  of 
great  intellectual  activity,  he  also  indulged 
in  a  somewhat  excessive  use  of  snu£ 

This  is  a  sufficiently  minute  personal 
outline  of  the  great  geometer,  whose  loss 
has  called  forth  expressions  of  deep  r^ret, 
not  only  from  various  mathematicians  who 
have  honoured  me  with  their  correspon- 
dence, but  from  such  other  quarters  as 
sufficiently  attest  that  it  is  a  public  loss 
which  has  been  susUined  in  his  death.  I 
shall  now  pass  on  to  his  scientific  character, 
and  regard  him  as  historian,  logician^ 
analyst,  and  geometer. 

It  must  not  be  imagined  that  his  obser- 
vations respecting  the  non-academic  school 
of  mathematicians  indicated  personal  hos- 
tility to  any  one  connected  wiUi  the  goveni- 

*  In  line  8  of  the  paraffraph  mentioned  in  the 
text  /or  •«be''r«ad  "by ;^*  in  line  4  of  col.  2  of 
p.  488. /br  "alike '*  read  *'  like  his ;»  in  line  14  of 
the  last-mentioned  column  for  **  prisms  **  read 
"  porisrof ."  Where  xeqnisite  the  original  memoir 
in  the  Expositor  shoatd  be  connected  accordingly. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


NOTJE  MATHEMATICiE. 


273 


ment  of  the  XJniTenitiei,  or  any  serious 
objection  to  that  course  of  study  by  which, 
in  one  of  them  at  least,  the  most  profound 
results  of  mathematical  investigation  are 
imparted  to  her  pupil^  with  a  rapidity  and 
precision  probably  unrivalled  in  any  other 
educational  institution  in  the  world.  His 
observations  were  made  at  a  time  when  many 
of  his  friendships  and  sympathies  centred 
in  Cambridgei  and  when  the  cordial  recep- 
tion and  generous  appreciation  of  some  of 
the  brightest  ornaments  of  that  University 
had  shown  him  that  true  greatness  never 
wants  homage  there.  And  it  redounds  to  his 
honour  that  even  under  these  circumstances, 
and  at  a  time  when  Chasles  in  France, 
Sir  W.  R.  Hamilton  and  Salmon  in  Ireland, 
and  the  scientific  world  in  general  had  re- 
cognised his  claims  to  distinction,  he  felt 
a  pride  in  that  self-taught  class  from  which 
he  sprang,  on  which  his  fame  reflected 
lustre,  and  to  whose  ardent  and  persevering, 
and  (rften  vigorous  [and  successful  efforts, 
English  science,  particularly  the  geo. 
metrical  branch,  owes  so  much.  The 
mention  of  Davies  will  always  attract 
attention  to,  and  excite  respect  and  sym- 
pathy for,  that  meritorious  body  of  men. 
It  is  gratifying,  too,  to  think  how  often  the 
sacred  fire  of  mathematical  science  warms 
and  ennobles  the  exertions  of  labour,  and 
enlightens  the  gloom  of  obscurity. 

He  spoke  of  course  of  the  existing  state 
of  the  scientific  world;  not  in  disparage- 
ment of  a  University,  for  which  he  felt  (as 
he  has  publicly  expressed)  a  deep  senti- 
ment of  respect  Even  although  in  his 
opinion  there  were  blots  upon  her  consti- 
tution  which  were  calculated  to  give  rise  to 
prejudicial  effects,  science  will  have  gained 
if  such  an  opinion  excited  his  emulation  ; 
and  if  that  spirit  formed  any  ingredient  in 
his  exertions  it  must  have  been  not  a  little 
gratified  at  the  tributes  of  respect  for  his 
learning  simultaneously  paid  him  by  Sir 
W.  R.  Hamilton  and  Professor  De  Morgan, 
in  ihe  Philosophical  Magazine  for  September, 
1849 ;  tributes  as  honourable  to  themselves 
as  they  must  have  been  grateful  to  him. 
But  let  us  proceed. 

An  acquaintance  with  the  history  of  a 
subject  is  as  useful  as  it  is  interesting  to  him 
who  enters  upon  it.  An  honourable  men- 
tion  is  no  more  than  is.  justly  due  to  the  in- 
vestigator whose  labours  have  enlarged  its 
range,  or  possibly  brought  it  first  within  the 
sphere  of  Knowledge.  No  man  ever  afforded 
in  his  own  person  a  brighter  illustration  of 
the  value  of  such  knowledge,  or  set  a  more 
splendid  example  of  assiduity  and  success 
in  the  pursuit  of  it.  And,  let  me  add,  that  so 
far  as  others  are  concerned,  none  ever  em- 
ployed his  acquirements  with  more  un- 
grudging   candour.      He  can    neither  be 


charged  witii  the  uifrimesa  which  would 
suppress  all  mention  of  another  investiga- 
tor,  nor  with  the  negligence  which  would 
omit  it.  Bat  his  qualities  were  not  merely 
negative.  He  possessed  one  far  higher  than 
the  absence  of  these  defects.  An  anxious 
desire  to  give  to  each  his  just  tribute  of  ac- 
knowledgment not  only  actuated  his  mind, 
but  it  also  regulated  his  conduct.  His  writ- 
ings bear  ample  witness  to  this  wise  and 
generous  spirit  of  appreciation.  There  can 
be  as  little  doubt  of  the  policy  as  of  the 
justice  of  the  course  which  ne  adopted ;  but 
it  is  one  which  I  may  say,  without  attribut- 
ing unworthy  motives  or  carelessness  to 
those  who  deviate  firom  it,  is  unhappily  not 
always  followed.  Exigencies  having  another 
source  than  that  sole  true  one,  the  require- 
ments of  the  subject,  have  contributed  to 
this  divergence.  But  a  compliance  with 
them,  however  excusable  in  some  branches 
of  literature,  will  scarcely  find  a  ready  par- 
don from  the  cultivators  of  mathematical 
learning.  ^  Impolitic  fiscsl  regulations ;  pre- 
scribed limits  to  be  observed ;  speedy  and 
extensive  circulation  to  be  attained;  tern- 
porary  purposes  to  be  achieved,  will  in  such 
cases  hardly  be  admitted  as  a  palliation. 
Undue  compression ;  a  dry  and  barren  de* 
rivation  of  strings  of  formulse ;  an  avoidance 
of  the  history  of  a  subject  and  of  all  notice 
of  its  investigators  can,  except  in  certain 
distinguishable  cacses,  be  only  justified  by 
the  most  pressing  necessity.  Interest  would 
be  thrown  over  arid  tracts  of  knowledge  by 
the  mention  of  those  who  have  traversed 
them,  the  purposes  which  they  had  in  view, 
and  the  ends  which  they  attained.  And  the 
brighter  ones  would  be  rendered  more  glow- 
ing still.  It  is  deplorable  that  at  the  en- 
trance of  these  rugged  and,  as  they  must 
often  appear  to  the  stranger,  unalluring  and 
lifeless  sciences,  they  should  be  deprived  of 
that  reference  to  the  past  and  present ;  that 
spirit  of  history  which  would  warm  and 
vivify  them.  At  present,  with  so  many 
noble  examples  of  an  opposite  character, 
such  a  manner  of  dealing  with  the  subject 
must  be  strongly  reprehended.  Probably 
none  would  hesitate  to  blame  the  author 
who  intentionally  proffers  as  his  own  the 
result  of  the  efforts  of  another.  A  milder, 
though  still  a  severe,  censure  ought  to 
await  him  whose  indolence  makes  him  ne- 
glect to  ascertain,  or  whose  ill-judged  desire 
of  condensation  induces  him  to  suppress  the 
historical  and  collateral  details  of  which  I 
have  spoken. 

I  have  elsewhere  alluded  to  the  care  with 
which  he  avoided  any  possible  infringe- 
ment upon  the  discoveries  or  rights  of 
Horner,  whose  papers  once  confided  to  him, 
were  before  his  death  transferred  to  Mr.  De 
Morgan.    In  other  fields  where  his  vigor- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


(mi  ifittftUdt  edttid  ftllow  !tie1^fd  play  tin. 
fettered  bj^  scfupulduS  self-i-estfaint  atid 
&ig!i-»oa1ed  delieaey.  he  displayed  cotiflutn. 
mate  analytical  flkili.  I  have  not  now  .a 
flttlrJK  opportnnity  to  do  more  than  hint  at 
my  Tietr  of  the  subject,  but  t  much  aues- 
tion  whether  his  cleat  conception  of  th6 
ditision  of  Propositions  into  Theorems. 
Problems,  and  Porisms,  will  not  be  found 
as  ttsefiil  in  Analysis  as  in  (Geometry.  His 
views  were  for  the  most  part  taken  in  fefe^ 
a^ce  to  a  geometrical  purpose,  but  not  en- 
tirely so,  as  will  be  seen  on  inspection  of  his 
paper  on  the  Algebraical  Analysis  of  Por- 
isms  in  the  opening  number  of  a  ^ofk 
v^hich  he  once  assisted  in  Conducting — the 
MnthemaHcian, 

He  took  li  keen  ihteffest  in  many  qMH- 
tionS  hot  directly  bekrihg  upon  -the  mathe- 
xttatical  sciences,  And  in  whidh  the  inflil. 
enee  of  his  advocacy  is  in  all  pi>obabilitt 
still  felt.  Without  attempting  now  to  foU 
low  him  through  his  labours,  of  tO  lift  the 
▼eil  which  obscures  sonie  of  his  effbfts,  I 
must  repeat  that,  high  as  may  be  the  esti- 
mate  which  we  form  of  him  Judging  from 
His  mathematical  genius,  they  would  have  a 
very  imperfect  notion  of  his  mental  poWert 
who  Judged  him  by  that  standard  alone. 

Professot  DavieS,  as  is  Vrell  known,  left 
some  memoirs  incomplete  and  some  in  pro- 
gress. The  incompleteness  above  Alluded 
to  is  an  obvious  source  of  regret ;  and  not 
less  so  is  the  loss  of  those  topics  of  pro- 
fbund  and  recondite  Inquiry,  some^  of  tnem 
more  or  less  distinctly  alluded  to  In  print, 
which  floated  ovet  his  mind  and  ever  occu- 
pied its  active  laboratory.  But  to  indulge 
in  speculations  on  the  extent  to  Which 
science  has  suffered  bv  the  death  of  Pro- 
fessor Davies,  although  perhaps  not  a  diffl- 
cult  task  to  those  familiar  with  the  workings 
of  his  capacious  intellect,  is  one  which 
could  terminate  only  in  disappointment  and 
vexation.  Let  us,  however,  hope  that  among 
his  papers  will  be  found  the  means  of  re- 
pairing  a  considerable  portion  of  the  loss. 

It  must  not  be  thouglit  that  a  search 
among  those  papers  has  been  altogether 
neglected.  At  the  request  of  Mfs.  Davies 
an  inspection  was  made  of  a  portion  of 
them,  by  Professor  J.  It  Young,  late  of 
Belfast,  and  myself  conjointly,  on  or  vety 
shortly  before  Saturday,  the  26th  Of  June 
last,  at  the  former  residence  of  out  late 
friend.  Our  examination,  however,  was  not 
very  snccessfbl.  Its  principal  result  Was 
the  destruction  of  a  part  of  them,  Which,  id 
onr  united  Judgment,  It  was  useless  and 
unnecessary  to  preserre.  The  mere  manual 
labours  of  Davies  in  actual  Writing  anpear 
to  have  been  extraordinary.  His  industry 
does  not  seem  to  have  shrunk  ftom  the  taak 
of  copying  somewhat  voluminous  printed 


IfOf jI;  MXfASMkfffjM, 


bddlt  and  ba^erl  tt  may  be  iAtisfaotory 
if  t  state  that  the  pspefs  which  Professor 
Toting  and  1  have  examined,  constitute  far 
f^om  tne  more  Considerable  portion  of  the 
literary  temains  of  Davies.  and  that  I  hope 
ere  long  to  pfosecute  a  farther  search  in 
Conjunction  with  my  friend,  aS  soon  as  that 
distinguished  mathematician's  leisure  and 
my  own  opporthuities  shall  permit,  t  still 
entettain  a  sanguine  hope  that  we  shall 
discover  the  means  of  continuing  or  com- 
pleting  Some,  at  least,  of  the  departed  phi- 
losopher*s  scientific  undertakings. 

James  Cockl£. 
I,  i'mnp-eourt,  temple,  Aug.  26, 1852. 

I  need  add  nuU  to  what  is  lier«  so  Well 
expressed  by  Mr.  Cockle.  All  who  hare 
e^tamined  the  Writings  of  the  Aiibjeet  of  the 
Memoir  Will  agree  that  the  encomiums  are 
Well  deserved,  and  that  Professor  Davies 
has  fkitiy  merited  the  good  opinion  of  all 
mathematiciafis,  whethet  non<>academic  or 
othe^ise.  His  prftCtioe  of  teferting  to  the 
Writings  ot  those  who  had  pf evloualy  cnteted 
upon  any  snbjeot  of  inqnity,  does  not  ap< 
pear  to  have  met  with  the  approbation  of 
some  of  his  contemporaries.  The  tesult  of 
his  historical  researches  had  the  effect  of 
depriving  sevefal  of  a  portion  ot  their  tem- 
porary honour ,«  and  hence,  as  he  expresses 
himself  in  a  lettef  to  me,  beiring  date  Sep- 
tember ^th,  184$,  he  had  occasion  '*  to  re- 
membet  Well  the  ridicule  with  which  my 
adhetettce  to  the  principle  of  quoting  aa> 
thorities  of  every  kind,  'on  all  legitimate 
occasions,*  was  treated  years  ago.  It  was 
represented  as  intended  to  parade  my  fead- 
ing,  and  even  as  morbid  sentimentality. 
Sly  sAteasms  met  me  at  every  turn,  intended 
to  give  me  pain,  but  not  open  enough  to  be 
directly  taken  as  offensive.  Nevertheless,  I 
have,  on  All  ptoper  occasions,  expressed  my 
condemnation  of  the  practice  of  approprla* 
tion  Without  acknowledgment,  and  shall 
always  continue  to  do  so.  I  think,  too,  1 
hate  eRbctualiy  exposed  some  of  the  more 
glaring  instances  of  comparatively  recent 
times.  I  was  indeed  glad,  therefore,  to  see 
your  remarks  on  the  same  subject  at  page 
295,  col.  2,  of  the  current  volume  of  the 
Mfchania*  MdgaxHu.**  Since  the  period 
here  alluded  to,  the  practice  of  citing  au- 
thorities  has  gradually  extended  itself,  and 
many  of  our  leading  authors  do  not  now 
Consider  their  repuution  liable  to  be  da- 
maged by  indicating  the  laboufs  of  thOM 
Who  have  travetsed  the  same  regions  of 
science  befbre  them.  Many  honourable  ex- 
amples  of  rendering  *'  honour  to  whom  hcK 
nour  is  due'*  hare  already  been  given  by 
several  of  the  leading  men  at  the  **  fbuntain 
head"  of  mathematical  learning  in  thi* 
country ;  And  after  such  exAmplea  he  moAl 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  8TBAM  imO  BAtLTSa  C0IXIBB8. 


275 


be  hardened  Indeed  to  all  senie  of  ihame, 
wlio  will  hereafter  appropriate  the  labours 
of  others  and  endeavour  to  palm  them  upon 
die  world  as  the  results  of  his  own  legiti. 
mate  investigations. 

{T9b9  eomHmud.) 


ON  STEAM  AND  SAILING  COL- 
LIERS. 

The  discussion  following  Mr*  Allen's 
paper  on  the  above  subjeet*  was  oontinued 
ad  the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  on  the 
evening  of  Tuesda/,  March  13.  Details 
were  given  of  the  eonstniction,  &o.»  of  the 
Jftkmr  dtrdsN,  the/ren  /ig9,  the  Jnne,  and 
the  ^e^Mle  Lmii$§,  veesels  construeted  for 
tarrying  iron  otei  a  eargo  of  great  speoifle 
gravitji  fore  and  aft-tenks  were  used  in 
theee  ships  in  eoigunetion  with  bag-ballasti 
and  the  reanlts  obtained  induced  the  oon. 
▼iotien,  that  the  tanh-ballast  would  soon  be 
suMTseded  by  either  bottom- ballast  or  hold- 
ballast  I  that  it  waa  disadtantageous  to  build 
vetsels  ejieluaively  for  one  olass  of  oargo,  aa 
tenpling  ofibit  of  oharter,  In  emergenetes, 
•ould  not  be  aeeepted,  and  that  bag-ballast 
poeseteed  eertain  advantages  in  being  ap* 
plioable  to  either  wood,  or  iron  Teseels, 
whether  sailing,  or  suaming,  and  that  when 
the  duration  of  the  bags  was  Inereaaed,  by 
improvements  in  manuiaeturing  the  mate- 
rial,  the  system  would  doubtless  be  m^re 
generally  employed* 

It  wee  contended,  that  a  system  of  con« 
struotion  applicable  to  the  iron-ore  trade 
would  not  be  adapted  for  screw  colliers,  and 
that  tanks  were  more  expensive  than  either 
hold-ballast,  or  the  double  bottom.  The  chief 
disadvanUge  of  the  hold-ballast  was  iu 
eausing  <*  breaks"  in  the  eafgoi  which 
were  objectionable,  inasmuch  as  every  time 
a  shoot  of  coal  waa  oommenced,  there  oc> 
enrted  additional  breakage  in  the  coal  from 
ita  falling  a  greater  depth  in  loading.  It 
was  better  to  shoot  the  entire  cargo  by  one 
hatchwav,  as  the  coal  soon  iormed  an  incline 
for  itsel/,  and  less  breakaffc  occurred. 

On  behalf  of  sailing  colliers  it  was  urged, 
that  the  capabilities  of  the  steam  colliers  bad 
been  overstated,  and  the  number  of  voyages 
which  sailing  colliers  were  capable  of  mak- 
ing,  were  understated.  There  were  no  valid 
reasons  why  small  engines  should  not  be 
used  fbr  unloading  sailing  colliers,  and  if 
the  system  of  long  detention  !n  the  Thames 
was  abolished,  they  might  do  fifty  per  cent, 
more  work  than  at  present  Then,  if  one 
screw  collier  cost  as  much  as  six  sailing 
colliers,  and  with  all  the  advantages  it  pos- 
sessed, the  former  only  made  three  times 
the  number  of  voyages  of  the  latter,  all  im- 


provemeliti  d  system  wotild  tend  to  redneo 
this  difference  of  result,  and  it  Was  still  un- 
oeruin  what  amount  of  wear  and  tear  there 
really  was  in  screw  colliers,  during  a  series  of 
years.  If  this  oroved  to  be  verr  considerable, 
the  alleged  advantages  of  this  newly  intro- 
duced class  of  vessels  would  be  seriously 
diminished.  It  was  shown,  the  Hunwieh, 
screw  vessel,  which  had  been  mentioned  in  the 
paper,  was  fbund,  after  running  four  years 
as  a  collier,  to  have  worked  with  such  small 
advantages  as  to  induce  her  being  devoted 
to  other  purpose?.  The  necessity  for  the 
formation  of  the  larger  and  more  commo- 
dious collier  docks,  in  the  North,  and  in  the 
Thames,  as  well  ss  harbours  on  the  East 
coast,  was  forcibly  represented ;  unless  this 
was  done,  there  would,  at  some  period,  occur 
a  more  frightftil  list  of  easuidties,  among 
this  new  class  of  screw  steamers,  than  had 
ever  been  experienced  by  the  old  sailing 
ships. 

It  was  argued,  that  the  system  of  rotation 
in  discharging  in  the  Pool,  and  the  frequent 
long  detention  there,  unduly  enhanced  the 
expenses  of  the  sailing  colliers,  and,  com- 
bined with  the  irregularity  of  supply,  caused 
by  the  prevalence  of  certain  winds,  induced 
the  fluctuations  of  price  on  the  coal  exchange. 
The  only  effectual  remedy  for  this  was  a 
powerful  fleet  of  screw  colliers,  constantly 
and  punctually  running,  with  commodious 
havens  at  each  end,  like  the  Victoria  Docks, 
now  in  course  of  construction ;  with  every 
means  of  facilitating  the  rapid  discharge  of 
the  cargoes  into  the  trucks,  to  be  conveyed 
by  the  railways  to  the  various  dcpoU.  This 
alone  could  insure  a  constant  supply  of 
ooal,  at  a  uniform  price,  in  the  London 
market,  and  this  oould  only  be  sccomplished 
by  screw  colliers.  At  present,  there  were 
frequently  vast  numbers  of  sailing  colliers, 
detsined  in  the  Tyne  by  adverse  wmds,  or 
by  want  of  water  on  the  bar;  on  a  change 
of  weather  they  all  got  away,  and  a  cloud 
of  them  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Thames, 
up  which  river  they  had  to  beat  for  upwards 
of  100  miles,  against  a  contrary  wind,  and 
on  their  arrival  caused  a  slut  in  the  market 
instead  of  merely  suppling  the  regular 
demand;  whereas  the  screw  colliers  made 
their  passsges  regularly,  and  the  only  dis- 
advantages they  had  to  contend  with,  were 
those  incidental  to  the  navigation  of  long 
ships  with  deep  keels,  up  a  tortuous  and 
crowded  river.  It  was  well  known,  that  in 
the  past  year,  during  the  prevalence  of  ad- 
verse winds,  the  touT  extinction  of  the  gas 
lights  of  the  Metropolis  had  only  been  pre- 
vented by  the  punctuality  and  rapidity  of 
the  screw  colliers.  That  class  of  vessels 
had,  in  reality,  scarcely  yet  been  introduced 
into  the  regular  coal  trade,  inasmuch  as  the 
services  of  the  few  screw  vessels  yet  built. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC  ""*" 


276 


THE  ABGAND  FUliNACE. 


had  beea  secured  for  the  gas  companies  and 
the  railways. 

The  details  were  given  of  the  working 
expenses  of  a  sailing  collier  brig  of  227  tons 
register,  which  had  made,  in  the  last  year, 
nine  voyages  from  the  north  to  London, 
delivering  on  an  average  385  tons  per 
voyage,  at  9s.  4fld.  per  ton  freight.  The 
gross  receipts  were  iSl,416  St,  \d„  and  the 
expenditure  £1,149  13*.  Id.,  leaving  a 
nett  profit  of  £266  lOs.  =  18|  per  cent, 
upon  the  receipts,  or  26^  per  cent,  on  the 
original  capital.  The  brig  was  twelve  years 
old,  and  had  cost  £1,000. 

It  was  contended  that  the  wear  and  tear 
of  the  screw  colliers  should  be  estimated 
upon  the  duty  performed,  rather  than  upon 
the  number  of  years  duration  ;  and  that 
sufficient  time  had  not  elapsed  to  enable 
experience  to  be  acquired  of  the  actual 
amount  of  depreciation  of  screw  colliers  in 
constant  use  daring  all  seasons.  Their 
rate  of  profit  must  evidently  depend  not 
only  on  the  fitness  of  their  origmal  con- 
•truction,  but  on  the  svslem  of  working 
them.  Screw  vessela  had  been  put  into  the 
coal  trade,  for  which  they  had  not  been 
originally  intended,  and  to  which  it  was 
scarcely  possible  to  adapt  them  advan- 
tageously ;  although  with  a  miscellaneous 
cargo,  or  with  passengers,  they  might  have 
done  well.  It  appeared  that  peculiar  lines, 
and  certain  capabilities,  were  indispensable 
to  good  screw  colliers ;  and  the  knowledge 
of  what  these  points  of  excellence  were 
could  only  be  attained  by  long  experience. 
Maximum  capacity  for  cargo,  at  only  a 


given  cost, — light  draught  of  water,  to 
suit  the  harbours,  bars,  and  rivers, — tta- 
bilityj  both  loaded  and  light, — ^given  limits 
of  length,  breadth,  and  depth  must  not  be 
exceeded, — strength  to  permit  grounding 
without  injury  to  hull  or  machinery,  and 
requiring  a  minimum  quantity  of  ballast, 
were  the  chief  considerations  in  the  con- 
struction of  screw  colliers ;  and  experience 
had  already  demonstrated,  by  several  failures, 
how  difficult  of  attainment  these  qualities 
really  were. 

As  to  the  various  systems  of  ballasting, 
the  bag-ballast  was  generally  approved  for 
its  convenience,  and  the  only  serious  objec- 
tion to  it  was  its  comparative  want  of  dura- 
bility. Bottom-ballast  was  objectionable, 
on  account  of  the  non-accessibility,  in  ori- 
ginal construction,  for  painting  and  for 
repairs,  unless  the  floor  space  was  very  deep. 
Tank-ballast  occupied  so  much  useful  space 
as  to  reduce  the  bulk  of  the  cargo,  and  thus 
diminish  the  amount  of  the  freight ;  there- 
fore it  was  that  the  hold.ballast  had  been 
introduced,  and  hitherto  it  had  proved  very 
serviceable.  The  space  was  available  for 
cargo,  the  water  was  easily  introdaced  and 
discharged,  and  the  weight  was  so  high  up 
as  to  make  the  vessel  very  easy  and  wea<. 
therly  when  in  ballast  For  these  practical 
reasons,  as  well  as  on  account  of  Uie  com- 
parative smallness  of  the  eost,  bold-ballast 
was  contended  to  be  the  best  systeoL 

It  was  stated,  in  allusion  to  certain  tables 
given  in  the  paper,  that  the  quantity  of 
coals  now  raised  in  Great  Britain  was  about 
50,000,000  tons  per  annum. 


THE  ARGAND  FURNACE. 


To  the  Editor  of  the 
Sir, — ^Being  a  constant  reader  of  your 
Magazine,  I  am  rather  surprised  to  find  so 
long  a  discussion  as  to  the  invention  of  the 
name  of  the  Argand  furnace,  and  none  as  to 
the  invention  of  the  Argand  furnace  itself. 
Mr.  Williams  has  so  perseveringly  claimed, 
as  his  own  exclusive  and  original  invention, 
the  introduction  of  air  in  numerous  jets, 
and  tlie  diffusion  of  it  amongst  the  gases  in 
the  furnace,  that  almost  every  one,  includ- 
ing Mr.  Baddeley,  appears  to  consider  that 
he  really  was  the  first  inventor  of  this  sub- 
division of  the  air«  The  subdivision  and 
diffusion  of  the  air  is,  however,  fully  de- 
scribed in  the  specification  of  the  patent  of 
James  Gilbertson,  granted  January  15, 1828, 
eleven  years  before  Mr.  Williams's  pstent. 
I  called  your  attention  to  this  patent  in  a 
former  communication,*  and  I  now  send 
you  a  copy  of  the  specification  and  draw- 
ings, as  published  in  the  Repertory  of  Patent 
luventiont,  toL  7*  3rd  series,  p.  66.    I  think 

*  Page  15,  current  volume.     • 


Meekanie**  Magazine. 
you  would  do  good  service  to  the  public  by 
printing  this  specification. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

C. 
March  12, 1855. 

[Considering  the  somewhat  incidental 
manner  in  which  the  introduction  of  streams 
of  air  to  the  furnace  is  mentioned  in  the 
fnl lowing  specification,  and  observing  that 
the  <ir  is  to  be  diffused  freely  "  among  the 
smoke,*'  we  do  not  think  the  claims  of  Mr. 
Williams  to  public  consideration  will  be  at 
all  diminished  by  what  Mr.  Gilbertson  had 
previously  done.  It  is  true  that  the  latter 
divided  the  air  on  its  admission  to  the 
''smoke"— but  that  is  all.  He  does  not 
even  shadow  forth  any  of  those  scientific 
arguments  by  which  Mr.  Willisms  has 
shown  the  true  effects  and  merits  of  the  ar- 
rangement. It  appears  to  us  that  the  use 
of  the  grating  was  primarily  for  the  protec- 
tion of  the  air-chamber  from  fuel  which 
would  otherwise  have  fallen  into  it,  and  not 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


RKPLY  TO  **  INDAGATOB"  ON  THE  MOON's  MOTION. 


277 


for  the  division  of  the  air  into  streams. 
This  opinion  is  confirmed  by  the  fact,  that 
in  a  paper  of  "  ObKervations,"  published  in 
the  Repertory  at  the  time  by  the  patentee, 
at  the  end  of  his  specification,  though  se- 
veral  "advantages"  are  enumerated,  no 
mention  is  made  of  the  distributive  action 
of  tlie  grating.  We  think  it  right,  how- 
ever,  that  the  suggestion  of  our  correspon- 
dent, "C."  should  be  follovred,  and  we 
accordingly  subjoin  Mr.  Oilbertson's  speci- 
fication.— Ed.  M,  3f.] 

**  My  said  invention  consists  in  the  con- 

struction  of  furnaces  with  the  sides  of  them 

made  of  hollow  plates  of  iron,  in  order  that 

a  current  of  air  may  pass  through  them  and 

Fig.  1.  Fig.  2. 


"^ 


Q 


margin  of  these  presents,  and  the  following 
description  thereof,  will  more  particularly 
ascertain  and  determine  the  nrecise  nature 
of  my  invention  (that  is  to  say)  :  Fig.  1  is  a 
section  of  a  furnace  constructed  according 
to  my  improvement  or  improvements,  from 
A  to  B  in  the  plan.  Fig.  2  and  fig.  3  is 
another  section  from  C  to  D.  The  same 
letters  refer  to  the  same  parts  in  each  figure. 
A  the  boiler,  B  the  furnace ;  C  the  hollow 
side-plates ;  D  the  furnace  bars ;  E  the 
bearing  bars ;  F  the  air  cavity  or  ash-pit  at 
the  back  of  the  furnace  having  a  door,  I, 
for  the  purpose  of  clearing  out  the  dust  and 
ashes    that  will    accumulate;    G    the   air- 


in  fits  course  become  heated,  and  then  be 
discharged  into  a  cavity  or  ash-pit  formed 
at  the  back  of  the  fire,  whence,  proceeding 
through  a  grating  aflixed  at  the  t<}p  of  this 
cavity,  it  comes  in  contact  with  the  smoke 
and  flame  of  the  fire,  and  causes  an  almost 
complete  combustion  of  the  whole  of  the 
fuel  employed. 

"  In  large  furnaces,  where  a  great  quan- 
tity  of  air  is  necessary,  I  make  a  portion  of 
the  whole  of  the  bars  hollow,  but  I  do  not 
claim  any  invention  in  this  application  of 
hollow  bars,  only,  as  in  aid  of  tne  eflfect  to 
be  produced  by  the  hollow  plates  at  the 
aides. 

*<The  accompanying  drawings  in  the 
Fig.  3. 


4 


V-ii 


Us. 


grating  at  the  top  of  the  air-cavitv  to  pre- 
vent the  fuel  from  falling  into  the  air  cavity, 
and  to  diffiise  the  heated  air  freely  among 
the  smoke  of  the  fire ;  H  an  iron  plate  or 
other  suitable  material  projecting  a  few 
inches  over  the  grating,  to  direct  the  heated 
air  from  the  cavity  on  to  the  fire  of  the 
furnace. 

**Noie» — I  do  not  mean  to  confine  myself 
to  the  precise  form  and  construction  of 
furnace  exhibited  in  the  drawings  in  the 
margin  of  these  presents,  as  it  is  evident 
various  modifications  may  be  requisite  to 
adapt  my  invention  to  dififerent  kinds  and 
forms  of  furnaces.'* 


REPLY  TO  "  INDAGATOR  ' 
To  the  Editor  qf  the 
Sib, — I  regret  to  perceive,  from  the  tone 
of  *'  Indagator's'*  reply  to  me,  that  he  has 
received  my  remarks  in  a  spirit  very  differ- 
ent  from  that  in  which  they  were  offered.  I 
pointed  out  what  appeared  to  me  to  be  an 
erroneous  statement,  in  terms  as  courteous 
and  as  little  offensive  as  it  was  possible  to 
use.  I  brought  no  charge  of  **  ignorance," 
and  was  quite  willing  to  attribute  the  error 
to  a  casuju  oversight,  such  as  may  happen 
to  the  best  mathematicians,  especially  when 
writing  in  haste,  and  in  a  controversy  of  but 
trifling  importance ;  much  less  did  I  indulge 
in  such  unwarranted  insinuations  as  that  in 
which   "Indagator"    charitably  "hopes" 


'  ON  THE  MOON'S  MOTION. 

Mechanics*  Magazine. 
that  the  errors  which  he  pretends  to  have 
discovered  in  my  letter  may  be  nothing  worse 
than  the  effects  of 'inadvertence."  It  is  surely 
possible  for  even  a  first-rate  mathematician 
to  make  mistakes,  without  any  very  serious 
damage  to  his  reputation,  even  though  these 
mistakes  be  pointed  out  by  men  inferior  to 
himself.  Newton  himself  made  mistakes 
which  were  corrected  by  some  of  his  cotem- 
poraries  of  vastly  inferior  standing ;  and, 
instead  of  being  vexed  and  angry,  he  can** 
didly  admitted  his  error,  and  profited  by  the 
criticism. 

The  case  between  "  Indagator  "  and  my- 
self is  briefly  this : — He  cited  a  general  pro- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ars 


BE^LT  TO  **  nTDAGATOB*^  ON  THE  MOON^S  MOTION. 


potition  respecting  '<  principal  azet  being 
permanent  axes  of  rotation,*^  in  a  manner 
whieh  I  considered,  and  do  still  consider,  to 
be  inaccurate  and  improper.  His  words  are 
the  following : 

**  The  moon  has  had  impressed  upon  her 
a  motion  of  rotation  by  which  she  revolves 
about  one  of  her  principal  axes  onCe  in  a 
lunation.  Tht  earth's  attraction  $xert$  ne 
force  to  inter/ere  wUhthU.** 

Now,  takmg  this  in  connection  with  his 
previous  refetenee  to  the  above-named  ge- 
neral theorem  about  prinoipal  axes,  I  believe 
that  most  mathematical  readers  will  agree 
with  me  in  saying  that  such  a  statement  is 
either  erroneous,  or,  at  the  least,  calculated 
to  convey  an  erroneous  impression.  As  it 
stands,  and  without  the  explanation  which 
"  Indagator  "  now  professes  to  give  of  tb6 
sense  in  which  it  is  to  be  understood,  I 
repeat  that  it  is  an  erroneous  statement;  and 
even  with  this  concession  as  to  his  meaning, 
it  is  decidedly  calculated  to  mislead.  **  In- 
dagator  '^  now  begs  it  to  be  understood  that 
when  he  wrote  the  above,  he  meant  it  only 
to  apply  to  the  supposition  of  the  moon's 
being  a  "perfect  homgene&us  ephere,"  This 
alters  the  case  completely.  I  understood 
him  to  say  that,  in  the  real  case  of  the  moon's 
present  condition  (of  which  we  know  no- 
thiiig),  the  attraction  of  the  earth  can  exert 
no  force  interfering  with  her  motion  of  rota« 
tion  round  one  of  her  principal  axes:  and  I 
ttncferstood  him  to  conclude  this  from  the 
above-quoted  property  of  principal  axes — a 
conclusion  which  would  be  false,  since  that 
property  is  only  generally  true  when  no  ex- 
ternal forces  iire  supposed  to  act  My  inter, 
pretation  of  "  Indagator's "  meaning  was 
also  that  put  upon  it  by  the  friend  to  whom 
1  alluded,  and  of  whom  I  may  perhaps  be 
permitted  to  say,  that  he  is  one  of  the  best 
mathematicians  at  Cambridge,  and  at  least 
as  good  a  judge  of  the  present  subject  as 
**  Indagator,"  whoever  he  may  be. 

The  probability  is,  that  the  moon  is  not  a 
"  perfect  homogeneous  sphere ;  "•  and  in  that 
case,  the  earth's  attraction  must  havfe  a  tea* 
dency  to  affect  her  rotation,  similarly  to  the 
effect  produced  by  the  sun  and  moon  on  the 
earth's  rotation.  The  consideration  of  the 
cotnbined  eifects  of  the  sun  and  earth  on 
the  noon,  when  she  is  supposed  to  be  an 
heietogeneoui  epheroid,  Is  a  subject  for  that 
investigation  which  I  proposed  at  the  end  of 
my  letter. 

I  do  not  need  to  be  lold  that  a  force  piss, 
ing  through  the  centre  of  gravity  of  a  body 
cannot  alter  the  rotation  round  an  axis  pass- 
ing  through  that  point:  and  "  Indagator" 
might  have  saved  himself  the  trouble  of  such 
gratuitous  elementary  Instruction  in  mecha- 
nics.  But  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  I  think  he 
stands  in  need  of  a  little  elementary  instruc- 
tion in  logic  and  the  accurtte  use  of  lan- 


guage. I  "  draw  this  conclusion  "  both  from 
3ie  ambiguous  nature  of  that  passage  which 
has  led  to  this  controversy,  and  from  the 
following  sentences,  in  whieh  my  opponent 
has  endeavoured  to  revenge  himself  by 
"  drawing  conclusions  "  from  my  words  on 
which  he  founds  a  charge  of  ignorance  on 
my  part.  The  words  of  mine  which  he 
quotes  are  these : 

**  The  attraction  of  the  earth  is  an  external 
force  acting  on  the  mooui  and,  thnrfore,  the 
propoaition  respecting  principal  axes  being 
permanent  ones  of  rotation,  does  not  apply 
in  this  case." 

On  this  **  Indagator"  remarks  that  "thia 
statement,  as  it  stands,  without  limitation  is 
erroneous;"  and  that  *<I  seem  labouring 
under  the  error  that  the  mere  fact  that  an 
external  force  acts  on  a  body,  places  it  ne- 
cessarily and  at  once  out  of  Uie  sphere  of 
the  application  of  this  principle." 

"At  least,"  says  he,  "I  can  draw  no 
other  eon  elusion  from  the  words  above 
quoted." 

To  this  I  answer,  that  this  inability  to 
draw  any  other  conclusion,  is  a  proof  that 
he  is  not  much  accustomed  to  strict  accu- 
racy in  the  use  of  language.  My  statement, 
as  above  quoted,  is  not  "  erroneous,"  and 
"  limiutions  "  have  nothing  whatever  to  do 
with  it.  I  do  not  suppose  that  '*tbe  mere 
fkct  of  an  external  force  acting  on  a  body,'* 
will  necessarily  present  '<  the  principal  axes 
ftom  being  permanent  axes  of  rotation."  I 
see,  quite  as  clearly  as  "  Indagator"  him- 
self, tiiat  if,  for  instance,  the  moon  were  a 
'*  perfbct  homogeneous  sphere,*'  and  conse- 
quently the  resultant  earth's  attfactioa 
Sassed  through  her  centre,  then  the  intro- 
uotion  of  such  external  force  would  not 
disturb  her  rotation  round  an  axis  through 
that  centre.  But  I  aay  that,  even  in  thii 
Case,  the  truth  does  not  follow  from  the 
above-named  general  theorem,  which  ap- 
PLIES  only  to  those  cases  where  there  are 
no  external  forces.  *' Indagator"  does  not 
distinguish  between  the  truth  of  a  certain 
proposition  in  a  paitioular  oase  (such  ease 
involving  conditions  not  contemplated  in 
the  general  proposition),  and  the  fiecestary 
truth  of  the  proposition  as  a  particular  ease 
of  the  general  theorem.  If  I  may  illustrate 
the  matter  in  a  popular  way,  I  might  use 
some  such  illustration  as  the  fbllotving  :^ 
It  is  a  general  proposition  that  war  produees 
more  evil  than  good.  Now  it  may  happen, 
however,  in  a  particular  case,  that  a  eeruin 
war  does  also  produce  more  good  than  evil, 
not  from  the  general  nature  arul  ^ette  tftowr^ 
but  f^om  peculiar  circumstances.  Although, 
therefore,  the  general  proposition  would  be 
true  in  this  particular  case,  it  would  be  im- 
proper to  cite  it  as  the  proposition  in  tirtve 
qf  whieh,  And  as  a  consequence  qfwhleht  the 
war  in  question  was  bad.    This  is  but  an 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


POnOfiOXAKIE. 


279 


inperfeet  fntutrttidti  of  tLe  impitapriety 
committed  by  '*  tddagatot ;  **  but  it  may 
•«nt  to  show  of  what  kind  it  is.  When  I 
•ay  that  a  ceitaio  proposition  *'  doei  not  op. 
ptjf"  to  A  |>articular  case,  t  by  no  means 
Aftseft  that  such  proposition  it  noi  true  in 
thAt  case. 

C «*D  miy  be  a  pariUmlar  can  of  A  »  B, 
so  as  to  be  necessarily  true  if  the  latter  be 
true ;  and  in  this  case,  I  should  say  that 
AaB  kfthi^s  to  it.  But  it  may  also  be 
true  that  Ci-D,  although  this  equality 
would  not  foitow  from  A*B;  and  here  X 
•koutd,  therefore,  deny  that  this  latter  pro- 
position apptUd  to  the  tfase. 

But,  in  truth,  ''  Indagator  '*  has  laid  him- 
self open  to  the  criticism  which  has  been 
offered  by  stating,  as  dhtoUUely  true,  what 
(according  to  hit  subsequent  ezplanatioa) 
he  intended  to  be  relatively  true  only,  and  as 
ar|^uing  on  the  hypothesis  of  the  moon's 
bemg  a  perfect  homogeneous  sphere.  Even 
granting  him  this,  howerer,  his  language 
was  still  objectionable;  and,  to  prevent  his 
misleading  others,  I  took  the  liberty  of  doing 
the  same  to  him  th&t  he  has  done  to  Mr. 
Aecordofi. 

Before  concluding,  1  cannot  refrain  from 

3 noting  another  sentence  or  two  from  "  In- 
agator's  "  reply,  just  as  a  specimen  of  his 
loose  and  illogical  way  of  writing.  He  says : 
*'  How  any  person  at  all  acquamted  with 
the  true  principles  of  mechanical  philosophy 
could  impute  to  another  the  notion  that  any 
mechanical  principle  can  prove  anything 
with  respect  to  the  actual  forces  eierted  in 
any  partioular  case,  1  am  at  a  loss  to  con- 
ceive.*^ **  Inda^ator  "  seems  to  labour  un- 
der  peculiar  difficulties  in  "conceiving*' 
and  *'  drawing  conclusions.*'  Is  it  not  just 
possible  that  a  person  *'  acquainted  with  the 
true  principles  of  mechanical  philosophy'* 
may  be  arguing  with  "  another  "  who  is  not 
acquainted  with  them  t  and  to  whom,  there- 
fore, any  "notions"  whatever  may  be  safely 
"  imputed,"  if  he  lays  himself  open  to  it 
Not  that,  in  the  present  dispute,  I  ever 
made  any  such  imputation  against  my  an- 
tagonist;  to  whom,  however,  I  feel  quite 
justified  in  imputing  a  want  of  accuracy, 
both  in  the  use  of  language  himself^  and  in 
his  interpretation  of  mine. 

Again;  he  tells  me  that  I  *<  should  re- 
member  that,  when  mathematicians  state 
that  the  principal  axes  of  a  body  are  perma- 
nent axes,  they  always  imply*'  the  necessary 
limitation.  Upon  my  word,  this  is  a  short 
and  easy  way  of  setuing  controversies,  or, 
rathef)  of  avoiding  them  altogether,  if  we 
are  to  take  it  for  granted  that  a  writer  un- 
dersUnds  his  subject,  although  his  state- 
ments are  erroneous ;  that  he  knows  all  the 
neeeasary  limiutions  to  a  proposition^  aU 
though  he  states  it  without  any  such  limita- 


tion; if,ift8hort,#«sfetoUMm0tIiateT«ry 
man  is  right,  although  his  sutements  are 
wrong,  **  the  end  of  controversy "  is,  in- 
deed, near  at  hand.  Pefhaps,  however,  even 
in  this  free  and  easy  system,  it  mfty  be  ad- 
Yisable^  ocoSsionally  to  warn  those  resders 
who  might  not  be  quite  familiar  with  this 
new  system,  lest  they  should  take  wrong 
notions  from  a  r{ght  author.  tJniil  diis 
new  Snd  liberal  svstem  oomes  into  fashion, 
I  shall  take  the  liberty  to  point  out  "  erro- 
neoUt  etdtementt**  and  the  abseitce  of  neces- 
ssry  "limlutionA'*  in  the  writing^  of  othei^, 
snd  shall  also  feel  perfeotly  ready  to  Sc- 
knowledffe  any  such  in  my  own,  Without 
takiiig  offence.  If  the  criticisms  are  offered 
in  the  same  spirit  as  that  In  whieh  I  ven- 
tured to  oorrect  the  errors  of  "  Indagator." 
I  am,  Sir»  yours,  &o.,    A.  H. 


l»0TICH0MAm2. 
Td  the  EdUof  rf  the  Meekanic^  Magdkke. 

Sia, — ^Very  various  are  the  methods  from 
time  to  time  resorud  to  hf  Eve's  iair 
daughters,  for  killing  —  their  snpposed 
enemv,  but  when  rigntly  employea  theii 
best  friend — time  1 

Potiekomanie  is  the^scnt  fashion,  and 
to  such  an  extent  is  this  mania  now  carried, 
that  a  London  glass-eutter  is  compelled  to 
seek  in  Birmingham  the  glass  wars  he  re* 
Quirss,  the  usual  London  makers  be inj  so 
fully  occupied  with  the  production  of  Poti- 
ohomanie  articles  as  to  be  unable  to  atletid 
to  ordem  for  anything  else  I  Vases  of  all 
shapes  and  sises,  plates,  candlesticks,  &o., 
are  carried  oft  as  fast  as  made,  and  the 
brittleness  of  ths  ware  adds  not  a  little  to 
the  demand. 

Although  this  pretty  art  has  Just  now 
found  so  many  eager  and  enthusiastio  ad- 
mirers— and  praeusers^it  is  by  no  means  a 
modem  discovery,  the  following  directions 
being  given  in  the  "  Family  Library,  or 
Five  Thousand  Receipts  in  the  Useful  and 
'Domestic  Arts,"*  the  14th  edition  of  whioh 
wss  published  in  18S9  s 

"  TV  make  gtate  jare  took  Uke  tkina*'^ 
After  painting  the  figures,  cut  them  out, 
so  that  none  of  the  white  of  the  paper  re- 
mains, then  take  some  thick  gum*arabic 
water,  pass  it  Over  all  the  figures,  and  place 
them  on  the  glass  to  taste  ;  let  tnem  stand 
to  dry  for  twenty- four  hours,  then  clean 
them  well  with  a  wet  eloth  betwixt  the 

Iirints,  and  let  them  stand  a  few  hours 
onger,  lest  the  water  should  move  anv  of 
the  edges.  Then  take  white  wat  *atid  flake 
white  ground  very  finoi  and  melt  them  toge- 
ther I  with  a  japanning  brush  go  over  all 
Uie  glass  above  the  prints  t  done  in  this 
inaiinef  they  will  hold  water.    Or,  boil  isln- 

"  Fsffo  796. 


Digitized  by 


Google 


280 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATEan?S  BECENTLY  FILED. 


glass  to  a  strong  jellyi  and  mix  it  u^  with 
white  lead  ground  fine,  and  lay  it  on  in  the 
eame  manner;  or  use  nut.oil  and  flake 
white.  For  a  blue  ground,  do  it  with  white 
wax  and  prussian  blue  ground  fine;  for  red, 
wax  and  vermilion,  or  carmine  ;  for  green, 
wax  and  verdigris ;  for  a  chocolate  colour, 
wax  and  burnt  umber." 

The  modifications  of  the  process  above 
referred  to,  may  perhaps  suggest  others,  to 
persons  engaged  upon  such  work,  which, 
although  at  present  confined  principally  to 
ornamental,  seems  applicable  to  many  highly 
us^l  purposes. 

I  remain,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Wm.  Baddelet. 
13,  Angell-terrace,  Islington, 
March  20, 1855. 


GAS  11.  SMOKE. 
To  the  Editor  qf  the  Meehamct*  Magazine.^ 

Sir, — Your  correspondent,  Mr.  Palmer, 
while  recommending  Pinnock's  chemical 
catechism  to  your  readers  in  support  of  the 
novel  doctrine  that  smoke  is  combustible, 
would  have  done  well  had  he  quoted  the 
passage  or  passages  he  has  discovered  giving 
currency  to  such  theory. 

If  Mr.  Palmer  will  take  an  earthenware 
retort,  and  a  small  glass  globe  receiver,  with 
two  necks,  he  may  proceed  to  charge  the 
retort  with  coal,  and  lute  its  tube  into  one 
neck  of  the  receiver,  inserting  a  small  metal 
pipe  through  a  perforated  cork  in  the  other 
neck.  If  he  now  heaU  the  retort,  a  smo&t 
LOOKING  vapour  will  soon  fill  the  glass 
receiver  and  pass  out  at  the  metal  tube, 
where  it  may  be  lighted.  And  if  over  the 
flame  a  wide  metal  tube  be  suspended,  aa 
when  a  glass  chimney  is  adapted  to  a  gas 
lamp,  a  volume  of  smokt  looking  vapour 
will  escape  from  the  top  of  this  metal 
chimney.  Query.  Which  of  these  two 
SMOKY  LOOKING  vapouTS  is  GAS,  and  which 

is  SMOKE  f 

By  answering  my  query,  so  that  his  reply 
shall  be  in  strict  accordance  with  the  sUte- 
ments  put  forth  in  his  present  letter,  he  will 
offer  a  decisive  blow  to  what  he  calls  Mr. 
Williams*s  "  pragmatical "  writings,  and 
reap  that  applause  from  every  lover  of 
science  whicn  his  very  original  chemical 
views  (if  correct)  well  merit 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

T.B. 
Strangways,  Manchester,  Feb.  27, 1855. 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 

RECENTLY  FILED. 
Brooman,    Richard    Archibald,    of 

•  The  delay  in  the  publication  of  this  letter 
rcstB  with  the  writer  of  it. 


166,  Fleet-street,  London,  patent  agent. 
Improvements  in  obtaining  mottoe  power.  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  August  26, 
1854.    (No.  1875.) 

This  invention,  communicated  to  Mr. 
Brooman,  consists  in  certain  arrangements 
by  which  the  inventor  proposes  to  obta.in 
motive  power  from  the  force  of  gravity,  and 
from  the  combined  forces  of  gravity  and 
electro-magnetism. 

Fairbairn,  Peter,  of  Leeds,  York,  ma- 
chinist,  and  Robert  Dempster,  of  Bess- 
brook,  near  Newry,  Armagh,  Ireland,  flax- 
mill  manager.  Improvemente  in  machinery 
for  carding,  dravnng,  and  tpinning  tow  and 
tow-waste.  Patent  dated  August  26,  1854. 
(No.  1877.) 

Claim. — Combining  in  one  machine  the 
means  of  carding,  drawing,  and  spinning, 
as  described. 

Legras,  Auouste  Antoine,  mechani- 
cian, of  Paris,  France.  An  improved  appa- 
ratus  for  regulating  the  level  or  flow  of 
Uquids.  Patent  dated  August  28,  1854. 
(No.  1878.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  the  em- 
ployment of  a  separate  regulating  vessel, 
from  which  the  supply  is  cut  off  when  the 
fluid  attains  a  certain  height  within  iL 

Carr,  Thomas,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
share-broker.  Improvements  in  steering  op- 
paratus.  Patent  dated  August  28,  1854. 
(No.  1879.) 

The  inventor  describes  an  arrangement 
by  which  an  eccentric,  on  receiving  a 
revolving  or  oscillatory  movement,  trans- 
mits its  action  by  a  connecting-rod  to 
the  tiller,  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the 
rudder,  when  moved  by  wates,  will  have  but 
little  power  to  act  through  the  connecting, 
rod  upon  the  eccentric  to  cause  it,  and  the 
steering-wheel  connected  with  it,  to  revolve. 
M'CoNNBLL,  Robert,  of  Olasgow,  La- 
nark, iron-founder.  Improvements  in  shutters 
for  doors  and  windows.  Patent  dated  Au- 
gust 28,  1854.    (No.  1880.) 

*'  This  invention  consists,"  says  the  in- 
ventor, "  in  dividing  the  shutters  horizon- 
tally  into  two  parts,  which  are  connected 
together  by  suspensory  cords  or  chains 
passing  over  pulleys  in  such  manner  as  to 
counterbalance  each  other.  Suitable  re- 
cesses are  formed  above  and  below  the 
window,  and  when  it  is  necessary  to  open 
the  shutters,  one  portion  is  caused  to  de- 
scend into  the  recess  beneath,  the  other  one 
being  by  the  same  action  raised  to  the  re- 
cess at  the  top  of  the  window." 

KiRKHAM,  John,  of  Tonbridge-plaee, 
New.road,  and  Thomas  Nesham  Kirk- 
ham,  of  Ediih-grove,  West  Brompton, 
Middlesex,  engineers.  Improvements  in  the 
process  of  manvfacturing  and  purifying  gaeee 
for  lighting  smd  heating,  and  in  tipparains  to 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPEGIFIGATI0N8  OF  PATENTS  BEOENTLY   FILED. 


281 


Af  emph^  ihereku  Patent  dated  August 
28,  I8M.    (No,  1882.) 

Thia  inTOBtion  mainly  relates  to  the  ma- 
nufaeture  of  gas  from  steam  or  water  (which 
is  decomposed  bj  being  brought  into  con- 
tact with  ignited  coke),  and  consists  in  the 
construction  of  suitable  apparatus ;  and  in 
the  combination  of  gas  obtained,  as  above, 
with  a  gas  rich  in  carbon,  for  the  purpose 
of  imparting  thereto  the  requisite  illumi- 
nating properties. 

BuECH,  George,  ofWalth  am- cross,  Ches- 
hont,  Herts.  Improvements  in  the  manufaC' 
imre  rf'puJp,  Patent  dated  August  28,  1854. 
(No.  1883.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  converting 
wood  into  pulp,  by  cutting  it  into  chips, 
and  softening  it  by  boilinff  and  crushing 
until  the  fibres  are  separated. 

Oeat,  John,  of  Strand-street,  Liverpool. 
Impravewtenti  in  the  mariner's  compass.  Patent 
dated  August  28,  1854.    (No.  1884.) 

The  inventor  connects  the  bottom  of  an 
Inner  vessel  or  bowl  with  that  of  an  outer 
one  by  springs,  and  also  connects  the  upper 
and  inner  rim  of  one  with  the  outer  rim  of  the 
other  by  vulcanized  India-rubber  or  other 
springs,  the  inner  vessel  or  bowl  being  kept 
in  a  central  poaition  by  tangential  screws, 
so  as  to  counteract  the  lateral  action,  whilst 
the  springs  below  regulate  the  vertical  posi- 
tion  of  the  inner  bowl  in  conjunction  with 
a  fluid  contained  in  the  outer  bowl. 

Hancock,  James  Lamb,  of  Milford- 
haven,  Pembrokeshire.  Improvements  in  ma- 
tkhery  for  drtdning  land.  Patent  dated 
August  29,  1854.    (No.  1886.) 

The  inventor  forms  a  drain  by  means  of 
a  coulter  attached  to  a  wire  rope  and 
mounted  upon  a  carriage.  When  this  drain 
ia  made  the  plough  is  removed  from  the 
wire  rope,  and  a  "  mole  "  or  "  cone,"  of  the 
diameter  of  the  required  drain,  is  hooked 
to  either  end  of  the  latter,  and  to  the  other 
end  of  the  "  mole  "  or  "  cone  "  a  rope  is  at- 
tached  by  a  hook  or  other  means,  on  which 
rope  the  tiles  are  threaded,  and  by  which 
they  are  laid  continuously. 

Oeat,  John,  of  Dublin,  M.D.  A  self' 
acting  JtusMng  apparatuSf  which  may  be 
ammged  for  registerirtg  the  quantity  of 
water  or  other  liquid  flowing  through  it. 
Patent  dated  August  29,  1854.    (No.  1888.) 

The  apparatus  described  by  the  inventor 
comprises  an  outer  chamber  or  reservoir, 
an  mner  float  chamber,  a  buoyant  float 
which  can  rise  and  sink  in  the  float-cham- 
ber,  a  valve  of  peculiar  construction  for 
closing  the  opening  in  the  cistern,  ordinary 
valves,  &c.,  for  the  admission  and  discharge 
of  liquid,  au  arm  or  rod  for  connecting  the 
float  with  the  valve,  and  suiuble  guide. 
rods. 

9I*Nallt,  Thomas,  of  William-street, 


Blackfriars,  London,  carpenter  and  builder. 
Improvements  applicable  to  window  sashes  or 
shutters.  Patent  dated  August  29,  1854. 
(No.  1889). 

Claims, — Connecting  the  suspending  cords 
of  window  sashes  to  the  sashes  by  means  of 
a  swivel-joint  which  will  admit  of  the  sash 
being  turned  over  by  means  of  rack-work, 
so  that  the  outside  may  be  cleaned  when 
required.  Also  the  use  and  application  of 
a  moveable  parting  bead,  which  will  admit 
of  the  sashes  being  taken  out  of  the  frames 
with  facility. 

Langlois,  Louis  Napoleon,  gentleman, 
and  Jean  Baptiste  Clavibees,  raeoha- 
nical  engineer,  both  of  Paris,  France.  A 
new  mode  qf  constructing  steam  boilers. 
Patent  dated  August  29,  1854.    (No.  1890.) 

This  invention  consists — 1,  In  a  certain 
mode  of  employing  vertical  and  horizontal 
tubes,  snd  of  stopping  and  setting  up  the 
same.  2.  In  the  use  of  a  certain  cement  for 
forming  steam-tight  joints  for  the  tubes. 
Ten  parts  of  this  cement  are  composed  of 
three  of  powdered  amianthus,  three  of  pul- 
verized porcelain  earth,  two  of  iron  filings, 
and  two  of  white  lead. 

Seithen,  John,  of  Wakefield-street, 
Brunswick-square.  Improvements  in  the 
mamrfacture  of  cases  or  envelopes  for  covering 
bottles.  Patent  dated  August  29.  1854. 
(No.  1892.) 

This  invention  consists  in  an  arrange- 
ment of  apparatus  by  which  lengths  of  rush, 
straw,  or  other  suitable  material,  may  be 
readily  tied  together  so  as  to  form  covers 
for  protecting  bottles  when  packed. 

Williams,  John  Fisher,  of  Artillery, 
place  West,  Bunhill-row.  Improvements  in 
joining  east-iron  tubes.  Patent  dated  August 
29,  1854.    (No.  189S.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  the  ends  of 
the  pipes  are  by  preference  cast  so  as  to  be 
capable  of  entenng  into  each  other,  thus 
forming  a  socket  joint,  the  socket  end  being 
formed  with  an  abutment  surface  at  an 
angle,  and  having  a  kind  of  recess  into 
which  asphalted  felt  or  other  packing  is 
compressed  by  the  end  of  the  adjoining 
pipe  which  enters  into  the  socket,  and  is 
drawn  in  by  means  of  screws  passing 
through  external  lugs  or  otherwise. 

Campion,  William,  of  Nottingham. 
Improvements  in  the  manufacture  ef  warp 
fabrics.  Patent  dated  August  30,  1854. 
(No.  1896.) 

This  invention,  which  relates  to  warp  ma- 
chinery  in  which  two  needles  are  employed, 
consists  in  causing  the  guide-bars  to  work 
or  lap  their  warp  threads,  so  as  to  form  the 
loops  over  the  same  set  of  needles  in  suc- 
cession ;  the  other  set  of  needles,  carried  by 
a  machine  needle-bar,  being  so  worked  as 
to  take  9r  form  th^ir  loops  from  the  warp 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


282 


fl^Ol^lOATlONS  OF  tATftlfrS  AECElTrLT  tlLUD. 


thread*  previoilftljr  laid  oter  the  first  set  of 
Readies. 

StMiNGtoN,  WiLtiAM,  ©f  KingWflliam. 
street,  London.  Improvement*  in  apparatut 
for  heaiing  air  hy  meeou  qf  eteam.  ^at^nt 
4at6d  August  80,  1854.    (No.  1901.) 

The  inYentor  employs  two  hollow  chatn- 
ber§  connected  together  by  numerous  tube* 
{by -preference  of  welded  or  gas  iron  tubing) 
fastened  with  nuts  and  screws  and  made 
■team  proof. 

DuNLOP,  John  MacmillAn,  of  Man- 
chester, Lancaster,  engineer.  Improvements 
in  machinery  or  apparatus  fotr  preparing, 
ekaningf  and  cutting  India-mhber  and  gntli 
percha,  (Partly  a  communication.)  Patent 
datiHl  August  31,  1854.    (No.  1908.) 

These  imprOYements  consist  in  the  ein- 
ployment  of  rotatory  and  fixed  knifes  be- 
tween  which  the  material  is  caused  tb  pass, 
after  the  manner  of  rag  cutting  maenihes 
used  by  palter  makers. 

FoNTAiNBHOtteAt;,  t'lSTEA  AniiANb  Lt- 
CoiftB  DE,  of  South-street,  London.  Cer- 
ttiiH  improvements  in  apparatus  for  retarding 
and  Hopping  rtdtway-carriages,  (A  Com- 
munication.)  Patent  dated  September  1, 
1854.    (No.  1911.) 

In  carrying  out  this  intention  a  ibetallic 
Hng  is  fixed  upon  each  of  the  axles  of  the 
(Carriage,  and  an  open  circular  spring  or 
collar  of  a  larger  diameter  than  tiie  ring  Is 
plMeed  over  it.  The  free  ends  of  the  spring 
or  eollat  ate  fixed  to  a  lever,  which  causes 
them  to  approach  or  recede,  and  act  upon 
the  axle. 

Banks,  Jaubb,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick,  glass  cutter.  An  impirovefMnt  or  tm- 
prooements  in  inkstands^  which  improvement 
or  improvements  may  also  he  Applied  t6  tht 
stoppers  of  bottles,  the  packjng  qf  pistons,  and 
other  like  purposes.  Patent  dated  September 
1,  1854.    (No.  1914.) 

This  invention  Consists  in  the  use  of  a 
ring  or  ringfc  of  vulcanised  caoutchouc  ot 
other  elastic  substance  fixed  in  a  groote  or 
grooves  on  the  Ibnnels  of  inksunds  and 
label  dampers,  stoppers,  pistons,  or  other 
such  articles. 

WoRTHiNdTOK,  JosEi^H,  of  Manchesteh 
Improvements  in  counters  or  fittings  of  shops, 
warehouses,  and  offices,  for  arranging,  preserv- 
ing and  exhibiting  articles  therein.  Patent 
dated  September  2,  1854.    (No.  1915.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  series  of  shelves  or  trays,  so 
arranged  as  to  present  a  number  of  surfaces 
in  a  comparatively  small  cubical  form,  thus 
offering  an  extensive  exhibiting  surface  in 
a  small  compass. 

Lewis,  Oeoroe,  of  High  Cross-street, 
St  Martin's,  Leicester,  lock  maker.  Im- 
provements in  the  construction  qf  locks.  Pa- 
tent dated  September  2, 1854.    (No.  1917.) 


Th6  inventor  claims  two  knife -6dg6d 
stumps  firmly  riveted  or  screwed  to  the 
lock-bolt,  and  passing  on  each  side  of  the 
lever  or  levers  when  in  the  act  of  lo(fking 
Or  unlocking — a  slot  hole  cut  in  the  levef* 
or  tumblers  for  the  purpose  of  sliding  back 
on  a  fast  stump  at  the  opposite  end,  riveted 
or  screwed  to  the  case  of  the  lock,  to  f  eceire 
the  levers  or  tumblers  oh  toy  attempt  being 
made  to  pick  the  lock — a  sliding  or  covering 
plate  to  close  the  key-hole  when  any  attempt 
U  made  to  pick  the  lock — certain  anti-fric- 
tion  rollers  fixed  on  the  lateli-bolt  and  gdlde. 
arm  -^  and  a  regulating  screv^  pas^ng 
through  the  centre  of  the  knob,  tapped  into 
the  end  of  the  spindle  for  regulating  the 
length  thereof. 

fiAtttoW,  HBNiit  BBRNoutti,  of  Man- 
chester. Improvements  in  machinery  for  clean- 
ing cotton  and  other  fibrous  materiais.  (  A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  September 
2,  1854.    (No.  1919.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  combina- 
tion of  a  first  and  second  picking  cylinder 
with  a  certain  Wire  drum,  patented  by  Mr. 
F.  A.  Calvert,  January,  1849,  This  drum 
is  fbrnished  with  a  revolving  guard  or 
beater,  by  which  the  motes  or  othet  im- 

Surities  projecting  from  the  teeth  of  the 
rum  are  struck  down,  failing  on  the  first 
nicking  cylinder.  The  cotton  is  cleaned 
from  the  teeth  of  the  wire  drum  by  a 
brush  which  strikes  it  on  to  a  grid,  be- 
tween the  bars  of  which  the  loosened  dust 
or  other  impurities  drop  on  to  the  second 
picking  cylinder  ;  by  this  means  the  fly  or 
fibre  of  cotton  that  descend  with  the  dirt  is 
carried  forward  to  the  wire  drum,  and  the 
itnpuritles  are  discharged  through  a  grating. 
The  cotton,  after  passing  between  wil^e  cages, 
drops  on  an  incline,  from  Whence  it  falls 
into  a  suitable  receiver,  or  is  made  into  a 
lap  by  a  lapning  machine  similar  to  those 
Usually  applied  to  blowers. 

Callan,  Nicholas,  of  Maynooth-eol- 
lege,  Kildare,  Ireland,  professor.  Improve- 
ments in  certain  galvanic  batteries.  Patent 
dated  September  2,  1854.    fNo.  1920.) 

Claims,— I,  The  use  of  Uie  solutions  in 
the  proportions  described  under  the  first 
head  as  exciting  agents,  in  the  single  fluid 
batteries  therein  specified.  2.  The  use  of 
iron  or  cast-iron  instead  of  the  copper  used 
in  DanielPs  battery,  and  In  other  similar 
constant  batteries.  S.  The  use  of  sulphate 
of  iron  instead  of  the  sulphate  of  copper 
used  in  Daniell's  battery  and  similar  con- 
stant batteries.  4.  The  use  of  iron  or 
cast-iron  and  sulphate  of  iron  for  the  cop- 
per and  sulphate  of  copper  used  in  Daniell's 
battery  and  other  similar  constant  batteries, 
so  that  the  negative  element  will  be  iron  or 
cast-iron,  and  will  be  excited  by  a  solution 
of  sulphate  of  iron. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


P^VZSIONAL  SPECIFICATIONS   KQT  PROCEEDED  WITH. 


233 


Dkcqstbr,  Fibers  AiiDRi,  eiyil  en* 
gineer,  of  Paris,  France.  Certain  improve- 
ment $  tn  txtr acting  the  saccharine  parts  qf 
ike  sugar-reeds,  and  qf  other  sacchar\feroHS 
substances.  Patent  dated  September  2, 18^4. 
(No.  1921.) 

Claims, —  ).  Constructing  machinery  or 
apparatus  for  chopping  or  cutting  up  sugar 
eanM.  %  Extractmg  th«  sacaharioe  juice 
or  liquid  from  sugar  canes,  by  means  of  a 
serief  of  combip^u  operations,  consisting  of 
tbo  cutting  up  of  the  canes  into  smajl 
pieces,  pressing,  steamingt  and  again  pres49 
mg  them.  3.  A  mode  of  constructing  cenr 
yf^t^ff9\  m^hines,  with  a  detached  drum 
^pable  of  being  r«adihr  remofed  and  re. 
pUc«d,  and  ptrTorated  .with  long  narrow 
s}^a  widened  at  the  exterior  and  having  a 
central  pipe  or  hollow  stem  for  the  admis* 
aion  of  the  clairce  or  purifying  liquid.  4. 
Constructing  centrifugal  machinery  with 
an  arrangement  of  wings  or  fans,  (ox  deadi. 
ening  the  shock  or  diestroying  the  motion 
of  the  dairce  as  it  flies  out  from  the  centra) 
stem.  6.  Constructing  centrifugal  ma. 
chinery  with  detached  trellis  or  network, 
for  removing  the  «ugar  from  the  perforated 
druns.  6.  A  mode  of  extracting  the  crys- 
tallised sugar  from  the  molasses  ^nd  im- 
Surities,  by  moulding  it  into  loaves  in 
etaebed  moulds  perforated  with  narroy 
alita,  which  monbis  are  fitted  to  revolving 
spindles  an4  furnished  with  central  pipes 
through  which  the  clairce  is  introduced. 

CBAQOOcpc,  THDif  AS,  of  Portway  Foun- 
dry, Potter*  s-lane,  Wednesbury,  Staflbrd- 
shire,  engineer.  Certain  improvements  i^ 
^  sieam  engine^  Patent  dated  September 
2,1854.    (No.  1922.) 

This  invention  consists— 1.  In  the  em* 
plojrment  of  India-rubber  tubes  for  dis- 
tributing the  steam  preasure  over  the 
backs  0?  valves ;  and,  2.  In  the  use  of  an 
arrangement  of  worm*wheels  for  giving 
motion  to  the  eccentric. 

Kat,  Bjoharo  puoPAj:.B,  of  Accrrngton. 
Imprmfements  in  machine  printing.  Patent 
dated  geptember  %  1S54.    (No.  )92S.) 

Jhis  invention  relates  to  what  is  termed 
lapping,  snd  consists  in  using  a  series  of 
thin  cptton  fabrics,  or  fabrics  of  linen -warp 
and  cotton  weft,  coated  on  one  side  with 
India-rubber  cement,  and  folded  with  the 
uncemented  surface  outside.  One  of  these 
folded  fabrics  is  wound  on  to  the  cylinder 
to  the  thickness  required,  the  pressure 
exerted  in  the  act  of  winding  causing  the 
cement  h9  permeate  through  the  fabric,  so 
th«t  the  whole  becomes  a  solid  maas. 


.PKOyiSIOWAL  ePBCIPICATIONS   NOT    PEO- 
^Ennsp  WITH. 

FftAitfif,  HsHftY,  of  the  Strwd,  Wesu 


minster,  engineer,  J  machine  for  scutching 
Jiaxy  hemp,  and  other  like  fibrous  materials. 
Application  dated  August  26,  1854.  (No. 
1876.) 

This  machine  consists  of  rough  rollers 
mounted  in  pairs  in  a  suiuble  frsme,  and 
each  or  both  capable  of  two  independent 
motions,  one  in  the  direction  of  their  dia- 
meters, and  the  other  in  the  directions  of 
their  lengths.  The  rollers  are  grooved, 
fluted,  or  otherwise  roughened,  or  covered 
with  a  rough  material. 

BpvoYAW,  Jamgs,  of  Church-path, 
Hftckney,  JViiddlese^  gentleman.  Jn  im* 
proved  mode  qf  constructing  steam  boiler  aud 
other  furnaces  for  the  purpose  rf  consuming 
smoke.  Application  date4  August  28, 1S54. 
(No.  1881.)  .  »    .  . 

Tb^  inventor  provides  immediately  below 
the  fire-bars  air-ducts  which  lead  from  an 
air  chamber  at  the  front  of  the  fireplace  to 
another  situated  at  the  bridge,  or  formed  by 
making  the  bridge  hollow. 

Machin,  Isaiah  James,  of  St,  Giles-in- 
the.  fields,  Middlesex,  machinist  Improve- 
ments in  cutting  screws,  Applicalipn  dated 
August  29,  1854.    (No.  1885.) 

This  invention  consists  of  a  nprel  ar- 
rangement of  steel  rollers,  with  suitable 
guides  and  handles  in  lieu  of  the  usual 
stocks  and  dies,  by  means  of  which  either 
right  or  left-hand  screws  can  be  out  by 
simply  reversing  the  action. 

BuRBioGE,  jQsprH,  of  Orcat  Portland, 
street.  Improvements  in  apparatus  for  closing 
fire-places.  Application  dated  August  29f 
1854.    (No.  1887.) 

This  invention  consists  in  using  shutters, 
in  combination  with  fire-places,  for  the 
purpose  of  regulating  the  draft,  extinguish- 
mg  the  fire,  and  preventing  the  escapi^  of 
soot  or  dust 

Eroon,  Jean  de,  of  Paris,  France,  ciyil 
engineer.  A  new  machine  for  cutting  or 
preparing  wood  to  be  used  in  the  mai^iie- 
ture  qf  paper.  Application  dated  August  29, 
1854.    (No.  1891.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  tool  which  con- 
sists of  a  circular  toothed  blade  set  on  an 
axle,  and  so  constructed  that  the  under  part 
of  the  teeth  cut  the  wood  in  a  curvilinear 
direction,  and  a  support  composed  of  two 
drums  without  bottoms,  placed  one  within 
the  other,  leaving  between  them  the  neces- 
sary space  for  placing  the  logs  of  wood. 

Mathieu,  Jules,  of  Paris,  France,  civil 
engineer.  Improvements  in  pumps,  (A  com. 
muoication.)  Application  dated  August 
30,1854.    (No.  1895.) 

A  flexible  tube  is  bent  round  into  a  circu- 
lar form  by  the  inventor,  and  placed  within 
a  cylindrical  box  or  hoop.  A  roller  is 
mounted  upon  an  arm  attached  to  a  shaft 
placed  coneentrlc  with  the  box,  and  made 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


284 


PBOVISIONAL  SP£CIFIOATIONS  NOT  PBOCJSEBKD  WITH. 


to  compress  the  tube  as  it  revolves,  thus 
producing  suction. 

Meyersi  Barnet,  of  Savage-gardens, 
Tower-hill,  Middlesex,  importer  and  manu- 
aoturer.  Improvements  in  walking  -  stick 
guns,  (A  communication.)  Application 
dated  August  80,  1854.    (No.  1897.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  the  muzzle 
end  of  the  piece,  or  the  ground  end  of  the 
stick,  has  screwed  into  it,  within  an  ex- 
terna] solid  ferule,  a  short  metal  barrel  or 
rifled  rauzzlc-piece.  This  barrel  is  screwed 
out  when  the  niece  is  to  be  loaded,  and  the 
projectile  is  then  dropped  in  at  the  inner 
and  slightly  wider  end.  The  explosive 
agent  is  a  percussion  cap. 

NiMMO,  William,  of  Pendleton,  Lan- 
caster, spinner  and  manufacturer.  Improve^ 
ments  in  machinery  or  afjparatus  for  producing 
ornamental  woven  fabrics, .  Application  dated 
Aiigust  30,  1854.    (No.  1898.) 

These  improvements  relate  to  the  produc- 
tion of  fabrics  by  machinery  in  which  a 
jacquard  apparatus  or  its  equivalent  is  used, 
and  consists  in  so  arranging  the  parts  that 
the  jacquard  cylinder  or  its  equivalent  may 
cease  to  change  at  any  required  time,  and 
continue  to  form  the  shed  by  successive 
operations  of  the  same  card  or  other  such 
part. 

Lehuoeur,  Louis  Pierre,  mechanic, 
and  Michel  Uttinoer,  gentleman,  both  of 
St.  Denis,  near  Paris,  France.  Improve- 
ments appUeable  to  machinery  for  printing 
fabrics.  Application  dated  August  80, 
1854.    (No.  1899.) 

In  the  improved  machinery  the  colour- 
block  or  table  is  made  elastic  by  means  of 
springs,  and  is  covered  with  a  cloth,  so  that 
at  each  stroke  of  the  printing- block  fresh 
colour  will  be  supplied,  the  apparatus  being 
so  arranged  that  the  cloth  and  the  colour 
which  is  contained  in  a  reservoir  or  basin 
shall  be  kept  together. 

Sbithen,  John,  of  Wakefield  -  street, 
Brunswick-square.  Improvements  in  appa- 
ratus for  cutting  squares  tf  cork,  Applica- 
tion  dated  August  30,  1854.    (No.  1900.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  blade  or  knife 
attached  to  the  end  of  a  lever  jointed  to  the 
side  of  a  table,  and  governed  in  its  move- 
ment by  a  guide.  This  blade  moves  at  an 
angle  to  the  edge  of  the  table,  so  as  to  make 
an  angular  cut  in  its  downward  movement, 
the  cork  resting  upon  and  projecting  slightly 
beyond  the  Uble  so  as  to  come  into  the  path 
of  the  blade. 

Illakowicz,  Michel  Napoleon,  artist, 
of  Maddox-street,  London.  Improvements 
in  picture  frames.  Application  dated  Au- 
gust 81,  1854.     (No.  1902.) 

The  inventor  describes  certain  expanding, 
picture  frames  made  in  eight  prineipaljpieces. 
The  usual  frames  being  divided  into  four,  at 


the  centres  of  the  four  pieces  composiog  the 
frames,  four  other  pieces  are  brought  on  to 
the  back,  and  on  these,  by  means  of  me- 
chanism, the  four  corner  pieces  are  made 
to  slide  in  such  manner  tiiat  the  proper- 
tion  of  the  sides  of  the  parallelogram,  u 
well  as  the  sizeof  it,csn  be  changed  at  plea- 
sure. 

Witty,  Robert  Christopher,  of  Tor- 
riano-avenue,  Camden-road-villas,  Mid- 
dlesex, civil  engineer.  Improvewunts  in  iUu- 
mination  by^  means  of  artificial  iight.  Ap- 
plication dated  August  31,  1854.  (No. 
1908.) 

This  invention  consists  in  placing  a  reflec- 
tor in  a  central  position  within  a  circle  of 
flame,  or  within  a  series  of  jets  of  flame 
placed  in  a  circle,  for  the  purpose  of  in- 
creasing  the  illuminating  effect. 

Bernard,  Julian,  of  Club- chambers. 
Regent-street,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Im- 
provements in  the  manufacture  if  combs.  Ap- 
plication dated  August  81,  1854.  (No. 
1905.) 

This  invention  relstes  to  the  moulding  of 
combs  of  vulcanized  or  hardened  caout- 
chouc and  gutta  percha  by  means  of  pres- 
sure in  a  vacuum. 

KdNiQ,  Eugene,  of  Rue  du  Temple, 
Paris,  France,  upholsterer.  Improvemenis 
in  manumotive  carriages.  Application  dated 
August  31,  1854.  (No.  1906.) 

This  invention  relates  to  a  particular  ar- 
rangement and  construction  of  wheeled 
carriages,  the  object  being  that  the  occu- 
pants may  propel  them  from  within  by  a 
simple  action  of  one  hand. 

Campion,  William,  of  Nottingham. 
Improvements  in  rotary  knitting-moMHery. 
Application  dated  August  31,  1854.  (No. 
1907.) 

The  inventor  adopts  arrangements  by 
which  he  is  enabled  to  narrow  the  work  or 
transfer  loops  from  one  or  more  needles  at 
each  end  of  the  arms  to  other  needles  at 
the  time  that  the  course  is  being  com- 
pleted. 

Eden,  George,  of  Norwood,  Suzxey. 
Improvements  in  cooking  utensiU.  AppHea- 
tion  dated  August  81,  1854.    (No.  1909.) 

These  improvements  consist — 1.  In  con- 
structing cooking  utensils  with  an  oater 
steam-tight  casing,  leaving  a  apace  all 
round  the  vessel  for  the  reception  of  water, 
oil,  or  other  liquid,  according  to  the  tem- 
perature required  to  be  obtained  ;  at  the 
top  of  this  casing  there  is  an  aperture  over 
which  a  whistle  or  similar  instrument  is 
screwed  or  fixed  when  in  use,  so  that  at- 
tention msy  be  called  when  boiling  occurs^ 
2.  In  the  employment  of  a  spindle  which 
descends  into  the  cooking  vessel  and  keeps 
the  contents  stirred.  8.  In  the  adaptation 
of  a  whistle  or  thermometer  to  ordinaiy 
cooking  utensils. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOYISIONAL  PBOTECTIONS. 


285 


'     FOHTAIHBMORBAU,  PbTEK  ArMAMD  Lb. 

COMTB  DE,  of  ^onth-Btreet,  London.  An 
imprmred  soapf  to  which  he  give*  the  name  rf 
SapamtoUae,  (A  communication.)  Appli- 
oatioii  dated  September  1,  1854.  (No. 
1910.) 

Tliis  invention  conaiste  in  combining  the 
following  ingredients  for  the  inauufaotare 
of  soap,  vis. :  ordinary  soap,  10  oz. ;  ear- 
bonate  of  aoda,  13  oz. ;  lime,  7  oz. ;  boiled 
linseed,  6  oz. ;  grey  salts,  1  oz.  ,*  sulphate 
of  ammonia,  ^  oz. ;  rain  water,  7  lbs. 

FONTAINBMOREAIT,        PbtBR      ARMAND 

Lbcomtb  db,  of  South-Street,  London.  An 
imprmKdpneeu  «f  vuumfacturing  alcohol  from 
ike  eiem  and  ear  if  maixe,  (A  oommunioa- 
tion).  Application  dated  September  1, 1854. 
(No.  1912.) 

In  carrying  out  this  inYenUon  the  maize 
is  cut  into  small  pieces  and  crushed  so  as 
to  form  a  kind  of  pulp  which  is  submitted 
to  fermenting  and  distilling  processes. 

LiMDHEiM,  Marie  Louise,  independent 
lady,  of  Paris,  France.  Certain  improve- 
ntents  in  the  manrfaetnre  qf  bonnets  or  cape. 
Application  dated  September  1,  1854.  (No. 
1913.) 

Tlie  frame  or  skeleton  of  Madame  Lind- 
heim*s  improved  bonnet  or  cap  is  made  of 
wires  radiaiing  from  the  central  portion  or 
crown,  and  crossed  by  other  wires  of  a 
enrved  or  circular  form,  which  are  provided 
at  intervals  with  hinges,  which  allow  the 
two  rides  or  the  top  and  bottom  of  the 
bonnet  or  cap  to  be  brought  together,  so 
that  it  may  be  packed  ap  in  a  small  com- 
pass. 

Edwards,  Hezekiah,  of  Islington,  com- 
mission agent,  and  Jambs  Hodbon,  of  the 
same  place,  Middlesex,  warehouseman.  Im- 
provements in  the  formation  t^  envelopes.  Ap- 
plication dated  September  2,  1854.  (No. 
1916.) 

The  peculiarity  of  this  invention  consists 
in  forming  envelopes  like  paper  bags,  having 
one  side  open,  and  on  the  interior  edge  of  it 
an  adhesive  coating. 

Fin  LAY,  William,  of  Aylesford,  Kent, 
superintendent  of  the  Aylesford  Pottery 
Company's  Works.  Improvements  in  ma- 
ekinery  for  manufacturing  bricks  and  tiles. 
Application  dated  September  2, 1854.  (No. 
1918.) 

"  This  invention  relates  to  the  manufac- 
ture of  bricks  and  tiles,  either  solid  or 
hollow,  by  compression,  in  place  of  forcing 
the  clay  or  other  plastic  material  through 
dies,  and  consists  in  the  employment  of  a 
Kvolving  door  in  combination  with  a  piston 
or  plunger  and  chamber,  the  piston  being 
worked  by  a  crank  on  the  main  shaft  of  the 
machine." 

Newton,  ALFRko  Yincbrt,  of  Chan- 
cery-lane,  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughts- 


man. Improvements  in  machinery  apptteable 
to  the  cutting,  dressing ,  and  poUshing  iff  stone, 
(A  communication.)  Application  dated 
September  2,  1854.     (No.  1924.) 

The  inventor  employs  conical  cutters, 
grooved  spirally,  and  mounted  in  indepen- 
dent bracket-frames  which  are  arranged 
radially  and  secured  to  a  revolving  £sc 
plate  keyed  to  a  driving  shaft,  which  is 
capable  of  longitudinal  adjustment  so  as  to 
bring  up  the  cutters  to  the  face  of  the  stone 
to  be  operated  upon.  A  platform  running 
on  wheels  is  provided  for  carrying  the  stone. 
JHien  the  polishing  is  to  be  efiected,  polish- 
mg  tools  are  substituted  for  the  cutters. 

CowPER,  Edward  Alfred,  of  Great 
George  -  street,  Westminster,  Middlesex, 
civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  sislf-feed- 
ing  fitmaees,  and  in  maehinerv  for  working 
such  fitmaees.  Application  dated  Septem- 
ber 4,  1854.    (No.  1925.) 

The  inventor  constructs  furnaces  with 
fire-bars  placed  transversely,  and  capable 
of  working  up  and  down  in  suitable  guides, 
being  raised  and  lowered  by  means  of  levers 
or  earns  fitted  on  revolving  or  oscillating 
shafts  so  as  to  produce  undulations  or  waves 
on  the  surface  on  which  the  fuel  lies,  thus 
propelling  it  towards  the  back  of  the  fur- 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  January  26,  1855. 

197.  William  Blnns,  of  Clsremont- villa,  Vic- 
toiia-grove,  Brampton,  Middlesex,  eonsulting  en- 
gineer, and  James  Haughton,  of  Bankside,  New 
Mill,  Oldham,  Lancaster,  engineer.  Certain  im- 
provements  in  valves  for  stopping,  retarding,  and 
regulating  the  flow  of  steam,  water,  or  other  fluids. 

Dated  February  10,  1855. 
313.  Edward  Sparkball,  of  Cheaptide,  London, 
printer.    Improvements  in  the  exhihition  of  pie* 
torial  representations  of  various  subjects. 

Dated  February  28,  1855. 

4SS.  Alexander  Symons»  of  the  Strand,  Middle- 
sex, gentleman.  An  egg-cooldng  apparatus.  A 
communication. 

485.  Frederic  Allarton,  of  HIeh-street,  South- 
wark,  Surrey,  chemist.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  method  of  administering  iron  as  a  remedy. 

437.  James  Higgin,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 
manufacturing  chemist.  Improvements  in  treat- 
ing certain  waste  soap  liquors,  and  obtaining  there- 
ft-om  certain  products  applicable  to  purposes  not 
hitherto  known. 

439.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbury,  of  CornhUl, 
London.  An  improved  mode  of  ringing  fog-bells. 
A  communicttion  from  Charles  O.  Page,  of  Wssh> 
ington,  United  States  of  America. 

441.  George  Mackay  Miller,  of  Inchlcore,  Dublin, 
civil  engineer,  and  John  Wskefleld,  of  the  same 
place,  engineer.  Improvements  in  pistons  for 
engines  driven  by  steam  or  other  elastic  fluid, 
which  improvements  are  also  applicable  to  the 
pistons  or  plungers  of  reciprocating  pumps. 

443.  Fischer  Alexander  Wilson,  of  Kennington, 
Surrey,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  closing  and 
unclosing  bottles,  and  other  vessels  used  for  eon- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


386 


PBp^vnnuii  vwmmQmf 


titBljifUqiiidt,a]a«iiitken0i  .     ^. 

enrfnf ,  huI  nberstlng  Uqatdt  therebi  and  there- 
fken. 

44$.  Heuy  CosfUntine  JTMininge,  ot  Great 
Tower-street,  London,  practical  eliemUt.  An  Im- 
proTcnent  in  the  manufteture  of  toap. 

44f.  Georfe  Ritchie,  of  New^iou,  I>eptford,  | 
Kent.  An  tanprevement  In  the  manufkotuw  ef  i 
llnlngi  for  articlee  af  draaa. 

449.  Bewlefce  Blackburn,  of  Clapham-commoQ, 
Bnntj,    ImproTementa  In  the  manufoctore  of 


Dated  Monk  I,  1855. 

4S0.  Rlafaavd  Atehibald  BraMMM.  af  1«,  fleet. 
atffaet,  LoDden,  paunt  agent.  An  laprpvemenl  1« 
roDert  uaed  ip  apionlng.    A  pommunlaatioQ. 

452.  Sunitlaf  Vlgo^reux,  nuitufaeturer,  ttf 
Rhelma,  French  emolre.  Certain  Imprevementi 
in  priatlBff.  •nuunennng,  aad  diaaaiaff  wavan  and 
taxWa  fahrlca. 


453,  Thomas  8adle|r,  q(  M»Ua  TQlUtnorci  K*4* 
An  improved  apparatus  and  psethod  of  manufh^ 
tiulBg  sliarcaal,  mkUk  aan  alaa  be  applied  Co  ooak* 


iff  and  •thar  pvipaaaa. 

4M,  Oaorge  Machay  MiUar,  pf  Inchlcora,  Purlin* 

vil  engineer.    Impro?eipents  in  axles  and  axle- 


i«ff  and  Athar  ] 

dvf  

boxes  of  engines  and  carrfnges  In  uae  on  railways. 

4df.  Andrew  Small,  ef  CHaagow,  Laurk,  ship 
ah«>)4Itr  Improraipenta  in  marina  compafina, 
and  in  apparatus  applicable  thereto. 

457.  John  Henry  /ohnson,  of  l«taco1n's-lDn« 
Aelde,  lIlddleeaK,  geaClaman.  lanproreaMnta  in 
maehloerr  or  apptratua  far  mUhig  a»d  ghapinf 
]])at4ls.   A  pommvnication. 

Dat€dM^eh2,W6* 
4d8.  Jamaa  Lawla,  of  Abargavannyi  Ifoamavlh, 

ironmonger.    Improyements  In  stench-traps. 

459.  Thomas  Dodds  and  Richard  Leake,  of 
Horseshoe-court,  LudgaCa-hUl,  London,  lithogra- 

8 hers,  and  William  Fletcher^of  Saint  James-street, 
lid  Kant-road,  Londan,  aliginaer.  Certain  im- 
provements In  the  construction  of  a  machine  for 
heating  all  k^nda  and  dasariptton  af  Aimaces  with 
eoal  or  other  gases. 

450.  Oeerge  Lawiy,  of  Manchester,  machinist. 
ImproeemenU  in  maehlnerf  for  pfepaHog  and 
spinning  ian,  hemp,  and  other  dbnua  mateilaia. 

461.  Constant  JouArof  Domdry,  ef  Rue  dn 
Ohiteaa  d'Eau,  Patia,  Pranee,  eivU  engineer.  Im* 
piovemenU  in  alarm  and  aafety  whistiee  for  etaam 
generators. 

462.  Charles  Frederiek  Stanritnry,  ef  Comhill, 
London.  An  togrorad  diiU  and  MUatock.  A 
aommunioatian. 

403.  John  Haniy  Jalinaon,  of  Lin0a|n's4n»- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improyements  in 
slide-yalyes  Car  steam-engines.  A  eoaununication 
from  Rraamus  P.  Leavitt  tha  f  nungar,  of  Lowell, 
tf  nlted  States  of  America. 

464.  William  Hodges,  of  SUflbrd,  boot  and  ahoa 
manufaeturer.  Certain  improTementa  in  hoots  a|id 
shoes. 

465.  John  Johnson,  of  Bow,  Middlesex,  dry- 
Salter.    Improvementa  in  temporary  rudders. 

466.  WiUiam  George  Henry  Taunton,  of  Liver- 
pool, Lancaater,  ciril  engineer  and  patent  windlass 
purchase  manufacturer.  Improvements  in  pumps, 
pump-gear,  and  pump-buckets. 

467.  Alfted  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chanoary-Iane, 
Middlesex,  msahanlcal  draoghtsman.  Improve* 
venta  in  the  oooatruction  of  printing-presaea,  A 
communication. 

468.  John  Canar,  of  VevhalUhiU,  Birmlogham, 
Warwick,  gun-maker.  An  Unproved  conatructinn 
of  gun-lack. 

DtiU  Mareh  I,  tS55. 

469.  John  Ifoodlar  and  Henrt  Haihart  Swln- 
ford,  of  tdmahouie,  MMdlaaex,  oopperi.  Ivprora- 


470.  Andr6  9ernard  Yabre,  of  Saint  Thomna'a- 
stieet  Bast.  Sarrey,  elvll  engineer,  faprovaaaenta 
in  floors  and  roQfs.    A  aommunlcalion. 

47  i.  Benjamin  Dickinren,  arfl  John  Plalta*  of 
Clough  House  Mill,  near  Hudderslleld,-  Tor^ 
cloth-dressers.  Improvements  in  maehinety  or 
apparatus  uaad  in  flolahing  woollen  and  othaa  tas* 
tUe  fabrics. 

472.  William  flant,  of  Tipton.  St^ffbrd,  mann- 
fhcturtng  chemist.  Improvements  in  ntUlaing 
certain  eompounds  praduead  In  the  pvaaaea  oT 
galvaniaiiig  tipn,  and  «n  ihe  gpiUa^tfen  af  tte 
same  and  limllar  compowids  to  cannip  v«ffw 
purposes. 

476.  Thomaa  Heuy  Rylnn4,  •i  Blimtogtaii, 
Warwick,  mapulhaturer.  An  ImpfoyanMat  ar  im« 
provamants  in  the  panufaatpfe  of  pack  g^  AwfB- 
chainif  bracelets,  and  other  ornamental  a|tlc)es  of 
dress,  and  in  links  used  in  the  manutscture  af  tko 
ati 


474.  WttUam  #ohnson,  af  

Middlesex,  eIrU  aagineer,  ImproyemaoM 
cleansing  and  preparing  llbrous  materials.  A  com- 
munication from  Samuel  W.  Browa,  of  LoepoUy 
Maasaahnaaits,  Called  Stataa  of  Amerian. 

475.  Joseph  Revell,  of  pukinfleld.  Cheater, 
plasterer.  Certain  improvements  in  machinery  or 
apparatus  for  propelling  veeaels. 

476.  John  Oeuvlua  WllUaaa,  of  Tesittag,  Damn, 
iraamonger.  Improvaipenta  in  camp  aiavaa  gnd 
cooking  apparatus.  _ 

477.  Thomas  Metcalfe,  of  High-street,  < 
town,  Middleeex,  gantleaun.    ~ 
window-aasfaes. 

478.  Robert  Boby,  of  Bury  St.  Edmunds,  «m«- 
chipist,  and  Thomas  Cooper  Brid^man,  of  the  agnan 
borough,  Snflblk,  chemist.  Improvemente  in  eam- 


dressing  and  winnowing  ■ 

479.  Timothy  Walker  Carter,  of  MasanchnaaMab 
United  States  of  America.  New  and  useful  lip- 
provements  in  repeating  lire-arma.  A  eommonl- 
eatlon  from  Joshua  Stephens,  ef  Masaachnsatta. 

460.  Charlea  lies,  of  Pipal  W»r|a,  Blrplnffliam, 
Warwifik,  maanlhcturer.  Impraremenu  In  apnnr 
ratus  for  cutting,  burnishing,  and  polishing  cjUn- 
drical  surfaces  of  metal  and  other  tabetaneea. 

481.  Chariee  Ilea,  of  Peel  Works,  Birmiagluai, 
Warwick,  manufacturer.  Improvementa  in  tba 
manufacture  of  t^bes,  Knobs,  gnd  handles  of  doora, 
roller^  of  castors,  and  reds  for  cotton  and  thread. 

DtHgdMarckS^lUS^ 

416.  Lawia  {•»»  Paine,  gf  CanMwwaU.  vU 
John  Ryan,  of  Hatoham  Improved  portgMn 
utenills,  such  as  buckets,  canteens,  baths,  a||# 
other  similar  waterproof  articles  for  oontainlBg 
liiinida.  alao  applinahla  far  nertaUa  Ufe^bonte, 
buoys,  or  Uod-«narkS|  end  Pthar  comp^aaatbla 
articles.  _ 

485.  John  Dawson,  of  Korthwieh,  Cheater,  an*, 
dler.    An  improvement  in  saddlea. 

467.  Rtehard  Amhlbald  Brooman.  of  166,  Fl^et- 
street,  London,  paUnt  agent.  improvemenU  la 
projectiles.    A  communication. 

469.  John  Lewis,  of  Elixabethtown,  Kaw  Janay, 
UnUed  Statea  af  America.  Impraeemaata  i»  rig. 
ging  and  apairing  Teasels,  «  ..-_  ^      ^ 

493.  Augusta  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Essex -street,  I<ondon.  Certain  new  and  naeftd 
improvementa  in  the  eeaUlatlag  alaam  angina.  A 
oemmnnifsatlan  r^om  ,Iohn  Andrew  Raad,  af  Maw 
York,  United  States  of  Amaricg. 

Dated  March  «,  IMfi. 

496.  William  Jenkins,  of  Neath  Abbey.  Mmbot- 
gan,  aaoaldar.  An  inprovad  method  of  waatlM 
copper  cylinder*,  aoppar  yaasgla,  •n4  9l]^r  ooppar 
forms. 

497.  George  Washington  Bowlshy,  af  the  Cnalla 
Hotel,  Oxford-etreet,  Middlesex.  An  i«pn«ia» 
mani  In  aloirtnf  (ka  windage  wtn^  4f64Mrgtaff 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


297 


ton,  UiddlMaz,  drU 


Ml.  Bugtae  Ttt^St,  «f  BraxdlM,  Velgliiin,  mer- 
ehjmt.    iJi  improTed  eoostraciiaB  ot  Bumbcrinf 


NOTICES  OF  INTENTION  TO 
PBOCBBD. 


(From  tkM  '*Lmuhm  Oautu;' 
1W5.) 
13M.  Fndcriel:  Bawiwng.    As  iiOMtT< 
pnpaiiac  ozidet  and  caiboiutet  of  lead  or  sine, 
and  earbonale  or  aalphate  of  baiytea,  to  render  the 


Jf«rdl20M, 


tin 


)  anitable  for  pautinf  or  coating  ra 

'^    The  HononnUe  WiUim  Edward    Fits- 


BUHirlee.    ImproTei 


her  projectiles. 

t4M.  George  Bminr  I 

ionioanoB 


In  bnUeta,  abAUf,  wd 


ind  prepwing  eotton, 
MM.  Uohardl 


thod  of  eommonioaCloB  between  nanengen  and 
guards,  fte.,  for  the  pieTentioB  of  loaa  of  lUi  and 
McideiiU  on  ivOwnya. 

S4U.  P»tor  Knowles  and  Sdward  KIrby.  In* 
provements  in  maehinery  for  opening,  eleonlng, 
otton,  and  other  fibrous  materials. 
I  Peters.  ImpiovenMBts  la  ateaa- 
englnes. 

2449.  Edouard  Better.  A  new  manufhetare  of 
apparatus  for  warming  rooms  and  woik-shopa. 

2479.  Henri  Joles  DBTirier  and  Henri  Chaadet, 
Improrements  in  treating  Eutta  pereha. 

2409.  FeUx  Delaeenr.    improvements  in  fire- 

2509.  John  Ahraban.  Improvements  iVpUcable 
to  draining. 

251S.  John  Moore  Hyde.  ImproTemenCs  In  iron 
steam-ships,  and  In  hollers  and  machinery  for  pro- 


"^^^ 


2544.  Henry  Strong.  ImproreniMts  i^  the  pp»- 
▼endon  of  *' back  smoke"  in  chimneys. 

t$7d.  Samuel  Heseltine.  IraprovemaBta  i»  the 
omstruetioB  of  eannm  sh0t  and  shell. 

tdis.  AognsU  Edouard  Loradoux  BrtUiNd.  Im- 
pmyemMiU  in  sewing  maehines.  A  Mnmanica- 
tien. 

S670.  Aagwte  fkaB«ato  Joseph  Favrel.  A  new 
marhine  for  beating  pxecleus  metals  ^pUeabto  tp 
leather  and  to  forgiDg. 

2697.  Jabes  Smith.  Aa  improred  buckle  or 
ihetenlng. 

2768.  Bernard  Hughes.  The  better  and  more 
oftctual  heating  of  bakers'  orens. 

f .  Stephen  Giles.    An  improred  ratehet  brace. 

61.  Thomas  Wilson.  An  improvement  or  im- 
provements in  the  manufacture  of  bands  used  in 
the  construction  of  small  arms. 

182.  John  Livtsey.  Improvements  in  lace  ma- 
chinery. 

197.  Winiam  BinoB  and  James  Hatt|hton.  Cer- 
tain improvements  in  valves  for  stopping,  reUrd- 
inc,  and  regulaUng  the  flow  of  steam,  water,  or 
otaer  fluids* 

227.  pavid  Moline.  Improvements  In  the  ma- 
Bufheture  ef  metallic  window-ftemes  and  sky- 
lights.   A  communication. 

2 IS.  Edward  Sparkhall*  Improvemeats  i«  the 
•shiUtlon  of  pictorial  ropresentation*  of  various 
aobjects. 

269.  John  Haeke^t.  A  new  and  improved  Otbric 
cr  fabrics  for  the  maonfbcture  of  umbrellas,  pa- 
rasols, and  buttons,  and  for  other  purposes. 

960.  John  Hsekett.   An  improved  leather  cloth, 
MMi  the  employment  thereof  0 
pnrposea. 

S69.  Charles  Boper  Mead,    i 
dractlon  of  gas  regulator. 

260.  Thomas  Organ.  A  new  or  improved  drsM- 
Ihstening. 

297.  Vftnderiek  Wlttiam  East  nd  John  MUk. 
ImpnTfOflBlalA  dcitvpping  (b*  Ptfziow  T«p«an 


in  the  open  air.  I 

4 IS.  John  Scetit  Russell.  An  improvement  in 
the  ceastmetion  of  ships  or  vessels  to  ftciHtata 
the  use  of  water  as  ballast. 

421.  Charles  Henry  Baberta.  An  improvamtnt 
in  the  maaufhetnre  of  rabbert  lor  pamten  tnd 
others. 

4S1.  Alexander  Thaophihu  Blakely.  Improve- 
ments in  ordnanae. 

4S7.  Jaaaee  Higgin.  Impiavemenu  In  Inathig 
eertain  waste  soap  uauors,  and  obtaining  thwaltem 
certain  products  applicable  to  puipoees  pot  hither- 
to known. 

422.  WaiA  Halicyd.  An  Improved  melted  of 
**  fencing**  horizontal  and  other  shafts  in  fbctorics 
and  other  places  where  such  fencing  may  be  re- 
quired for  the  purpose  of  preventing  accidents. 

440.  John  Gedge.  Improvements  in  ^paratua 
or  machinery  for  stopping  or  retarding  vehicles 
used  on  railways.  A  communication  from  Sophia 
Riehter,  of  GorUta,  Pniasia. 

4tf .  AndRW  Sssall.  Improvomenta  in  imiIm 
eompassas,  and  In  apparatus  applicable  tbereto. 

466.  James  liowis.    Imprevcments  in     ' 
tewps. 

460.  George  Lowry.    Improvements  in  i 
nery  for  preparing  and  spinning  flax,  hemp,  and 
other  flbrons  metoials. 

467.  Alfted  Yineeot  Newton.  Improvomenta  in 
the  construction  of  printing-presses.    A  oommn- 


472.  Willism  Hunt.  Impfovomenta  In  utllistaw 
certain  compounds  produced  in  the  process  of  gal- 
vanising Iron,  a-'d  in  the  application  pf  the  same 
and  similar  eomponnds  to  certain  usoAil  purposes. 

476.  Joseph  Revell.  Certain  improvements  in 
maehinery  or  apparatus  for  propelling  vessels. 

479.  Timothy  Walker  Carter.  New  and  useftil 
improvements  in  lepeating  Are-arms.  A*  oommu- 
nleation  from  Joshua  Stevens,  of  Massachusetts. 

Ml.  BnHno  Tardlf.  An  Improved  construction 
of  numbering  apparatus. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  (he  grwiUng 
of  A  PoUat  to  oojr  of  tlio  partita  in  the 
above  List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twent/  •  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  GautU  in  wiiioh 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
missioners'-office  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  application. 

WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 
S€*k4  Mmtk  16,  IMS.     . 
2029.  Victor  Atbanase  Pierret. 
2087.  Henry  Hudaon* 
2039.  Jean  Antolne  Passet 

2047.  Peter  Spence* 

Sealed  March  20,  1855. 
204S.  James  Egleeon  Anderson  Owy nne. 

2048.  Oeorge  Collier  and  Samuel  Thorn- 

tOD. 

2055.  Robert  Pinknejr. 

2058.  Henry  Alexandre  Oanetrean^ 

2061.  Philip  James  Chabot 

2963.  Henri  Catherine  Camile  de  Enols 

and  Anselnm  Louis  de  Fontenay. 
2065.  JoshuA  Baeheier  Halsey. 
2070.  Thomas     Clayton     and     lUibert 

Hanrop. 
2072.  Thomas  Griffitha. 
2082.  John  Rogerson  and  Jamei  Brima* 

low. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


288 


NOTIGES  TO  CORRESPONDBNTS. 


2125.  Wright  TowMDd. 

2140.  William  Bridges  Adams. 
2144.  William  Frost 
2152.  William  Chambers. 
21f9.  Robert  Maynard. 
2171.  WillUm  Chubb. 
2224.  Richard  Green. 
2274.  Richard  Hugh  Hughes. 
2279.  John  Henry  Johnson. 
2309.  John  Henry  Johnson. 
2362.  Leone  Glukman. 
258S.  Thomas   Brown    and    Peter 
Gregor. 


Mac 


2602.  William  James  Harrey. 
2645.  Robert  Adams. 
2751.  Thomes  Thomeycxoft. 

1855. 

82*  Joseph  Ray  Hodgson. 

165.  John  Henry  Pape. 

166.  Robert  Johnston. 
170.  William  Kilgour. 
191.  John  Henry  Johnson. 
196.  John  Lamacroft. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


A  Thirtp  Years*  Subscriber. — We  hare  not  m«t 
with  any  published  description  of  RuhmkorlTa 
eoll  apparatus.  We  believe  they  are  supplied  only 
by  Rtthmkorff  himself,  and  there  Is,  as  is  evident 
from  their  effects,  some  peculiar  contrivance 
adopted  in  their  construction. 


The  communications  of  Mr.  Baddelev  and  Mr. 
Emmett  are  received,  and  shall  be  published,  if 
convenient,  in  our  next. 

ItO.A,  will  caU  upon  the  Editor,  he  will  be 
hsppy  to  fUmish  him  with  answers  to  his  several 
questions. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

Undertake  the  Fioeiiration  of  Patents 
for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  the  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.     Costs  of  Provisional  Protection — iSlO  10s. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  "Mechanics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office,"  166,  Fleet^treet,  London. 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


Tendall  and  Trotter's  Patent  Ore  Crusher— 

(wiik  engravinge)    866 

Disputes  in  the  Royal  and  Royal  Astronomical 

Societies  «  267 

Nota»  Mathematicse.     By  T.  T.  Wilkin,  on, 

P.R.A.8.    No.  VI J71 

On  Steam  and  Sailing  Colliers  275 

The  Argand  Furnace  276 

Replr  to  "  Indagator"  on  the  Moon's  Motion.  277 

Pottcnomanie , 279 

Oasf.  Smoke  280 

Specifications  of  Patents  Recently  Filed : 

Brooman  Motive  Power 280 

Fairbairn  and 

Dempster Carding  Tow   280 

Legras    Regulating  the  Flow  of 

Liquids 280 

Csrr... Steering  Apparatus  ...  280 

M'Connell Shutters 280 

Kirkham  and 

Kirkham  Illuminating  Gas  280 

Burch Pulp  281 

Gray Mariners' Compasses...  281 

Hancock  Draining  Land 281 

Gray  Flushing  Apparatus  ...  281 

M'Nally.. Window  Sashes  281 

Langlois  and  Cla^ 

yleres ...Steam  Boilers S81 

Seithen Covering  Bottles 281 

Williams  Cast-iron  Tubes  281 

Campion    Warp  Fabrics 281 

Symington   Heating  Air 282 

Dunlop ^ Treating  India-rubber .  28S 

Fontainemoreau  ...Railway  Breaks 282 

Danks    Inkstands 282 

Worthington   Shop  Counters 282 


Lewis Loeks....M.............„...  t82 

Barlow  ......Fibrous  Materials  . —  282 

Callan......^... Galvanic  Batfeeiiea......  282 

Decoster    Sugar  Reeds... ...........  282 

Craddook Steam  Enaine »  282 

Kay Machine  Printing  .....  283 

Provisions!  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with  : 

Francis Scutching  Mschina   .»  S82 

Donovan   Furnaces  » 28S 

Maehin  Cutting  Screws  ........  28t 

Burridge  Fire-places   182 

Redon Paper 2M 

Machieu Pumps 282 

Meyers Walking-stick  Guns  ...  2S4 

NImmo Woven  Fabrics k84 

Lehugeur  and  Ut- 

thiger Printing  Fabrics  .........  284 

Seithen Cutting  Corks 28* 

lllakowics Picture  Frames 284 

Witty Artificial  Light 284 

Bernard Combs  234 

KOnig Manumotive  Carriages.  284 

Campion Knitting  Machinery  ...  284 

Eden Cooking  Utensils 2M 

Fontainemoreau  ...Soap 285 

Fontainemoreau  ...Alcohol 285 

Lindheim Bonnets 285 

Edwards  &  HodsonEnvelopes. 185 

Finlay Bricks  and  Tiles 285 

Newton  Cutting  Stone 285 

Cowper Fumaees 285 

Provisional  Protections 185 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed.^ ...m...  187 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 187 

Notices  to  Correspondents 288 


LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-atraet. 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Osllgnsai,  Rue  YiTlenna,  Paris;  Maebin,  and  Oo. 
Dublin ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1651.]  SATURDAY,  MARCH  81, 1855.         [sJS^^w. 

Edited  bj  R.  A.  Bro<mian,  1<6,  Fleet-street. 
•    ,  WENHAM'S  PATENT  BREECH-LOADING  FIRE-ARMS. 


TOL.  hXSL 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


290 

WENHAM'S  PATENT  BREECH-LOADING  FIRE-ABMS. 
(Patent  clAttd  Ftbmaxf  1, 18H0 

Mr.  F.  H.  Wbmham,  of  ££Bra  Yale  Lodge,  Brixton,  has  patented  certain  improvement* 
in  breech-loading  fire-arms,  by  which  the  breech  is  made  to  turn  and  rotate  on  a  crank,  so 
as  to  be  forced  forward  towards  the  barrel  and  locked  fast ;  and  in  which  a  "  direct  action 
primer  "  is  employed. 

Fig.  1  of  tlie  engravings  on  the  preceding  page  is  an  elevation,  fig.  2  a  section,  and  fig.  S 
a  plan  of  a  gun  constructed  with  these  improvemen,ts.  The  back  end  of  the  movable 
breech,  o,  turns  on  a  crank  pin,  6,  and  is  fixed  thereto  by  means  of  the  cap,  c,  screwed  on 
to  the  end  of  the  breech.  The  forward  end  of  the  breech  is  made  in  the  form  of  a  turn- 
cated  cone,  which  fits  into  a  corresponding  cone  made  in  the  inner  end  of  the  breech  case 
or  barrel.  The  shaft  of  the  crank  is  of  larger  diameter  than  the  crank  pin,  and  rotates  in 
two  opposite  openings  made  in  the  sides  of  the  breech  case,  which  is  made  of  iron,  brass, 
or  gun-metal,  and  is  so  formed  that  the  barrel,  e,  may  be  screwed  into  it,  as  shown  in  figa. 
1,  2,  8.  To  the  end  of  the  crank  shaft  which  projects  through  the  breech  ease  is  firmly- 
fixed  a  handle,  /.  g  is  a  spring  catch,  for  keeping  the  handle  down  in  place  when  firing- 
Fig.  4  is  a  plan  of  the  crank  and  handle ;  and  fig.  5,  a  sectional  elevation  of  the  same. 

Fi^.  2  shows  the  breech  tilted  up  in  the  proper  position  for  loading.  The  method  of 
bringmg  it  into  this  position  is  as  follows} — Unlock  the  handle  by  pressing  back  the 
spring  catch,  then  turn  the  handle  in  an  upward  direction,  which  will  draw  the  breech 
backwards  j  this  effect  is  produced  by  the  crank  form  of  the  breech  axis.  When  the  handle 
has  been  turned  about  a  quarter  round,  or  is  at  right  angles  to  its  normal  position,  it  will 
have  drawn  the  fore  end  of  the  breech  out  of  the  cone  in  the  breech  cast,  and  on  further 
turning  the  handle  the  breech  will  travel  with  it  and  rise  into  the  position  shown  by  fig.  2^ 
and  by  still  farther  pressing  down  the  handle  the  breech  will  be  forced  against  the  tail- 
piece, A,  and  be  firmly  fixed  into  the  position  for  loading.  The  hreech  is  returned  to  its 
place  by  simply  returning  the  handle  to  Its  first  position. 

The  second  part  of  the  invention,  which  relates  to  a  method  of  self-priminff,  Is  also  illus- 
trated in  the  engravings.  A,  fig.  2,  is  the  nipple,  which  by  the  tilting  of  the  breeoh  is 
placed  into  a  cavity  made  to  receive  it  in  the  tail-piece,  A.  The  position  of  the  nipple  for 
priming  must  be  below  the  upper  surface  of  the  tail-piece ;  a  hoU|  B,  is  borea  in  the 
wooden  handle  of  the  gun  of  the  proper  diameter  for  admitting  the  caps  endways.  The 
caps  are  forced  through  a  hole  in  the  tail-pieoe,  A,  in  a  direct  line  upon  the  nipple  by  means 
of  the  rod,  C,  which  is  urged  forward  by  the  spiral  spring,  D,  contained  in  a  larger  hole 
bored  in  the  butt  end  of  the  stock.  A  slit,  £,  is  out  in  the  side  of  the  stock,  to  allow  a  pin 
to  pass  through,  which  pin  is  screwed  into  the  base  of  the  slidinff-rod,  for  the  purpose  of 
drawing  it  back  by  means  of  the  external  stud,  F.  When  the  end  of  tiie  rod  is  drawn  back 
past  the  hole,  O,  fig.  1,  the  primer  is  filled  with  caps,  by  dropping  them  into  the  hole 
separately,  and  allowing  them  to  fall  forward  till  the  primer  is  AilL  The  caps  are  kept  back 
till  required,  simply  by  means  of  a  spring,  H  (shown  in  figs.  1,  2,  and  3J,  which  catches 
against  the  lower  edge  of  the  cap ;  the  endof  the  spring  projects  dirongh  the  side  of  the 
breech  case,  as  shown  in  figs.  1  and  8.  When  the  breech  is  brought  into  the  exact  position 
for  charging,  the  projecting  end  of  the  spring,  H,  is  pressed  down  by  a  stud,  I,  forming 
part  of  the  disc,  a\  screwed  on  to  the  flat  end  of  the  orank  {  this  canses  a  cap  to  be 
released  and  thrust  directly  on  to  the  nipple,  and  when  this,  together  with  the  cap,  is  raised 
out  of  the  cavity  in  the  tail-piece,  the  spring  will  return  «nd  keep  back  the  next  cap  till 
required. 

The  third  part  of  the  invention  consists  of  a  method  of  preventing  the  breech  firom  being 
unlocked  while  the  hammer  is  down,  and  also  of  preventing  the  hammer  from  reachmg 
the  nipple,  unless  the  breech  and  handle  are  in  the  proper  and  uf%  position  for  firing-. 
This  is  effbctod  by  what  is  termed  by  the  inventor  the  **  safety  disc.'*  t^^  figs.  1  and  3»  is  a 
diso  or  plate  screwed  and  fixed  firmly  on  to  the  fiat  end  of  the  orank  shaft.  The  part  of 
the  disc  nesr  to  the  hammer,  y,  Is  cut  awsy,  so  as  to  allow  the  projecting  part,  ef,  of  the 
hammer  just  to  pass  close  when  the  hammer  is  let  down.  This  will  prsvent  the  breeeb- 
handle  from  being  turned  when  the  hammer  is  in  this  position.  If,  when  the  hammer  is 
raised,  the  orank  handle  is  not  locked  in  place,  and  oonsequently  is  In  an  unsafe  position  for 
firing,  the  projecting  part,  c*,  of  the  hammer  will  not  pass  the  dtse,  but  •trike  on  the  edge 
of  it,  and  thus  prevent  the  hammer  from  striking  the  priming.* 

•  991  |h»  Iirt«t99'l  «l«lm  NS  p.  Ill,  T«l.  bu 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


291 

PROFESSOR  FARADAY  ON  MAGNETIC  PHILOSOPHY  AND   THE 

PHILOSOPHY  OF  FORCE. 

(CMckidtd/rom  pag9  222.) 


A  f err  imporuat  thottgh  a  difflcalt  task 
which  the  natural  j^hilosopher  has  to  per. 
form,  ia  to  draw  in  his  mind  a  distinct 
boundary  separating  the  facts  of  science 
from  the  hypotheses  with  whieh  they  are 
aasoeiated — ^to  make  himself  conscious  of 
the  exact  limit  where  facts  terminate  and 
eoqjeeture  hegins.  One  ought  always  to 
bold  himself  m  readiness  to  part  with  an 
hypothesis  at  the  shortest  notice,  because 
its  office  is  not  a  permanent  one.  Its  only 
proper  use  is  that  of  a  thread  upon  which 
we  string  the  ascertained  phenomena  of 
nature ;  snd  as  our  real  acquaintance  with 
nature  increases,  we  from  time  to  time  And 
our  threads  grow  insufficient  for  our  pur- 
pose, and  are  driven  to  replace  them  by 
better  and  stronger  ones. 

Many  scientifie  men  of  considerable  emi- 
nence  tbink  that  some  o^  our  present  theories 
of  natural  matters  are  about  to  undergo  a 
change,  making  it  particularly  necessary  to 
put  a  proper  value  on  what  is  supposititious 
and  what  is  really  matter  of  fact  On  this 
head,  among  others,  we  have  the  following 
in  relation  to  magnetism,  from  Professor 
Tyndall,  in  a  letter  In  tbe  March  number  of 
the  PMlotophical  Magazine  :  he  says,  •'We 
are  so  accustomed  to  regard  the  phenomena 
of  this  portion  of  science  through  the 
imagery  wiUi  which  hypothesis  has  invested 
them,  that  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  detach 
aymbols  from  facu  and  to  view  the  latter  in 
their  parity.  This  duty,  however,  is  now 
forced  upon  us  ;  for  the  moment  we  reflect 
npon  the  results  of  recent  scientific  research, 
the  more  deeply  must  we  be  convinced  of 
the  impossibility  of  reconciling  these  re- 
anlta  with  our  present  theories."  Now 
whatever  theory  is  oflered  to  us  must,  in 
our  Judgment,  have  better  recommenda- 
tiona  to  our  notice  than  are  derived  from 
the  alleged  advantage  in  point  of  simpli- 
city, which  the  medial  theories  are  said 
to  possess.  AU  such  theories  owe  their 
origin  to  the  imagined  necessity  there  is  for 
media,  by  and  through  which  such  powers 
as  magnetiam,  eleetricitv^  light,  heat,  and 
irraTitation  may  act  Their  authors,  we 
think,  do  not  always  keep  before  them  the 

$  roper  use  and  service  ef  an  hypothesis, 
'or  when  the  theory  if  as  extraordinary  and 
aa  complicated  as  the  faots  which  it  ought 
to  limpiiiy.  It  tends  to  diminish  rather  than 
increase  the  facilities  for  acquiring  and  ex- 
tending  our  knowledge. 

We  think  the  theory  of  the  physical  lines 
of  magnetic  fiirce  is  very  open  to  ebjectidn 
on  this  gronnd,  !f  it  be  not  on  the  additional 
o&«  of  eonteylttg  fidie  ntftidnft  of  the  con. 


dition  of  the  space  which  surrounds  a  mag. 
net  For  these  lines  have  offices  ascribed  to 
them  which  they  are  incapable  of  fulflliing. 

But  further,  the  utility  of  the  medial 
theories  in  general  certainlr  admits  of  some 
auestion.  In  the  cases  or  light  and  heat, 
they  seem  to  be  most  favourably  placed,  but 
even  here  perhaps  their  influence  is  iniurl- 
ous,  as  tending  to  induce  the  mind  bv  habit 
to  put  more  trust  in  them  than  they  deserve, 
ana  to  give  rise  to  the  belief  that  we  know 
more  about  these  matters  than  we  really  do. 
We  may  safely  say  that  to  some  minds  it  is 
as  easy  to  conceive  and  understand  that  two 
bodies  should  act  on  each  other  at  a  dis- 
tance as  in  contact, — that  two  bodies  should 
act  on  each  other  through  a  void,  and  im- 
mediately,  as  that  their  actidn  should  be 
propagated  from  particle  to  particle  of  i, 
medium  placed  between  them  to  affi)rd  a 
means  or  communication.  THe  attraction 
of  the  earth  on  the  moon  does  not  seem 
more  inexplicable,  if  we  regard  it  as  acting 
through  empty  space  and  directly  from  one 
body  to  the  other,  than  it  does  if  we  imagine 
some  fuid  medium  placed  between  them, 
such  that  its  particles  shall  each  attract  its 
neighbour  and  the  two  bodies  in  question. 
If  there  be  a  difference,  the  simplieitv  seems 
on  the  side  of  tlie  non-medial  action,  for 
there  we  have  a  single  action,  whilst  with 
the  medial  we  are  forced  to  think  of  an  in- 
flnite  number  of  attractions  operating  from 
link  to  link  of  tbe  chain.  So  it  is  with  the 
theory  of  the  boreal  and  austral  fluids  to 
explain  magnetism.  The  magnet  Is  endowed 
with  two  fluids,  which  are  supposed  self- 
repellant  and  mutually  attractive.  These 
are  supposed  to  be  in  union  in  an  ordinary 
piece  or  iron,  and  separated  and  arranged 
m  the  directions  of  the  poles  In  the  magnet. 
Thus  we  imagine  two  substances  abont 
which  we  know  nofhingf  and  endow  them 
with  the  properties  which  we  see  exist  in 
the  magnet  Itself^  which  we  hare  Mome 
knowledge  of,  and  think  we  have,  in  some 
degree,  explained  the  mode  of  action.  It 
woDld  perhaps  be  more  Just  to  say  that  we 
have  complicated  it  These  objections  will 
not  perhaps  seem  altogether  inapplicable  to 
the  hints  at  a  theory  of  physical  force  in 
general,  which  Professor  Faraday  threw  out 
m  his  late  lecture,  and  which  we  shall  quota 
at  length,  commenting  as  we  go. 

"  It  is  probably  of  great  importance,"  he 
says,  '*  that  onr  thoughts  should  be  stirred 
up  at  this  time  to  a  reconsideration  of  the 
general  nature  of  physical  fotce,  and  espe« 
eially  to  those  forms  of  ft  which  are  eon. 
cMtted  li&  ftCtioxM  at  a  dfttince*  TikciC  nt&p 
p3 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOVS880B  FARABAT  ON  KAaNXTIO  PHIL080PHT,  ETC. 


bj  tM  daal  powen,  eocmected  Tery  inti- 
mately with  those  which  act  at  insensible 
distances ;  and  it  is  to  be  expected  that  the 
^  progress  which  phyaical  science  has  made  | 
m  latter  times  will  enable  us  to  approach  | 
this  deep  and  difficult  subject  with  far  more  | 
advantages  than  any  possessed  by  philoso- 
phers of  former  periods.  At  present  we  are 
accustomed  to  admit  action  at  sensible  dis. 
tances,  as  of  one  magnet  u^on  another,  or  of 
the  sun  upon  the  earth,  as  if  such  admission 
were  itself  a  perfect  answer  to  any  enquiry 
into  the  nature  of  the  physical  means  which 
cause  distant  bodies  to  act  upon  each  other; 
and  the  man  who  hesitates  to  admit  the  snf- 
ilciency  of  the  answer,  or  of  the  assumption 
on  which  it  rests,  and  asks  for  a  more  satis- 
factory account,  runs  some  risk  of  appearing 
ridiculous  or  ignorant  before  the  world  of 
•cience.  Yet  Newton,  who  did  more  than  any 
other  man  in  demonstrating  the  law  of  ac- 
tion of  distant  bodies,  including  amongst 
such  the  sun  and  Saturn,  which  are  nine 
hundred  millions  of  miles  apart,  did  not 
leave  the  subject  without  recording  his  well- 
considered  judgment,  that  the  mere  attrac 
tion  of  distant  portions  of  matter  was  not  a 
sufficient  or  satisfactory  thought  for  a  phi- 
losopher. That  gravity  should  be  innate, 
inherent,  and  essential  to  matter,  so  that  one 
body  may  act  upon  another  at  a  distance 
through  a  vacuum,  without  the  mediation 
of  anything  else,  by  and  through  which 
their  action  and  force  maybe  conveyed  from 
one  to  another,  is,  he  (Newton)  says,  to 
him  a  great  absurdity.  Gravity  must  be* 
caused  by  an  sgent  acting  constantly  ac- 
cording to  certain  laws;  but  whether  this 
agent  be  material  or  immaterial,  he  leaves 
to  the  consideration  of  his  readers.  This  is 
the  onward-looking  thought  of  one  who,  by 
his  knowledge  and  like  quality  of  mind,  saw 
in  the  diamond  an  unctuous  substance  coa- 
gulated, when  as  yet  it  was  known  but  as  a 
transparent  stone,  and  foretold  the  presence 
of  a  combustible  substance  in  water  a  cen- 
tury before  water  was  decomposed  or  hydro- 
Sen  discovered ;  and  I  cannot  help  believing 
lat  the  time  is  near  at  hand  when  his 
thought  regarding  gravity  will  produce 
fruit :  and,  with  that  impression,  I  shall 
Tcnture  a  few  considerations  upon  what  ap- 
pears to  me  the  insufficiency  of  the  usually, 
accepted  notions  of  gravity,  and  of  those 
forces  generally  which  are  supposed  to  act 
at  a  distance,  having  respect  to  the  modem 
and  philosophic  view  of  the  conservation 
and  indestructibility  of  force," 

We  do  not  think  that  the  admission  of  the 
action  of  one  body  on  another  at  a  distance 
can  be  very  generally  regarded  as  ''  a  per- 
fect answer  to  any  enquiry  into  the  nature 
of  the  physical  means  which  cause  distant 
bodies  to  affect  each  other;'*  becanae  nei- 


ther this  admission,  nor  any  other  we  have 
ever  met  with,  contains  the  slightest  shadow 
of  an  answer  to  such  an  enquiry.  Many 
men  of  science  there  may  be,  indeed,  who 
would  look  upon  such  an  enquiry  as  a  hope- 
less thing,  considering  it  utuMswerable. 

The  proposition  that  all  bodies  attract  each 
other  with  a  force  varying  directly  as  the  mass, 
and  inversely  as  the  square  of  their  distance, 
is  so  broadly  general,  that  it  is  very  readily 
received  by  most  persons  when  they  find 
that  there  are  no  known  facts  which  are  in 
discord  with  it,  and  none  which  have  any 
relation  to  the  hypothesis  which  do  not 
harmonize  with  it.  Thus  we  may,  perhaps, 
say  that  it  is  regarded  as  a  simple  and  inde- 

{>endent  fact,  just  as  an  axiom  of  Euclid  is 
ooked  on  as  a  simple  and  independent  truths 
and  the  attempt  to  decompose  the  former 
into  facts  more  elementary,  appears  much 
in  the  same  light  as  an  attempt  to  demon- 
strate the  latter.  There  is  one  very  import- 
ant  disadvantage  affecting  any  hypotnesis 
formed  to  reduce  the  case  of  bodies  acting 
on  each  other  at  a  distance  to  that  of  the 
action  of  bodies  in  close  proximity  on  each 
other ;  it  is  this :  the  proposition  that  bodies 
may  attract  each  other  immediately  and  at 
a  distance,  is  yery  much  more  general  than, 
and  quite  as  simple  as,  that  they  should  so 
act  on  each  other  when  in  each  other's 
neighbourhood,  for  action  at  an  intensible 
distance  may  plainly  be  considered  as  a  par- 
ticular case  of  action  at  a  finite  distance.  The 
commonly-received  hypothesis  is  again  much 
nearer  to  known  facts  tnan  any  involving  the 
idea  of  an  agent  or  medium.  And,  indeed, 
we  have  quite  as  good  ground  for  supposing 
that  two  quantities  of  matter  can  affect 
each  other  at  a  distance,  as  for  supposing 
that  they  can  affect  each  other  at  all.  It  ia 
quite  as  satisfactory  to  our  mind  to  say 
that  the  sun  attracts  the  earth  directly 
without  the  interference  of  a  third  entity, 
and  in  consequence  of  the  inherent  quali- 
ties of  the  two  bodies,  as  it  is  to  say  that 
the  various  particles  of  a  mass  of  irou 
hold  together,  by  reason  of  an  attrac- 
tion of  cohesion  which  they  exert  upon 
each  other.  In  either  case  we  make  an 
hypothesis  which  comes  nearest  to  the  facts 
as  they  appear  to  us.  In  the  case  of  the 
tenacity  of  the  iron,  we  know  that  the  par- 
ticles resist  separation,  and  seeing  nothing 
external  or  independent  of  the  body  in 
which  the  cause  of  such  an  effect  can  re- 
side, we  conclude,  very  naturally,  that  it  ia 
resident  in  the  body  itself,  and  we  call  it 
cohesion.  So,  also,  with  the  supposed  at- 
traction of  the  sun  for  the  planetary  bodies ; 
it  is  but  the  result  of  the  distillation  of 
facts.  The  facts  are  such  as  these.  It  ia 
shown  that  the  earth  movea  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  maka  it  certam  that  abe  la  acted 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ntonssoB  tjuusat  on  lueiiBno  rHii:,080PHT,  km. 


S93 


on  oontinually  by  a  force,  whose  direction  al- 
ways passes  throngh  the  sun,  and  the  amount 
of  which  varies  inversely  as  the  f  quare  of  the 
distance  from  that  luminary;  and  seeing 
no  third  body  or  substance  in  which  the 
cause  of  this  mode  of  motion  can  exist,  we 
directly  and  (as  it  seems  to  us)  most  simply 
suppose  the  cause  of  this  motion  to  lie 
among  the  tjualities  of  the  bodies  them- 
selves. And  we  cannot  help  contending 
that,  if  it  be  absurd  and  unphilosophical  to 
suppose  *'  that  gravity  should  be  innate,  in- 
herent, and  essential  to  matter,  so  that  one 
body  may  act  upon  another  at  a  distance, 
through  a  vacuum,  without  the  mediation 
of  anything  else,"  then  it  is  absurd  and  un- 
philosophical to  suppose  two  bodies  or  two 
particles  ever  can  attract  each  other  at  all 
without  the  mediation  of  anything  else. 
The  ground  for  the  one  hypothesis  is  as 
good  as  that  for  the  other.  We  might  say, 
without  being  considered  devoid  of  philoso- 
phical insight,  that  the  inherence  of  gravity 
in  matter  seems  to  us  quite  as  possible  and, 
at  present,  quite  as  well  founded  a  dogma 
as  the  inherence  of  opacity  or  of  any  other 
quality. 

Mr.  Faraday  proceeds  to  say : 

"  The  notion  of  the  gravitating  force  is, 
with  those  wlio  admit  Newton's  law  but  go 
with  him  no  further,  that  matter  attracts  mat- 
ter with  a  strength  which  is  inversely  as  the 
square  of  the  distance.  Consider,  then,  a 
mass  of  matter  (or  a  particle),  for  which 
present  purpose  the  sun  will  serve,  and 
consider  a  globe  like  one  of  the  planets, 
as  our  earth,  either  created  or  taken  from 
a  distant  space  and  placed  near  the  sun,  as 
our  earth  is ; — the  attraction  of  gravity  is 
then  exerted,  and  we  say  that  the  sun  at- 
tracts the  earth,  and,  also  that  the  earth 
attracts  the  sun.  But  if  the  sun  attracts 
the  earth,  that  force  of  attraction  must 
either  arise  because  of  the  presence  of  the 
earth  near  the  sun ;  or  it  must  have  pre- 
existed in  the  sun  when  the  earth  was  not 
there.  If  we  consider  the  first  case,  I 
think  it  will  be  exceedingly  difficult  to  con- 
ceive that  the  sudden  presence  of  our 
earth,  ninety-five  millions  of  miles  from 
the  sun,  and  having  no  previous  physical 
connexion  with  it,  nor  any  physical  con- 
nexion caused  by  the  mere  circumstance  of 
juxtaposition,  should  be  able  to  raise  up  in 
the  sun  a  power  having  no  previous  exist- 
ence. As  respects  gravity,  the  earth  must 
be  considered  as  inert,  previously  as  the 
sun;  and  can  have  no  more  inducing  or 
affecting  power  over  the  sun  than  the  sun 
over  it:  both  are  assumed  to  be  unthout 
power  in  the  beginning  of  the  case ;  how 
then  can  that  power  arise  by  their  mere 
approximation  or  coexistence  7  That  a  body 
without  force  should  raise  up  force  in  a 


body  at  a  distance  from  it  is  too  hard  to 
imagine ;  but  it  is  harder  still,  if  that  can 
be  possible,  to  accept  the  idea  when  we 
consider  that  it  includes  the  creation  of 
force.  Force  may  be  opposed  by  force, 
may  be  diverted,  directed  partially  or  ex- 
clusively, may  even  be  converted,  as  far  aa 
we  understand  the  matter,  disappearing  in 
one  form  to  reappear  in  another;  but  it 
cannot  be  created  or  annihilated,  or  truly 
suspended,  that  is,  rendered  existent  without 
action  or  without  its  equivalent  action. 
The  conservation  of  power  is  now  a  thought 
deeply  impressed  upon  the  minds  of  philo- 
sophic men ;  and  I  think  that,  as  a  body, 
they  admit  that  the  creation  or  annihilation 
of  force  is  equally  impossible  with  the  crea- 
tion or  annihilation  of  matter.  But  if  we 
conceive  the  sun  existing  alone  in  space, 
exerting  no  force  of  gravitation  exterior  to 
it;  and  then  conceive  another  sphere  in 
space  having  like  conditions,  and  that  the 
two  are  brought  towards  each  other ;  if  we 
assume  that  by  their  mutual  presence  each 
causes  the  other  to  act, — this  is  to  assume, 
not  merely  a  creation  of  power,  but  a  double 
creation^  for  both  are  supposed  to  rise  from 
a  previously  inert  to  a  powerful  state.  On 
their  dissociation  they,  by  the  assumj^tion, 
pass  into  the  powerless  state  again,  and  this 
would  be  equivalent  to  the  annihilation  of 
force.  It  will  be  easily  understood,  that 
the  case  of  the  sun  or  the  earth,  or  of  any 
of  the  two  or  more  acting  bodies,  is  reci- 
procal ;— and  also  that  the  variation  of  at- 
traction, with  any  degree  of  approach  or 
separation  of  the  bodies,  involves  the  same 
result  of  creation  or  annihilation  of  power 
as  the  creation  or  annihilation  (which  latter 
ia  only  the  total  removal)  of  either  of  the 
acting  bodies  would  do." 

The  law  of  gravitation  may  be  stated 
thus :  let  m,  and  m',  be  the  masses  of  two 
bodies  which  act  on  each  other  at  a  distance, 
dt  from  the  centre  of  gravity  of  one  to  that 
of  the  other ;  then  the  expression  for  the 
force  which  tends  to  make  them  move  di- 


rectly towards  each  other  is, 


m.mf 


k,  where 


k  is  some  determinable  constant  This  is, 
we  believe,  a  tolerably  well  established /ac/, 
and  in  no  degree  an  hypothesiB.  And  it  is 
absolutely  necessary,  Uiat  we  suppose  the 
wherent  qualities  of  tlie  bodies  themselves  to 
have  something  to  do  with  the  production 
of  such  an  effect ;  for  we,  at  least,  cannot 
suppose  that  they  are  altogether  independent 
of  it.  Moreover,  we  know  of  nothing  else 
which  has  any  direct  connexion  wiS  the 
phenomenon.  So,  the  simplest  thing  we  can 
do,  and  we  do  it  intuitively,  is  to  suppose 
that  innate  qualities  of  the  bodies  have  all 
to  do  with  the  matter,  and  we  aay  the  bodies 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


294 


PBOFESSOB  faAaday  om  ig^GimTio  MXtOtoSHT,  Etc. 


tliemselves  exert  a  mutual  attraction »  vary- 
ing directly  as  the  product  of  their  masses, 
and  inyersely  as  the  square  of  the  distance 
hetween  their  centres  of  gravity.  This  is, 
as  we  view  it,  the  argumeht  for  the  law  of 
gravitation  as  usually  received  and  ex- 
pressed, in  so  far  as  it  is  hypothetical ;  and 
we  see  nothing  in  Mr.  Faraday's  ohserva- 
tions  to  diminish  its  weight  in  the  slightest 
degree :  htit  of  this,  of  course,  our  readers  can 
judge  for  themselves,  as  they  have  the  whole 
of  his  arguments  before  them.  It  will  he 
perhaps  difBcult  to  refUte  them,  because 
they  are  not  clearly  expressed,  and  are  there- 
fore liable  to  be  misapprehended.  For  in- 
stance, in  the  foregoing  quotation,  we  see 
the  sentence :  "  if  the  sun  attracts  the  earth, 
that  force  of  attraction  must  either  arise, 
because  of  the  presence  of  the  earth  near 
the  sun  ;  or  it  must  have  pre-existed  in  the 
sun  when  the  earth  was  not  there."  A  more 
erroneous  proposition  than  this  could  hardly 
he  taken  as  the  foundation  of  an  argument 
In  the  fli-st  place,  the  term  "force"  is  used  as 
if  it  denoted  a  something  of  which  we  have 
an  immediate  knowledge,  and  of  which  we 
could  predicate  the  various  qualities  which 
belong  to  it  as  a  distinct  entity  or  sub- 
stance, such  as  we  usually  regard  heat.  In- 
stead of  which,  the  word  force  denotes  an  ab- 
stract and  dlificultly  grasped  idea,  something 
of  which  we  have  no  direct  knowledge  at 
all ;  we  are  cognizant  of  Its  effects  alone. 
Philosophically  the  word  force  can  be  con- 
sidered only  as  the  name  eiven  to  what  we 
conceive  to  be  the  cause  which  produces,  or 
tends  to  produce,  motion  in  some  material 
substance.  Any  one  who  reflects  a  moment 
on  the  matter  will  perceive  that  any  idea  of 
force,  as  an  independent  existence,  is  not  to 
be  obtained.  Our  notion  of  it,  if  it  may  be 
called  one,  is  obtained  flrom  the  sensation 
we  feel  when  the  parts  of  our  bodies  have  a 
relative  motion,  or  a  tendency  to  relative 
motion,  impressed  upon  them.  Hence,  to 
say  that  the  force  with  which  the  sun  may 
attract  the  earth  could  be  present  in  the 
sun  independently  of  the  earth's  existence. 
Is  to  use  a  solecism  ;  for  by  the  definition, 
there  can  be  no  force  existent  where  there 
it  nothing  to  be  moved,  or  to  have  a  ten- 
dency to  move  imparted  to  it  Again,  the 
use  of  the  word  **  presence  "  in  this  same 
proposition  is  veiy  objectionable,  because 
no  two  bodies  existent  in  space  can  possibly 
be  absent  from  each  other ;  for  all  the  pur- 
pose of  our  argument,  to  exist  is  to  be 
present  with  everything  in  the  universe ;  so 
that  the  first  of  the  alternatives  in  the 
dilemma,  if  ft  has  a  meaning,  implies 
merely,  that  if  there  be  any  attraction,  it  is 
the  result  of  the  f'oMl  eieUtenee  of  the  eartli 
AQd  sttn,  nld  tils  la  ehher  a   irulm  or 


^ut  there  is  a  lower  method  which 
would  suffice  to  dispose  of  these  premises. 
Thus  if  we  could  permit  the  language  to 
pass  unchallenged,  there  would  still  be  the 
objection,  that  all  the  alternatives  are  not 
enumerated  in  the  argument.  It  ought  to 
have  commenced  thus  :  "  '  If  the  sun  at- 
tracts the  earth,  that  force  ojf  attraction 
must  either  arise  because  of  the  presence 
of  the  earth  near  the  sun  ;  or  it  must  have 
pre-existed  in  the  sun  wheil  the  earth  was 
not  there ; '  or  it  must  have  existed  in  the 
earth  ;  or  it  must  have  existed  partly  in  the 
earth  and  partly  in  the  sun."  But  we  will 
leave  the  rest  of  the  paragraph  to  the 
reader,  and  just  point  to  the  proof  brought 
to  support  the  notion,  that  two  bodies  can- 
not of  themselves  merely  eiietcw  an  attrac- 
tion on  each  other. 

The  idea  that  bodies  act  mutually  at  a 
distance,  we  are  told,  involves  the  notion  of 
the  creation  of  force  ;  so  that  if  our  earth  be 
suddenly  introduced  to  the  sun,  force  is 
created, — "a  thing  almost  impossible  to 
conceive,"  days  Professor  Faraday.  But 
when  we  look  at  this  statement,  we  see  that 
the  introduction  of  the  earth,  or  oi  any 
other  body,  to  the  sun,  means  the  introduc- 
tion of  that  body  to  space,  or  its  creation. 
Now  it  is  hardly  fair  to  call  on  us  to 
imagine  the  creation  of  a  quantity  of  matter, 
and  theft  tell  tis  that  it  is  next  to  impossible 
to  conceive  the  creation  of  force,  which  is 
the  mere  adjunct  of  matter.  Why,  with  the 
knowledge  of  facts  which  we  possess,  it  is 
far  easier  to  conceive  the  creation  of  matter 
including  that  of  force,  than  to  conceive 
that  of  either  without  the  other.  But  here 
follow  the  concluding  remarks  of  the  lecture  : 

*'  Such,  I  think,  must  be  the  character  of 
the  conclusion,  if  It  be  supposed  that  the 
attraction  of  the  sun  upon  the  earth  arises 
because  of  the  presence  of  the  earth,  and 
the  attraction  of  the  earth  apon  the  sun 
because  of  the  presence  of  the  sun ;  there 
remains  the  case  of  the  power,  or  the  efli- 
eient  sonrce  of  the  power,  having  pre- 
existed in  the  sun  (or  in  the  earthjbefbre 
the  earth  (or  the  sun)  was  in  presence.  In 
the  latter  view  it  appears  to  me,  that  con- 
sistently with  the  conservation  of  force,  one 
of  three  sub-cases  must  occur.  Either  the 
gravitating  force  of  the  sun,  when  directed 
upon  the  earth,  mnst  be  removed  In  fta 
equivalent  degree  from  some  other  bodlea, 
and  when  taken  off  from  the  earth  (by  die 
disappearance  of  the  latter)  be  disposed  of 
on  some  other  bodies ;  or  else  it  must  takft 
up  some  new  fbfm  of  power  when  It  ceases 
to  be  gravitatiott,  and  consume  some  other 
form  of  power  trhen  it  is  developed  as  gravi- 
tation ;  or  eltfe  it  must  be  always  existing 
iKtoand  the  son  through  Infinite  space.  The 
fint  stib-oaM  is  not  imagined  by  the  oitul 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SB0FES8QB  FASADAT  OK  XAGNSTIG  FHXI,OSQraTi  BTC. 


hjpotlieais  of  grmTitation,  and  will  hardly 
b€  supposed  probable ;  for  if  it  were  tni& 
it  is  scarcely  possible  that  the  effects  shoold 
not  hate  been  observed  by  astronomers, 
when  considering  the  motions  of  the  planets 
in  different  pbsitions  with  respect  to  each 
other  and  the  snn.  Moreover,  gravitation 
is  not  assumed  to  be  a  dual  power,  and  in 
them  only  as  yet  have  snch  remoyals  been 
observed  by  experiment,  or  conceived  by 
the  mind. 

"  The  second  snb-oase,  or  that  of  a  new 
or  another  form  of  power,  is  also  one  which 
has  never  been  imagined  by  others  in  as- 
sociation with  the  theory  of  gravity.  I 
made  some  endeavours  experimentally  to 
connect  gravity  with  electricity,  having  this 
very  object  In  view  (PhiL  TVom.  1851.  n. 
1),  but  the  results  were  entirely  ne^tive. 
The  view,  if  held  for  a  moment,  would 
imply  that  not  merely  the  sun,  but  all 
matter,  whatever  its  state,  would  liave  extra 
powers  set  up  in  it  if  removed  in  any  de- 
gree from  gravitation ;  that  the  particles  of 
a  comet  at  its  perihelion  would  have 
changed  in  character  by  the  conversion  of 
some  portion  of  their  molecular  force  into 
the  increased  amount  of  gravitating  force 
which  they  would  then  exert ;  and  that  at 
its  aphelion  this  extra  gravitating  force 
would  hare  been  converted  back  into  some 
other  kind  of  molecidar  force,  having  either 
the  former  or  a  new  ehaneter,  Ae  eonver- 
sion  either  way  being  to  a  perfectly  equi- 
valent degree.  One  could  not  even  con- 
ceive -of  £e  diffusion  of  a  cloud  of  dost,  or 
ita  concentration  into  a  stone,  without  sup- 
posing something  of  the  same  kind  to  occur, 
and  I  suppose  thatno/body  will  accept  the  idea 
as  possible.  The  third  sub-case  remains, 
namely,  that  the  power  is  always  existing 
around  the  sun  and  'through  infinite  space, 
whether  secondary  bodies  be  there  to  be 
acted  upon  by  gravitation  or  not ;  aad  not 
only  around  the  sun,  but  around  ejrery  par- 
ticle of  matter  whitfb  has  existence.  This 
ease  of  a  coniitant  neeesaary  eoadition  to 
action  in  space,  #hen,  as  ^speaU  tha  sun, 
the  earth  is  not  in  plate,  and  of  a  cevtain 
gravluting  action  as  the  result  of  that  pre- 
vious  condition  'mhe^  the  earth  i$  in  place, 
1  can  conceive,  consistently  as  I  Uiiok,  with 
the  conservation  of  force :  and  I  thinly  the 
case  *1^  that  which  N«wton  looked  at  in 
gnlyil^;  is,  in  pbUosopfaical  respflcta^  tho 
'Same  as  that  adfptttod  oy  all  in  regard  to 
light,  heat,  and  radiant  pbenom«n«;  *od  la 
a  sente  evep  mora  general  and  extfnsire,  is 
that  now  driven  upon  our  attention  in  an 
especially  ibrcible  and  inatnictive  manner, 
by  the  phenomena  of  electrici^  and  mag- 
aetiaur,  beeause  of  their  dependenee  on  dual 
lEKona  «f  power.'^ 

The  tMeoning  ken  epp^ied  to  tka  sulveol 


of  gravitation  wqnld  lead  to  any  kind  of 
conclusion  we  pleased.  Of  course,  what  is 
said  m  the  above  extract  implies  that  the 
attraction  of  the  earth  and  sun,  or  the  foree 
which  impels  them  towards  each  other, 
would  exist  in  space,  erui  if  those  bodies 
themselves  were  anqihilsted ;  fir  U  U  eleqrfy 
as  independent  if  the  exis fence  pf  the  tun  as  U 
is  of  that  (/  the  earth,  and,  as  it  has  been 
shown,  independent  of  that  of  the  earth; 
ergo,  it  is  independent  of  the  existence  of 
both!  *^ 

It  is  quite  clear  ^at  If  Ifie  views  of  sci- 
entific men  on  this  subject  are  to  be  fevolp- 
tionised,  the  wprk  must  be  done  bv  reason- 
ing more  cogent  th^  this  adoptep  by  Pro- 
fessor Faraday ;  fer  snch  arguments  will 
have  no  power  to  infiuence  anythip^  ^o 
veil-gfrounded  as  the  law  of  gravitation  as 
at  present  regarded  by  phijQSOphers.  Hy- 
poflieaes  are  very  seldom  so  111  constructed 
as  to  be  assailable  by  d  priori  o'bjectfons 
like  those  brought  against  the  received  law 
of  gravitadon.  No  hypothesis  of  fny  im- 
portance has  ever  been  prQved  errpneoys  by 
such  meana.  Such  have  always  fall,en  oi|t 
of  use,  either  because  they  have  proyed 
themselves  inconsistent  with  /acts  discovered 
after  their  eonstmction,  or  beeause  they 
have  been  displaced  by  others  of  more  ge- 
neral application,  and  of  greater  service  to 
the  mind  of  mao.  Hence,  belbre  we  give 
ftp  the  hypothesis  that  the  tendency  of 
bodies  to  move  towards  each  other  is  wholly 
due  to  their  inherent  qualities,  we  must  tie 
shown  either  that  it  is  inconsistent  with 
known /ac<t,  or  that  its  preservation  in  pre- 
ference  to  some  other  obstructs  the  progress 
of  human  knowledge.  To  this  end  we  ima. 
gine  Professor  Faraday  has  not  advanced  a 
step ;  and,  indeed,  we  do  not  think  it  likely 
that  anyone  will  eonstruot  an  hypothesis 
which  shall  require  the  renunciation  of  our 
present  law  t  we  think  it  more  likely,  if  any 
step  be  Uken  in  this  direction,  that  it  will 
be  the  inauguration  of  some  law  of  matter, 
more  general,  of  course,  but  including,  and 
therefore  dispensing  with  our  present  hypo- 
thesis.  We  have  seen  some  attempts  in  this 
direction,  though  none  so  successful  as  to 
carry  all  objections  before,  and  prove  them- 
solves  capable  of  doing  efibetually  all  their 
authols  hoped  from,  them.  We  will  give 
one  inatanoe,  which  is  deserving  of  some 
attention.  It  is  that  of  M.  Mosoti  i  an  ac 
count  of  it  is  given  hy  Mr.  Babbage,  in  his 
!<  Ninth  Bridgewater  Treatise,"  and  we  can- 
not  do  better  than  quote  his  words.  The 
reader  will  observe,  that  some  real  advan- 
Ugea  would  result,  if  facts  could  be  shown 
to  be  in  harmony  with  some  such  hypothesis 
aa  tha  following.  W§  shall  not  specify  them 
here,  as  they  are  made  oat  sufficiently  in  the 
itselft 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


296 


PBOFKSSOB  FARADAY  ON  MAGNETIC  PHILOSOPHY,  ETC. 


"Ever  siQOe  the  period  when  Newton 
established  the  great  law  of  gravity,  phi- 
losophers have  occasionally  speculatea  on 
the  existence  of  some  more  compre- 
hensive law,  of  whidi  gravity  is  itself  a 
consequence.  Although  some  have  con- 
sidered it  Yain  to  search  for  a  more  general 
law,  the  great  philosopher  himself  left  en- 
couragement to  future  inqoifies;  and  the 
'  time,  perhaps,  has  even  now  arrived,  when 
such  a  discovery  may  be  near  its  maturity. 
It  would  occupy  too  much  space  to  intro- 
duce many  illustrations  of  this  opinion; 
there  is,  however,  one  which  deserves  atten- 
tion,  because  it  is  not  merely  a  happy  con- 
jecture, but  the  hypothesis  on  which  it  rests 
has  been  carried  out  by  its  author,  through 
the  aid  of  profound  mathematical  reasoning, 
to  many  of  its  remote  coniequeneei. 

**  M.  Moaoti  has  shown  that,  by  supposing 
matter  to  consist  of  two  sorts  of  particles, 
each  of  which  repels  similar  particles,  di- 
rectly as  the  mass  and  inversely  as  the  squares 
of  their  distances,  whilst  each  attracts  those 
of  the  other  kind,  also  according  to  the  same 
law,  then  the  resulting  attractions  explain 
all  the  phenomenaof  electricity,  while  there 
Remains  a  residual  force  acting  at  all  sensi- 
ble distances,  according  to  the  law  of  gra- 
vity. 

"  Many  qf  the  discoveries  qf  the  present  day 
jHnni  towards  some  more  general  laws  and 
many  philosophers  qf  the  present  time  antici- 
pate its  near  approach.  Under  these  circum- 
stances, it  may  be  interesting  as  well  ^s 
useful  briefly  to  state  the  principles  which 
such  a  law  must  comprehend ;  and  to  indi- 
cate, however  imperfectly,  the  path  to  be 
pursued  in  the  research. 

"  If  matter  be  supposed  to  consist  of  two 
sorts  of  particles,  or  rather,  perhaps,  of  two 
aorU  of  centres  of  force  of  different  orders 
of  density ;  and  if  the  particles  of  each  order 
repel  their  own  particles,  according  to  a 
given  law,  but  attract  particles  of  the  other 
kind,  according  to  another  law— then,  if  we 
conceive  only  one  particle  of  the  denser 
kind  to  exist,  and  an  infinite  number  of  the 
other  kind,  that  single  particle  will  become 
the  centre  of  a  system,  surrounded  by  all 
the  others,  which  will  form  around  it  an 
atmosphere  denser  near  the  central  body. 

"If  we  conceive  a  stream  of  particles  simi. 
lar  to  those  forming  the  atmosphere  to  im- 
pinge upon  it,  so  as  just  to  overcome  iu 
resisUnce,  they  will,  whilst  continually  pro- 
ducing undulationa  throughout  its  whole 
extent,  gradually  increase  ita  magnitude, 
until  it  atuins  such  a  size  that  the  repulsion 
of  the  particles  at  the  outer  surface  of  this 
enlarged  atmosphere  is  just  bialanced  by  the 
attraction  of  the  eentnl  particle.  If  the 
stream  continue  after  this  point  is  reaehacL 
the  whole  outer  Uy«  ^\  be  pressed  a  Utt\<Q 


I   beyond  the  limit  of  attraction,  and  will  fly 
I   off  at  right  angles  to  the  surface,  which 
might  then  be  said  to  radiate. 

"If  the  whole  of  the  space  in  which  such 
a  central  particle  with  its  atmosphere  it 
placed,  is  itself  full  of  atmospheric  par- 
tides,  then  their  density  will  increase  in 
approaching)  the  central  body;  and  if  a 
stream  of  such  particles  were  directed  to- 
wards the  centre,  they,  might  produce 
throughout  the  atmosphere  vibrations,  which 
would  be  transmitted  from  it  in  all  direc- 
tions. 

"  If  two  such  central  particles,  with  their 
atmospheres,  exist  at  a  distance  from  each 
other,  they  will  be  drawn  together  by  a 
force  depending  on  the  difference  between 
the  mutual  repulsion  of  their  atmosphe^ps 
and  central  bodies  respectively  for  each 
other,  and  the  attraction  of  each  central 
particle  for  its  neighbour's  aunosphere: 
and  in  order  to  coincide  with  the  existing 
law  of  nature,  this  force  must  be  directly 
as  the  muss  and  inversely  as  the  square  of 
the  distauce.  The  other  conditions  which 
such  a  law  must  satisfy,  are — 

"  1.  That  the  juxta-position  of  such  atoms 
must,  in  some  circumstancesi  form  a  solid 
body. 
*'  2.  In  other  circumstances,  a  fluid. 
"  3.  That,  again,  in  still  other  circum. 
stances,  its  particles  shall  repel  each  other^ 
or  the  body  become  gaseous. 

'*  4.  In  the  first  state  the  body  roust  pos- 
sess  cohesion,  tenacity,  malleability,  elas- 
ticity ;  the  measure  and  extent  of  each  of 
which  must  result  generally  from  the  ori- 
ginal  law,  and  in  each  particular  case  from 
the  constants  belonging  to  the  substance 
iUelf. 

'\5.  In  the  second  state,  it  must  possess 
capillarity,  susceptibility  of  being  com- 
pressed without  becoming  solid,  as  also 
elasticity. 

"But  bjMides  these,  the  central  atoms 
must  admit  o/  •  °iO'^  intimate  approach, 
so  that  their  «v™<>'P^^'^b  ™^7  ^"'^®  '^^ 
form  one  atmosphe»'««  This  might  consU- 
tute  chemical  union.  ^'^^^^  compounds 
might  then  (supposing  th*  distance  betweoi 
the  two  central  partieles  to  >«.  ^^/^  ■"**"» 
compared  to  the  diameters  of  "**  *^^ 
spheres)  have  atmospheres  not  qoitc^  *P^^ 
rical,  and  attracting  diffecenay  in  dift*'^'^^ 
directions;  thus  possessing  polarity.  Gooi.' 
binations  of  three  or  more  atoms  as  thft 
central  body  of  one  atmo^hare,  might  giwK 
great  varieties  of  attractive  forces.  Baohi 
different  combination  would  give  a  different; 
atmosphere ;  and  the  equation  to  its  surface* 
might  perhaps  become  the  mathematicsii 
expression  of  the  substance  it  oonstituteak 
Thus  all  the  phenomena  produoed  by 
bodies,  «q^^  qhomioally  on  each  other,. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


"  A.  tt's"  BEPLT  TO  "  mSAaATOB." 


297 


might  be  deduced  froin  the  eomparison  of 
the  ckaraeteristie  turfkoes  of  the  atmo- 
spheres of  their  atoms.  Another  result 
also  might  ensue.  Two  or  more  central 
atoms  uniting,  might  either  not  be  able  to 
retain  the  same  amount  of  atmosphere,  or 
they  might  possibly  be  able  to  retain  a 
larger  quantity.  If  the  particles  of  such 
atmospheres  constituted  heat,  it  would  in 
the  former  ease  be  given  out,  and  in  the 
latter  absorbed  by  chemical  union. 

"  Henoe,  the  whole  of  chemistry,  and  with 
It  crystallography,  would  become  a  branch 
of  mathematical  analysis,  which,  like  astro- 
nomy,  taking  its  constants  from  observa- 
tion, would  enable  us  to  predict  the  oha- 
raeter  of  any  new  compound,  and  possibly 
indicate  the  source  from  which  its  forma- 
tloir  might  be  anticipated." 

Although  this  hypothesis  relates  to  matters 
so  intricate  and  so  delicate,  that  it  seems 
impossible  to  make  the  observations  neces- 
sary to  test  its  practical  value,  yet  it  is  suffi- 
ciently plausible  to  be  interesting,  while  it 
gives  one  some  idea  of  the  immense  diffi- 
oolties  to  be  overcome  by  any  one  who  would 
succeed  in  such  a  work. 

We  have  no  space  left  for  further  com. 
ment,  as  our  notice  of  Professor  Faraday's 
lecture  has  already  outgrown  the  limits 
which  we  assigned  ourselves  at  the  outset 
The  eminence  of  Mr.  Faraday's  position  as 
a  man  of  science,  and  the  authority  given 
to  his  opinions  by  the  greatness  of  his  expe- 
rimental  knowledge,  which  has  been  ac- 
quired with  almost  unprecedented  seal,  and 
associated  with  a  singularly  pure  devotion 
to  truth,  make  it  incumbent  upon  us  to  put 
forth  any  objections  we  may  see  to  the  de> 
dnctions  which  he  has  made  from  his  ex- 
perience. 


GOVERNMENT  PATENT  OFFICE 
LIBRARY  AND  READING  -  ROOM. 
A  library  and  reading-room  has  recently 
been  established  in  connection  with  the 
Office  of  the  Commissioners  of  Patents, 
Quality-court,  Chancery-lane,  and  is  now 
open  to  the  public,  free  of  charge.  The 
library  contains  "  The  Chronological  Index 
•f  Pateuu/'  granted  under  the  Act  of  James 
I.,  from  March,  1617>  including  all  those 
which  were  commenced  before  the  Ist  Octo* 
her,  1852 ;  the  "  Alphabetical  Index  of 
Patentees  of  Inventions  "  for  the  abQve 
period;  the  <* Subject  Matter  Index"  of 
patents  for  the  same  period ;  and  the  "  Re- 
ference Index  of  Patents,"  pointing  out  the 
office  in  which  each  enrolled  specification 
of  a  patent  may  be  consulted ;  the  books  in 
which  specifications,  law  proceedings,  and 
other  subjects  connected  with  inventions 
have  been  noticod|  and  sach  of  the  specifi- 


cations of  patents  granted  under  the  Act  21 
of  James  I.  as  have  been  published  by  the 
authority  of  the  Commissioners.*  In  addi- 
tion  to  these  volumes,  there  are  the  entire 
series  of  specifications  and  drawings  of 
reaping-machines  up  to  January,  1853,  to- 
gether with  Mr.  B.  Woodcroft's  Appeudix. 
The  library  likewise  contains  a  number  of 
volumes  on  general  scientific  subjects,  to 
which  others  will  be  added  from  time  to 
time.  Mr.  Woodcrofl  is  also  collecting, 
for  the  same  place,  a  gallery  of  portraits  of 
great  inventors,  towards  which  ne  has  al- 
ready  received  several  very  valuable  con- 
tributions. 


British  Workman;  and  Friend  ^f  the  Som 
rf  TmL  Partridge,  Oakey,  and  Co.,  Pa- 
ternoster-row ;  Cash,  Bishopsgate-street, 
aud  Tweedie,  Strand. 
The  Briiith  Workman  is  a  cheap  illus- 
trated periodical  especially  devoted  to  that 
large  and  neglected  class  of  British  opera- 
tives, who  lie  beyond  the  reach  of  the  gene- 
ral literature  of  the  day.  The  conductors 
evidently  seek  to  arouse  the  dormant  facul- 
ties of  such  persons  by  plain  arguments  and 
forcible  appeals,  and  to  direet  their  sym- 
pathies towards  habits  of  providence  and 
morality,  bringing  before  their  notice  the 
advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  invest- 
ment of  small  sums  in  savings*  banks, 
friendly  societies,  clubs,  and  other  similar 
institutions.  The  paper  is  pervaded  by  a 
healthy  religious  air,  being  free  from  sec- 
tarian bias.  The  illustrations  are  exceed- 
ingly well  executed,  and  altogether  it  is  a 
publication  which,  if  widely  distributed 
among  the  illiterate  portions  of  our  working 
classes,  will  tend  greatly  to  their  improve- 
ment. 

"A.H.'s"  REPLY  TO  ''INDAGA- 
TOR." 

To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mtdumiet*  Magaxnu. 

Sir,— There  is  a  misprint  in  my  letter 
which  appears  in  your  Number  for  to-day, 
by  which  the  illustration  as  to  *'war,''  &c., 
is  rendered  complete  nonsense,  or  worse 
than  nonsense.  In  the  second  column  of 
page  278,  line  8  from  the  bottom,  the  words 
"good"  aud  "evil"  have  been  transposed 
by  your  compositor.  I  wrote  the  sentence 
as  follows : 

"  Now  it  may  happen,  however,  in  a  par- 
ticular case,  that  a  certain  war  does  also 
produce  more  evil  than  good,  not  from  the 
general  nature,"  &c.,  &c.  But  your  worthy 
compositor  has  thought  fit  to  transpose  the 
words,  and  thus  to  make  sheer  nonsense  of 
the  whole  argument    He  miut  sorely  be 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


m 


BEPLY  TO  "A,  B.**  OH  THE  MOON'S  MOTION. 


9pma  relation  to  that  ffentleman  in  "  Pora- 
dlse  Lo$t,"  who  exclauns — 

"JMll  U  tbon  my  GfooJ/" 

This  is  not  the  first,  nor  the  second,  nor 
the  third  time  that  I  have  had  a  similar 
trick  serred  rae  bj  the  ingenious  gentlemen 
of  the  eomposins  tribe.  If  they  would  only 
misprint  some  mdifierent  word,  one  would 
not  care;  but  I  have  always  noticed  that 
the  misprint  is  sure  to  be  such  as  to  alter 
the  sense,  and  Tery  often  to  produce  the 
most  absurd  results.  It  was  only  the  other 
day  that  I  heard  the  editor  of  a  provincial 
journal  complaining  bitterly  that  a  blunder 
of  this  sort  by  the  compositors  in  his  own 
office  had  made  one  of  his  **  leading  arti- 
cles  "  a  laughing-stock  to  the  whole  neigh- 
bourhood. 

I  am  now  perfectly  willing  to  believe  that 
everything  I  have  been  finding  fault  with  in 
'*  Indagator  *'  is  to  be  attributed  entirely  to 
Meters,  the  Compeaitora.  Men  who  can 
make  **  evil  *'  out  of  **  good  *'  are  ei^aUe  of 
anything  1 

Instead,  therefore  of  supposing  (as  he 
lagged  me  to  do)  that  raatheraatioians  are 
always  right,  although  their  statemenu 
art  wrongf  I  propoaa  aa  an  amendment  en 
this  motion,  that  the  "  enoneons  statements" 
be  always  and  invariably  aseribed  to  the 
coMporitforf^a  suppoaition  which  will  an- 
twer  the  same  purpose  in  a  more  logical 
way,  and  get  fid  of  oontreversies  withoot 
making  the  mumathematioal  assumptions 
which  are  involved  in  kU  plan. 

It  it  possible  that  in  your  next  Num- 
ber there  may  be  a  long  letter  from  '*  Inda- 
gator," pointing  out  in  the  most  unmeroilUl 
tone  the  absurdity  of  my  poor  'MUustra. 
tion,'*  and  retorting  upon  me  the  advice 
about  accurate  writing,  &c,  &a  If  the 
"Miltonic"  compositor  does  not  take  all 
this  oastigation  on  his  own  shoulders,  I 
shall  set  him  down  at  doubly  akin  to  the 
personage  whose  ofiice  it  is  to  call  evil  good 
and  g0(^  evil 

I  am,  flir»  yopra,  ftc, 

March  24.  A.  H. 

[We  are  glad  to  find  our  correspondent 
relieving  us  of  the  responsibility  of  the  un.. 
fortunate  enor  he  points  out,  and  placing  it 
upon  those  to  whom  it  belongs.  It  should 
be  understood  that  the  greatest  editoria) 
vigilance  is  insufficient  to  prevent  ocoa- 
sional  liberties  being  taken  with  *'  forms.'* 
Sometimes  an  accident,  and  at  others  an  ex- 
cess of  cleverness,  will  lead  to  «ome  curious 
transposition  or  emendation,  even  after  they 
are  hevond  the  reach  of  the  Editor.  We 
think,  however,  that  but  fiiw  of  our  readers 
can  have  been  much  puzzled  by  the  error 
pointed  out  by  ''A.  H.,'*  as  it  is  pretty 
transparent,] 


EEPLY  TO  "  A.H."  ON  TKB  MOON'S 
MOTION. 

To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mechantes*  Magazine. 

Sill, — It  is  not  my  intention  to  trouble 
you  with  many  words  in  reply  to  *<  A.  H.'* 
The  controversy  is  merely  abopt  words,  and 
certainly  must  have  lost  all  intereat  for  the 
generality  of  your  readers*  "  A*  H."  haa 
virtually  given  up  his  original  impntatioiiof 
error.  The  fault  he  found  with  me  was  that 
I  sUted  that  principal  axes  are  permanent 
ones,  without  referenoe  to  the  eondltion  that 
no  external  force  is  supposed  to  aot*  I 
showed  plainly,  by  quoting  my  own  wor4% 
that  this  imputation  wa*  not  luuaded  ott  ^ 
fact.  He  now  quotes  another  passage  f«r*  ' 
ther  on  in  my  letter,  on  which  he  groimdt 
an  accusation  of  inaccurate  and  improper 
language.  According  to  hit  own  confes- 
sion, "  A.  H."  had  not  taken  mnch  trouble 
to  make  himself  acquainted  with  the  mat- 
ters in  dispute ;  and  I  feel  confident  that 
no  one  of  your  readers  who  did  take  that 
trouble  had  any  such  misapprehension  ae 
**  A.  H."  seems  to  imagine  my  language 
was  likely  to  beget  I  repeat  again,  that 
the* whole  question  in  Mr.  Reoordon'a  first 
letter  and  my  answer  to  it,  was  with  respect 
to  the  moon  considered  as  a  sphere;  and  I 
am  satisfied  that  had  the  oontioveray  ended 
there,  no  suspicion  would  hava  arisen  thai 
any  correctiim  arising  from  the  heterogeneity 
and  spheroidal  shape  of  the  moon  had  been 
contemplated  on  the  discussion. 

But  if  I  had  said  that,  even  allowing  the 
moon  to  be  heterogeneous  and  spheroidal, 
the  earth's  attraction  produced  no  efieet  on 
the  amount  and  uniformity  of  the  moosi'a 
rotation  about  her  axis — did  not,  in  a  word, 
afiect  the  permanence  of  the  moon's  axis  in 
the  sense  in  which  that  word  is  understood, 
I  should  have  been  Ailly  justified  in  this 
statement  by  tiie  analogy  of  the  earth's  re 
tation,  which  is  oorroborated  by  the  ob- 
served laota  of  the  ease. 

The  attraetioo  ef  the  sun  and  meon  en 
the  protuberant  matter  at  the  earth's  eqoa^ 
tor,  do  not,  as  is  proved  by  a  striet  investi- 
gation, affect  the  amount  and  uniformity  dT 
her  rotation,  but  pnoduce  seme  motion  in 
the  line  of  intersection  of  the  earth'a  eqoa. 
tor  and  her  orbit,  and  in  the  inclination  of 
her  axia  to  the  eeliptio.  Although  the  po^ 
sition  of  th4  aids  in  apace  is  subject  to  some 
slight  motion,  the  axia  itselC  is  no  less  ^sr* 
ntanent  in  the  received  meaning  of  the| 
tenn. 

Supposing  the  moon  to  be  under  oondi- 
tions  sunilar  to  those  in  which  the  earth  ie 
placed,  we  may  fairly  draw  aimilar  infer- 
ences. And  we  do  accordingly  ^nd  thai 
the  inclioatian  ef  her  axia  of  rotation,  and 
thf  intexwotioii  of  kar  eqnator  with  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  XBE  INBXOATED  H0B8E  POXfEB  07  STEAM  EKOINES. 


plaa«  of  her  orbit,  are  tnbjeot  to  motions  of 
the  kind  just  described,  while  she  moyes 
uniformly  round  her  axis  once  in  a  luna- 
tion* 

I  am  not  about  to  follow  "  A.  H."  into 
the  mazes  of  logical  discussion  'into  which 
it  may  suit  him  well  enough  to  trj  to  decoy 
me,  in  order  to  call  off  attention  from  the 
true  subject  matter  of  the  dispute,  if  there  be 
one.  I  will  admit,  at  once,' that  in  the  hurry  of 
writing  (for  I  have  not  much  time  to  bestow 
on  these  discussions,  which  are  really  of  no 
great  moment),  I  have  made  use  of  the  word 
coHcAmn,  instead  of  irference  ;  and  I  may 
have  used  other  words  in  their  popular,  but 
not  strictW  logical  meaning :  and  "  A.  H." 
is  perfecUy  welcome  to  make  the  most  of 
this  inaccuracy,  as  he  is  pleased  to  call  it 
Sure  I  am,  that  the  great  maiority  of  your 
readers,  for  whom  I  wrote,  had  no  difficulty 
in  comprehending  my  meaning  (which  is 
the  main  point,  after  all,  in  popular  discus- 
tions  of  this  kind),  and  that  if  J,  or  any  one 
else  writing  in  your  pages,  were  to  use  ex- 
pressions and  terms  in  no  other  than  their 
Ceohiiical  logical  meaning,  we  should  seem 
to  all  pedantic  and  absurd,  and  to  many 
obccure  and  unintelligible. 

However,  I  have  one  word  to  say  on^his 
point.  The  question  is  about  the  application 
of  the  principle  of  the  permanence  of  prin- 
cipal axes.  I  tay,  that  if  an  external  force 
bo  SQch  as  to  produce  no  moment  about  the 
•xis  in  question,  it  is,  as  regards  the  appli- 


i  of  this  principle,  and  as  contemplated 
m  the  general  proposition,  no  external  force 
•t  all.  If  this  were  not  so,  no  body  on  the 
earth's  tnrface  could  have  a  permanent  axis 
of  rotati<m — at  least,  in  the  contemplation 
of  the  general  proposition ;  for  the  earth's 
•ttraction'-^n  external  force — ^is  always  in 
action ;  and  therefortf  according  to  **  A.H.,'* 
the  prinoiple  of  d^e  permanence  of  principal 
axes  could  never  apply, 

**A*  H."  was  endeaTonring,  in  a  single 
•Mtenoo,  to  demolish  my  statement  about 
the  moon's  axis  rotation }  and  told  us  that^ 
ftoeeuli  the  earth's  attraction  is  an  external 
force,  therefore  the  orinelple  does  not  apply. 
Vom  hia  statement  here  is  not  of  the  naiure 
9tg9mr0i  statements,  but  merely  applicable 
to  a  partioular  ease ;  if,  therefore,  under  any 
cireoosstanoes,  the  earth's  attraction  may  be 
SMh  aa  to  produce  no  moment  about  her 
takf  hU  itatement,  as  it  standi,  is  erro* 
jMovs ;  for  it  is  made  with  respeet  to  a  par^ 
tkmUr  application  of  the  principle  in  ques. 
tion. 

What  logio.  Of  rather  what  application  of 
logic,  that  is,  which  convicts  me  of  error  in 
ftating  a  general  principle,  although  I  state 
it  with  its  full  limitation,  but  which  proves 
"  A.  H."  to  be  right  when  he  deniea  that, 
la  a  peafHoQlar  coee,  that  principle  can  apply, 


althongb,  in  some  circumstances  of  that  case* 
it  is  acknowledged  that  it  nevertheless  may 
and.  does  apply,  I  leave  your  readers  to 
judge. 

Twice  in  his  former  letter  «*  A.  H."  took 
especial  pains  to  inform  me  that  the  princi- 
ple I  enunciated  did  not  prove  its  own  ap. 
Slication  to  the  case  of  the  moon's  motion, 
fow,  such  inculcation  and  reiterated  in- 
culcation of  a  self-evident  proposition  ihlly 
justified  my  remarks,  which  "  A.  H."  now 
desires  to  repudiate ;  and  t  cannot  help 
thinking  that  he  held  the  understanding  of 
your  readers  somewhat  cheap  when  he 
'thought  such  rery  elementary  instruction 
necessary  for  them. 

The  truth  is  that "  A.  H."  and  his  friends 
(whoever  they  be  is  a  matter  of  no  imporU 
ance ;  it  is  a  question  not  of  men,  but  of 
facts)  were  somewhat  too  hasty  in  forming 
a  judgment  on  my  original  sUtement  with 
regard  to  principal  axes ;  and  "  A.  H."  was 
in  too  great  a  hurry  in  taking  my  supposed 
error  as  a  peg  to  hang  his  account  of  D. 
Bernouilli's  -  lucubrations  on  the  moon's 
motion  upon.  That  account  was  in  itself 
good,  useful,  and  seasoTMible,  and  required 
no  such  apology  for  its  introduction. 

One  thmg  is  perfectly  evident,  that  be- 
tween «« A.  H.'»  and  myself  there  is  no  real 
diversity  of  opinion  on  this  questt  n :  it  is 
a  mere  matter  of  words ;  and  "  A.  H."  has 
had  an  opportunity  of  making  •  himself 
merry  at  my  expense.  I  do  not  grudge 
him  that  satisfiiction ;  for  though  he  may 
find  others  to  join  with  him  in  his  laugh 
(there  is  never  any  difficulty  in  finding 
plenty  of  people  ready  to  laugh  at  or  with 
any  one),  they  would  be  sorely  puzzled  to 
explain  what  it  is  they  are  laughing  at 

As  I  do  not  take  much  interest  in  a  mere 
squabble  about  words,  the  facts  being 
agreed  on  by  both  parties,  I  shall  take  the 
liberty  of  retiring  from  it;  and  I  hereby 
give  notice,  that  no  amount  of  logical  dis. 
quisition  on  the  part  of  *<A.  fl."  will 
tempt  me  to  enter  again  upon  a  discussion 
which  has  now  become  flat,  stale,  and  un- 
profitable. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Indaoatok. 

London,  March  S7, 1855. 


ON    THE    INDICATED    HORSE- 
POWER OF  STEAM  ENGINES. 

To  ike  Edifor  of  th§  MechanM  Magtmiite. 
Sir, — '*  Ing^nieur,"  in  yonr  last  Number, 
in  reply  to  my  previous  letter,  states,  that 
**  this  gentleman "  (alluding  to  myself) 
"  certainly  does  take  a  more  correct  view  of 
the  subject  than  '  M^canicien,'  insomuch 
that  he  admits  that  time,  and  consequently 
velooity^^  hsve  something  to  do  with  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


800 


REPLY  TO  MB.  MDSHST  OK  THE  SKOKE  QUEBTION. 


calculation."  Now,  Sir,  I  most  certainly 
admit,  that  in  calculating  the  horae-power 
of  steam-engines,  time,  and  consequently 
velocity,  have  something  to  do  with  the 
calculation  ;  but  whilst  I  admit  this,  J  ooji- 
not  admit  that,  in  finding  the  average  pres- 
sure upon  each  inch  of  the  piston  of  the 
engine  by  au  indicator  diagram,  time,  and 
conseauently  velocity,  have  anything  to  do 
with  tnis  part  of  the  calculation.  The  indi. 
cator,  so  far  as  the  calculation  of  the  horse- 
power of  a  steam-engine  is  concerned,  is 
only  used  to  find  the  pressure  of  the  steam 
upon  each  inch  of  the  piston  of  the  engine, 
but  gives  us  no  idea  of  the  space  the, piston 
of  the  engine  passes  through  in  any  given 
time.  Tliis  is  come  at  independently  of  the 
indicator.  **  M^canicien  "  is  in  error  when 
he  says  that  "  the  atmospheric  line  of  the 
diagram  represents,  at  a  certain  scale,  the 
stroke  of  the  piston  in  feet  and  fractions  of 
feet"  **  Ingenieur"  is  also  in  error  when 
he  says  that  "  the  area  of  the  diagram  is 
simply  the  length  of  the  stroke  multiplied 
by  tlie  average  pressure  upon  the  piston." 
The  length  of  the  .atmospheric  line  entirely 
depends  upon  the  distance  the  drum  of  the 
indicator  is  made  to  travel  during  either 
each  up  or  down  stroke  of  the  piston  of  the 
engine,  and  has  no  relation  to  the  length  of 
the  stroke  of  the  engine.  This  being  the 
case,  I  still  then  maintain,  that  **it  u  a 
matter  qf  perfect  ind^erence  what  it  t?,e 
velocity  of  the  jpuUm  during  any  portion  qf 
either  the  down  or  up  stroke  rf  the  piston, 
eince  all  that  u  wanted  to  be  known  in  order 
to  tell  exactly  the  pressure  tipon  each  inch 
rf  the  pietouy  it  the  area  qf  the  figure  hounded 
by  the  perimeter  made  by  the  pencil  qf  the 
indicator^  whilst  the  piston  it  making  one  down 
and  one  up  stroke."  From  the  above  sen. 
tence  "  Ingenieur "  draws  the  following 
inference,  viz.,  "  Since  the  Telocity  of  the 
piston  does  not  show  the  pressure  upon  the 
piston,  it  i^  perfectly  immaterial  with  regard 
to  the  power  transmitted,  whether  the  engine 
makes  four  or  twenty-four  strokes  per  minute. 
In  reply  to  this  inference  I  would  simply 
ask  "Ing6nieur,"  would  it  not  have  been 
mott  logical  and  more  to  the  point  if  he 
had  said,  that  since  the  area  qf  the  diagram, 
divided  by  the  length  qf  the  atmospheric  line 
in  the  scale  qf  the  indicator^  only  gives  the 
avERAOE  PRESSURE  of  stfom  Upon  each  inch 
qf  the  piston,  it  is  perfectly  immaterial,  in 
taking  an  indicator  diagram  for  the  purpose  of 
calculating  the  horse  -  power,  whether  the 
engine  makes  four  or  twenty-four  strokes  per 
minuU,  My  object  in  writing;  to  you  has 
been  to  point  out  that  the  varymg  motion  of 
the  piston  from  bottom  to  top,  or  from  top 
to  bottom,  can  be  no  source  of  error  In 
getting  by  an  indicator  diagram  the  areraffe 
pnwaitt  of  stMun  upon  each  inoh  of  the 


piston  of  the  engine.  And  further,  if  the 
area  of  the  diagram  be  known  exactly,  the 
average  pressure  upon  each  inch  of  the 
piston  would  be  found  exactly  and  eaaily. 
Whether  I  have  accomplished  these  two 
objects  or  not,  I  leave  you  and  your  seien. 
tific  and  talented  correspondents  to  decide. 
I  will  merely  add  in  conclusion,  that  truth 
and  not  victory  is  my  object  in  carrying  on 
this  or  any  other  controversy ;  and  if  I  have 
been  guilty  of  writing  at  random,  or  in  a 
manner  not  intelligible,  I  am  entirely  un. 
acquainted  with  the  fact,  except  that  "In- 
g^nieur  "  chooses  to  say  so.  But,  Sir,  I  have 
my  misgivings  that  "  Ingenieur"  is  writing 
for  victory," and  is  determined  to  have  it  at 
any  oo&t,  else  he  never  would  attempt  to 
pass  off  for  argument  such  reckless  asser. 
tions  to  refute  his  opponents  as  are  to  ^ 
found  in  his  last  letter. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  Sec, 

James  Emmett. 
Bornlaj,  March  21,  lUS. 


REPLY  TO  MR.  MUSHET  ON  THE 

SMOKE  QUESTION.* 

To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechaniet^  Magatine. 

Sir, — ^Mr.  Mushet,  in  his  observationa  on 
my  letter  (No.  1647,  page  204),  has  arrived 
at  conclusions  which  are  certainly  not  an- 
thorlied  by  my  remarks.  A  glance  at  my 
letter  will  show  that  my  allusions  were 
merely  in  reference  to  the  prineiple  qf  eon- 
bustion,  and  not  to  the  appUeation  of  heat. 
The  overwhelming  attack  which  Mr.  Mosfaet 
has  made  against  a  "preposterous  smoke 
consumer,"  is  quite  inapplicable  to  any  no- 
tion of  my  own,  for  the  astounding  project 
of  employing  **  a  costly  plant  and  two  extra 
fires  "  has  figured  no  where  but  in  the  fer- 
tile  imagination  of  your  correspondent 

With  your  permission,  I  will  put  in  an- 
other form  ray  idea  of  what  smoke  really  is, 
although  I  fear  the  generality  of  yonr  read- 
ers will  be  tired  of  this  sooty  subject 

The  chimney  of  a  fiirnace  in  which  coal 
is  ir^teffeetly  burned,  vomits  into  the  atmo- 
sphere  a  dark  cloud,  composed  principally  of 
carbonaceous  matter,  oarbonic  acid,  and  the 
vapour  of  water  (not  to  mention  nitrogen^ 
carbonic  oxide,  &c.,  fre.)  If  the  same  fur- 
nace were  supplied  with  coke,  thei«  would 
be  no  visible  emanations  from  the  ehimney, 
but  the  atmosphere  would  be  no  less  eon- 
taminated  by  a  constant  stream  of  inviaibU 
deleterious  gases. 

In  the  first  case  the  chimney  ia  said  fe 
smoke  f  in  the  latter,  not  to  smoke.    Surely 

*  If  our  oorrespondenie  wiah  us  to  publish  any 
addittoasl  lecten  on  the  sal^ect  of  this  or  the  ftd- 
lowtpg  l«tt«r,  their  gownnicattoas  laost  he  veir 
hnef.— Sn, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PifiKEE'8  PATBXT  flMOKE-OORSOlOXa  1YP13UTIIB. 


801 


this  ttnbboni  fact  will  not  be  denied  1  The 
ftppeannee  of  smoke,  therefore,  is  due  to 
the  presence  of  carbonaceous  matter  and 
nothing  else ;  and  when  people  talk  of  burn- 
ing smoke,  they  certainly  do  not  commit  an 
absurdity,  because  this  carbonaceous  matter 
is  combustible,  and,  therefore,  capable  of 
being  burned. 

It  must  not  be  inferred  from  what  pre- 
oedes  that  I  am  an  advocate  for  any  smoke- 
consuming  scheme.  The  old  adage  is  ap- 
plicable here:  '* Prevention  is  better  than 
cure."  Only  let  a  perfect  combustion  be 
aimed  at— and  it  may  be  attained  equally 
with  hot  or  with  cold  air — and  then  not  only 
will  the  smoke  nuisance  be  abated,  but  a 
wasteful  use  of  fuel  will  be  prevented. 

Mr.  Mushet  appears  anxious  to  impress 
on  the  mind  of  your  readers  that  I  do  not 
perceive  the  diffinrence  between  gae  and 
ewioke.  I  imagine  the  difference  to  be  this : 
the  first  is  a  permanently  elastic  fluid  (under 
the  ordinary  pressure  and  temperature), 
while  the  latter  owes  its  appearance  to  solid 
earbonaoeous  matter  and  condensable  tarry 
vapour,  floating  in  the  gases  whioh  escape 
from  burning  coal. 

Mr.  Mushet  says  that  it  is  singular  not  to 
perceive  the  correct  distinction  between 
coal  **  gas  befert  it  is  eontumed,  and  the  va. 
pour,  or  true  smoke,  which  ensues  after  it 
has  bete  imperfectly  consumed.'*  The  very 
use  of  the  word,  imperfectly,  indicates  that 
something  has  been  left  undone,  and  cer- 
tainly such  is  the  case,  for  there  remains  to 
be  burned  the  combustible  matter,  or  car- 
bon of  the  smoke,  whioh  has  escaped  in 
consequence  of  the  fuel  having  been  impro- 
perly  treated. 

Before  leaving  this  smoke  question,  I 
must  confess  my  inability  to  comprehend 
Mr.  Mushet' s  theory  of  "  carbonaceous  par- 
ticles, or  toot,  liberated  from  the  hvdrogen 
which  is  decomposed."  What  are  the  ele- 
ments of  hydrogen  f  Your  correspondent 
will  not  object  to  Ais  question,  since  he  has 
gratuitously  informed  me  that  water  results 
from  the  combustion  of  hydrogen. 

Mr.  Mnshet's  reasoning  to  attempt  to 
prove  diat  I  make  a  "  singular  oversight " 
in  stating  that  the  flame  of  a  candle  may  be 
almost  extinguished  by  supplying  it  with 
intensely  cold  air,*  falls  to  the  eround  be* 
fore  the  fact,  that  the  same .  phenomenon 
occurs  with  an  Argand  gas  flame  (where  it 
Is  not  requisite  **  to  melt  the  liquid  fuel"). 
The  flame  in  both  cases  is  diminished  in 
size,  but  increased  (not  "  diminished ")  in 
brightness. 

In  the  last  paragraph  of  Mr.  Mushet's 
letter,  he  appears  to  imagine  that  he  has  ad- 

•  Wken  I  nentkm  interns  «oM,  I  allude  to  the 
lowest  raan  of  temperature  whieh  ean  be  artifl- 
eially  produoed,  and  not  the  edd  of  a  winter's 
night  in  ou  latitude. 


ministered  the  coup  de  ^o/je— that  1  have 
given  the  most  conclusive  of  all  "cases 
against  the  hot-air  quackery ;  "  that  I  have 
*'  settled  the  hot-air  ambiguity,**  &c.  I 
must  distinctly  disclaim  having  espoused 
any  sort  of  "mistake,"  << quackery,"  or 
"  ambiguity  "  of  this  kind.  I  merely  per- 
sist in  stating  a  tnei,  that  a  given  quantity 
of  fuel  supplied  with  cold  air  will  realise  a 
certain  effect,  while  the  same  quantity  of 
combustible  supplied  with  hot  air  will  pro- 
duce a  greater  efreet.  If  people  will  apply 
this  principle  erroneously  and  obtain  a  con- 
traiy  result,  do  not  let  them  declare  the 
principle  to  be  wrong. 

It  is  a  strange  mode  of  reasoning  to  say, 
the  bars  of  Jukes's  grate  must  be  kept  as 
cold  as  possible,  to  preserve  the  links,  &c., 
from  distortion ;  therrfore,  cold  air  is  more 
conducive  to  the  combustion  of  smoke  than 
hot  air  1  and  yet  Mr.  Mushet  arrives  at  that 
conclusion  by  such  reasoning. 

The  fact  thus  pounced  upon  by  Mr. 
Mushet  is  conclusive  in  favour  of  my  re- 
marks on  hot  air ;  for  if  hot  air  were  sup- 
plied to  Jukes's  grate,  your  correspondent 
is  aware  that  the  bars  would  bend  or  melt 
This  effect  would  result  from  a  greater  heat 
being  generated  than  when  cold  air  is  sup- 
plied to  the  fiimace. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

O.  H.  Falmek. 

MarMilles,  Mareh  17, 1855. 

PARKER'S   PATENT   SMOKE-CON- 
SUMING APPARATUS. 

"Look  on  this  picture,  and  on  that." 
To  the  Editor  rf  the  Meehaniee  Magazine. 
Sir, — As  Mr.  Williams,  in  his  last  com- 
munication, at  page  256,  again  represents 
Mr.  Parker's  patent  smoke- consuming  ap- 
paratus to  be  identical  with  that  shown  at 
fig.  89  of  Mr.  Williams's  work  on  Combus- 
tion, 1  must  request  your  insertion  thereof, 
with  the  following  descriptive  extract,  leav- 
ing  your  readers  to  draw  their  own  conclu. 
sions  as  to  the  identity  between  them  and 
the  apparstus  shown  at  page  444  of  your  last 
volume,  merely  remarking  that,  although 
Mr.  Williams's  experiment  was  succesfil^ 
so  far  as  the  prevention  of  smoke  was  con- 
cerned, it  was  practicaUy  a  failure,  from  the 
rapid  derangement  of  the  apparatus,  the 
apertures  becoming  clogged  with  particles 
of  sand,  coals,  and  ashes,  and  the  apparatus 
exposed  to  the-  destructive  action  of  the 
fire ;  defects  from  which  Mr.  Parker's  air- 
distributors  are  comparatively  free. 
I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

W.  Baddblbt. 
13,  AngelI4erFSce,  Islington, 

Maroh  19, 1855. 

**  The  main  object  being  the  introducing 
the  air  in  a  divided  sUte  to  the  gaseous 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SOS 


swoaioAtnHN  w 


atmosph^a  of  th«  ftiwiMe»rtmili0r,  #iff 
foUowimg  €xpeHm99i  f9M  mmde:  the  eentre 
bar  of  «  boiler,  foar  feet  long,  was  taken 
mt,  and  ever  the  vaeant  spaee  an  iron  pUte 
was  introdueed,  bent  in  the  fora  aa  shown 
in  fig.  99.*    Here  the  upper  portion  of  the 


bent  plate,  projeoUng  three  inches  above  the 
fuel,  waa  punched  with  five  rows  of  half- 
iueh  holes,  through  which  the  air  issued  in 
^  streams.  Adequate  mixture  was  thus 
instantly  obtained,  as  in  the  Argand  gas« 
burner* 

^*  The  sectional    view    of  the    furnace, 
looked  at  from  behind,  aa  in  fig.  40,  repre- 
Fig.  40. 


seots  the  character  and  diffusiTe  action  of 
the  flame."f 

■ '    ■  ♦ 

WATER  BALLAST-BAGS. 
To  ik§  Editor  vf  tk$  Mechamea*  Magazine. 
Sir,-— In  your  notice  of  the  discussion 
that  took  place  the  other  day,  on  the  read- 
lag  of  Mr,  Allen's  paper,  **  On  Steam 
and  Sailing  Colliers,*'  J  obsevfe  it  sUted 
that  '<the  bag.baliast  is  admitted  to  be 
oonTcnient  in  some  eases,  but  it  was  better 
adapted  for  long  than  for  short  Toyage8,aad 
the  wear  and  tear  waa  a  considerable  item 
of  expense."  It  waa  also  stated  in  another 
part  of  the  discussion  that  the  duration  of 

The  abore  figures  have  been  reduesd  fh>m 
eaiVan  to  Ni.  WlUlms's  work,— Kn. 
t  *<inn|siQs  on  Combuytioa,"  p.  M. 


the  bagt  waa  o»ly  nint  motttla,  aa  Ibinid  by 
the  trial  of  them  in  the  ship  NorUmmberloMd, 
Now,  what  I  wish  to  remark  isi  that  this 
ship  waa  one  of  the  first  that  tried  the 
baliaat-bags,  and  that  since  then  the  pa- 
tentee haa  so  entirely  altered  the  process  of 
rendering  the  bags  waterproof  as  to  require 
his  taking  a  new  patent;  and  that,  there, 
fore,  the  duration  of  the  bags  is  not  yet 
known  ;  but  that  there  is  at  preaent  a  weasel 
running  which  has  had  the  bags  (br  above 
one  year,  and  that  they  are  aiill  in  good 
order.  From  this,  I  think.  It  must  be  seen 
to  be  unfair  to  judge  as  ye|  of  the  duration 
of  the  baga.  May  I  b^  of  you  to  give  a 
place  to  these  fow  remarka,  as  I  know  your 
pages  are  always  open  to  fair  plsy. 
I  am,  Sir,  youra,  &e., 

A  CoNBTAiiT  Ami>b»< 
Newesstki  Marsh  21, 18i6. 

MANTJMOTIVE  CARRIAGES. 
To  tho  Editor  </  tho  Mecbaniet'  MagtaiSme. 
SiR,--*A  poor  invalid,  who  haa  loat  the 
uae  of  hie  limbs,  though  not  entirely  that  of 
his  arms,  would  esteem  it  a  great  iavour  if 
any  of  your  eorrespondenta  would  inform 
him,  if  possible,  through  your  very  uaefnl 
Magasine,  how  die  aimplest  and  beet  con- 
trivance  is  made,  by  which  he,  himself,  could 
propel  his  chaiae.  I  am,  Sir,  yours,  fre., 

CHARI*Ba  OiBBova. 
81,  Hsreourt-stNel,  Biyanstone-equare. 

SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

YouNo,  James  Hadden,  of  Great  GoU 
lege-street,  Camden-town.  Ivuarooemmta  m 
thi  ooMtrvction  rf  railways.  Patent  dated 
Auffust  2S,  18l»i.    (No.  1862.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  employ  roda  or 
rails,  kept  in  a  atate  of  tension  by  being 
stretched  over  posts,  sleepers,  or  other  fix<» 
tures,  according  to  the  inequalitiea  of  the 
ground  for  oarriagea  to  run  upon. 

•»*  The  above  abstract  should  have  ap^ 
peared  on  pitfe  25$  of  No.  1649. 

Parker,  Jamm,  of  Birmingham,  War* 
wick,  locomotive  auperintendenti  An  im^ 
provement  or  iv^rooemetUt  in  tht  smoke- baxot 
iiftocomotive  sngines.  Patent  dated  Septem* 
ber4, 1854,    (No.  1927.) 

Thia  invention  cbnsiats  in  cosstmcting 
tiie  amoke-boxes  of  locomotive  enginea 
with  movable  or  opening  bottoms,  and  con* 
n acting  with  the  latter  mechanism  to  enable 
the  driver  to  open  them,  either  for  allowing 
the  contenta  to  fall  out  or  for  regulating 
the  draught,  and  to  close  them  again  while 
the  driver  is  on  the  engine,  and  the  engine 
is  in  motion. 

MiLL^^i  QeoROB  Mackat,  of  luohicorei 
DubHuf  civil  eDgtaeei^     Jmfrmmmmio  *i 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SFECIFICAXXONS  OF  VAUBSCTS  BKCDDntLT  nUSw 


808 


OMle-boMi  and  pqrU  working  im  comeetkm 
with  axtet  of  carriage$  and  other  vehicles  in 
use  vpon  railways,  ratent  dated  Septem- 
ber 4,  1854.    (No.  1928.) 

Clainu — 1.  The  form  and  arrangement  of 
a  certain  upper  ^ease  chamber  extending 
along  the  under  face  of  the  step  or  bearing, 
either  separate  or  in  coi^junction  with  the 
ordinaiy  hole  or  holes  and  passages,  toge- 
ther with  a  particular  form  of  step  and  a 
guard  at  the  back  of  the  axle-box.  2.  The 
application  of  a  hinge  to  the  cap  covering 
the  grease-hopper  at  the  front  of  the  axle- 
box,  and  retaining  it  in  its  position  when 
closed  by  springs.  3.  The  application  at 
the  baok  of  the  axle-box  of  two  or  more 
flat  pieces  of  material  capable  of  sliding 
▼erticallj  or  laterally  past  each  other  by  the 
action  of  screws  or  springs.  4.  The  intro- 
duction  between  the  boss  or  nave  of  the 
wheel  and  the  axle  of  a  cylinder  or  box  free 
to  revolve  on  the  axle,  and  on  which  the 
wheel  is  secured. 

Write,  John  Lockrart  and  Henrt 
Henderson,  plumbers,  and  James  Couper, 
senior,  earthenware  manufacturer,  all  of 
Glasgow,  Lanark.  Improvements  in  water^ 
closets.  Patent  dated  September  4,  1854. 
(No.  1929.) 

This  invention  consists  in  manufacturing 
tbe  ordinary  pans  or  basins  and  valves  in 
water-closets  of  glass. 

Hill,  William,  of  Congleton,  Chester, 
hatter.  Certain  improvements  in  doubling  or 
twisting  net  or  raw  silks.  Patent  dated  Sep- 
tember 4, 1854.    (No.  1930.) 

Claim,  — The  application,  employment, 
and  use  of  a  traversing  medium,  as  a  mov- 
able carriage  or  creel,  such  as  is  used  in  the 
mule  or  jenny  employed  in  cotton  manufac- 
ture, (and  whether  self-acting  or  otherwise), 
for  the  purposes  of  doubling  or  twisting  net 
or  raw  silks. 

Lavaur,  Jacqueb  Francois  Henry 
HipPOLiTE  Hervb  pe.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  secvring  waterproof  wrappers  or 
coverings  used  in  packing  goods*  Patent 
dated  September  4, 1854.    (No.  1936.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  lining 
water- proof  wrappers  with  a  lining  made  of 
paper,  cloth,  or  canvas,  covered  with  one  of  the 
following  compositions : — First  composition. 
Four  ounces  troy  of  resin.  Five  ditto  of 
bitumen.  One  ditto  of  gutta  percha.  Eight 
ditto  of  talc.  Second  composition.  One  ounce 
troy  of  bitumen.  One  quarter  of  an 
ounce  ditto  of  gutta  percha,  and  one  tenth 
of  an  ounce  of  cbloriqe  of  calcium  dissolved 
in  water. 

Browntoot,  William,  of  Leeds,  York, 
cabinet-maker  and  upholsterer.  A  new  or 
improved  instrument  or  apparatus  for  raising, 
lowering,  and  a^ustimg  Venetian  blinds.  Pa- 
tent dated  September  9, 1354.    (Ko.  1937.) 


This  iuTention  consists  in  raisinff,  lowe?. 
ing,  and  adjusting  Venetian  blinds,  by  oaua- 
ing  a  ratchet-wheel  placed  on  the  axis  of 
the  pnllles  over  which  the  eords  pass,  to 
engage  with  a  pall  or  click,  whereby,  when 
the  motion  of  the  said  pullies  is  arrested, 
the  cords  are  pressed  against  the  pullies  to 
prevent  their  slipping,  the  pall  or  click 
being  capahle  of  bemg  disengaged  from  the 
ratcliet-wheel  by  the  pulling  of  a  cord,  Of 
otherwise. 

Stocxer,  Samvel,  of  Brighton,  Sussex. 
Certain  coverings  for  various  parts  qf  the 
human  body,  with  a  view  to  the  preservation  qf 
health.  Patent  dated  September  5,  1854. 
(No.  1940.) 

This  invention  comprises  the  preparation 
of  various  fiorms  of  lung-protectors:  the 
construction  of  coverings  for  the  head, 
which  envelop  the  face,  and  are  furnished 
with  apertures  for  the  eyes ;  the  formation 
of  certain  mouth-protectors ;  the  use  of  cer- 
tain coverings  for  the  head  and  shoulders ; 
the  perforadon  of  India-rubber  or  other 
water-proof  shoes,  and  the  filling  up  of  the 
perforations,  with  threads  or  strips  of  wool- 
len or  other  suitable  materials ;  and  making 
the  external^  and  upper  parts  of  clogs  of 
paper  made  impervious  to  the  wet,  a  neel- 
piece  and  subsole  of  wood,  leather,  or  other 
suitable  material  being  fixed  to  these  up- 
pers. 

Pape,  Jorn  Henry,  of  Paris,  France, 
Rue  des  Bons  Enfants.  Improvements  in 
wind  musical  instruments.  Patent  dated  Sep. 
tember  5,  1854.    (No.  1942.) 

In  the  inventor's  improved  instruments 
various  kinds  of  metal  reeds  and  tongues 
are  employed  to  produce  a  varie^  of  tones. 

Trimble,  Isaac  Pym,  of  New  York, 
United  States^  doctor  of  medicine.  Improve- 
ments in  regulating  the  temperature  in  con- 
servatories and  other  apartments,  or  in  vejUi* 
lating  the  same.  Patent  dated  September  5, 
185C    (No.  1943.) 

This  invention  consists  in  working  ven- 
tilating and  regulating  valves  by  the  appli- 
cation of  the  forces  derived  Arom  the  expan- 
sion and  contraction  of  metal  bars,  &c. 

Eden,  James,  of  Lytham,  Lancaster, 
bleacher.  Improvements  in  apparatus  for 
drying  fabrics.  Patent  dated  September  6, 
1854.    (No.  1945.) 

The  inventor  employs,  in  connection  with 
stoves,  an  apparatus  which  consists  of  a 
series  of  rollers  that  conduct  a  web  of  the 
fabric  to  be  dried  through  the  stove,  and 
that,  whilst  the  fabric  is  in  the  stove,  cause 
it  to  pass  over  and  near  to  the  heated 
surfaces. 

Westwood,  Joseph,  of  Poplar,  Middle- 
sex,.iron-sbip  builder,  and  Robert  Bail^^ie, 
also  of  Poplar,  Middlesex,  iron-ship  builder. 
A  method  qf  protecting  iron  ships  and  vessels 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


804 


'SPEOIFIOATIONS  OF  PATENTS  RECENTLY  FILED. 


^001  corrosion  and  animal  and  vegetable  maU 
tert.  Patent  dated  September  6,  1854. 
(No.  1947.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  method  of 
applying  preservative  compositions  both  in- 
ternally and  externally  to  the  plates  and 
other  parts  of  which  iron  ships  and  vessels 
are  constructed.  Asphalte  and  bituminous 
varnishes  are  known  to  form  good  preser- 
vative coatings,  but  it  has  hitherto  been 
found  impracticable  to  cause  them  to  ad- 
here to  the  metal.  The  inventors  therefore 
first  lay  on  a  layer  or  coatings  of  black  var. 
nish,  and  then  a  layer  of  asphalte,  or  a  coat- 
ing of  boiled  oil  and  black  lead,  and  black 
varnish,  or  of  black  varnish,  asphalte,  and 
spirits  of  naphtha, 

Garnaud,  Paul  Adolph*,  of  Paris, 
France.  Improvements  in  certain  gazogene 
apparatus  used  for  the  production  <f  aSrated 
liquids.  Patent  dated  September  7,  1854. 
(No.  1951.) 

This  invention  applies  to  those  gazogene 
apparatus  in  which  the  waters  or  liquids  are 
aerated  by  their  action  upon  acids  and 
alkalis,  such  as  tartaric  acid  and  bi-carbon- 
ate  of  soda,  &c.,  and  consists  in  lodging  in 
the  lower  or  gas  generating  portion  of  such 
apparatus  a  receiver  for  holding  the  acid 
used  in  aerating. 

Lund,  Henrt,  of  the  Temple,  esquire. 
Improvements  in  propelling  and  steering  ves- 
selSf  and  in  the  steam  engine  applied  to  tttese 
purposes.  Patent  dated  September  7,  1854. 
(No.  1953.) 

This  invention  consists  in  an  iirrange- 
ment  of  engines  to  be  employed  in  driving 
the  patentee's  rowing  propellers  which  were 
the  subject  of  a  former  patent 

Adams,  Robert,  of  King  William-street» 
London.  Improvements  in  breech  -  loading 
/Ire-arms.  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  September  6,  1854.    (No.  1954.) 

Claim, — Constructing  and  arranging  a 
breech-loading  fire-arm  in  such  manner 
that  the  escape  of  the  gases  at  the  breech  is 
prevented  by  a  ball  in  the  rear  of  the  charge, 
which  is  forced  by  the  explosion  against  the 
closing  plug  of  the  breech. 

Burns,  James,  of  Manchester,  Lanca- 
shire.  Improvements  in  ventilating  ships. 
Patent  dated  September  8,  1854.  (No. 
1956.) 

Claim, — The  application  of  the  rising  and 
falling  of  the  waves  to  the  forcing  of  fresh 
air  from  the  outside  to  the  lower  and  other 
parts  of  the  interior  of  ships. 

YouiL,  John,  of  Burton-upon-Trent, 
Stafford,  common  brewer.  Improvements  in 
the  mode  or  method  qf  fermenting  liquors,  and 
in  the  nuuAhtery  or  apparatut  employed 
therein.  Patent  dated  September  8,  1854. 
(No.  1957.) 

This  invention  relates  to  improved  modes 


of  fermenting  malt  liquors  in  closed  or  air- 
tight  vessels,  which  exclude  the  atmospheric 
air  from  the  wort  during  the  process  of 
fermentation,  and  at  the  same  time  allowing 
the  escape  of  the  carbonic  acid  gas. 

Jones,  John,  of  Westfield-terrace,  Shef- 
field,  York,  manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
metal  dinner  and  dessert'farks.  Patent  dated 
September  8,  1854.    (No.  1958.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  forks 
with  short  prongs  above  which  is  a  space 
of  a  spoon  form,  so  that  the  article  may 
be  used  both  as  a  fork  and  as  a  spoon. 

Frearson,  Samuel,  of  Olasoote,  War- 
wick, gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  con^ 
struction  and  mantfacture  rf  buttons,  a  part 
or  parts  qf  which  improvements  may  also  be 
applied  to  other  similar  purposes.  (A  com- 
munication.) Patent  dated  September  8, 
1854.    (No.  1959.) 

This  invention  relates  principally  to  per- 
forated buttons  which  are  made  wholly  or 
partly  of  metal,  and  consists — 1.  In  giving 
new  or  improved  forms  to  su6h  buttons; 
and  2.  In  forming  certain  tools  to  be  used 
in  the  manufacture  of  them. 

Petitjean,  Tony,  of  Upper  John-street, 
Fitzroy-square,  Middlesex.  An  improved 
process  for  recutting  or  rrforming  the  faces  qf 
JOes.  Patent  dated  September  8,  1854. 
(No.  I960.) 

The  inventor's  method  of  recutting  files, 
consists  in  the  employment  of  galvanic  ac- 
tion for  that  purpose,  and  depends  on  **  the 
fact  that  the  dissolving  action  of  the  posi. 
tive  pole  of  a  ealvanic  battery  first  takes 
place  in  the  hollows.*' 

Sharp,  William  Prior,  and  William 
Weild,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  machin- 
ists. Improvements  in  the  production  of  ram 
and  throum  silk,  and  in  machinery  and  appa- 
ratus to  be  used  for  that  purpose.  Patent 
dated  September  8, 1854.    (No.  1963.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  the  use 
in  cocoon  reeling  machines  of  cloth  covered 
clearers,  metallic  edges,  revolving  tubes 
through  which  the  filaments  of  the  cocoons 
are  passed,  separate  reels  or  swifts  for  each 
hanK  or  skein,  certain  combs  or  pineing 
instruments,  and  hank  or  skein  transferring 
apparatus. 

Ramsbotham,  Henry  Robert,  of  Brad- 
ford, York,  worsted  spinner,  and  William 
Brown,  of  the  same  place,  mechanic,  /m- 
provements  in  preparing  to  be  spun  cotton, 
wool,  hair,  and  otlier  Jibrous  materials.  Patent 
dated  September  8,  1854.    (No.  1969.) 

These  improvements  relate, — 1.  To  the 
arraiu;ing  of  receiving  combs  used  in  comb- 
ing ^fibrous  substances,  so  that  the  back 
rows  of  teeth  extend  above  the  others,  with 
their  points  inclining  forwards  over  those 
in  front  of  them. — 2.  To  certain  improve- 
ments upon  the  apparatus,  patented  by  Ross, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECIFIOATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BECENTLY  FILED. 


305 


May  6\  1837,  and  July  18,  1888 3.  To 

the  application  to  ordinary  receiving  combs 
of  an  additional  comb,  called  a  "  catch 
comb,"  and  which,  when  fibre  is  being  laid 
on  to  the  receiving  comb,  is  made  to  stand 
abore  the  level  of  the  points  of  the  teeth  of 
the  latter  and  behind  it,  so  that  when  the 
fibre  is  coming  into  position  to  be  filled  on 
to  the  receiving  comb  this  *'  catch  comb  *' 
catches  hold  of  it  first  and  then  descends 
with  it  till  (or  till  just  before)  the  fibre  is 
taken  hold  of  by  the  receiving  comb,  when 
the  *'  catch  comb  "  retires  out  of  the  way, 
and  the  noil  is  taken  to  the  back  of  the 
combs. 

GuTARDiN,  AcHiLLE,  of  PaHs,  France. 
7%«  use  nf  a  certain  fihroue  matter  for  the 
fiutm^facture  of  paper  and  pasteboard.  Patent 
dated  September  9,  1854.    (No.  1970.) 

Claim, — ^The  application  of  the  "  arrow/' 
or  "  water- arrow  "  plant  of  Britany,  to  the 
manufacture  of  paper,  pasteboard,  &e. 

Hackworth,  John  Wesley,  of  Priest- 
gate  Engine-works,  Darlington,  Durham, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  steam  engines, 
and  m  gearing  connected  therewith.  Patent 
dated  September  9,  1854.    (No.  1971.) 

This  invention  relates  to  various  modifi- 
cations of  the  general  details  of  steam  en- 
gines,  which  we  shall  probably  give  here- 
after, especially  intended  for  stationary  and 
marine  purposes,  with  the  object  of  securing 
superior  efficiency  of  working  action. 

Clowes,  Thomas,  of  Beverley,  York, 
•addler.  Improvements  in  muzzles  for  horses^ 
or  apparaius  to  prevent  horses  from  biting  or 
tucking  their  cribs  or  mangers.  Patent  dated 
September  9,  1854.    (No  1974.) 

Clmm, — The  use  of  prickers,  or  sharp- 
pointed  instruments,  in  combination  with 
springs  and  a  perforated  shield,  plate,  bar, 
or  bars,  attached  to  the  muzzles  of  horses. 

Jackson,  Peter  Rotbwell,  of  Salford, 
Lancaster,  engineer.  Improvements  in  the 
manrfaeture  nf  wheels.  Patent  dated  Sep- 
tember  11,  1854.    (No.  1975.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  the  heated 
iron,  after  having  been  placed  in  a  suitable 
mould  or  die,  is  forced  into  the  shape  of  the 
mould,  and  through  grooves  or  channels 
radiating  therefrom  so  as  to  form  spokes, 
in  some  cases  bent  at  their  outer  ends, 
making  a  continuation  of  each  spoke  form 
a  portion  of  the  felloe  of  the  wheel. 

RioBT,  John,  of  Dublin,  gun- maker. 
ImpTovements  in  Jtre-arms  and  suns,  and  in 
waddings  to  be  used  therewith.  Patent  dated 
September  11,  1854.    (No.  1976.) 

CZotiM.— 1.  A  safety- catch  for  retaining 
the  cock,  with  the  means  of  liberating  the 
latter  independently  of  the  lock  or  trigger. 
2.  A  mode  of  uniting  two  or  more  safety- 
barrels  to  thftt  they  may  be  separated  aad 
rqoined  at  wilL     8.  A  certain  mode  of 


rifiing  gun-barrels  in  such  manner  that,  in 
the  cross  section,  they  shall,  resemble  two 
semicircles,  having  a  common  diametral 
line,  but  centres  a  little  removed  from  each 
other.  4.  A  method  of  making  compound 
rifle  pstches  of  a  felt  wad,  fixed  on  a  patch 
of  calico  or  linen.  5.  A  losding  lever,  so 
fixed  as  to  be  capable  of  passing  into  the 
loading-chamber,  and  ramming  thfe  charge 
without  any  especial  a^ustment  of  the 
chamber. 

Palmer,  Edward,  of  Southampton. 
Improvements  in  propelling  vessels.  Patent 
dated  September  11,  1854.     (No.  1977.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  constructing 
the  frames  to  which  propellers  are  attached, 
that  the  blades  may  be  removed  without 
difficulty,  and  offer  facilities  for  appplying 
more  or  less  of  them  as  required.  For  this 
purpose  the  radial  stays  are  made  with 
grooves,  and  the  blades,  which*  are  of  the 
form  of  a  portion  of  a  circle,  are  attached 
to  them  by  movable  fastenings. 

Norton,  John,  of  Cork,  Ireland,  Esq. 
Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of  ropes, 
bands,  and  cordage.  Patent  dated  Septem- 
ber 11,  1854.    (No.  1978.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  a  mode 
of  manufacturing  ropes,  bands,  and  cordage, 
by  cementing  together  parallel,  or  very 
slightly  twisted  minor  strands. 

SzoNTAOH,  Samitel,  of  Paris,  France. 
Improvements  in  sewing-machines.  Patent 
dated  September  11,  1854.    (No.  1980.) 

The  inventor  claims  a  certain  improved 
form  of  needle,  and  the  application  of  a 
magnet  to  the  shuttle-box  of  sdwing-ma- 
chines  for  keeping  the  shuttle  in  close 
contact  with  that  part  of  the  shuttle-box 
against  which  it  slides. 

PuRNELLE,  John  Chillcott,  of  Tach- 
brook-street,  Pimlico,  Middlesex.  Improve- 
ments in  obtaining  and  applying  motive 
power.  Patent  dated  September  11,  1854. 
(No.  1981.) 

This  invention  consists  in  a  certain  ar- 
rangement  of  apparatus  to  be  worked  by 
hydraulic  pressure  for  obtaining  motive 
power,  the  object  being  to  render  hydraulic 
machines  more  portable  than  heretofore. 

Billing,  Martin,  of  Birmingham, War- 
wick, manufacturer.  Improvements  in  ma- 
m^acturing  and  ornamenting  castors  for  fur" 
niture.  Patent  dated  September  12,  1854. 
(No.  1982.) 

This  invention  consists  in  covering 
wheels  made  of  cast  iron  with  a  casing  of 
sheet  brass,  or  other  metal  or  alloy,  whether 
the  said  casing  or  covering  be  plain  or  or- 
namental 

OiLLMAN,  Edward,  of  Twickenham, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  Obtaining  JUaments 
from  certain  vegetable  tubstitnces,  and  apply 
ing  the  tame  tovarUmt  mam/aeturing  pur^ 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


306 


PROVISIONAL  8PECIFICAXZ0NS  NOT  PBOCEEDED  WITS. 


poses.    Patent   dated  September  12,  18S4. 
(No.  1983.) 

This  invention  consists  in  obtaining  fila- 
ments from  the  fibrous  parts  of  the  Kew 
Zealand  plants,  called  **  giagia  "  and  '*  U," 
and  in  applying  the  same  to  yarious  manu- 
facturing porposea. 

Nash,  Williav,  of  Islington,  builder, 
and  John  Jewell,  of  the  same  place,  Mid- 
dlesex, cabinet  maker.  ImprovemerUt  in 
window '  sashes  and  Jratnes.  Patent  dated 
September  18,  1854.    ^No.  1988.) 

la  carrying  out  tbis  invention  the  two 
sashes  of  a  window  have  side-apriiws,  or  a 
double  ratchet  and  pinion  passed  between 
their  beads  on  each  side  -ot  the  frame,  and 
a  portion  of  the  frame,  sufficient  to  allow 
the  sashes  to  move  about  centres  when 
opposite  each  other,  is  made  movable,  so 
that  the  sashes  may  be  partly  rotated,  and 
have  ^eiT  outsides  made  accessible  for 
cleaning,  &c.,  from  within.  By  the  same 
arrangement  balance  weights  may  be  dis- 
pensed with. 

Bellforjo,  Augusts  Edouard  Loaa- 
DOux,  of  Oastle-atreet,  London,  patent 
agent.  Improvements  im  electro  -  magnetic 
clocks.  (A  eommunication.)  Patent  dated 
September  18,  1854.    (No.  1990.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  system  of  elec- 
tric docks,  each  of  which  is  worked  by 
independent  niechaniam. 

CftosLEY,  Henry,  of  CamWwell-groTe, 
SurrcQT*  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  rf 
paper f  miUboardt  and  felt  from  materials  not 
hilherto  soused.  Patent  dated  September 
13,  1854.    (No.  1994.) 

In  an  invention  patented  by  Kr.  Crosley, 
AprK  15,  1839,  tan  and  hops  alone  were 
used  for  the  purposes  named  in  the  title, 
and  the  present  invention  consists  in  pre- 
paring s^ent  tan  and  spent  hops,  and  in 
then  mixing  them  with  animal  or  vegeUble 
£bae. 


VROViaiONAI.  SPECIFICATIONB   NOT  ^aO^ 
CBB9B1>  Vira. 

PiBH,  John,  of  Livesey,  near  Blackburn, 
iLancaster,  and  JoiTn  Thompson,  of  Witton, 
liear  Blackburn,  aforesaid.  Improvements  in 
the  mode  or  method  qf  picking  waxps,  Anpli. 
cation  ditted  September  4,  1854;  (Jfo. 
1926.) 

Inditead  of  (he  tiSQal  method  of  leasing 
the  warps  at  the  uzing  machine,  the  in- 
ventors propose  to  make  a  reed  or  wraith 
about  half  the  width  df  the  usuaV  reed,  with 
one  side  loose,  so  that  it  will  slide  on  and 
off  a  peg  or  iWAe  at  each  end.  This  half 
reed  (A  wratih  will  Ksemble  a  long  rod  with 
4ne  tee^iimBa^  to  a  coofb,  tmd  is  piit  on 


the  warp  when  it  is  on  the  bowl  of  the 
sizing  machine,  the  teeth  or  comb  separat- 
ing the  warp-threads.  The  inventors  then 
put  on  the  loose  side  or  rod  at  the  other  . 
aide  of  the  warp-threads,  thus  forming  a 
complete  reed,  which  they  allow  to  remaiii, 
and  doff  the  warp  with  it  on,  so  that  it  is 
ready  for  looming  without  the  trouble  of 
leasing. 

Rowland,  Ellis,  and  Jakes  Bowland, 
of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  engineers.  Im- 
provements in  coupling  or  cotmectittg  links  for 
railway  carriages  or  other  suck  purposes. 
Application  dated  September  4, 1854.  (No. 
1931.) 

The  inventors  propose  to  employ  a  cylin- 
drical chamber  filled  with  oil  or  other  liquid, 
having  a  connecting  channel  on  its  upper 
side  running  from  one  end  of  the  chamber 
to  the  other,  and  being  furnished  at  one  end 
with  a  valve  opening  inwards.  The  ends  of 
the  chamber  are  each  rendered  tight  by 
stufilng-boxes,  through  which  run  connect- 
ing rods,  at  one  end  of  each  of  which  the  car- 
riages are  secured. 

MiTCHEL,  William  Haslett,  of  Brook- 
lyn,  New  York,  tJuited  States  of  America. 
Improvements  in  means  for  distrilnUing^  tffpe. 
Application  dated  September  4,  1854.  (No. 
1932.) 

The  inventor  causes  to  be  propelled  back- 
ward and  forward  on  slides  a  follower  on 
which  is  a  hook  that  is  connected  or  dis. 
connected  from  a  shuttle,  so  that  the  letter 
Is  left  stationary  when  required,  while  the 
follower  completes  its  motion. 

Mayer,  Samuel,  of  Bristol,  and  Wil- 
liam Bu»H,  also  of  Bristol,  millwright. 
Improvements  in  reducing  ftints  and  ptker 
euhstances,  rendering  them  suitable  for  the 
manufacture  (f  porcelain  and  other  earthen" 
ware  articles.  Application  dated  Septem- 
ber 4,  1854.     (No.  1933.) 

The  materials  are  ground,  and  tiien  pUoed 
in  a  hopper  and  passed  through  mill-stones 
which  have  cavities  cut  therein,  into  w'hieh 
the  powdered  materials  enter  during  the 
revolution  of  fhe  milUstones,  and  there  is  a 
constant  stream  of  water  which  enters  with 
the  powder  on  the  under  side  of  the  hopper, 
mixmg  with  the  powdered  materials,  and 
passing  through  the  mill-stones. 

Skidmore,  Francis  Alfred,  of  tJoven- 
try,  and  Joseph  Bolton,  of  the  same 
pUce,  metal  workers.  Improvements  M  ike 
manufacture  of  cast-iron  p^s.  Application 
dated  September  4,  1854.    (No.  1934.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  caatiog 
pipes  with  screws  on  their  ends.  The  in- 
ventors introduce  a  washer  of  gutta  percha 
or  other  suitable  material  at  the  end  of  the 
screws  before  the  pipes  are  screwed  ^to- 
gether. 

Slouobgrove,   7<min   WYx.liaii,  ^and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOYISIONAIi  fiPBGIPICA'nONB  NOT  PBOOEEBED  WITH. 


307 


James  Hbwhy  Whbatlbt,  of  Whidsor- 
street,  IsHngton,  engineers.  Improvtmenis 
htfitmaeei  and  ooent  to  promote  the  consump' 
turn  of  smoke.  Application  dated  Septem- 
ber 4,  1834.    (No.  1933.) 

The  improved  furnaee  is  fitted  with  two 
sets  of  fire  baft  placed  behind  each  other ; 
between  them  h  a  space  in  which  is  worked 
a  morable  screen  or  bridge  made  of  two 
perforated  metal  plates,  the  sides  and  top  of 
it  being  closed,  and  the  bottom  left  open  to 
^mit  a  cixrrsnt  of  air  between  the  plates. 

PAtTVBlLfe,   PbAN<*OI8    XaYIBR  ALEXIS, 

Aerefaant,  of  Paris,  France.  Certam  im- 
provements in  cleaning  dressing-eombs,  (A 
conmitinication.)  Application '  dated  Sep- 
tember 3tli,  1834.    (No.  1938.) 

The  inrentor  coiistrncts  an  instrument 
eomposed  of  a  number  of  parallel  wires  or 
threads  tightly  stretched  on  a  suitable  sop- 
port. 

Trappbs,  Hen  ay,  'of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster,  gentleman.  J  process  for  the  pre^ 
paration  of  leather  to  he  used  in  the  manx^fitt' 
tare  qf  a  newjtockt  and  for  Me  manufacture 

tthe  stone  i  to  be  used  and  applied  in  lieu  of 
k  made  from  pounded  or  ground  wool  and 
wootten  materials,  heretofore  commonly  used 
in  the  manufacture  of  painted,  printed,  and 
dyed  decorating  papers,  carpets,  oU^eloths, 
and  other  things  ;  and  also  to  be  used  as  a  paste 
vr  pulp  for  the  martrfacture  of  all  kinds  jf 
paper,  parchment,  and  pasteboard,  qf  ioyi,  of 
omtmental  and  other  picture  -  frames,  of 
numlAngi,  ardiiteeiural  and  sculptural  or^ 
naments,  and  other  things,  (A  eommunica- 
tion.)  Application  dated  September  6, 1834. 
(No.  1939.) 

This  invention  consists  !n  grinding  leather 
by  means  of  millstones,  and  in  subjecting  it 
to  certain  washing,  sifting,  additional 
grinding,  and  bleaching  processes,  ftc. 

Barnes,  William,  of  Royal  Exehange- 
Vuildings,  London,  tmprovementt  infiuten- 
ing  rails  ef  railways.  Application  dated 
September  6, 1854.    (No.  1941.) 

This  invention  consiAts  in  fastening  the 
rails  of  railways  <*  by  the  use  ef  plugs  in- 
serted into  their  ends." 

Pape,  Jobm  Hbnrt,  of  Paris,  Rue  des 
Bons  BnfAnts.  Improvements  In  pianofortes. 
Application  dated  September  3, 1864.  (No. 

This  invention  consists  in  employing  cet- 
tain  forks,  or  instruments  resembling  fbrks, 
in  combination  with  the  ordinary  strings. 

Kbwbould,  William,  of  Derbjr,  draper. 
Improvements  in  the  manufacture  qf  busks  fhr 
stays.  Application  dated  September  C, 
1834.    (No.  1948.) 

The  inventor  employs  certain  steel  raekft, 
each  of  which  is  divided  Into  two  equal 
part$  wbicli  are  made  semiotroalar,  and 
the  inner  parts  of  irUeh  are  oonuMted  do 


the.  outer  edge  by  means  of  an  elastic,  which 
serves  to  pull  the  edgee  towards  each  other 
and  keep  the  stays  fastened. 

Calvert,  Edmund,  of  Walton-le-daie, 
Lancaster,  spinner  and  manufacturer,  and 
William  Mitchell,  of  the  same  place, 
overlooker.  CertaHn  impnmewienis  in  looms 
for  weaving.  Application  dated  Septem- 
ber 7,  1854.    (No.  }94iy.) 

This  invention  consiste  i*  an  improved 
combination  of  parts  Ibr  eheeking  the 
momentum  of  the  shuttle  when  it  enters 
theshnttle-box,  and  for  checking  the  pieker 
when  the  shuttle  has  been  pioked.  These 
objects  are  effected  by  me%ns  of  a  short 
cheek-strap  connected  to  eiieh  shuttle. box. 

WMbblbr,  Obobob  Print  r,  paper- 
maker,  of  Bellevue-plaee,  Cleveland-street, 
Mile-end-road,  and  Samvbl  Bbomhbad, 
gentleman,  of  Hoi  ford-square,  Pentonville. 
The  prodmetion  ef  nets  fairvm  materiak  ca- 
pable of  and  suited  for  the  mam^aoturing  of 
siring,  rope,  matting,  and  various  fabHeSt 
with  or  without  the  combinution  iff  ooitsm, 
wool,  or  flax,  or  for  pulp  for  the  mantfite^ 
turing  vf  paper,  papier-maehi,  millboard,  Sfe. 
Application  dated  September  7,  1834. 
(No.  1030.) 

The  inventors  make  use  of  « plants  of 
the  species  called  *  iris '  or  the  flower-de- 
luoe,  or  flags,  or  leaves  of  flags  of  every  de- 
scription known  by  botanists  as  a  genus  of 
plants  of  the  dass  triandria,  and  order 
monogynia.'* 

Johnson,  William,  of  Lincoln' s-inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improve- 
ments  kn  coating  iron  and  steel  wire  with  other 
metals  or  alloys,  (A  oommunioation.)  Ap- 
plieation  dated  September  7,  1834.  (Nd. 
1932.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  the  wires 
to  be  offated  are  wound  upon  vertical  reels, 
placed  at  one  extremity  ef  the  roaohine,  and 
from  these  they  pass  through  a  dcfuble 
vessel,  one  portion  of  which  contains  a  so. 
lution  of  double  chloride  of  sine  and  amme- 
nia,  while  the  other  servea  to  receive  any 
acid  which  may  drop  from  the  wires  after  im- 
mersion, and  during  their  paa$age  through 
certain  cushions  attached  to  the  vessel,  from 
which  cushions  they  proceed  to  the  meul 
bath  of  zine  or  tin,  conuined  in  a  vessel 

{»Ueed  Immediately  over  a  ftimaoe.  On 
caving  this  bath  the  wires  are  entirely 
eeated  with  metal,  and  are  then  passed 
through  two  steel  gauge  plates,  by  whioh 
they  are  smoothed,  and  are  then  instantly 
cooled  by  means  of  jeu  of  oold  water. 

Manipold,  Jobn  Thobvbobrpw,  and 
OhaRlbs  Spencer  Lownbes,  of  Liverpool, 
Lancaster,  engineers.  Impsoveutente  in  wind, 
lass  jUtiuge.  Applieatiq|i  dated  September 
8,1854.  (No.  1955.) 
These  improvemeata  relate  to  fittings 


Digitized  by 


Google 


308 


PBOVISIONAL  8PECIFIGATI0NB  NOT  PBOGEEBED  WITH, 


applicable  to  windlasses  for  faoilitating  the 
operations  of  lifting  and  lowering  ships' 
anchors  and  chain  cables,  and  consist  in 
the  employment  of  a  certain  circular 
grooved  and  notched  catch  attached  to  the 
windlass  barrel,  and  of  a  bed-plate  furnished 
with  guides  to  guide  the  links,  and  with 
stoppers  to  stop  them. 

Macallister,  Robert,  of  Glasgow, 
Lanark,  pattern-maker.  An  improvement  in 
fitting  or  applying  9crew-propeller»  to  ships 
and  vessels  Application  dated  September 
8,  1854..  (No.  1962.) 

A  full  description  of  this  invention  will 
be  given  shortly. 

Travis,  Edwin,  of  Oldham,  Lancaster, 
cotton-spinner.  Improvements  in  appmratus 
for  meaturing  water  and  other  fiuids,  Appli> 
cation  dated  September  8,  1854.  (No« 
1964.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  .the  em- 
ployment of  a  slide  valve  cylinder  and 
piston,  like  those  employed  in  steam  en- 
gines, so  arranged  in  connection  with  other 
suitable  apparatus  as  to  register  the  quan- 
tity of  fluid  which  passed  through  the 
cylinder. 

Atuerton,  James,  of  Preston,  Lancas- 
ter,  machine-maker,  John  Kin  lock,  of  the 
same  place,  manager,  and  John  Swaimson, 
junior,  of  the  same  place,  worsted  manufac- 
turer. Improvements  in  machinery  or  appa- 
ratus/or sizeing  or  dressing  yams  or  threads. 
Application  dated  September  8,  1854.  (No. 
1965.) 

This  invention  relates  to  various  modifi- 
cations of  the  *'  tape-sizeing  machine"  or- 
dinarily used  for  sizeing  or  dressing  yams. 
In  these  new  arrangements  the  squeezing- 
roUers  are  not  actuated  simply  by  the  ten- 
sional  action  of  the  yam  or  threads  under 
treatment,  but  are  driven  by  gearing. 

Bernard,  Julian,  of  Club  .  chambers. 
Regent-street,  Middlesex,  gentleman,  /n- 
provements  in  the  mansifacture  qf  boots  and 
shoeSf  or  other  coverings  for  the  feet.  Appli- 
cation dated  September  8, 1854.  (No.  1966.) 
This  invention  consists  of  an  arrangement 
of  machinery  for  effecting  the  turning  in  of 
the  edge  of  that  part  of  the  leather  which 
forms  the  "tread"  of  boots,  shoes,  &c. 

HusTWAYTB,  Benjamin,  of  Hockley- 
street,  Homerton,  Middlesex,  bricklayer. 
An  improved  construction  rf  metal  roqjing. 
Application  dated  September  8, 1854.  (No. 
1968.) 

The  inventor  employs  zinc  or  galvanized 
iron  plates,  by  preference  of  the  size  of 
ordinary  slates,  and  screws  them  to  the  bat- 
tens  or  boards  of  the  roof  by  means  of  cop- 
per or  galvanized  iron  screws  or  nails,  pass- 
ing these  fastenings  through  the  headis  only 
of  the  plates. 
Bowler,  William  » of  Southwark-bridge- 


road,  Surrey,  hat-manufacturer.  Improve* 
ments  in  luUs  and  other  coverings  for  the  head. 
Application  dated  September  9, 1854.  (No. 
1972.) 

This  invention  relates  to  ventilating  hats, 
&c.,  and  consists  in  combining  with  outlet- 
apertures  for  the  air  at  the  top  of  the  hat,  as 
ordinarily  used,  a  means  of  admitting  fresh 
air  between  the  bat-leather  and  the  inside 
of  the  hat-body. 

HoDsoN,  Thomas,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, oterlooker.  Certain  improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  doubling  yam  or 
thread.  Application  dated  September  9^ 
1854.    (No.  1973.) 

These  improvements  relate  to  doubling 
frames,  and  consist  in  employing  a  bent 
lever,  furnished  with  certain  appendages,  so 
arranged  that  when  the  yam  breaks,  £e  end 
of  the  lever  is  released,  and,  by  means  of  a 
counterbalance  weight,  the  top  roller  is 
thrown  up,  and  waste  is  prevented ;  in  em- 
ploying, in  place  of  thread  wires,  a  -perfo- 
rated plate,  having  a  diagonal  slot  at  each 
perforation ;  in  using,  at  the  head  of  a  flyer, 
a  curved  and  regular  edge  to  prevent  break- 
age ;  in  regulating  the  bobbin  by  means  of 
a  screw  an4  nut;  and  in  steadying  the 
bolster  by  means  of  a  collar  or  flange. 

WoRRALL,  James,  of  Salfdrd,  Lancaster, 
dyer  and  finisher.  Improvements  in  the  ne- 
thod  of  treating  and  printing  such  fusUau 
goods  or  fabrics  as  are  called  **  cords,"  ttn4 
"thicksets**  or  "velveteens,*'  Application 
dated  September  11,  1854.    (No.  1979.) 

This  invention  consists  simply  in  printing 
the  articles  named  in  the  title  immediately 
after  the  process  of  "cutting"  them. 

Laming,  Richard,  of  Carlton  Villas, 
Maida  Vale,  Middlesex.  Improvemtnts  in 
purifying  gas  from  ammonia  and  other  impure 
itiesy  and  preparing  pure  gas  for  burning,  t» 
obtaining  ammonia  and  certain  salts  qf  ammo- 
nia and  soda,  and  in  treating  certain  salts  rf 
ammonia.  Application  dated  September  12, 
1854.    (No.  1984.) 

This  invention  relates, — 1.  To  a  method 
of  removing  bad  and  supplying  good  odours 
to  gas. — 2.  To  a  process  for  obtaining,  at  a 
cheap  rate,  ammonia  sufficiently  free  from 
hydrosulphuric  acid  for  the  above  purpose, 
the  said  process  simultaneously  jrietding 
carbonate  of  soda.  This  process  consists 
in  heating  a  mixture  of  a  carbonate  of  am- 
monia and  solphuret  of  sodium  with  or 
without  oxide  of  iron  or  other  cheap  oxide, 
according  to  the  nature  of  the  carbonate  of 
ammonia  which  is  used,  or  in  heating  a 
mixture  of  sulphuret  of  ammonium  or  of 
sodium  and  a  suitable  oxide. — 8.  To  the 
use  of  a  rotating  sieve  for  distributing  more 
equally  the  puri^ng  liquids  in  gas  puri- 
fiers.— 4.  To  the  preparing  of  certain  salU 
of  ammonia  for^tho  market,  J)y  submitting 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PSOYiaOKAL  PBonumoRs. 


30» 


them  to  a  high  tanpentnra  in  their  purifi- 
cation (instead  of  using  eottly  chemical 
re-agents)  and  eoniolidating  them  by  the 
application  of  mechanical  pressure. 

MoREwooD,  Edmund,  and  Oeorob 
RooBas,  of  Enfield.  ImpnvemenU  mi  baiht 
or  reeeptaeletfor  meUing  and  eantaiidHg  cer' 
tain  vutait  for  the  pnrpose  qf  coating  other 


metait.  Application  dated  September  12, 
1854.    (No.  1986.) 

~  This  invention  consists  in  making  pits 
or  receptacles  (for  containing  the  meUls  to 
be  melted  and  to  be  kept  in  a  molten  state) 
of  brick  or  other  suiuble  materials,  and  in 
placing  in  or  against  the  wails,  or  in  the 
foundations  of  the  pits,  flues,  or  close  fire- 
places, or  fire-pots,  the  tops  of  these,  if  in 
the  foundation,  and  the  sides  if  in  the  walls, 
being  in  contact  with  the  metal  and  giving 
off  the  requisite  heat,  the  fire-places  and 
fines  being  independent. 

Williams,  Joseph,  of  Liverpool,  Lan- 
caster, togineer.  Improgement*  in  propellers. 
Application'  dated  September  12,  1864. 
(No.  1987.) 

Mr.  Williams's  improved  propeller  con- 
sists of  the  two  broad  flat  blades,  having  on 
their  outer  ends  a  slight  curve  extending 
backwards.  These  blades  are  constructed 
with  a  suitable  boss,  near  which  they  par- 
take.slightly  of  the  screw  form. 

•«*  The  doeumenU  of  Nos.  1946,  1961» 
afid  1967  sre  still  with  the  law  officers 
under  objection. 

PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  February  17,  1855. 

S58.  Henry  Philip  Haughton,  of  Bethnal-green, 
Middlesex,  elerk.  Improvements  in  a  eeitain 
article  of  wearing  apparel  for  the  ankles. 

Dated  February  20,  1855. 
S74.  Frederick  Blaeket  Edward  Beanmont,  of 
Upper  Woodball,    Bamdey,   York,   Lieutenaot, 
Eoyal  Ensineers.     Improvements  In  fire-arms, 
ealled  revolvers. 

Dated  March  I,  1855. 
451.  John  Ramshottom,  of  Aocrlngton,  Laa- 
easler,  engineer.  Improvements  in  steam  engines, 
and  oMainIng  motive  power  more  economicalljr. 

Dated  March  5,  IS$5. 

48t.  John  OledhlU,  of  Congleton,  Cheshire, 
machine  joiner,  and  Rohert  Oledhill,  of  Halifax, 
York,  meehanlo.  Improvements  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  lilk,  flax,  and  other  fibrous  substances,  and 
in  the  machinery  or  apparatus  employed  therein, 
part  of  which  is  applicable  to  the  preparing  of 
wool  fbr  comhing. 

4U»  WUUam  Johnson,  of  Lineoln's-lnn-ftelds, 
Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  coat- 
ing Iron  and  steel  wire  with  other  metals  or  alloys. 
▲  communication  from  Alexandre  I>Mr6  Eugene 
Bencher  and  Adrien  Unller. 

486.  Andrew  HotchUcs,  of  New  York,  United 
fltates  of  America.    ImprovemenU  in  projectiles. 

418.  Ai^tos  Louis  Gamier,  of  Onerassy ,  photo- 


graphic artist.  An  ImpioTed  process  for  producing 
photographic  pictures, which  he  intends  to  deno- 
minate '*  SysteoM  Gamier  de  Fhotocherographle 
eolorite." 

490.  Richard  Van  Valkenhnrgh  De  Gninon,  of 
Brooklyn,  New  York.  United  States  of  America. 
Impro.vements  in  anchors. 

493.  James  Wood,  of  Barbican.  Improvements 
in  ornamenting  woven  (^lics  for  bookbinders  and 
others. 

Dated  Mardi  6,  1855. 
.    494.  Vnilam  Hyde,  ofSpring-hiU,  Ohio,  United 
States  of  America.   Improved  marine  life-preserv- 
ing apparatus. 

498.  Joseph  Player  and  Luke  Duncan  lackson, 
of  Winchester-buildings,  London.  Improvements 
in  the  construction  of  ftiroaees  for  the  prevention 
of  smoke. 

500.  Thomas  Lawson,  engineer,  and  Matthew 
Thompson,  fire-brick  manufacturer,  of  Gaieshead- 
on-Tyne.  Improvements  in  the  consumption  and 
prevention  of  smoke. 

Dated  March  7,  1855. 

508.  John  Kennedy,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
boot  and  shoe>maker.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufheture  of  boots  and  shoes. 

508.  James  Higgins,  of  SaUbrd,  Lancaster,  ma- 
chine-maker, and  Thomas  Schofleld  Whitworth, 
of  the  same  place,  mechanic.  Improvements  In 
the  manufacture  of  small  arms,  part  of  which  im- 
provements is  also  ^pUcable  to  liardening  other 
articles  of  metal. 

504.  Joeeph  Cooper,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
braoe  and  bit  manuihcturer.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  joiners'  braces,  and  in  the  mode  of  form- 
ing or  partially  forming  the  various  bits  to  be 
used  with  such,  or  any  other  kind  of  brace. 

505.  William  Weild,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 
machinist.  Improvements  in  looms  or  machinery 
for  weaving  pile  fsbrics. 

507.  John  William  Sloughgrove  and  James 
Henry  Wheatley,  of  Windsor-street,  Islington,  en- 
gineers.   Improvements  in  smoke-consuming  fur- 


SOS.  James  Murdoch  Napier,  of  York-road,  Lam- 
beth, Surrev.  Improvements  in  machinery  for 
manufacturing  balls  or  projectiles  for  small  arms. 

510.  John  Wilson,  of  Hurlet,  Renfrew,  esquire, 
and  John  Horsley,  of  Cheltenham,  Gloucester, 
analytical  chemist.  Improvements  in  the  nuuiu- 
fkcture  of  iodine  and  iodides,  and  of  a  pigment  or 
pigments  from  certain  residual  products  in  such 
manufacture. 

Dated  March  S,  1855. 

511.  Barthelemy  Louis  Francois  Xavler  Fie- 
chdie,  gentleman,  of  Paris,  France.  Improve- 
nwnts  in  fiat-purses  (porte-monnales.) 

518.  Louis  Emile  Batallle,  civil  engineer,  of 
Paris.  France.  Improvements  in  looms  for  wesv- 
Ing  pile  fabrics* 

518.  Oustav  Charlss  Reitheimer,  of  Holyhead, 
Anglesea,  North  Wales,  civil  engineer.  Improve- 
ments in  the  mesas  of  loading  or  discharging  fire- 
arms. 

514w  Thomss  Walker,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  rotary  engines,  to  be 
worked  by  steam  or  other  fluid. 

515.  Antolne  Fransois  Jean  Claudet,  of  Regent- 
street,  Middlesex,  photographic  artist.  Improve- 
ments in  stereoscopes. 

516.  Oeorgo  Haseldine,  of  Lant-streef,  South- 
wark,  Surrey,  coach-maker.  Improvements  in 
wheel-earriaces  snd  in  the  wheels  thereof. 

51f .  Alfired  Kmpp,  of  Essen,  PruMia,  cast  steel 
manufacturer.  Cmrtaln  improvements  In  the  con- 
struction of  railway-wheels. 

518.  James  Brooks,  of  Buy,  Lancaster,  me- 
ctaaaio,  and  Wiliiam  Stephen  Walter,  of  the  spme 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


810 


NonoBd  ov  miwnoR  to  moesED. 


wesTlnf. 


mltlinrifU.    trnproTMneati  ia  loomt  toft 


510.  Jolm  Tsylor,  Of  flpriof-gror«,  Tilewortb, 
Middletez,  architeoL  An  improTement  in  packing 
and  prMerrinff  eggs  and  other  artlelet  of  food. 

no.  Henry  Oflbert,  of  Kensington,  Middlesex. 
Improvements  in  hurdles. 

Oil.  John  Aitken  and  Serretos  Aitken,  manu- 
facturers, and  John  Raslam,  manager,  all  of 
Baoup,  Lancaster.  Improvements  in  maenlttes 
used  for  preparing,  splnaing*  and  doubling  cotton, 
vool.  flax,  silk,  and  other  fibrous  materials. 

Bis.  John  Notton,  of  Dublin.  Ireland,  esquire. 
Improvements  In  flre-azms  and  ammunition, 

523.  William  Foster,  of  Black  Dike  Mills,  neat 
Bradford,  York,  spinner  and  manufacturer.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  or  apparatus  Ibr  dxylng 
wool  and  other  fibrous  substances. 

524.  WUUsn  Foster,  of  Black  Dike  Mllis,  neat 
Bradford,  York,  spinner  and  manufacturer.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  eleans- 
ng  wool  and  other  fibrous  materials. 

525.  Julian  Bernard,  of  Club-chambers,  Regent' 
street,  Middlesex,  gentlemaa.  Improvements  inr 
the  manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes,  or  other  cover- 
ings for  the  feet,  and  in  the  maehtlmry  m  appnta- 
tus  to  be  employed  thereia. 

526.  John  Gerard,  of  Gtteriiesy.  A  portable 
floating  pier  or  bridge,  separating  into  sections, 
which  are  dedgaed  and  adapted  for  forming  fleat- 
iair  vossels,  also  fixed  and  movable  stnietuxaa  am 
land,  such  aa  sheds  and  vehicles. 

Dated  March  9, 185^. 

527.  Oeorge  White,  of  Laurenee  Pountney-lane, 
Cannon-screet,  London,  agent.  Improvements  in 
the  treatment  of  horn  and  other  aubstaaees  of  a 
similar  nature.    A  communication. 

528.  Patrick  Dall,  of  Woolwich,  Kent,  engineer 
In  the  Royal  Navy.  Improvements  in  self^icting, 
Indicating,  and  recording  mechaoiam  for  ateaia- 
encines. 

520.  James  BuTlough,  of  Accrfngton,  Lancaster* 
manufkcturer.  Improvements  in  looms  and  appa- 
ratus for  weaving. 

53(1.  James  Murdoch,  of  Stople-inn,  Middleaex. 
An  improved  shade  or  reflector  for  lamps.  A  con* 
mnntcatlon. 

531.  James  Murdoch,  of  6taple-ian,  Middlesex. 
An  Improved  method  of  enlarging  or  reducing  de- 
signs, nups,  and  other  similar  articles,  also  appa- 
ratus or  machinery  to  be  employed  ia  the  same.  A 
communication. 

032.  Francis  Augustus  Bamett,  of  Nelson-street, 
Bristol.  An  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of 
metallie  bedsteads  and  oouebea  for  the  use  of  in- 
valids, applicable  to  bedsteads  and  couches  made 
from  aay  ether  malarial. 

III.  Thomas  HIU,  of  the  BtrcbecStaaton  Laeey, 
Salop,  laad  agent.  Certala  machinery  or  appam- 
toa  to  U  employed  la  the  maovfiMture  of  bneks, 
drain-pipes,  liles,  and  •ther  ttke  artMea  frma 
plastic  materials. 

5U.  Samael  CanliA  Lister,  of  Maaalngham. 
near  Bradford,  YoA.  Improvemeata  la  treatlag 
and  preparlag  tiie  flbree  ef  flax  aad  hemp,  and 
other  fibrous  substances  for  spinning. 

III.  George  Temliaioa  BonsfleU,  ef  Buesex- 
plaee,  Loughb«rovgh-aoad«  Brixtea*  Surrey.  Im- 
provements in  preparlag  weel  aad  other  flMena 
subetaacea  far  ralaaiag.  A  eemmaaleatlmi  from 
Jeaa  Joseph  JaWs  Plemrd* 

536.  Samuel  Cunliifb  Lister,  ef  Maaniagham, 
near  Bradford  York.  Aa  tmprofensealla  oomb- 
lag  the  noil  of  silk  waste. 

538.  Samuel  ConUAi  Lkter,  of  Maaaiagham, 
aear  Bradford.  York.  Imptovemeati  fas  maehloery 
te  eomUog  wMl  aad  ether  flbiei. 

DaUdMmA  10,  IU6. 

HkklOk  if  intttaston,tDQtluu&» 


ImmoTements  In  the  soieltlng  or 
ran  from  Its  ore  in  r 


colliery  agent, 
prodaettoaofiroal 

142.  Joseph  Suaderiaad,  of  Marsden,  near  Bora- 
ley,  Lancaster,  grocer.  Improvements  in  self-act- 
ing apparatus  fbr  controlling  or  regulating  the  flow 
of  nqulds  lh>m  casks  or  ether  vessels. 

146.  Robert  Brlsee,  of  Low  Mill  Houee^  Batol 
Bees,  Cumberland,  esquire,  aad  Peter  Swiree 
Hotsman,  of  St.  John's  Beckermet,  In  the  same 


county,  gentlemaa.    Certain  Improvements  in  the 
pieparatieao" 


I  of  flax. 


Dated  March  12,  1855. 

548.  David  Huatw  Brandon,  of  Beaufort  build- 
ings. Strand.  Middlesex.  Certain  improvements 
In  machtneiy  or  apparatus  for  cutting  ntstlaas  aad 
other  piled  ihbriea.  A  eeuHiuaieatien  from  W. 
R,  Harris  and  W.  £.  Baker,  of  the  United  States 
of  America. 

560.  James  Hulls,  of  nalstow,  Essex,  and  John 
Lowe,  of  Lambeth-read,  Sumy.  ImproveaMata 
in  coating  iron  and  other  metals  with  lead. 

552.  John  Gilbert,  of  the  Engine  Works,  Boetoa- 
stteet,  Hackney,  Middlesex,  engineer.  An  im- 
proved pump  or  pumping  apparatus. 

554.  William  Score,  ef  Bristol.  An  Improve- 
ment in  bleaching  oils,  fats,  and  reaia. 

Daiad  Mmrek  18,  185fl. 

ISO.  David  Maealre,  gtatleman,  ef  Paris,  Fraare. 
Improvements  in  casks  aad  taps. 

560.  Samuel  Swingle,  of  Aston-Jaxta-Blrmlag- 
ham,  Warwick,  manufhcturer.  An  improvement 
or  improvements  In  the  manufisrture  of  eert^a 
kinds  of  metallic  spooas,  forks,  and  ladles. 

562.  AUni  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chaneety-laae, 
Middlesex,  mechanical  *draagbtsman.  An  im- 
proved construction  of  engine  to  be  actuated  by 
the  expansive  foree  Of  explosive  mixtures.    A 


NOTICES  OF  INTENTION  TO 

PROCEED. 

{From  Me  **L<mdom  Gaxettg,"   March  27th, 

1855.) 

2411.  Bamvel  Pearson.  Aa  improvemeat  ia  the 
manufacture  of  gua-banels,  pipes,  aad  tubes. 

2431.  John  Piatt.  Improvements  in  machinery 
or  apparatua  for  making  bricks. 

2444.  William  Coulson.  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery fbr  mortising,  tenoning,  and  boring. 

2451.  Hefiiy  Diaper.  The  appHeatton  of  a  aev 
material  to  the  matiulhcture  ef  paper. 

2466.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improtementa  la 
the  preventing  or  removal  of  inerasUtlon  in  steam 
boilers.  A  communication  from  Nicholas  Augas- 
tln  Baudottx,  of  Parts,  France,  merchant. 

•471.  Edmund  Eabom,  Matthew  Roblnsoti,  aad 
John  Kendrlck.  Certain  apparatuses  or  contri- 
vances for  holding  haU  ia  ehurehee,  chapels,  aad 
other  public  assemblies.     . 

t4fl.  Chariea  Crtehmay.  Imprevemeatala  slagle 
aad  repeating  or  revolving  flta.«rme,  and  la  tMe 
nsode  of  attaddag  bayoneta  to  breeeh-loadJag  flee- 
arms. 

.  1402.  Thomae  ereeaehields.  Improfemiatt  la 
tieaHag  eettoa  wmu  that  haa  been  need  by  rail. 
way  companies,  and  preparing  it  to  be  aaed  agaia. 

0571.  Jamea  Edward  MeGaanelL  Imp^ve- 
mento  in  sisem  eaginee. 

1041.  Arthur  Lyea.  ImpreTsmeats  ia  maehlaeo 
far  redaeiag  or  mlaeiag  meat  aod  other  aelid 
edible  aubetances. 

2678.  Joseph  GartoB  Brlggt.  Impvefoaeati  ia 
the  maaaflM^tofe  of  IM. 

M70.  Janee  LMgrldfe  aod  Biska 
ImptvroBMiito  Itt  ftayi  or  ooneti. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


w  risnn. 


til 


77.  WUUhh  LyBftll  Thonua.  Ittprovvniciita  ki 
proJectilM  and  gun- wads. 

216.  Henri  Lonii  Dormoy.  Certain  improYe- 
menta  te  btatding  er  ^tting  machinofy.  A  awn- 
mnnieation* 

S7S.  Thomaa  Batnaibae  Daft.  ImproTementt  in 
the  mannftctvfa  of  beda,  or  rarfacea  to  recUne  or 
lie  on. 

302.  Fredatkk  Raaaene.  ImproTementa  in 
drying  articles  made  of  plaatic  materiali, 

820.  Angntte  Edouard  Loradonx  Bellford.  Cer- 
tain materiala  to  be  uaed  fbr  cementing  and  paint, 
ing.  and  alao  applicable  to  printing  and  dreciing 
or  linbhing  fabrics.  A  communication  from  Pro- 
fessor Frederic  Kuhhnao,  of  Lille,  France. 

328.  John  Foster.  Improvements  in  machinery 
for  tlie  manufbotnre  of  laee. 

408.  William  Henry  SBahn.  Certain  ImproTa- 
■lenla  imrindmllls.    A  eommitaieatlon. 

441.  Ooorge  Maehay  liniar  and  John  Wakeileld. 
IttpTOTomenta  in  pistons  for  engines  driven  by 
■team  or  other  elastic  fluid,  vrhlch  improveftients 
are  also  applicable  to  the  pistons  or  plnngeff  of 
zoeiproeating  pumps. 

448.  Henry  Penney.  An  iuprovod  iMdo  of 
treating  vulcanised  or  cured  India-rubber. 

454.  George  Mackay  Miller.    Improvements  in 
axles  and  axle-boxes  of  engines  and  earriagea  in ' 
vae  on  railways. 

481.  WQliaro  Johnson.  Improvements  in  coat- 
ing iron  and  steel  wire  with  other  meUls  or  slloys. 
A  communication  f^om  Alexandre  D6sir6  Eugene 
Boucher  and  Adrien  Uuller. 

486.  Andrew  Hotchkiss.  Improvementa  in  pro- 
Jeetiles.  .     . 

504  Joseph  Cooper.  Certain  improvements  in 
joiners'  braces,  and  in  the  mode  of  forming  or 
partially  forming  the  various  bfta  to  be  uaed  with 
eoch,  or  any  other  kind  of  brace. 

514.  Thomas  Walker.  Improvementa  in  rotary 
ODgines,  to  be  worked  by  steam  or  other  fluid. 

522.  John  Norton.  Improvements  in  fixo-armi 
and  ammunition. 

584.  Samuel  CunliiTe  Lister.  Improvements  in 
treating  and  preparing  the  fibres  of  flax  and  hemp, 
•ad  other  fibrous  subatanoes  for  spinning. 

550.  James  Hnlls  and  John  Lowe.  Improve- 
menta in  coating  iron  and  other  metals  with  lead. 
562.  Alfted  Vincent  Kewton.  An  improved 
construction  of  engine  to  be  actuated  by  the  ex- 
pansive force  of  explosive  mixtures.  A  communi- 
cation. 

Oppoaitiou  can  be  enterod  to  tho  gTAnting 
of  A  FAtent  to  any  of  the  partiea  in  the 
abore  List,  who  have  given  notioe  of  their 
InteDtioB  to  proooed,  within  twenty  -  one 
di^s  from  the  date  of  the  6«solfe  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
miisionert'-offieo  particulara  in  writing  of 
the  objootion  to  the  application. 


WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 
Sealed  March  23, 1865. 
2066.  Lonia  Comlde^ 
2075.  Charles  Barraolottgh, 
aOS5.  William  Hukehiflaon  aad  William 

Barlow. 
2087.  George  Crux. 
2115.  Christopher  Hill. 
3138.  Aim5  Antoine  Joseph  Legentil. 
2155.  George  Thomas  Selby. 
1855. 

171.  Peter  ArkelL 

Sealed  Mareh  27,  1855. 
2086.  William  Beckett  Johnson. 
2094.  Walter  Sneath. 

2100.  O^mis  Filhon. 

2101.  Thomas  Collins. 
2108.  William  Woods  Cook. 
2118.  William  Tatham. 
2120.  John  Jeyes. 

21S1.  William  Peel  Gaulton. 

2135.  Thomas  Prosser. 

2145.  Thomas  Bennett 

2148.  Pranyois  Durand. 

2154.  Robert  Way  Urcn. 

2166.  Samuel  Uancoek. 

2210.  Etienne  Bemot 

2299.  Thomas  Biggart  and  Allan  Lou- 
don. 

2815.  John  Henry  Johnson. 

2866.  Charles  William  Siemens, 

2399.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fon* 
tainemoreau. 

2759.  George  Edward  Dering. 

1855. 

11.  George  Peacock. 
66.  Henry  Bessemer. 
73.  Edward  Hall. 
75.  Ehner  Townsend. 
146.  John  Irwin  Clarke. 
155.  William  Douglas  and  John  Cart- 
well. 

201.  William  T.  Vose. 

202.  Isaac     Atkin    and     Marmaduke 

.  MiUer. 
220.  Arthur  Collinge. 
223.  John  Henry  Johnson. 


LIST  OF  DESIGNS  FOE  AETICLB9  OF  UTILITY  EEQIBTERED. 


0ate  of     He.  in 
RcglBtra-  theRe- 
tlon.       gUter.     Proprietor*!  Names. 

I  a      8690     J.  Rbodes....M. ^ 

W.  P.Heiby  ....^...^ 

J.  Sice  and  J.  Bond. .. 
8.  HordanM«M.M.......«.. 

J.  Brookea  .^.......mm. 

J.  Deacon ...••* 

Bactiy  and  Jolly  ^.». 
W.  Standing...M..MM.... 

J.  B.  Barman 

Wheadnan  and  Balthi 


8 
19 
10 


869i 
8693 
8698 


8695 
8696 
„  8697 
„  8698 
SS   8699 

88   iroa 


Addresssi. 

Nottingham 

ICaneiieater  m« ••«...« 

Oity-voad  

Hudderdield  ....... 

Clerkenwell  m.  ...«..• 

IVeat^oume^iove.. 


9ikio*t  Caadlt  €«■»• 


Buclderabnry . 
iieflield  M«M^ 


Sntdeet  of  Design. 
...  Radtttktaig  Oaa'OloTe. 
M.  Slays  and  Corseta. 
...  Tannie-holdor. 
...  PeacU-leadt  FntMtor. 
,M.  SUk-iuceaerTor. 
....  Beer-esgina. 
iM  Letttr-damper. 
iM.  Mnle-ipilng. 
...  Ofl-bumer. 
«•  mu-Mnrmisr. 


y««xMi« 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


312 


DAteof 

No.  fn 

"T^ 

the  Re- 
gtoter. 

ICaroh  1 

642 

2 

648 

5 

•44 

14 

645 

ir 

646 

n 

647      ' 

24 

646      ( 

NOnOBS  TO  OOBBBSPOMDXIITB. 
LIST  OF  PROVISIONAL  REGMTRATIONS. 

Pfoprietor's  Nunet.  Addreaiee.  Subject  of  Design. 

A.  Jonea  and  Co. Dublin  » ^  Folding-top  Table. 

R.  Froit   Ozford-ttreet Barrel  TUt. 

Buttarworth  and  Co. ..  Southwark  Shoe  Faatener. 

A.  H.  Jonea.*... St.  Lnke^a.. Poeket  Deteetor. 

W.  Bradshaw  M. Dublin Camp  Bedatead. 

W.  P.  Astley  Faleon-equara ^ Braoe. 

O.  W.  "WmM  and  W. 
Ooeling Hampetead-road...............M..M...  Cooking  Lamp. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


David  MiuUt.—Y<mt  letter  on  Renton's  mal- 
leable iron  process  shall  appear  to  our  nexL 

T.  XiesMw.— The  method  of  eatching  rats  on  board 
eblp  and  in  other  plaees,  bymeani  of  a  balanced 
board  which  trips  and  descends  with  them  into  a 
Tcssel  containing  carbonic  acid,  is  well  known. 

if.  £.— Do  you  not  see.  that,  if  the  propelling 
ellbct  were  obtained  by  the  direct  action  of  the 


unbalanced  pressure  of  the  steam  on  the  end  af 
the  cylinder,  the  looomotire  would  oacUlate, 
moving  forward  with  one  stroke  of  the  piaton, 
and  backward  with  the  othert 

Dtr«ete»r.--We  know  not  how  te  afford  apace 
for  an  extension  of  the  diacuislAn  in  which  your 
latter  takes  part. 

/.  Whitekm.—W9  cannot  consent  to  pnbUsh  the 
advertisement  you  have  forwarded  to  us. 


CONTENTS  OF 

Wenham's  Patent  Breech-loading  Fire-arms— 

{with  engravinat)  289 

Professor  Faraday  on  Magnetic  Philosophy 

and  the  Philosophy  of  Force  (Concluded)  ...  291 
Government  Patent  Offlce  Library  and  Read- 
ing-room   t97 

The  "British  Workman**— (Review)... 297 

"A.  H,*"s  Reply  to  «'Indagator" 297 

Reply  to  «  A.  H."  on  the  Moon's  Motion......  298 

On  the  Indicated  Horse-power  of  Steam  En- 
gines  S90 

Reply  to  Mr.  Mushet  on  the  Smoke  Question.  800 
Parker's  Patent  Smoke-conauming  Apparatua  801 

Water  Ballast-bags 802 

Mannmotive  Carriages „ ;.....  802 

Spediications  of  Patents  recently  Filed : 

Young Railways  «". 

Parker  m...... Locomotives....... 

MUJOT. Axle-boxes  

White,     Henderson, 
and  Couper  .........Water-closets  .. 

HUl Doubling  Raw  Silks 


^•▼anr Waterproof  Wrappers.. 

Brownfoot  ..Venetian  Blinda  ......... 

Stocker — Covertngsfor  the  Body 

P«P«^ ~ Musical  InstrumenU... 

Trimble ...... ... ... ...  Regulating    Tempera^ 

ture M 

Men Drying  Fabrics 

Westwood  ft  BaU- 

lie .............Protecting  lion  Ships.. 

Gamaud Oasogene  Apparatus... 

Ifund ........PropeUing  Vessels 

Adams  Breech  -  loading   Fin- 


,  802 
,  892 

.  802 

,  808 
808 
808 
80S 
808 
808 

80S 
808 


804 


Bums  Ventilating  Ships  .... 

youil ; .Fermenting  Liquors .. 

Jones Forks , 

Ekearson  Buttons 

Petitjean  Re-cutting  Files 

Sharp  ft  W^ild.:....Raw  and  Thrown  Silk. 
Ramsbotham  and' 

Brown Fibrous  Materials  ...... 

Ouyardin Paper,  ftc 

Hackworth  ....i..;.8team  Bnoines 

Clowes  Mvsales  fbr  Horses  .... 

Jackson .....Wheels  .* i .„ 

Bisljy ..Fire^ms 

Pwmer Propelling , ...^ 


804 
804 


, 804 


804 
804 


806 
806 
806 


THIS  NUMBER. 

Norton Ropes  and  Cords 

Saontagh  Sewing-machines . ... .^ 

Pumelle  Motive  Power 

Billing  Furniture-castors ....... 

Oillman New  Zealand  Plants... 

Nash  Window  Saahea  ......... 

Bellford Electric  Clocks  

Gtoaley Paner,  Millboard,  and 

Felt 

Provisional  Speeiflcatlons  not  Proceeded  with 

Fish  ft  Thompson  Picking  Warps   ......... 

Rowland  ft   Row- 
land     Coupling  Linka  ^ 

Mltchel Distributing  Type 

Mayer  and  Bush...Reducing  Flints  ...»•«» 

Skidmore  ft  BoltonCast-iron  Pipes   ...m.  ... 

Sloughgrove  and 
Wheatley  ......... Punaeea ^.„ 

Fauvelle   .......^...Dressing  Combs 

Trappes Leather 

Barnes  Railway  Rails 

Pape  Pianofortes 

Newbould Stay-buaka  .............. 

Calvert  ft  MitcheU  Looma  ..................... 

Wheeler  ft  Brom- 
head String,  Matting,  fte.... 

Johnson Coating  Wirea ............ 

Manifold    and 
Lowndes  m. Windlasses 

Maoallister Screw  Propellers........ 

Travia    ...............Measuring  Fluids 

Atherton,  Kinlock, 
and  Swainson  ...Siaing  Tama  ............ 

Bernard Boota  and  Shoes ......... 

Hustwayte  .........Metal  Roofing 

Bowler Hats 

Hodson ......Doubling  Yama  ......... 

Worrell Velveteens 

Laming Purifying  Gas  and  ob- 
taining Ammonia  ... 

Morewood  and 
Rogers  Coating  Metals  .......... 

WUUams  Propelling........ 

Provisional  Protections 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed................^... 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 

List  of  Designs  for  Articles  of  UtUity  Regis- 
tered . .!. «.-...Z?.... 

Ust  of  Provisional  Registrations 

Notices  te  Correspondents .^... 


SOS 
Mf 
808 
805 
806 
806 

300 


806 
800 


307 
807 
807 
807 
897 
807 

807 
807 


^ 807 

808 
806 

808 


...  aoo 


810 
811 

811 
812 
812 


LONDON 
in  the 


JSL^l'^tf^'  F^^^$>  '^  PublUhed  tar  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  F 
^S  ^i  Jf****2:i7*^«'*''ft'  •**  ^*  «oM«iiii»l,  Ent  VivlMine,  hols;  Mason 
i  w.  C  CaapbeU  Mid  Co.,  Hambwff. 


Co., 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


nlmtf  ^^^^m, 


No.  1662.]    -         SATURDAY,  APftIL  7, 185&.       >     [gJS^ii'ii. 

"  Edited  by  E.  A.  Broomftn',  IM,  Fleet^ttn^t. ,     ' . 
DELPBOH'S  PATENT  "CASTJIAISE^*  WmP.        . 


Digitized  by 


Google      ^ 


814 

DELPECH'S  PATENT  "CASTKAISE"  PUMP. 

(Patent  dated  J11I7  4. 18M.) 

M.  Delpech,  of  Castrep,  France,  patented  in  thU  country,  at  the  above  dale*  ft'new 

form  of  double-acting  pump,  for  which  he  claims  the  advantages  "  of  being  economical  in 

construction,  of  occupying  but  little  space,  of  being  easily  taken  to  pieces  and  put  together^ 

and  of  delivering  a  larger  quantity  of  liquid  than  the  pumps  in  common  use." 

The  first  arrangement  describea  by  the  inventor  is  mown  in  figs.  1  and  2  of  the  engrav- 
ings on  the  preceding  page,  of  which  the  former  is  a  longitudinal  section,  and  the  latter  a 
transverse  section,  taken  through  the  valve-  box.  The  pump  consists  of  an  outer  casing,  a, 
of  cast  iron  or  other  suitable  material,  qiade  in  two  parts,  and  separated  hj  a  diaphragm  or 
partition,  q.  The  two  parts  of  the  casing  are  bolted  together  with  th^  4W"^f*tP^*  9*  between 
them.  To  this  diaphragm  is  firmly  fixed  tbe  thin  brass  cylinder  or  barrel,  b,  in  which 
moves  the  piston,  c,  which  is  formed  of  band*  or  caps  of  leather,  vulcanised  caoutchouc,  or 
other  suitable  material,  the  edges  of  which  bands  project  beyond  plates  of  metal  between 
which  they  are  fastened,  so  that  they  are  forced  into  close  contact  with  Uie  cylinder  or  bar- 
rel by  the  pressure  of  the  liquid.  The  piston  in  rising  draws  np  tbfi  liquid,  which  raiaea 
th«  ball-vAve,  d,  which  is  limited  in  its  motion  by  a  stopor  cage,  e.  When  the  piston 
descends,  the  water  raises  the  ball-valve,  f,  and  closes  d.  These  ball-y^lves  are  made  of 
caoutchouc  A  stop  or  cage,  g,  is  placed  under  the  valve  to  retafn  it,  if  it  should  acciden- 
tally be  so  much  compressed  by  the  pressure  of  th9  liquid  aa  to  be  forced  through  {ta  seat 
The  pump  la  double  acting,  and  while  the  lower  Dart,  A,  of  the  cvlinder  is  producing  the 
e^Tect  above  mentioned  in  the  compartment,  B,  ot  the  valve-box,  the  upper  part,  C,  of  the 
cylinder,  which  communicates  with  the  compartment,  D,  of  the  valve-box,  is  acting  in  a 
similar  manner  on  the  suction-valve,  A,  and  the  force-valve,  i,  which  are  nmilar  to  d  and/ 
The  valves,  I  and  d,  will  thus  be  open  when  /  and  k  are  closed,  and  vice  vend.  The  copi- 
partments,  B  and  P,  are  separated  by  a  partition,  j,  k,  in  fig.  1,  is  a  loaded  valve,  which 
serves  for  the  escape  of  the  air  on  starting  the  pump.  A  section  taken  through  the  com- 
partment, D,  of  the  valve-box,  and  another  through  the  compartment  B,  are  also  shown  in 
the  figure.  The  two  parts  are  similar,  except  that  the  compartment,  B,  communicates  with 
the  low<er  part  of  the  casing,  a,  while  the  compartment,  j^,  communicates  with  the  upper 
part  of  the  same. 

''  When  the  piston  reaches  the  end  of  ite  stroke,"  says  the  patjante^  **  the  momentum  of 
the  column  of  water  will  cause  it  to  continue  ite  motion  for  a  riiort  time.  This  is  owing  to 
there  being  very  little  impediment  offered  to  the  water  on  f^ccount  of  tibo  tightness  of  the 
valves,  and  the  directness  of  tbe  passage  through  the  valve-box.    The  pump  is  thus  capable 


of  delivering  a  larger  quantity  of  water  than  is  due  to  the  co^tentft  of  the  barrel  multiplied 
by  the  number  of  strokes.  Solid  ball-valves  of  caou||BKp)i^  have  gript  advantage^,  inmt* 
much  as  they  are  raise4  by  a  yery  slight  difference  of  pressure,  and  make  a  perfect  joint 


when  closed.  In  lieu  of  making  them  solid,  they  may  be  made  hollow,  and  filled  with  shot 
or  other  materials,  by  which  means  balls  of  different  weighU  may  be  obtained.  The  valves 
may  also  be  made  of  wooden  balls,  covered  yith  leather  or  felt,  or  vulcjtniEed  caoutehouc." 
Fig.  3  is  a  section  showing  the  second  arrangement  of  the  pump,  the  details  of  which  are 
somewhat  varied ;  a  is  the  casing,  and  6  is  the  cylinder  or  barrel,  attached  to  a  diaphragm 
or  partition,  I,  which  is  fixed  between  the  two  portions  of  the  casing,  aa  before.  The  two 
suctioo-valves,  h  and  J,  are  placed  side  by  side,  as  are  the  two  force- valfes,  0,/.  The  two 
compartments,  B  and  D,  of  the  valve-boz,  are  separated  by  partitions,  j.  Thevalvea  here 
shown  are  ball-valves  filled  with  shot,  a4  before  desoribed.  The  piston,  c,  consiste  of  a 
block  of  metal  of  the  form  shown  in  the  Agure,  and  encMed  14  vuleanised  caoutchouc  By 
the  ascent  of  the  piston,  the  water  is  drawn  through  the  valve,  d,  into  the  lower  part.  A,  of 
the  barrel,  and  is  driven  by  the  descent  of  the  piston  trough  ^e  compartment,  %f  9^ 
valvff,  /.  The  piston,  in  descending,  drawa  the  water  throu^  the  valve,  %,  intP  9e  vppel 
part,  fJ,  of  the  barrel,  and,  on  ascending  it,  forces  it  thrpugh  the  oompartxi^eati  Di  (^ 
valve^  t. 

The  patentee  also  describes  a  third  arrMpgemfnt  of  the  pompi  yrhich  is  aimilar  to  tktt 
shown  m  figs.  1  and  2,  except  that  the  passage  firom  the  upper  part  of  the  pump  to  the 
valve-box  is  so  made  that  the  air  can  escape  from  the  upper  Ipart  without  requiring  a  valve 
for  the  purpose  like  that  shown  at  k,  in  fig.  1.  In  this  pump  a  piston,  formed  of  a  baU  of  vul- 
canized caoutchouc,  confined  between  two  plates  of  meteJL  shown  separ/itely  in  fig.  %,  U 
eniployed. 

Fig.  5  is  a  section,  showing  a  plunger,  m,  working  throngh  an  elastic  diaphragm  m 
stuffinjp.box,  qtWpioh  separates  the  upper  and  lower  compartmenta,  C  and  4>  o^the  casiM 
a.  p  IS  the  ordinary  stufiing-box,  through  which  the  rod  workf .  This  plunger  msy  Up ' 
substituted  for  the  pistons  and  cyUnders  before  described.  Either  of  Uie  pistons  and  vaIhp 
before  shown  may  bo  anplored  with  either  of  the  varistiea  qf  this  pump,  or  with  any  ofttf 
deooriptions  of  pnmpa.  Cnh«r  Unda  of  w9Xye§  may  also  be  employed  in  the  dk^nnt 
•mngem&taof  lh»<«CMMi«''Faiip.  * 

Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


515 
]>U  T&EMBLSY'S  OOMBIKED  VAPOUR  BNOINES. 


The  English  proprietors  of  Du  Trembley'^ 
patent  have  received  a  letter,  giving  the 
results  of  a  yoyage  made  by  la  france,  ^ 
vessel  belonging  to  a  French  Company. 
This  vessel  has  been  recently  chartered  b;|^ 
the  Government  of  that  country,  to  carry 
troops,  horses,  gunpowder,  and  dther  anj- 
munition,  from  Marseilles  to  Kamiesch, — » 
service  in  which  she  has  been  most  success- 
fill.  The  writeif  Qfthis  letter,  which  we  have 
te^n, institutes  ac6mparison  between  the  cost 
of  ttie  voyage  of  Xa  prance  from  Marseilles  to 
Kamiesch  abd  baclc,  and  that  of  a  similar 
trip  which  has  just  been  completed  by  an 
English  vessel  belonging  to  the  Oeneral 
Screw  Comptmy,  the  ffydaspes,  a  vessel 
which  is  slightly  Inferior  in  speed  \o  La 
France,  and  which  comes  near  her  in  point 
of  size; — the  France  haying  exactly  three- 
fourths  of  the  tonnage  of  the  Hydaspet, 
The  consumption  of  coal,  however,  in  the 
two  vessels  has  not  Veen  in  the  proportion 
of  three  to  (bur,  but  in  that  of  three  to 
■even;  that  is  to  say,  while  the  Hydatpes 
has  buriit  700  tons  to  make  the  voyage  out 
and  ^ome,  tte  France  his  only  consumed 
300  tons.  Thi9  stilkihg  inferior itjr  ^f  the 
English  vessel,  as  compare4  with  the 
Frencli — an  inferiority  whicli  (even  aftef 
allowitig  folr  tlie  difference;  of  tonnage]  pas 
caused  her  voyage  to  be  do  much  more 
costly  than  that  at  the  French  one — is  well 
calctuated  to  exeite  attention;  for,  while 
most  of  us  are  prepared  to  admit  our  infe- 
rfor|ty  in  wOrkt  of  art,  we  are  apt  to  be- 
lieve, tbiit,  \n  all  things  jrelating  to  engi- 
neering, an^,'  certaiply,  (o  mechanical  en- 
gineering, there  is  a  matked  superiority  in 
opt  productions. 

Although  we  have  before  published  a  de- 
scription of  Du  7i^embley*8  engine,  a  short 
account,  free  from  all  technicalities,  of  the 
principle  of  hit  invention  may  be  fitly  giveq 
nere,  as  it  is  a  subject  of  great  importance, 
especially  to  holders  of  shares  in  a  non- 
dlvidend-paying  steam  company,  and  is  also 
of  interest  to  mere  tax -payers,  as  they  are 
directly  concerned  in  one  of  the  largest  and 
most  tinpfofital^le  steam  jobs  ever  heard  of, 
— ^namefy,  the  hire  of  transports  by  ouf 
Government. 

"  In  an  ordinary  steam  engine,  the  steam 
which  U  generated  in  the  boilers  passes  into 
the  pyHnders,  w^ere,  by  a  suitable  appara- 
tus, It  is  made'  io  exert  ita  pressure  alter- 
nately on  eit1ie|  side  of  the  piston,  ^v(» 
giving  to  it,  an  a  its  rod,  the'  reciprocating 
motion  whtch  is  Afterwards  converted  intQ 
the  rotarv  action  of  the  paddle  or  screw,  as 
the  cas^  may  be.  Afler  tlie  steam  has  done 
its  wortL  iii  Ybe  cyliil^^  it  is  con^yicted  into 
a  UtifP.  chi^tfi)<^j   c&Iled   the    poodense^ 


wji^ere  it  19  mixed  with  a  jet  of  cold  sea -water 
which  takes  its  heat  from  it,  and  condenses 
it,  and  thus,  by  producing  a  partial  vabuum» 
adds  to  the  power  ofthe  engine.  Tbe  greater 
part  of  the  mixture  of  condensed  steam, 
and  condensing  water,  is  thcQ  pumped  out 
into  the  sea ;  |m4  the  heat  contained  in  it 
is  of  necessity  nearly  all  wasted,  oi^ly  sp 
much  water  being  returiie4  to  the  boilers  as 
is  necessary  to  produce  a  fresh  volume  of 
steam  equal  to  that  condensed.  This  quan- 
tity, compared  ivith  the  wliole  amount,  is 
very  smalf,  viz.,  not  above  one  twenty -sixth 
of  Uie  total  bulk ;  |o  that  twenty-five  twenty- 
sixths  of  all  the  heat  developed  ))y  the  fuel 
is  wasted,  being  passed  into  the  sea,  after 
having  ieen  made  usefUl  but  once.  Ii^ 
order  to  have  uniformity  of  action,  two 
engines,  the  strokes  of  whiclf  fre  pot  coin- 
cident, are  coupled  together,  find  it  is  this 
arrangement  which  gives  ns^  to  tbe  well- 
known  phrase,  ^'^  pair  of  engines,"  ip  a 
steam  boat 

Du  Tremhley's  invention  has  fpr  its  ob* 
ject  the  saviiig  a  large  portion  of  this  so 
wasted  "heat  Ui  his  engines  (which  are  alao 
but  a  pair)»  the  steaip  exerts  its  action  in 
one  ^^  "^^  cylinders  oifly,  and,  after  liaying 
escaped  frond  it,  19  condensed,  not  by 
mixture  wit)i  cold  sea -water,  but  by  being 
introduced  into  a  series  of  pipes  similar  i|f 
principle  to  the  worm  of  a  still,  which  worn^ 
is  surrounded  by  C0I4  ether  or  some  other 
analogous  liauid,  boiling  at  a  \ovf  tempera- 
ture.  By  this  arrangepnent,  it  will  be  at 
onoe  understood,  the  stei^m  contained  within 
the  worm  would  be  oondeosed,  and  in  the 
process  would  give  o£  its  heat  to  the  exter- 
nal ether}  and  a|  ether  boils  at  less  than 
half  the  boiling  point  of  water,  a  copious 
suppl)f  of  ether  steam  would  ^e  produced, 
which  could  bemade  available  for  working  the 
second  engine  of  the  pair.  7his  theory  Du 
Trembley  really  brings  into  practise.  His 
second  engine  is  exactly  like  the  first — that 
is  to  say,  it  is  an  ordinary  steam  engine, 
but  it  is  impelled  by  the  vapour  of  the 
ether,  raised,  at  no  coat,  by  the  condensation 
of  steam  from  the  first  engine,  which  is, 
therefore,  the  only  one  of  the  two  which 
requires  the  consumption  of  coaL  When 
the  ether  vapour  has  done  its  work,  it  passes 
into  another  worm,  surrounded  by  cold 
wa)er,  is  there  oondenfed  again  into  liquid 
e^ler,  is  passed  back  into  t^ie  9aae  surround- 
ing the  first  worm,  thefe  again  to  oondense 
steam  and  to  be  itself  cont e^t^  f&to  a  fnz\\ 
volume  of  ether  vapour. 

It  will  be  perceived,  Iroqi  this  dejicription^ 

that  the  force  of  o^e  tut  (hie  engines  of  th« 

pail  has  beei^  ol^tned  fnm  that  whlah» 

u^dftr  ik^k  Wi\iDg  sy^tagia  m  ms^  VMM 

Q  2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


816 


DU  TBEliBLKY'8  COKBDIBD  YIXWJR  ENQINS8, 


heat;  and  tbat  the  ether,  and  alio  the  ori-  ; 
ginal  bulk  of  water  with  which  the  boilen  , 
were  filled,  works  orer  and  orer  a^ain  in  tf  , 
eireuit,  without  loit,  without  mixing  with 
the  salt  water  of  the  ocean,  and,  we  need 
hardly  say,  without  mixing  with  the  water 
contained  in  the  boilers. 

Iliere  is  another  benefit  attending  the 
use  of  this  system,  and  that  Is,  not  only  ii 
the  economy  arising  from  the  use  of  a 
second  tylinder  propelled  by  the  waste  . 
heat  of  tne  first  obtained,  but  there  is  the  i 
great  and  additional  one  due  to  the  use  of 
fresh  water  in  the  boiler.  The  advantage  of 
this  has  been  so  well  appreciated,  that 
many  patents  hsTc  been  taken  out  with  the 
sole  object  of  obtaining  this  benefit  in  the 
common  steam  engine,  whereas  in  this 
engine  it  is,  as  it  were,  a  mere  inevitable 
consequence  of  the  system,  and  is,  so  to 
speak,  thrown  into  the  bargain, — ^altbough 
it  is,  as  our  readers  are  well  aware,  far  from 
being  of  inconsiderable  value.  Of  course, 
any  scientific  man.  Judging  from  these  data, 
would  have  predicted  those,  great  results 
which  have  been  verified  by  the  perform- 
anoe  of  La  France^  and  for  the  particulars 
of  which  we  waited. 

The  engineers  to  whom  this  project  was 
first  submitted,  started  the  pal|iable  objec- 
tion that  etiier  was  a  costly,  and  also  an  in- 
fiammable  liquid.  Ether,  when  bought 
wholesale,  is  by  no  means  so  overwhelm- 
ingly expensive  as  is  generally  supposed ; 
and  even  if  it  were,  so  perfectly  is  ma- 
ehinery  jointed  in  the  present  day,  that  the 
expanse  is  only  to  be  seriously  considered 
at  the  first  charging  of  the  vessels,  as  the 
daily  waste,  even  m  a  large  vessel  like  La 
France,  amounts  but  to  21i  firancs,  equiva- 
lent to  about  one-sixth  of  a  ton  of  coal  ^t 
Kamiesch,  where  coals  are  allowed  for  by 
the  French  Government  at  the  rate  of 
4iL  16*,  Bd,  per  ton.  As  regards  infismma- 
bility,  we  need  only  say,  that  the  French  Go- 
vernment, who  certunly  cannot  be  accused 
of  want  of  system  or  of  care,  selected  La 
FrwtM  as  a  fit  vessel  to  carry  not  only  troops, 
eighty  horses,  and  canndn  balls,  but  also 
sixty  tons  of  gunpowder  and  shells;  not 
very  likely  things  to  have  been  sent,  by  per- 
sons of  even  ordinary  prudence,  in  vessels 
which  were  supposed  to  be  less  safe  than 
any  of  the  fieet  of  steamers  widi  #hich  the 
port  of  Marseilles  was  crowded'  at  ihe  time 
La  France  was  taking  in  her  csirgb.  We 
may  also  add,  that  thi  first  vessel  fitted  on 
this  system,  nkmed  after'  the  inventor,  the 
JD«  TYewMeff,  which  has  been  plying  between 
Marseilles  and  Algiers  since  June,  1858, 
with  unvarying  success,  at  lower  fares  than 
ordinary  steam  vtesels,  and  which  belongs 
to  the  eminent  firm-  of  Amaud  Touach^f 
BMChen^  of  thai  9ltj^  hat  been-  insured  ai 


tk€  erdbUHrg  rate  of  other  steam  boala,  after 
a  doe  insneotion  by  the  surv^ors  of  the  In- 
eurance  Office. 

Hitherto  we  have  spoken  of  ether  aa 
tiiough  that  Were  the  only  liquid  that  had 
been  thought  of  for  these  novel  engines ; 
l>ut  there  hr^,'»»  is  well-known,  many  othera 
which  boil  at  equally  low  temperatures,  some 
of  which  are  obtained  from  the  refuse  of  gas 
works,  and  cost  little  more  than  tiie  expense 
of  distillation,  which  is  trifiing. 

Had  the  Hydatpee  been  fitted  on  the  Da 
TremhUy  system,  and  had>she  thus  been  en- 
abled to  make  her  voyage  for  400  tonaof  eoal, 
in  lieu  of  700,  the  thus  diminished  cost  of 
coals,  great  as  it  would  hare  been,  would 
not  have  formed  by^auy  means,  the  sole,  or 
even  the  greatest  advantage  that  would  have 
arisen  from  the  use  of  the  ether  engine ;  as 
to  save  coal  it  to  gain  space,  ^nd  thus  not 
only  is.  the  actual  decrease  in  coal  to  be 
taken  into  account,  but  also  (and  more 
especially  in  long  voyages)  the  value  of  the 
freight  of  the  extra  cargo  that  can  be  ear- 
ried  in  the  space  thus  set  free.  For  example 
^the  laige  vesselsi  such  as  the  Cunard  line 
of  steamers  running  between  Liverpool  and 
America,  consume  from  2,000  to  2,400  tons 
per  voyage  out  and  home,  while  the  apaoe 
left  in  them  available  for  cargo  is  not  above 
400  tons.  Had  these  vessels  been  fitted  with 
Du  Trembley's  engines,  not  only  would  they 
save,  say  600  tons  of  coal,  worth  perhaps 
£750  per  trip,  but  they  would  take  800  tons 
more  osrgo  each  way,  at  a  freight  of  between 
£5  and  £6  per  ton— thus  earning  an  extra 
£8,000  to  £3,600  per  doable  voyaoe,  be- 
sides saving  £750  in  actual  cost  of  coals. 
In  fact,  it  has  been  calculated  by  an  eminent 
English  engineer  (a  maker  of  marine  en- 
gines), that  were  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental 
Company  to  adopt  this  plan  for  the  whole  of 
their  large  fleet,  from  the  increased  eaminga 
arising  from  the  additional  freight  they 
could  carry,  they  would  thus  be  able  to  pay 
for  three-fourths,  if  not  the  whole  of  tM 
eoal  they  consume,  which,  in  1858,  oame  to 
it240,000,  or  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mUUoB 
sterling. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  give  some  slight 
sketch  of  the  progress  of  this,  invention. 
Owing  to  the  unsettled  state  pf  France, 
from  1848  to  the  asoent  of  the  Emperor 
Napoleon,  it  was,  during  that  period,'  com- 
paratively in  abeyance ;  although,  by.  tl^ 
advice  of  Arago,  when  Minister  of  Ma- 
rine, Admiral  Dea  Foss^'  attention  was 
directed  to  it,  and  he  caused  experiments  to 
be  tried  by  a  comm|ssi9n  :of.  eagiiieers, 
chemists,  and  naval  o^pers*  on  js  stationary 
enginei  which  ha4  be^  eiyistrueted  at 
Paris  and  sent  by, the.  government  to  the 
arsenal  at  L'Orient,  This  oommissiogaL  con- 
I  Unoed  their  intestigation  for  fifteen  monthsy 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  SOBQB  (WVATIOHS. 


317 


and  ended  by  giriag  m  frvonmble  a  report 
on  the  tyttem,  tbet  a  oonrette  of  war,  oalled 
the  G^lUSe,  wai  ordeied  to  be  laid  down, 
and  to  be  fitted  wilh  the  combi«edivapomr. 
engines.  From  peAitioal  oautet  this  y^aael 
haa  been  much  delayed,  but  the  is  nen ' 


eempletien,.andiiee  jftiogcess  ia  etimuUkted 
by  the  great  interest  whkh  the  Svyteror 
takes  in  her. 

The  Arst  reellyr  pmclteal  application  of 
this,  patent,  to.  steam  mt^sgatisn  took  pUee 
abeat  two.yesr*  Klnee,  w)i«e>  ia  June,  1859, 
the  aoxitiaryserep-steMlier  De  Trewikyt  oi 
60-horae  power*  iinede  hear  first,  voyage  Aom 
Marseilles  tO:  Algiersi «  She  .had  on.  hoard  a 
seieotifio  oomausaioOi  appointed  by  .the 
Fceneh  GoYemment,  i  who  were  ( thotoughigr . 
satisfied  with  her  perforBMnoe.  Siu.oe  then 
she  has  continued 'to  ply  ae  a  legnlac  trader  i 
and  some  few  moothe  after ;  she  eomraetlQtd 
runnings  was  Tisiled  by.  Mr.  Qeorge  R^oie» 
the  eminent  English  eagijieerf  who  made 
the  voyage  finfm.Meneiiles  to  Algiers^  and . 
back  in  her,  in  most  tempestuouewesther, 
and  thus  had  an  opponnnity  of  seeing  bsjr 
thorooghiy  tested.  Hin  report^  which  we 
have  now  before  n%  apeaka  in.jnovl.laTmMr-i 
able  terms  of  her  peruNimance*  A  few  weeks 
since,  she  also  was  chartered  by  the  Fre^eh  • 
Government  for  ConetantiAOple,.whcKe  ahr 
now  ia.  As  we  hare  befoie-menliMiedi-tbia 
vessel  is  the  property  of  Me^irs.  Arnaud 
Tooaohei  Brothers,  who  manage  n  Steam- 
boat Con^pany  trading  between  France  Knd. 
Brasil ;  .a^d so eatisfied were, they  w/ith.  Ihe 
.performance  oC  the  Dm  Tnmbkfy,  after  meny 
months*  experieoce,  that  .they  deoided  on 
altering  .the  engmev,  of.  two  oew^fesaels  for 
this  Company  grom  (he  ordinaary  eonatrno* 
tion,.on  which  they;had  been  oommeneed,  to 
the  combined  Tapoiir.  system*  These  vessels 
are,  Ze  Frener*  .the  iap  Whoae  pnlermanoe 
has  oalled  .forth  this  jpapei,  ana  L$  BruU^-K 
sister-ship  In. efesy  respect.  TlMyareofa 
sise  which  takps  them  entirelv.ottt  of. the 
class  of  expedmentfl  vepselei  Miat^  is  tp  ffsar* 
they  are  224  feet  in.kingtb,.isnd«  36  fost 
beam,  and  are.  fitted  with  enginee  on-Bu 
Trembley's  plan,  made  by  ihe,,BigUsh 
house  of  Taylor  and  .Co.#ef  MV9eiUs%  and 
of  the  nomijaeal  powoK-  of  "^  horses.  <  Za 
Frtmoe  left  MayseiUes  for.Kamieseh'  on.  the 
18lh  ^fanuaiy.in  this  yeaiw  -  Ze.  .8iis#tf .  is 
now  flnishedi  has  been  tried  and  approved 
by  the  French  Gctremment,  and  is  npw 
loading  for  them  at  MaKteilles.  .Since  the 
retom  of  Ze  iWnioSi  Messrs*  Asnaud  Ton. 
achop  B99thers,  have  ordesed  <  the  oonatrao- 
tion  of  three  larger  vessels>end  heveentered 
into  a  contract  with  the  proprietOKi  of  the 
palent^lbr  the  eseMvg  privilege,  ^  the 
Frenclk  Mediterraiiean' trade,  focwhiehrthey 
have  effiiideM  it  worth -while,  to  pey  a 
\mi^j^fm»*   Aao|he^C«BB^aAy^est«hyshed 


nnder  the  title  of  the .  French  American 
Compangr*.  for  the  direot  navigation  from 
France  to. the  United  States,  have  had  eon- 
structed,  at  Nantes,  the  first  two  ressele  ibr 
their  line,  one  <of  which,  ZeVMHarr,  was 
lannched  on  f the  mh  November  Jast.  She 
is  of  4MOr<end  242^  leet^in  lengtih.  Xhe 
combinfdvaponr  engines  for  these  vsssels 
'ave:in  a  very:  forward  state,  «tjtheiBaiuifhs>- 
itory  oC.tMj.Gav^  atiPens,  ^pxAv  6W^ 
hoirse  power  eaelw'  -In  sdditiop  to  •  this,  M. 
iGiverd'  haft,  sold  Ikences,'  which  eie  now 
eagopdy  sought  fpr,  to.iseveiwJ  tRivei  Com- 
}pai^e8,aad  te^qmereua  persons  in  diflBslpent 
iparts  of  France,  for  stationary  engmes. 

^Iiis  eoneludes  the  history  of.  the  patent 
iq .  France,  jin  ^o  jthe  presc^it  time.  The  in- 
ivention  haa  been  secured  in  £ogIand^  and 
jhas  been  examined  and  favourably  reported 
jon  by  severM.jemiaent  engineers,  among 
VVomwe  mayt  mention  Mu  Bennie,  Mr. 
Seawerd,  im4  ^f*  Henaman,  of  the.B.aok  of 
England  (to  whom*  the  msehinery  at  the 
Great  Exhibition  <  was  confided).  We  are 
nuieh'pleaaed  to  fiad  that  the  English  Com- 
bi|Md  Vapeiir  Engine  Company  have  ap- 
-pQin^  Mr*  B»iAwell,  who  was  present  at 
the  trial  pf  LaFramct^  at  Marseilles,  pre- 
vipns  to  her  depafture  for  Kamiesch,  and 
iwhose  opinion  egrees  with  the  favourable 
ioae  pronounced  by  the  gentlemen  previously 
'n^med,  aa,  their  engineer,  and  we  have  hut 
little  doubt  that  the  use  of  Du  Trembley's 
'iaiVfntion.viU  AQw  become  general  in  this 
,coan^*  '  t  i     .  •.      *•  .     »••  -•      .    ..i  -  ' 

ON  SrEGE'Ol^fiiEtATiQNS,*    .' 

Br.;B0WA|U>^4|B&YU',  fSSQ.,.  m-k«9«      ' 

'Thb  ledtorer;  aftei*  il'  fow  preHmihar;  ob- 
servatBns,  t^m^^ncfed  by  stii^tin^,  that  ft  !s 
absolutely  ndoesssi^  foir'm  behi£iii|r  army 
tHbrooghiy  io  tbten  thb  place  about 'to  be 
attacked  rihkt  Is,  siiilu1Ufleott«iy  to  Occiufy 
p^tictis  ^  as  tb  cttt  off  sll  cOtpn^t^icstioA 
wHh'th^'tt^(Jatened'foi*ttessi  liiid  to  hAve  a 
inntherieal-'fbree'  sevefa  dr  kijg;ht  times  the 
nttmber  oP'thcf  peift-ixp  garrison;  A  recon- 
inoissance  is  then,  made  by  the  eiigineejr|i, 
.wlkp,€ur}iig'thef  fli^'ptrf'qrthe  itivestmi^iit, 
afs  empldyM  in  taking  i^Otes  of  die  descrip- 
tion of -Ae  dlflilnent  frbnts  df  wi  fortifida. 
tibh,  fn  msfeing  a'bohr^et  plan -of  (he  worlt, 
and  the  jp>ouna'fai  Its  vieinhy^'  in  wH^oH  thV 
course  ofiriyfers,fttrekms;taVliies,hiid  roads,' 
the  ektent  ot  pctH^li  itiutkdi^onk,  ihK>ds, 
marshes,  o¥  ekttih6ii0ii8^"M''IMtti^teYf  lafd 
d6wii.  They  mark  out,  #iUf 'gM^tf  3>ieot- 
sitte,'  by  lAetns  ■  of  -  pidket^  ]^^d  in  the 
grettflfd,  the  piMoiiffAtfon^of' W  th^'foces  of 
tW  nioet''pfr>niifll«nt'Wbrk^'and'th^  ftfitUent 

■"'   '    •  • '^'^'  '•■ :: 

•  Tile  sototsiibemr  e^^^er  keetatly  lead  at  the 
^eyal InsHtuHen>    ,-^  •  'ifi. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


318 


ON  8IEGB  omt^noNS. 


angles  m  well :  not  only  beoanae  tlie  latter 
are  the  shorteet  road  to  the  fbrtrees,  but 
beeause  they  are  aleo  the  paths  the  least 
exposed  to  tiie  enemy's  fire. 

buring  this  reeonnolssanoe,  the  berieging 
army,  baring  encamped  out  of  range  or  the 
guns  of  the  place,  send  forth  large  workfRg 
parties  to  cut  down  all  the  timber  and  brush-' 
wood  in  the  neighbourhood,  wherewith  to 
construct  the  necessary  materiale  for  the 
siege.  These  consist  of  gun  platforms,  tim- 
ber for  the  lining  and  sapport  Of  mine  shafts, 
gallerie^  and  magasines)  but  more  parti- 
cularly for  the  mining  of  gabkfns,  sap  rol- 
lers, and  fascines. 

The  gabion  is  a  eylindrical  basket  of 
wicker  work,  open  at  both  ends,  and  of 
various  dimensions,  but  usually  from  three 
to  fbur  feet  in  height,  and  three  feet  tn  dia- 
meter. Its  use  and  object  being  to  con- 
struct hastily  a  Sihot-proof  breastwork  or 
parapet,  when  filled  with  earth,  or  to  line 
the  approaches  and  batfeiies  when  the  soil 
is  of  a  loose  and  emmbling  nature. 

The  tt^roUer  ootisists  of  tWo  eoneentrio 
gabions,  placed  One  within  the  other,  each 
six  feet  long,  the  interval  between  them 
being  stufibd  with  legs  of  hard  wood ;  the 
whole  mass  far  exceeding  the  dimensions  of 
the  ordinary  gabion.  It  is  employed  tO 
protect  the  sapper  engaged  at  the  head  of 
an  apprtfach  or  trendh,  when  advancihg  such 
work  towarde  the  enemy. 

The/aieM  is  a  fkggot  of  bruehwood,  IS 
feet  in  length,  and  nine  inches  in  diameter ; 
its  use  being  to  line  the  parapets,  and  va- 
rious earthworks  con^tracted  daring  the 
progress  of  the  Siege. 

Bag#  filled  with  earth  are  also  prepared, 
and  largely  employed  during  the  operations; 
the  whole  are  then  stored  in  that  part  of  the 
camp  called  the  Engineers'  Park.  The 
number  of  these  n^ateriaU  is  enormous,  and 
the  following  estimate  often  has  to  be  ex- 
ceeded, or  even  doubled,  namely,  80,OQO 
gabions,  100,000  fascines,  120,000  sand 
baffs,  toeether  with  4,000  spades  and  shovels, 
and  3,000  pickaxes,  with  other  tools  in  like 
proportion. 

The  enemy  having  been  kept  in  ignorance 
of  the  front  of  the  fortress  about  to  be 
attacked,  and  all  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments havipg  been  made,  let  us  examine 
the  ol^ect  of  the  assailant,  and  the  manner 
in  whi9h  he  may  best  prooee4  to  e^ect  it. 
His  endeavour  is  to  possess  himself  of  a 
fortress,  and  having  seven  or  eight  times  as 
many  troops  as  are  sfkut  up  in  the  work>  it 
follows  that  ^be  larger  number'  will  over- 
power the  weaker,  if  brought  to  a  close  com- 
bat; but  the  battle-field  q(  the  foe  is  so 
organized  as  to  prevent  such  collision,  sur- 
rounded as  it  i»  by  obstructions  which  the 
assailants  must  overcome :  th*  beneger  it. 


therefore,  compelled  to  tue  boft  indottrioas 
and  sotentific  means,  in  making  his  attack, 
re<|uiring  more  or  leas  time  in  thefr  com- 
pletion, m  proportion  to  the  defences  of  the 
place,  its  strength,  And  ihe  ooarage  of  its 
pMteetora. 

The  means  employed  since  the  invention 
of  artUlery,  oonslst  in  choosing  the  front  to 
be  attacked,  checkins  its  fire,  and  in  making 
a  safe  riited  by  whicS  the  besieged  can  ad- 
vance unseen  to  the  fbot  of  the  ramparts ; 
and  lastly,  in  ptaoing  in  well  protected  bat- 
teries  his  attitlery  to  subdue  the  plaoe  and 
efibet  a  breach  in  the  walls  of  the  forCress. 

The  first  operation  of  the  besieger  is,  to 
approach  secretly  by  night  with^a  working 
party  of  1,800  men,  eaeh  earrying  a  iascine, 
pick-axe,  and  elMfel,  aoeompanied  by  an 
armed  and  proteetiftjg^  force  equal  to  eope 
with  the  garrisoiv ;  the  former  dig  a  trench 
2,0^  yards  In  kbgih,  parallel  to  the  forti- 
fications attacked,  (the  direction  having 
been  previously  marked  out  by  the  engi- 
neers,) and  with  the  earth  excavated  from 
such  trench,  rfiiSe  a  b<nk  or  breastwork  on 
the  side  neav^t  to  the  enemy;  while  the 
armed  pa^,  formed  in  a  reeuAibent  pos- 
ture, remain  in  readiness  to  protect  the 
workmen,  should  the  garrison  sally  forth  to 
attack  them.  During  the  night  and  follow- 
ing day  Ae  besiegers*  remain  in  the  trench, 
till  sufficient  cover  is  gained  to  protect  from 
the  fire'  ofthe  fortress  all  engaged,  whether 
workmen  or  their  appointed  guard;  but  as 
each  fifty  men  have  a  certain  task  allotted 
to  them,  they  are  relieved  by  a  like  number 
at  the  expiration  of  their  labour. 

This  work,  called  the  jfrsi  paratkl,  is  an 
enrelope  equi-distant  firom  all  the  salient 
angles  of  the  fortress,  and  it  is  along  this 
road  that  all  guns,  tinen,  and  munitions  can 
securely  move,  sheltered  firom  the  ticw  and 
projectiles  of  the  enemy.  Batteries  are  then 
formed  on  the  side  next  the  place  attacked, 
and  a  sedure  eommnnieaUon,  mado  in  like 
maoiner,  is  oonstracted  towards  the  twaap 
and  entrepot  of  the  besiegers. 

The  garrison  having  now  dieeovered  the 
front  of  their  work  about  to  be  attacked,  do 
all  in  their  power  to  add  to  their  defenoes ; 
a  double  line  of  palisades  is  placed  in  the 
covered  way ;  traverses  are  ereeted  to  lessen 
the  efibet  of  the  enfiUde  and  riooehot  fire  of 
the  bes&egers ;  the  oonntry  on  the  side  at- 
Uieked  is  Innndnted,  if  sneh  means  exist ; 
fresh  embrasures  afe  opemed  bn  the  ram- 
pans,  and  splinter  prooft,  to  previsnt  tiM 
ravages  ot  shellsi  sre  placed  over  the  goifs  ; 
safe  commnttic^tiloni  are  formed,  leading  to 
the  outwoi4cs;  tftiHe  galleries  driVistr  undnr 
the*  glheis  ^if  hone  hM  been  previously' nie- 
ptrdd),  and  every  means  taken  for  repelling 
the  a<ibrances  of  the  besiegera.  The  fire 
from  the  gufts^  b#witseii,  attd  Menaitef 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OH  aoEam  opiouTioiffs. 


819 


the  unihiiti,  ii  of  •  ftor^fold  olumuiter : 
direct,  to  bMttr  down  sueli  parts  of  the 
fortreis  u  are  not  eoYered  by  the  ontworka ; 
enfilade,  to  fake ;  rioochet,  to  bound  down 
the  fiices  of  the  ramparta,  and  dismount  or 
otherwise  injure  the  artilleiy  i  and  vertical, 
or  that  from  mortars,  to  destroy  the  store- 
houses, magazines,  barracks,  or  depdti, 
within  the  walls  of  the  place. 

After  some  days*  fire,  the  same  species  of 
eo?ered  road  is  carried  forward  from  the 
first  parallel,  by  certain  roles  of  art,  to  ap- 
proach the  fortress ;  this  trench  proceeds  in 
a  zigzag  direction,  crossing  snd  re-crossing 
the  direct  line  leading  to  the  salient  angle 
of  the  fortress,  care  being  taken  that  its 
.direction  is  such  that  no  fire  from  the 
enemy  can  rake  or  enfilade  it  And  at  a 
distance  of  800  yards  from  the  works  of  the 
besieged,  a  new  place  of  arms,  or  second 
parallel,  is  constructed,  silbilar  to  the  first, 
wherefrom  the  assailants  can  support  the 
head  of  their  attack.  Kew  batteries  are 
here  formed,  to  further  enfilade  the  threat- 
ened works,  and  slso  to  counter-batter  such 
collateral  works  of  the  defenders  as  contri- 
bute to  the  defence  of  the  place,  and  the 
fire  of  which  it  is  necessary  to  subdue.  The 
assailant  again  advances  by  similar  zigzags, 
till  within  150  yards  of  the  covered  way  of 
the  enemy,  where  fresh  lodgments,  called 
the  demi'paralUU,  are  effected. 

And  here  an  entirely  new  feature  in  the 
attack  presents  itself:  it  being  needful  to 
keep  down  the  heavy  fire  of  rmemen,  and 
wall  pieces  (heavy  muskets  fired  firom  rests 
upon  the  parapets),  and  also  to  prevent 
workmen  n-om  repairing  the  injured  de- 
fences, pierriers,  or  stone  mortars,  are  placed 
in  the  wings  of  the  aforesaid*demi-parallels, 
which  keep  up  an  incessant  discbarge  of 
large  stones,  4-pound  iron  balls,  and  gren- 
ades, upon  the  front  attacked.  Volleys  of 
such  missiles  are  directed  upon  the  shat- 
tered parapets,  driving  the  defenders  from 
the  walls,  and  forcing  them  to  fly  to  places 
of  cover  and  security,  protecting  themselves 
from  these  projectiles  by  such  temporary 
buildings  as  they  can  erect.  The  enemy  In 
reply  keep  up  a  continuous  fire  from  small 
mortars,  called  royals  and  coehorns,  upon 
the  head  of  the  advancing  trench :  hght 
balls  (a  brilliantly  burning  mrework),  thrown 
by  the  garrison,  disclose  the  operations  of 
the  enemy,  who  try  to  extinguish  them  with 
sand  or  wettfed  hides,. and  if  such  means  iful, 
place  smoke  balls  to  obscure  the  light 

The  approaches  are  now  carried  forward 
by  sapping — a  most  hazardous  duty.  The 
foremost  workman,  protected  by  &e  sap- 
roller,  pushed  in  front  by  along  fork,  places 
a  gabion  on  the  side  nearest  the  fortress ;  he 
rapidly  fills  it  with  earth  from  the  trench  he 
18  excavating  (a  labour  he  perfiwms  on  his 


knees),  digffinf  the  earU^  eighteen  inohiii 
deep,  and  alike  width,  but  never  exposing 
hiniself  beyond  the  first  placed  gabion.  He 
is  followed  by  three  comrades,  who  increase 
the  dimensions  of  the  trench,  and  frequently 
relieve  him  in  hia  perilous  undertaking; 
sand-bags  are  placed  in  the  hollows  between 
each  gabion,  and  thus  safe  cover  is  efi*ected; 
ten  feet  of  sap  may  be  made  in  one  hour. 
At  the  late  siege  of  Antwerp,  the  French 
sappers  were  protected  by  helmets  and  cui- 
rasses ;  their  weight  however,  impeded  the 
movements  of  the  men  and  the  oelerity  of 
the  operation. 

At  this  period  of  the  siege,  the  fire  from 
the  place  being  much  weakened,  many  guns 
dismounted,  and  the  ramparts  ploughed  up 
by  the  severity  of  the  besiegers'  fire,  a  third 
parallel  is  at  length  formed  at  the  foot  of 
the  glacis,  and  an  attempt  made  to  gain  the 
covered  way,  the  palisades  in  which  have 
been  broken  and  destroyed  by  the  ricochet 
batteries.  If  this  is  to  be  effected  by  assault, 
the  interior  of  the  breastwork  of  the  third 
parallel  is  made  in  steps,  so  that  the  assail- 
ants may  simultaneously  sally  forth  to  attain 
their  object ;  but  the  dower  and  more  cer- 
tain method  is  by  the  sap  and  mine.  At  the 
siege  of  Cambray,  Dumetz  stormed  a  work 
during  the  attack  contrary  to  the  advice  of 
Vauban,  and  sustained  a  defeat,  together 
with  a  loss  of  40  ofilcers  and  400  men ; 
Vauban  gained  the  same  object  two  days 
later  by  aap,  and  lost  but  three  lives. 

The  covered  way  being  now  in  possession 
of  the  besiegers,  breaching  batteries  to  de- 
stroy the  revetments  of  the  fortress  are  con- 
structed. The  fire  of  six  24-pounders,  so 
directed  as  to  make  perpendicular  cuts  in 
the  mssonry,  play  apon  the  wall  t  one  long 
horizontal  fissure,  three  feet  in  depth,  is 
also  effected,  and  by  the  firing  in  salvos  or 
volleys,  the  loosened  mass  and  superincum- 
bent parapet  falls  bodily  into  the  ditch,  pre- 
senting a  slope  or  means  of  ascent  more  or 
less  practicable.  The  troops  are  led  to  the 
assault  by  means  of  a  subterraneous  gallery 
leading  from  the  trenches  to  the  ditch. 

The  garrison  now  usually  capitulates. 
But  if  &e  letter  part  of  the  operations  are 
carried  on  by  the  system  of  mining,  the  en- 
tire character  of  the  attack  Is  changed ; 
and  as  the  besieger  proceeds  irith  the 
trenches  on  the  surface  of  the  ground  he  has 
to  secure  himself  from  below.  Twelve 
days  are  added  to  the  duration  of  the  siege, 
if  the  fi>rtress  is  ably  protected  by  a  well- 
arranged  plan  of  defensive  mines,  in  the 
more  advanced  galleries  of  which  he  ean 
listen  for  the  stroke  of  the  miner's  pick, 
and  by  means  of  a  pea,  placed  upon  a  tightly- 
braced  drum,  subterraneous  workmen  can 
be  discovered  at  the  distance  of  from  60  to 
90  feet  in  oidiiiery  soil;  hence  aueh  listen- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


S20       OK  THE  APPLXCATIOR^y  0(mEWTlK>FB£lteltS  TO  LABGE  SAHJKG  SHIPS. 


in^  ^UeHeft/  AS  Mhef  fufe  ti<ha«d,  atebfliit 
4i§ttitit  fromr  \eMh'  other  IS^  heii'*  W%ilh 
tlfe  ifdVttndirtg  ti^^'is  diseoreii^d  bjr  tl^ 
d6ft$ftdeifs  of  the  fortlreBS,  a^  idtne'ls  hastilv 
prepared,  and  th«  astaHatit  bkNirifr  to  ^^ 
atruetiovi.  Oedkisidnrally  a  Ibng:  tron  prohb 
18  litfed,  to  aaeeHatii  the'  nature  of  the 
gjouBd  in  front,  or  the  iweition  «f  th^ 
works  of  the  besieged';  Mid  if  sucfa  instfu- 
ment  reteheft  into  ike  defcimivo'tfxcaTatioiis 
it  is  followed  on  withdrawal  by  a  eharged 
rifle  «r  ansqttetooilt  tad'  H  ibot  is  flmed 
upon  thd  ainilittt,  or  eombttafibtee  getie. 
rating  noxioaa  gasea  are  thniflt  iatii  the 
aperture.  ...«•■ 

The  etibjeM  of  mtiriiig  is  far  to  dteteti^iv% 
a  one*  to  be  embrttoted'  in  so*  Utiiit^d  te  de. 
scription^  but  the  globes  6f  cottipMsston  of 
the  besiegers,*  or  surcharged  mines,  finidfy 
overthrow  the  network  of  galleries  with 
which  the  fhrtress  is  sumonnded ;  and  the 
cri^ter^  or  hollows  formed  by  thnr  explo. 
sion,"aflbrtf  cover  and-  th^  mo^e  ready 
m«an8  of  piishing  forward  the  traps  ted 
trenohes,  and  theibrtress  is  eompelled  to 
suiteiMer.  lA'deKeribing  the  varioiis  en- 
ginek  ot  war,  ttid  the  recent  improvements 
made  in  them,  the  leotttrer  blinded  to  the 
making  of  oannta'shol  of'r'conoidal  for^i, 
ami  «Kif  recently  diec^^red  ;daiiger  of  ex- 
posing  live  sheila  to  the  enemy's  Are,  both 
in  batteries-  and'  on*  ship-board  r  shells 
stmdkby  shot  insuntly  explodis,  the  bldw 
raising  the  temperatttrfr  of  4be  stricken 
part  far  beyond  the  Jieat  at  whi</h  ^unpow. 
der  inflames.  'Somo  of  onr'-flrst»rate  men 
Of  war  have  their  lower  batteries  of  shell 
guna  cnly,  and  as  each  gun  has  two  shells 
in  box«a  •  placed  OTcr '  each  piece-  of  ofd. 
nance,' 64  mines  are  dias  prepared  for  the 
destmotion  Of  the  vessel,  liable,  daring 
action,  to  add  their  ravages  to  those  occa- 
sioned! by  the  fire  of  the  foe. 

In  oonchision,  c6mpAHsoh  wad  drawn  be- 
tween the  atuck  npon  an>  ordinary  penta- 
gon, and  the  siege  uow^  in  |>rogr^-  ur  the 
Crh&ea.-  In  the  former  the  prifee  Nva*'  siire 
of  being  gained;  inasmnoh  as  the  place  ^Iras 
always  previously  invWted;  containing  a 
garrison  of  but'  5^000"nien,'  afld'  was  de- 
fended by  ItSO  pieotfs  Of  Krtille^y,  a  portion 
lonly  ot  which  could  be  used  m  the  defence 
of  tho^higlc  side  attacked,' a  length  seMom 
exoeedittg'  fl2fl  yl»dr;  tb^ '  beiteg«rs,  with 
an  oterwhelMngf' ftffce'  of'ttsen  and  otd- 
lumce,'  having  eitab1ikh«I  Vhems^tyes  be- 
hind safe  approaches^  batteries,  and  a  paral- 
lel or  enrelope  eittbmeing  the  fortress  df  a 
length  of  S,000  yards,  flAallyrainM  th^dte- 
feneea  of  the  Ibrtress.^'  At  Sdrltftopol  in- 
vestBMnt  had  been  impra^oaUet  the  pa- 
rallel  of  the  allies,  broken  by  the  nature  of 
the  ground,  was  of  no  greater  extent  than 
2,a00  yards,  and  Um  B«iflaii  defenoes  op- 


poii»d<  iC'^ciitKK'nttfe  Aott  ^f  four  mllei, 
moiintih^flOO'tflAiirtb'the  ffOfl  of  the  com- 
billed  artxkies,  and  aided  by  a  garriwm 
whokennthbeHi  wei^'urikifowA'and  capatAe 
crfcohtiUttal  attgixijbhUfSml.  Screened  from 
eiffllafld  and  ricochet  fli^  bytbe  natare  and 
length  of  ^eir  works,  -  and'>by  the  difficulty 
ofpMciii^thegiHis  of  the  aUiei  in  favduK 
able  positions,  the  enemy  eohld-  only  be 
SssaibnC  by  direet  at  Tevtfeal'««.  and  the 
tibope^rbdHta^'M  the  asAuTt  would  have  to 
fl^ahce  to'the  atuck  oter  ground;  more 
'brl^'^opert  ted'itnprcftected  after  leaving 
thi^sK^Celr  of  their  treHchet.  ^ 


ON  THE  APPliCATION  OP  SCREW 
PROPELLXSS  to  LARGE  SAIL- 
ING 9HIPS. 

A  paper. on  the  above  subject  wks  read 
on  the  evi^in^  of  Tuesday,  Msrch  20,  at 
thie^Inst9tutidn  of  Civil  Engineers,  by  Mr. 
Ri  A.'R(jb{nsoii,  Aisioic.  Inst.  C.E. 

The  fntroduction  of  screw  propulsion  In 
1839;  by  Mr.  F.  P.  Smith,  and  the  success 
he  attained  Vhli  the  ^rc^unedi?i,' directed  at- 
tentton,  said  the  .aiithor,  tb  that  system  for 
^(Antiierbial  vessels ;  th^  Gredi  Britain  waa 
an  early  thstaitCe  of 'thb.ap][>li cation,  and 
then  followed  the  fleet  of  screw  steamers 
^sUblished  by  Mr.  Lamingf,  for  the  trade 
between  Lbttdoh  and  the  pbtts  6r  Holland. 
Thence  the'progreai  was  so  rapid,  that  at 
the  beginnmg  of  f854;  above  tiro  hundred 
commei^ial  screw  ships  were  tegistered  in 
the  United  Kirrgdotn.  Meahwhile  many 
atretxi^ts  had ''been  maSe;  ibr  using  large 
powerfal  screw  shipa^on  tJie  long  sea  routes 
to' India  and  Australia,  but  uniformly  with- 
out success.  "X^^  author's  object  was  to 
investigate  the  cadsea  of  this  failure,  and  to 
suggest  the  theaijis  of  attaining  success. 

It  was  observed,  that  hitherto  the  screw 
steami^s  'attempting'  'thfese  long  voyagea, 
had  been  large  vessels,  With'  powerful  en- 
gines, and  depending  ehUAy  updn  their 
'Steam  power,  had  taken  more  direct  routes, 
independent  of  wind ;  and  tlius,  althongh  fully 
rigged,  they  had  iiat  been'  able  to  take  full 
•advantage  of  Aeir  sails,  but  had  otily  used 
them  itf  fiiVouTsible  winds',  or  in  cases  of 
casualty,  Wshorth^tt  dffurfj  and  when  they 
hid  been  s{>  fried/^lilr  sailing  powers'  were 
ndt  foutid  to  be  so  good  as  they  might  havo 
been.  Some  of  these  ships  had  been  ob- 
ligfed,'by  watift  (Jf/ael,  to  run  back  for  very 
considerable  distances,  because  they  vrere 
*out  of  the  nsusl  track ;  for  li^stance,  the 
Oreai  Britain  ran  l,St)0  miles  back,  to  re- 
plenish her  stock,  and  thus  materially  ex> 
tended  a  voyage,  which,  at  ite  outset,  pro-* 
a^s^dtp  be  one  of  the  festttst  on  record. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


<m*TBM  imaCATION  of  8GBSW  fSOFSLIXItS  TO  ULSOE  BMIUSQ  fOOJfS.      321 


Cinuitiei '  had  mo  ^fr«q1ienUy  oecurrtd, 
tfiatan  impit^ttiim  wm  ^tck  of  fhek  htnng 
inaeparmbla  ftmki  tbe  tyttem ;  thie,  howeYerf  - 
it  wat  eontended,  wtonot  the  case  if  the  ma- 
ehinery  was  properly  constraeted  and  able 
to  work  for  long  periods  conseeaUTely.  The 
GrMlBrjtattt  waa  an  example  of  what  might 
he  aooompHahed,  by  due  attention  to  origi- 
nally 'good  engines  and  machinery,  such 
.  as.  those  adapted  to  this  vessel,  by  Messrs. 
Penn  and  Son.  Oat  of  three  Toyages  to 
Anstnlia  and  pos  to  New  York,  she  had 
norerhoen  detained  an  honr  by  any  de- 
rangement of  her  maehinery,  which  had 
worked  eonseeutively,  on  one  occasi<a,  for 
a*  long  as  forty-4iro  daya^  without  stopping. 
In  thto  aeeonnt  of- her  ▼oyages  to  and  from 
New  i  York  in  1852,  Mr.  F.  P.  Smith  re- 
corded, that  under  ordinary  favourable  cir- 
comstanees,  the  ship  advanced  6*16' miles, 
per  ton  of  coals,  with  the  slight  negative 
slip  of  screw  ai  0*69,  and  that  during  three 
days  of  strong  oontrsry  winds,  the  ship  only 
ran  2*02  miles  per  ton  of  coals,  and  the  slip 
of  the  screw  was  as  much  as  80  per  oent. 

The  distance  from  Southampton  to  Port 
Philip,  vi&  the  Cape,  steaming  ererything, 
as  a  paddle-wheel  steamer  would  do,  being 
1 2,050  miles,  and  the  routesnC  the  sailing  clip- 


pec  ships  in  the  favouraUewind  track, 
>upwarat  of    18,800    miles,  their   relative 
.lengths-  of  voyages  were  from  60  to  100 
daysior  the  former,  and  70  to  120  days  for 
theJatter.  . 

.  '.  Tbs  quiekeat  recdrded  runs  of  screw  ships, 
were  those  of  the  Argo,.  of  1,800  tens,  and 
300  horse  power,  between  Southampton  and 
Port  Philip,  in  64  daysi  and  the  FhioHa, 
of  1,858  tons,  and  450  horse  power  between 
.  Oravesend  and  Adelaide,  in  50  days  22} 
.  hoocs,  including  detentions  for  coaling. 

AJfter  examining  the  records  of  numerous 
experiments  on  screw  vessels,  under  steam 
and  canvas,  steam  alone,  and  canvas  alone, 
the  author  argued  that  one  of  the  prineipal 
obatructions  ta  enabling  a  **  niinimum- 
powcred "  screw  ship,  under  canvas  alone, 
to  eempeta  at  all  points^  with  a  Bailing 
olipper,  was  the  want  of  a  simple  and  more 
emoient  mode  of  lifting  the  screw  propeller 
out  of  the  water,  and  stowing  it  away  at  the 
atem,  In  aaoh  a  manner  as  to  ofihr  no  ob- 
struction to  sailing,  and  yet  to  enable  it  to 
.  be  raised,  or  lowered  in.  any  weather,  with- 
.  out  diffienlCy.or  delay. 

The  method  of  disconneetinff  the  screw 
.  an^  allowing  it  to  revolve  freely  did  not  meet 
the  oljection.  Messrs.  Maudslay's  Ibather- 
ing  screw,  the  blades  of  which  were  made 
to  turn,  so  U  to  bring  them  nearly  in  a  line 
wiUi  the  stem  nost,  had  been  applied  to  se- 
▼ecal  ships,  with  considersble  suoossk  The  ' 
system  of  lifting  the  serew  vertically  out  of 
the  wftt^,  although  d&etual,  was  tiouble- 


somd,  and  in  a  heavy  sea-Way  eonU:  soareely 
be  aocomplished.  Mr.  Soott  Rvss^U  had 
introduced  a  system  of  raising  the  screw  out 
of  the  water,  and  stowing  it  away  under  the 
counter,  with- the  blades  in  a  horizontal  po- 
sition. The  pcopeHer  worked  outside  the 
rudder  i  and  tne  afterpart  of  the  shaft  was 
enabled,  by  means  of  a  friding  loint  in  the 
dead-wood,  to  assume  an  an^ifar  position 
with  respect  to  the  main  portion  of  the 
shaft,  so  that  it  waa  not  neeessaiy  for  any 
part  to  be  really  unshinped,  or  disconnected, 
and  the  propeller  could  be  raised  completely 
out  of  the  water,  and  be  again  lowered  into 
its  working  ]K>sition,  without  any  difilcuUy, 
in  the  worst  weather.  It  occupied  two  men 
about  ten  minutea  to  raise  it  and  about 
three  minutes  to  lower  it«  the  necessary 
tackle  being  always  attaehed*  It  poesessed, 
moreover,  the  great  merit  of  not  imparting 
that  unpleasant  trtmnloua  and  lifting  motion 
to  the  vessel,  so  much  complained  of  with 
the  ordinary  screws.  Comparative  trials 
of  vessels  of  similar  build,  tonnsge,  and 
power,  demonstrated  adooidod  gain  of  speed 
with  the  outside  propeller. 

The  author  th«n  examined  the  voyagea  of 
the  BsdJtKkit,  the  SmwPtlgik  ef  the  Seat, 
and  other  celebrated  sailing  clipper  ships, 
giving  their  logs,  and  showing  their  speed, 
on  long  runs,  to  be  from  8)  to  nesriy  18 
miles  per  hour.'  One  of  this  clsss  of  Alps, 
of  2,525  tons  burthen,  was  stated  to  s^ead 
about  18/)00  yarda  of  canTas,  In  a  single 
suit  of  saila. 

The  early  attempts  to  introdoee  auxiliary 
power  on  board  East  India  traders,  espe- 
cially alluding  to.  those  by  Messrs.  Seawards, 
were  mentioned,  and'  the  reasons  given  for 
their  want  of  success. 

Arguing  from  the  speed  now  Bttaincd  by 
sailing  eloper  ahips,  and  the  successful  ap- 
plication of  screw  propukien,  the  antfamr 
proposed  the  employment  of  iron  sailing 
clipper  ships,  of  about  8,000  tons,  builder's 
measurement,  with  large  sail  power,  and  so 
constructed  as  to  attain  the  highest  possible 
speed,  under  oanvas  alone,  awl  by  the  aid 
of  soriew  propeUers  and  auxiliary  engines 
of  200  horse  power,  to.  gine  them  a  speed  of 
eight  to  nine-  knots,  under  steam  alone,  in 
calm  weathes ;  the  supply  of  coala  to  be  for 
not  less  ihaa  fifteen  dajt^  iuli  steaming,  so 
that  a  saving  of  ten  to  fifteen  days  might  be 
anticipated  in  the  voyage  each  way;  the 
ssiling  potrer  to  be  always  use4  to  the  ut- 
most extent,  and  the  ship  to  bis  navigated 
entirely  as  si  sailing  dipper,  the  steam  power 
being  used  only  in  exceptional  situations. 
By  this  plan/  all  the  good  qualities  of  the 
.fast-sailing. dipper  could  be  seeured  and 
combiniBd  with  the  power  of  steaminff  at  a 
.fair  speed,  during  odms,  or  light  winds,  and 
.in  general  tHit  (last  of  ship  woold  attaint  at 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


«')32       OR  IHB  lYPiaOATEON  OF  SGBKW  nOVEWMBS  TO  LiSflS  flAISlErS  Om. 


|i  miiiiidUB  oo«t|  the  bMt  *dd  moit  imifNin 
rate  bf  tpdcd  for  long  ^oyi||t8. 

The  relative  expedtes  of  tiie  simple  sail- 
ing  clipper  ship,  and  of  tbe  tailitig  clipper 
with  auxiliaiy  engine  power  and  ierew,were 
examined  in  detail,  lind  a  diflbrenoe  of 
4,6752.  in  favotir  of  tbe  latter,  wat  ahown  as 
the  reaidt  of  one  voyage  to  Australia  or 
India.  The  logs  of  several  vessels  we^ 
shown,  and  in  a  tabular  form  there  were 
given  the  speeds  attained  by  all  the  prlnei- 
pal  aoxlliary  screw  ships  iii  nee,  up  to  the 
present  time. 

Tfao  diseusaion  on  t^  above  paper  was 
proceeded  with  at .  the  Institution  oii  the 
evening  of  the  27  th ;  and  it  was  observed 
that  a  full^  rigged  ship,  with  square  sails 
set,  whilst  on  a  wind,  could  rarely  lay  up 
nearer  than  six  points  from  the  wind,  but 
with  fore  and  aft  saild  she  came  up  to  within 
four  points.  If  any  auxiliaiy  power  was 
used,  whereby  the  speed  of  luoh  a  ves«el 
would  be  augmented^  beyond  that  due  to 
the  sails,  she  wodld  fsdl  away  from  her 
course,  just  in  proportion  to  the  extni  pro- 
polling  power  appliea.  This  had  been  ob- 
served in  H.  M.  steamer  J^fietiSk,  when 
using  part  of  her  steam  power  to  aid  the 
sails*  and  making  about  eight  knots  per 
hour ;  she  passed  many  vessels^  all  standing 
up  full  two  points  nearer  the  wiiid  than  she 
oould  do ;  but  on  ceasing  to  use  steam,  ihe 
came  up  even  higher  in  her  eonrse,  under 
canvas  alone,  than  the  other  vessels,  and 
directly  the  steam  was  nsed»  ihe  fell  off 
again. 

It  wtt  suggested,  that  the  displaoement 
of  the  vessela  should  have  been  given  in  the 
tables ;  as  without  that  information  it  wlu 
difficult  to  compare  the  results.  Ship, 
builders  ought  to  wive  a  scale  of  displace- 
ment,- for  we  guidance  of  merchants  in 
ascertaining  the  work  done  by  their  ships, 

A  suggestidh  was  offered,  as  to  the  ad- 
vantage  that  Would  result  from  the  accurate 
statement  of  the  area  of  the  midship  seotion 
of  the  shi^,  and  of  the  indicated  hotve- 
power  of  the  engines,'  when  describing  any 
vessel ;  this  would  avoid  much  of  the  ambi- 
guity of  the  statements  frequently  pat  for- 
ward. It  vraa  notorious  that  the  actual 
power  was  frv)m  1^,  to  6  times  that  of  the 
nominal  power  of  marine  engines. 

It  was  contended,  that  the  system  of  frilU 
rigged  elipper  ships,  with  auxiliary  power 
and  screw  propellers,  keeping  habitually  in 
the  ordinary  sailing  traok,  and  taking  frill 
advantage  of  wind  power,  had  already  been 
acted  opon^  as  fsr  as  was  possible,  with 
the  Oreai  Briimn,  a  ship  not  originally  con- 
structed  for  the  purpose,  and  that  in  a  few 
weeka  the  Bogai  Charter,  an  irOn  elipper 
sailing   thipy   built  expressly   with   ^eie 


^tows;  would  be  lioilched  fiir  MeUra;  01bbs, 
Bright,  ft  Gai  LiverpooL  This  sfaitf,  Ift- 
tended  to  trade  with  Australia,  would  be, 
2760  tons  burden^  386  feet  long,  26  feet 
deep,  41  feet  6  Inohes  beam)  and  200  horse 
power,  with  three  masts,  square  rigged: 

The  first  voyage  of  the  Grttd  BrMU, 
baring  shown  the  advantage  that  might  be 
deriv^  from  giving  her  more  canvas  and 
woricing  the  steam  power  loss,  on  the  Aus- 
tralian voyage,  her  lower  yards  were  mdAe 
100  feet  long,  her  top-sail  ^srds  were  in- 
oreaied  to  80  feet  in  length,  and  h^r  uuit  of 
sails  was  made  to  oonUth  14,000  yards  of 
canvas,  which  wss  qdite  as  much  wk  wte 
displayed  by  any  olippewship.  Saohwore 
the  general  qualities  of  the  &rwat  BHUkU, 
that  if  the  position  of  h^r  niasu  eonld  be 
altered,  it  was  contended  she  would,  under 
canvai  aloiie,  bo  probably  the  fastest  ship 
afloat  She  had  really  run  17  knots  per 
hour,  when  dragging  her  iiorew  through  the 
irater. 

Th^  system  of  lifting  the  screw  bddlly  out 
of  the  water,  was  objected  to,  on  the  score 
of  liability  to  aeddent,  although  on  board 
some  of  the  ships  of  war  it  was  a  ooranion 
occurrence  to  lift  the  screw  in  about  nine 
or  ten  minutes,  with  the  power  of  thir^ 
men  at  tbe  windlaas.  It  had  now  been  de- 
tenhined  to  try  the  system  of  having  a 
small  ehgine,  merely  to  turn  round  the  pro- 
peller at  i  speed  corresponding  with  that 
of  the  vessel  whilst  under  sail,  and  this,  it 
was  anticipated,  would  be  a  great  advan- 
tage  commercially. 

It  was  urgedj  that  the  nominal  tonnage  of 
TesseUand'the  nominal  horse  power  of  en- 
glnes  were  such  indefinite  terms,  as  to  be 
utterly  inapplicable  data  for  comparing  the 
meriti  of  the  performance  of  steam  ships. 
In-order  to  illustrate  the  extent  of  flootua- 
tion  of  tonnage,  with  reference  to  displaoe- 
ment, and  of  nominal  horse  power  to  the 
effective  working  poweir  of  engines,  an  exa- 
mination had  been  made  of  the  eohstmotlTo 
elements  of  ten  ships,  all  having  power  in 
the  proportion  of  100  tons  of  dlspfaeoment 
to  40  nominal  horse  power  $*-when  the  re- 
sults appeared  to  be : — that  as  respected  the 
ratio  of  tonnage  to  displaoement)  100  tons 
builders'  tonnage,  gave  different  amomits 
of  displaoement,  varying  between  67  tone 
tod  167  tons.  That  as  regarded  the  ratio 
of  nominal  horse  power,  as  cotitraeted  Air, 
to  workinff  horse  power,  of  the  unit  66,000 
lbs.  raised  one  foot  high'in  one  minute,  (or 
2  hors^  power  indicated)  100  noininal  horse 
power,  gave  different  amounts  of  working 
horse  oower  of  the  unit  (66,000  lbs.>  vary- 
ing from  93  horse  power  to  300  horse 
power;  and,  that  as  respected  the  ratio  of 
displaeeiaient  to  working  .horse  powor,  (nf 
the  unit  66^»000  Ibc)  tho  diAront  HBOimts 


DigitizSd  by  VjOOQ IC 


dH  TBB  SLAOS  OF  8MBLTI1I0  VDBNACS0, 


828 


«f  mrldbiff  toower,  to  100  tona  of  dltplaAOr 
Bkont,  Ysnaa  from  82  IiOno  power  to  ISS 
bone  power. 

Henee  it  waft  fttirod,  that  the  ratio  of 
tonnage  to  nominal  hocM  power  did  not 
■flbrd  any  indieation  of  the  ratio  of  dis- 
plftoeraent  to  worklDg  borae  power,  of  any 
defloite  vnit 

The  valuable  asaiatanee  of  Lieutanaiit 
Manrr'a  eharta  ITaa  ferolbljr  alluded  to. 
The  diffioiUty  in  obtaising  detaila  of  oon- 
atmotioB  of  diaohidery,  of  the  inidahip  aee- 
tion,  and  of  the  diapUbderaent,  fte.^  of  vea- 
aela»  waa  pointed  out,  to  relieTe  the  author 
of  the  pwer  ftom  ^e  aUegation,  that  he 
had  not  rally  auppUed  all  the  partieulara 
demanded  for  the  ^aemaion  of  the  question. 

It  iraa  auggeated;  tbat  at  the  next  meet- 
ing, membeia  ahonld  eome  prepared  to  dia- 
euaa  the  best  proportiona  of  steam  power  to 
tonnage,— the  beat  ftomipercial  8peed,-^the 
meana  of  dispoaing  of  the  aerew^  when  the 
▼eaael  waa  under  adl^-^Cbe  beat  form  of  re- 
oording  obsenratlona,— and  the  general  eom- 
mereiu  IfueitiOn. 

Modela  wave  eibibilad  of  Mr.  do  Beifue's 
propelling  apparatna.*  It  waa  stated  to 
poSaesa  several  advantagea  over  both  pad- 
dle-wheela  afltt  «<tobw  p¥^el1«ra;-^in  dietp- 
neaa  of  oonstruotion,  simplicity,  constant 
c^ect,  from  being  entirely  submerged,  Hav- 
ing hi  weight,  expending  uaeftilly  the  en- 
tire engine  po^er  exerted,  absenee  of  vibra- 
tion in  the  vessel;  eapability  of  working  In 
ahallow  water,  freedom  from  risk  of  heated 
joumalii,  and  aa  being  peeuliarly  adapted 
for  tog  boata ;  In  whioh  latter  eaae  the  pro- 
poller  would  be  placed  quite  beneath  the 
centre  of  the  vessel,  in  which  position  it 
would  also  be  advantageoua  for  floating 
batteries  and  gun-boata. 

Models  were  alio  exhibited  of  Oriffiths' 
terew  propeller,  whieh  h«d  been  uaed  on 
board  &e  Of9gi  Brtiaiiti  and  Waa  atated  by 
tlie  late  eointnaitdet  of  «bat  ahtp  to  have 
been  tety  sueeeiafttl. 

8oxbe  pl^opel1ers,1Htll  eurfed  atMvovthe 
Uadei,  were  Introidileed  by  Mr.  Waldook, 
iffho  deacffbed  IhB  ifHueipal  aAf antage  to 
bottsiat  in  Adi  lAUtoinaf  a  flnt  hold  ttpon 
ihb  #ater  and  iMldtftitf  it)  imttt  it  paased  off 
bt  the  €dgt$  of  M  blades.!  Qnanr  ^eed 
iraa  fcald  ib  h»r«  bevn  attaUied,  wiffli  an 
UriMMtWIiM  tMkenbt  «rtr<i&«doliandtf«tt. 


•  For  »  M  df  Bcription  «f  thlf  apperatuf  see 
Miek.  Uap.  ftor  Jatnuiy  20, 1S9S.— Eb. 

t  OnpiM9»,  VOL  M,  ot  M^ek.  JTay.,  we  gave 
«n  ebitacl  of  the  •veeifloation  «f  ¥r.  Otasld 
Hcatton's  patent  for  «  aciow-prppeller  in  tfa« 
following  words:— "Thl»  rnvention  relate*  to 
flcrew-prope)1en,  and  eonsffts  Id  forming  tbeir 
blades  with  corragated  •oxftoei.  The  diftethms 
of  the  eoirvgatknia  are  in  oMalss  abMt  tbooentre 
of  the  icrew^  txtendtag  across  the  bladee,"  *e.— 
So. 


ON  THB  SLAOS  OF  8MBLTING 
FURNACBS. 

A  very  interesting  paper,  on  the  above 
aubjeot,  was  read  on  the  29th  of  Marob,  at 
the  Society  of  Arts,  by  Dr.  W«  H.  Smith, 
of  Philadelphia,  who  is  the  patentee  of  cer- 
tain prooeasea  for  oonverting  slags  into  va- 
luable eommeroial  prodoeta.  After  re* 
marking  upon  the  scientific  interest  which 
invests  the  mineral  ohangea  and  formationa 
of  the  amelting  fumaoe,  and  the  oommereiid 
value  of  the  dag  or  the  mineral  produota 
of  tho  amelting  furnace,  aa  demonstrated 
from  the  importance  of  the  rockt  of  igneoua 
origin,  to  which  they  are  analogoua— the 
regularity  and  uniformity  of  the  ohemioal 
lawa  involf ed  in  their  formation— 4he  anpo- 
rior  properties  they  possess  as  an  induatrial 
product,  eapeeially  w  their  adaptation  to 
arebiteetural  uaeo— the  economy  of  their 
production— -and  the  abundanoe  of  their 
aupply,  he  proceeded  to  notice  the  most  im- 
portant desiderata  towards  the  aueooaafhl 
treatment  of  theae  produota. 

"  The  quality  of  the  alag,"  said  he,  *'  aa 
with  the  qualitv  of  uon  or  other  reduced 
metal,  essentially  depends  upon  the  proper 
management  of  the  amelting  furnace.  The 
auitabie  admixture  of  fluxea,  the  prope  re- 
gulation of  the  heat,  &e.,  being,  however, 
of  primary  importance  in  making  good 
meUd,  generally  receive  adequate  atte  Son ; 
and  I  Mieve  the  beat  managed  fomacea  of 
the  world  are  thoae  whioh  I  have  m.t  with 
in  Great  Britain. 

"  Great  eare  ia  required  in  the  withdrawal 
of  the  slag  from  the  fumaoe,  to  prevent  the 
incorporation  or  meehanieal  admixture 
therewith  of  miseellaneoua  HMt^  looae 
dnder,  or  other  foreign  ingredient.  Sueh 
an  admixture  produces  a  beterogeneoua 
material  which  (aa  may  be  seen  hi  die 
rofi||h  blooka  caat  directly  from  the  frumaee 
nonth,  for  many  years  paat,  at  copper  and 
at  aome  iron  works)  is  not  auaceptible  of 
polish,  and  soon  ohangea  ita  appearance  on 
exposure  to  the  air.  By  withdrawing  (he 
alag  at  atated  intervala,  aay  once  every  hour. 
It  ean  be  obtained  in  better  condition  than 
If  allowed  to  ran  out  of  the  fornaoe  in  a 
eontinuoua  atream. 

**  After  ita  rsmovul  from  the  fttmaee,  the 
liquid  alag  ahould  be  eareftUly  reflned, 
either  by  meehanieal  subaidtaation  or  che- 
ttieal  treatment,  in  order  to  regulate  ita 
spoeiflo  gravity,  and  thua  Inanre  a  homo- 
geneous product. 

*'  Other  easentlal  elenenta  of  ioeoeaa 
eonilat  in  the  proteetloii  of  the  molten  and 
hot  frttftorial  froln  the  aeetiorttl  polarisation 
of  Its  heat,  or  thermil-eleotrieity  $  the  em- 
ployment of  suitably-construeted  mocdds, 
made  of  the  best  non-oonduetitig  mat^iale ; 
the  proper  eonttrttotlon  ol  the  ei«na  for 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC  


3^ 


DR.  6RAT'i8'BfiWSR-FXilT0HXA  A)n>  nK9S*iMBm 


tnre  of  the  oYdM/Sb^  ks'^^  ntore  a  Titreont 

■the ^^MJfoyftidni^'^thd^p^op^r'^lkiiAU  and 
jfctda^for-  Vatying 'Wh^^qaisiltt,'the  ^ 
iMr,*!  textVurcf,  'und '  othfti'  vpropertiM '  of^ the 
8l«gi  aitd  8olt«(b1e'  a]>)diaifoeB  for  TQlI4»g;, 
vfeaAogl   stamping, '  gHbditig,   ikilf^^gf, 

In  ailotlierpairt  bf  the  pap^Hmu  cuted, 
that  *f  aceordMgto  the  traatmont  it  reo^Vee, 
atag^'iraii  he  Miidered  hritilB  or  ^ufb,'hard 
or^  tiffi,  compact '  or '  powoe,  rough  or 
•Mooth.'  It  o«ii  hd  oaat  into  as  f^aat  a 
^akiety  of  ifofttig,  •oTid  and  hollow,  at  iron 
iteelf,  #ith  th'fe  superior  mdvafrtaga  of  being 
MUfoeptibie  of  the  adnixiure  and-  UandinM 
of 'Ifblbur,  so  as  to  render  it  e^Ual  in.  bril- 
lianey  to  ag&ta,  Jasper,. malacliite,  the  "tk- 
riegated  marbles;  and  oltb«r  moM  ralnable 
^rieties  of  the  Tninerkl  kingdom.  When 
jpvoperly  annealed,  it  can  be  made  to  active 
a  snrfhoe,  or  teitturei  at  least  ten  times  as 
durable  as  that  «f  marble,  and  is  sttseeptible 
ofk  polish  e4u«l  ko  a(^te  or  oorneUan.  '  As 
abirildhtg   matefial,   it   oan   be  resdHy 


tfdapliidr  t)^<«iy¥M»t^(>C  arohitftetekal  dm^ 
aign,^  frem  th^  Idin^e  «la&  to  ibe .  moat 
ornate  and  complex  decoration;  whilst  ita 
b^aMJty  attd^  dUvabiAtsf •  fthieflf  reoommend  it 
'«to'an«rtiete'of  IdKUfy.^*  •  -  -i  ■  •  • 
•  ^  )n"  •  the  ^  diMsslont :  whioh  *  foljowed  the 
veading^  4ft  thcpapert^Bibtesor  Wilsoa  j». 
marked  that  '*  there  were  some  qneations 
whiish'it\(as^  neeessaty  to  eokundsr^with  re- 
gard' to  the  applioatfon'  of  these  sla^  His 
ootfld'hai^illy  go  dm  fnll  length  with  Dr. 
-Smith  on  'eomei'p<ihitsl/'.  He:  (Professor 
WMsbn)  tlK>ilght!tlm  JsobstituUon  of.atag 
was  Bctitleiy  so  dedniAo  as- that  gcntiemaa 
seemed  to  think^thsit  smlesa  the  several 
Ingtedients  w«re  chemtoally  eembined,  and 
the  mesa  was  -perfeetly  hdmogeMMw,  the 
materiid  waalisble  to  be  deeqmposad,  eape- 
dally  by  the  a^stion  of  Urn  atmosphere.  Mm 
thenght  there  wea  also  another  peiat  whidi 
required  /brther  proof,  and  that  wae  mm 
which  time  only  eould  de^nnSne^  fie 
woiild  like  to  see  theefibet  edueh  the  .aetkn 
-ef  condMud  exposore  would  have  iqpsa  tins 
material,  after  it  was  fumiahed  eidier  m  the 
to«gti  or  in  tie  teihied'and'poMdmdibim." 


•n-    *   1>K  dllAY'«  SBWBR-PLUSHER  AND  VfiVTiLATOIU 

f,ToJhe£dkor  qf^fhe  Mashanie$*  MagoXinel 


■     8iii,^*«^l  beg^lteve-ztojeall  thft  atteolion  of 

*  your,  nnnieiiov^  nadeaado  e  r  machine .  lately 
mrented po^  puioUbd ^Mw^h  mpetleatimihle 
oitisen  of- Dublin,  John  Qijs^y^iBsq.,  M.D., 

I  peeabMafer  i>f  rthie  Igwknmnli  ^nutmk . 

*  rf{}p^the)fl9%Af^>WoElerstrefa  of  weisr 

-^  Mhniiph.'.  a  lesrfee^ii^r'heuse-fdraan :  pi^  is  ndt 

'  (•  s|iflic (fiiiKt^reiDOie  <ibelrticti<tea,  not  proven t 

:*  rin{ihei}i74hftr%(Muo^]Atipit«i»f<suipbftfettei 

^  >  ht!dr»jiP»i mdaaamaoMn^  other :^lbterie«s 

gssei,  ie>ji  ieet  ^jntftciei^tl^s  esUbU^ed  by 

ihe>ftet«entr^8e  oCi human  .Ufii*' of  which 

we  had^  recently  an  instapoe  lia  the  sufibea- 

tion  of  aman  empWyM:t»  eleanee  theaewer 

,  9{yj  thai:  Nerth .  buMifi'3 W^ri^hwise.     Dr. 

t  Gray:  pr0'pMea,v.1hatiiinitead  of  aUewiog 

>  .- waiter ,  10  idnbble  uselessly*  m  loeg  •as  it  am, 

.  thrQiUhLa<raewer«  te.oolleet  U  rsther  Sn 

*  a  aiMhh-er:  suitable  nsservxiiiv.sli^.ea  so^n 

as  the  water  rises  to  a  certaift  and  regvU^d 

'  » leTel.4hfJ0lief'e!Ui9e'  diaohergA  ralre  in  the 

.ihMtin  qf.ihftiankjis.aaddenlyiilted  ^om 

.  M%  %i^ti4i»:SM0h  aheighAieiinot  to; interfere 

•  wlth'ft^f^^h  oC.«atei;jthrettgh  the  di«ab)irge 

•  F^pck  ..wi4Jiej.siiiwltaiieeuply..th«^  iafl»K<of 
water  through  the  supply-pipetjt  atoned  ( 
and^whw  the  taivkjis'.disohiugei,  the  ralve 
e}owJ|y  Md  »oiaeks$ly  dee^eada  to  its  seat, 
the  divehaiige  is  regietered,  the  f$vp^J*>pipe 
ia  li;^aied»  en4  the  weter.eommeftoes  filling 
the.  tank  anew. 

.1.  Dr.'Orey's.mechine  is  simple  in  its  eon- 
eUTDotipni  endponsequenkjiy  oheapi  not  iia. 


ble  to  getiflut.of^ordeiv  Mid  ,U  mik,  he  i 

andr'epaited.by  ^injh«iidy.ti«*man.  Ueen 
be.at^)ied  to  any:  deseiipti«B  of  le^k  or  re- 
senrditf  aAd  the'numheB  <^jlihp  dwehargea  |«r 
day.br  perwtfck  o^i^be  ejeoursiejldr  fc|(Mlated. 
.  The  principal  Bovei^  that Jt  prM$»ts,,  i»  the 
feliering  ef  taiepdlsoheige.TsJive  ait  the  he^ 
tom  of  O^  Catkvfrpm.the  dfwpiravd  pressure 
of  the  w»ter«i  Tbu^ia:  Uie.  maohine^whieh 
he  has  oonstructQd  .ihr.^be  Iforth  DeMie 
Werktbtiae;  ih«r:yel?e..'ppei^ng.is.:10  inches 
in 'diameter;  thoapveifiure,  .4m  whioh  r^lec; 
.eritb}a:^ea4o£/§jfeet^vvetw^s  SiQ*8a|2 
poUQf||i,«f(hye  the  prewmre  on  Dr.  On^s 
valve  is  only  the  weight,  ftf  the  velve  itedA 
.  JBst;siiAeiliet  to.  keep  ,it,  a^y  and  weter- 
isghttSir  iie.seat  i^h.Ofw^  hee.al^omAde 
.  a  m^tsneeeia^tlilpldiqsitiqi^,  elljiulcaaieed 
tXifdihtfiibheitiaa  a.f<v;U^^4fpr,.the^e«m- 
mo»kbi^l;c0chtr^'4iihy;ii^|Leit.o(  whioh  he 
ean  aleo.  rpgulafe  ^ejuM^y^.wnter  .te  the 
Uafc.wigtihe.giesMKfcjpffefi^ion.  ijhhtmw 
eeok  end  rngtUetM  mU>\».  undemtAed  hy 
reference  to  fig.  6.  P  is  the  end  of  the  sup- 
plv-pipe  entering"  the.  tank.,.  Sis  A.tpaell 
brastf^lpe  atlii%a[^bj8disJh  fo  *  cvlin- 
dffieel  lioai.  .V  ie'a,tube  oCvMleanlefd  In^ia. 
rubber 'drftwn- over  ttie  ends^f  the  pipes^ 
P  iL'nd  5,  and  seenr^  there  Irf  string  binding 
it.  to  the  ends  oj;  the  'pipci^  The  ends^ of  the 
•pipes  am  regulated  so  aa  ie  be  distant  from 
each  other  about  a  diameter  aiid  a  half  i»f  the 
India-rubber  tube^  Wheii  the^oat,  F,  r)sea 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


4A*>aU¥^  BPfWUmWOBt  Aim  ¥MftLJLMtir'«i^'-  - 


835 


hf  its  Hoymcjpon  Sm  wifter  in  ^m  taak^ 
it  etfiMswilh  it  the  pipe,  8 ;  the  India- 
rabbcrtokvis  d»ikMtbdmn»bportiMi  at  the 
witkriiMm^vatdh  by^atant/  ot  %&eh  deflee* 
tioB'  no  moTB  water -nan  mm  thioogb  it  into 
tke  tank.)  I  kave  mjaelf  applied  this  con- 
Tiif.%  Kg. 


triVane^'with  Dt.  Gnj's  pemiaion,  'Co  % 
tank  in  oonntotion  with  a  ai&aU  ateam  engine, 
and  I  find  that  it  anawen  adinieably ;  far 
hotter  than  the  old  ball  ooek.  Tig.  S; 
A,C,D,  it  a  eylindrieal  efaouoiiber  made 
of  tin,  open  at  tiie  top,  and  oloaed  hj  aeylin- 
Fig.  0. 


drie^  ring  at  the  boMom.  B  M  a  tube, 
equal  in  diameCelr  to  t^  Aitanee  between 
the  waUt  of  tho  cyllndVfoU  chamber.  This 
tvbe,  %  rftes  to  withhi  2  inehM  of  tfao  top 
6f  the  side  of  tHe  eylfndrftal  ehamber,  and 
there  is 'an  Opening  between  ft  and  the  hot- 
torn  of  the-  ^aMlter.'  The  diameter  of 
the  openMg  ahd  ^  dNunilter  of  the  tnbe 
shoold  h6  equal.  G  O,  aito  l^gs  projeoting 
Ihrtn  the  bottom  of  it,  to  Monro  it  to  the 
stssid  ifa  the  tank. 

Pig.  3 ;  I K,'  ie  nnother  eylindrieal  roteel, 
ealled  the  Afloat,"  and  made  to  it  eftsily 
between  the  walls'  of  the  float  ehamber,  flg. 
2.  Boik^'etiH  of^the  '^t^V'  are  olosed. 
watef^t^hl  by  Hugs  of  tfai  soldered  on  thein.| 
'  The-^oat  carries  a  erMs  Weight  iron  ioldered; 
to  the  top  of  iC,>'onebf  the^arttiscMf  wh1eh^!l(,T 
pr^eots  4  iiiohee'^  b#f <Nid4  fhi  "mdft.y  The- 
arms,  N  and  6,  pirajeet  2  inches  ettcli.  •  •   i 

Fig.  4;  P  lt,'iH  the  T4ke  oylinder'Mideof 
tin,  Ad  diaMiOter  of  whitoh  M  eqvftl  to  the 


Eig.3. 


diameter  oC  the  opiming  of  the  Talvo  seal  in 
the  bottom  of  the  tank* 


Flg^  5  is  a  werpendlonliir  itetion  through 

the  eentra  of  the  maehine,  the  diiftrent 

paiti  being  shown  in  their  i^per  plaeee  in 

the  tank.    The  Talve  R  (flg.  4)  is  plaoed  on 

iu  searin  the  bottom  of  the  Unk,  the  guide. 

rod,  V,  paasing' through  in  a  transvorse 

bar  seoured  a  foir  inches^  below'  the  Tahre 

seat    The  float  ohanrbod^  ig*'2f  Is  phMed 

on  its  pMpor  stand  in  the  taak-(not  given  in 

tiwengnnrfna)^  so  as  thit.the  top  of  the 

ohauber  shalTbe  a  fbw^  iinehoa  below,  the 

edgos  U  tho  tanlbThoi  float,  flg.  «,  is 

pla^^sd'wiihin  tho"fl6arsehiUvbefV^  so  aa  to 

alM  thO'top..gnMd.iU,  V,  oTfig.  4,  t»  pass 

<lbi«bgh!the'bpefa]afg,;f  ,><ii  the*  evoss  haia, 

fAg3(3.t"Mid'^4U>loi,iOnnd  N,' t^  pass 

loifertrguldo  Mt%  4Kftattbed<t«  the  sidea  of 

•  ttfe9ib%|rcteMei;)tfltrd;a«':H!H/«Dd  tile 

•ho^Sf^y  |lg.-9^qiViP«bsa|^r)4db<ii%iarm'  of  the 

oross  birs, '  liditiijls  ^irodg^ '  it:  the '  spindle, 

A  B,  flg.  2,  of  the  triffgerbimlTe'that  siu  on 

tho  top  of  the  side  tube.  A,  E,  F.  . 

X  T  M  a  lever  bent  atrigbt  angles,  whose 
fulcrum  is  at  Y,  and  wbieh  vibrates  between 
*t^ stnds,  1  iand 2, flg.S $  its npright.arm, is 
!  wtjghtci^  with  a  battJo^metal,*  and  from  t^s 
arm  is  carried  a  wire  rod  eonneoted  with 
and  operating^  on  tho  jatohet-#heel  of  the 
rOgUtor,.Z.''  From  the  bottom  of  the  float- 
ehamber  projects  a  biasa  tnbo  2  inehaalong, 
and  }  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  An  India-rub- 
ber tube  is  fastened  at  one  of  its  ends  to  this 
small  bnisB  tube^aifl  t^e  other  end  of  the 
India^Tubl^  tube  ^s  Isstened^to  a  similar 
fshort 'brass  to^  that  pieroes  a  cork-float 
iThe  cork  is  secured'  by  ^a.  light  brass  chain 
to  the  end  6f  ihe'tank','  io  as"  to  prereot  its 
"bethgOirHed* forward  by  the  rush  of  the 
water  to«rai«de  iho  disehsifge«.p^  when  the 
tank  is  being  empliod. 


Digiti 


zed  by  Google  — 


8S6      BBKTOll'8 


«f  KUtOm  WkriMM*%  XBQH  88BMT  VBOM  THE  OBX. 


Th« Mdbw  tipenHNN  k  thiu!— When  the 
wftter  flowi  into  the  tahk  from  the  ittpply- 
pipe,  u  it  fills  the  tenfc  the  eork  floats,  our- 
ryiBg  the  top  of  the  hreu  pipe  eboTO  the 
fiirfece  of  the  water.  The  tank  otflitiiivee 
to  fill  Qlitil  it  reeehes  nelffly  two  inches 
above  the  trig:ger-YsWe,  and  commences 
flowing  over  the  lip  of  an  indenture  cut  out 
of  the  inside  wall  of  the  float«1iamber» 
O,  fig.  2.  As  the  water  flows  over  the  lip 
into  the  float-chamberi  the  float  gradually 
rises  by  its  bnoyancy  until  the  cross  bar,  M, 
comes  in  contact  with  a  button  screwed  to 
the  top  of  the  spindle  of  the  trigger-valve. 
As  the  float  still  continues  to  rise  graduallyi 
the  trigger-valve  is  lifted  f^oni  its  seat,  when 
there  is  a  Mudden  influx  of  water,  through  the 
tube  and  into  the  float-chamber,  causing  the 
float  to  rise  with  a  jerk,  and  the  croas-bftr 
hits  the  button  screwed  to  the  top  of  the 
guide- rod  of  the  cylindrical  valve,  lifting  it 
suddenly  from  its  seat,  and  allowing  the 
tank  to  discharge  its  contents.  The  cross- 
arm  at  N,  (fig.  3),  at  the  same  time  lifts  up 
the  lever  by  means  of  a  chain,  one  end  of 
whidi  is  filstened  to  the  ovoss-artn,  and  the 
other  end  lo  the  levee  The  upright  arm  of 
the  lever  is  thrown  from  stud  1  to  stud  2, 
the  discharge  is  registered,  and  the  long 
arm  lifti  up  and  deneets  the  India-rubber 
tube  (not  shown  in  the  engraving),  and  pre- 
vents the  influx  of  water  from  the  supply- 
pipe.  Now,  if  the  water  admitted  through 
the  trigger-valve  Wete  te  remain  in  the 
float-chamber,  the  diseharge»valTe  would 
remain  suspended  over  iti  seat  But  this 
oaHnot  be,  for  the  oork-float  now  lies  at  the 
bottom  of  the  empty  tluk,  and  the  water  is 
gradually  discbirged  through  the  India- 
mober  tube,  allowing  the  dlsdiarge. valve  to 
deseed.  doiMlesely  to  iti  seat,  when>  in  to 
doing,  the  eross-arm,  N,  pulls  down  with  it 
the  arm  of  the  lever,  vn-deflecting  the  In- 
dia-rubber tube  of  the  supply-nipef  and  the 
tank  oommeneea  being  agam  flUed. 

I  naif  mefation  in  oonolusion  that  Ac 
discharge. talve  seat  is  made  of  crown 
fkas^more  lasting  than  taetal,  and  twftlity. 
five  times  cheaper. 

Hoping  the  desoription  of  this  very  inge* 
nbns  ilinchftne  nsay  be  interesting  to  yodr 
niecheiiiesi  readers, 

I  am(  Bir,  y«ars(  &»»  . 

Tbokas  IiMTOAh. 
'ffilSMlewn*Vonset  OMlBtowai 
XalcbM,  MM. 

KENTON'8  METHOD  OP  MAKING 

MALLEABLE  IRON  DIRECT 

FROM  THE  ORE. 

To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanics' Mag aztne. 

Sir,— -A  few  rsmsrka  iipon  the  paper  on 

this  svbjeoti  esfraetod  in  your  pages  174h 

iust  from  an  AmeriMs  wocl^  vaf  ^ftve 


8ot  unMce^taUe.     The  writsr  appetfi  to 

be  but  little  informed  as  to  whftt  has  aotnally 
been  done  in  England  in  the  matter.  As 
early  as  1794  my  late  father  eommenoed  his 
experimenta  on  the  direot  manofiuitare  ok 
malleable  iron^  leading  the  wdy  ta  all  who 
have  followed;  he  was  more  or  )ess  en- 
gaged in  prosecuting  such  experiments  to 
the  date  of  his  decease,  in  1847.  He  pub- 
lished many  accounts  of  them,  read  papers, 
and  exhibited  specimens  of  producei  at  the 
meetings  of  the  Britidi  Associatioil ;  and 
the  patent  of  Clay,  to  which  the  above  Aine- 
rican  writer  alludes,  was  a  very  imperfeOt 
adoption  of  some  of  hisprooeeses,  and  |)roved 
entirely  abortive  in  pricttce.  By-the-b^e, 
one  of  the  localities  of  its  failure,  #U  at 
works  erected  by  the  late  Sir  Thoitiaa  Leth- 
bridge,  at  the  foot  of  the  Brenden  Hills, 
especially  to  operate  on  the  dense  hematite, 
much  richer  than  the  Cumberland  orea, 
which  has  lately,  in  so  extraordinary  a 
manner,  been  publicly  announced  as  a  great 
and  novel  geological  discovery.  Soon  after 
1794,  works  on  the  deoxidating  principle 
were  .attempted  aevc  WUtehaven,  fiir  the 
local  kematiteii  sad  there  has  been  no  ne- 
ried)  sioee  my  fiither  first  directed  aitention 
to  this  important  question,  in  which  there  has 
not  been  more  or  less  experimenting  going 
forward  in  some  quarter  of  the  kingdoms. 
My  lamented  «nd  esteemed  friend,  Mr. 
Heath,— ;whose  fate,  aa  a  victim  to  the  ambi- 
guities of  patent-law  interpretation,  ought  to 
be  recorded  in  sable  letters  over  the  doors 
of  every  court  of  law  and  equity  whioh 
pli^ed  shuttlfwock  with  his  rights  for  eleven 
years,  until  death  passed  a  sentence  irrever- 
sible, before  the  admirable  detision  of  the 
boort  of  Error  on  appeal  was  givenj — had 
a  patent  connected  with  si|oh  manuiaoture 
prior  to  Clay,  and  another  in  1850.  9ir 
Franeis  Knowles,  Bart,  had  a  patent  in  the 
ssme  year  foe  gaseous  deoxidationi  and,  so 
far  from  any  recent  requisition  of  the  ph/- 
sieisjM  havinf[  led  to  the  use  of  the  reducing 
#nd  caiboniimg  powers  of  gases,  it  is  more 
than  twenty  years  since,  that  Mr.  Macintodi» 
of  world^n^  celebrity  in  all  the  elementa, 
secured  a  patent  for  the  conversion  of  steel 
bv  carbnretted  hydrogen  gas,  which,  as  a 
chemical  process,  was  perfectly  sueeessful, 
but  failed  of  praetieal  extension  from  the 
difficulty  of  maintaining  the  gaa-chambera 
tight  under  the  high  temperature  required. 
Durfaig  the  last  ten  yesrsi  am  cognisant  of 
persevering  attembu  made  in  Lancashire  to 
realise  a  process  iimilar  to  Reoton's ;  but 
the  difficulties  which  my  father  indicated  at 
the  outfet,  no  one  has  yet  been  able  to  con- 
quer so  as  to  establish  a  manufacture.  There 
is  no  peculiar  novelty  in  Renton's  process, 
as  described.  If  the  workman,  by  dexteroua 
maaipulaliQ^  can  Wag  forward  theiMted 
ore  mixed  with  charood,  «Bd  ball  It  is  Iho 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SHMOFZOATIOiNB  OV  S^HRVS  BBOBMTLT  IlUBDb 


tar 


Mlddliii9:hMttii  witbout  ft  ^kibitoi^  loii 
by  oxidaiian,  they^ill  e^tMtwhat  pradtioe 
in  skilled  labonr  can  aicemplitli  against  dif- 
fienlty;  and  aa  in  tnoh  pffotcates  tkiUed 
labeor  ia  everything  (witaen  the  now  nnt- 
varaal  puddling  nrooeia  of  GoK,  for  inttanoe), 
there  ean  be  no  doubt  tlanton  hae  done  mueh 
tovardi  nltimalle  mantelaotore  if  he  haa  fairiy 
eatabliihed  a  good  school.  But  it  stHKes 
me  not  mueh  haa  yet  been  aetiully  attalfled. 
Only  two  fttinaeei  appear  to  be  in  bpemtion. 
Bat  the  additional  profit,  a  ftatad  at  the 
Soeiefgr  of  Aita,  ovet  the  ordinary  nkaanfao- 
ture,  waa  26  ptt  eent  NoWi  aa  aneh  air- 
liunaees  do  not  take  a  gx^at  capital  to  erect, 
perhaps  not  mueh  above  KljOOO  pet  doien, 
it  doee  seem  strange  that  a  oonpany  ef  otor 
<*eute  eouaiika"  should  be  satisfied  to  edn- 
fine  a  S5  per  oent.  extra  profit  to  the  pro- 
dnee  of  taw  fomaees  enijf, 

I  ami  Sir,  yours,  &e^ 

Davi»  MeiBBT* 
M0ehS7,18ff. 


HBW  AMERieAN  POLYCHRO- 

MAtlC  PRESS. 
To  th$  ESUor  qf  ihe  Mecjumic$*  Magazine. 

8ift,-rA  friend  of  mine,  Mr.  S.  Brown, 
of  Syracuse,  New  York,  United  States,  hss 
invented  a  printittg*press  of  nov?l  and  ad- 
mirable oonstnictioo.  It  is  capable  of  work- 
ing off  five  hundred  impressions  per  hour, 
in  four  eoloure»  and  one  thousand  impnsi- 
sions  per  hour  on  book  work  and  plain  job- 
bing. When  {Hrinting  in  oolours,  its  supe- 
riority over  every  other  press  consists  in  the 
f^t  that  ail  the  colours  are  worked  at  one 
impresaioa ;  and  it  can  be  so  arranged  as  to 
print  shaded  letters.  Or  a  border  can  be 
worked  all  round  a  job  in  one  colour,  at  the 
aame  time  thai  tha  body  of  the  form  is  of 
di^emA  colours.  This  is  a  desideratum  in 
printing,  and  mi  immense  aavantage  over 
the  present  plan  of  printing  each  colour  at 
a  aeparate  impressioB.  The  iuv^tor  also 
thinks  4hat  the  priaeipie  can  be  applied  to 
•alieo  priotmg;  and  if  so.  of  course  the.  in- 
vention would  be  invaluable  in  England,  as 
it  would  save  engraving,  and  the  same  ma- 
teriab  could  be  need  on  diflhrent  patterns  of 
geods^  on  the  ^an  of  a  oombinatioa  border. 
I  have  seen  a  model  of  this  novel  nreas,  and 
am  satiafled  its  introduction  will  be  a  great 
boon  to  the  disciples  of  the  ^rpograpfiio  ait. 
I  find  that^  sisoe  I  left  Am^ipai  h«  has 
completed  a  press  ff  flteditnn  sis^  imd  hM 
foond  it  to  answer  fvUy  hi^^xpectatMn^  It 
has  been  noticed  fkvonrftbly  by  aev«E«l  Ame- 
rican jovrwals,  and  oome  finglisht  but i  do 
wot  know  that  theiiiveiitiMi  has  beeniiMitioed 
in  your  Magatfkie.  If  yM  ah«fHld«4h«nk  the 
inhllK  w«Mi  A  AAtiM,  te«  witt  prnfai^B 


aasonnce  the  discovery,  to  your  retdtal  I 
enclose  a  notice  clipped  firom  the  WuUl^mt 
a  weekly  Syracuse  pnper. 

The  inventor  wishes  to  negotlkte  wilfa 
sotne  English  capitalist  who  would  bd  Wil- 
ling to  buy  oMAaff  the  right,  and  take  ont 
patents  in  England  and  France  for  the 
purpose  of  manufacturing  them. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  ftc., 

J.G. 

aiarck  39,  IWf .  ^. 

AN  iMPROVED  LOCK. 

To  Me  JSJiler  rf  Ike  UtchanUie  MagaOHe. 

SiR,~Notwith8tanding  the  vadhtingil  'of 
sundry  j^erftons,  that  grand  desidtfrittum, 
Both  for  domestic  and  oommerela]  seedHty, 
ft  perfect  lock,  still  remains,  iit  mv  judg- 
ipent,  nbaccomplikhed.  Many,  it  is  trtie, 
h&ve  been  offered  to  the  public,  with  high 
recommendations  from  their  invetitors,  and 
tnneh  blasting ;  but,  on  being  submitted  to 
the  teAt  of  a  iki\M  picklock,  all  havfe  tndfe 
ot  less  vielded,  and  haVe  faited  to  gaih  pub. 
\\t  eonod'enee.  Under  these  circuin stances  It 
will,  perhapr,  bb  deemed  presumptuous  in 
one  not  by  profession  either  a  locksmith  or  a 
iock-ptck^,  to  offbr  another  16ck  fbr  trial, 
irhKh  uhites  the  great  advantages  of  sihi. 
plicitv  and  cheapness,  and  tb  challenge  aHv 
persons  interested  in  such  matters  to  pick 
ft  This,  however,  T  fearlessly  do ;  the  trial 
to  list  for  two  consecutive  hours,  in  my 
pr^ebce  and  that  of  respectftble  witnesses 
willing  to  certify  the  success,  or— &s  I  con- 
fidtently  hope — ^Jallure  of  thb  attempt ;  sti- 
ptitating  thiit  the  lock  prepared  for  t)ie 
purpose — ^a  small  four-inch  one — shall  be 
left  uninjured,  So  that  the  key  shall  still 
pass  Jn  without  iinpediment.  The  ihv^ntion 
Deilig  still  ttnregistered',  I  ani  preVented  Ibr 
the  Ipresent  from  giving  sny  mmtttc  descrip- 
tion,  but  may  add  th&t  the  lock  inay  be  ifaade 
of  any  size  or  shape,  and  without  steel  or 
springs — ^two  great  advantages,  because  it  is 
thereby  fteed  ftom  liability  to  damage  by 
Corrosion; 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  ftc, 

SAMtJEL  Lava, 
Watchmaker,  Patney. 

March  It,  16S5. 

■  '  '♦  • 

SFEeiFlfcATlONS   l)Xi?AtEBrt? 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Forbes,  Charles  Wentworth,  of  Baoi- 
l«y,  HAnfeOv  gcRtlemsB.  4n^.imftoved  rest 
ftr  Jlre^^mo. ,  j?4tettt  datad  September  12, 
IS^.    (No.  19$^.)  , 

C^a»Mif.^-l.  The  SBBployiMni  as  a  test  for 
fir«-arms  of  a  line,  cord,  or  strap,  h«ld  in  a 
state  of  tendon  by  the  force  of  upward 
pressure  applied  to  the  firt'i^imi*  -8.  The 
cttipltyBMiit  df  «  tpring,  or  salf.windiag 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


328 


ttpmcmcAnoixw  OP  pjncans<  sMnnr  num. 


'neif  fir  ^oontaintft);  %•  iiat,  emi,  ov <  ilMy^ , 
to  ]to  edkpkrf ed  «s  a  T«i(t  Ibr  fir^-tnns.  *    « 

Stahsburt,  Cbajilbs  FimDEiicK,;  of 
Cornhill,  London.  *  Imfrooed  maehv^erjf  for  \ 
"iMkidg  'Mrfi9#.    (A-  oommuiikation.)  .  P»-  • 
^ent  dated  September  14>,  IB54.  (Nor  1996.) 
'  The  inrentor  deacHbea   a   macMoe  in  • 
which  a  moTable  head    turns  the  blank, 
OQtt   the  thread,  and  aevers  the  finished 
lerew^from  the  rod.    The  bed  slides  back- 
ward and  forward  on  Uie  lathe  fipame,  being 
advaneed  towards  tlie' feed-end  of  the  ma- 
chine by  means  of  palls -and  of  a  ratchet 
worked  by  a  lever  nnder  eontTol  of  the 
workman. 

Stansbujlt,  Charles  Frboerick,  of 
Cornhill,  London.  Machhury  fir  makhig 
loek'tpriHgt.  (A.  communication.)  Patent 
dated  September  14,  1854.    (No.  1997.) 

Gaimt.-^'L  A  niethod  of  dividing  lock- 
strings  in^o  strips  or  fingers,  and  particu- 
.  larly  of  giving  regularity  to  the  division,  by 
means  of  an  arm  and  a  pin  moving  over  an 
a^iustable.  graduated  plate.  2.  A  method 
of  flattening  and  compressing  the  divided 
spring,  by  means  of  vertical  and  Isleral 
percussion. 

Stamsbubt,  Charlbs  Prbdbrick,  of 
Cornhill,  London.  Jmprootwtemts  in  ftmdkt* 
and  dies.  (A  communication.)  Patent, 
dated  September  14,1854.  (No.  1998.) 

The  inventor  forms  of.  rods  of  steel 
punchef^  ,whieh',are/haird|ened,,  tempered, 
and  fltted;  into  atocka,  or  holders  of  steel 
or  .^  other.^  n^^.^^l  ^^^  •  paQcbes ..  being  held 
in  't^ir j>l%pM  •- by  binding-RCJcew*  ^K  <^^^- 1 
wise.  These  stocks  ^or  holdei;^  .aie )  then  ^ 
fixed  to  a  solid  block  or  bed-'piece 'of. metal. 

WiLtoH,  Alfred,  and  GEORaB  Wilsoh, 
of  Nottingham,  hosiery  manufacturers.  lu- 
frooewitnU  in  kniuing  macMnery.  Patent 
dated  Septomber  14, 1864.    (No.  1999.) 

This  invention  relates  to  rotary  knitting 
or  stretehing  ficamea. 

CUUnu  -7  Combining  the  wheel  need  for 
Binking  the, threads  between  the  needles,  and 
the  wheel  for  pressing  the  beards  of  the 
needles,  with  apparatus  for  causing  them  to 
work,  to.,  and  fro  on  tlie  nee'dles  of  a  certain 
needle-bar ;  and^'oombined  therewith  the  ap. 
plication  of  a  narrowing  apppmatua.  /    ,  .*. 

Adams,  Robert,  of  King  William-street,  \ 
Xiondon.  .  ImmoemenU  in,  Moektnery  for 
hSr^  and  rifing  the  horreU,  <f  Jhrt^armt. 
Parent  dated '  SiSptember  l4,  1854.     (No. 

aodo.).'  ••     •.•.■'■."••...■•••. 

For  the  purpose  of  boring  barrels,' a  iefr-' 
•otlaff  lathe  is  uaedl,  having  ajlplied  thei^' 
a  hollow  boring  tooVarianged  in  such' man-; 
ner,  liiat,  by  means  of  a  snaanibree  pump' 
(put  in  motion  by  the  lathe  or  by  a  head 
of  watMr  above  tite  maehine),  water  is 
caused  to  How  throttgh  tlie  Wring  tool  or 
entter,  \fj  wbioh  means  the  boriog  of  a 


barr0l''Sai«nndkitdteoiitimioas,*  thv  mfting 
tool  •  not  vei|Qiti]ig  -to  k%  dmwB  back  irom 
time  to  :tiBae^[  aes^faeretoftne,  the  flow  of 
water  lemotftogt  tlfo  "euttinge  aa  tliey  aie 
-pr0dttoed^fh>mttlieijbanet.^The.baml  is 
rifled: by. aie!f^ttbg«iiiM9i|ne .which  ttopa 
ilself,'^  its-  eutter '  eelEiiig'' to .  act  aa  aoosi  as 
the-rMfived  fOtmtA bf  evt 'haabeen aooooB- 
plishecL''  ■    J     .'  "  I*  ?  lo  -  «  •  - 

HatEB,  William  Bramwmll,  of  ICm- 
cheMer,  Laneastor/  insnn£Botiii«r.>  Certnin 
hnprmfmrnmit  in  .loenu  fir  wio&tng.  Patent 
dated  September  14,  IfiMu  .(No.  2001.) 

Thia  ittventioB  oonaialB,  Jlrj%;'  ta  the  ar- 
rangeoMnt  of,  and  in  the  method  of  wotking 
a  aeriea  of  movable  shntUe  boze%  wheve^ 
the  inventor  ia  enabled  to  employ  a  nwmbor 
of  shntlies  sneeeeding  eaeh  omr  in  a  pre- 
ecribedr  order,  wmi  petfonning  their  opera- 
tiona  at  stated  inte^valawiihovtiBtomiptfoo 
to  the  action  of  the'iQ<|ai,'  fo  that  by  ehaig- 
ing'noh  .shuttles  with  .weft  of  diilhrent 
kinds  or  colours  a  pattern  majrtbeyrodnoed 
in  the  fabrio.  thjuiafftf.  in  a  method  of  sud- 
denly aneating  the  advance  of  the  sley  and 
8topniBg.t|re:ioo|n  i«^tlM[«rear«f  the  shnt. 
tie  failing  to  €omp{ete|il^tmnsit  through 
the  shed  in .  due]  tjoM,  and  "^  in .  a  eombi. 
nation  of  meehabieal**  parte  for  that  pur- 
pose, ooBstituting  a  "  atop  rod  "  «c  **  pro- 
tector." Third^i,  is  4  paduliar  form  md 
eonstxnctlon  of' a  "  break  ^'  to  be  applied 
to  the  fly-wheel  for  the  purpose  of  mitl. 
gating  ttie  shoelc  eonseqnent  upon  the  and- 
den  stoppage  of  the  maohine,  by  the  action 
of  the  stpp  'vod  or  otfaeiwiee. 

PuRDoir,'  TtfottABirof-Hvll,  ironmonger. 
Imprv^en^hiii^  in  onfiiffUmipo,  i.f  Patent  dated 
Sej^niber  14, 1854^'  (No^SOOS.) 

•Tliis  i«v«hti6n>oOiSBiMa<'in:tb^  nee  in 
8afety-laAi)>S;of  glioses, tp^ote^ted  on  one  er 
both  sides  by  a'elAet>«r; sheets  of  talc ;  in 
the  use  of  a  refleotor  in  oombination  with  a 
donble-gauge  diaphragm,  encloeing  only  a 
small  portion  of  the  lanaip  in  plaeo  of  en- 
tirely surrounding  the  flame ;  flte. 

Rawlihsoii,  Robbrt,  of  Westminater, 
civil  engineer.  ImprmteamiU  in  eafoes  er 
MgMktaid&  thonm^ant.  Patent  dated  Sep. 
tomber.u;  1854;-^  (^^^2004.)  V  -  . 
'  '  The*  ixrvehtof- employs  a  ball;  buoyant  in 
water,  arrang^  •inside  a  pipe  or  valvo-chest 
■  in  such  a  peeiiion  and  manper'that  when  it 
is  expoeed  to  pressure  ftom  below  it  riees 
and  preasea  with  ita  upper  side  against  a 
valve  eeating  above.*  •  ^ 

BVamb,  Oborob  Vrbdbrick,  of  Han- 

'oveir-lodge,    Kew-bridge,   Middleeex,   gaa 

'  engiMri^  and  FRBBonitcK  Jonn  Btahb,  of 

-  the'<  Gas-works,  <  Horse-fevry-voad,  in    the 

sameeoonty,  gaa  engineer*    /ayreiwii  4^ 

jMroins  to' be  need  in'thediMtntien^fomt 

mnd  etfler  Wfanfcisaf  W  rssinont  enhttmtu. 

PatMitdatodSept.l4,16M.    (No.  9005^) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


sractncATiOHS  ov  vximrs  bioehtlt  nucv. 


829 


This  inrention  eoniigts  ttt  -  eostnii^  the  - 
retorts  internally  with  aft  enamel  or  glaze, . 
which  will  prevent  the  gas  from  escaping 
through  tlie  pores  of  the  retort,  and  will . 
also,  hy  presenting  a  smooth'  surfaccf,  prfe-  ^ 
Tent  the  onhoft  from  adhering  and  forming 
aerast.      "      '  ''  "   "    •••> 

PCRKms,    JOBW   IflLLIAV,    Of    Poplsf-  | 

terrace,    Hlgfi-street,    Poplar,  -  Middlesex, 
analytiea)  OTOmist.    ImpnitemetiU  in  jmnj]^-  | 
.  img  gm,  SAe  reHdmm  arhmf  Jr&m  tohi^  > 
finM  a  neur'arMciai  fiumure.    Patent  dat<ld  • 
September  15,1854^    (Nob  2007.)  '    { 

The  inveniora^propoae  to  e£feet  the  puri- 
fleation  o^  (jarbu^ett^d ,  hydrogen  gas,  from 
coal,  by  fte  more  perfect  absorption  of  the  j 
nitrogenQm  and  p^her  ffliseous  compowids,  j 
whOst  in  anasceht'  sta^  whereby  vtA' km- 
moniaeal'gasesformbd'^areat  onee  absorb'^ 
bv  aeid  and'  mMHe  phoiitihates  of  litee, 
plaeed  iirihe  ptrr|fiers  for  tnat  pttarjyose,  tte 
said  phofeiArates"beii]g  coniertedf  Into  neu- 
tral pho^hates  tf  Time,  phosphate  of  am. , 
monia,  and  sdlphiite  of  i(niin6nia,pr  muriate 
of  amiaibttia,  as  the  6aMe  niay  be,  flras  pro. 
dttcing  siiiWrtifieial  mannre,  SceJ  ' 

BAmcLAr,  Andrew, -ofKibnarriook,  Ayr, 
0flgttieer*  Intprovctt^His  tn  T^rttnit^  Mui 
f^/MHnii  i€k$copes.  Patent  dated,  Septem- 
ber  15,  1854.    (iTo.  2008.) 

This  invendon  eonsiets  In  using  in  re- 
fracting telescopes  an  intenriediate  lens-  or 
combination  of  lenses,  itfUertfed  between' the 
object  leas  or  lenses  and  thosie'conktituting 
the  eye-pieee ,  (cpnipr^endihgr  *  under  the 
terra  '^*ye-p!ece**  any  lentei'.for  merely; 
reittveitti)^  Uie  imj^ej'^oi'for  bringii^**iti 
into  an  erect  position  for  being  Tiewed^^yj 
theactaal  or  ultimatc'^ye  lens,  as  Uie^-ln' 
ordinary  telescopes);  in  a  mode  of  ooh- 
stmothigrefraetingand^t<Mleetifi|f(»l6ktf0^t, 
wherein  a  lens'  dr*  e<Miifeitt)iti6n  of  ^Miltoi  .is 
pted^idi  or  neatly  ftf)  tMr  forsf'foteifts  of  the 
tMetfMtte,  for  the  purpose  df  rtftriV^ftiflg  fhei 
1mi^''sneh'  l^r  or  iMs^MT  baiiig' uMd  ia 
'  VftnJkbilRitite  wMl^  otheiV'^wtii^h  eonyeigei 
th^riMl  hiyi-to  a  s^Nieiid  image  fot^M;. 
and  in  the  use  in  reflecting  tel^ope's-of  Ui 
olMt  leiMi  Of  Ms^s^i  ^ttwi  in>  fr^t  of  thai 
pniftflrfiolrftrs«r^fl«edi»g  mirror.  ! 

<CbBLftri',<6iMVEL;«f  %tAiii<igh«n,  War- 
wiefe,  brisa- Madder.  •  dt  'Mtp  &r  hipmfed 
mMotfiffiaiMmre.  VnntxHt  date*  Septtmi- 
ber  ll('9tal;'':(K6. '2^09).    - 

'thin  iiirfMitlW  eoniittb  in  pUoilig  a  plate 
tttMl  ffttf'axiiiyf  tbe'eastor  between  the  horn 
attd  the  bottduif  the  boni  being  mibde  to  bear 
agstesttlie  edge  «fiiie  platen  aiid  both  horn 
aikd  pkte'hendng  mbtioti  upon  the  axis  of  Uie 
ea«tor. 

AaawovTH,  /obn,  of  Briatol,  managet 

of  Ofeat  Weatem  Oottoa  Works.     OtrUun 

iaiprostfSMW/s  <is  dkahig  mtd  4i^fmdiig  i$x* 

ta$  mattti&h  w.fiatUt.     Patent  dated  Sep- 

*  tembtr  18, 18Mw    (No.2018i) 


The  in^Mitor  eniployB  a  mixture  eooi- 
posed  of  34  lbs.  of  glue,  glue  substitute,  (or 
other  gelatinous  matter),  60  lbs.   of  soap, 
'  2(^Ibs.  of  salt  or  saltpetre^  5lba.  of  ising- 
'glAs, and  20 lbs.  of oidinai^  wheat*starolk 
'  Thompson,  Natb  AN  j  jtm;,  of  New  York, 
United  States  of  Aunniea.   /aq^nperawn/s  ni 
Ufe-^pftftening   iMtfu.    (  Patent  dated  Sep- 
tember Y8,  1854. '  i(No.  a0l3.>  t 

The  inventor  coastnieta  a.  aqit  inrsnsh 
Ddtf^ney,  that  when'  itirlaid:>u^B<ita  side, 
:Aid  the  body >of  afcrsom  irpke^lsedt  against 
.^lain^  water. tigkrxeoiBpOTtiikeiits^'lQrnMd 
ib  eonivsetioB  wtth' it^'tfa«y.Vms^  vopOB  out 
and^  perm^  the  .hod^  t»  ^ais  ibBMieen'  thtfm, 
and  then  re-assume  their  former  poiitlssis 
-by  the  betion  'of  sprinss.  ( . .  n  /  • ' :        r 

CBAtfiWEfe,  Sahwbl^  of 'Bsadferdi  Yioijr, 
mMi^fei^  ImpMokmmUM  U.wmMiteryfir 
eoMfttag'  iMej;  k^y  mul'vUi^'Jhram  mtb- 
ttamtm.  <  PMent  dIMlrSeptember  IS,  1854. 

tNOi20«r.)':         ••     J    ^     ,     .»  ^,r^   :. 

Thir  ik^tntioB  eoasislB'hif insfscting'to 
the^  rotating    taking- oonjbs    of    cosabing 
iiiachinery  .an*'  fndei>en!deBt.iaifial  xHotion 
'  «for  •thovpurbose  of  tnuiafeniqg'  4be,  ^res 
■to<tlie»iroulsreei9bj>'M  u>  v^mv.:!. 
^   DAi^Ks,  .^/(^'vttA^*  SitNRVi  .i*f  n  Hsuids- 
'tiK>nM,  Stfflbrd^  ifonmastir.  .Jn   Mmrose- 
ment  in   the  manufaetu^e^Uiifi  cni*.      PutBUt 
daitediSeptiRBferer  t9,iiS$^  I  ^o.  2018;) 
-  <7lsf|i>-UTHe'i  cembMation   of  .the   pto- 
ee4s^  vf - tqueesing faikd'haasBisring in  the 
manufacture  of  blooms  or  slabs. oflhron. 
^  '^vNRiNOVAV/   Jonr,    of  Beitfe,-  Ayr, 
IOMtipbrfor«ttf]^   'Impnvemtutt:  in  1^  pfig- 
pOPOitm  er  fmdnciim   rf  prinimgi'tmfaaet. 
PMmiit  dated  Soptembbr  19,  1654.     (No. 
*)210  T 

The  inventor  describea'Oertelki  iniprove- 
aieyits  upon  Graham's  patsnt/.daM'webru- 
aiy  f>  1854,  and  upon  his  own,  dated  August 
5,'14M^.  ,.^i  r-     . 

PoBTSR,  JoMYB^  of  Sal^Nrd-  SOfOW  Bolt 
'WVkrkv/  near  Msnehesfer,  7.  lisneadtatw. .  en- 
ginwx  ^d  teoWnuker.  ImpirwrnmU  la 
matklitery foit euttingj  pitncMm^^ fiff\gmttmul 
/onmingnnt*,  bolis,  idmu^^ai^  vmi^jUHmr 
MftM$9  in  metmi.  Patent  .'.dated niltol^tem- 
ber  19,  1854.    (N«.  262&).;.  ^^  . 

Ib  forming  nUts,  for  ^iBMBple,  by  his 
improved  maohiaeryy  thefjn? eator  takaa  a 
bar  of  metali  and  having  placed  it  in  the 
nuudiine,  certain  -attdes.  or  xsacUI»  canying 
iuitable  dies^  elooe  upoa  it(:  and  «al  oiT 
enough  of  it  to  make  a  Bu^^  ihniuiig  the 
sides  in  the  operatitor  the.  dSmk then  xetlre, 
leaving  the  pastiy^^foniied  But  .dier.  anather 
M  of  the:  aise  and  shape  i#|uirflll,<  iBto 
which  it  is  compressed  by  ^a'.dtioeiid|ng 
ram,  that  has  fixed  ill  it  ftipoocha:  which 
gives  shape:  to  th*  BffBff  aide,'*nd  pierpes 
.theh<de.  . 

Kbbsbaw,  JAiiM,wOC«B«qir„  LaoiMler, 
overlooiBfr*-    MmginKimMn  '■  ^    km*  /or 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


330 


COMPLETE  SFECmOATXOlfS  FlLBO  WITH  iJ?PU0ATI0N8. 


«f«mV.  Pfttent  dii««d  September  19,  1854. 
(No.  2023.) 

CUdwu^'l,  Communioating  motion  to  the 
picking-sticks  of  looms  by  the  vibr^pn  of 
shafts  situate  cvosawisa  in  the  loom,  sucb 
^afts  being  aetnated  by  cams  uppa  the 
tappet  or  other  seeond-motion  shaft.  2. 
The  application  of  screws  and  nuts  for 
shortening  or  lengthening  the  connections 
with  the  pMsking-stioks. 

TTLoftyALrRBD,  of  Warwiok-lane,  Kew- 
gate-atreek,  Iiondon,  and  Hehbt  Qbo&ge 
Frasi,  of  Herbert-street,  New  North-roed, 
'Middlesex*  Jnqtrovmemii  in  Umi^r-dtfteit, 
Patent  dated  September  20,  18i>i.  (No. 
2024.) 

This  iDTcntion  consists  in  certain  im- 
provementa  in  the  constmction  of  Talres,  in 
oonnection  with  a  closed  vessel  for  regulat- 
ing the  supply  of  water  to  wateff-cloeets,  ao 
as  to  prevent  waste ;  and  in  having  th«  trap 
and  container  of  one  piece  of  earthenware, 
the  pan  or  vidve  working  m  the  trsp  or  con- 
tamer. 

Oee,  William,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, stamper  and  piercer.  A»  improvement 
er  improvementt  in  the  mmu/acture  rf  braees 
UHdfir  baring,  driving  terews,  and  other  such 
Hke  pnrpotee.  Patent  dated  September  20, 
1654.    (No.  2025.) 

GfeliR.— Making  braces  used  for  boring, 
driving  screws,  and  other  such  like  purposes 
(tad  commonly  called  joiners'  braces)  hol- 
low, an'd  of  sheet  metal. 

BiLCiNO,  Maetiv,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, sutioner,  and  Walter  Georoe 
Whitehead,  of  Birmingbam  aforesaid,  ac- 
countant clerk.  A  new  or  iwtproned  water- 
prorf  paper.  Patent  dated  September  20, 
1854.    (No.  2026.) 

CfetM.*— A  new  or  improved  waterproof 
paper,  made  by  spreading  upon  paper,  or 
mipregnating  paper  with,  marine  glae. 

RoBiilsoii,  James,  of  Hudders6eld,  York, 
manufacturing  ohemist  ImproeemenU  in 
appamtnt  fir  generating  eteam  and  gae,  qnd 
tonemming  emoke.  Patent  dated  September 
20,  1854.    (No.  2027.) 

CiaJn...«(An  apparatus  for  generating 
steam  and  gas,  constructed  and  arranged  so 
that  the  smoke  or  oombustihle  matter  will 
descend  Uirongh  and  from  its  own  fire  and 
fire-bars,  or  through  its  own  fire  and  fire- 
bars and  other  fires  in  suooession,  thus  eata- 
bUshing  a  downward  current  or  draught" 

PiBRRBT,  YiOTOR  Athanase,  of  Paris, 
France,  and  of  Old  Compton«street,  Soho, 
Middlesex.  Imimmfemente  in  watekee  and 
eheke.  Patent  dated  September  20,  1854. 
(Ho.  2029.) 

The  inventor  describes  arrangements  of 
independent  meohnisiBi,  to  be  applied  to 
watches  and  docka,  for  the  purpose  of  in- 
filMtiBg  the  Hionths^the  yea^  the  days  of 
the  mofttby  ud  tiw  dqr*^  the  woik 


BELLVORn,    AUOUSTE  EdODARD  L0RA- 

Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London.  Certain 
improvemenU  in  maebines  for  driliing  stone, 
(Aoommuoieation.)  Patent  dated  Septem- 
ber 20,  1854.    (No.  2032). 

The  patentee  employs  a  dog,  .  trigger, 
chain,  and  a  catch  block,  fitting  Iooft»y  to 
the  drill  or  its  bar,  for  Uving  bold  of,  rais- 
ing, and  releasing  the  drill,  the  chain  being 
^iven  by  cranks  or  otbei;  suitable  means, 
and  the  trigger  beip^  operated  upon  by, 
coming  in  contact  with  ^tures  on  the' 
framing  of  the  machine,  &e. 


COMFLBTE  SPECIFICATIONS  FILED  WITH 
AFFLICATIONS. 

Nbsmitb,  John,  of  Lowell,  Massacliu- 
setts.  United  States  of  America,  manufao- 
turer.  The  mam^acture  qf  wire  netting  and 
wire  fenoe  by  power.  Application  dated 
December  1^  1854.    (No.  26;/.) 

This  invention  consists  in  certain  means 
of  revolving  the  wires  for  the  purpose  of 
keeping  them  parallel  to  ea^h  other,  so  that 
they  may  not  get  entangled  during  the  pro- 
cess of  making  the  netting  or  fencing ;  in 
vibrating  the  wires  alternately  &om  one 
side  to  the  other,  before  or  after,  or  at  the 
time  of  twisting  them ;  &c. 

Day,  William  Charles,  of  the  Strand, 
Middlesex,  camp-equipage  msker.  Im- 
pronemente  in  portable  eamp-bedtteade  and 
bedding.  Application  dated  December  14, 
1854.    (No.  2634.) 

The  improvements  in  bedsteada  relate  to 
the  combination  of  a  folding  bedstead  or 
part  of  it,  with  a  portmanteau  or  other  tra- 
velUi)^.  trunk  or  case,  so  that  the  latter 
.forms  part  of  the  bedstead;  and  the 'im- 
provements in  bedding  consist  in  the  ens- 
ployment  of  sheepskins  for  it 

DovALD,  William,  and  William  Ue. 
oiNBOTHAM,  powoT  -  loom  managers  ^or 
John  Ferguson  and  Co^  of  Carlisle,  Cum- 
berland. Certain  improoeotente  in  loonu. 
Application  dated  December  20,  1864. 
(No.  2683.) 

In  the  improved  looms  the  vibration  of 
the  yam-beam,  which  causes  breakage  in 
the  warp  threads,  is  done  away  with,  by 
meant  of  a  metal  olip  or  firiction-atrmp 
which  it  made  in  two  pieoes,  each  pieoe 
embracing  oneself  of  the  yarn-beam. 

SHIPI.EY,  Samuel  Smith»  of  Stoke  New. 
ittgton,  IdiddleseE.  ImprooewienttinJUti^e 
emtabk/or  dreeeing'oaeee  and  for  other  par" 
potoe  of  elegance  and  utility.  Application 
dated  December  30,  1654.    (No.  2764.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  empVcty- 
ment  of  oertaiii  tubes  and  coven  containing 
a  8baviQg..te'ttsb»  tootlt-brusb,  naiUbnish, 
ahaving  iwip,  teeth.^paate^  te^  5io. 
.  Farmara,  EPAMiNoiiAA,  tf  AlesiMi- 
dria,  PiedmoRi;  How  Of  Alfttd-plaes^  Bed^ 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PRorxmirAL  snacnKumas  hoi  bbogudsd  vns. 


381 


ford-sqoave.  A  v^lfate  pflf,  md  rf  ike  ap~ 
fMeatUm  of  iU  ehehie  Jhdd,  eiihir  to  ike  <fc- 
eoMpoH/foM  qf  water,  or  to  enable  fAe  gaeet  to 
repiaee  the  steam  power  actually  in  use.  Ap- 
plication dated  January  1, 1855.  (Ko.  1.) 

The  new  pile  Is  of  the  iaroe  form  aa  thote 
now  in  use,  the  invention  eonsietlng  only  in 
snbatitnfiDg  for  the  ordinary  poronft  dla- 
phragm  which  separatet  the  two  liquldt  now 
in  ute,  a  paper  treated  with  eontentrated 
nitric  acid. 

Bbllford,  Avgvstb  Edouakd  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Esaex-fftreet,  Londoh.  Improvk- 
meats  im  iaimiHg.  (A  eomniUnicatiofi.>  Ap- 
plication dated  January  12,  1855.  (Ko: 
7».) 

Cfaftw.*-*'  The  nie  of  the  perozya  of  iron 
for  tanning  hidea  arid  slins,  hy  eausirfg  Sf  id 
perolya  to  Ihrni  a  itable  eompoufid  with 
getatine." 

Dbn  BBseH,  Cbablbs  Vaw,  of  Laek^n, 
hy  Brutiels.  TmpHteem^ts  ia  rotatory  steaHH 
emghses,  Applfetition  date^  January  20, 
1855.    (No.  154.) 

An  illustrated  deioription  of  this  intention 
win  probably  be  given  hereafter. 

Lauacroft,  JoHKjOf  Weslfbourne-grore, 
Middlesex,  engraver.  Improvements  M  en^ 
velepes  or  means  for  securing  letters,  notes. 
ami  sintOar  documents.  Application  dtt^ti 
January  26,  1854.    (No.  196.) 

The  inventor  describei  an  envelope  in 
wHeh  the  tongue  or  lappet  is  passed  through 
each  of  the  other  three  folded  portion's,  so 
that  the  envelope  cannot  be  opened  without 
mudlatlon. 

Maybb,  Saiivbl,  of  Bristol,  potter,  and 
William  Bush,  of  the  same  city,  mill- 
vrright  Improvements  in  reducing  jtint  and 
e^ker  substances,  rendering  them  suitable  fbr 
the  mamfacture  rf  porcelain  and  other  earth- 
enware articles.  Application  dated  January 
27,1855.    (No.  208.) 

The  inventora  employ  a  pair  of  fixed 
fluted,  or  corrugated  roller^,  beneath  whicrh 
they  place  a  panr  of  plain  tees,  and  under 
these  a  hopper  to  receive  (he  product  re- 
ddced  hf  (he  action  of  (he  rollers.'  This 
product  18  then  passed  on  to  a  pair  of  grind. 
■tonea  to  be  ground  finer,  and  then  borne 
b^  a  eurrent  of  #ater  to  another  pair,  whence' 
it  passes  into  the  receiver. 

Lbboir,  AtausTB  Leopold,  of  Paris, 
France.  Improhements  in  hreech'loa^^gfire- 
arms,  Anplicatitin  dated  January  fST,  1855: 
(NA.  2 118.) 

€UMr.-^l.  A  spring  hammer  fbr  firing 
the  eiharge  hi  the  inside  of  th^  gun,  (he  said 
hammer  beibg  hooked  or  caught  by  a  detfttit 
svriftg  when  cocked.  2.  The  tiae*  oTa  hinged 
bteeek  Sover  for  cocking  th6'  hamrft*r,  and 
partly  c9vering  the  hind**'' bre^cTi  moufh. 
8.  The  use  in  T^re^ch-loadlAg  fire-arms  of  a 
■jBlem  df  eaitridgea,  the  essential  features 


of  which  are,  a  paper  or  pasteboard  bottom, 
and  A  eentrai  iieedle,  which  fires  the  fblmi. 
nating  matter  between  the  powder  and  die 
projectile. 

SoBLMAN,  William,  of  Bennett-street, 
Fitzroy.square,  gentleman.  An  inventiom 
applicable  to  ihipping  and  miUs,  under  thg 
title  ef  the  Naukinetie  or  sXip-movlng  ala- 
chine.  Application  dated  FebrttarT2, 1855. 
(No.  249.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  modified  fbrm 
of  86rew  propellef  aUd  taiafthinery.  for  drW- 
ing  it,  the  latter  being  worked  by  ttamtal  la- 
hour,  or  by  means  of  a  winddi!!!  ^hieh' 
resembles  tiie  proj^llfr  is  form,  or  hf  both 
combined.  "  * "      * 

Rbddib,  Jambs,  of  Anstrather,  Fife, 
ironmonger.  'A^  improved  metal  shovel. 
Application  dat^  February  28,  1855.  (No. 
484.> 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing  of 
iron  or  other  metal  a  shovel  of  the  form  of 
the  ordinary  i^ooddlh  Aovfcl  employed  fbr 
lifting  herrings. 


PEOTISIONAt  SPBCIFICATIOirt   HOT  PRO- 
CBBDBO  WITH. 

Campbell,  William  M oir,  of  Glasgow, 
Lanark,  fiimace  builder.  Improvenmnte  in 
Jumaees  or  Jtre-places,  and  in  ike  prevention 
of  smokv,  Applieation  dated  Septcuiber  18, 
1854.    (No.  198».) 

This  invention  eontists  In  introduding  air 
at  the  back  of  the  fire  space,  by  means  tA 
pipes  of  metal  or  earthenware  laid  for  soma 
distance  inside  the  flues,  so  that  the  ahr  may 
become  heated  beftn«  it  mixes  with  th4 
gaeea. 

Brookbs,  Jorv,  of  Bhrmingham,  War. 
wick,  manufacturer.  A  new  or  improved 
waUteoat.  Application  dated  September  18,' 
1894.    (No.  1991.) 

The  inventor  describee  a  waistcoat  hav- 
ing, among  other  peculiarities,  two  collars, 
of  which  the  lower  forms  xii  elliptieal  open- 
ing that  displays  the  firont  of  ^e  shift  a^ 
vantageousiy,  and  gives  a  bnlgvd  or  eon- 
vex  form  to  it 
'DorAnY,  kfdiViwvL  Howovm  AnonsTUSi 
esqui)^,  of  Tong  Castle,  Silop.  A  new  si^ 
improved  kxk  and  axle-bo*,  to  be  called  the 
anateiros  or  ant^riction  €ule,  which  sM  axle 
and  axle-box  may  be  used  for  wheeUearriages 
and  for  a  shrft  or  axle,  and  bearings  for  sio- 
ehinery  in  general.  Application  dated  Sep- 
tember 18,  1864.    (No.  1992.) 

The  working  part  of  thi«  axle  consists  of 
a  cylinder  in  which  a  mifnber  of  broad 
grdoves  are  cut,  so  as  Ite  ditikikiish  the  bear^ 
ing  surface,  and  the  kide-be^  Vsohsists  of  B 
hollow  cylinder  fitting  the  axle. 

Bbttblbt,  JosbpBi  of  Literpooii  Lbb- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


832 


PBOIflSSOKiL  BPfiOmOAnOHS  HOV  raOGEEDXD  WXCB* 


cMltr,  anqhor  muK^fiwttvnr.  fmftfommmUt 

in  gMMg  eUutidty  to  Mkfipt*  sta^^ditg  rigging* 
App|lcati<tfi  .^Utod  S^pt^smber  13,  lSfi4* 
(So.  1999.)  ,  J. 

The  object  ^f  tjut  lipven^fln  it  to  giye 
elwticit^  .tovwire.roiie..i(nd  other  atandiog  . 
rigging,  an4-consiite  in  attachiog  India- 
rabber  or  ot^rvpiipgt  ^o-the-lpwer  ^qda.of. , 
tl|9jmyt#od  faatenlog  it  io.  tlie.ahlp's  Bi4e»  - 
IB  place  oif  the  present  rope  lanyard** 

HosaAfiE*  JOHV,r«f  Maooh^ter,  Lan^i^- 
tefj  eDgioeer.,.  JftiprmifffitnU  in  wutMmeryor  . 
appttraiiufor  meatun$^-tk€  Jio^  rf  water  or 
otktr  liquids  qsf^/^idx     Application ,  dated 
September  18,  1B;54,  ^No..im) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  rulers 4re  , 
so  placed  on  eetfain^fiw^  as  .to  JBattei^.a 
flexible  lube  ag^wst  ti^e  curved  platen  so 
thai  as  tiie  fluid  is  passivg  |)uro)fgh  the  t^i^, 
it  forms  a  kind  of  wedge,  and  tlius  gltc^ 
motion  to  the  diacs^to  indicf^  ^ho.quaptity 
that  passes  through.     ,  i.  ;  •    . 

Bbrnaro,  Juxian,  oft  ,Ciub.i^apil^es% 
Regent-street,  Middlesex,  ger^f^x^a,  /si- 
provetientt  in  the  wianrfaeture  rf  boott  and 
Mom  or  other  cooeringe  far  the  feet.  Apnli- 
eation  datctd  $eptemb^  4.4,  13Sl!i  .  (Nx). 
2<W)2.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  cutting  out 
or  ahaping  of,the,heel«/o£iUQffte  nod  slMM'br 
meanm^oC  paitMy  veU^oUiifr  «a(QhiqfKy.    i 

IToiiVMiAu,  tFsjuix,  •^.jPjSi^tk  JBriaii«er 
gtntW«i*n.  Aniniprom4m0defifprmmtitfg 
mud  from  touching  or  adhpp^  jo  9Vn'i<9g€ipi 
Applioation  ditted  Si^ttpiiber  U^.Jtkdi. 
(No.  2006.) 

This  inveiition.  mlftteft  •  to :  a  .«ontriv«iuM . 
for  ea«Bing  thA  »«d  coll^eted  ,ttpo«  'Whof^s , 
of  earriages,  irhen  jn  motji^n,  to  £ikU  to  the  - 
ground,  and  consists  of  a  metallic  or  other 
rod,  terminated  by  a  lUt,  jpAf^k  UPf 4  at  ^ 
eretion  with  fiilt^of ^othvxpnittffrial  and  of. 
the  saiBe.hre%4th.ae  (l^^Uofof  tht  .w^cl, 
attached  to  the  carriage  loi  aiif  h  a,  positioB 
as  to  rflftoh  dffwa  to  the  back  part  of  the 
wheeL     .    , 

Harrison,,  Joi^H,.  .maohtniat,  Joiiif . 
Qboir.  and  Joim  i£«v<^9i  ^meoha^ifs,  ^nd 
HBMRT<QRAilA«,4>ov^FTlfP|B  mansger,  aU 
of  Blackburn,  Lancaster.  Impropemonis  aj^ 
pUen^i  toi  mm¥ftP9  firif/ffmPSt  «<^<V»  or 
othermmprepomi^ifan^or.thri^for  twan- 
ingj*  ▲ppUcaliofr.d^  ScBtemb^  16,1854. 
(N0.WPO,     If,'       , 

Th«.|p^«haiuam  or.  a^pp^^ua-^^mpV^yd . 
by  the>invent9za  f'^ns|#^  pf  A<,8«rin  pf 
needles .  «Qmhine4  .  togelher  i^  ,^  th^  comb- 
form,  having  hookffl  or  fork^  ends,  or  a 
comh  having  short  an4  <long  alits,  which, 
when  a  leasf  iareouired,  jsre  ii^serted  in  the 
warp,  so  aa  to  push  or  draw  from  the  warp 
those  threads  requixc^d.to  be  separated  from 
the  others." 

9i«P0OH»   WiLLiAiif,.  of  .  Bjrmiagham, 


Warwiek,  agricultural  iinplemenimRnufae- 
ituzer.  An  improppHsnt  or  improoemenU  m 
.heame  or  girder  $  for  bri4ge*  and  other  ttme- 
{turee.     Applioatiopk  dated  September  18, 

1864.    (No.  2011.) 

.  This  ini(ention  oonsists  in  the  oombina- 
itioR  of  a  triangular  heam.with'R.tubul^ 
ibeam  or  girder,  and  in  a  methoil  of  oon- 
Inecting  the  two  together. 
•  Tborne,  Oeoror*  ai^  Sam]dsl  IjBMQv, 
:both  of  Forcstreet,  city,  London,' g!sa>light 

fu^iiturejmanufiictuiiar^and  hrass-^jiders. 
'/vjpraeenenfo  in  fada-boarde,  eigt^-A^flr^,  or 
^nom-bearde.    Application  dated  Sep^jnnber 

18,i864.  (No.«014.),  .. 
.  This  invention  cohsista  in  illuminating 
jfaci^boaifds,  ^sign.hoarda,;9r  .i^MMkliOfkvida, 
■by  means  of  a  series  of  fixed  laatema. 
;  Nbwton,  William  Edwjlrd,  of  Chan. 
icery-lane,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer,  /m- 
•preoeotonte  in  ttmif^grioyfi,  for,  piam^fpUs  and 
\o^ur  etrmged  nuteiefll  tnUnfmefUe,  (A  oom- 
.  munication. )    Appfioa^n  dated  JBepteB!\ber 

18,1854.    (Noi2015.)      / 

This  invention  conaists  in  comhiniRg  ^the 
.spindle  of  the  h|m41e  with  the  epeket  whicl^ 

fits  on  to  the  pins  nf  ^epiAn'o  or  other  in- 
;strument«  by.meenA\of  cog-wheels  or  other 
! suitable  gearifigrao., that. Se  two  sh^l.hfve 

their  axis  in,  or  ^earlji^in,  the  same  Ijne^ 

whilst  the  interpQse4,^ariog;:ei^ble8  the 

handle  of  the  key  to  .turn  (aster  than .  the 

socket,  and  thoa  the.  tuner  to  turn  the  pii^a 
t  with  facility. 

Smal,  Oscar  Bblloxb,  manu^aoturer,  of 
'  Huy.  A  new  tyttem  qf  oven  for  metale.  Ap- 
plication 4ated  September^U,  J185^.  (No. 
,2016.)^  ,   ..    . 

Thia  mventjon  relates  to  a  novel  f  onatrne- 

tioD  of  oven  adapted  f<^.  tli^  heati»g<of  mo- 

tala  and  alloys  of  .met^s,v  p^iyptantory  ta 
'  their  beipg  aubjeoted  to  the'aotip^.Qf  ioUa. 
>  Ahove  the  fireplace  are  lire  hea^ingr  eham- 

bers,  placed .  one  over  the  other,  and  sev^e- 

rally  connected  with  the  fireplaoe.)>y.sel^of. 
'  side^Mes,  whidi  conduct  .the  fivofko  am 

gases  upwards  .to  thenu 
Lbwis,  TaoMASf  i^ud  i.BRAHAX  BabjciJ(» 

of  Birmingham,  Warifi^  mafihinisfSr .  fmr 
-  prommentt  in  apparatus  for  pnrtfpng  moIct. 

Application   dated    September   1$,    1854. 

(No.  2018.) 
The  inventors  employ  a  boiler  with  a  f\ir- 

nace  underneath,  r  pip^,  to.  aupply  the  iip* 
i  pure  winter,  and  a  ateam-pipe  to  cany  off 
'  the  vapour  to  the  oondenaer,  whic1|i  ii  a  ey* 

Under  provided  with  proper  8top*>c6c|t^,/te. 

The  ateam-pipe  terminates  in  a. coiled. {lipe 
,  naasing  through  this  cylinder,  the  oy Under 

being,  kept  .chaived  with  cold  water  wiiich, 
1  hy  meana  of  an  ingress  and  egresp-pipc^  is 

kept  constantly;  running. 
',.FiBkcr^  6(BORAB(and  Oborob  Coluhsk 

0/  Judd.placie\Westy  New-road,  MiddloeoVf . 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


gaononoHs,  SS8 


bathniaBiifaetiirtn.  Imfrmtd i^fpmrmim»fir 
k£mimg  wtd  mppigmg  i^aUd  Uftidt  U  hoAs, 

9iktr  pmrpntB,  AppUartMH  dMed  Sflptaan 
ber  20,1864.    (Na  SOSO.) 

The  in? cntofs  cmpkgr  a  ejrliBd*  nnr  tht 
boCton  of  which  u  aplate  in  whieh  ave  i»* 
Mrted  a  Bvmbar  of  tabes  inr  tha  fin  to  paM 
through  to  the -top  of  the  ejlindar  when  it 
hoati  a  pan  eontalmng  a  regnlatad  nippl j 
of  water  alraadjheatad  1^  paaaing  between 
thetnbei. 

OaaifBTT,  WiLLiAlf,  of  Low  Hoor,  near 
Clitheroe,  Lancaster*  spinner  and  mann- 
frctmrer.  ImprmemmU  in  amd  tppHcahlt^  U 
wmekhtM  fir  wttrfOmg  tmi  tiatmg  yenw  ar 
•psrpi.  Applieatioo  dated  September  20, 
1854.    (No.  2028.) 

This  invention  consists  in  an  improTod 
instrament  composed  of  a  comb  with  teeth 
somewhat  lake  l^e  dents  of  a  reed,  for  sepa- 
rating the  yams  forming  a  warp,  or  as  it  is 
technically  calkd,-  **  Uking  a  lecse,'*  to  faci- 
litate the  operation  of  joinmg  a  fresh  warp 
to  the  end  of  one  that  has  been  woven  into 
cloth. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTBCTIONS. 

DoM  DeeemSer  18, 1864. 
Stf  1.  WflUam  Onpltt,  ef  Moorirate^trNi  Lon- 
don, and  Abrshm  Boweo,  of  8talR>rd-«treet,  P«e^- 
ham,  engiaoen.  A  aew  mothod'  for  tho  ellbcrasl , 
eoDMUnytlQo  or  preTetttioB  of*naoke,'«ad  tbo 
mon  porfoet  eoniDiittloii  'of  oosli  and  othor  l^el 
ky  meoat  of  a  meehsaical  apparatnt  and  ftiraaeo- 
ban  of  a  eartaln  ^nUrqcUoa ;  a  portion  of  tbo 
•cme  may  bo  appflod  for  ndslaf  water,  and  la  fiir-^ 
naeea  wbora  blast  la  nqtUxed.  '    /-    , 

i)alir<i /onaary  17, 1856. 

.  Joba  Slack,' of  Manebotteri  Lancaster,  ma- 

^__.    ImproTomenta  In  tba  manofaeture  of  vel- 

Yoti.  Tolvotooat,  cords,  and  otbtr  woven  Csbrlcs, 
In  wbleb  Aaatod  Ibreads  or  loops  ara  fonaod,  for 
tbo  purpose  of  being  eat. 

DalSilJPclnMrylO,  1866. 

•51.  Biahaid  AreMbeld  Bieasssa,  of  166,  Vioot. 
stnot,  London,  palant  sffeat.    A  mosna  of  pre- 
poriag  tbo  dbiss  of  osrtain  planta  ot  the  baan 
'  I  la  order  to  form  tbem  Into  pnlp,  and  to  dt 


116. 


spoelea  la  order  to  fa 
thorn  ISr  other  Msni 


4tS. 


Dated  February  28,  1866. 

I  HoUlwell,  of  Oroonblrtt  Hay,  near 

To^  cotto»«nlnner  and  manulbe- 

tvor,  and  Joaepb  Barker/ of  Hbngbstone  Mill,  near 
~  '  nnftkctntar.'^  Preserring  plekon 


and  pifsker-stleka,  and'for  proTontlng 

knoekcd  eCtho^indlo  In  uio  shuttle  darlnf  the 


ATlng  in  the  powor4ooin. 
'ItelMi  JAM  10,  1866. 

541.  Alexaador  dark,  of  Oate-aireot,  tlncdnV 
inn4lelds,  Middloseji,  engineer.  ItaproFoments 
in  the  oons^motioa  and  mann^Mtnxe  of  celestial 
aid.tsnreanal  gWtwf  ioff  the  study  of  astronomy , 

""mT^Su  Hoghes,  of  VdulUle  Ii«tt  Wgik0,>ow. 


post,  Msnnwsth> .  An  luijin i— inl  hi.bnshlw 
thotooeb-holeoofoanneB.  , 

HL  Ghadeo  Hoavon.  of  Hull.  ImprnTsmspiti 
iasMAIneiy  wadferomhnldfltiBgMiks.*    <  •  '  t 

Hi.  Anguolo  Sdonaid  Leeadonz  BeUtad,  of 
Bsaoz-stioet,  Lsadsn.  Impwvswsats  la  aMChl- 
maty  Ibr  nuikiag  bott-blagca  of  wi«i«ht  boa  or 
'^    et  osM  opocsttoa.    Aoom- 


Deled  iferc*  13, 1866. 

•47.  Joesph  Maloesnsoa,  of  Peittow,  Watorlbrd, 

Irelaad,  merehaat,  Robert  8baw,  of  the  aanM 

alaoe,  nsevehaat,  aad  WflUam  Hen.  of  Ilark4an0b 


Improved  expaasloa  YalToa 

bn  BiMlDea,  of  BiimlBgham.  Warwkk. 
oier.    A  now  or  fanprofod  walsteoat. 

Ml.  George  Mealoy,  of  Boutbwaik,  Sunoy,  bot- 
ua-makor.    An  fanpfovemeat  in  bottoaa. 

SSS.  WUBam  Proqkter  Stanley,  of  Poterborongb, 
Kecthampton,  agrkultaral  Imploment  nuikor.  An 
fanproYomoat  la  or  addition  to  dod-erusbera. 

SU.  Jaasca  Murdoch  Napier,  of  Tork-rond,  lam- 
both,  Buiraj.  Improvements  la  the  ftmaees  used 
la  the  mapnfafBtnre  of  soda  or  alkali. 

Dated  Mardi  U,  1856. 

U9.  Thomas  WUlfam  WUlett,  of  Belalao-road, 
St.  John's  Wood,  MUdleaex,elvtteBgta«w.    Oer- 


ImpntTomonts  In  swlnualng-belts. 
S61.  John  Gracle,  of  Stanley- terrace,  London- 
road,  RothsAltho,  Sunof.     ImproTements  tn 
wood -planing  maoblnea, 
56S.  Chariea  Illflb,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
in  the  aanu' 


turn  of  metalUe  roda,  bars,  and  tubes. 

ZlalcifirareA  14,1856.  . 

M4.  Rkhard  Campbell  .Orson  Oooke,  of  New 
Swindon,  Wiltsblra,'Coatlemaa.  ImproTsments 
'  In 'military  andotherdoaka.    '    •   i   «•'»'»   <•• 

MS.  George  Rlloy.'of  Portland-plaee  J7ortb,  t 
ClaphamHToad,  Surrey.  An  fanprofed'pvaeetarlbr  • 
the: mannfbotnro of* starch orgnpe  sugar; ' 

666.'  Henry  Gray,  of  Clement'»4ane,  Strand^Weet-. 
mfinter, "  printing  Ink  numnlbetuibr. »  ManiAh- 
tarlng  ftom  Togolible'subsmnces  a  matatialSrhich  * 
'.cin  be  applied  to  all  odhesiTO  sarfkeeslbr  tltAor  *■ 
usoini  or  ornamental  porpoaes,  as  a  aabstltuto  ibr,  ■ 
aad  in  tbo  saais  manner  as  Sock  Is  now  used  or  '■ 
I4>plled  on  adhosire  snrfooee.  *  /      "    •^•f  ▼-4*  "    < 

Mr.  Bealamin  ChwdMlow,  of«>Hfd^,  Cheslsr, 
ImproTOhaeata  la  regQlattng-tbe'powor 


fefdilTlng  tho'pumpe  of  hydranlie  pressea. 
MS.  Robert  Neale,  of  Cincinnati,  United  States 


plate  printer.    Improvomonta 


'  America,  copper  pUto  priaCer. 
I  ooppor  and  other  plate  printing; 
M6.  John  Kidder,  of  Plaistow, 

Impmroments  In    the    ooasi 


MX,  gent] 
itmouiMi 


676.  William  Galloway  and  John  Galloway,  of 
Manchester,  Lancaater,  engineers.  Certain  Im* 
proTem#nta  in  balanoinff  or,  regulailng  the  pres- 
sure on  the  slide  Tal^es  of  stean  engines. 

S71.  Jonas  fMarUnd,  of  Bun  Talo  Iron  Works, 
Walsden,*  Laacasteh  An  'improvement  .or  .  im-  - 
PfOTcmente  tn;  ^e.  mfnu^beture :  of  ^roUers  -for  ' 
drawing,  spinnings  do^bUngr  .and  preparinf^fit-^ 
ton,  wool,  flax,  and  other  flbtoo^  matb.i(|btlSyajpjit  > 
or  the  whole 'of  which  improTcment  orimproTo. 
moDta  amappjyMUo.tosmiagBBOtala  for.  other  ' 

'^S^tTwiUiam  Soelnsan,  of  Bennett-stftoot,  FUs- ' 
rof -oquaie,  gentloman.  .  ImpBOTomeaU  Ip  pro- 

'srLSdmun^  Jotinsoa  Mitchell,  of  Bradford, 
York,  stutf  merchant  An  Improvement  In  rollers 
OQ^loyedtii)  tho.wsahipg  of  wool  and  linen,  in  the 
sfi^sipg,  of  siasd  cotton,  warpa,  sad  other  like 

•fOoiepb  tuner,  of  ViirlngdoB'etrsst,  Lea- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


384 


KOnOBS  OF  lATKimON  TO  IBOOKED. 


don,  uBdcrtaker.  An  laprovMBenl  in  oHbi  fte- 
niture. 

576.  JuHaa  BernftTd,  of  Olnb  Chavabon,  Ee- 
ffent-stTeet,'lflddlM6K,  gMtlOdlilh.  mpfoteuoBti 
in  the  nsaufaetiiM  of  tioott  and  shoot,  or  other 
con^rlngs  for  the  ftet,  and  in  CM  ni«ehlner]F  oon- 
neotedtkoMwiOk. 

977.'  CUarloe  •oodyear,  jonlor,  of  Avonno  0»- 
briel,  Champi  ElysAee,  Parle.  ImprovMionM  in 
the  plates  of  artttcial  teeth. 

S78.  Richard  Wrighl,  orRlcbmond,  York,  boot- 
maker. An  idi^hrrement  In  Che  copsfrndtlon  of 
iwords. 

879.  AbrahaBk  DaTls»  of  Tottenham-conrt«oad, 
Mtddleieir,'  gMtMnan.  Ail  impfofod  ^mhMg 
powder.  '  * 

580.  John  Hefherin^ton,  of  Maneheeter,  Lm- 
caster,  maehine-maker,  and  Arehfbald  Yiekert;  Of 
Bfiitbl,  OlonoMtef,  eottob  -  tplnner.  Iniproyo- 
meuts  in  maeblnery  for  pi^eparing,  spinninr,  and 
doiiblinf  eotton  iad  other  flbrons  materials. 

5ftl.  Wlllltoif  Lister,  tif  Dunsn  Bank,  near  Rieh- 
mond,  Terk,  fismier.  An  tmproted  ttbpT^medf  fbf 
raifinf  or  lAorienfikg  tuntlpe  and  other  roots  In  the 
gAmM,  and  eut^lng  off  the  tails  thereof.  '  ~ 

Dated  March  1$,  1855. 

582.  Henry  Bach,  of  She  meld,  York,  hosier. 
laiproycMnents  fn  sMh-ftramee.'  '    * 

584.  Rob«t^  Mdbre  Butt,  of  Fairfield  Works, 
Bow,  Middlesex.  '  Ittprovementr  in  the  maanfae- 
ture  of  nlghC-ll^hts. 

SS5.  Edward  ^nmphnrs,  of  Deptfoid,  Kent,  en- 
gineer. Improrements  in  applying  heat  to  itetfm- 
boUers. 

584.  Pianjois  Loret-Vermoersch,  of  Mafinoe, 
Belgium,  dril  ttigfneet.   fltoppfng  trains  on  rail* 


587.  William  Monday  the  younger,  of  the  firm 
of  Bollett,  Monday,  and  Co.,  of  Kingston-u|Mtt- 
Hnll,  York.  ImproromenU  In  prefartng,  mixing, 
and  grinding  the  variofti  "kinds  of  plumbago, 
graphite,  or  tnadkload,  Mther  together  or  seOarlM, 
and  with  or  without  other  materials.  Airpoliahingt 
lubricating,  and  for  other  pnipoees,  and  in  other* 
wlao  preparing  the  same  for  sale. 

588.  Ooorge-OrigBOn,  of  SutbOTlaod-square,  Wal- 
worth, SuTNy,  gentleman.-  Certain  impioyementa 
in  the  means  of  launehlng  or  detaoUng  boats  firom 
ships'  sides  or  daTlts,  and  in  the  apparatus  and 
taclde  to  bo  used  for  that  purpose,  tosi  the  opoim* 
tion  may  be  speedy,  spontoneous,  and  tafe. 

589.  Henry  Wlokena,  of  Tokenhouso-yard,  Lon- 
don, gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  moans  of 
eommunioadng  signals  in  railway  trains. 

Dated  Marqh  16,  1855. 

590.  Joseph  Mitchell,  engineer,  of  Lansdown- 
roiUt.  AefiieM.  York.  Supplying  gteiise,  talIo#, 
or  oil,  efther  with  or  withbut  the  addlli(Al'of  black- 
lead,  to  locomotive  engines,  horixontal,  and  beam 
engines,  marine  tagittes,  and  Nasmyth's  patent 
steam  hammer.  •         ■  « 

$1fY.  William  HHI,  of  Birmingham.  Warwick, 
tool-maker.  Improvements  In  metnIHe  peUs  and 
penholden,  and  In  ornamenting  metallie  pens  and 
penholders. 

582.  Mark  Smith,  of  the  firm  of  William  Smith 
and  Brothers,  of  Heyw^6od,  Lameaater,  power- 
loom-makers.  Impi'OTements  in  looilit  for  wear- 
in*.  '  * 

o88.  John  Walter  Catwley  Wren,  of  Tottenham- 
court-road,  Middlesex,  iron  bedstead  mtnufii^- 
turer.    AnimproyedconstmetlonoflnTalldbed. 

5M.  Thomas  Piefoto,  'of  Lfrerpobl.  LtoeoMer, 
wheelwright.  ImproTed  appa^us  for  erecting 
and  supponine  scaflbMlngs  6r  stages,  and  whieh 
is  also  ajpplicabli  as  a  fire-escape*.        ' 

895.  Wuliam  Wfnitiinley  and  9om^  Kelly,  of 
LlTerpdb],  LaneasteT,  engineers.'  xhipi  oyenienli 
in  the  construction  of  fojce-pumps  wd  ^heii'^psii|^ 


588.  AinivUi  IfavdsU  and  BiMatU  Hypvolyt* 

Ouin.gfPwU.    ^  hydraulic  machine. 

Wr.  lir  'Vnniam  BumOt,  knight,  of  Somerset- 
house, 'nd"  John  WMr  Dnper  Brown,  R.N.,  of 
Haalar  Hoipital,  fiospoit.  Improyem«Ua  in  oott- 
struoting  signal- lanterny. 

Dated  Mardk  17,  ISM. 

988.  Tony  Petltjean  and  louis  P8tie,  of  tipper 
Jdha-»tteet,  Todenhau^eoutt-Mad,  Loadon,  cfyfl 
engineer^  Certain  improy«menta  in  the  naau- 
fSscture  of  daxuemotype  plates  and  of  electro- 
plated^ sheets  bf  metal,  l^art  of  which  Improye- 
mettts  vHa-i  be  applied  tb  theproduetlon  of  polished 
surfaces  on  metallic  artioles.    A  communication. 

^99.  Eugbne  Bretttfnayer,  of  Paris,  Fcanoe.  A 
new  ojr  improyed  mortising  machine. 

800.  ^bhn  llenry  JcOmeon,  of  Uneoln*s-lnn- 
fletds,  Mtddleaex,  gentloaum.  Improvemonts  in 
the  atpVoatlon  of  cat^ic  acid  gfs  aa  a  moUTa 
power.  A  communication  firom  Joseph  Ghilliano, 
of  Marseftles,  Pfsnce,  cMomist,  and  Henri  Cristin, 
of  the  same  place,  gentleman. 

881.  John  Henry  lobnson,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
flelds,  l^iddles^x,  gentleman.  Improyements  ta 
steam  engines.  A  communication  fTom  Narclsse 
Duyoif,  of  LlaneouTt,  Prance,  meehanleal  engi- 
neer. 

008.  John  Kenry  Johnson,  of  Linooln'a-inn- 
fields,  Mi4dleseXi  gentleman.  Improyements  in 
steam  pressute  and  other  Indicators.  A  commu- 
nication from' Louis  Frsflssola  Cloment  Breguet,  of 
Paris,  France. 

608.  Thomas  George  Shaw,  of  Old  Broad-street, 
London,  merchant.  ImptoVements  in  apparatua 
to  fooilitate  the  "tUting"  of  casks,  barrels,  or 
other  similar  Totsett  of  eapadty. 

U^ted  3ifarek  19,  1855. 

804.  Baahley  Britten,  of  Anerley,  Sumy,  gn- 
tleman.    Improyements  in  proJectUes. 

^06.  Oeorge  Lowry,  of  Manchetter,  machinist. 
Improyements  m  lubiicators. 

608.  Edmund  Keynolds  Payerman,  of  Pall  Mail, 
Midolesex,  sentleman.  Improyements  in  portfo- 
lios for  holding  papers. 

610.  Yincent  Scully,  of  publin,  esquire,  and 
Bennett  John«  Hey  wood,  of  the  same  place,  gen- 
tleman. An  improyed  mode  of  regulating  tho 
supply  of  gas  to  gas-burners. 

618.  Felix  Alexis  Chartraire,  glove  manufoe- 
turer,  of  Paris,  France.  A  newapnanctus  for  fka- 
teoing  gloves,  collars,  shirts,  and '  other  simitar 
articles. 

'614.  Louis  Henry  Cmdner  and  Prederie  Louia 
Koebrig,  of  Totteuham-couit4oad,  HlfidleoezC 
An  improve^  (ippa^tus  fof  |nipo«ea  of  yentUn- 
tlon. 

616.*Blehard  Sdwavd  Hodgea,  of  SouthaBptott- 
row,  Middtesey,  and  Chnrlea  Murray,'  of  Maaor- 
plaee,  Wal#Orth,  turrs^.  improyoaaenta  In  door- 
spring.  .... 

818.  William  Smith,  of  Little  Woolstone  Penny. 
Stratford.  Bucks.  Improvements  In  ploagUBr  or 
trenching  and  EUbsoiling  land. 


N0TICE3  OF  iNTSjrrios  TO 

PKOCEED. 

(From   tU  "London  GmUta;*  April  Zrd, 

1855.) 
8467.   Stepllftt  Sh*^.    AJp  Iq^nTfd  mode  of 

leatttm  or  a  new  matenai  as  a  iNDpfaoe  for 


th*ftppn< 

receiving  aucYi  mai^i 


¥483.    Rfley  Oatitillb.    Improrementa  In 
chinery  o^  api^fstitt  tdH  matting' oi*  tai 

HPri  vewT  iirmiuir  ijeooniiv  uv  . 


bricl 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


wnKur  lot  or  paxbkb. 


8U 


ImproranMita  la  tint  ooiistniotioii  of  liik- 
u    A  eommanioatfon. 

S50t.  John  Clarke.'  TmproTemenU  in  the  m«- 
anfketnze  of  looped  fiibrict. 

tS06.  Charles  Peterson.  The  applteatton  of  a 
new  TogeUhle  tnbstanee  to  ^e  {K9|iA(|etnR|  of 
teztOe  Ikhnes  and  pulp  for  Meif,  c^rdDoaid, 
papier  mach^,  and  ttrnflar  purpoiw. 

2S19.  John  Mason  and  Leonard  Kaherrv.  Im- 
prorements  in  maehinery  or  appacatas  fm  pfe- 
parlng,  spinning,  and  doubling  cdltoh  ana  ot)ler 
obTouB  risterialft.    '    ■     *'•  '•'' 

S520.  William  Taylor.  Improvements  in  stead} 
hotter  and  other  ftima(^. 

KU.  Ellis  Rowland  and  Junes  Rowland.  Cer- 
tain fanproTem'ents  In  uetaJlte  pistons.  ^  * 

iSM.  Edward  BrlMs  and  Wuliam  Souter. .  Im- 
proYements  in  machinery  and  apparatus  fbr  ga^ 
Inf  yam  and  thread. 

i5S8.  Julian  Bernard.  ImnroTementi  in  the 
manufiKtnre  of  boots,  shoes,  or  other  protectors 
for  the  feet,  and  in  the  machinery  or  apparatus 
eonneeted  therewith. 

1556.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
the  arrangement  of  electric  telegraphs.  A  com- 
mnnieation  fh>m  M.  Broiinet. 

2559.  John  Warhurst,  Improvements  in  fur- 
to  apparatus  tat 
_  steam. 

2595.  Edward  iCaniere.  Improvements  in 
A  eommnnieation  from  M.  Chatel,  jnn.,  df 


.  jonn  warnurst,     imprv 
or  fire-plaees  applicable 
g  water  and  generating  ste 
.    Edward    Maniere.      Ii 


UUDpS.  . 

Petfa. 


2605.  Isaac  Dodds.  Certain  improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  wor^of  thf  slide  or 
steam  valves  of  steam  engines. 

2614.  William  Chippindale*  Improvements  in 
•team  boilers. 

2626.  Thomas  Finnemore  Evans.  Improve^ 
nt«  in  the  manufacture  of  candles.    A  cempiu- 


1665.  Thomas  Hart.    Improvements  \a  Jae- 
qoafd  apparatus  for  weaving. 

9.  William  Greener,    improvements  in  re- 


pealing military  rifles,  carbines,  and  pistols,  and 
In  car^dges  to  be  used  thereWlUi* 

1700.  iouis  Joseph  Fr£d4ric  Hargueritte.  Im- 
pfwementf  in  the  manufaojure  of  sulphuric  acid. 

S701.  Louif  Joeei^  fxHwc  Margueiltte.  Jm- 
nmrenienty  (n  the  manufacture  of  caustic  and  car- 
boDated  potash  and  soda. 

If  10.  FeUxICaria Baiidouln.  Improved  m«ans 
ofliolating  an4  tesUng  the  tsola^on  d  th^  wires 
of  ale^^ic  telegrapl^. 

UiX.  Charles  Edward  White  and  Franeli  florin- 
Iwprov^ents  in  aignallini^  for  railway  f  ur- 


2741.  John  Gray.  Improvevoita  in  adjoftlng 
cwnpMset  on  board  shins  of  vessels. 

1160.  Robert  Sam  Rorth.  Improvement^  in 
twUcbes  and  crossings  for  railways. 

81.  Christopher  Turner.  Certain  improyempnts 
la  power-loema  for  weaving. 

147.  Joseph  AbboU  and  ff enry  HoIUnd.  .Certain 
IflQpirovements  in  prtTentiiwthe  sinking  of  vessels 
at  sea  or  on  rivers,  and  in  raisiflg  vt  sunken 


151.  Matthew  Boulton  Rennle.  Improvementt 
In  preserving  animal  and  vegetihlf  fqpttaneey  for 
fbod.    A  ffflff ff?**ftf 2^*^V*** ' 

UT,  JamMVii^i&t.  Improvements  in  the  eon- 
stnetion  of  hamteea  for  the  ndipoM  of  consuming 
mote  effectually  than  heretSfoii  tho  nnolLe  ^on- 
tahitrd  thTTTJn 

562.  John  Robb  and  lutnrenco  Hm.  Impnve- 
BW»tti  In  the  masts  and  spars  of  fihipt  «>d  vessels. 

tr4.  Frederick  Bli«|pt]K£rvird  Beadmont  Im- 
povements  in  flre-arms  called  revOlveri. 


4f  1.  Willism  John  Macquom  Ranklne  uid  John 
Thomson.  Improvements  in  machinery  nrla^nmg 
tnbaqoaous  ebctritfal  eoadueton  for  tal6grqplite 

dot.  teOanis  Lookw,  jwOor.  ImproTeiMiitf 
in  Tontflatiag  stablea  and  other  boildingi. 


411.  Thmnaa  Hash,  junior.  ImpravaVMiti  tn 
nainting-brushesi  applic^Mo  ||l50  to  other  brushes 
and  to  brooms. 

471.  Benjamin  Dickinson  ^nd  John  Platts.  Im- 
nrovements  in  machineiy  01*  appaxatos  used  In 
flnishing  woollen  fpd  otMr  t^x^if  fabrics. 

502.  John  Kenpedy.  mprqr^l9«nff  ip  tha  ma- 
ntffteture  of  boots  and  shMir.  '  * 

515.  Antolne  Francois  Jean  Claudet.    Improve- 

$27.  Oeorge^^ue.  Ipiprovemen^s  in  the  tr^- 
ment  of  horn  und  other  sdhsti(nee4  of  s  stmtflir 
nahir^.    A  communfcitiod.  """  "  '•'  *'  •' 

SiO.  James  BnUoh^.  Improvements  in  looms 
and  appanrtus  for  Weaving. " 

S41.  Alexander  Crark.  Improvements  in  the 
construction  and  manuihctuVe  of  celestial  and  ter- 
leslrtal  gidbes  for  the  stiiAy  of  astfonbmy  and 
geography.  ■  «.  .       j 

548.  David  Hunter  Brandon.  Certain  improve- 
ments In  maohinery  or  apparatus  fbr  cutting, 
ftistlans  and  other  piled  ihbrlei.  A  eommunifea- 
tion  from  W.  R.  Harrltf  and' W;  B.  -Vaker,  of  tth 
United  Statea  of  America. 
'  577.  Charles  Goddyear,  Junior.  Improvements 
ip'the  plates  of  artiflcifl  teOth. 

552.  Henry  Bach.  Improvementa  in  saah- 
fkames. 

606.  George  Lowyy.  Ii^pf^^yepoj^f  ^  luh^- 
cators. 

606.  Edmund  Reynolds  Fayerman.  Improve- 
ments in  portfdioe  $ti  holding  papen 
'  Oppoeitiou  can  W  entered  to  the  granting 
of  i  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
above  Liot,  who  bwe  giyen  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  Oaxette  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  tlora- 
miMioners'-oSce  'pK4puI»fi  \n  wHiing  Q} 
the  objeotion  to  thie  applio*tion. 


2188. 
2130. 
2147. 
3140. 
2168. 
2229. 
2467; 
?647. 
^684. 
2707. 
18d5. 

156. 

221. 

»138. 
2157. 
9165. 
2190. 
4197. 
3214. 

3284. 
2243. 
3246. 
3361. 


EEKLY  HfT  Oj?  P4Tf WTf » 

a§akd  March  80,  iU&,  ' 
l^iliiam  McNaught 
Davi^  Chalmers. 
John  MiOwIUn  PoJilop. 
Andrew  Smith* 
Georgo  Vig^ell  fopqktr. 
J#cob  fiu^eki^ay  and  John  Dawion. 
Robert  Gibson. 
Daoi9l  Chandler  Hewitt 
Winiam  Uilner. 
Edward  £oyaeL 

Seipion  Sal^yUle. 

Tbomaa  ^inkn. 

Sealed  4prH  8,  1855. 

John  Ferry'. 

Thomas  Roberts  and  John  Dak. 

Valentine  William  Hammerioh. 

Arthur  Dobson. 

John  Co9pe  Haddan. 

Lionel  /ohn  Wetberell  and  Au- 
gustus Johapn  Hofistai^t 

Robert  Walter  Winfield. 


Thomas  Allan. 
WiHiam  Joseph  Smith. 
Charles  Cowper. 
liiaac  Adams. 
WiUian  fieadeiiOD* 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


886 


N01IGB8  TO  OOBBBffOKDBinn. 


2285.  Peter  Annaad  •Leeomte  de  Fon- 

'    tiinemorean.  '  -  '  -* 
329S.  Wiiynni  BomUnd  Wilkinson.    . . 
2299.  CharletrBlake. 
2305.  John  Coope'HeddAn. 
2401.  Antoine  Edouard  Britbart  Oobert. 


2500.  Sdwnd  Hammend  Bentell. 
2573.  John  CoUis  Browne. 

1855.     . 

268.  Godfrey  Patdion. 
280.  John  Henry  Johnion. 


Amm.— Kyaa't  pio«Mt  for  praMrrinf  wood 
ooniUta  In  ImmeniBg  it  for  about  a  woek  in  a 
•olutloB  ooDtaininff  one  pound  of  eorrociva  subli- 
mato  to  Ave  gaUoat  of  water.  The  action  of  the 
■elation  dfpendi  upon  the  eublimate  formkig  an 
IniolaUe  compeuni  with  the  vegeUble  albunien» 
whiph  it  thui  iea4ered  unsuseeptlble  of  under- 
going ipontjuieouf' decomposition  and  of  exciting 

M,  W.  S.'-Tbe  carbon  eyliadert  uied  la  Bun- 
■en't  battenr  may,  we  believe,  be  purchaied  with- 
oat  difficulty  In  Lpndon;  if  not,  thej  may  be 


NOTICES  TO  CO&ElSVOmOBNTS.  ,  '^ 

raadllT  cot  out  with  a  law  Dram  the  niatoilil  ob- 
tained l^om  gaa  retorts.    ' 

r.  l^«iil«r.— Tours  came  tee  late  far  iaaertioii  in 
this  number. 

David  MtuktL'-ln  eoaseqnence  ef  our  eariy 

publleatien  thi«  week,  your  reply  to  Mr.  Palmer 

too  late  for  insertion. 


•*•  AU  communications  intended  for  publlea- 
tlM  in  the  following  number  must  reach  us,  at 
the  latest,  by  Wednesday  morning's  dellvexy. 
ThcT  shoiUd,  when  coaTenient,  be  forwarded  ear- 
lier in  the  week. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  A  CO. 
\    VadtrUke  tfa«  Pzosimtioa  of  Patenti 
for  the  United  Kingfdom -and  *all  foreign  Coantrxei,  and  the  trantaction  generally  of  all 

batUiefi.re.Sti|ig^o'^Ar^Nn./ Costa  of  Proviaioiial  Proiection-^jCld  .ida^ 
Practical  Inatmotiooi  to  InTentora^and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  oii  applieation 
to  Messrs.  BOBERTSIPK,  BROOI^AN.  and  Co.;  "Mj^hani^s*  Magasine  knd 
:  Patent  Office/'  168,  FlieUstrect;  Lonaop;     "  *  '    ' 


Delpech's,  Patent  "Castraise 
aviuM)  ............ 


nc  Ships 

On  the  tlags  of  8meltj|hg  ^nmacto...'...:;. 8SS 

"^     "ray's  Sewer-Fhisher 'and*.  Ventilator— 

ituarmvHm)    m.......m.m.~.«.......m...«m.  Hi 

D's  Method  of  Uaking  Malleable  Iron 


emgravii 
Du  TrtmblcT's  Combined  Vaponr  Engine... 
On  Siege  Operations..  By 'Edward  JekyU, 

Esq.TW.ILI 

Onthe  Application  of  ^Serow  PiopeUers  to 

Large  SdHni  '" 


Dr.  Gray's  Sewer-Fhisher 'and*.  Ventilator— 

Ronton' 

Direct  ftom  the  Qxe '...: ;............  SM 

New  Amerieatf  Poly ehnmatie  Prsas  ............  S17 

An  ImproTed  Lock  ^,»^^^^^^^,„^^^  W 

SpeciflcatioBS  of  Pstentt  fsecntly  Filed : 

Poibes  ».....« ....^.Rett  fbr  FirMtfms  .m...  U7 

8tansbury............llakhigBerava  ^ ;.....  ttS 

8tansbnQr...~...f ...Lock  Springs  ............  S18 

8tansbnry...M. ......Punches  and  Dies  .^m.  SS8 

WOson  ..............;KnItti^g  Machinery  ...  StS 

Adams i-jii.,,,Flieejmi  Mn.....M.M.'.M  SM 


C6NTBNTB  OP  THIS  NUMBER. 

Pump— (via 


SIS 
SIS 


,  SSS 

......  SS8 

.^...  SIS 

..^.....a  SS8 

. SS0 

r».- SIS 

Ftofs* ...».;  sis 
r.ir..Jlils|l. 
n  * '    * '  'si9  * 


Hayes, 

Pnrdon.............«8afetj  Lamps  .«, 

Rawlinaon  ... ...:..  V^ves ,  *..:..'. ... ... 

Eraas  and  ETans.BunUin^Coal, 

IS!s;r5SitliJg^f«»r.;::: 

TheinpMB...; — ..uLffdTres^vmm  v.  ..;.u  {^9 
Orabtree...............Combtaig  MaQhiiiery.;^  SS9 

itewes Iran  :.....^..'::..: ....:  sss 

Cunningham  ....:.Frinting'8urftcee  .u.:':  SS9 
Poilir:...!.s?£;;;...'niats,  Belts,  fte.^...;...  SS9 
Kershaw  s^^i,...4£9"<"  or— «•« ....~......  SS9 

Tyliw  ft  PrSFL^TOef  Closets . SSO 

Gee  .......•....;: .'.U«iefs»'BnKes  ..........  SSO 

BiUiac  k   White-  ."  t  '  •r;.    x  •    *    .. . 
head  ..•^..,...;.. Waterproof  Paper  ......  SSO 


Pienet Watches,  and  i 

"•  BsHford ;..... DrilHrigStAM 

Complete. SpeciOcations  FITed  ^h  i 


.Furnaces  .......~ SSf 

Watches,  and  Clocks  ...  SSt- 
..',  SSO 
ApplUaatieas :  > 

:^«miS  ....;.....:,:wikNevtitof  ...^ 

Day .*..; Camp  Bediteads SSf 

Donald  ft  Heghi-  "       ■  -     *  -^ 

botluun  ••'..•.•M...Loons  'm. «....m.*..**.  sse 

Shipley ; ..«..«Dre8slngCases  .....SSO 

Pr^ua  .; ...Voltale Titos  :..4.,.i.4..  SSO 

Bellford. ^.......Tanninr : ~.  Ml 

Den  Bergh  ..........Rotary  Engines  .........  Ml 

Lamacroft ^..^Enrelopes  ..............  Ml 

Mayer  ft  Bush Reduefiig  Flint  -.."^.  SSI 

Lenoir  ......... ....Mfiro-artw  ..........«..•»•  gl 

Sodmah...;.. ... ......'^pftUing...... .<•.» ....J.  SSI 

...iheyiAs..i.....<.....f~^  SSI 


Pietl#sfcal  SpeetteatisBs  net  Praeeeded  «4th: 
.    CsmpbcU  ............fprnaees  ....il.^...*....  Ml 

Brdoles Wslstceals —  Ml 

Durant ^......Azles  ....;.<......M.rtr.«%M.  SSI 

Betteley....;;..-.......8hips' RlfKlaf   ...u....  JSI 

,     HoesacL....,..vt.."*«K^,I^|J^«"«-—  S 
Beriard.V....'.....-....Bootssaiallio«tMl..>...  BSS 

Fbiit^nau t,;7..  .'*:.. Vehicles  v.. ......... «m«.  SSS 

Hafris6n,"Eayes,";^ 

%iroMenr...«SSS 


Si.. 
Thi 


^«yl?5{SS.iiW^ 

Oaroett r— fUMV  ^^.■:,*7V-r-:.  •? 


-JT- 


ProfUional  Piotsctiohs... ........; ., 

,  Notices  of  Inten^on  tt  Proceed.. 
!  Ust  ef  Seated  PSUnts 

Notices  to  Gortesp^^odentk 


E:rj::54 

,av....;.....»'«s«. 


LONDON: 
In  the  I 
DnUtn; 


JStL  Bdlted,  Printed,  and  Published  br  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  IM,  net  ilieeL 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  16630  SATURDAY,  APRIL  14,  ISSs!  [stSSd^ 

Edited  by  &.  A.  Broouun.  IM,  FlMt-ttrMt. 
CUVIER'S  PATENT  FURNACES. 


^ 


le 


VOL.  UUL 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


838 

CUyiER'8  PATENT  FURNACES. 
(Psiant  dat«d  July  II,  1854.) 

M.  CuviER,  of  SeloDcourt,  France,  hu  patented  an  apparatui  for  effecting  tba  combus- 
tion of  fuel,  and  the  employment  of  the  gaseous  products  for  heating  and  metallurgic 
purposes.    The  following  description  is  derived  from  his  specification. 

"  My  improved  apparatus,"  says  the  inventor,  "  which  I  intend  to  denominate  the 
Hyper- Gazo-Pyrog^ne,  is  intended  for  the  production  of  combustible  gases  from  wood,  char- 
coal, peat,  peat  charcoal,  coal,  coke,  anthracite,  lignite,  boghead  coal,  or  bituminous  sdiist, 
or  other  solid  fuel :  or,  from  Uiese  substances  w  oombinatlon  with  tar  or  oily  or  fatty 
matters,  sawdust  impregnated  with  water  or  gretWi  tanner's  barki  or  other  substances 
capable  of  yielding  combustible  gases.  The  oorabustible  gases  produced  by  my  apparatus 
may  be  employed  for  heating  steam  boilers,  gas  retorts,  and  distilling  apparatus,  and  for 
heating  furnaces  for  melting  glass  and  enamels,  baUng  brioks  and  pottsrjr,  burning  lime 
and  gypsum,  heating  and  melting  metals,  and  for  heatittg  purposes  gsntifllyf  snd  also  for 
the  reduction  of  ores  or  metallic  oxides  and  other  metallurgio  purposes.  The  hyper-gazo- 
pyrog^ne  may  be  made  of  various  forms,  according  to  the  fuel  to  be  employsd,  as  nereafter 
described. 

Fig.  1  of  the  aeoompanying  engravings  is  a  vertioal  ssotioa  of  a  simple  byper- 
gazo-pyrogtae.  A  and  «  are  two  vertical  furnaces,  placed  side  by  side,  and  eoromunicating 
together  by  an  opeidng  at  the  lower  part  On  each  of  the  two  opj^oslts  sides  of  the  fUmaeei 
A,  is  a  tuyere  or  blast -pipe,  ft,  for  the  introduction  of  a  blast  of  air  from  a  bellows  or  blow* 
ing  maohine.  The  two  tuyeres  are  plaeed  at  the  same  level,  so  that  the  two  blasts  strike 
against  each  other  in  the  mmaoe,  ana  may  be  raised  or  lowered,  as  indioated  by  the  dotted 
lines.  B  B  are  openings  for  removing  any  slag  or  scoria  which  may  aoeumulate  at  the 
bottom  of  the  (Umaoes.  K  K  are  other  openings  for  introduolng  a  bar  to  stir  the  fires,  or 
break  up  any  lumps  or  agglomerations  in  the  fUrnaess,  The  openings  B  and  K  are  kept 
closed  when  the  apparatus  is  at  work.  C  is  a  flue  or  passage  wmeh  oooducts  the  gases  to 
the  plane  where  they  are  to  be  used.  N  li  a  charging  oox  mr  introduolng  a  charge  of  coal 
or  other  luel.  It  ia  surrounded  with  a  oaslng,  «,  containing  water  or  other  suitable  liquid, 
forminff  a  hydrauUo  JoUit  for  the  bell  or  o«p,  q,  which  is  provided  with  loops  or  ears,  r,  by 
which  It  may  be  raised  when  required.  The  weight  of  the  bolU  q,  ii  partially  counter- 
balanoed  by  s  balance  weight  o  is  a  door  or  valve  which  closes  ihe  bottom  of  the  box,  N. 
The.  bell,  q,  beinff  removed,  the  box,  N,  is  filled  with  Uie  charge  of  lud,  and  the  bell 
replaced.  The  vslve,  o,  is  then  opened  by  means  of  a  lever  on  the  exterior,  and  the  charge 
of  fuel  falls  into  the  furnace.  A  similar  apparatus  with  its  bell,  q,  is  placed  on  the  fomace^ 
A,  excepting  tfiat  in  lieu  of  the  valve,  o,  a  nopper,  T,  with  a  sliding  valve,  p,  is  employed. 
/  is  a  rod  paaaing  through  a  tube  or  stuffing  b^  ftr  opening  and  eiodng  the  slide,  p.  «  is 
a  syphon  or  bent  tube,  for  introducing  water,  or  tar,  or  other  liquid  combustible  when 
required.  ^  is  an  aperture  at  the  bottom  of  the  furnace,  A,  for  emptying  it  when  required. 
This  apparatus  is  particularly  suitable  for  the  production  of  gu  from  lUgk^y  bituminoue 
substances,  but  may  also  be  employed  for  other  substsnoes. 

"  Both  the  furnaces,  A  and  a,  are  charged  with  fiiel,  and  air  is  blown  in  at  Ike  tafftes,  ft. 
The  air  descends  through  the  fuel  in  A,  and  ascends  ^ain  through  that  in  a,  and  ve  com- 
bustible gases  thus  produced  are  conveyed  away  from  C  to  their  destination*  In  employing 
this  apparatus  with  bituminous  coal,  the  hopper,  T,  is  removed,  and  the  furnace.  A,  is  filled 
with  fragments  of  coal  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  tuyeres,  6.  Some  lighted  fuel  is  then 
placed  upon  the  coal  and  covered  with  a  few  fragments  of  coal.  The  hoppex^  T,  is  then 
replaced  and  covered  by  the  bell,  g,  and  the  blast  of  air  is  introduced  at  the  tuyttM,  b.  When 
the  fire  is  well  alight,  the  bell,  q,  is  again  removed,  and  the  hopper  ia  tilled  wHb  fvall  coal 
well  wetted  with  water.  The  bell,  q,  is  then  replaced,  and  the  slide,  p,  is  opened,  and  the  chvge 
of  coal  fklls  into  the  furnace,  forming  a  conical  heap,  which  does  not  adhere  to  the  sidl^  of 
the  furnace.  The  second  furnace  is  then  eradually  filled  with  successive  charges  of  iry 
fragments  of  coal,  by  means  of  the  chargingrbox,  N,  until  it  is  filled  to  within  a  few  inches 
of  the  flue,  C,  at  which  height  the  fuel  is  maintained  by  additional  charges,  in  proportion 
to  the  quantity  oonsumed.  The  apparatus  being  thus  set  to  work,  the  furnace,  A,  ia  con- 
stantlT  charged  with  wet  small  coal,  and  when  eaoh  charge  ia  about  half  oonsumsdi  s  quan- 
tity of  water  is  introduced  gradually  by  the  syphon,  t.  The  slide,  p,  is  closedi  M  that  the 
water  has  to  trickle  through  between  the  slide  and  the  bottom  edge  of  the  hopper,  by  which 
means  it  is  distributed  in  the  furnace.  A  sisht  hole  is  made  in  the  top  of  the  bell,  q,  and 
each  successive  portion  of  water  is  not  added  until  the  previous  one  has  evaporated;  and 
the  light  of  the  fumaoe  can  be  seen  at  the  bottom  edge  of  the  hopper.  The  furnace,  a,  is 
eonstanthr  charged  with  dry  fragments  of  coaL  When  the  iiiel  employed  is  wood,  or  lignite, 
txr peat, dio hopper, Tim»yb«l«no?fd and rtpUMd by ftlvei,  MlAflg. 4.    InthiscM^ 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


cuvieb's  patent  fubnaceb.  339 

•a  in  thiit  before  deieribed,  it  !•  advuitageoitt  to  employ  the  oomfanstlble  as  wet  as  possible 
ID  U»e  lumao*,  A>  and  in  frapiveiita  as  drj  as  possible  in  the  furnaoo,  a.  When  tar  is  to 
be  employed,  the  apparatus  is  charged  a*  before  described,  and  the  tube,  t,  is  connected 
with  a  teasel  oootainiog  the  tar,  the  flow  of  which  is  regulated  by  a  TaWe  or  cock.  It  is 
advantageous  to  employ  a  Tassel  furnished  with  an  agitator,  by  means  of  which  the  tar  is 
intimately  mixed  with  waters  a  Urger  qnantily  of  gaa  of  greater  heating  power  ia  thus 
obtained. 

"  Fjga.  2  and  3  repc«eent  a  hyperogaacpyrogene,  in  which  the  gases  descend  i^om 
tbo  prinoipal  furoaoe  into  others  placed  below  it.  Fig.  2  is  a  horizontal  section  of  one  half 
of  the  apparatus  s  and  fig.  3  is  a  Tertical  section  of  It.  Thie  apparatus  is  employed  with 
advantage  fi>r  obUining  a  large  quantity  of  gas,  and  espeeially  flir  the  treatment  of  very 
bituminous  or  very  heavy  oombustibles,  because  the  multiplicity  of  furnaces  facilitates  the 
decomposition  of  the  vapours,  and  permits  of  operating  upon  large  masses  of  fuel  in  com- 
Mrativelv  thin  layers,  and  avoida  the  danger  of  obstmctioos  occasioned  by  the  compression 
due  to  the  eolumn  of  fuel  in  the  ftirnaee ;  and  the  action  of  the  apparatus  is  similar, 
exoepting  that  the  w  and  gates  firom  the  ^nt  or  primary  fomace,  A,  descend  through  the 
seoondaiy  fumaees,  «,  jr,  «,  and  pass  through  the  fines,  C\  to  the  central  or  main  flue,  C. 
This  apparatus  may  be  made  with  one,  two,  or  more  secondary  furnaces,  at  pleasure,  and 
may  be  em^byed  £»r  every  daaoription  of  fuel. 

**Fig,  4  i«  a  Tcrtical  seotion  of  a  hyper^gaio-pyrogdne  with  thzea  fumaees,  oommuni- 
eating  together,  and  intended  for  obtainmg  combustible  gases  from  combustibleg  and  car- 
bonate! deoompoaable  by  beat,  or  from  bituminous  schist,  or  metallic  oxidsa  employed 
aimultaneonsly.  M  is  the  first  or  principal  furnace,  similar  to  that  marked  A  in  the  pre- 
ooding  figures.  It  ia  surmounted  by  a  onarging-box  witb  two  doors  or  valves.  C,  connected 
together  by  the  levers,  ^,  and  rod,  D,  and  worked  by  a  lever,  £,  as  shown  by  the  dotted 
lioM.  By  raising  the  lever,  £,  the  valves  are  both  opened,  and  the  charge  in  the  box  is 
dropped  i«to  (he  furnace.  The  eharging-box  is  coyered  by  a  bell,  A,  olpping  into  the 
watii  In  the  easing,  B.  0  is  a  hopper,  supported  by  iron  bars,  and  serving  to  guide  the 
'  eham  to  tbe  oentre  of  the  tUmace.  S  a  are  the  tuyerea ;  L  is  an  opening  for  emptying 
the  lumace ;  I  is  a  j^ssage  communicating  with  the  second  furnace,  K,  which  xb  sur- 
mounted by  a  cbargwg-box  with  a  single  valve,  C,  worked  by  a  lever  <  J  is  a  paasage 
eoAneoting  the  fUmtoe,  N,  with  the  third  furnace,  0,  which  is  provided  with  a  similar 
ehargiBg*box  to  that  of  the  firit  furuaoe  \  K  is  the  flue  for  the  exit  of  the  combustible 
gaaea.  To  put  this  apparatus  in  eperation,  the  fumaee,  M,  ia  charged  in  the  manner 
aliw^y  described  vith  regard  to  the  iumaces,  A,  and  air  ie  blown  In  at  tHe  tuyeres  until 
the  figffnaoee,  N  and  O,  have  beeome  heated.  The  furoaoe,  |f,  is  then  pharged  with  bog- 
head  coi|«  or.  bituminous  aehist,  or  a  metallic  oxide  which  ia  not  easily  fusible  (as,  for 
example,  the  peroxide  of  manganese,  which  may  be  again  oxidised  by  exposing  it  to  a 
moist  atmosphere) ;  or  with  a  mixture  of  schist  and  metallip  oxide,  or  with  limestone  or 
other  earbon^te  of  Ume^  The  furnace,  Q,  ia  then  charsf  d  up  to  the  level  of  the  pasaage, 
J,  in  a  similar  manner  to  that  before  described  in  renrenoe  to  the  furnaces,  a.  When 
metallic  oxidee  are  employed,  their  oxygen  is  disengaged  and  combinea  with  a  certain 
quantity  of  the  combustible  in  tbe  fUrnaoe,  O,  forming  carbonic  oxide.  When  carbonates 
are  employed,  tbe  carbonic  acid  which  is  disengaged  fh>m  them  gives  up  a  portion  of  its 
ogygett  to  the  combustible  in  the  third  furnace,  O,  forming  carbonic  oxide,  and  beine 
iteelf  reduced  to  the  etate  of  oarbonic  oxide.  In  these  cases,  the  quantity  of  air  supplied 
by  the  tnyeree  may  be  nueh  diminished,  and  the  quantity  of  nitrogen  or  asote  beingjbus 
redueed,  the  heating  power  of  the  gases  obtained  will  be  considerably  increasedi  When 
hilammotts  schist  is  employed,  as  before  described,  iu  volatile  matter  diaUls  off,  and  tlie 
deeompoaition  of  the  vapour  ia  oommenoed  by  the  high  temperature  to  which  it  is  exposed, 
and  is  eompleted  by  its  passage  through  die  ignited  fuel  in  the  furnace,  O.  For  the 
Mirpese  of  obtaining  a  oontinuoua  decomposition,  by  successive  char^^es  of  oxides,  or  car- 
bonates, or  eehist,  there  is  placed  at  the  bottom  of  the  furnace,  N,  an  uon  screw,  Q,  upon 
a  ehalt,  q,  whioh  paaees  through  the  masonry,  and  is  supported  on  one  side  by  a  fixed 
bearing,  adapted  to  the  outer  part  of  a  dose  box,  S*  The  extremity  of  the  shaft  has  two 
tianeverse  holes,  at  right  angles  to  each  bther«  for  reoeiviog  a  lever  or  levers,  by  which  it 
may  be  turned  round.  By  turning  thia  screw,  the  exhauated  materiaU  are  drawn  out  of 
the  fbmaee,  N,  into  the  disohargjng.box,  S,  firom  which  they  are  removed  (com  time  to 
time  through  an  opening  oloeed  by  a  lid  aeeured  by  a  firoae-bar  and  ecrew»" 


ft2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


340 


MR.  FAIBBAIRN  ON   THE   STEAM  ENGINE. 


Mr.  W.  FAiRBAiitir,  C.E.,  F.R.S.,  has 

delivered,  at  the  Meehaniei'  Institatioo, 
Maneheeter,  two  leetares^one  on  **  Steam  i 
iu  Propertios  and  AppUoation  to  tho  Utefnl 
and  Industrial  Artaj"  and  a  eoeond  on 
**  The  Strength  and  Form  of  YesieU  calcu- 
lated to  iniore  eafety,  and  reiiit  the  Elastic 
Force  of  Steam ;  the  Relative  Proportion  of 
Flue  to  Furnace  Surface  in  Boilers;  and 
the  Relative  Values  of  High  and  Low 
Steam.'*  These  lectures  are  well  worthy  of 
the  fiune  of  Mr.  Fairhaim ;  the  first  present- 
ing an  admirable  digest  of  all  that  has  yet 
been  effected  towards  the  perfecting  of  our 
knowledge  of  the  generation  and  application 
of  steam,  and  the  second  containing  sug- 
gestions that  bear  very  importantly  upon 
die  future  development  of  the  steam  engine. 
The  following  fornu  part  of  the  second  lec- 
ture: 

The  advantages  of  high  steam,  worked 
expansively,  were  early  discussed ;  and  both 
high  and  low  steam  were  used  in  the  mining 
districts:  but  it  was  only  within  the  last 
ten  or  twelve  years  that  manufacturers  in 
this  country  had  appreciated  high  steam, 
owing  to  the  increase  of  manufactures  and 
the  unequal  increase  in  the  price  of  coal.  It 
was  used  earlier  on  the  Continent  and  in 
America.  In  combating  the  objections 
against  it  many  years  ago,  he  demonstrated 
its  saving  of  fuel  and  increase  of  power. 
With  it  the  double-cylinder  engine  was  pre- 
ferable for  regularity  of  motion,  but  it  did 
not  save  more  ftiel.  The  irregularity  of  the 
single  engine  was  of  less  importance  than 
many  imagined,  and  was  easily  remedied  by 
increaain^  tiie  weight  of  the  fly*wheel,  and 
neutralismg'the  irregularities  of  the  stroke  of 
the  piston  by  velocity.  Two  engines  might 
be  worked  togedier  at  right  angles  without 
these  irregularities,  and  with  perfect  safety, 
through  the  whole  range  of  ezoansive  ac- 
Uon.  Therelbre,  he  recommended  the  single 
•ngiAe.  It  was  less  expensive,  equally  effi- 
caeious,  and,  perhaps,  more  economical 
than  a  machine  of  greater  complexity.  Con- 
mdering  the  iaets  already  stated,  we  must 
look  forward  to  the  use  of  a  greatly  in- 
ereased,  instead  of  a  reduced,  pressure  of 
steam.  So  convinced  was  he  of  the  advan- 
tages of  high  steam  worked  expansively, 
that  ho  ur^d  preparation  for  greatly  in- 
creased progress.  It  must  be  obvious  that 
steam  generated  under  pressure,  compressed 
into  one-fifth  or  one-sixth  the  space  it  for- 
merly occupied,  and  sgain,  applied  to  an 
•ngine  of  uttla  more  than  ono-tenth  the 


bulk,  nrast  be  a  desideratum  ia  tlie  applt- 
ance  of  steam.  The  force  applied  to  one  of 
the  largest  of  locomotive  engines,  travelling 
with  a  train  at  the  rate  of  45  miles  an  hour, 
exceeded  700  horse  power ;  and  there  was 
no  reason  why  factories  should  not  be 
driven,  and  the  largest  ships  propelled,  by 
such  engines,  with  greatly  increased  eco- 
nomy, by  well-directed  condensation.  Soon 
this  would  be  more  extenaively  accom- 
plished than  might  now  be  considered  pos- 
sible or  safe,  and  space  would  be  lessened 
and  power  doubled  with  greatly  increased 
economy  and  eflbct  He  and  another  gen- 
tleman had  been  in  communicatioo  with  the 
Admiralty  respecting  the  introduction  of  ' 

high-pressure  steam  upon  the  same  prin- 
ciple as  used  on  the  railways ;  and  he  was 
satisfied  that,  if  properly  applied,  it  would 
effect  an  important  saving  in  steam  naviga- 
tion. The  cylindrical  or  spherical  was  the 
most  eligible,  and  the  8tron|rest  form  in 
which  iron  plates  would  resist  mtemal  pres- 
sure. The  deduction  for  loss  of  strength  on 
account  of  riveted  joints,  and  the  position  of 
the  plates,  was  about  SO  per  cent.  Car  the 
double-riveted  joints,  and  44  per  cent  for  ^ 
the  single  ones ;  the  strengths  (calling  the 
plates  100)  being  in  the  ratio  of  100,  70, 
and  56.  He  found  that  S4,000  lbs.  to  the 
square  inch  was  the  ultimate  strength  of 
boilers  having  their  joints  crossed  and 
soundly  riveted.  Flat  -aurfiMses,  frequently 
essential,  were  not  so  objectionable  vrith  re- 
spect to  strength  as  they  appeared  to  be  at 
firat  sight ;  but,  when  propeny  staged,  vrere 
the  strongest  part  of  the  construction.  This 
was  proved  by  the  result  of  experiments 
made  on  the  occasion  of  the  bursting  of  a 
boiler  at  Longsight  •  •  •  The  first  ^ 
series  of  experiments  proved  the  superior 
strength  of  tue  flat  snrmces  of  a  loeooMMive 
fire-box,  as  compared  with  the  top  ot  even 
the  cylindrical  part  of  the  boiler.  The 
latter  evidenced  an  enormous  xesistinff 
power,  much  greater  than  could  be  attained 
m  any  other  part  of  the  boiler^  however 
good  the  construction;  and  they  ahowed 
that  the  weakest  part  of  the  box  was  not  ia 
the  copper,  but  in  the  iron  plates,  which 

Save  way  by  stripping  or  tearing  asnndet 
le  threads  or  screws  in  part  of  the  iron 
plate.  According  to  the  matbematloal  the^ 
ory,  the  strength  of  the  seeond  plats  would 
have  been  1,273  lbs.t  but  it  sustained 
1,625  lbs.,  showing  an  excess  of  one-fourth 
above  that  indicated  by  the  law,  and  that 
strength  decreaaed  in  a  higher  ratio  than 
the  increase  of  space  between  the  stays. 
The  experiments  show  a  close  analogy  as 
respects  the  strensths  of  the  stays  when 
screwed  into  the  pUteS|  whether  of  copper 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


USUWAOBAXRH  ON  THB  STBAM  EKQIXE. 


841 


or  iron  i  and  liriting  added  acarly  14  per 
eent  to  the  ttnagth  whieh  the  aimple  eerew 
afforded.  These  experimenti  were  ooo- 
daeted  at  a  temperature  not  exceeding  60^ 
Fahrenheit  Hia  ezperimcnta  ou  the  effinsts 
of  temperature  on  caat  iron  did  not  indicate 
mach  loaa  of  atrength  up  to  a  temperature 
«f«6<P;  and  he  eondnded  that  the  resist, 
ittg  stays  and  plates  of  looomotif«  boilers 
were  not  serionslj  aifeoted  by  the  inereaaed 
temperature  to  whieh  they  were  subjected 
in  a  regular  course  of  working.  The  sub- 
ieot  waa  entitled  to  further  consideration. 
In  hoilera  it  was  necessary  to  preserve  a 
large  margin  strength  as  r^arded  the 
working  pretanre  and  the  ultimate  power  of 
lesiatanee.  Six  or  seren  times  the  working 
power  waa  not  too  muoh  to  proride  for  con- 
tingeaeies.  With  respect  to  the  propor- 
tion or  reUtive  Talnes  of  the  furnace  to 
the  other  ^sorbent  surfaces,  aa  recipi- 
ents  of  heaty  there  was  great  diversity 
of  opinion,  as  much  depended  upon  the 
quali^  of  the  fuel  used,  and  tne  rate 
at  which  it  was  consumed.  There  was 
no  fixed  rule  as  to  the  proportion  of  the 
dimension  of  the  grate-bars  to  that  of  the 
aorlaee  of  the  boiler  exposed  to  the  action 
of  heat  s  and  n  series  of  well-conducted  ex- 
periments on  these  points  was  much  wanted, 
to  determine  also  the  quantity  of  heat  ab- 
aorhed  by  the  surlkces  surrounding  the  for- 
nace,  and  at  diiferent  distances,  as  these 
surfiiees  receded  from  the  immediate  source 
of  heat  Fourteen  or  fifteen  years  ago,  he 
fimnd  the  mean  of  16  boilers  to  be  nearly 
aa  I  lor  the  grate-bar  surfisoe,  to  11  recipi- 
ent or  heating  surfaee.  This  was  approxi- 
mately correct,  and  appeared  to  be|in  use 
for  obtaining  Uke  best  results ;  but  he  had 
doubts  aa  to  its  accuracy,  as  it  was  formed 
upon  no  fixed  law.  Time  was  an  element 
woich  could  not  be  neglected  in  the  oom- 
buatioo  of  a  certain  quantity  of  fuel,  and 
hence  we  had  slow,  active,  and  '*  excited  " 
combustion.  The  first  was  practised  gene- 
rally in  Cornwall,  where  the  draught  was 
kept  down  by  the  damper,  and  the  heated 
currents  made  two  or  three  circuits  of  the 
boiler  at  a  slow  rate,  thus  sffording  time  for 
the  absorption  of  heat  during  its  passage  to 
tho  chimney.  Stationary  £ulers  received 
evenr  description  of  treatment,  in  all  ita 
gradations  from  slow  to  active  combustion, 
aiisbg  from  the  want  of  space,  or  the  want 
of  money,  or  of  the  inclination  to  spend  it 
in  the  construction  of  new  boilers;  and 
eombustion  waa  sometimes  carried  on  with 
such  determined  energy  as  to  cause  an 
enormous  waste  of  ftiei,  expensive  as  re- 
garded wear,  and  productive  of  smoke.  The 
marine  boiler  admitted  of  no  alternative, 
and  the  combustion  must  be  active  owing 
to  the  small  space  allotted  to  the  boiler; 
bat  BMieh  viigiht  be  done  to  econoituae  fiieli 


by  increasing  the  areas  of  the  recipient  sur- 
faces, which  was  best  accomplished  by  the 
tubular  system,  and  a  wide  aififhsion  of  the 
ineremenu  of  heat  aa  they  passed  flrom  the 
furnace  through  the  tubes,  and  thenoe  to  the 
water  in  the  boiler.  Excited  combustion 
applied  almost  exduaively  to  locomotive 
engines.  The  boiler  was  similar  to  the 
multUubular ;  but  whilst,  in  one,  the  fire 
was  supplied  vrith  esygen  by  the  rarefied 
draught  of  the  chimney,  in  the  other  it  was 
excited  with  much  greater  intensity  by  the 
blast  of  the  steam  passing  from  the  cylia* 
ders  at  great  velocity  into  the  chimney.  The 
steam  operated  upon  the  smoke-box  behind, 
and  through  the  tubes  to  the  Aim  ace,  like 
a  pump,  and  rapid  currents  of  cold  air  blew 
up  the  furnace  when  the  engine  was  in  mo- 
tion ;  therefore,  *'  the  fiMter  she  goes,  the 
harder  she  blows'*—  (laughter) — and  at 
high  speed  such  sa  engine  had  aJl  the  pro- 
perties of  the  blow. pipe,  in  exciting  and 
maintaining  an  intensity  of  heat  in  the  fur- 
nace almost  sufficient  to  melt  the  hardest 
metals,  producing  a  white  heat,  which 
would  soon  destroy  the  fire-box,  but  for  the 
great  difference  between  ita  temperature 
and  the  water  in  the  boiler,  whieh  seldom  if 
ever  exceeded  400<^,  that  of  the  furnace 
being  probably  as  high  as  from  1,500<*  to 
2,000«.  Owing  to  this  inteuse  best,  the 
furnace  had  to  be  surrounded  with  material, 
aueh  as  copper,  of  high  conducting  powers, 
and  other  recipient  aurfoces,  auch  as  the 
tube.  These  required  to  be  as  thin  as  pos- 
sible, to  save  tune  in  the  transmission  of 
heat,  and  to  effect  a  rapid  evaporation  from 
the  water  contained  in  the  boiler.  The  dif- 
ference, therefore,  between  locomotive  and 
other  boilers  was,  that  time  was  of  more 
importance,  aa  the  locomotive  would  raise 
as  much  steam  in  one  hour  as  a  atationary 
or  marine  engine  boiler  would  raise  in 
twenty ;  the  former  requiring  15  square  feet 
of  fire-bars,  and  tho  latter  300  square  feet, 
being  in  the  /proportion  of  1  to  20.  The 
subject  deserved  careful  investigation,  and 
we  might  reasonably  hope  to  gain  advantage 
from  a  prinoiple  only  partially  developed  aa 
yet  Safety-valves  had  occupied  much  at- 
tention ;  but  the  projects  put  forward, 
though  exceedingly  ingenious,  were  not 
self-acting  and  free  from  risk.  There  were 
nearly  twenty  different  ways  of  feeding  a 
boiler.  In  Watt's  days,  a  pump  supplied  a 
cistern  10  or  12  feet  above  the  boiler, 
which  height  measured  the  pressure  of 
steam  within.  Now,  the  altitude  of  a  co- 
lumn of  water  must  be  measured  by  the 
height  of  the  chinmey,  which  was  ^  too 
expensive  and  inconvenient  for  hig[h- 
pressure  steanu  The  only  alternative 
was  a  pump  powerful  enough  to  over- 
come tiie  resutance  of  the  steam,  and  to 
xegulatc  tiw  supply  la  raob  a  way  by  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


842 


PENH'S  PATSRT  ElABDiaS  JJKD  BUSBIS  lOB  mOKLLEB  SHAFTS. 


admifti^n-TAlf M,  at  would  oorer  the  flues 
and  maiDtain  the  water  at  a  fixed  and  uni- 
form height  Thii  was  accomplbhed  in 
several  ways,  with  appendages  whieb,  though 
not  neoessary,  did  no  harm  if  kept  elean 
and  in  working  order.  Working  steam 
expansively  was^  one  of  the  most  important 
subjects  to  which  the  engineer  could  direct 
his  attention.  The  diffsrence  between  high 
and  low  steam  was  the  measure  of  elasUoity 
and  temperature,  when  taken  at  the  extremes 
at  which  it  is  worked,  from  10  lbs.  to  160  lbs. 
on  the  square  inch.  When  the  steam  im- 
pinges upon  the  piston  at  10  lbs.,  it  follows 
up  the  supply  and  pressure  continually 
tnroughout  the  whole  length  of  the  stroke, 
or  nearly  so ;  but  steam  of  greater  density, 
instead  of  pressing  upon  the  piston  with  a 
eontinuotts  flow,  had  its  oommunioation 
with  the  boiler  interoepted  at  a  psitieular 
point  of  the  stroke,  and  the  steam  thus  cut 
off  was  left  to  perform  the  remaining  por- 
tion of  the  stroke  by  its  own  initial  or  elas- 
tic force,  dilating  or  expanding  as  the  piston 
moved.  This  was  the  theory  of  what  was 
technically  called  working  steam  expan- 
sively. There  were  no  calculations  founded 
upon  experimental  (acts  respecting  the  value 
of  the  system.  He,  however,  demonstrated 
that,  with  an  engine  of  six  feet  stroke,  cy- 
linder 40  inches  diameter,  and  cutting  off 
the  steam  riOlbs.  on  the  square  inch)  at 
one*sixth  of  the  stroke,  it  did  rather  more 
than  one-half  the  duty  with  one-sixth  the 
quantity  of  steam  that  would  otherwise  be 
used,  or  above  tiiree  times  the  work.  It 
was  important  to  attend  to  the  perfect  eom- 
bustlon  of  ftiel,  and  the  transmission  as  well 
as  the  retention  of  heat,  as  it  was  evolved  in 
the  process,  and  also  to  maintain  cleanliness 
.  and  order  about  a  steam  engine  and  a  boiler. 
In  a  well-managed  concern,  safety*valves 
and  feed-pumps  were  not  allowed  to  con- 
tinue out  of  repair,  and  there  was  no  tam- 
pering with  such  vital  organs  of  safety. 
Bverj^ing  was  in  its  place,  and  was  kept 


in,  the  most  perfect  order,  well  oiM  snd 
well  oleimed,  so  as  to  be  at  all  times  ready 
for  service.  With  respect  to  the  steam  en- 
gine  also,  the  same  regularity  and  system 
of  management  was  preserved  ;  and  the 
result  was  a  beautiful  piece  of  mao||inery, 
working  with  a  degree  of  preciaioa  at  oaoe 
the  adxniration  of  me  employer  and  the  pride 
of  the  engineer.  He  would  have  all  the 
engines  kept  in  this  style.  Hence  the  ad- 
vantage of  polished  sur&oes  and  the  ma- 
thematical exactitude  with  whieh  the  steam 
engines  of  the  present  day  were  executed. 
A  well-oonstrqcted  machine,  neatly  execu- 
ted, had  a  wonderful  efieet  upon  the  mind 
of  its  keeper.  It  only  required  a  few  months 
to  accustom  him  to  habits  of  oleanlinesaand 
order )  and  it  improved  his  tests  and  elevated 
his  mind  to  see  his  pet  engine,  witk  the  arms 
of  a  giant,  flnelv  polished,  overooming  ^ 
resistaifoe  of  a  thousand  horses,  and  inopel- 
ling  with  the  same  apparent  ease  a  floathoig 
citadel  or  a  ponderous  train.  In  eonelosioB, 
he  would  quote  the  words  of  a  distinguished 
writer,  who,  in  speaking  of  the  steam  eDgine, 
said: 

**  It  is  stupendous  alike  for  its  foree  and 
flexibility — for  the  prodigloua  power  whieh 
it  can  exercise,  and  the  ease»  and  preeisioe, 
and  duotility  with  whieh  it  can  be  varied, 
distributed,  and  applied.  The  tnmk  of  the 
elephant,  that  can  pick  up  a  pin  or  rend  an 
oak,  is  nothing  to  it  It  can  engrave  a  seal, 
or  crush  masses  of  obdurate  metal  like  wax 
before  it;  draw  out,  without  breaking,  a 
thread  as  flne  as  gossamer }  and  lift  a  ship 
of  war  like  a  bauble  in  the  air.  It  ean  em- 
broider, forge  anchors,  out  steel  into  rib- 
bons, and  impel  loaded  veseels  againat  tiM 
fury  of  the  waves." 

It  could  do  all  this,  and  more,  stnee  die 
eulogium  quoted  was  pronounced  i  and  he 
looked  forward  to  the  time  when  still  greater 
impossibilities  would  be  efleoted  in  the  ac- 
tion of  the  steam  engine  and  the  use  of 
steam. 


PENN'S  PATENT  BEARINGS  AND 
On    the   2nd  of  hut  October   Mr.   J. 
Peaib  ^*  •minent  engineer  of  Greenwich, 
Fig.  1.  Fig. 


BUSHES  FOR  PROPELLER  SHAFTS. 
I  patented  the  employment  of  wood  in  the 
I  construction  of  bearings  and  bushes  for  the 
.2.  •  Vig.S, 


ol.  sciMi^iioHUntaiidhMilmdy  aQOM   the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OM  TBK  APFXJOAXI0NOFOIUB0<UL  TO  SAMITABT  VOBVOSM. 


34a 


T«Melf«  ittolQcUng  MTezal  of  Her  Mijettj't 

The  accompaajiDg  etigr«?ixigi  represent 
thrae  of  the  m^ods  of  fitting  the  wood 
whioh  have  been  adopted  by  Mr.  Penn. 
la  flf.  1  A  it  the  ihaft,  lurronnded  by  « 
braae  easing,  B  ;  B  it  the  bearings  of  the 
ahalt,  the  inner  surfaces  of  these  being 
grooved  to  receive  fillets  of  wood,  G,  which 
projeot  beyond  the  inner  suifacea  of  the 
oearings,  so  as  to  prevent  the  shaft  from 
coming  in  contact  with  the  metal  of  the 
beaiings,  the  spaces  thus  formed  allowing 
water  to  flow  fVeely  between  the  shaft  and 
ihiB  bearings.  In  fi^  2  the  wooden  fillets 
are  fixed  in  the  easing  on  the  shaft,  and 
turn  within  the  bearings,  instead  of  remain- 
ing fixed,  as  in  the  former  case.  In  fig.  3 
the  wooden  fillets  are  fixed  within  the  bear- 
ings, and  have  their  edges  bevelled;  so  that 
where  each  neighboniing  pair  of  fiUeta 
come  together,  they  haTO  a  groove  between 
them  fbr  the  passage  of  water.  The  interior 
of  the  bearings  is  Uned  with  these  fillets,  as 
shown,  and  tne  whole  are  wedged  tightly 
together  by  a  metal  fillet  fixed  in  the  bear- 
ing by  screws  or  otherwise. 

For  the  proper  application  of  the  inven- 
tioB  it  is  neceesaiy  that  the  shaft  and  bear- 
ings be  covered  or  bushed  with  brass,  and 
that  a  free  flow  of  water  be  admitted  to  the 
mbbing  surfaces.  The  wood  preferred  for 
thia  arrangement  is  lignum  vitas,  whioh,  as 
is  well  known,  has  long  been  in  use  in 
machinery  where  much  friction  has  to  be 
borne,  and  hardness  and  strength  are  ne- 
cessary. 

ON  THS  APPLICATION  OF  CHAR- 
COAL TO  SANITARY  PURPOSES. 

BY    Dft.  lOBW    BTBMdOUSB,    F.B.8.* 

Aftek  describing  the  various  ways  in 
which  both  animal  and  vegetable  charcoal 
are  manufactured,  the  lecturer  stated  that  the 
Afferent  kinds  of  charcoal  most  commonly  in 
use  may  be  conveniently  divided  in  three 
species,  vis.,  wood,  peat,  and  animal  char- 
coal. The  results  of  Saussure's  experi- 
menta  on  the  absorption  of  gaaes  by  box- 
wood charcoal  were  then  exhibited  in  a 
tabular  form.  The  lecturer  then  described 
a  series  of  experiments  made  by  him,  to 
ascertain  the  comparative  absorbent  power 
of  wood,  peat,  and  animal  charcoal  for  gaae- 
otts  bodies.  From  these  it  appeared  that 
wood  charcoal  possesses  a  slightly  higher 
absorbent  power  for  ammoniacal,  sulp- 
huretted hydrogen,  sulphurous  acid,  and 
carbonic  acid  gases  than  j^eat  charcoal ;  the 
absorbent  powers  of  which,  however,  are 
immensely  greater  than  those  of  animal 


keTaketQieieienClyddlveeedattlM 

Royal  Institution. 


oharooaL  As  a  deoolorixevi  howfvei^  ani- 
mal charcoal  is  greatly  superior  to  either 
wood  or  peat  charooaL 

A  description  waa  next  given  of  Mn 
Tumbull's  and  the  leotorer's  experiments^ 
which  consisted  in  burying  the  bodies  of 
dogs  and  oats  in  charcoal  powder,  and  in 
covering  them  over  with  about  a  couple  of 
inches  of  the  same  material.  No  emuvia 
were  ever  perceptibloi  while  the  deoompo- 
sition  of  the  bodies  was  greatly  accelerated. 
This  arises  from  the  circumstance  that 
charcoal  absorbs  snd  oxidises  the  effluvia, 
which  would  under  ordinary  ciroumatances 
be  evolved  directly  into  the  air ;  but  within 
the  pores  of  the  charcoal  they  are  brought 
into  contact  with  condensed  oxygen,  and  are 
thus  subjected  to  a  species  of  low  combos- 
tion,  their  carbon  being  converted  into  car- 
bonic acid,  and  their  hydrogen  into  water. 
Charcoal,  therefore,  so  far  nrom  being  an 
antiseptic,  as  was  till  recently  universally 
believed,  is,  in  fact,  precisely  the  reverse. 

The  lecturer  then  sUted,  that  from  re- 
flecting on  the  wonderful  power  of  charcoal 
in  absorbing  effluvia  and  miasmata^  aa  ex- 
hibited in  the  caaes  juat  deacribed,  where,  as 
we  have  seen,  all  the  nutrid  exhalationa 
f^m  the  bodies  of  pretty  large  animals  were 
absorbed  and  deatroyed  by  a  layer  of  char- 
coal powder  little  more  than  an  inch  in 
thickness,  it  struck  him  that  a  very  thin 
layer  of  powdered  charcoal  would  be  equally 
enectual  in  absorbing  the  very  minute 
quantity  of  infeetious  matter  floating  in  the 
atmosphere  of  what  are  called  unhealthy 
situations.  This  led  him  to  the  constroo- 
tion  of  the  so-oalled  charcoal  air-fllter,  first 
exhibited  and  described  by  him  before  the 
Society  ol  Arts,  on  the  22nd  of  February^ 
1854.* 

The  ehareoal  air-filter  may  be  advan- 
tageously apnlied  to  buildings,  to  ships»  to 
the  gully-holee  of  sewers,  to  respirators,  and 
to  many  similar  cantrivaneeo.  The  char- 
coal air-fllter  consists  of  a  thin  layer  of 
charcoal  powder,  enclosed  between  two 
sheets  of  wire  gause.  One  of  these  air- 
fllters,  or  charcoal  ventilators,  waa  erected 
more  than  three  moothe  ago,  in  the  justioe- 
room,  at  the  Mansion-house.  This  apart- 
ment, from  the  poeitioii  of  a  large  urinal 
and  other  nuiaancea,  in  the  very  narrow 
street  from  which  it  is  ventilated,  was  uau- 
ally  so  ofiensive  as  to  have  beeonoe  the  sub- 
ject of  general  complaint.  Since  the  erec- 
tion of  the  charcoal  ventilator,  through 
which  all  the  air  entering  the  apartment  is 
made  to  pass,  all  the  impurities  are  ab- 
sorbed, and  the  atmosphere  of  the  room  haa 
become  unexceptionable.  From  the  suooese 
attending  on  the  charcoal  ventilator  at  the 
Mansion-house^  the  city  authoritiee  have 

•  M^tK  M<Hh,  vol.  1>.»  p.  MS. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


844      ON  THE  APPLICATION  OF  80EBW  PROPELLERS  TO  LARGS  8AXUNO  SHIPS. 


fitted  Qp  the  jttttice-room  at  Onildhall  with 
a  timiUr  apparatus,  which  is  giving  equal 
satisfaction.  The  charcoal  Tcntilator  at  the 
Mansion-house  has  neter  required  any 
alteration,  such  as  renewal  of  the  charcoal,  or 
otherwise.  Charcoal  Tcntilators  cannot  fail 
to  prove  eminently  useftil  in  all  situations 
where  foul  air  itf  apt  to  accumulate,  such  as 
in  water-closets,  in  the  close  wards  of  hos- 

{»itals«  and  in  the  back  courts  and  mews- 
anes  of  large  cities,  all  the  impurities  being 
absorbed  and  retained  by  the  charcoal,  while 
a  current  of  pure  air  alone  is  admitted  into 
the  neighbouring  apartments.  In  this  way 
pure  air  is  obtained  from  exceedingly  im- 
pure sources. 

A  short  sketch  was  then  given  of  the  his- 
tory and  construction  of  respirators,  from 
their  first  proposal  by  Dr.  Beddoes,  of 
Bristol,  in  1802,  till  their  description,  some 
seventeen  or  eighteen  years  ago,  by  Dr. 
Arnott,  in  a  lecture  at  the  Royal  Institu- 
tion, and  their  being  subsequently  patented 
by  Mr.  JeffV^ys,  who  first  brought  them  into 
general  use.  Mr.  Jeffreys*  and  the  ordinary 
respirators  are  intended  merely  to  warm  the 
air ;  but  the  charcoal  respirators,  especially 
those  which  embrace  both  the  nostrils  and 
mouth,  purify  the  air  by  filtration,  and 
thereby  deprive  it  of  the  noxious  miasmata 
which,  in  unhealthy  situations,  it  not  un- 
frequently  contains.  Experience  has  shown, 
however,  that  charcoal  respirators  not  only 
purify  the  air,  but  warm  it  sufficiently, 
while  they  possess  several  advantages  over 
the  ordinary  respirators.  Thus,  for  in- 
stance, they  are  lighter  and  more  easy  of 
construction }  and  where  the  breath  is  at  all 
foetid,  as  is  usually  the  case  in  diseases  of 
the  chest,  throat,  ftc,  the  disagreeable  efflu- 
via are  absorbed  by  the  charcoal,  so  that 
pure  air  alone  ia  inspired.  The  charcoal 
respirators  are  also  exceedingly  easy  to 
breathe  through,  aa,  owing  to  the  non- 
conducting nature  of  their  material,  they  do 
not  condense  the  moisture  of  the  breath  to 
an  inconvenient  extent  There  are  three 
forms  of  the  eharcoal  respirator,  one  for  the 
mouth  alone,  the  others  embracing  both  the 
mouth  and  nostrils ;  these  two  latter  forms 
being  specially  intended  to  guard  the  wearer 
against  fevers,  and  other  infectious  diseases. 
Powdered  charcoal  has,  during  the  last 
twelve  months,  been  most  successfully  em* 
ployed  both  at  St  Mary's  and  St  Bartho- 
lomew's  Hospitala,  and  in  other  similar 
establishments,  to  arrest  the  progress  of 
gangrene  and  other  putrid  sores.  In  the 
case  of  hospital  gangrene  we  have  to  deal 
not  only  with  ^glmia,  but  with  real  mias* 
mata!  for  gangrenous  sores  not  only  affect 
the  individual  with  whom  the  mischief  has 
originated,  but  readily  infeet  the  healthy 
wonsds  of  any  perton  in  tta  vicinity.  In 
this   way  gangrene   has   been  known  to 


spread  not  only  through  one  ward,  but 
throngh  all  the  wards  of  even  a  large  hoa- 
piUl.  This,  and  other  histancea  which 
might  easily  be  adduced,  prove  that  char* 
coal  is  not  only  a  deodoriser,  hot  a  veiy 
efficient  disinfectant  A  s^reat  variety  of 
other  instances  were  mentioned,  in  which 
charcoal  respirators  would  certainly  prove 
exceedingly  useful ;  such,  for  instanee,  aa  to 
houae-painters,  the  gunners  in  caaemated 
batteries,  persons  requiring  to  traverse  un- 
healthy districts  within  the  tropics,  sueh  aa 
the  Delta  of  the  Niger,  the  foot  of  Ao 
Himalaya,  fro. 

The  lecturer  concluded  by  stating  it  aa 
his  confident  belief,  that  if  our  aoldiers  and 
sailors,  when  placed  in  unhealthy  aituaticna, 
were  furnished  with  charcoal  resniratora, 
and  if  the  floors  of  their  tents,  and  the  lower 
decks  of  ships  were  covered  by  a  thin  layer 
of  freshly-buroed  wood  charcoal,  we  would 
have  little  in  future  to  apprehend  from  the 
ravages  of  cholera,  yellow  fever,  and  aimilar 
diseases,  by  which  our  fbrces  have  of  late 
been  so  cruelly  decimated. 


OK  THE  APPLICATION  OF  SCREW 
PROPELLERS  TO  LARGE  SAIL- 
ING SHIPS. 

The  discussion  on  Mr.  R.  A.  Robinson's 
paper  on  the  above  subject,  was  renewed 
at  the  Instltation  of  Civil  Engineers  on 
the  evening  of  Tuesday,  April  S,  and  con- 
tinned  through  the  evening. 

It  was  argued  that  a  veasel  carrying  9,000 
tone,  beddea  machinery  and  ooala,  would 
require  1,000  herae  power  findioated)  to 
obtain  8|  knota  per  hour,  and  even  by  that 
means  cunid  not  save  more  than  71  daya  in 
a  voyage  like  that  of  the  Red  Jacket,  Ar- 
guing from  these  premises,  and  demonatrat* 
ing  the  position  by  a  diagram,  ahowing  the 
courses  of  various  ships,  it  was  eontended 
that  the  commercial  advantagea  of  employ, 
ing  auxiliary  steam  power  on  voyagea  to 
Australia  were  questionable,  inasmueh  aa 
the  small  saving  of  time  on  the  voyage  could 
not  command  such  an  increase  in  the  rato 
of  freight  as  had  been  named. 

The  prevailing  westerly  winds  and  our. 
renta  in  the  Southern  Ocean  might  always 
be  depended  on  if  a  proper  course  was  taken, 
as  laid  down  in  Lieutenant  Maury'a  charter 
and  it  was  not  improbable  that,  from  a  eon^ 
tinuance  of  the  same  admirable  observation* 
as  had  served  for  the  foundation  of  these- 
charts,  and  the  classification  of  the  valuable 
documenta  said  to  exist  in  the  archives  or 
the  Admiralty,  auch  further  infbrmatioii 
would  be  obtained  as  would  eventually  aliU 
shorten  and  lend^more  oertain  the  voyages^ 
of  the  sailing  dinptrs. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  APPUOATIOn  OF  8GBXW  PB0FBLUBR8  TO  LABOS  SAILDTQ  RHIPS.      345 


It  WM  admittod  tliat  small  anziliaiy  power 
would  be  Yeiydesiimble  for  enaUing  clipper 
ships  to  work  into  and  out  of  port,  ana  to 
make  some  way  in  what  were  called  the 
'*hone  latitudes;"  but  the  expectation  of 
fpreat  advantage  being  deriTed  on  the  Ana* 
tralian  Toyage  was  contended  to  be  fi^ laeions. 
These  'remarks  were  not  meant  to  apply  to 
anziliary  screw  clippers  intended  for  other 
routes,  but  rather  to  enforce  the  position  of 
Its  being  always  neoessaiy  to  consider  oare* 
folly  the  peculiarities  of  the  intended  station, 
and  to  adapt  the  power  and  means  of  propul- 
sion to  them.  The  qnestioa  of  the  speeds 
of  Ameriean  Tessels  was  again  raised,  and 
it  was  contended  that  the  transeripts  of  tlie 
logs  alluded  to  were  correct,  and  did  lairly 
represent  the  speeds  attained. 

It  was  shown  that  the  Oreat  BrUeiH,  hay- 
ing  14,000  yards  of  oanvas  in  a  suit  of  sails, 
exceeded  in  extent  of  sails  any  of  the  dipper 
ahipa,  and  that  although  it  had  been  predicted 
for  her  that  she  would  be  a  very  fast  steamer, 
yet  it  was  not  supposed  that  she  would  atuin 
the  great  speed  under  canvas  which  she  had 
actually  exhibited,— it  having  been  stated 
that  she  had  run  17  knots  per  hour  whilst 
dragging  her  screw  through  the  water. 

It  appeared  to  be  shown  that  neither  the 
full-powered  steamers  nor  the  large  auxiliary 
power  sailing  ships  hithMto  pliu^  on  the 
Australian  route,  had  been  commercially 
■neoessful,  and  therefore  a  elasa  of  minimum 
power  auxiliary  screw.pronelled  ships,  fully 
rigged,  was  advocated,  with  the  view  of  sail- 
ing at  all  timet»  should  the  wind  serve,  and 
only  to  employ  their  steam  power  in  calms 
and  under  favourable  circumstances.  When 
the  sun  was  far  north,  the  trade  wind  ceased 
and  calms  commenced,  in  15^^  to  16*  north 
latitude,  and  continued  aa  far  as  S**  to  4* 
north,  or  over  a  space  of  nearly  700  miles, 
in  the  usual  track  of  ships  from  the  North 
to  the  South  Atlantic.  In  the  contrary  sea- 
son, with  the  sun  far  south,  the  trade  wind 
usually  failed  in  about  6°  north  latitude,  and 
thenoe  to  the  equator,  or  2°  south,  constant 
calms  prevailed  over  400  to  500  miles ;  the 
ships  only  getting  over  that  space  by  occa- 
sional squalls  of  short  duration. 

Now  it  was  in  these  positions  that  the 
minimum  power  was  required,  and  by  its 
judicious  use  it  was  very  possible  to  save  10 
days  on  the  Australian  voyage,  and  make  a 
corresponding  profit 

As  to  the  comparison  of  the  lifting  the 
screw  of  the  Dauntlest  in  a  frame  by  30  men 
in  9  minutes,  as  compared  with  turning  up 
that  of  the  Caroline,  upon  a  rule  joint  in  the 
dead  wood,  with  3  men  in  8  minutes,  there 
oould  not  be  any  question  as  to  which  was 
the  best  system  for  a  trading  vessel ;  and  it 
was  contended  that  the  screw  should  remain 
always  coupled  to  the  driving  shaft,  to  avoid 


the  rattling  and  noise  arising  hom  having 
easT  allowance  for  coupling. 

Aa  to  American  vessels  coming  to  Oreat 
Britain,  it  was  contended  thst  it  was  benefi- 
cial for  both  shipbuilders  and  merchants 
that  the  Ameriean  veasela  should  beat  those 
of  this  country,  as  otherwise  tiie  desire  of 
having  immense  cargoes  carried  in  vessels 
of  nominal  small  tonnage,  would  do  away 
with  all  scientific  improvements  in  construc- 
tion. 

The  Ajneriesns  had,  moreover,  shown  that 
something  of  cargo  must  be  saerifioed  to 
speed,  and  this  country  was  much  indebted 
to  them  for  the  lesson ;  as  also  for  demon- 
strating the  necessity  for  having  the  best 
practical  seaman  for  the  captain,  and  making 
It  his  interest  to  get  as  much  out  of  the  craft 
as  her  power  and  speed  would  give. 

The  general  assumption  was,  that  having 
engines  of  200  horse  power  (nominal),  and 
with  the  expenditure  of  350  tons  of  coals,  a 
sailing  clipper  ship,  with  sn  auxiliary  screw 
propeller,  might  save  ten  days  on  an  average 
passage  to  China  or  to  Australia,  supposing 
the  steam  only  to  be  used  in  calms,  and 
under  circumstances  to  enable  a  maximum 
eflect  to  be  produced  by  a  minimum  expen- 
diture of  fuel ;  it  being  taken  as  proved  that 
a  minimum*  powered  clipper  ship  could  not 
possibly  be  commercially  successful,  if  over- 
loaded with  coals  or  consuming  such  a  quan- 
tity of  fuel  as  had  been  required  by  the 
auxiliary  power  ships  hitherto  in  use. 

Full  credit  was  given  to  the  charts  of 
Lieut  Maury  for  pobting  out  the  steady 
wind  course;  but  itwaa  contended  that  even 
on  that  track,  at  certain  periods,  there  were 
winds  so  light  thst  the  best  ships  could  not 
make  more  than  two  knots  an  hour. 

It  was  maintained  that  the  author  of  the 
Paper  had  not  reoeived  any  intimation  of 
the  construction  of  the  Royal  Charter,  and 
that  the  fact  of  the  adoption  by  so  eminent 
a  firm  as  Messrs.  Gibbs,  Bright,  and  Co., 
of  the  dimensions  of  the  ship  and  the  power 
of  the  engines  so  exactly  similar  to  those 
advocated  by  the  author,  was  the  best  proof 
of  the  soundness  of  his  views. 

It  was  contended  that  this  commercial 
question  was  of  great  importance ;  but  it 
would  have  been  desirable  that  it  should 
have  been  preceded  by  a  Paper  on  the  forms 
and  capabilities  of  screw  propellers.  It  was, 
however,  suggested  that  such  a  conmiunioa- 
tion  should  still  be  made,  when  the  whole 
question  would  be  re-opened,  and  the  expe- 
rience of  the  relative  merits  of  the  various 
systems  of  lifting  the  screws,  and  the  results 
of  drsgging  them  through  the  water,  could 
be  fairly  laid  before  the  meeting. 

Doubts  were  expressed  as  to  the  antici- 
pated advantages  of  having  a  very  small  en- 
gine mertly  to  give  •  slow  apted  !•  the  torew 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


346 


OALLAH'S  NSW  MATMOOTB  nNOUB-ILinD  MJLTiXBXt 


when  the  veMel  wM  under  aail^  and  eileiil»> 
tions  were  gi?en  to  demonitrete  ite  miitilit7» 
baeed  on  3ie  reiulti  obtained  bj  Messfs. 
MaudtUy  and  Field,  in  their  experiments 
on  the  feathering  eerew* 

The  benefits   arising  from  the  friendljr 
rivalry  between  America  and  Great  Britain 


in  shin-bnilding,  in  en^ileerin^«  and  in 
ffsneral  mannfaetnridg  and  prt^dnotioa^  ware 
frankly  admitted,  and  fervent  hopes  were 
expressed  for  that  being  the  only  kind  of 
rivalry  the  two  eountries  would  ever  be 
engaged  In ;  it  was  the  only  eontaet  in  whieh 
the  least  suoeeesftil  waa  the  greateat  gainat . 


FENN'S  PATENT  RAtCHET  BRACE. 


Mr.  Fenm,  the  well-known  tool- maker, 
of  Newgate-street,  London,  is  very  exten- 
sively  mannfaethring  a  recently  patented 
ratchet-brace,  which,  from  ite  great  strength 
and  simplicity  of  construction,  is  in  great 


request,  particularly  among  boiler*«aker, 
The  accompanying  engraving  repreaeoti 
the  improved  braCe.  The  catch-wheel,  it 
will  be  seen,  is  fitted  inside  tho  bow  of  the 
liver,  and  a  slot  is  out  in  the  lever  to  admit 


a  sliding  catch,  which  if  driven  into  eon- 
tact  with  the  wheel  by  means  of  a  spring,  a, 
placed  at  the  back  of  it 

The  advantages  possessed  by  this  instru- 
ment ara  that,  as  the  strain  on  the  lever  is 
inoreased,  the  catch  takes  a  firmer  hdd  of 


the  catch-Krhed,  ftnd  the  brace  If  theralbM 
will  adapted  for  heavy  irork-^at  from  tha 
simpHcity  of  its  ConstrnctioA,  it  is  manufka« 
tured  at  a  small  cost,  and  therefore  supplied 
at  a  low  price-Huid  that  there  is  Mit  iitfl« 
liability  cf  its  getting  out  of  order. 


CALLAN'S  NEW  MAYNOOTH  SINOLE-FLUID  BATTERY* 
To  tki  Editm-  rf  ihi  MeohMim*  MagoadM, 


8tR, — ^What  has  become  of  your  Argus- 
eyed  correspondent,  Mr.  Baddeley,  that  he 
does  not  enlighten  us  as  to  what  is  and  what 
is  not  new  in  this  *'  New  Maynooth  Single- 
Fluid  Battery  "  beyond  the  name  t 

Like  many  others  of  your  readers,  from 
the  flourish  of  trumpets  which  preceded  its 
publication,  retnembering  whence  it  pro- 
ceeded, I  was  in  great  expectation  that  we 
were  about  to  have  something  *'  great  and 
good  "  in  batteries— something  that  was  to 
do  away  with  all  slop,  stench,  and  other 
disagreeable  accompaniments,  besides  pro- 
ducing a  practical  efibctlveness  much  be- 
yond what  we  have  been  accustomed  to ;  and 
all  this  after  a  new  fashion,  and  upon  new 
principles.    But  it  appears  we  are  not. 

The  first  of  the   claims  in  this  patent 


«  See  Mteh.  Mag.  ttt  Matsh  17,  ^  M»,  and 
March24,p.jt81. 


endeavours  to  make  good,  to  the  niw-born,  a 
variety  of  proportions  of  various  liquids  aa 
exciting  nuidt,  on  which,  as  on  many 
others  beside,  the  changes  have  for  long 
been  rung  by  all  who  hare  constructed  bat- 
teries upon  even  the  simplest  theories  of 
galvanism,  and  which  are  no^  as  they  have 
long  been,  patent  to  all,  and  may  be  uaed 
in  any  proportions  that  may  be  conaidered 
suitable. 

The  other  three  claims  appear  to  amount 
pretty  much  to  the  same  thing,  and  are  some- 
what misplaced  under  the  title  "  single-fluid 
battery;*'  and  (although  the  trumpets  may 
not  have  been  intended  to  sound  for  them) 
only  tend  to  mislead  one,  as  there  are  no 
special  advantages  stated  to  be  gained. 
Practice  will  prove,  however,  that  the  ori- 
ginal Danlell's  battery  is  preferable  to  the 
copy  in  cut  iron,  in  which  I  see  nothing 
new  beyond  the  fact  of  its  being  patented. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


EZ.OKGATED  ttOt  OB  flHB&Ii  MD  KUAXDOMt  BSU^CSMASmm  9AB0T.     347 


In  lira  Aptil  Bttttber  of  tht  PAMMfAttfaf 
Mtagtudm  then  It  A  long  conlnitiiiioatioii 
from  Dv*  GattAii#  explaaatoiy  of  the  afore- 
said. I  will  past  oTe^  all  that  it  there 
slated  respeeting  the  proporiitmi  of  the  ex- 
citing fluids  and  their  varietiet-— at  to  whieh 
most  peonle  wiU  toit  theoiteWet,  as  hereto* 
fore-^>-«nd  just  notioe  the  tiheU  there  stated 
to  be  aoqniredi  together  with  the  oompari* 
sent  made,  and  the  adTtntages  said  to  be 
gsined.  He  ttates :  '*  In  making  a  east- 
iron  batteiy  to  be  exetted  by  any  of  the 
fluids  whieh  I  hsTo  deserlhedi  care  mutt  be 
taken  first  to  haTe  the  eatt  iron  and  the 
sine  very  near  to  each  other ;  and»  Beoondly^ 
to  protect  the  inacttre  part  of  the  east  iron 
against  the  action  of  the  ezeiting  fluid,  and 
when  the  battery  is  intended  not  for  eon- 
stent  work,  but  for  expevimentt  which  may 
be  occasionally  inteirupted,  to  make  pro- 
vision for  taking  the  metallic  plates  out  of 
the  exciting  fluid  whenCTer  it  may  be  neces- 
sary  to  tutpend  the  experimentt." 

Now  the  great  street  laid  on  the  neceft- 
dty  of  enturing  proximity  of  the  plates, 
which  teemi  to  be  nearly  the  sum  total  of 
the  whole  matter,  is  mere  child's  play,  sug- 
gesting nothing  novel,  but  simply  applying 
part  of  the  common  theory  of  a  battery.  At 
the  same  time  it  provet  that  the  compari* 
sent  made  by  the  rrofessor  subsitt  upon  a 
false  bssit,  tinee  in  the  case  of  the  double 
fluid  that  proximity  cannot  be  obtained, 
and  therefore  from  an  equal  surface  there 
it  not  the  same  quantity  produced  in  tbe 
double  as  in  the  ftingle  fluid,  although  the 
intentitv  of  the  former  may  be  double  that 
of  the  latter.  The  distanoet  of  the  plates 
It  merely  one  of  the  slementa  of  \he  resist- 
ances, &nd  Although  greater  quantity  is 
obtuned  as  their  proximity  increases, 
there  is  nothing  gained  by  this,  as  the 
deterioration  of  the  exciting  fluids  is  there- 
by prometidi  and  the  conttancy  of  the  tet* 
tery  is  diminithed  accordingly.  Enlarging 
the  surfaces  answers  the  same  purpose,  ooett 
no  more  by  the  destruction  of  acids  and 
metals,  and  gives  longer  duration  of  action. 
The  comparisons  above  mentioned  are  there- 
fore nothmg  more  than  the  trial  of  a  large 
surface  in  the  single-fluid  against  a  smul 
one  in  the  double. 

The  above  oonsiderations  slso  show  that 
the  results  of  certain  experiments  through 
tbe  galvanometer,  detaUed  by  "Mix*  CbIIjui, 
are  likewise  fallacious.  He  states  that  the 
circuit  through  which  he  sent  the  current 
wss  seven  feet  long,  and  the  conductor  three- 
eighths  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  that  the 
double  fluid  deflected  the  needle  82*  to. 
wards  one  side,  whereas  when  the  current 
from  the  single  fluid  waa  passed  in  the  op- 
posite direction,  it  not  only  overcame  me 
cnrrent  from  the  double,  hot  deflected  the 


needle  72°  on  the  opposite  tide.  The  fiiot 
is,  the  eflbot  could  not  be  expected  to  be 
oUierwise,  seeing  the  conditions  of  the  gal- 
vanometer coil  relatively  to  the  conditions  of 
each  of  the  two  batteries  which  difier  so  widely 
in  their  primary  and  elementary  qualities. 
To  make  the  trial  finrly  between  the  double 
and  single  flnid-batteries  we  should  have 
equal  turfteet,  equal  reeistances,  and  there* 
fore  equal  distanoet,  and  also  a  porous  ceil 
plaeed  in  the  tingle  fluid  (also  for  the  pur- 
poet  of  equalising  the  resistances),  snd 
then  see  which  it  l^t  Otherwise  the  one 
hat  an  effective  element  introduced  which 
the  other  has  not^  and  elee  veni,  viz.,  quan- 
tity or  intentity  in  ezceti  above  the  other. 

The  proteotion  necettary  for  the  inaotiTo 
part  of  the  cast-iron,  pointed  out  by  Mr. 
Callan,  thowt  there  must  be  great  local  ac* 
tion,  and  consequently  considerable  changes 
in  the  properties  of  the  fluids  going  on, 
which  is  the  necessary  evil  attending  all 
iron  bAtteriM,  rendering  their  aetton  oC  so 
short  a  duration  as  to  render  them  unflt  for 
but  little  more  than  a  striking  exnerimeirt 
in  the  lecture  room.  Moreover,  the  use  of 
iron  is  always  attended,  after  a  while,  with 
very  bad  odours,  constant  local  action  going 
on  if ^  the  plates  are  immersed  when  the  bat- 
tery It  not  in  action ;  it,  therefore,  requiret 
perpetual  attention  and  frequent  changing, 
as  may  indeed  be  Inferred  from  what  Dr. 
Callan  himself  says  of  the  experimentt 
made.  If  this'  is  true,  his  arrangement  is 
still,  notwithstanding  all  its  alleged  advan- 
tages, a  long  way  from  what  is  required  as 
a  useful,  simple,  easily  managed,  constant, 
but  yet  powerful  battery.  One  that  would , 
last  comfortably  a  week  would  be  some- 
thing like  what  we  need. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &&, 

A  OALYANItT. 

P.S. — '^th  reference  to  the  galvano- 
meter experimentt  I  may  add,  that  with  a 
f  in.  conductor,  quantity  will  of  course  beat 
intentity,  but  try  it  with  a  No.  16  or  18 
wire  and  the  effects  will  probably  be  found 
reversed. 

ELONGATED  SHOT  OR  SHELL  AND 
EXPANDING  SELF-CLEANSING 
SABOT. 

To  the  BdiUfT  rf  (he  MeOumiet^  Magaithe.  ' 
Sir, — ^My  improved  shot,  to  which  I  now 
diesire  to  call  attention,  differs  from  the 
exDsnding-shot  that  I  invented  in  the  year 
182S,  and  is  superior  to  it,  inasmuch  as  by 
using  the  expanding-sabot  there  is  no>We- 
tion  or  kading  by  the  passage  of  the  shot 
through  the  barrel;  it  assimilates  more 
closely  to  the  Malaj  arrow,  which  expands 
at  iU  hollow  base,  foimed  of  the  pith  of  the 
lotas   plaaty  whioh  anow  flnt  attraoted 


Digitized  by 


Google     ^^ 


348 


ON  THE  nmiOATED  SOBSB-TO^VB  OF  BTEAM-WiHnS. 


mj  attention,  and  directed  it  to  remedy  the 
evil  of  the  Iom  of  power  in  shot  from  wmd" 
agCt  as  far  back  as  the  year  1818,  when 
serving  in  the  East  Indies.  I  bottled  up 
the  milk  of  this  idea  till  I  should  return 
with  my  regiment  to  England,  and  when  I 
did  return  in  the  summer  of  1823,  I,  with 
the  sanction  of  the  then  Gommsnder-in. 
Chief,  and  Master-General  of  the  Ordnance^ 
spWed  the  cream  of  it  before  the  select  com- 
mittee  of  Artillery  officers  at  Woolwicli, 
in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year.    The  ex- 

{)anding  sabot  may  be  fortified  by-  a  disc  of 
eather  or  card  glued  on  its  base,  or  it  may 
be  formed  altogether  of  leather.  The  cir- 
cular cayily  in  the  centre  of  the  sabot  (fig. 
3)  is  cut  by  a  sharp  tube,  like  the  upper  part 
of  a  steel  pen,  and  by  pressing  it  home  on 
the  square  shank  it  takes  the  square  form. 

Fig.  1. 


Cork  can  be  compressed  into  the  form  1^ 
heating  it  in  boiling  water,  then  feroing  it 
into  moulds  and  allowing  it  to  cool,  after  the 
plan  of  Mr.  Robert  Jennings,  of  Cork.  It 
IS  of  no  consequence  if  it  separates  from  the 
shot  on  leaving  the  month  of  the  rifle,  ■« 
the  rotatory  motion  is  already  fully  com- 
municated to  the  long  axis  of  the  shot,  fig.  2. 
All  difficulty  with  rifle-oannon  is  now  over- 
come by  the  application  of  the  expanding* 
sabot  to  the  shot  or  shell,  fig.  1.  The  cartridge 
may  be  attached  to  the  sabot,  as  represented 
by  fig.  1,  and  the  fire  communicated  hori- 
zontSly  from  the  centre  of  the  breach,  as 
shown  by  fig.  23,  page  7,  in  my  pamphlet  on 
Projectiles.  The  unburnt  portion  of  the 
cartridge  is  carried  out  by  the  shot  or  sabot 
to  which  it  is  attached,  and  no  residuum  ia 
left  behind  in  the  barrel. 


Fig.  2.- 


Fig.  3. 


In  the  Liverpool  Courier  o(  the  14ith  of  Fe- 
bruary, under  the  head  of  "  What  is  a  Lan- 
caster gun?'*  there  is  the  following  sen- 
tence :  "As  a  rule,  cannons  must  be  sup- 
plied with  iron  balls,  and  iron  balls  are 
altogether  unmanageable  in  connection 
with  the  principle  of  ordinary  rifles."  I 
have  used  iron  balls  having  expanding  sabots 
attached  to  them  from  ordinary  rifles,  and 
also  will  engage  to  adapt  them  to  rifle-can- 
non, not  excepting  the  elliptic  particular 
bore  oval  gun,  or  two-groove  rifle-cannon. 


by  using  sabots  made  of  prepared  sawdust 
compressed  by  hydraulic  power.  If  the 
sabot,  fig.  3,  is  made  about  double  the  length 
of  that  represented,  it  will  cause  the  shot 
or  shell  to  carry  "point  foremost,'*  when 
discharged  firom  a  barrel  noi  rifled,  and  is 
then  efficient  for  vertical  Jire  to  dislodge  the 
enemy  from  behind  barricades,  even  when 
discharged  from  an  ordinary  dragoon's 
pistol. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c.. 

Job  IT  NoRTOH. 


ON    THE    INDICATED    HORSE.POWER  OF  STEAM-ENGINES. 
To  the  Editor  uf  the  Meehmie^  Magazine. 


Sir, — I  beg  to  be  allowed  to  say  a  few 
words  in  reply  to  the  recent  communication 
of  "  Ing^nieur,"  on  the  indicated  power  of 
steam-engines. 

I  fear'  that  "  Ing^nieur's  "  claim  to  his 
title  is  aa  unfounded  as  the  treatment  his 
opponents  receive  at  his  hands  is  uncourte- 
OUS.J  He  appears  to  be  quite  convinced  that 
he  has  made  an  important  discovery,  and  is 
but  little  disposed  to  tolerate  the  opinion  of 
those  who  think  as  I  do,  that  he  has  disco- 
vered nothing  but  a  mare's  nest  If  he 
wiU  refer  to  your  Number  of  the  10th  of 
last  month,  he  will  see  that  it  is  there 
stated  that  the  question  under  discussion, 
as  I  understand  it,  ia  this :  given  an  indica- 
tor diagram  to  find  the  work  done  by  the 
piston  of  the  engine,  from  which  it  was 


taken,  in  one  stroke ;  and  as  the  quantity  of 
work  done  by  a  force  is  equ^  to  its  inten- 
sity multiplied  by  the  space  it  moves 
through,  in  the  direction  of  its  action,  he 
will,  I  hope  admit,  as  everybody  except 
himself  has  hitherto  done,  that  the  question 
is  entirely  independent  of  time,  and  that 
what  I  reallv  said  in  my  former  letter,  in- 
stead of  being  palpably  absurd,  is  a  hard 
truth ;  and  that  when  he  tells  us  that  the 
number  of  strokes  per  minute  has  no 
earthly  bearing  on  the  subject,  he  nnvrit- 
tingly  makes  a  perfectly  correct  assertion. 
Having  found  the  quantity  of  work  done  by 
the  steam  in  one  stroke  of  the  piston,  he  can, 
of  course,  if  he  thinks  he  can  get  any- 
thing by  the  operation,  multiply  it  by  the 
number  of  strokes  the  engine  makes  in 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  Ilfl>IOAm>  B0B8X*9OWIB  09  finAM-BMimES. 


340 


the  unit  of  time,  and  divide  the  product, 
Ac. 

I  would  SDggeet  to  "  Ing^nienr/*  that 
he  shAvld  ioYeatigate  the  manner  in  which 
Uie  work  done  by  the  piston  is  tnmamitted 
to  the  'orank  shaft,  which  can  he  done  by 
means  of  a  evrTC  passing  throngh  points 
determined  by  oo-ordinates,  the  abscissa 
representing  the  lengths  of  eqnal  ares  de- 
scribed by  the  centre  of  the  crank  pin,  and 
the  ordinates  representing  the  products  ob- 
tained  by  multiplying  the  pressure  on  the 
crank  pin,  at  each  division  of  the  circle,  by 
the  corresponding  effectiTe  length  of  the 
crank :  he  will  thus  obtain  for  one  turn  of 
the  shaft  two  flgnres,  which,  if  it  were  possi- 
ble for  the  length  of  the  oooneeting  rod  to 
be  infinite,  wonld  be  exactly  alike;  but 
this  being  impossible,  they  will  be  found  to 
diflbr  the  more  the  shorter  the  oonnectiog 
rod  is  with  respect  to  the  length  of  the 
crank ;  they  will,  neTertheless,  1m  of  equal 
area.  My  motive  for  making  this  sug- 
gestion  is,  that  the  diagrams  thus  con- 
structed  will  prove  to  '*  Ing^nieur "  that 
his  proposition  has  not  the  merit  even  of 
novdty.        I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &o^ 

M^CANICIEN. 
PaTii,Apra9,lS55. 


To  ike  Editor  qf  the  Meekaniee  Magazine. 

Sir,— Aa  a  desire  for  brevity  and  a  fear 
of  treapassing  too  largely  on  your  valuable 
space  prevented  me  in  my  first  letter  from 
entering  into  the  subject  of  the  indicated 
horae-power  of  steam  engines  as  minutely 
as  I  could  have  wished,  aa  the  importance 
of  the  question  demands  that  it  should  have 
justice,  and  as  the  vagaries  and  misconcep. 
tions  of  Mr.  Emmett  show  either  that  I  have 
not  been  sufficiently  explicit,  or  that  he  has 
not  duly  considered  my  remarks,  I  think  I 
am  fully  warranted  in  again  pressing  the 
subject  upon  your  attention. 

And  first,  a  few  words  in  reply  to  the  oh. 
servationa  of  Mr.  Emmett,  in  your  number 
of  the  Slat  March;  though  I  must  say  that 
he  poseesses  so  extraordinary  a  knack  of 
avoiding  the  real  poiot  in  discussion,  and  in 
oontroveray  tm  *t^  d  kU,  not  the  least  re- 
markable peculiarity  of  which  oonaists  in 
making  mere  aasertion  take  the  place  of 
argument,  that  it  ia  somewhat  difficult  to 
answef  him  without  an  appearance  of  seve- 
ns bordering,  perhaps,  upon  disoourtesy. 

Mr.  Emmett  tells  us  that  he  "cannot 
admit  that,  in  finding  the  average  pressure 
upon  each  inch  of  the  piston,  time,  and  con- 
aequently  velocity,  have  anything  to  do  with 
thia  part  of  the  ealculation."  Now  1  am 
sure  that  the  person  who  wonld  deeire  him 
to  admit  any  such  thing  must  be  very  un- 
eooaoionable.    The  poeaibility  of  finding 


nnon  the  piston  by  the 
all  doubt,  and  haa  never 


the( 

indicator  la  beyond  i 

for  a  moment  been  disputed.  The  indicator 
does  more;  it  shows  us  the  pressure  per 
square  inch  upon  the  piston,  at  whatsver 
particular  point  of  the  atroke  we  wish  to 
know  it.  It  is,  therelbre,  difficult  to  con- 
ceive a  reason  for  Mr.  femmett's  pertinacity 
in  insisting  that  "  the  varying  motion  of  the 
piaton  firom  bottom  to  top,  or  from  top  to 
DOttoiii,  can  be  no  source  of  error  in  gettmg 
by  an  indi.cator  diagram  the  average  ]^res- 
sure  of  steam  upon  each  inch  of  the  piston 
of  the  engine.*'  I  wish  Mr.  Emmett  dis. 
tinctly  to  understand  that  the  average  pres* 
ture  upon  a  piston  and  the  horse  power  trane* 
mitted  by  that  piston  are  two  very  difierent 
things.  It  is  clear  that  he  would  have  spared 
himself  much  trouble  by  a  proper  attention 
at  the  outset  to  the  true  subjeet  of  discus- 
sion. 

Again,  when  Mr.  Emmett  states  "  M^a* 
nioien"  to  be  in  error  where  he  says,  *'  The 
atmospheric  line  of  the  diagram  represents 
at  a  certain  scale  the  stroke  of  the  piston  in 
feet  and  firactions  effect,"  and  myself  to  be 
in  error  where  I  say»  '*  The  area  of  the  dia- 
gram is  simply  the  length  of  the  stroke 
multiplied  by  the  average  pressure  upon  the 
piston,'*  he  denies  the  indicator  a  property 
to  which  it  owes  all  its  value ;  for  if  tlie 
length  of  the  atmospheric  line  has,  as  he 
says,  "  no  relation  to  the  length  of  stroke 
of  the  engine,"  how  are  we  to  find  by  the 
diagram  the  pressure  upon  the  working  parts 
of  the  engine  at  any  particular  part  of  that 
stroke  t  True,  the  length  of  the  atmosphe- 
ric line  may  he  varied  by  gifing  the  drum 
of  the  indicator  a  longer  or  shorter  traverse ; 
but  what  is  the  result  T  The  diagram  is 
still  an  equally  correct  miniature  represen- 
tation of  the  stroke  of  the  piston  and  of 
the  pressure  upon  the  piston  at  any  part  of 
the  stroke,  though  with  the  atmospheric  line 
drawn  to  a  different  scale. 

I  will  not  allude  to  Mr.  Emmett's  two 
sentences  in  italics,  on  account  of  their 
length,  excepting  to  say  that  I  am  suffi- 
ciently obtuse  not  to  see  any  improvement 
in  Ae  first  by  the  double  emphasis  laid  upon 
the  words  "  pistow  *•  and  •*  pressure," 
since  the  question  in  debate  is  not  *'  to  tell 
exactly  the  pressure  upon  each  inch  of  the 
piston,"  nor  **  to  Uke  an  indicator  diagram 
for  the  purpose  of  calculating  the  horse 
power,"  but  to  calculate  correctly  the  horse 
power  after  the  diagram  is  taken.  My  in- 
ference, therefore  ("  since  the  velocity  of  the 
piston  does  not  show  the  pressure  upon  the 

Siston,"  &c.)  was  the  only  one  that  could  be 
rawn.  1  am  sorry  that  Mr.  Emmett  does 
not  point  out  the  "reckless  assertions*' 
which  he  says  are  to  be  found  in  my  last 
letter,  for  I  should  hsve  been  happy  to  ex- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


3B0 


(MMMMSL  MBTOI^t  ] 


plftltt  tiMOd  to  Urn*  even  at  tka  risk  of  agun 
lajiof  mjielf  open  to  to  ■erioat(t)  a  afaarg^ 
as  tliat  of  '<  wrtting  for  tktory." 

•  •  •  • 

Hcfing  thua  tudeaYottred  to  ihow  jour 
correapondMrt  in  whal  eonsifto  the  error  of 
tho  ineMRit  igrtften  of  Oaloulation,  I  propoao 
to  donumatraw  in  a  Mori  nomber  Um  aoo«« 
raoj  antnrtd  hy  my  method  of  difiding  the 
ataoipheiio  line  bjKnea  projeetodfirom  tiro 
qoadranto  of  otrelea,  aa  deeeribed  in  yov 
nvmbor  &r  February  17tii* 

I  tm^  Sir,  yonriy  fte., 

[We  bare  been  compelled  to  ahorten  the 
ibngoing  letter  oonsiderably.    £d.} 
,  A)»m  1, 18f8. 


MR.  MV8HBT8  REPLY  OM  THB 
SMOKE  aUESTION. 

Sir. — I  am  sure  you  hare  not  a  reader  so 
deToid  of  intelligenee,  as  to  be  at  a  loss, 
after  so  many  weeks  perserering  elucida- 
tioni  in  understanding  the  difference  be- 
tween gas  and  smoke.  It  is  eyen  plain  that 
Mr.  Palmer  knows  It;  why  then  write  to 
mysti^  t* 

o  0  •  4 

I  will  give  Mr.  (aimer  the  full  benefit  of 
the  omission  of  the  word  "  earburetted  ^' 
before  **  hydrogen."  I  will  not  even  at- 
tempt my  exculpation  at  the  cost  of  the 
compositor.  If  Mr.  Palmer  truly  and  faith- 
fully believes  that  I  intended  to  assert  that 
hydrogen,  one  of  the  hitherto  undecom- 
posed  elementoy  oould  be  decomposed  to 
carbon,  he  must  hare  been  sorely  puszled 
indeed. 

I  never  submitted  an  Argand  oil  lamp  to 
cold  air  as  described,  and  can  therefore 
give  no  opinion ;  but  tliat  a  flame  by  being 
almost  extinguished  should  increase  in 
brightoess,  seems  an  extraordinary  cha- 
racteristic. 

The  abstract  truism  in  the  next  para- 
graph ought  to  read  thus :  "  A  given  quan-* 
tity  of  fuel,  supplied  with  a  given  quantity 
of  cold  air,  will  realise  a  certain  effect^ 
while  the  same  quantity  of  combustible 
supplied  with  the  same  Quantity  of  hot  air, 
will  produce  a  greater  effecL'*  If  this  is  to 
be  anything  beyond  mere  words,  it  in- 
volves die  necessity  of  the  "  astounding 
prdect.*' 

ilt.  Palmer  turns  the  argument  on 
Juokea's  grate  wrong  end  first  That  it  la 
the  best  "  smoke  consumer,"  is  tht/aci,noi 
the  inference*    The  next  fact  is  that  the  air 

*  In  reducing  thii  letter,  we  have  removed  a 
parscrapli  In  wEleh  the  uf  e  of  hot  air  U  treated  by 


isimpjplMofpeolitUsreOkli  thtt  Oomoa  tho 
conclusion  at  which  I  arrire,  that  hot  air  k 
not  required. 

Tho  lait  paragraph  ia  A  miateko.  If 
Juokea's,  or  anycrther  bars,  were  mrrounded 
with  hot  air,  so  as  to  bend  or  molt  them,  it 
wonld  not  follow  at  all  that  more  heat  waa 
ipenerated  in  the  funiaoe.  This  looal  in* 
foiy  might,  aad  indeed  estftainly  wonld  bo 
efiTeotedi  though  mueh  lose  heat  wero  gono* 
rated  hi  the  proper  plaoe«  Bvory  one 
knows  that  bare  sUnd  beeauao  one  narrow 
aurfiioe  only  out  of  four  is  expoeed  to  the 
heat.  To  make  them  hot  is  by  no  meana 
the  beat  way  to  make  the  Inmaoo  hot 

Surely  in  reviowing  this  now  thoroughly 
consumed  divousaion,  wo  may  add  a  Wfao 
aaw  to  a  modem  instanoO,  and  eay  in  trnth, 
*'  He  who  eomea  with  a  mnd  to  oenaoro 
wUl  find  matter  lor  hie  lnimoBr»  but  nofto 
for  his  initraotloB." 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  fto., 

David  Muohet. 

Apffl4,lM5. 


COLONEL  PARLBY»S  BISECTING 
COMPASSES. 

To  the  Editor  uf  the  Mechanics*  Maga^^e. 

SiE, — It  is  almost  needless  to  stote  that 
an  instrument  which  will  bisect  a  line  or  an 
angle  correctly  and  instaatanoonsly,  and 
ako  serve  finr  other  uaafhl  pnrpoaea  m  plan 
drawing,  &c.,  must  be  a  valuable  addition  to 
tho  nanal  case  of  drawing-inatrumenu  i  and 
as  audi  the  Iblknring  ia  frooly  ofibred  to  tho 
attention  of  tho  maketa  of  mathomattoal  hi. 
atmrneuta,  Oa  likely  to  bora  a  ready  aale,  if 
mado  at  a  aiodorate  prieo. 

With  this  inatrvmont,  by  opoftiog  tho 
pointe  to  moaanro  tho  length  of  any  lino  to 
bO  divided,  and  pressinff  dowa  the  itoel 
sUdo,  B,  the  point  of  divi«ott  ia  immodiately 
and  accurately  marked,  dividing  tho  lino 
into  two  equal  lengtha,  from  the  oentio« 

To  Wasot  an  aBgle^  meaouro  an  oqwal 
length  on  eaoh  side  of  tho  angle  from  the 
TOrtox,  by  opening  tho  pointe  to  sny  dia- 
tanco»  and  Uten  plaoing  tho  pointe  of  tho 
eompaaa  aoMss  om  opening  of  the  angle  to 
these  pomte,  tho  iUdo,  B,  if  depresoed» 
marks  the  true  point,  and  a  line  drawn 
through  this  pofait  will  bisect  tho  angle.  By 
udng  the  steel  aUde,  £,  aa  a  oeatro,  and 
having  ink  and  ponotl  pointe  fitted  to  tiio 
lege  of  the  oompassea,  aa  naual,  a  circle  may 
be  drawn ;  and  if  joiate  are  made  in  the  leg% 
two  eonoontrie  cirelos  can  be  drawn,  withoat 
shifting  the  oentrot 

The  oentre  of  any  sivon  oircle  may  alao 
be  immediately  ibund  by  atretdung  the 
compose  aaroea  the  oircle^  in  the  direotioB 
of  two  dfomotori  ot  right  angki  to  oodi 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ofimr,  whtn  the  tliteg  pointy  E,  wQl  iu» 
mediately  autfk  the  ««iiti«  6f  the  eirelei 

Skuvmh  Pknhvr* 

Ducrtpitfm  qfihe  Instruwteni. 

The  aeeompenying  engraiiDg  repretenta 

the  bieectiDg  compasa.    The  legs,  A«  are 

joiiited  independently  at  B,  and  o«rj  two 

azma,  C«  oonneeted  by  jointa  to  themselTei 


and  to  the  tnTelllti^  iocldt,  D.  throtigh 
thii  looktft,  D,  paatei  Ik  ateel  pin,  S,  fitted 
ao  ai  to  mofe  smoothly  througn  it,  and  aled 
tbrongh  a  aimtlar  but  ilted  ftooket  fordied 
between  th«  Jointa,  B. 

DOINGS  m  OURMATHfiMATICAL 

l^ERXODICALl^. 
To  ik§  BMtmr  rf  Me  JhfoeAiMlM'  JMeyealae. 

8tl^«-IB  the  early  portion  of  lut  yni  I 
broBght  before  tho  notf«e  of  te  pnUio, 
and  the  readers  of  thia  Journal,  eertaiit 
praotioea  whieh  were  feeorted  to  by  eotve* 
tpondenta  to  ter  nathoaatieat  periodloalAi 
It  waa  there  proved  that  tome  of  theie  did 
not  eeniple  to  obtain  soltttione  to  tho  qnta- 
tiooa  nropofeed,  frem  every  amllable  iouree, 
and  then  forwnrd  them  to  the  Editora  ae 
their  01m. 

Sinoo  then  I  hate  had  the  pleaanfe  of 
forming  the  aeqnaiatance  of  aeteral  seien- 
tifie  gentlemen,  from  different  parti  of  the 
country,  and  they  inform  me  that,  to  their 
perional  knowledge,  the  praetiee  of  pfo«> 
euring  aokitiona  from  some  kind  and  able 
friend  kae  been  oarried  on  in  th«b  reepeet^ 
ivo  hnatttiee  to  a  grant  estoat    They  wore 


8S1 


aUo  to  nomt  ont  maAf  aolvUMi  ntlkiVMd 
to  individnala  who  bad  never  done  aiylhiag 
more  than  tramoribo  the  notee  of  another^ 
I  am  led  to  believe  that  the  oorreepondenoe 
to  Whioh  I  have  jnet  allnded  was  pitodttctivo 
of  Bome  good,  and  that  applieatloiks  ibr 
Bohnions  have  b^eki  ;Jb#er  of  kte  than  ftir« 
merly*  But  the  praotioe  ie  not  yet  entirely 
entinot*  One  kind  gontlettan  wrote  to  me 
aome  time  agO|  iei}«e8ting  me  to  fnmiak 
hnn  with  the  solution  to  k  eertain  queetion  in 
one  of  our  annuals^  on  oonditlon  that  fan 
Would  "  enpply  ase  with  any  solutiono  I 
tnjghf  dedre  to  any  of  the  other  questiona 
of  whieh  he  had  proetired  8o]ntion84"  Ho 
booked  hie  appUontioB  with  the  aUtement 
that  «  the  Cantabs  had  great  advantagei 
over  ael^taUg^t  men  )**  but,  he  added«  '*  nls 
oliai^j  Manage  to  gel  feteltair  immlbenr  er 
9fhKr^*  A  seoond  gentleman  reqneated  a 
"  eolution  of  the  Prise,  or  any  hinta  tend- 
ing thereto,"  lor  he  had  «<  been  able  to 
make  nothing  of  it "  hinlielt  Anothot 
has  recently  forwarded  me  a  rhde  diagram, 
and. a  alioet  of  pwr,  in  the  hope  that  I 
shall  "  have  no  objection  to  oomplMe  the 
figure  and  write  out   tha  solution"  to  a 

Question  which  he  names ; — ^whilst  a  fourth 
esbw  mo  lo  stMo  what  I  ineaii  by  oortdn 
points  in  the  enuneiationi  and  '*  shall  be 
glad  of  any  hints  respeotinff  the  demon* 
atmilon."  Ofte  o?  my  friends  also  informs 
me  that  he  haa  been  pestered  in  k  similar 
mauBer,  and  that  oiio  of  theM  upplioftntf 
eitpreased  A  hope  that  he  would  not  fsil  to 
supply  his  wanVl^  inasmueh  as  he  inpposed 
he  ooaM  <'  Ml  hil  U  gtdi^d  wim  ae^ 
hit  lumettOn  Hi  j»rfii#." 

Snob  piMtieei,  in  my  opthlon,  ciMnoe  bO 
too  sevoreTy  oo&demned.  They  take  away 
ffom  deeertllig  meti  thoir  diie  tteed  of 
praitO)  and  thooe  to  whom  lio  houoitr  ii  dne 
not  unfreqoently  fedp  the  reward  bf  tho 
labottTt  of^otheiri.  A  protnpt  exposure  of 
all  snob  oaMi  will,  howeter ,  tslBset  t  great 
deil  towards  remedyiHg  the  evil;  and  iii  the 
hopo  that  yotr  oorrespondent*  will  look  to 
the  matter, 

I  im,  Bir^  yotits,  6ro«, 

T.  T.  IftLtxIitoir. 
BuralegpvA^9^1Nft 


MAIYUMOXIYB  CAREIAOES. 
To  tho  Mditot  rf  At  itmkmH*^  Jfif  oalNs. 

8ift,*«Itt  your  last  number,  vour  corre- 
spondent,  "Charles  Gibbons"  asks  itt- 
formation,  thirongh  your  pages,  f^apecting  a 
manumotive  earriage,  capable  of  being 
worked  by  an  intalid  who  has  not  lost  the 
use  of  his  arms.  In  reply,  I  beg  to  inform 
him  that  the  master  of  the  Fost-ofl&ee  at  the 
pleatant  Httle  watering-plaee,  Pbrtfshead, 
in  thit  eottiity,  it  itt  (oaaeiaion  of  a  maehina 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


352 


SPEOmOATIOm  OV  PATBIVTS  SflCKAVLT  nUED« 


'  of  ibis  datcription,  whklh  appears  to  ne, 
from  the  best  of  my  reeoUeotion,  to  be  ex- 
actly the  thing  to  sait  yonr  correspoDdent. 
The  post-master's  name  is  Bennett ;  he  ap- 
pears to  have  entirely  lost  the  use  of  his 
legs  (I  bdieTe  iVom  ehronie  rheamatism). 
In  my  Tints  to  Portishead,  I  hare  frequently 
seen  him  in  the  esrriage,  travelling  abont 
his  garden  and  the  village.  So  far  as  my 
observation  has  gone,  the  machine  is  pro- 
polled  by  means  of  two  levers,  worked  by 
the  rider's  arms,  and  acting  npon  cranks  in 
the  axletree.  I  have  not  si^oient  recolleo- 
tiott  of  the  machinery  to  send  any  drawing; 
but  it  appeared  to  be  of  simple  construction, 
an^  capable  of  being  worked  widiout  much 
labour. 

If  your  correspondent  would  like  to  write 
to  Bennett  for  further  information,  his  ad- 
diess  is,  "  Portishead,  Somerset"  Should 
the  application  be  unsuccessful,  I  shall  have 
great  pleasure,  npon  my  next  visit  to  the 
viHage,  to  give  the  necessary  particulars. 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c, 

Thomas  Fuller. 
Bath,  April  S,  IM5. 


SPECIFICATIONS    OF   PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Bbllpord,  Auouste  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London.  Ceriaiu 
impnwememts  in  maOtmeryfor  watMng  paper 
itoek,  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
Sratember  20,  1864.    (No.  2088.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment, for  washing  rags  or  other  paper 
stock*  of  a  reticulated  cylinder  havmg 
open  ends,  rotating  in  a  trough  of  water  in 
which  it  is  partly  submerged,  and  receiving 
streams  of  water  through  one  side,  at  one 
or  at  both  ends,  or  at  both  the  side  and 
ends,  the  said  cylinder  being  furnished 
with  interior  teeth  and  certain  curb  pieces. 

Bellford,  Augusts  Edouard  Lora« 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London.  Certaim 
imprwememti  ha  tewing^maehmet.  (A  com. 
municatioo.)  Patent  dated  September  20, 
1854.    (No.  2085.) 

This  invention  applies  to  that  desoription 
of  sewing-machine  which  forms  the  stitch 
by  the  loterlacing  of  two  threads,  one  of 
these  being  passed  through  the  cloth  by  a 
needle,  and  left  protruding  in  the  form  of  a 
loop,  through  which  the  other  is  carried  by 
a  shuttle  or  its  equivalent 

Bellford,  Auouste  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London.  A  new  ma- 
themaiiealinstrnment,  to  be  termed  the  **horO' 
meter,"  fir  the  purpoee  qfeohfing  probleme  in 
plane  and  epherical  trigonometry,  one  fiature 
qf  which  ttwention  ie  or  may  be  appUcable  in 
the  centtmcaon  qf  other  mathemaHoal  inttm- 


menti.    (A  communication.)    Patent  daM 
September  20, 1854L    (No.  2088.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing  an 
instrument  upon  which  are  delineated  pro- 
jections  of  latitude  and  longitude  within  an 
arc  of  a  circle,  and  which  is  combined  witli 
an  arm  and  scale,  for  the  purpose  of  solving 
problems  in  spherical  trigonometry  without 
the  usual  mathematical  calculations ;  and  in 
the  employment  of  electro-magnetism  for 
keeping  a  slide  perpendicular  to  a  straight 


:uDSOH,  Hbnrt,  of  the  South  Shields 
Flint  Glass  Works,  South  Shields,  Dur- 
ham,  glass-manufacturer.  Inmreaemente  in 
the  mant^aetnre  rf  veeeeU  for  meaenring 
jhOde.  Patent  dated  September  21,  1854. 
(No.  2087.) 

CUdm, — The  mode  of  making  glass  mea- 
sures  by  pressure,  with  a  plunger  and  mould 
or  matrix,  the  plunger  corresponding  in 
shape  and  sixe  to  the  interior  of  the  measure, 
and  the  mould  or  matrix  to  the  exterior  of  it 

Sharp,  William  Prior,  and  William 
Weild,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  ma- 
chinists. Improvemenle  in  machinery  for 
windtngf  cleaning,  donbUng,  ephming,  and 
throwing  qf  eilk.  Patent  dated  September 
21,1854.    (No.  2088.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  combin- 
ing the  operations  of  winding,  cleaning,  and 
doubling  j  in  the  application  to  doubling, 
machines  of  a  cone  or  other  differential 
motion  for  varjring  the  speed  of  the  bobbin; 
Ike 

Passbt,  Jean  Avtoivb,  of  Paris,  France, 
machinist  Improved  madiinery  or  t^jtparatne 
fir  preeemg  or  calendering  fibriee.  Patent 
dated  September  21, 1854.    (No.  2039.) 

In  employing  this  improved  machinery 
the  fabric  is  drawn  off  from  a  roller,  and 
after  passing  over  and  under  guide-rollen 
is  brought  in  contact  with  the  surface  of  a 
heated  cylinder  by  which  it  is  drawn  for- 
ward, its  surface  being  rubbed  against  the 
surfaces  of  a  pair  of  concave  adjustable 
blocks ;  it  then  passes  over  other  guide-rollers 
to  a  horixontsi  table,  where  glased  papers 
or  boards  are  placed  upon  it,  preparatory  to 
Its  being  passed  between  a  pair  of  pressing 
rollers  upon  the  upper  of  wntoh  it  is  finally 
wound. 

HoDsoii,  William,  of  Kingston-squaie, 
Hull,  tile-maker.  Improoemenie  in  oppanL. 
tne  fir  the  mam/acture  qf  bridte,  tUee,  and 
other  articlee  fiom  plaetic  materiaie.  Patent 
dated  September  21, 1854.    (No.  2041.) 

The  inventor  fixes  a  chamber  at  the  bot- 
tom of  the  pug-mill,  and  in  it  places  a  ro- 
uting screw  which  forces  the  clay  out  in  a 
continuous  stream  through  an  orifice.  The 
sides  and  ends  of  the  nsonld  aie  made  hoi- 
low,  its  inner  surdces  having  fbmed  on 
them  channels,  which  an  covcfed  with  enes- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BPKomoAnoim  or  vasbtes  BBanrn,T  nxMSK 


363 


ffrdn«d  wood.  Holot  m  mode  whtoh  leod 
nom  dio  hollow  cliainber  of  tho  moald  to 
thoM  ebanntla,  and  water,  which  ia  eon« 
BtaDtly  rapplied  to  the  hollow  part  of  tho 
mould,  pereolatea  through  the  croeB.graiiied 
wood  to  the  inner  eorlaco  of  the  nould 
which  ia  eoTored  with  foatian  or  other  aoit- 
able  materia]  to  gi?e  a  imooth  lur&oe  to 
the  itream  of  clay  aa  it  paatea  through  the 


mould.  The  elajt  aa  it  ia  expretaed  from 
the  moulding  oriftoe,  ia  reeeit ed  upon  a  pal- 
let placed  on  a  rising  and  falling  frame 
which  ia  halanced  by  a  weighted  Icfer  or 
apringv  and  la  aeparated  by  a  wire  guided  by 
a  frame  ao  aa  to  cut  off  the  proper  aised 
brick«  tile,  or  other  article. 

GwTKKB,  Jambb  EOLESOir  ANDBRaOK, 
of  Enex-whar(  Eaaex-street,  Strand,  Mid. 
dleaex,  engineer*  IwtprommgmiB  in  macki- 
menf  ftr  iifttngt  foremg,  tmd  exkomttiMg. 
Patent  dated  September  22,  1854.  (No. 
2048.) 

This  inyention  oompriies  the  introduction 
of  curved  diaphragma  into  the  water  pas- 
aagea  of  pumping  machinery,  for  the  pur. 
poae  of  giving  to  the  entering  water  an  eaay 
motion  in  the  direction  of  the  piston,  and 
preventing  its  requiring  a  circular  motion ; 
an  improved  construction  of  niston  or 
wheel ;  and  an  improved  melhoa  of  com. 
penaating  for  the  wear  of  the  piaton  or 


JoimaoN,  John  Hbnrt,  of  Lincoln's. 
inn  Fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman,  /aiprooe. 
flMnl«  im  machinery  or  appartUut  for  manm- 
faetmring  eardt  mnpUytd  in  ike  preparation  rf 
fhroae  maieriale,  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  September  22,  1854.    (No.  2044.) 

Thia  invention  relatea— 1.  To  the  pierc- 
ing  of  the  banda  or  aheeta  of  leather,  into 
which  the  wire  teeth  are  to  be  inserted.  2. 
To  the  feeding  of  the  wire  into  the  inserters. 
8.  To  die  holding  of  the  wire  during  the 
action  of  the  doubters  or  benders.  4.  To  the 
cutting  of  the  wire.  5.  To  the  doubling  or 
bending  of  the  wire.  6.  To  the  introduc 
tion  of  the  wire  hito  the  leather.  7.  To  a 
mode  of  inclining  the  teeth.  8.  To  a  mode 
of  actuating  the  leather  while  inserting  the 
eard  teeth. 

Holland,  Hbnbt,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wioky  umbrella  and  patasol  manufactorer. 
ImprooemenU  in  the  moMrfaeiwre  rf  umhrettae 
andparaeob.  Patent  dated  September  22, 
1854.    (No.  2045.) 

CfatsM.— 1.  A  mode  of  atrengthening  the 
tubular  riba  of  umbrellas  at  the  parU  where 
they  are  connected  to  the  stretchers  by  in. 
sorting  therein  a  soft  steel  wire.  2.  A  mode 
of  constructing  and  atrengthening  the  forka 
of  stretehers  of  umbrellaa  and  parasols,  when 
auch  atretchersare  composed  of  steel  tubing* 
by  inserting  therein  a  soft  steel  or  iron  pin, 
(NT  short  1«^^  of  wire,  which  is  afterwarda 


aplit  to  the  inquired  extent  for  fonaingthe 
fork. 

Lawbbvcb,  Thomas*  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick*  manu&cturer.  Itnpropemenie  in 
mmekimerpor  mpomhit  to  he  emploffed /or  the 
pmrpoee  rf  rtejiiy  amd  JtnUhimg  oertain  parte 
of  haifomete.  Patent  dated  September  22* 
1854L     /No.  2046.) 

Thia  invention  oonaiats  in  constructing 
apparatua  to  be  employed  for  the  purpoae  of 
turning*  cutting,  or  |[rinding  the  aooketa* 
rings*  necks*  collara*  and  ahouldera  of 
bayonets,  instead  of  ahaping  and  filing  Uioao 
parte  by  hand  labour. 

Spbncb*  Pbtbr,  of  Pendleton,  Lancaster, 
manufi^turing  chemist  leoprootwmntt  m 
ehtabdmg  emi§iur/rom  iron  pffHtet,  and  other 
tuhttaneet  containing  n^pAar.  Patent  dated 
September  22,  1854.    (No.  2047.) 

This  invention  conaists  of  improvementa 
upon  a  former  patent  of  the  inventor,  dated 
July  24, 1854,*  and  consists  in  the  produo- 
tion  of  sulphur,  by  combining  in  one  cham. 
her  pyrites  or  other  matters  containing  snU 
phur,  with  coke,  charcoal,  or  other  solid 
carbonaceoua  or  deoxidizing  mattera  kept 
at  a  red  heat 

CoLLiBR,  Georob,  of  Halilhx*  York, 
manager,  and  Samubl  Thornton,  of  Roch* 
dale,  I«aucaster,  machinist  Improoewtente 
in  leomt  /or  weaoing.  Patent  dated  Sep* 
tember  22,  1854.    (No.  2048.) 

Thia  invention  consists— I.  In  the  em- 
ployment of  oama  or  tappeta  for  shedding 
the  warp,  such  cams  or  tappets  being  ffovem* 
ed  in  their  action  by  an  endless  chain  of 
pegi,  jacquard  earda,  or  equivalent  appara« 
tns.  2.  The  employment  of  a  certain  (ever* 
the  extremity  of  which  is  below  the  centre 
of  motion,  for  letting  off  the  warp.  8.  In  the 
use  of  oatchea  acting  directly  upon  the 
needles  for  mainuining  the  shed,  and  also 
for  affording  the  means  of  gaining^  a  level 
warp.  4.  In  mounting  the  roda  which  cany 
the  shafta  in  apparatus  which  will  admit  of 
their  being  separated  from  each  other  by 
hand;  also  in  mounting  the  shafts  upon 
sockets,  capable  of  being  adjusted  as  to 
height  upon  rods. 

Oarnbtt,  Thomas,  of  Liverpool,  Lan. 
caster,  engineer.  Improoemenl*  in  steam  en- 
ghut  and  other  gooemore.  Patent  dated  Sep. 
tember  28, 1854.    (No.  2050.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  construe 
tion  of  centrifugal  governors,  in  which  solid 
or  fluid  bodies  are  ao  arranged,  that  by  tho 
variation  of  the  centrifugal  force,  they  shall 
move  in  an  arc  or  arcs,  coincident  with,  or 
parallel  to  the  are  of  a  common  parabola. 

Fbloj,  Pibtro,  of  FleeUstreet,  London, 
confectioner.  Jmpropemente  in  the  mann^ 
/aetnre  or  eonelmetion  o/  a  hntfe  and  /ork. 

•  fee  JfMft.  ifaff.>  No.  164S,  p.  161. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


85i 


BPEClFlOkTlOM  OF  PAMMS  AECENTLY  VtCI]>. 


(No. 


Pttent  d&t«d  Septembte  2S,  1854. 
2051.) 

This  invention  oonrfsts  in  eoAstrucUng 
the  hiade  of  a  knife  sd  aa  to  answer  the 
double  purpose  of  a  knife  and  fbtk,  Which 
U  accomplished  hy  makings  one  or  more 
slitB  in  tne  hiade  to  form  the  pro'n^  stmi- 
larto  a  fork,  and  sharpening  the  edge  of 
either  the  inner  or  outer  prong,  to  answer 
the  purpose  of  a  knife. 

Banks,  Thomas,  of  D^rby,  mechanical 
engineer,  and  Henry  Banks,  of  Wednes- 
bury,  Staffbtd,  iron  merchant  Improtfe- 
menit  in  apptnratut  for  retarding  and  stepping 
railway  trains.  Patent  dated  September  2S, 
1854.    (No.  2052.) 

This  invention  consists  in  certain  modi- 
fidations  of  the  Apparatus  patented  by  the 
inventors,  July  26, 1853.* 
HosKiNS,  Samuel  Blliott,  M.D.,  F.R.8., 
of  Guernsey.  An  improvement  in  the  manu- 
factare  (f  paper.  Patent  dated  September 
28,1854.     ^0.2058.) 

This  improvement "  consists  in  the  appH. 
cation  of  the  plant  known  by  the  name  of 
cyperus  tongus,  the  Bnglish  name  being 
Galingale,  to  tbe  manufacture  of  paper.*' 

PiNKWEY,  Robert,  of  Long-acre,  Mid- 
dlesex, ink-manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
stoppers^  corks,  or  vaivutar  avparaius  fur  bot- 
ties,  or  receptacles  for  UqwidSf  and  in  the  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  employed  fir  making  the 
same.  Patent  dated  September  28,  1854. 
(No.  2055.} 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  the  neck 
of  the  bottle  is  formed  with  two  lateral 
slots  or  holes  corresponding  with  passages 
in  the  stopper,  so  that  when  the  latter  is  in 
its  place  Uie  user  has  only  to  turn  it  par- 
tially round  to  open  or  shut  off  the  flow 
from  the  bottle. 

McNaught,  George,  'of  Glasgow,  La- 
nark, saddletree-maker.  Improvements  in 
saddletrees.  Patent  dated  September  23, 
1854.    (No.  2056.) 

This  invention  consists  in  a  mode  of 
forming  the  heads  and  aide-bars  of  saddle- 
trees, by  cutting  suitable  pieces  of  wood  to 
the  required  thickness,  and  then  bending 
them  into  form,  hftet  being  steamed  or 
otherwise  prepared,  by  means  of  suitable 
machinery ;  and  in  the  use,  in  the  construc- 
tion of  saddletree  heads,  of  separate  sec- 
ti<ms  or  layers  of  wood  combined  to  nro- 
duce  the  thickness  and  solidity  required. 

Ban r6,  Georges,  of  MarseilU^s,  France. 
Certain  improvements  in  gas  burners.  Pa- 
tent dated  September  28,  1854.  (No. 
2057.) 

This  invention  consists  **  in  certain  con- 
trivances for  heating,  expanding,  and  regu- 
lating<tlie  volumes  of  air  and  gas  for  the  i 

•  fh^keek,  ir<^.,  He.  \m,  i.  til.      ^    ■ 


ptirnose  of  fefl^ng  a  complete  eombmtimi 
of  ttie  Utter,  and  in  adding  to  this  three- 
fold  notion  A  double  refldetion  of  light,  one 
of  thertt  being  produced  by  an  appendage  or 
part  of  the  bnrner,  and  the  other  rosiUtiog 
from  the*rays  first  feflected  being  reeeived 
and  sdnt  back  by  teeani  of  an  oidinaiy 
reflector  superadded." 

GenbtrRau,  Henry  Alekandre,  of 
Paris,  France.  An  imprwid  system  of  ear^ 
riage^kht^ts,  poke,  ot  heama.  Patent  dated 
September  28,  1854.    (No.  2008.) 

Claim.  -^  **  The  use  and  application  of 
whalebone,  and  also  of  bamboo  cane,  or 
any  other  similar  exotic  reed,  in  the  con- 
struction  of  carriageoshaftt,  poles  or 
beams.'* 

Kc  OoNNEL,  RoRbrt,  of  Glasgow*  La- 
nark, iroh-founder.  Improvements  in  ivdts. 
Patent  dated  September  25,  1854.  (No^ 
2000.) 

The  improved  lock  described  by  the  in- 
ventor  is  so  constructed  that  when  the  bolt 
is  shot  end  the  key  removed  it  cannot  be 
shot  back  without  first  being  moved  a  short 
distance  further  out.  llie  bolt  and  tum- 
blers and  the  key  ate  so  constructed  that 
this  double  motion  of  the  bolt  is  effected  in 
thf  regular  course  by  turning  the  key  in 
one  direction  only,  as  in  ordinary  look& 

Chabot,  Philip  James,  of  Spitalfields, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  supplying  air 
t0  furnaces.  Patent  dated  September  25, 
1864.    (No.  2061.) 

The  inventor  empl^s  a  forcing  appa- 
ratus and  forces  air  tnrough  a  rosehead  into 
the  furnace  above  the  fuel  on  the  fifeban. 

RuoLZ,  HRnri  Cathbrinb  Camillr 
Dfi,  and  Ansblme  Louis  Maris  db  For- 
tenay,  both  of  Paris,  France)  citil  engi- 
neers. Improvements  in  the  treatment  of 
certain  metaU  for  producing  on  improved 
metallic  alloy.  Patent  dated  September  25, 
1854.    (No.  2068.) 

This  mvention  relMes  to  a  modification 
of  a  former  patent  of  the  inventors,  dated 
December  30,  1858,*  and  consists  in  the 
introduction  (and  in  certain  eases  the  eli* 
mination)  of  phosphorus  in  the  manuflietttre 
of  alloys  of  silver  or  other  metals. 

SuRGEY,  William  PalAbr,  ofHabkney, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
cigars,  dgarettee^  and  dkerovts.  Patent  dated 
September  25,  1854.    (No.  2064.) 

This  invention  consists  in  tipping  cigars, 
&c.,  with  an  ignitable  composition,  iHiieh 
mkjr  be  fired  by  friction. 

Halsey,  Joshda  Bacrbier,  mining 
engineer,  of  Norfolk-street,  Strand,  Mid- 
dlesex.  An  improved  machine  or  apparatus 
for  crushing  and  pulvertTsing  ores,  and  separat* 
ing    the   gold   thertfrom    by  amalgamation. 

»  8eeJf«dk.itf^Me.l«i4,|h«». 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


•PvamoAx»»a  or  PAXOiTS  bicbnixt  yhjed^ 


PMent  lUM  Skpl8inb«r  26»  185i.  (No. 
2065.) 

This  maohine  eonaitU  principally  of  a 
luge  circoiar  baaiii  having  a  flat  bottom  di- 
vided into  oompartmenU  or  troughs  by 
angular  ridgtt  or  rims.  In  tho  outer  com- 
partments are  phioed  edge-runner*  con- 
aected  to  an  upright  abaft  in  the  centre  a«d 
nrolfing  both  round  the  trough  and  upon 
their  own  axee»  for  the  purpose  of  cruahing 
the  ores.  Behind  the  edge-runners  are 
ploughs  or  scrapers  whieh  turn  over  the  ore 
to  prevent  its  packing  and  to  bring  it  di- 
rectly into  the  course  of  the  runners.  In 
the  inner  troughe  are  placed  scouring  plates 
or  drags  connected  to  arms  radiating  from 
the  vertieal  shaft,  fee  the  purpose  of  polish- 
ing  the  gold  and  bringing  it  into  friotiooal 
contaoi  with  the  mercury.  A  stream  of 
water  carries  the  ore  ftom  the  outer  through 
the  inner  troughs. 

CoajiiDBs,  Xtouit,  of  Trafalgar- square, 
Middlesex.  A  net»  moda  rf  wMmrfactwing  a 
iramaparaU  utedium^  ptain,  printed,  amd  cp- 
Imndt  rf  gtkUimf  m  tomlHuatwm  with  other 
subetmeet.  Patent  dated  September  26, 
18Mb    (No.  8066.) 

CMsu.— 1.  Coating  glass  with  gelatine 
oembined  with  sugar  and  water,  so  as  to 
make  the  same  a&ere  to  the  glass  and  be 
transparent,  and  be  capable  of  being  co- 
loured with  the  transparent  eolouii,  accord- 
ing to  a  former  invention  of  the  patentee's.* 
2.  The  pioeess  of  colouring  the  gelatine 
with  water*coloun  by  covering  the  same 
first  with  the  waterproof  medium  and  then 
removing  it.  t.  Combining  gelatine  and 
eollodium  or  other'  transparent  varnishes  as 
a  transparent  coating  for  glass.  4.  The 
combination  of  gelatine  with  eollodium  end 
other  transparent  varnishes  as  a  separate 
transparent  medium.  6.  Making,  impress- 
ing, and  colouring  such  separate  trans- 
parent medium  by  oertain  described  pro- 
cesses. 

BooLTON,  JosBPB,  of  Coppice-roW| 
Clerkenwell,  Middlesex.  ImprootmtntB  in, 
dry  goMfMtere.  Patent  dated  September  26.' 
18Mi    (No.  2067.) 

Thf  inlet  or  supply-pipe  of  the  improved 
meter  communicates  with  two  measuring 
chambers,  formed  one  on  each  side  of  a 
vertical  paftition,  in  such  maiMier  that  when 
the  supply  of  gas  is  passing  into  one  of 
these  ehambers  thatwnich  has  previously 
passed  Into  the  other  is  passing  out  into  a 
receiving  chamber  on  the  other]  side  of  a 
morablc  diaphragm,  and  the  gas  so  passed 
out,  when  ue  vaUve  has  moved  frr  enough, 
passes  out  of  the  reeeiving  chamber  into  an 
upper  or  valve  chamber,  and  thence  to  the 
burners. 

•  See  ilM*.  MH'f  No.  1«1»,  p.  M8. 


955 

SrBNCBn,  Gbobqb,  of  Alpha*road,  New 
Cross,  Beptford.  Iwtprgvements  ta  ike  exter- 
mat  eeperimgt  of  roqft  oad  foalU  rf  knHdings 
amd  Mkeds,  and  ta  the  window*  qf  tmek  hmid- 
ings  and  sheds.  Patent  dated  September  26, 
1854.      (No.  2068.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  the  use  pf 
corrugated  plates  of  glass,  either  plain  or 
coloured,  in  the  roofs  and  walls  of  xailw^ 
sheds  and  conservatories,  or  other  buildings 
where  light  and  lightness  of  appearance  are 
required. 

CitAYTON,  Thomas,  of  Oldham,  mecha- 
nic, and  RoBBRT  Ha&bop,  of  Lowside, 
near  Oldham,  Lancaster,  mechanic.  Jm- 
proaemtnU  in  ornamenting  wood,  and  in  the 
machinery  or  apparatus  connected  therewith. 
Patent  dated  Seplember  26^  1854.  (No. 
2070.) 

Claim, — Transferring  designs  of  thegrai|i- 
ings  or  marking  of  the  choice  ifooda,  as 
mahogany,  rosewood,  oak*  &a,  from  en- 
graved heated  metallic  rollers  (or  flat  dies, 
if  preferred)  to  surfaces  of  common  or 
cheaper  woods,  such  as  deal  or  pine,  whereby 
a  close  imiution  of  such  choice  woods  is 
produced ;  and  also  the  transferring  of  other 
ornamental  designs  firom  engravMl  heated 
metallic  rollers  (or  flat  discs,  if  preferred) 
to  the  surfaces  of  wood,  as  well  as  the  de- 
scribed nuchinery  or  apparatus  for  the 
above  purposes. 

SiNOLAiR,  the  Honoiirable  Jaues,  com- 
monlv  called  Lord  Berriedale,of  Hill-street, 
Middlesex*  Jmpraoemtntsintreating^^eane- 
ing,  and  ornamenting  paper  and  other  sar- 
fooee.  Patent  dated  September  26,  1854. 
(No.  2071.) 

Ctaiwu^-^h  The  use  of  rollers  or  rotating 
parts  carrying  strips  of  caoutchouc  or  other 
soft  snd  eUsSo  substances,  for  the  purpose 
of  treating,  cleansing,  omamenling,  finish- 
ing, sad  polishing  paper,  woven  fkbrios, 
leather,  yarns,  thready  and  other  surfaces 
by  the  friotional  contact  therewith  of  the 
caoutchouc  composing  such  rollers.  2.  The 
mode  of  cleansing  or  removing  colouring 
matter  from  paper  and  other  surfiices  by 
the  acticB  of  rotating  caoutahcuo  or  elastic 
edge  or  surface  pieces. 

Obiffithi,  Thomas,  of  Madeley,  Shrop- 
shire. An  improved  pnmp  for  raiiing  and 
forcing  water.  Patent  dated  September  26, 
1854.    (No.  2072.) 

This  pump  is  constructed  so  as  to  divide 
the  eolnma  of  water  or  other  liquid  into 
sectional  lifts,  each  lift,  except  the  lower 
one,  being  open  at  the  top  to  the  atmo- 
sphere. By  these  divisions  of  the  entire 
column  into  sectional  parts,  the  pressure  of 
the  water  upon  the  rising  mains  is  to  be 
reduced,  and  la  a  j^eat  measure  equalised, 
■i,aaa  i 


whereby  pines  of  less  strength^ 

quently  of  less  weight  and  ooct  may  ba  used 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


356 


PB0TI8I0NAL  BPBCmOAnmfB  MOT  ntOOKBHSD  WITH. 


Holland,  John  Simon,  of  Woolwich, 
Kent,  engineer.  I9tpr^venieutt[m  large  and 
smail  Jire-armi,  and  m  the  preparoHon  rf 
their  chargu.  Patent  dated  September  27, 
1854.    (NO.207S.) 

:  CUbme, — I.  The  mode  of  fixing  a  rod  to 
a  diic  or  plug  in  lueh'  mmner  that  the  rod 
must  be  broken  before  pressure  can  come 
upon  the  shot  or  projectile,  or  when  fixed 
to  a  disc  at  one  end  and  to  the  shot  at  the 
other  the  rod  shall  be  broken  before  the 
shot  can  move.  2.  A  mode  of  making  a 
cartridge  with  a  core,  as  described.  S.  The 
enlargement  of  the  bore  at  the  breech.  4. 
The  mode  of  testing  the  barrels  and  re- 
gisteriog  their  defects,  bv  forcing  water 
Soto  them,  and  observing  if  any  and  what 
deflection  is  thus  produced. 

Bareaclouqh,  CBAELBSy  of  Halifax, 
York,  mechanic.  Imprevemenle  in  ma- 
dtinery  er  apparatus  fir  the  mam^aetnre  rf 
elog  «olrt  and  patten  soke  fry  power.  Patent 
dated  September  27,  1854.    (No.  2075.) 

Clal«.— The  manufacture  of  clog  soles 
and  patten  soles  by  means  of  a  rotating 
wheel  and  revolving  or  rotating  cutters. 

Edge,  Jonathan,  of  Bolton-le-Moors, 
Lancaster,  engineer.  Impfcaemente  in  pit" 
tone.  Patent  dated  September  27,  1854. 
(No.  2076.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  eonstrocting 
the  metsllic  packing  of  a  piston  that  the 
piston  lid  and  block,  or  either  of  them, 
when  tightened  together  by  tightening 
screws,  cause  the  packing  ring  to  expand  to 
fit  the  cylinder  in  which  the  piston  works, 
the  said  packing  ring*  being  a  solid  hoop  of 
metal  which  wifi  yield  to  pressure  and  is 
not  cnt  like  the  metallic  packings  hitherto 
employed. 

HBNPEBW,  Robert,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
smith.  Impre^femenie  in  bobUne,  Patent 
dated  September  27,  1854.    (No.  2079.) 

According  to  this  invention,  the  barrel  or 
spindle  portion  of  the  bobbin  is  made  of  any 
suitable  material,  "and  the  end  discs  or 
flanges  are  made  of  gutta  percha,  or  of  a 
eomposition  wherein  gutta  percha  is  an  in- 
gredient,  or  of  other  suitable  material  or 
eomposition  possessing  the  lilce  qualities. 
Papier  maohe  or  pasteboard  material  may 
also  be  used  for  this  purpose." 


PEOTiaiOMAL  SPECIFIOATIOHf  HOT  nO- 
GBSDBD  WITH. 

Johnson,  John  Henrt,  of  Lineoln's- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Jmprmte* 
wtente  in  eaem  er  fisrnacee  fir  wiHting  sr  hhi- 
m^fneUwimg  glaie,  (A  communication.)  Ap- 
nlicatioB  dtled  September  20, 1854.    (No. 


This  invention  is  carried  out  by  fiirming 
the  oven  or  fumace-chamber  with  parti, 
tions,  the  glass  or  matters  under  treatment 
being  passed  alternately  by  above  and  below 
these  partitions  and  finally  condneted  into 
a  second  oTen  where  the  glaaa  is  worked. 

Sataet,  Jean  Bavtiste  Edooaed,  and 
Jules  Felix  Hazard,  both  of  Paris, 
France,  engineers.  Imprevemmtte  in  ptunpe^ 
Application  dated  September  20,  1854. 
(No.  2081.) 

The  inventor  deaeribes  a  doublo-aetioii 
pump,  in  which  the  in-flow  and  ont-fiowpipea 
are  each  connected  by  a  brandi  pipe  to  the 
top  and  bottom  of  the  barrel,  sniuble  valves 
being  supplied. 

Bbllpord,  Auouste  Kdouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-Btreet,  London.  J  new  0r 
improved  gonemer  fir  engine  and  auKNMery* 
(A  communication.)  Application  dated 
September  20,  1854.    (No.  2084.) 

This  invention  consists  in  governing  the 
speed  of  engines  directly  by  the  resistance 
of  the  machinery  driven,  and  not  by  the 
varying  velodty  consequent  upon  variationa 
in  the  power  and  resistance. 

Moneymbnt,Mathew,  of  LamVsCoB- 
duit-street,  Holbom.  Imprwfewunte  in  kat^ 
bonnet,  and  other  boxes.  Application  dated 
September  81,  1854.    (No.  2040.) 

This  invention  relates  to  that  class  of  Kat 
and  other  boxea  which  are  made  of  scale- 
board,  veneer.board,  paper,  or  paste-board, 
and  consists  in  rendering  them  water  proo^ 
by  applying  to  the  outside,  or  inside,  or 
to  both,  any  suitable  water-proof  vamiah. 

Crovtb,  William,  of  Derby-terrace, 
Nottingham*park,  lace-manufacturer.  Isi- 
ftrooemenis  in  the  wusm^aetnre  effiingest  and 
other  pinin  and  omasseniai  fiMes*  Appli- 
cation dated  September  22,  1854.  (No. 
2042.) 

This  invention  relates  to  certain  modifi- 
cations of  machineiy  patented  by  the  In- 
ventor, April  1,  1858.* 

Brown,  Willum  James,  in  the  emplojr 
of  Messrs.  Ames,  Bush,  and  Ca,  of  Bristol. 
Improoements  in  a  eomposition  or  eombinaiion 
rf  materinls  to  be  used  fir  sizeing  ffoms  and 
otkor  artieles.  Application  dated  flieptember 
22,1854.    (No.  2049.) 

This  invention  consists  in  using  the  fol- 
lowing materials  for  siEeing  yams  and  other 
articles;  vis.,  glue  of  oommerce,  seft  soiqp» 
and  nitrate  of  potash.  These  are  mixed 
with  flour  and  water,  and  when  boiled  are 
ready  for  use. 

Johnson,  John  Henrt,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fidds,  Middlesex,  gentleman,  /syrsag- 
ments  in  the  genemthn  of  sUaau  (A  com- 
mnnioation.)  Applioation  dated  September 
28,1854.    (No.  2054.) 

•  8se  Jf««A.  Jfiy.,  No.  »7»,  p.  II I 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


monaiosAL:  nuMEBonoMs. 


857 


Thflte  impcof  emcttto  eoiiiiat»  fint,  in  the 
employmeot  of  a  peoaliar  appfttatiu  for 
drying  and  tiireliaiging  or  luperheating 
Die  steun  before  using  it  Second,  in  a 
eeruin  arrangement  of  eTaporating  appa- 
ratiM  to  be  uaed  in  oonnection  with  steam 
boilers. 

Mamkall,  William,  of  Waebinghem, 
Paa  de  Calais,  France,  gentleman.  An 
imprtmrnmaU  or  imprmfemnU  in  meimttic 
whuUfm'  raUway  and  oUur  purpates.  Appli- 
cation dated  September  2&,  1854.  {No. 
2059.) 

The  inrentor  forms  a  number  of  pieces 
with  alternate  projections  and  depressions, 
and  places  them  side  by  side  with  the  pro- 
jecting ribs  of  one  piece  fitting  into  the 
depressions  of  the  next,  and  then  binds  the 
whole  together  with  a  circalar  bar,  by 
means  of  pressure. 

Bioo,  Henry  Heather,  of  Leicester, 
square,  Middlesex,  anatomical  instrument 
maker.  Improved  opparatut  for  curing  de* 
firmiiiet  of  the  frame.  Application  dated 
September  25, 1854.    (No.  2062.) 

In  applying  the  improved  apparatus  to 

Curt  of  a  limb,  the  foot  for  example,  the 
tter  is  secured  in  a  sliTer  or  frame  which 
is  jointed  to  another  frame  that  receives  the 
leg,  the  joints  of  the  two  parts  being  made 
in  such  manner  that  the  shoe  may  be 
turned  in  any  direction  according  to  the 
peculiar  nature  of  the  deformity,  and  elas- 
tic  springs  are  attached  in  such  manner  aa 
to  produce  a  regulated  strain  in  the  re- 
quired direction. 

Sadler,  William  Flowebdew,  of  Too- 
ley-street,.  Southwark,  S array,  millwright, 
engineer,  and  maauikoturer  to  the  GoTcrn- 
ment  of  submarine  apparatus  for  the  reoo- 
Tery  of  sunken  property,  A  maddne  or 
npparatnt  for  uring  up  all  the  wmoke  rf  fur» 
nacetandaikerjireplaeet.  Application  dated 
September  26, 1854.    (No.  2069.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  the  pro- 
duction  of  a  draught  from  the  end  of  the 
frnmace  through  a  channel  into  the  fire 
again,  so  that  Uie  gases  and  smoke  may  be 
oonducted  back  to  the  fire. 

M'HiNH,  William  Kimmins,  of  Kobert* 
ttreet  North,  Liverpool,  Lancashire.  Letting 
go  and  heaving  up  tkipi*  anchore,  wkieh  he 
colli  a  double-acting  anchor  pmrehoie.  Ap- 
plication dated  September  27, 1854.  (No. 
S074.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  two  metal  wheels  with  depressions 
on  their  cireumforences  to  receive  one  half 
of  each  link  of  the  chidn ;  in  the  use  of  an 
eccentric  and  lever,  with  friotion  rollers  to 
relieve  or  to  compress  the  chain  and  act 
as  stoppers  by  bnnging  two  or  more  parts 
into  close  eontaot  with  each  other  ;  and  in 
the  me  of  a  eyliiidtrwitha  iptal  thretd  on 


its  inner  suilkoe,  to  act  as  a  relieving  or 
permanent  stopper  for  hemp  cables  or 
ropes. 

CHAMBEma,  John,  of  Manchester,  engi- 
neer. Jmprommtuii  m  vntiking  fabrieet  md 
in  mackinerp  emplm/td  therein.  Application 
dated  September  27, 1854.    (No.  2077.) 

Tbe  apparatus  employed  by  the  inventor 
consists  of  a  cylinder  supported  by  trun- 
nions, one  of  which  is  fturnished  with  three 
passages  through  which  the  water  and  * 
steam  for  washing  the  ikbrics  are  admitted, 
and  all  of  which  are  in  conneetion  with 
perforated  pipes  attoched  to  the  inner  cir- 
cumference of  the  cylinder. 

HoTLB,  Robert,  of  Whitehead-hridge, 
Bury,  Lancaster,  machine  maker.  Improoe- 
mente  in  preventing  incnutation  in  Ueam" 
hcilere.  Application  dated  September  27, 
1854.    (No.  2078.) 

This  invention  consisto  in  placing  a  per- 
forated vessel,  containing  bark  or  other 
suiteble  matter,  in  a  oistom  partly  filled 
with  water,  which  may  be  heated  by  the 
waste  steam  or  water  from  a  steam  engine 
or  otherwise,  and  the  solution  of  bark  or 
other  matter  thus  formed  is  forced  into  the 
boiler. 

Crosse,  Aretab  Youno,  of  Blackbeath, 
Kent  Improvementt  in  the  mamfaetare  rf 
hmtione.  Application  dated  September  28, 
1854.    (No.  2081.) 

This  invention  consiste  in  making  the 
upper  part  of  the  button  movable,  so  that 
different  sete  of  buttons,  varying  in  material 
and  design,  may  be  readily  applied  to  the 
garment  to  which  the  shanks  of  the  buttons 
are  fostened. 

Simpson,  James,  of  Rochdale,  Lancas- 
ter, woollen  manufacturer.  An  improeioeMni 
in  the  mttmnfactare  rf  printer^  blankete*  Ap- 
plication dated  September  28,  1854.  (No. 
2088.) 

This  improvement  consisto  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  worsted  warp  instead  of  the  or- 
diiMry  warp,  the  weft  of  the  cloth  being  of 
wool  asusuaL 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 
Bated  Mardi  19,  1855. 

COS.  lM>)sm?f  Cook,  of  Chsstet-stnet,  Ken- 
nlBCtoo,  Bfumy,  fUnaee  builder.  ImorovsmeDta 
in  naehlnenr  or  sppaiatus  for  eonsondiic  imoke. 

807.  John  lUmelU  of  Oovtnt-ffsrden,  MlddleMX, 
etquiN.  A  tulMtllute  for  the  turpentine  erdi- 
nsfUy  estpkred  In  mixing  paints  and  eolours.  A 
eommnnlestiMi. 

aw.  Kiehsid  Howsoa,  of  Lsnesster,  en^nesr. 
Improved  msani  of  insreasiag  the  motive  sAet  of 
leiew-prspeUers,  snd.of  diminishing  isristsncs  to 
jnff*!^  In  Titiiiili  pfOBsllsd. 

•11.  Janes  Taylor,  of  Boothwadc,  8aiisgr,  doo- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


85B 


VMVlWNIiXi  tMMMtmire* 


»f  vMlowpfcy.    An  tapwra*  ■»•»•  ^  «•»- 
I.  PhlUppe  Roebrig,  of  Parii,  Frinoe.    A  ntW 


tor  «f 
ratntaf 
61S.  rniuppc  nwu*>et  »*•  *  «—»-—— —    — 

6{5:76lin«maWer«*W*nop.gmtj  WjgM.  I^^ 
eaitor.  ftAeouBtaat.     InpMV«in«ta  te  nOMt^- 

"^Al«2Ji«r  llol»»ftTerfr.  <)^  AAelpW;*JiWJ. 
Ad«lp)il»  MiddlaMX.  ImproremenU  ts  appwwi 
for  copying  letters  aai  other  doeuniMts. 

'  6l».  Archibald  WbKe,  of  Chpy*  *'?!2S;' 
BoeklnghMi,  ooBveyanoer  »dj»d«gc«t.  S«liig* 
tng  bodi.  wbiPb  will  #u«bl«  leldleii  and  »tbe»  to 
■Imp  dqr  in  Unti  or  buti,  and  oooaslonaDy  m  the 

°*6Mr'jonathan  MuimTOb  af  Bolt^4a-Mo«a. 
UDoaatar,  angiaaar.  ImpfOTanaAtt  in  i(«Mii  «a- 


eJf  Milium  Taylor,  of  PooUtock,  Wljan,  Laa- 
caster.  picker  manufceturer.  Impiovrtnaiita  In 
^e  aiottfttaMon  or!*A«»fiw  powwjopnw.  

622.  Thomas  Mara  FeU,  of  %Mm  ViUtam-itltei. 
London,  and  Franeii  8q\ilre,  or  the  same  place, 

paster,  mechanic.    ImproyemenU  In  machinery  or 

625^Benlamin  O'NeaJp  Stratford,  aarl  of  Aid- 

^*Sf«d^^?s^o?s:fS^Tie  «^j 

Foundry.  Mwchester.  LajWMter,  an^^ 
Daytf  Langadtt,  ofOialloB-stoart,  '***'*T^*^* 


628.  Augusta  Sdouard  Loradouy  Ballford,  of 
SsMz^traal,  UaAv^'  A  naw  aodi  imvkrovad  gajar- 
nor  for  engines  and  maohinary,  A  communicaUop. 

629.  IsMC  Rogers,  of  ITorth  Harerstraw,  Nafw 
York,  Vnltad  Stataa  af  AP«toa-  lasfaovamaato 
in  tha  aioda  of  tnattat  iron  wea, 

630.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chaacary^aae, 
Kiddlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman.  ImproTOd 
maehlnery  for  fbrming  mofolda  tot  caatlng.  A  com- 
mttBiaat&an. 

Dated  March  22,  m6» 

621.  William  Millar,  of  North  Leith,  Midlothian, 
Scotland,  gentleman.  An  improred  apparatus  for 
tha  preTcntion  of  smoke  and  promoting  ventila- 
tion. 

m,  JokA  Mmriaoa,  of  BirmUghami  Warwick, 
machinist.  An  improTement  or  improTements  in 
the  manulkctuTe  of  metallic  pens. 

68S.  Tell  Caaadt  Bnagab  JUaaoor,  of  Parte, 
France,  mechanical  engineer.  ImproTomente  in 
Ifl^wBotiim  aa  aanals  and  rivara,    „    ^         ^, 

«M.  JamM  Bida».  of  Oaipart.  Hantp,  gaaUa- 
mn.   impromienta  in  mafia*  ttaamffosinas. 

•86.  Maithew  Sampla.  of  Plfmotttk*  Dovon, 
gaatlanas.    ImuovameBta  in  nUwv-bzaaka. 

687.  William  fiaiiNaugkt,  of  lUiahdala.  Unoas- 
ter,  engineer.  CerUin  improvemoBts  in  auMhlnsry 
avappaiatnatevlnalngitttfliiwd  aihar  flkrona 


trmiiwaiL 

ntniiliifM^nqdlif. 

DaUd  Marek  2S,  1855. 

640.  Oeorge  Whyatt,  of  Openshaw,  Laoeaater, 
dyer.  Cactala  ImpfovameBta  In  maahlnaiy  or  a»- 
paiatM  for  auttingpilad  goads  or  Ikbiiaa. 

641.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Uncoln's-lan- 
flelds.  Middlesex,  gentleman.  ImproTements  la 
maehlnery  fbr  coisbiag  Wool  and  other  fibrous  m^ 
facials.  A  aoasmnniaatioa  firoia  ftnaote  Jasapk 
9ogaaua.ofFovmea,Fian«a. 

642.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  tincoln's-lnn- 
llUds.  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improfements  In 
hydrauUo  motiTO  power  anginaa.  A  oammaolea- 
tion  ttota  Narcisse  DuToir,  of  Uanconrt,  Pnaaa, 
meclianical  engineer. 

648.  Henry  Joseph  Morton,  of  Leeds,  York,  gal- 
▼aniaed  trea  merehaat  aad  ocatraator.  Impiova- 
maata  ia  tha  ooaafcriwtfoa  ot  gwhoHan  m  gaa- 
ometers. 

044.  Charles  Frederick  Behn,  of  the  Commercial 
Side  Rooms,  tondon.  Improvemento  in  maehiaery 
Ibr  m<^k4>*g  maatda  foe  castiag  macaL  A  oaonaa- 
nication  ftom  David  Brown,  of  |Baltimorah  UaUad 
States  of  Amaricau 

645.  Fredeitck  Raasome,  of  Ipswieh.  Aa  im- 
arovamant  in  the  naaalhetara  af  artlSelal  atona. 

646.  WUliaai  Vouag,  of  QiWM-atieet,  Ghaa^ 
aide,  Londoa.  Xmprovamanu  ia  atovaa  or  flia- 
places. 

Dated  March  24,,  1855. 

647.  Jamas  WUUs,  of  Qiaapsida,  London.  Im- 
proTcments  In  certain  parts  of  tha  firames  and  fqr- 


lUture  of  umbrellas  end  parasols. 
~        ~    dt  BaoMafd.  tf 

of  ]>anbIgb^«&MrrbnUfi9\  Mid^SaZ 


at  Ohsilaa  tfttaaa, 


648.  Joha  Loait 
Old  Kaat-road, 

Harrey,  of  IK>nl  _  . 

gentleman.  MsJJng^  an  ^animal  manure  fbr  all 
agricultural,  hortloiillarsl,  aad  florieuUanl  par- 
pooaa  by  raduafaur  tha  flea  sad  baaaa  of  all  at  aay 

a pulpipowder or jS|y,  withor  wShout  the  aid  af 

'  Uriah  Seott,  of  Dnka-atvaat,  Adalpkl.  lOi- 

-  ila  In  tha 


dlaias.  aaiiaaaf. 
coostruetion  oS  ea 


S8S.  Oharya  /QaaaU*  dt  PhBvlflphliti 
▼ania.    CertaiAiDpiM6l||«l8isthi 


.  caniagcaand  oX  tha  vaHooa  iMita 
of  the  same. 

680.  Robert  Josapk  Jaaty,  of  tha  Gnat  MaHlMta 
Railway,  Kiag's-avon,  Mlddlaaaab  Matioa  nsaHar. 
Jmnmvamanis  in  appaiatas  fbr  ln4V»tinf  batwaaa 
paiU  of  a  train  of  carriages -on  a  railway,  .  ^ 
^1.  DaTid  BIder,  junior,  of  OlasgvW,  laaark. 
aai^naer.  Imptavamisata  la  mpaldlag  aa  abaylag 
nkotals. 

682.  Jamea  Hivan.  of  Kair,  Parth>  gentlapiaa. 
Improvements  in  the  manuflsctnre  af  paper,  aad 
la  the  produetlen  arteztUoasateriaia. 

9H,  T.  F.  B.  CiMra,  of  Parta.  Maoa.  Amw 
aonstrvotiaa  of  lofiomotiYa  aasiaas,  taadai^  aad 
railway  carriages. 

684.  Griffith  Oeorga  Lewis.  O.R.,  major-faaanl, 
Rafalanginaa(a,of  Woalwlflh,  Kant,  aaCJaaeph 
Oarav,  of  It,  Janas'^raet,  Mlddlaaaz,  mUitanr 
taUor*  An  improved  construction  of  kn»sack, 
eonvertibla  when  required  Into  abed,  a  litter,  «r  a 
feat. 

688.  William  Biaiwa,  af  OiBihiB^tiait,  Laadaa. 
warehousmaa.  An  improved  mode  of  pn^uppff 
sewing  silk  for  the  market. 

688.  Lewis  Fiedarlek  Bdwarda,  af  Kaw  Brtdge- 
atiaat,  l^adan,  geatleasaa.  Aa  latytavaaMat  la 
(tomaoaa.   Aaammaaica^iaa. 

i)«te4irmA25,1855« 

U8.  Robait  Sam  Matth,  of  Oastaa,aaar  Ifaa- 
flhtitMr,  tewwstar*  asgiiiMf.   laipraYeaaaQta  la 

Mlddlesaz.    ImpSsvamaata  la  maaktaary  ar  agva- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


wmiiT  UM  or  PAmm. 


869 


cAtton  tnm  CbulM  8«fUr,  of  Bcsnine  let  Dibim, 
France. 

662.  George  AlUin  Banett,  Wnilam  Exall,  tnd 
Cherlet  Jnaee  Andrawee,  of  Readinf ,  Berki.  Cer- 
talB  Inproremento  In  porUUe  and  Axed  oombiiied 
thrething  maelilnet. 

664.  John  Henry  Johnion,  of  Llncoln'e-lnn- 
flelde,  Middleiex,  Ketttleman.  InprovemenU  In 
BiMlifaitry  or  appawtm  for  dftnlsff  flu,  hmv, 
and  other  flbront  material!.  A  eommunicatlOQ 
ftom  Jean  Jaeqnea  Alexandre  Lallier,  of  Brreux, 
and  Frangois  Jnlee  Yignaud,  of  Paria,  France. 

666.  Claude  Antoine  Bniton,  engineer,  of  Paili, 
Fianee.  Iroprovementa  in  feeding  apparatuaea 
applicable  to  machinei  for  treating  textile  mate- 

668.  Fraaeis  Cronlejr,  ICP.,  of  Halibx.  Im- 
prorementa  in  the  mannfartnre  of  moeaic  rage. 

670.  Alexander  William  WHlianeon,  of  Unlvei* 
alty  College,  Oower-etreet,  Middlesex.  Improve- 
aaenta  in  iteTio  or  flr»>plaoca. 


MOTIC£8  OF  INTSNXION  TO 

PROCEBD. 

{From  ike  "L<mAm  Gm9U9»   ApHi  lOtt, 

1855.) 

2005.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton.    ImproTementa 
in  eteam  boiler  and  other  Aimacei,    A  oommuoi* 


2514.  Sir  Jamea  Caleb  Andeiaon.    An 
eal  railway  for  the   eoaveyaaee  of  pMoengere, 
goods,  and  letters. 

2615.  Bdward  Weleh.    Impfovenentf  itt  ilre- 
plaoea  and  flnea,  and  nppaiatno  ednaeeted  there- 


2522.  Charles  Murray.     Impiuyements  tn  the 
maaullMture  of  ordnauee,  baiieb  of  flra^arms  and 


Hollow  eylinders  of  Iras, 
2546.  Eobeit  Shaw. 

looms  Ibr  weuTing. 
2551,  /f 


Cortais  imptovemopts  in 


■mes  Porrlll.    A  eertala  Improvement 


or  impreyemeate  in  earding  maehlnes. 
25M.  Daniel  Oellet.     ' 


Bdttiug  power. 


Improrei 


tts  In  trans- 


teg  and  shaping  aa^e  and  bar  ina  li»r  ddp^build- 
teg  and  other  purposes. 

2567.  Chfielopher  Hodsoa  and  James  Whitley 
Stead.  ImproToments  in  maohlaexy  or  apparatns 
for  washing  or  deanslng  woven    fkbnes   and 


paH  of  which  apparataa  la  also  applio- 
'  ■"  nd  oreem. 

in  appanttts 
ibr  singeing  or  ilrtng  cotton  and  other  Ihbries. 


2565.  John 


ingmll] 
Thorn. 


ImpfOT< 


2506.  GustaT  Aduph  Bttchhols.    Iraprored 
ehiaeiy  appUeable  to  the  huliiag  or  cleaaingof 
grain,  seeds,  and  other  Togetable  prodaee. 

2604.  William  arindley  Oraig.  Improrements 
te  railway  aale-boxes  and  spiiag  flttiags. 

2620.  Joha  Court,  junior.  Improvements  in 
rodkets* 

2667.  Jamet  Cuaaiagham.  Impforemonts  in 
ttardhlag  textile  Ibbrles. 

2668.  John  Hearjr  Johnson.  Improrements  in 
tte  extraetiaf  taaale  aeid  flma  leather,  and  in 
preparing  the  leather  for  the  manufietuM  of  glue. 
A  oommaaleatlon  fnm  Obadlah  &ieh,  of  Cam- 


^  United  Btatee  of 
.  WilHam  Bertram.  ImprovemeaU  ia  the 
inaaafaetura  of  itea  ahips»8Mam  aad  other  boilers, 
bridges  and  other  structures  whera  numerous 
sheets  of  iron  are  used. 

2741.  Oerd  Jacob  Bensen,  Ao  iiSFOvnnmt  Ui 
teflning  sugar, 

2758.  H«ny  Elehaidsoa  faashMva  and  lOha 
Amerieus  Fanshawo.  Certain  improremeats  la 
ttie  manuftotaif  of  TUioos  Idiido  of  waterproof 


101.  John  Orseawood.  Certain  ImproTements 
la  siseiag,  stiflbaing,  and  finishing  textile  fbbries 
or  materials. 

595.  Robert  MeCoaaelL  ImproTmonUlsiiniyh- 
lag  or  dressiag  textile  fabries. 

409.  Baniaby  Angelo  Murray.  ImproTCinenta 
la  winding,  doubling,  and  twisting  tllj(«  flax,  and 
othor  flbrotts  substances. 

452.  Stanislas  Ylgoursux.  Gertalii  improvo- 
menU  in  printing,  ornamaaling,  and  dressing 
woven  and  textile  ikbrics. 

474.  William  Johnson.  Improvements  In  cleans- 
ing and  pnparing  fibrous  materials.  A  communi- 
cation f^om  Samuel  W.  Brown,  of  Lowell,  Massa- 
obusetu.  United  States  of  America. 

559.  William  Proekter  Stanley.  An  improve- 
ment in,  or  addition  to,  dod-crushen. 

551.  William  Lister.  An  improved  implemeat 
ibr  raising  or  looiening  turnips  and  other  roots  in 
the  ffTouad.  and  cutting  off  the  tails  theieof. 

501.  William  Hill.  Improvements  In  meUllle 
peas  iiad  penholden,  and  In  onumoatisg  metallic 
pens  and  penholdws. 

620.  Jonathan  Muigimve.  InpnTamoats  la 
steam  engines. 

625.  Benjamin  Cnreale  Strattad,  Earl  of  Aid- 
borough.  Improvements  in  aerial  navigation,  aad 
ia  the  applleatioa  of  the  same  to  warlike  purposee. 

650.  Joha  Seott  Russell.  Improvements  in  ship- 
building. 

645.  Frederick  Ransoms.  An  Improvement  in 
the  manuCsctnra  of  artlfieial  stone. 

651.  Ihivid  Elder,  Junior.  Improvementa  In 
mouldlag  or  shaptaig  metals. 

Oppositioii  can  bo  ontorod  to  Die  grantiag 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  la  the 
above  List,  who  bavo  given  notieo  of  their 
iBtention  to  prooeed«  within  twenty  <•  one 
daya  from  the  date  of  the  Oamtie  in  whieh 
the  notice  appearsi  by  iearing  at  the  Coqu- 
Biiasionen'-ofBce  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  ot^jeotion  to  the  appUoation. 


VIIU.Y  LIST  OF  FATBVTS. 

S170.  Henry  Croslojr, 

2177.  Robert  Cruise. 

2179.  Themaa  Shaw  and  Richard  Dison. 

S207.  Thomas  Edwin  Moore. 

2208.  John  Rickhuss  and  Charles  Toft. 

2300.  Cloudo  Fran9ois  Ysuthier. 

2S16.  Arehibald  Craig. 

2466.  Lancelot  Kirkup. 

2558.  Thomas  Cooper. 

2671.  William  Porter  Dreaper. 

1855. 

287.  Jamea  Howsrd. 

295.  Alfred  Yiaoent  Newton. 

810.  Charles  Barnard  and  John  Biihop. 

Sealed  JprU  7, 1858. 

2186.  Franffois  Alexander  Nioolat  Del- 
■arte. 

The  sboTO  Pstenta  all  bear  date  ss  of  the 
day  on  which  Froylaionsl  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  ooTersl  inTontions  men* 
tionod  shore. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


360 


NOnOBS  TO  OOBBBSPOMBBHTS. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


/.  5<MMNi.~W«  do  not  At  preMnt  luioir  tht 
hone-power  of  the  tnglne  yoa  menUon,  bat  will 
ascertain  for  you. 

D.  Jf««*e^~-Yoars  In  oar  next. 

If  C.  jr.,  whose  letter  on  Aetronomieal  Cloeki 
appeared  in  No.  164S,  page  110,  will  fhroor  vi 
again  with  hit  addma,  we  ihaU  fool  obliged. 


•  »  •  All  oommanleatione  intended  for  pnblleattai 
in  the  following  number,  must  reach  us,  at  the 
latest,  b7  Wednesday  morning's  deUreiy.  They 
should,  when  oonTenieut,  be  forwarded  eaittar  in 
the  week. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO, 
Vmdartaki  tiit  Fzoeniatloii  of  Patoats 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  the  traniaetion  generally  of  all 

busineas  relating  to  Patents.    CobU  of  Provisional  Protection— £10  10s. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Infentors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  applieatioo 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  <' Mechanics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office,*'  166,  Fleet^itreet,  London. 


CONTENTS  OP  THIS  NUMBER. 


CuTfer's  Patent  Furnaces— (vi'A  tu^ratiHgi)^  837 

Mr.  Palrbaini  on  the  Steam  Engine S40 

Penn's  Patent  Bearings  and  Bushec  for  Pro- 
peller Shafts- (ipil*  e»graHng9\ MS 

On  the  Application  of  Charcoal  to  Sanitary 

Purposes.    By  Dr.  Stenhouse HZ 

On  the  Applkatlon  of  Scfew  Piopellers  to 

UrseSaUing  Ships S44 

Fenn*s  Patent  Ratchet  Brace— (im'M  enarav- 

•     ingt) U6 

Allan's  New  Maynooth  Single-flnid  Batterr ...  340 
Elongated  Shot  or  Shell  and  Expanding  Self- 
cleansing  Sahot— <«<iA  0ngra9ii^)  ............  947 

On  the  Indicated  Horse-powet  of  Steam  En- 
gines   S48 

Mr.  Mushet's  Reply  on  the  Smoke  Question...  MO 
Colonel  Parlby's  Bisecting  Compasses    {with 

aneugravinff) 350 

Doings  In  our  Mathematical  Periodioals....MM.  S51 
Manumotive  Carriages 351 

SpecMcationa  of  Patenta  recently  Filed : 

Bellford.......»......Pi9er  Stock .m......  35t 

Be]Ubrd.M...M. ......Sewing-machine  ^.....^  S5S 

Bellford..... An  Horometer............  SSS 

Hudson Measuring  Fluids 85S 

Sharp  lkWeild......Sllk-maehlneiT ..........  S5t 

Passet  ................Preasing  Fabrtoa.........  351 

Hodsoa ........; ......Bricks  and  Tiles.........  351 

Owynne Pumps 853 

Johnson  «.«...««.. ...Cards  ....••  ..•..•.m.....«m.  358 
Holland.:.............Umhrellas,  ftc. .........  358 

Lawrence  .M.4..M...BaTonets 353 

Spenoe  Solphur 858 

Collier  IT  Thomton.Looms  S58 

Oaniett ............... Steam  Eaginea  .........  853 

Felqi  ..................Knives  and  Forka  ......  353 

Banks  if  Banks  ...Railway  Bieaka.... ......  354 

Hookina  ....^.......Papet ........ ..........  354 

Plnkney  .............Bottle  Stoppers ..........  354 


McNaught ..  ^.......Saddle-trees ...... ...... , 

Danr£ Gas-bum«rs ....«• 

Genetnaa......M....CaRiage-shafU 

McConnel ...  ...m.  ...Loeks.M 

Chabot Furnaces  .........m..... 

Ruola  Ik  Foatenay.MetaUio  Alloys  ^.^. 
Surgey  .........N.M.Cigars......». ............. 

Halsey  .» ......Crushing  Ores. 

Oomidea   ............Transparent  Media, .. 

Boulton...M..........Dr7  Oas-meters  ...... 

Spencer  .~..........~Roofa  and  Walla....... 

Clayton  ft  Hanop.Omamentiag  Vood .. 
8  Inclair  m..m  ...  —•  ^.Paper  .^  •^...m.m.  m.  mm 
Oriiliihs....M....M ...Pumps  .^.^^.^..^m.. 

HoUaad^. Fire-arms  ..•.m......^.. 

Bancaclough...M.M.Clog-eolea  m.m.m....m.< 

Edge  ...M....M.M....Pistons  .......m^.m,... 

Renftew  ,  i,-^,  ,-  ^^^tAip«  ,,,,1,-11    , 


..  354 
...  354 
...  354 
...  8»f 
...  354 
».  SM 
...  354 
...  354 
^  355 
^  355 
...  355 
..355 
^  355 
^  355 
M  356 
...  356 
^  356 
.»  356 


Provisional  Speoiflcationi  not  Proceeded  with : 

Johnson ..Glass  Fnmaoea  ......  m.  356 

Savary  9c  Haaacd..Pumps  .......mm.m.m.m.  356 

BeUford......M..«...GoTemorB...M.......M.M.  3i6 

Moneyment ......... Hat^waea  .^m.^.^..^...  356 

Crofts«....M.M..~...Fringes  m..mm.m....m....  3)6 

Brown  ...^.........^Siseuig  ¥«&*.«.....««.  3^ 

Johnson.M......M....Steam... ...... ...  .^ ...... «.  356 

Marshall  .MM.......Eattwa7  Wheek....M«.  3ST 

Bigg  ...M.M..M....M.Curing  Defonnitiea  ^  357 

Sadler  .....M...M....Furnaces....»M.....M.M.  357 

M'Minn..........M...Anehor-contn>lleraMM.  357 

........Washing  Fabriea  ......  357 

M...M.Steam  Boiler  Inemata- 

tions  .. .M...M....  357 

Crosse  .......M.....MButtonaM.......~.M.~..M  357 

Simpson  ..............Printers'  Blanketa ......  357 

Proviaional  Protections om....m.....mm.m.  357 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Pn>oeedM.M.».....~M..~  359 
List  of  Sealed  Patento  ^,^^^„^^^,^^^  353 
Notices  to  Conespood^u  ...m.*mm...«m«m.m.m.  360 


Hoyle. 


LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  PahUahed  hy  Riehaid  Arehlhald  Biooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-atrast, 
In  the  City  of  London.-Sold  hy  A.  and  W.  Oaligaaa^  Rue  VlTlMuie  Padsjj  Mason  and  Co., 
Dublin  i  W.  C«  Campbell  and  Co..  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  16540  SATURDAY,  APRIL  21,  1855.  [J»«^'Ji 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  166,  Fleet- street. 


DRAY'S  PATENT  CHAFF-CUTTING  MACHINE. 


c4 


VOL.   LXII 


•Digitized  by  Google 


362 

DRAY'S  PATENT  CHAFF-CUTTJNG.kAC^NlB. 

Mr.  Drat,  the  agricultural  implement  manufacturer,  of  Swan-lane,  London.bridge, 
has  recently  obtained  Letters  Patent  for  an  improred  chaff-cutting  machine,  in  which  the 
glaring  for  communicating  th6  neoessarjr  motions  to  its  working  parts  Is  so  arranged  that, 
without  stopping  the  machine,  the  quantity  of  A»ed  and  the  sp%ed  of  the  feed- roller,  and 
therefore  the  length  of  the  chaff  cut  by  the  knifes,  may  be  regulated  by  raising  and 
lowering  the  feed.roller ;  an  arrangetnent  which  manifestly  gites  to  the  new  machine  great 
ad?antages  OTcr  existing  apparatus.  ■     r    ■ 

The  method  by  Which  the  invention  is  owrned  into  e'ffect  is  as  follows : — Upon  the  shaft, 
B|  (fig.  1.)  of  the  fly-wheel  is  a  pinion,  A,  which  gears  into  a  spur-wheel  keyed  npon  a 
horizontal  shaft,  (X  (fig.  1)  fitted  bdow  the  fiy-wheel  shaft.  This  shaft,  C,  haskijred  upon 
it  i  iMTel-tiinioni  D)  WOMUn|  iM  »  b<svfel-wheel  knyed  U^HU  tt  V«fti«Al  fehift«  li    On  thU 


iha/t  IS  alsd  keyed  a  taitW-whteel,  F»  Whi«h  ^«iurl  into  a  similar  mitre-wheel,  G,  upon  the 
Mid  if  the  lower  rollfer  i  and  on  th«  uppet  6nd  of  the  vertical  shaft,  E,  is  another  mitre- 
Wheels  tht  boss  of  which  has  formed  in  ihft  inside  of  it  a  groove,  into  which  a  feather  on 
the  shaft  lakes  for  cotttmunieatifi  j  the  ttfeceWary  rotary  motion.  This  mitre-wheel  gears 
into  a  iltttilar  one  upoA  the  ihaft  of  the  Mp^^t  l^bller,  and  the  two  are  so  connected  together 
that  upon  a  rising  motibn  being  given  ttt  the  upper  roller  to  regulate  the  quantity  of  the 
feed,  the  initre-wheels  Ihali  itill  MBiain  in  geah  In  order  to  regulate  the  speed  of  th* 
rollers  there  is  keyed  tt{>on  the  same  shall)  C)  as  the  ipUr-wheel  a  second  and  similar  wheel, 
but  of  less  diameter,  and  upon  the  knift  of  fly-wheel  shaft  is  placed  a  second  pinion,  of 
•ufiEicient  diameter  to  geAr  into  the  lesser  of  the  spur-wheels.  This  pinion  is  keyed  (toge- 
ther with  the  first-named  pinion,  A,)  Upoh  A  hollow  tube  formed  with  a  groove  fitting  upon 
a  feather  on  the  shaft,  so  as  to  be  free  to  slide  ttpon  the  fiy-wheel  shaft  when  acted  upon  by 
a  fork  and  handle,  and  thereby  to  allow  either  of  the  pinions  to  be  brought  into  gear  with 
iU  corresponding  spur-wheel,  and  these  being  Of  different  diameters,  the  length  of  feed  is 
regulated  accordingly.  The  whole  of  the  gearing  is  placed  within  the  framework  of  the 
machine,  as  shown  in  the  perspective  view,  (fig.  3),  and  the  bearings  and  working  parts 
are  so  nicely  adjusted,  that  a  boy  u  able  to  work  the  cutting-wheel  of  one  of  these  implo- 
menU  with  facility. 

Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


868 


ON  THB  BLASTING  OP  ROCKS* 

BY  W.  NISBET,  ESQ.,  SURGEON,  EOREMONT,  CHESHIRE. 


The  objeel  of  this  paper  is  partfonlfttlv 
to  draw  attentton  to  some  saggestions  maire 
abottt  fotirte6il  jBan  ago,  and  which  are 
atlll  hi  abeyanee.  At  that  time  I  was  soli- 
eitod  by  a  geniUmati  interested  id  Welsh 
mines  to  gifs  th«  btib)ect  of  blastifag  rocks 

,  B  Mfioiis  eohsideralkiD,  on  aecotitit  of  the 
fH>i|ti»it  aoeidetiii  of  lift  and  limb  to  tb^ 
HWkttHRi  M  ilnplbyH,  and  ilso  th«  feudK 

.'  modi  ox^bst}  of  tulinelllto)^  thrdtigh  kaH 
foeks.  This  t  promised  to  do,  on  condition 
that  he  wouIS  do  th^  lame.  At  the  end  of 
a  week  mf  friend  p^daced  a  model,  the 

* -principle  df  Which  consisted  ih  the  employ- 

ment  tff  spring  hlinmers  attached  to  jump. 

•rs  properly  suppdrted,  atld  dritWn  back  by 

•  •  BtBam  powe^,  ttr  i  Iptir  Wheel;  a  plan  ?ery 

^    Mmilar  to  the  thie  proposed  by  Mr.  Nas. 

^   myth  ifa  the  fneehilnical  seetioh  of  the  last 

meeting  df  the  Btitish  Association ;   but 

whether  it  was  e^er  carried  into  successful 

operation,  I  know  ilot,  As  my  friend  shortly 

#  aftef  left  the'fliilHCt.  Meanwhile,  three 
ideas  were  suggested  to  ftiy  mind :  one  from 
Ooldnel  Pasley*s  submarine  blasting  by  gal- 
tknism,  which  he  Wits  then  suctfe^slully  cdn- 
dUctihg  oh  the  Thames ;  andther  fVbm  Baron 
HeurteloUp's  expanding  fbrceps  fdf  sei2in^ 
stone  in  the  bladder ;  ilhd  the  thitd  from  the 
liict  thdt  fbwiing.pieees  inrariably  burst  at 
tBe  bteech  on  bein^  ftted.  When  the  hidtith 
by  accident  gets  plugged  with  eiCrth  ot  clay. 
Here  it  inight  be  mentioned  that  I  think  the 
blan  of  simply  putting  a  charge  of  powder 
Into  a  gtin  ot  cannon  of  iiny  site,  especially 
if  lonf,  and  firing  it  afle^  plugging  the 
mouth  With  wbod.  Iron,  mad,  ot-  soft  clay, 
Wt»ttld  prove  ah  effectife  mode  of  destroying 
an  enemy*!  ai-tillery,  ahd  the  meaiis  are  evi  • 
dently  more  teady  than  those  necessary  for 
the  u^ual  spiking. 

The  first  thing  X  proposed  was  to  blast 
teteral  bores  ihstantaneously  by  the  galvanic 
spark  to  ensure  a  greater  shock,  which  was 
then  unheard  of;  but  as  it  has  been  since 
introduced  and  largely  acted  on,  I  shall  say 
liothittg  further  on  this  point. 

Enlarging  the  bottom  of  a  bore  is  a  great 
desideratum,  as  the  stiiallesi  increase  would 
powerfully  assist  the  explosion.  The  only 
attempts  in  this  dlrectioii,  hitherto,  seem  to 
be  by  acids ;  t)Ut  It  is  evident  such  means 
ttiust  be  troublesoihe  and  tedious  to  manage, 
and  otily  applicable  (o  calcareous,  or  other 
easily  soluble  tocks.  My  fitst  attempt  was  with 
kn  instrument  Tfig.  1)  cohsisting  of  an  iron 
tiibe,  htvinj^  attached  to  it  elastic  steel  ends 

*  An  abstract  of  a  paper  read  at  the  literary 
aad  FhllM«phieil  Bdelety  b^  LttBrpdol,  Mireh  8, 
18M« 


with  rough  points,  or  saw-teeth  on  (he  out- 
tide,  readily  movable  for  sharpening,  which 
Fig.  i.  Fig.  2. 


\ 


were  td  be  ejtpanded  by  k  tBpeHn^  rod  paks- 
Ing  through  a  solid  bridge  slightly  notched, 
so  as  to  widen  like  hfi  inverted  cone.  The 
operation  to  be  that  of  grinding,  as  it  waft 
turned  round  similar  to  a  carpenter's  iiti^ei', 
while  the  central  rod  was  pressed  down  by 
the  breast,  or  an  assistant  This  socceedk 
in  htttd  clay,  and  also  in  ftoft  stone,  espe. 
eialiy  if  wet,  or  with  the  assistance.of  water; 
but  in  hard  rocks,  where  most  heeded,  drill- 
ing Will  not  do,  from  the  points  or  teeth 
being  quickly  bJuhted  and  worn  away  ;^t 
being  the  same  whether  the  stone  (as  in  the 
ease  of  the  grindstone)  or  the  knife  is 
moved.  The  ideA,  however,  may  be  good 
fbr  other  purposes,  as  in  iron  or  wood  Work 
— thili»,  recesses  for  dll  might  be  formed  at 
vfitious  distances  where  iron  shafts  are  work- 
ing in  boted  sheaths — and  the  outward  sur- 
face of  the  expanditig  arms  being  fbtnied 
into  files  or  rasps,  to  act  in  any  patterri. 

For  chipping — which  is  the  only  way  df 
dCtitig  on  hard  roCka — several  pUns  suggest 
thettii^elves.  One  (fig.  2)  consists  in  placing 
two  short  ehisels,  shaped  like  the  claws  of  & 
8ufgeon*s  tooth  Instrumeht,  opposite  each 
bthei',  bn  a  strong  nail  al  a  hinge  on  th6 
fend  t^  ati  iron  i)af ,  tb  that.  When  sttuck  with 
a  hammer,  they  Will  expafid  and  cat  tide. 
8  2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


364 


ON  THE  BLASTING  OF  ROCKS. 


wayi.    A  teoond  (fig.  8)  oonnttB  in  OBuig  a 
chisel  or  jumper  of  a  smaller  size  for  the 


Fig.  8. 


Fig.  4. 


Fig.  5. 


\^ 


last  foot  or  so  of  the  bore,  and  giving  it  the 
play  of  the  greater  circumference  above ; 
and,  according  to  the  difference  of  size,  will 
the  inverted  cone-width  be  obtained  at  the 
bottom.  Thus,  if  a  jumper  of  two  inches 
be  used  for  the  first  two  feet,  and  then  one 
of  an  inch  only,  driven  angularly,  at  the  end 
of  another  six  inches  the  diameter  of  the  bore 
would  be  increased  to  2f  ths,  and  at  three 
feet  depth  it  would  be  2f  th  inches.  This 
seems  a  very  practical  plan,  and  suitable  for 
ordinary  deptns  of  two,  three,  or  four  feet 
bores.  A  third  (fig.  4)  is  more  suitable  for 
great  depths,  and  this  is  merely  by  setting  a 
chisel  ox  smaller  size  than  the  one  used  at 
first,  and  at  an  angle  somewhere  on  the  iron 
bar,  and  working  part  of  the  bottom  of  the 
bore  with  it,  the  principle  and  result  being 
much  the  same  as  in  the  preceding  case. 
And  a  fourth  plan  would  be  by  using  a  chisel 
(fig.  6)  with  tne  cutting  edge  on  one  side, 
like  a  common  joiner's  chisel,  and  operating 
angularly  on  one  side  of  the  bore  at  a  time, 
80  as  to  widen  down  a  portion  of  the  sides  to 
the  bottom  of  a  bore  already  made.  One  or 
other  of  such  plans  is  surely  practicable, 
more  or  less ;  for  instead,  as  at  present, 
of  the  diameter  tending  rather  to  diminish 
with  depth,  any  increase  at  the  bottom  of  a 
bore  is  a  manifest  advantage,  by  lessening 
the  chance  of  cannons,  and  affording  greater 
space  for  the  blasting  powder. 


The  paper  being  chiefly  suggestive,  I 
would  beg  to  draw  attention  to  a  method  of 
raising  the  dibrU  of  the  bore  by  meant  of  a 
syringe,  instead  of  a  scraper  (which,  I  un- 
derstand, is  to  be  seen  done  successfully 
near  Manchester),  as  I  consider  it  applica- 
ble to  any  size  of  bores,  whether  wet  or  diy. 

The  third  idea  is  connected  with  tamping, 
in  which  many  experiments  hare  been  tried 
to  find  out  the  most  safe  and  effective  mode, 
the  belief  seeming  invariable  that  the  harder 
the  grit  employed,  and  the  firmer  the  ram- 
ming, the  greater  will  be  the  force  of  the 
explosion.  To  use  the  air  itself  has  been 
entirely  overlooked,  unless  as  a  small  cham- 
ber over  the  gunpowder,  which  is  spoken 
lightly  of  by  Sir  John  Burgoyne  in  his 
treatise  on  Blasting  Stone ;  and  yet  £  be- 
lieve the  elastic  resistance  of  a  column  of 
air — the  deeper  and  narrower  the  more  re- 
sistant— is  far  superior  in  power,  safety,  and 
simplicity  to  acy  solid  tamping  whatever. 
All  that  is  necessary  is  just  to  cover  the 
top  of  the  bore  with  a  soft  lump  of  clay,  and 
the  effect  is  obtained,  as  is  woefully  expe  • 
rienced  sometimes  by  careless  sportsmen. 

This  latter  suggestion  is  not  one  of  theory 
only,  as  are  some  of  the  others ;  for  I  had 
the  opportunity  of  proving  it  in  the  hard 
rocks  near  Newry,  in  Ireland,  and  the  in- 
crease of  the  effect  above  that  obtained  by 
ordinary  tamping  astonished  the  workmen. 
It  being  about  five  years  ago  when  the  trial 
took  place,  I  have  expected  to  see  the  plan 
in  general  use  by  this  time  ;  and  I  can  only 
account  for  its  non -introduction  from  the 
circumstance  of  the  men  being  opposed  to 
the  introduction  of  contrivances  which  tend 
to  shorten  labour,  or  from  subsequent  mis- 
management.  Some  care  is  necessary  to 
see  that  the  clay  is  good,  sufllcient  in  quan- 
tity, and  soft  enough  to  fall  over,  so  as  at 
once  and  completely  to  close  the  small  hole 
left  by  the  match  when  it  burns  down  and 
drops  beneath,  otherwise  the  blast  is  sure  to 
cannon ;  and  yet  it  must  be  so  firm  as  not  to 
get  into  the  bore.  In  wide  bores  bits  of 
wood  might  be  placed  across,  so  as  to  sup- 
port the  clay ;  but  they  should  be  embedded 
in  it,  as  the  smallest  opening  gives  vent  to 
the  air.  In  my  experiments  a  little  loose 
grass  was  placed  over  the  powder;  but  I 
consider  anything  unnecessary,  and  a  por- 
tion  of  the  slow-match  &lls  upon  it.  My 
opinion  is,  nothing  solid  should  be  placed  in 
the  bore ;  but  if  further  experiment  indicates 
something  over  the  powder,  then  a  little 
grass,  hay,  wool,  cotton,  or  such-like,  would 
answer.  If  the  bottom  is  conical,  then  I 
conceive  an  old  piece  of  tin,  or  other  sub- 
stance, might  be  introduced  to  expand,  like 
the  Minie  rifle-ball,  so  as  to  resist  the  bUst 
as  much  as  possible.  I  also  suppose  less 
powder  necessary ;  but  I  leave  such  ezpe- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


VENTILATION  OF  THE  FIRE-ROOMS  OF  STEAM   SHIPS. 


365 


rimentsto  those  engaged  in  the  businest. 
I  would  only  further  remark,  that  it  has 
always  struck  me  that  the  blasting  powder 
in  common  use  is  too  large  in  gram,  and 
low  in  power,  and  the  present  system  alto- 
gether a  matter  of  mere  <*rule  of  thumb/' 
and  not  the  most  scientific  nor  the  most  pro- 
fiUble. 


VENTILATION    OF   THE  FIRE- 
ROOMS  OF  STEAM  SHIPS. 

BT    B.    P.   I8HERWOOD,    CHIEF     ENGINEER, 
UNITED   STATES   NAVY. 

The  proper  Tfintilation  of  the  fire-rooms 
of  lATge  steam  ships  has  become  a  matter  of 
consiaerable  importance,  in  view,  not  only 
of  the  comfort  and  health  of  firemen,  coal- 
heavers,  and  engineers,  but  also  of  the 
efficiency  of  the  boilers: — ^for,  unless  a 
rapid  and  free  supply  of  cold  air  can  be 
furnished  to  the  furnaces,  the  consumption 
of  fuel  and  the  consequent  production  of 
steam  will  fall  short  of  what  it  would  be 
under  that  condition;  and  it  is  rare,  in< 
deed,  to  find  a  boiler  producing  the  supply 
deaired  even  under  the  roost  favourable  oir- 
oumsunces.  But  it  is  chiefly  for  the  pur- 
pose  of  diminishing  the  great  heat  of  the 
lire-rooms  of  large  steam  ships,  which,  being 
situated  in  the  bottom  of  the  hold,  are 
badly  supplied  with  cold  air,  and  the  means 
of  rapid  exit  for  the  air  highly  heated  by  the 
radiation  from  the  boiler,  that  free  vetitila- 
tion  is  of  the  first  consequence.  None  but 
those  who  have  stood  watches  in  the  con- 
fined fire-rooms  on  the  keelsons  of  our 
large  men-of-war  steam  ships,  can  appreci- 
ate how  intolerable  is  that  heat,  and  how 
destructive  it  is  to  the  physical  energies 
and  health  of  those  subjected  to  it : — the 
heat  in  the  fire-rooros  of  steam  ships  is 
what  is  called,  *'  moist  heat,"  and  it  is 
much  more  oppressive  and  difficult  to  be 
endured  than  tne  same  degree  of  tempera- 
ture of  •*  dry  heat" 

While  considering  this  subject  of  ventila- 
tion for  the  fire-rooms  of  steam  ships,  in  the 
case  where  the  boilers  are  set  athwart  ships, 
fiteing  each  other,  and  having  the  fire-room 
extending  fore  and  aft  the  ship  between 
them,  as  is  now  the  general  practice  in  all 
the  new  British  steamers  whose  breadth  of 
beam  will  admit  the  arrangement,  and 
where  the  smoke  chimney  is  placed  over 
the  centre  of  the  fire-room, — it  occurred  to 
me,  that  by  placing  a  pipe  inner  and  con- 
centric with  the  smoke  pipe,  open  below  to 
the  fire-room  and  above  to  the  atmosphere, 
as  shown  in  fig.  1,  in  which  B  B  are  the 
boilers,  F  R  is  the  fire-room,  S  S  the 
smoke  chimney,  and  A  the  air-pipe,  the 
means  would  be  provided  at  very  little  ex- 


pense of  money,  materials,  or  space,  for  the 
rapid  and  free  exit  of  the  heated  air  of  the 
fire-room.  For  the  temperature  and  height 
of  the  surrounding  smoke  pipe  would  al- 
ways cause  a  powerful  ascensional  column 
of  air  within  the  inner  air  pipe,  and  conti- 
nuously deplete  the  fire-room  with  great 
rapidity.  The  supply  of  cold  air  should  be 
furnished  at  the  two  ends  of  the  fire-room, 
through  a  chute  or  box  descending  to 
within  three  or  four  feet  of  the  fire- room 
floor,  so  as  to  insure  delivery  at  or  about 
the  level  of  the  ash-pits.  With  this  system 
of  ventilation  a  great  decrease  of  the  tem- 
perature of  the  fire-room  would  be  ob- 
tained, together  with  the  concomitant  ad- 
vantages of  comfort,  not  only  to  the  engi- 
neer force,  but  to  the  whole  ship,  and  also 
a  considerable  increase  in  the  steam  pro- 
ducing power  of  the  boiler. 

It  is  evident,  that  with  the  general  sys- 
tem, shown  in  fig.  1,  a  telescopic  arrange- 
ment of  chimney  can   be  had  by  joining 

Fig.  1. 


the  movable  parts  of  the  smoke  aud  air 
pipes  at  their  upper  extremity  alone,  thus 
allowing  the  movable  part  of  each  pipe  to 
descend  within  its  corresponding  lower  or 
fixed  part 

This  system  of  ventilation  can  also  be 
used  in  case  of  boilers  extending  fore  and 
aft  the  ship,  with  the  fire-room  lying 
athwartship,  when  the  smoke  pipe  is  placed 
at  the  fire-room  end  of  the  boiler,  as  in 
single  return  tube  and  flue  boilers,  ly 
curving  the  inner  air  pipe  to  an  elbow  and 
debouching  it  horizontally  into  the  fire- 
room. 

At  first,  it  seemed  difficult  to  arrange  a 
damper  in  a  smoke  pipe  containing  an  inner 
pipe  ,*  but  a  little  reflection  led  me  to  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


366 


VENTILATIOK  OF  THE  PIRE-EOOMS  OP  STEAM  SHIPS. 


system  of  damper,  sketched  in  figs.  %  3, 
and  4.  In  this  system,  the  damper  is  di- 
tided  into  two  parts,  each  part  movable  on 
lis  owh  axis,  which  axis  passes  close  hy  the 
side  of  the  inner  pipe. 

Fig  2  shows  a  cross  section  of  the  ^moke 
and  air  pipes,  and  a  top  view  of  the  damp- 
era  in  a  closed  position ;  the  black  snace 
indicate  that  portion  of  the  cross  area  of  the 


Fig.  a. 


smoke  pipe  not  coTered  by. the  dampers, 
for  it  is  evident,  that  with  this  arrangement 
the  entire  area  cannot  be  covered,  the  t»- 
cant  spaces  being  the  two  segments  of  a 
circle  naving  tot  arc  a  part  of  the  peri- 
phery of  the  smoke  pipe,  and  for  chord,  the 
straight  line  connecting  the  points  where 
the  axis  of  the  dampers  intersect  the  peri- 
phery of  the  smoke  pipe.    Thesd  small  v»- 

Figt  8. 


cant  spaces  are  practically  no  disadvantage, 
for  the  complete  closing  of  a  damper  is 
never  resorted  to  on  account  of  the  heat  and 
coal  gas  it  would  force  into  the  fire-room. 
The  manner  of  moving  both  dampers,  si- 
mnltandously,  by  one  operation,  is  very 
simple,  and  sd  plainly  shown,  in  figs.  3  and 
4,  as  to  require  no  detailed  description. 
Fig.  3  shows  the  position  of  the  links  and 
hand  rope  when  the  dampers  are  closed. 
Fig.  4  shows  the  position  of  the  same  when 
the  dampers  are  open.  It  will  be  observed 
that  the  axis  divides  the  damper  unequally, 
giving  a  larger  krea  upon  the  outer  than 
upon  the  inner  side,  which  is  required  in 
order  that  the  dampers  may  assume  the 
vertical  position  when  the  hand  rope  is 
ilackened. 

t  am,  howfever,  of  opinion,  that  ash-pit 
doors  and  not  a  damper  in  the  chimney  are 
the  proper  means  of  stopping  the  supply  of 
air  to  the  furnaces.  The  great  recommend, 
ation  of  a  chimney  damper  will  be  found  in 


Its  convenience,  for  it  allows  the  draft  of  all 
the  furnaces  to  be  stopped  at  once  by  one 
operation  ;  while,  on  the  contrary,  if  ash- 
pit doors  are  used,  the  closing  of  each  door 
requires  a  separate  operation,  involving 
more  time  and  trouble,  not  to  mention  the 
inconvenience  of  the  doors  themselves  pro- 
truding into  the  fire-room.  Nevertheless, 
ash-pit  doors  permanently  hinged  in  pairs  on 
the  sides  of  the  ash-pits,  are  doubtlen  the 
best  mode  of  stopping  the  draft  and  quickly 
cooling  the  boiler  {  for  while  they  entirely 
prevent  the  access  of  air  below  the  grates 
and  to  the  fuel,  the  furnace  doors  being 
opeued,  allow  tlie  ingress  of  a  large  body  of 
cold  air,  which  rushes  in  over  the  fuoli 
through  the  flues  and  up  the  chimney,  there- 
by veniilating  and  cooling  the  fire-room  alto^ 
instead  of  heating  it,  as  the  closing  of  a 
damper  in  the  chimney  would  ^  by 
throwing  out  into  the  fire-room  the  heat  of 
the  furnaces  and  the  gases  of  the  fuel. — 
Journal  of  tin  Framklin  Inttifle* 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


867 


MDF^A'S  PATfiNT  D^AIN  PIPSIS  AVQ  CONNECTIONS. 

(Patent  dated  Oetober  9,  1814.) 

leif Of  §»4  dr§in  pip^t,  rPPCPtly  patented  by 
Mr.  (JOQpef,  pf  Wqottpf^  fridge.  lele  of 
Wight,  mm  wpll  calculaMj4  M»  reftliz?  eaoh 
of  ftp  fepgPlflg  4e»»der4Mu  "fhe  4f»t  (jb; 
jep^  9^  mi  Wt«j)|afi  |iag  liMfi  4irepte4  t^ 


THi  glWt  la^rMt  now  Uken  in  lafti^y 
n^tt^m  l^t  Isj  M)  <be  uUroduptipji  of  fuapy 
nq(4blf  impfovemept^  ia  various  deC^iU 
cqf>«#P^#d  mlt\^  thia  fjtAliy  ipoppftant^uj?- 
jecl,    Mipy  f^pfi^lf  have  beep  w44p  V»Mi 


Fig.  1. 


Fig-  2. 


ft  Ticw  to  iaercast  tli«  efioiency,  to  dimia- 
isll  tho  coat,  oc  to  froilitato  tht  application 
•f  tobalaf  draina. 

Some  impostant  improTemtata    in    tht 
maDufacture,  and  in  tbe  mode  of  joining 


obviate  tbe  difficulties  which  attend  tbe 
manufacture  and  u^e  of  earthen  pipes  of 
large  dimensions,  and  especially  to  facili- 
tate  the  laying  down  of  large  pipes  in  deep 
drains  and  o^ier  plaoaa  pf  difficult  accesa. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


368 


Williams'  gamp-stoves  and  cooking  appabatus. 


The  second  improTenoeDt  consists  of  a  sim- 
ple and  conTenient  mode  of  joining  drain 
pipes  of  smaller  dimensions,  both  of  which 
will  be  easily  understood  by  the  following 
extract  from  the  patentee's  specification. 

"  The  improvement  in  the  manufacture 
of  earthen  drain  pipes  consists  in  moulding 
them  in  two  halres,  having  alternate  pro- 
jections and  depressions  on  their  edges, 
which,  when  the  two  halves  are  brought  to- 
gether,  interlock  and  unite  them,  thus 
forming  a  complete  pipe.  Fig.  1*  shows  a 
portion  of  a  completed  earthen  sewer  pipe, 
constructed  agreeably  to  the  first  part  of 
my  invention,  being  composed  of  a  series  of 
upper  and  lower  halves,  formed  by  mould- 
ing in  suitable  dies.  In  laying  down  these 
drain  pipes  the  upper  and  lower  halv'es  are 
so  arranged  lengthwise  as  to  break  joint,  as 
shown  in|the  drawing,  half  lengths  being  used 
for  completing  the  end  of  the  pipe ;  a  small 
portion  of  cement  makes  the  joints  perfect, 
and  a  flush  waterway  is  preserved  throughout. 

"  The  improvement  in  the  mode  of  join- 
ing earthen  pipes  consists  in  forming  short 
lengths  of  suitable  dimensions  in  two  halves, 
with  alternate  projections  and  depressions 
in  their  edg^s ;  two  of  these  pieces  being 
put  together  around  the  ends  of  two  cylin- 
drical pipes,  with  a  suitable  cement,  firmly 
joins  them  together.  Fig.  2  shows  a  por- 
tion of  a  drain,  composed  of  cylindrical 
Jtipes  united  by  connecting  pieces.  The 
ower  half  of  the  connecting  piece,  being 
laid  down  first,  and  some  cement  nicely 
bedded,  the  ends  of  two  pipes  are  brought 
together  and  laid  tiierein ;  the  saddle,  or 
upper  half  of  the  connecting  pieoe,  is  then 
cemented  on,  and  a  perfectly  flush  joint  is 
produced.  The  pipes  are  glazed,  but  it  is 
preferred  that  the  connecting  pieces  should 
be  left  unglazed,  to  enable  the  cement  to 
take  a  firmer  hold.  Tees,  crosses,  or  bends 
of  any  required  curvature  can  readily  be  in- 
troduced wherever  they  may  be  required." 


WILLIAMS'    CAMP   STOVES  AND 
COOKING  APPARATUS. 

Mr.  J.  O.  Williams,  of  Torquay,  has  re- 
cently obtained  Provisional  Protection  for 
a  most  ingenious  arrangement  of  apparatus 
which  comprises  a  portable  stove  and  such 
culinary  utensils  as  are  necessary  to  form  a 
complete  set  of  kitchen  articles  all  stowable 
in  a  small  compass. 

The  fire-place  is  formed  of  plates  of  iron, 
the  sides  and  ends  being  combined  in  the 
form  of  an  oblong  figure,  at  one  end  of 
which  is  a  door,  and  at  the  other  an  aper- 
ture to  which  a  fiue  is  fitted.  A  grating 
restF  upon  lugs  provided  for  the  purpose  on 

*  See  preceding  page. 


the  inside  of  the  fire-place,  the  whole  of  it 
being  used  when  wood  is  the  fuel  employed  ; 
but  when  coal  or  charcoal  is  used,  so  large 
an  amount  of  grating  surface  is  not  neces- 
sary, and  an  iron  box  or  stopping-plate  is 
then  fitted  so  as  to  cover  a  portion  of  the 
grating.  The  top  of  the  fire-place  is  open, 
but  in  order  to  prevent  the  escape  of  smoke, 
except  through  the  flue,  a  groove  or  ohannel 
is  formed  upon  the  top  of  the  plates  form- 
ing the  fire-placCf  for  the  reception  of  sand 
or  other  similar  material,  into  which  groove 
a  rim  on  the  underside  of  the  pots  or  pans 
fits  so  as  to  form  a  perfectly  tight  joint.  On 
the  outside  of  the  end-plate  to  which  the 
flue  is  fltted  three  plates  of  meUl  are  fixed 
over  the  top  and  at  the  two  sides  of  the 
aperture,  in  such  manner  as  to  leave  space 
between  these  plates  and  the  back  of  the 
fire-place  plate.  A  fiange  or  rim  is  turned 
up  on  the  four  sides  of  the  metal  pipe  fonn- 
ing  the  fiue,  and  the  upper  ^d  two  side 
fianges  slide  into  the  space  just  mentioned  ; 
the  flue  being  securely  attached  to  the  fire- 
place, by  passing  a  rod  through  eyes  along 
the  whole  length  of  the  bottom  flange  and 
under  side  of  the  flue.  The  flue  may  be 
carried  to  any  required  length  and  in  any 
direction,  by  means  of  elbows. 

Fig.  1  of  the  accompanying  engravings 
represents  the  apparatus  stowed  for  carriage. 
The  same  external  appearance  as  that  shown 

Fig.  1. 


in  this  figure  is  preserved  when,  for  bak- 
ing purposes,  a  plate  with  rims  on  the  un- 
derside of  it  fitting  into  the  sand  channel  ia 
placed  over  the  fire-place,  and  corered  by  a 
pan  or  cover  provided  with  suitable  aper- 
tures to  allow  the  steam  which  is  formed 
to  pass  oflf. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WmiAMB*  GAMF-SIOyBS  AND  COOKING  APPARATUS. 


369 


Fig.  2  represenU  the  f|urn%ce  sonDOonted 
by  a  boiler,  whiob  iilso  is  furnished  with 
rims  fluing  into  the  sand  joint,  and  which 
has  above  it  a  steaming  vessel.  Several  of 
these  vessels  are  provided,  placed  within 
each  other  when  stowed  for  carriage,  and  in 
order  to  canse  them  to  fit  tightly  over  each 
other  when  required  for  steaming,  the  in. 
veutor  supplies  a  flanged  rim  which  flu  on 
the  top  of  each  successive  vessel,  and  forms 
a  support  for  the  one  next  above  it. 
Fig.  2. 


Fig.  3  represents  the  boiler  mounted  on 
a  frame  furnished  with  legs.  In  this  figure 
an  arrangement  of  the  apparatus  is  shown, 
in  which  three  heating  vessels  are  simul. 
taneously  in  use,  one  for  cofiee,  a  second  for 
water,  eggs,  &c.,  and  a  third  to  supply  the 
place  of  a  stew  pan.  The  handles  of  these 
vessels  are  so  constructed  that  they  may  be 
folded  over  when  not  in  use,  and  thus  made 
to  occupy  but  little  space. 

Fig.  4  represents  the  furnace  mounted,  as 
in  fig.  3,  and  surmounted  by  a  kettle  fur. 
nished  with  rims  which  enter  the  sand  chan- 
nel, as  has  already  been  explained.  All 
the  boilers  fit  into  each  other,  and  the  kettle 
may  be  placed  above  them.  There  is  in  the 
apparatus  a  poker  and  shovel,  together  with 
knives,  forks,  spoons,  plates,  &e.  It  is  evi- 
dent  from  the  foregomg  description,  that 
Mr.  Williams'  arrangement  is  remarkable 
for  compactness,  utility,  and  economy. 


Fig.  3. 


Fig.  4. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


370 


rm^m  OF  iffici^viM  HPiiffiBii, 


ERRORS    OF    l49iCHANICAL 

ENGINEERS. 
The  ^(nurnal  qf  the  Franklin  Institute  for 
March,  }855,  contains  an  article  by  Mr. 
Truran,  to  which  great  prominence  is  given, 
on  "  Errors  committed  by  Writers  on  Me- 
chanical Engineering."  After  briefly  aU 
ludiug  to  the  recent  progress  of  engineer, 
ing,  anq  expressing  his  regret  that  in  many 
instances  false  theories  have  been  laid  down 
by  writery  on  m^echanical  and  engineering 
science,  the  writer  announces  his  intention 
of  discu^iug  some  of  iixp  most  obvious  and 
common  errors  wh|o|)  a^e  to  be  met  with  in 
publications  )pt^n4<<<^  for  the  especial  use  of 
theoretical  |f)4  practical  engineers.  He 
then  proceeds  i^(is :  *i  ^e  wiU  begin  with 
one  which  i|  ffkw^i  in  nearly  every  text- 
book on  Mefl)auip«|  ai)4  which  se^ms  to 
have  originally  eiT^am^d  IJFQli)  9k  celebrated 
French  philq4Q|)her : 

*Ttvo  men  ff>aricf«|f  fi|  ff  mttdia49  with 
handles  at  rig^$  e^f*e^^  POf  rai^  70  pounds 
more  easily  than  ^  c^  t^m  80  fOMti^f-' 

J  VesagulierM,* 
On  an  attentive  coi^sidirationi  tap  incor- 
rectness of  this  statement  will  be  evident  to 
the  student.  If  one  pian  is  capable  of  rais- 
ing  30  pounds  only,  two  men  will  raise 
twice  this  weight,  or  60  pounds,  and  not  70 
pounds,  as  Desaguliers  asserts.  If  we  deny 
the  correctness  of  this  dictum,  we  must  be 
prepared  to  show  the  source  from  whence 
any  additional  power  over  the  60  pounds  is 
obtained.  This  we  are  unable  to  do  satis, 
factorily.  Were  we  to  admit  that  a  gain  of 
power  resulted  wh^n  two  men  were  at  work, 
we  must  also  allo^,  that  with  an  increased 
number  of  men,  the  gain  of  power  will  be 
correspondingly  neat." 

The  reasoning  nere  pursued  by  Mr.  Tru- 
ran  has  so  little  to  do  with  the  assertion  of 
Desaguliers,  that  it  scarcely  deserves  notice. 
We  may,  howevec,  remark  in  the  first  place, 
that  Desagulieri  does  not  assert  that  if  one 
man  is  capable  of  raising  30  pounds  only, 
two  men  will  raise  70  pounds.  What  he 
states  is,  that  if  one  man  working  ^t  one 
handle  of  a  windlass  can  raise  80  pounds 
with  a  certain  degree  of  ease,  then  two  men 
working  with  handles  at  right  anglef  can 
raise  70  pounds  with  a  greater  degree  ijfease. 
We  do  not  at  this  moment  purpose  to  con- 
tend that  this  somewhat  loose  statempnt  is 
true,  but  rather  to  prove  that  Mr.  Truran's 
remarks  are  worthless.  And  this  we  will  do 
by  showing  that  it  is  quite  possible  ibr  two 
men,  by  means  of  a  windlass  with  two 
handles  placed  at  an  angle  to  each  other,  to 
raise  a  greater  weight  than  double  that 
which  one  alone  could  elevate.  For  it  is 
evident,  as  Mr.  Truriin  himself  shows  far- 
ther on  in  his  paper,  that  the  force  which  a 
man  is  able  to  exert  upon  the  handle  of  a 


w|»4Jw  wi««  with  t}i9  ^iiim^  p^t?^* 

of  U^e  |)ftndl0»  a»d  >(  pertaii)  point*  #tt^4 
its  fpaxin^um  i^nd  ipiniiquin  j  aqd  it  it 
equally  p)ear  tl^^t  t^«  greate«t  weight  whiel^ 
he  cfifi  ^isd  by  me^Re  of  the  iifipdlasa  if 
detepinined  liy  the  miqimuini  «Q  thi(t  if  i|t 
q^e  point  of  t^e  handle's  ptth  be  pan  azirl 
a  pressure  of  no  ipflre  thf^A  30  Ibf.,  ^pR 
30  lb*,  if  the  greatest  wmgbt  whicl)  h«  PM 
r^ise ;  4d4  if  another  inan  (qf  equal  ftrpngthf 
as  must  be  assiiipe^)  ^e  «et  to  worl^  ^p^n 
the  same  handle,  the  two  will  be  able  to 
raise  no  greatef  weight  than  60  lbs.,  while 
if  the  second  if^an  be  applied  to  a  handle 
placed  at  such  i^i  inclination  to  the  former 
that  when  the  fij^st  is  exerting  30  lbs.  pres- 
sure he  is  exerting  40,  it  is  plain  that  the 
two  together  will  in  that  case  be  capable  of 
raising  a  wpigh^  of  70  lbs.  To  the  last 
clause  of  tlje  pi^agraph  quoted  from  Mr. 
Truran's  paper  we  of  course  assent,  and 
willingly  allow  "that  with  an  increased 
number  of  meni  the  .gain  of  power  will  be 
correspondingly  great,"  as  that  gentleman 
may  ascertain  by  applying  to  any  of  those 
obliging  and  opmmunicative  individuals 
who,  either  in  America  or  in  this  countryr 
devote  their  energies  to  the  elevation  of 
bales,  the  dredging  pf  mud,  or  any  similar 
occupation. 

We  may  rpinafk,  in  the  second  place,  thst 
although  we  think  it  an  unwise  thing  to 
specify  definite  qudihers  arbitrarily  in  cases 
where  proportioni  pannpt  be  jptprmined,  as 
Desaguliers  c|oM,  «till  we  are  quite  fure  diat 
ii  is  possible  for  his  statement  to  be  literally 
true.  As  we  are  ponfident  our  readers  need 
I  no  proofs  thM  it  if  «o,  and  M  we  are  on  that 
account  ans^tpus  tq  set  l^fr.  ^ruran  right  as 
\  briefly  as  possible,  we  recpmmend  him  to 
I  furnish  himself  with  t  iViend  of  equal 
;  strength  with  hiinself,  and  a  windlass  or 
I  crane  with  a  very  long  handle,  so  that  he 
shall  be  throvfn  into  inconvenient  postofes 
in  turning  it,  and  he  able  to  exert  but  a 
small  force  in  some  positions — say  when  the 
handle  is  moving  through  the  upper  afc  of 
its  path,  at  such  a  heiglit  above  his  head 
that  \\G  can  but  just  grasp  it — and,  after  ele- 
vating for  some  distance  as  great  a  weight 
as  he  can  possibly  raise  with  this  arrange- 
ment, let  him  add  to  that  weight  an  aodi. 
tional  one,  one-third  greater  than  it,  and 
apply  his  friend  to  %  second  handle,  similar, 
but  at  right  angles  to  the  first,  and  we  are 
confident  he  will  find  himself  labouring 
''  more  ensily "  under  the  new  than  iinder 
the  old  conditions. 

We  should  not,  hqwever,  have  noticed 
Mr.  Truran's  paper,  had  not  the  following 
formed  part  of  it :  "  That  this  common 
mistake  regarding  the  extra  power  got  by 
setting  the  handles  at  right  angles  is  np| 
confined  to  a  £e|f  ^ersop^  but  is  belif  yed  ia 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BXHAllXS  OH  UAffSmSH  BT  9|tOFE880B  VIBABAT. 


371 


by  Mipt  of  Ui»  ablest  writefv,  we  wUl  en- 
deavoqr  to  show,  b j  making  an  extract  from 
a  letter,  written  bj  Mr.  J.  C.  Eobert«op« 
C.E.,  and  for  nearly  thirty  years  editor  of 
the  London  Medumiar  Magaadney  to  a  pri- 
Tate  eamqpondent,  dated  Match,  1S4S: 
'  The  force  of  two  men  rightly  applied  to  » 
crank,  is  more  than  twice  one  m  the  pro- 
portion of  70  to  60.' 

«  When  the  editor  of  the  ^ndon  JI«eAa- 
ttiM*  J|4vcz«ae,  a  civil  engineer,  and  one  of 
the  ablest  writers  on  mechanics  and  mi^e- 
matics  of  the  day,  believes  in  such  gain  of 
power,  we  may  well  excuse  %  similar  mU- 
Uke  in  less  able  men.  Bat  with  all  due 
deference  to  Mr.  Robertson's  abilities  as  a 
writer  and  mathematician,  we  must  doubt 
his  ohuming  A^om  two  men  mqre  than  twice 
the  power  of  one." 

The  same  oonftision  and  miaapprehension 
is  Tisible  in  thia  as  in  the  former  criticism 
of  Mr.  Truran.  Allowing  for  the  laxity 
which  even  editors  sometimes  exhibit  in 
prioaU  correspondence,  the  sUtement  of  oor 
predecessor  is  undoubtedly  true,  although  it 
would  have  been  better  h%d  he  avoided  the 
mention  of  a  given  proportion.  And  wa 
protest  against  the  false  avd  unfair  insinua- 
tion Tespeeting  *'his  obuining  from  two 
men  more  than  twice  the  power  of  one," 
because  the  "power  of  one,"  in  common 
language,  signifies  the  limit  of  the  power 
which  one  can  exert  without  regard  to  the 
mode  in  which  it  is  applied,  while  his  state- 
ment was  to  the  effect  that  from  two  men, 
"  rightly  applied,"  a  greater  result  may  be 
obtained  than  from  the  same  two  wrongly 
applied. 

We  may,  in  conclusion,  remark  that  the 
VfOHklim  /cMniai,  which  is  usually  conducted 
with  much  ability  and  perfect  honour  (oon- 
traating  in  both  respects  with  oome  of  iu 
transatlantic  contemporaries,  as  our  readers 
will  remember),  scarcely  maintains  its  cha- 
racter, we  think,  by  placing  such  an  article 
as  that  we  have  mentioned  in  the  prominent 
position  it  occupies;  and  our  readeis,  we 
are  sure,  will  think  with  us,  when  we  inform 
them  that  Mr.  Truran  is  unable  to  account 
for  the  number  of  steam  engines  in  Europe 
having  two  cylinders  with  their  cranks  at 
right  angles,  on  no  other  supposition  than 
that  "practical  engineers  have  reasoned 
that  if  there  is  a  gain  of  power  by  disposing 
the  handles  of  a  windlass  at  right  angles,  a 
similar  disposition  of  the  cranks  driven  by 
sUam,  water,  or  other  inanimate  power, 
would  be  attended  with  like  advanUges,  and 
have  constructed  their  engines  and  ma- 
chines  with  such  cranks,  in  the  full  belief 
that  a  positive  gain  of  power  is  thereby 
obtained." 


REMARKS  ON  MAGNETISM  BY 
PROFESSOR  FARADAJ. 

Im  a  letter  addressed  to  Professor  ^yn- 
dall,  and  published  in  the  PUkMfinctA  Jfn- 
gmavu  for  April,  Professor  Faraday  says : 

<*  In  relation  to  your  letter  of  last  month,o 
I  write,  not  for  the  purpose  of  giving  what 
might  be  taken  as  an  answer,  but  to  say  that 
it  seems  to  me  expedient  and  proper  to  wait 
and  allow  the  thoughts  that  my  papers  may 
raise,  to  be  considered  and  judged  of  at  their 
leisure  by  those  who  are  inclined  to  review 
and  advance  the  subject.  Perhaps,  after  a 
respectful  interval,  I  may  be  induced  to 
put  forth  such  explanations,  acknowledg. 
raentSy  or  conclusions,  as  the  state  of  the 
subject  may  then  seem  to  render  necessary 
or  usefol. 

"In  the  mean  time,  the  more  wo  can 
enlarge  the  number  of  anomalous  feets  and 
oonsequences,  the  better  it  will  be  for  the 
subject ;  for  they  can  only  remain  anoma- 
lous to  us  whilst  we  continue  in  error. 

0  0  0  0 

'*  You  are  aware  (and  I  hope  others  will 
remember)  that  I  give  the  Imes  of  foreef 
only  as  repreMentaiions  of  the  magnetic  power, 
and  do  not  profess  to  say  to  what  physical 
idea  they  may  hereafUr  poiq^  of  into  what 
they  will  resolve  themselves.  Advancing 
no  principle,  I  say,  that  the  hypothetical 
fundamental  ideas  already  advanced,  yfhen 
taken  in  relation  to  the  body  of  fkcts  now 
known,  are  self- contradictory  and  inappli-. 
cable.  The  following  points,  namely, — that 
the  dheetion  end  polarity  of  lines  of  mag- 
netic force  are  always  shown  truly  by  the 
electric  current  induced  in  metal  moving 
within  their  influence ; — that  the  dualities 
of  electricity  and  magnetism  are  always 
respectively  and  essentially  related  | — that 
the  dualities  of  an  isolated  magnet  are  not 
related  back  in  straight  lines  through  the 
magnet;  are  to  my  mind  not  hypothetical 
in  character,  but  easily  proveable  by  expcv 
riment: — and  they,  with  the  considerations 
arising  from  the  principle  of  the  conserva- 
I  tion  of  force,  seem  to  me  to  be  left  unex- 
plained by,  and  in  opposition  to,  the  usual 
hypotheses.  No  difference  arises  about  the 
laws  of  magnetic  action  and  their  mathema- 
tical development;  and  that,  simply  because 
they  are  as  yet  applied  only  partially,  and 
thus  far  are  in  accordance  with  all  the  views 
taken,  including  mine.  When  the  attempt 
is  made  to  apply  them  so  as  to  include  a( 
once  para-nutgneiict  dia-ntagnetiCf  and  eleetro- 
magnetic  phenomena,  and  at  the  same  timf 


•  PhU.  Mag,  18S5,  vol.  ix.  p.  SM. 
t  It  \%  ntarly  twenty-four  years  linee  I  fint 
called  attentioB  to  these  linet;  Kzp.  Bes.  Hi, 
note. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


372 


ON  STEAM  USED  BXPAN8IVKLY. 


to  deduce  them  from  one  hypothetical  cause, 
then  they  may  become  so  laree  and  yet 
precise  as  to  enable  us  to  distinguish  be- 
tween true  and  ialse  assumptions.  On  my 
part,  I  endeavour  not  to  assume  anything, 
but  only  to  draw  such  conclusions  from  the 
assumptions  already  made^  and  the  pheno- 
mena now  discovered,  as  seem  subject  to 
experiment  and  tangible  by  facts. 

"  Some  persons  may  feel  surprised  that  I 
dwell  upon  points  which  are  perfectly  and 
mathematically  explained  by  the  hypothesis 
of  two  magnetic  fluids,  as,  for  instance, 
places  of  little  or  no  action.  My  reason  is, 
that  being  satisfied  by  the  phenomena  of 
dia-magnetism,  &c.,  that  that  hypothesis 
cannot  be  true,  all  these  and  such  like 
phenomena  acquire  a  new  character  aud  a 
high  importance  which  they  had  not  before, 
and  amonffst  other  philosophical  uses,  point 
moet  emphatically  to  the  essential  relation 
of  the  dualities  and  their  equivalency  in 
power.  They  do  not  contradict  the  old 
hypothesis  when  that  it  partially  applied, 
but  they  are  not  the  less  strong  and  striking 
as  evidenoe  in  favour  of  the  view  of  lines  of 
force." 


NORTH  OF  ENGLAND  COAL 
MINES. 
In  a  lecture  on  **  the  mining  districts  of 
the  North  of  England,"  recently  delivered 
by  T.  Sopwith,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  at  the  Royal 
Institution,  it  was  stated  that  the  produc- 
tion of  the  coal  mines  of  the  Noithumber- 
laud  and  Durham  district  now  reaches  an 
amount  little,  if  any,  short  of  fourteen  mil- 
lions  tons  annually.  In  round  numbers, 
and  as  conveying  a  general  approximation, 
it  may  be  considered,  that  of  this  quantity  six 
millions  are  destined  for  London  and  the 
coast  trade,  and  about  two  and  a  half  mil- 
lions  exported  abroad ;  the  consumption  of 
coal  for  coke  (inland,  coast,  and  foreign)  is 
about  two  and  a  half  millions;  colliery  en- 
gines  and  workmen  consume  upwards  of  a 
million  tons;  and  the  ordmary  local  con- 
sumption of  the  district  may  be  Uken  at 
about  two  millions.  Of  this  enormous 
quantity,  a  conception  can  only  be  formed 
by  reducing  it  to  some  other  standards  of 
comparison,  as  for  example : — This  quan- 
tity of  coal,  If  formed  into  blocks  of  one 
cubic  yard  each,  would  cover  about  four 
square  miles ;  and  if  the  same  quantity  of 
coal  be  considered  as  forming  the  coating  of 
a  road,  one  inch  thick  and  six  yards  wide,  it 
would  extend  considerably  more  than  four 
thousand  miles.  Blocks  of  one  cubic  foot 
ean  be  readily  comprehended  ;  and  if  one 
person  were  employed  to  count  these  blocks 
at  the  rate  of  three  thousand  six  hundred  in 


every  hour,  and  thirty-six  thousand  every 
day,  it  would  occupy  him  more  than  ten 
years  to  complete  his  task. 


ON  STEAM  USED  EXPANSIVELY. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Mechanics'  Magazine. 

Sir, — ^When  a  voice  has  been  long  crying 
unretumed  in  a  sleeping  wilderness  it  is 
both  pleasinff  and  startling  to  hear  the 
sound  of  the  nrst  awakening  echo,  especially 
if  the  echo  be  of  fulness  and  power.  For 
some  years  I  have  publicly  and  perseveringly 
insisted  on  the  necessity  of  preparing  to 
adapt  a  high  degree  of  pressure  to  marine 
engines.  It  is  therefore  not  a  little  grati- 
fjring  to  see  such  an  authority  as  Mr.  Fair- 
bairn  join  in  argument,  in  his  late  lectoree, 
and  tell  the  engineering  world  they  must  look 
forward  and  prepare  for  an  accession,  and 
not  a  reduction  in  the  working  pressure  of 
this  great  agent.  My  adviee  has  hitherto 
been  almost  as  unnoticed  as  that  cry  "  in 
the  streets  which  no  man  regardeth,"  hardly 
any  one  of  note  having  ventured  to  attempt 
my  refutation.  Two  acute  neighbours,  in- 
deed, of  Mr.  Fairhaim,  Mr.  Spence,  of  Pen- 
dleton, and  Mr.  Nasmyth,  undertook  to 
show  tiiat  high  pressure  and  exnansion  were 
a  delusion  and  a  snare ;  the  latter  urged 
that  we  must  go  backwards  in  pressure,  and 
the  former  especially  endeavoured  to  prove 
that  my  calculations  were  erroneous;  bnt 
they  soon  seceded  from  the  field  and  left 
me  "  alone  in  my  glory.'*  I  was  content 
to  begin  with  the-  active  recommendation  of 
100  lbs.  per  inch,  very  confident  that,  per- 
haps before  this  century  closes,  200  lbs.  to 
800  lbs.  will  be  commonly  used  at  sea.  It 
is  about  four  years  since  that  Mr.  Fairbaim 
was  advoeaiing  60  lbs.,  and  it  is  therefore 
very  interesting  to  see  him  now  tripling  his 
estimate,  advancing  beyond  myself,  and 
urging  150  lbs.  fearless  of  prejudice. 

Those  who  have  studieo  the  subject  of 
expansion  know  that  at  every  doubling  of 
the  volume  of  an  elastio  fluid  76  per  cent. 
Is  added  to  the  mechanical  effect  which  that 
fluid  would  exert  if  used  without  expan- 
sion. Thus  the  steam  whieh  Mr.  Fairbaim 
proposes  to  generate  at  160  lbs.,  would,  by 
the  time  it  had  expanded  down  to  9  lbs. 
previous  to  condensation,  have  exerted  a 
meohanioal  force  3f  ibs.  more  than  if  ge- 
nerated merely  at  the  9  lbs.,  and  passed 
directly  to  the  cylinder  of  a  common  eon- 
dcnsing  engine.  And  not  only,  as  Mr. 
Fairbaim  states,  there  is  no  more  fuel  re- 
quired to  generate  the  steam  under  the 
pressure  which  produces  this  enormous 
gain  of  power,  but  the  effect  is  actually  still 
higher  in  proportion  to  a  given  quantity  of 
coal.    All  elastic  fluids  dilate  in  bulk  about 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  INDIOATED  H0B8R-P0WEB  OP  STEAM-ENGINES. 


373 


Y^h  pmrt  for  each  degree  of  increase  in 
temperature,  and  steam  at  150  lbs.  being 
nearly  200**  hotter  than  steam  at  9  lbs.,  there 
is  a  ftirther  gain  in  the  ▼olume  of  the  steam 
so  generated,  which  raises  the  whole  me- 
chanical  effect  of  a  given  weight  of  steam, 
suceessiTely  expanded  from  150  lbs.  to  9  lbs., 
to  nearly  six  times  more  than  could  be  ob- 
tained out  of  that  weight  of  steam  if  simply 
generated  and  used  at  the  lower  pressure 
without  expansion.  This  is  not  the  age  to 
propose  ethical  discussions  on  the  supreme 
good,  and  debate  whether  Arcadian  igno- 
ranee  and  slmplieityor  active  mechanical 
intelligence  contribute  most  to  universal 
happiness.  The  second  phase  is  the  fact; 
we  are  entirely  plunged  in  a  mechanical 
exutence ;  whole  nations  go  on  wheels,  or 
are  driven  by  propellers;  the  flocks  and 
herds  of  the  patriarchal  state  are  substituted 
by  another  wealth  ;  we  count  our  cattle,  not 
by  horns,  but  by  horse  power,  and  his 
quiver  is  most  full  of  arrows  who  can  feed 
the  most  horse  powers  upon  the  same  ration 
of  coal.  These  are  the  realities  to  be  grap- 
pled in  our  social  progress,  and  Mr.  Fair- 
haim  takes  a  post  worthy  bis  reputation  in 
heading  an  economical  movement,  which 
will  ultimately  render  every  pound  of  coal 
consumed  in  ocean  steamers  of  ten  times  its 
present  productive  value. 

Let  us  look  round  and  see  what  Watt  has 
done,  and  reflect  what  will  be  created  when 
we  do  ten  times  as  much  with  the  same 
means.  -Of  course  the  engines  which  Mr. 
Fairbairn  is  using  his  influence  to  introduce 
at  the  Admiridty,  are  that  perfect  develop- 
ment of  the  expansive  system,  now  at  work 
for  years  in  various  parts  of  the  kingdom, 
where  the  supply  of  water  required  is  but 
one  gallon  per  day  per  horse  power,  where 
the  steam  is  generated  in  boilers  which 
make  the  dangers  of  explosion  a  thing  of  the 
past,  and  where  the  whole  machinery  per 
horse  power  for  boiler  and  engine  is  but  one- 
iburth  of  what  are  now  afloat,  with  a  propor- 
tionate diminution  in  the  consumption,  and 
consequently  of  the  stowage  space  of  the 
coal.  Let  any  man  estimate  for  himself  the 
miUions  and  tens  of  millions  which  would 
be  saved  in  half  a  dozen  years  by  such  a 
change.  It  is  these  machines  of  course 
which  Mr.  Fairbairn  has  in  view,  saving,  as 
they  do,  80  per  cent  of  the  fuel  of  the  or- 
dinary locomotive.  The  locomotive  boiler 
is  probably  introduced  into  the  lecture  by 
way  of  comparison,  to  illustrate  the  eflfect ; 
there  can  be  no  intention  of  introducing  its 
tens  of  thousands  of  tons  of  destructive 
effect,  in  the  event  of  explosion,  into  the 
bosom  of  i^ips  in  the  middle  of  the  sea. 
The  occasional  blowing  to  pieces  of  a  rail- 
way sUtion  is  already  a  snffioient  calamity. 
Besides,  these  locomotive  cattle  are  very 


particular  in  their  drink,  and  very  thirsty  ; 
and  to  conflne  such  hard  drinkers  to  Uie 
brine  of  the  great  deep  would  be  a  cruelty 
unsuited  to  their  healthy  constitution. 
When  the  engines  to  which  I  refer  were  first 
constructed,  comparatively  little  was  praeti- 
cally  known  out  of  Cornwall  of  the  eco- 
nomy of  expansion;  even  so  late  as  the 
Great  Exhibition,  engines,  both  foreign  and 
native,  arranged  to  combine  high  pressure, 
expansion,  and  condensation  were  not  appre- 
ciated ;  we  must  therefore  hail  it  as  an  era 
of  great  progress,  when  our  foremost  en- 
gineer is  lecturing  that  their  economical  ac- 
tion is  acknowledged,  and  is  using  his  efforts 
to  introduce  them  to  our  ships  of  war. 

It  is  personally  gratifying  to  find  the 
theory  I  have  so  assiduously  laboured  being 
carried  forward  by  such  eminent  practical 
hands.  When  one  of  such  station  lakes  the 
crest  of  the  wave,  there  is  no  danger  of  his 
ignoring  the  earlier  influences  which  set  the 
swell,  on  which  he  rides,  in  motion.  In 
writing  history  we  do  not  say  merely  that  a 
battle  was  won  in  such  a  year,  without  nam- 
ing either  the  place  or  the  actors  who  were 
engaged  in  it  My  own  part  has  been  but 
litSe ;  I  have  puffed  some  feeble  breath  to 
aid  the  expansive  current  which,  it  seems,  is 
flowing  in.  It  will  eventually  prove  the 
great  fact  of  our  age.  Old  Hobson's  trade 
is  promoted  ;  we  are  all  become  carriers 
eitner  by  sea  or  land,  and  notwithstanding 
the  exhibition  in  the  Crimea,  where  even 
this  antiquated  being  would  have  been  a 
Godsend,  there  is  no  question  that  speed, 
security,  and  cheapness  of  transport,  and 
the  means  which  will  best  combine  them, 
form  now  the  problem  of  first  importance 
to  either  the  sutesman  or  the  economist 
When  Lord  Derby  engaged  to  eat  the  boiler 
of  the  first  steam  sMp  which  crossed  the 
Atlantie,  he  little  knew  what  he  underto<^ ; 
yet  much  as  has  since  been  done,  multitudes 
have  hitherto  formed  no  better  conception 
of  what  is  ready  prepared  and  in  the  power 
of  an  equally  short  future  to  accompliah. 
1  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

David  Mushet. 

April  9, 1865. 

<♦ 

ON    THE    INDICATED    HORSE- 
POWER OF  STEAM-ENGINES. 
To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mechanics*  Magazine, 
Sir, — I  am  charged  by  **  Ing^nieur,"  in 
his  last  letter,  with  possessing  a  knack  of 
avoiding  the  real  question  in  dispute. 

Now,  Sir,  let  us  see  in  his  own  words 
what  the  real  question  in  dispute  really  is. 
Inliis  first  letter,  on  page  157  of  your  num. 
ber  of  February  17th,  he  begs  to  be  **  per- 
mitted to  call  your  attention  and  that  of 
your  readers  to  a  very  singular  error  that 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


374 


PV  POLTCaEBOiaTXO  BDXSSXa, 


exbU  In  tha  f  ^IpuUUon  of  tHf  b<»ni|elKW#lP 
from  diagrftmi  obtained  by  ^  lAcliwLgY^i 
iixdiofttor."  In  bU  8epoD4  hotter,  op  p^g« 
25i  of  youf  Magaiine  of  the  17tb  of  Marpb, 
lie  aayii  •'  My  iea«Q|i  for  oopd^mning  the 
preient  method  of  ci^lculftttng  diagri^m«i  M 
givsn  in  my  Itttev,  puhjished  in  yoqr  Upt 
number  of  the  I7tb  pf  Februaryi  is  briefly 
tb«t  si  not  the  velopity  of  th»  piston  Is  ooq- 
tinuftlly  varying  throughout  the  stroke,  »nd 
sioee  the  prpHure  upon  the  piston  al«(i 
TarieV  (in  an  infinite  vftriety  of  ways  in 
diflerent  engines),  it  is  impossible,  except 
by  the  mofest  chance,  to  qbtain  a  oorreot 
result  by  averaging  both  the  pressure  and 
velocity.'*  In  the  last  paragraph  of  his  first 
letter,  he  suggests  this  continual  varying 
of  pressure  and  velocity  while  the  piston 
of  the  engine  is  moving  from  top  to  bottom 
and  from  hottom  to  top,  as  being  "  no  doubt 
the  c«us«  of  a  part  of  that  disorepanoy  that 
is  found  to  exist  between  the  actual  itnd  in- 
dicated horsepower  of  engines  working 
expansively  "  U 

Now,  that  an  actual  discrepancy  does 
exist  between  the  actual  and  indicated 
horse.power  of  engines  working  expan- 
sively  (ovev  and  above  whut  is  found  in 
engines  working  unexpansively),  I  do  not 
dispute,  but  that  this  excess  of  discrepancy 
U  is  th§  katt  due  to  the  eotUimual  varying  if 
firtuvm  and  velocity  while  <A«  pietou  qf  the 
engine  m  mooing  from  top  to  hottmm  and  from 
hottom  to  top,  I  entirely  deny. 

In  the  method  of  caleulating  the  horse, 
power  of  steam  engines,  given  in  the  second 
paragraph  of  my  first  letter,  on  page  228  of 
yonr  Magazine  of  the  10th  of  March,  **  In* 
g^nieur "  will  find,  that  to  find  the  spaee 
the  piston  of  the  engine  passes  through  per 
minute,  there  is  no  averaging  of  the  differ- 
enl  velocities  of  the  piston.  Nor,  Sir,  is  it 
necessary  to  do  so ;  and  no  individual  in 
the  least  acquainted  with  the  **  prinoiple  qf 
uwk  "  will  contend  that  it  is.  The  space,  in 
feet,  the  piston  passes  through  per  minute, 
is  simply  the  length  in  feet  of  the  stroke 
multiplied  the  number  of  strokes. 

If  **Inginieur"  had  only  paid  a  little 
more  attention  to  the  nature  of  an  indicator 
diagram,  as  described  in  the  second  para- 
graph of  my  first  letter,  he  if  ould  have  no- 
ticed that  the  area  of  an  indicator  diagram 
is  simply  made  up  of  an  Infinite  number  of 
ordinates,  which  represent  the  pressure  of 
the  steam  at  an  infinite  number  of  particular 
portions  of  the  stroke  of  the  engine,  and  In 
order  to  find  the  average  length  of  this  in- 
finite number,  it  would  be  necessary  to 
divide  the  aggregate  of  these  lines  by  in- 
finity. This  being  the  case,  that  the  ares 
of  an  indicator  diagram  is  made  up  entirely 
of  pressure,  and  not  being  made  up  in  the 
least  of  the  time  duxing  which  the  diagram 


WM  fofmed,  n0r  heliig  in  the  leMt  nwd*  ^^ 
of  spece  tbraugh  which  the  piston  of  tha 
engine  pa&i|e«  in  that  time,  it  is  utterly 
impossible  to  measure  velocity  by  striking 
off  a  quadrant,  however  divided  at  each 
ei)d  of  the  atmospheric  line,  And  further, 
from  irhat  is  laid  down  in  the  former  part  of 
the  seeond  paragraph  of  my  first  letter,  the 
inference  which  is  drawn  at  the  latter  end 
of  the  said  ptragri^ph  is  a  "logical"  one. 

I  sjieU  only  just  remark,  in  ooncliisi«iy 
that  the  three  letters  of  my  opponent  nrs 
any  tiding  but  s  credit  to  the  scientific  know- 
ledge which  it  is  necessary  he  should  pos- 
SMS  to  be  deserving  nf  his  title,  "  Imq^- 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &o., 

James  Bmmett. 

Burnley.  April  17, 1855. 


ON  POLYCHROMATIC  PRESSES. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Meckinict*  Magantmn. 

8ia, — I  noticed  in  your  last  number  s 
communication,  signed  "J.  G.,'*  giving  s 
description  of  *'s  polychromatic  printing, 
press,*'  which  is  therein  spoken  of  ss  **  n 
new  American  invention."  Being  some- 
what acquainted  with  colour  printing  ma- 
chinery, I  can  safely  assert  that,  so  far  as 
results  are  described,  there  is  nothing  new 
or  original  about  it.  In  oorroboratlon  of  ' 
this,  I  would  refer  those  who  may  feel  in- 
terested in  the  matter  to  the  title-page  of 
the  Mechanics*  Magazine,  vol.  i.,  and  to  the 
pages  of  the  Illustrated  Historic  Times, 
1849-60,  where  will  be  found  specimens  of 
colour  printing  more  than  agreeing  with  the 
results  claimed  by  "J.  G.**  as  peculiar  to 
this  "  new  American  invention."  So  far  as 
I  can  judge  from  the  description  given,  it  is 
identicsl  with  either  *'  Cong^eve's  compound 
colour-printing  machine,  or  one  which  was 
used  fur  some  time,  I  think  at  Doudney's." 
Congreve's  is  worked  by  steam,  and  there- 
fore can  produce  a  much  larger  number 
than  that  calculated  upon  by  '*  J.  G.,*'  as 
the  results  of  the  one  he  describes. 

It  should,  however,  be  known,  that  there 
is  a  mo^t  important  disadvantage  in  att 
these  machines,  rendering  them  altogether 
useless  for  that  class  of  work,  which  consti- 
tutes at  least  three- fourths  of  colour  print- 
ing. They  will  all  print  colours  side  by 
side,  "  even  to  the  shading  of  a  letter ;"  but 
they  cannot,  by  any  possibility,  print  them 
one  over  the  other,  which  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  obtain  that  graduation  of  shade,  va- 
riety of  tint,  and  general  effect  which  is  in- 
dispensable to  all  but  the  commonest  of 
work. 

The  machine  of  Charles  Knight  accom- 
plishes all  this,  but  it  can  only  print  one  set 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BPEOT?OAt»JW  Of  tAWm  BBOl^TIiT  ?IWBi 


37? 


of  Upclu  or  colouT  at  each  oppT^tion,  The 
"  Polytint  printing-machine/'  invented  ^nd 
patented  by  myself  (see  Mechanics'  Magazine 
for  February  25th,  1854),  is  ii^e  first  and 
only  machine  which  combines  all  that  is 
essential  for  the  execution  of  all  kinds  of 
work.  Apologising  for  thus  trespassing  oa 
your  pa^es,        I  am,  Sir,  yo\irs,  &c., 

B9NBY  0.  Gqvbr. 
PriMM'Stnet,  Bedford-row. 


gPEOIFIOATIONS    OF    PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Clark,  Frbdbkicr,  of  King-street, 
Westminster,  Middlesex,  turner.  Jn  im- 
proved  tpindle  an4  huih  fir  door-knobs,  and 
other  similar  uses.  Patent  dated  September 
28,  1854.    (No.  2080.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  the  spindle 
for  the  door-knob  has  at  one  or  at  each  end 
a  thread  which,  upon  the  spindle  being 
passed  through  the  door,  may  be  screwed 
into  a  corresponding  thread  formed  m  a 
collar  for  the  spindle^which  turns  in  a  bush 
or  socket  secured  to  the  knob  or  handle, 
and  moving  with  it. 

IloGERSoif,JoHN,apd  Jambs  Brimelow, 

of  Bolton,  Lancaster,  engineers.  Improve- 
ments in  certtun  parts  of  steam  engines.  Pa- 
tent  dated  September  28,  1854.  (No. 
2082.) 

This  invention  consists— 1.  In  connecting 
with  the  slide  valve  a  piston  with  a  dome  so 
formed  as  to  permit  of  the  employment  of  a 
long  connecting  rod.  2.  lu  surrounding 
the  piston  with  a  steam-tight  casing,  for  the 
purpose  of  preventing  the  exit  of  the  steam 
or  condensed  water,  except  through  a  tap 
provided  for  the  purpose.  8.  In  the  applt- 
aation  of  weighted  levers,  either  simple  or 
compound,  for  the  vujpose  of  niore  acpu- 
ratefy  adjusting  the  counteracting  force. 

Newton.  Alfred  Vincent,  of  Chan- 
cery-lane, Middlesex,  mechanical  draughts- 
mail.  Jn  improvement  in  the  rigging  qf 
sailing  vessels,  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  September  28,  1854.    (No.  20?4.) 

This  invention  relates  to  a  mode  of  ap- 
•  plying  a  second  or  extra  topsail-yard  to  the 
cap  of  the  lower  masUhead,  ai^d  alsq  a 
crane  or  trace  to  the  heel  of  the  topmast- 
top  or  tresae-trees  to  the  lower  mast,  the 
object  being  to  lower  down  the  upper  top- 
sail-yard into  close  proximity  with  the 
second  or  extra  yard. 

Johnson,  William  Becrbtt,  of  Man- 
chester, Lancaster,  engineer.  Improve- 
menu  in  lamps  and  other  apparatus  used  for 
illumination.  Patent  dated  September  28, 
1854.     (No.  2086.) 

CWm.— So  adapting  the  glass  or  glasae^ 


of  lamps  or  qthcr  ^ppftratti?  (or  illumw- 
tion,  that  th^y  may  be  raised  without  being 
removed  from  t^'  parts  which  supnorl 
them,  in  order  to  expose  the  wick  QF  9^^^ 
illuminating  qiedium. 

Crtjx,  GEOfioE,  of  Mancl^estgr,  L^ucai- 
ter,  lacemiin.  Improvements  in  the  produc-. 
tion  of  bonnets,  children's  hats,  W^  |f»i«ter 
coverings  for  the  head.  Patent  date^  Sep- 
tember 28,  185^.    (No,  2087.) 

This  invention  relates  to  bonnets,  &«, 
made  of  wovei)  fabrics,  and  consists,  firstly, 
in  producing  the  outline  of  the  article  dur- 
ing the  production  of  t^ie  fabric  |  j|nd, se- 
condly, in*  a  method  of  pyoduping  ^ey\c^% 
upon  such  fabrics, 

Lancaster.  CnA^^psW|LUAM,  of  New 
Bond-street,  Middlesex,  gua  mftnufacturer, 
Improvements  infire-wm^  amdin  cartridges  t^ 
be  used  therewith.  Patent  d»te4  September 
28,1854.    (No.  ?089.)  .     . 

The  improvements  in  fire-j^rms  consist  m 
the  construction  of  f  breech-loading  gun 
discharged  by  an  or^nary  lock  and  percus- 
sion cap.  tl^p  aperture  pf  the  haryel  being 
closed  by  d  breeoh  swivelled  on  tq  a  plosmg 
bolt.  Thp  ipjproved  cartridge  tp  be  em- 
ployed with  the  imprpved  arfps  ponsist*  of  » 
shelj  of  pulp  or  pfper,  iptp  thp  bo^qm  of 
which  a  concavg  perforj^ted  wM  ^  inserted 
in  or4er  tp  strengthen  tl>P  bftse  of  ^he  par- 
tridge, for  .the  purpose  of  removing  the  re- 
mains of  the  cartridge  after  dispjiarge.  fir? 
is  communicated  tp  the  pow4er  i»  the  carr 
tridge  frpm  a  percussiop  pftp  tl^rough  aw 
aperture  ip  the  wad.  The  invention  ^liq 
cQnsisU  in  a  nipans  gf  copver^ipg  \x6^c\\- 
loading  into  muzzle-loading  burs  by  ipser(r 
ing  at  the  ^retcji  end  of  the  qarrel  a  cpR^i? 
pound  wad  or  disc  composed  of  a  cpm^mft- 
tion  of  a  l^ard  and  a  §oft  metal, 

i^ooLE,  Moses,  of  Avenue-roBj|f  ^t 
gent*s-p*rlj,  JJiddlefex.  hftprov^mei^H  «« 
cylinder  pqp€r  ma<:hmi*  (4  CPP^WU"'*^'*- 
tfon.)  Patent  dated  Septembet  28,  185^, 
(No.  2090.) 

This  invention  relates  to  tl^ose  paper 
machines  in  which  »  cylinder  or  drumi 
covered  with  wire-dotli,  an4  revolving  p»fr 
tially  imniersed  in  a  v?^t  of  pulp  js  em? 
ployed,  ancl  tjje  improvements  cpnsi*t  ju 
communicating  to  tne  cylinderjl  of  sqcn 
machines  ^  vibratory  as  WeH  a^  a  rotatqry 
motioq,  or  in  producing  in  the  pulp  cur- 
rents across  the  direct^pn  in  which  the  swr- 
face  of  the  cylinder  travels. 

Griffiths,  Thomas  Foxall,  of  Bir- 
mingham, Warwick,  manufacturer,  Au 
improvement  or  improvements  in  lamps. 
Patent  dated  September  29,  1854,  (N«. 
2092.) 

Cte»m.—RaisiDg  and  lowering  such  lamp- 
wicks  as  are  flat  by  tbe  use  of  a  pinion  of  » 
length  cqqal,  pr  ae^rly  fft\M^lt  to  ^>e  hrea4Ui 
of  the  wicks. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


376 


spbgihgations  of  patents  begently  filed. 


Mohan,  Thomas,  of  Aclint,  Louth, 
ftrmer.  An  improved  chum.  Patent  dated 
September  29,  1854.    (No.  2093.) 

The  mventoT  employs  a  peculiar  dasher 
or  flfitator,  which  is  composed  of  a  perpen- 
dioaiar  shafl  set  round  with  fans  or  blades 
fori::mg  part  of  a  spiral  thread,  a  por- 
tion  of  the  thread  equal  in  siie  to  one 
blade  being  cut  away  between  efery  two 
BuccfNsiye  blades.  The  latter  increase  in 
width  towards  their  outer  extremity. 

Snfath,  Walter,  of  Derhy.road,  Not- 
tinglieai,  mechanic.  An  improoewient  in 
tewing  machine*.  Patent  dated  September 
29,1854.    (No.  2094.) 

T'r*^  indention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment in  a  sewing  machine  of  a  single  needle 
carrying  a  single  thread  in  an  eye  near  its 
point,  which  needle  is  inserted  about  half 
Its  length  into  the  material  to  be  sewn,  and 
when  it  recedes  to  make  another  stitch, 
forms  a  loop  which  is  held  by  a  catch  until 
tbs  needle  returns  and  the  stitch  is  com- 
pleted. 

Oamewell,  John  Nelson,  of  Camden, 
Kershaw  district,  South  Carolina,  United 
States.  Improvements  in  inetmmenit  Jor  re- 
lieving  the  wires  qf  the  electric  telegraph  rf 
atmospheric  electricity.  Patent  dated  Sep- 
tember 29,  1854.    (No.  2095.) 

The  inventor  states  that  his  improvements 
depend  on  the  fact  that  atmospheric  elec- 
tricity, unlike  gaWanic,  will  leap  from  point 
to  pomt  of  several  conductors,  and  he  there- 
fore employs  metallic  points,  which  are  in 
intimate  connection  with,  and  form  part  of 
the  main  line  of  wire,  and  lead  dose  to 
(without  touching)  other  metallic  points 
which  communicate  with  the  grouna,  and 
are  surrounded  by  air  kept  consUntly  moist- 
ened by  evaporation  from  a  trough,  or  other 
equivalent  means. 

FiLHON,  OiMis,  of  Paris,  gentleman. 
Improvements  in  glass  chimneys  for  gas^hum^ 
ers  or  lamps.  Patent  dated  September  80, 
1854.    (No.  2100.) 

The  inyentor  makes  glass  chimneys  in  the 
form  of  inverted  truncated  cones,  which  ex- 
pand at  the  upper  parts  into  bell-mouthed 
forms,  sometimes  contracting  the  chimney 
above  the  expanded  part  so  as  to  form  a 
sort  of  reservoir. 

Collins,  Thomas,  of  Gayton,  North- 
ampton, brick-maker.  Improvements  in  ma- 
nufacturing bricks  and  tiles.  Patent  dated 
September  30,  1854.    (No.  2101.) 

Claim, — "  Manufacturing  bricks  and  tiles 
by  rendering  available  the  heat  from  the 
kilns  employed  in  such  manufacture,  and 
employing  such  heat  for  effecting  the  drying 
of  the  moist  moulded  clay  in  the  diying- 
sheds  during  the  burnine  of  the  clay  which 
is  in  the  kilns,  thereby  dispensing  vrith  the 
necessity  for  employing  separate  Ares  in  the 
diying-sheds." 


BoTLB,  Arthur,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, tool-maker.  Improvements  in  nmknOa 
and  parasoUsiretehers.  Patent  dated  Sep- 
tember 30,  1854.    (No.  2102.) 

The  inventor  constructs  machinery  so 
arranged  that  by  the  rotation  of  an  axis 
with  cams  and  connecting  parts,  tools  siini- 
lar  to  those  heretofore  used  are  worked,  and 
the  wire  is  moved  to  and  operated  on  by  the 
tools  in  succession,  in  such  manner  that  the 
wire  is  fed  in  at  one  part  of  the  machine,  and 
delivered  at  another  formed  into  stretchers.] 

Poole,  Moses,  of  the  Avenue-road,  Mid- 
dlesex. Improvement*  in  condenser*.  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  September 
SO,  1854.    (No.  2103.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  arranging 
the  tubes  in  tubular  conden^vera  that  each 
may  expand  independently  of  the  others, 
by  causing  them  at  one  or  both  ends  to  paas 
through  a  packing  formed  of  a  sheet  of  vul- 
canised India-rubber  or  other  suitable  ma- 
terial,  which  is  supported  by  collars  formed 
on  the  tubes,  and  is  kept  in  place  by  platca 
of  metal  pressed  thereon  by  screws  or  other 
suitable  apparatus. 

Wilson,  George  Fbrousson,  of  Bel- 
mont, Vauxhall,  managing  director  of  Prioe'a 
Patent  Candle  Company,  and  Oeorob 
Payne,  of  the  same  place.  Improvements 
in  the  mam^acture  and  application  rf  rMm- 
oil.  Patent  dated  September  30, 1854.  (No. 
2104.) 

The  inventors  say,  "  by  distilling  rosin- 
oil  with  the  air  exduded  by  preference  by 
means  of  an  atmosphere  of  steam,  and  then 
treating  it  with  sulphuric  acid,  and  subjeet- 
ing  it  to  further  distillation  with  the  air 
excluded  by  preference  in  an  atmosphere  of 
steam,  and  by  treating  losin-oil  with  sul- 
phuric acid,  subjecting  it  to  distillation  with 
the  air  excluded  by  preference  by  steam, 
producu  valuable  for  lighting,  lubricating, 
or  use  in  soap-making  are  obtained.*' 

Cook,  William  Woods,  of  Rumforth, 
near  Bolton,  Lancaster,  muslin  manufacturer. 
An  improved  method  qf  weaving  or  mam/ae- 
tmring  woven  fabrics  suitable  fir  pettiooatingt 
or  similar  purposes,  where  thick  and  thin  parU 
qf  the  tame  fibric  are  required.  Patent 
dated  October  2,  1854.    (No.  2108.) 

This  invention  *'  relates  to  an  improved 
method  of  weaving  two  bodies  of  corded 
cloth  at  the  same  time,  connected  only  at 
the  selvages,  and  so  arranged  that  the  thick 
or  corded  part  of  the  face  cloth  shall  not  be 
woven  opposite  the  thick  or  corded  part  of 
the  back  doth." 

Shbrriff,  Thomas,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
engineer.  Improvements  m  moulding  or 
shaping  metals.  Patent  dated  October  2, 
1854.    (No.  2109.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  construction 
of  sand  or  loam  moulds  for  casting  metallic 
pipes  or  other  articles  of  cylindrical  trans- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECmOATIOMS  OF  PA.miTB  BEOEtrtLT  VOBD. 


877 


verse  Beotion,  and  contisti  in  forming  the 
mould  gradually  from  the  bottom  upwards, 
by  means  of  two  or  more  rollers  or  pulleys 
whieh  are  made  to  run  round  and  press  or 
roll  down  the  sand  or  loam  in  continuous 
thin  layers,  these  rollers  being  carried  by  a 
lantern  or  frame  which  is  made  to  rotate  by 
a  central  shaft  upon  which  it  rises  as  the 
mould  is  being  formed.  The  inner  cylin. 
drical  surface  of  the  mould  is  shaped  by  a 
short  cylindrical  pattern  (its  upper  surface 
*  being  conical)  which  rises  with  the  lantern  . 
and  rollers  as  the  mould  is  formed. 

Pbnn,  John,  of  Oreenwlch,  Kent,  en- 
gineer.  An  improvement  in  ike  bearings  and 
hushes  fwr  Ike  shqfts  qf  screw  and  submerged 
propellers.  Patent  dated  October  2,  1854. 
(Na2n4.) 

This  invention  was  described  on  page  342 
of  our  last  number. 

Hill,  CHUisTorHER,  of  Chippenham, 
Wilts.  Improvements  in  tke  mam^aeture  rf 
pulp.  Patent  dated  October,  2,  1854.  (No. 
2115.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  the  veg^e- 
table  matters  employed  are  first  subjected 
to  the  action  of  pulping  machinery,  and  the 
pulp  thus  obtained  from  the  crude  vegetable 
matters  is  then  boiled  with  a  caustic  alkali, 
and  afterwards  bleached. 

Hammond,  Jambs,  of  Brunswick-street, 
Blackfriars-  road,  Surrey,  chemist  Holding 
a  book  in  such  a  posiiion  that  it  may  be  read 
with  ease  and  co^f^  m  an  erect,  reclining,  or 
completely  recumbent  posiiion,  to  be  ^died 
**  Htnnmond's  suspension  reading-desk,"  Pa- 
tent dated  October  S,  1854.    (No.  21 17.) 

The  inventor  construcU  a  f^me  suitable 
for  holding  a  book  open,  and  suspends  it  in 
such  manner  that  the  height  and  inclination 
of  it  may  be  regulated. 

Tatham,  William,  of  Rochdale,  Lan- 
caster, machine-maker.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  preparing,  spin- 
ning,  doubling,  twisting,  and  winding  cotton, 
wool,  Jku,  sUkf  and  other  Jlbrous  substances. 
Patent  dated  October  S,  1854.    (No.  2118.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  the  appli- 
cation to  the  devil  or  teasing  machine  of  a 
number  of  wooden  lags  or  metallic  plates, 
with  numerous  spikes  or  projecting  points 
on  their  surfaces,  to  assist  the  main  teasing 
portion  of  the  machine,  and  to  break,  dean, 
or  separate  the  fibrous  material  as  it  passes 
through  it  2.  In  the  application  to  the 
card-box  rollers  of  the  carding  engine — to 
the  rol^isrs  of  the  coiler  or  can-filltng  appa* 
ratus — and  to  the  rollers  of  the  ^awinff, 
slubbingand  roving  frames,  of  a  tube,  funnel, 
or  similar  apparatus  furnished  with  a  yield, 
ing  plate  or  spring  to  give  way  when  any 
uneven  yarn  or  thread  is  passing  through, 
and  thus  to  prevent  breakages.  8.  The 
ponstruotio^  of  certain  spindles  and  fiyers. 


I  4.  A  certain  arrangement  of  toothed  gear- 
.  ing  for  driving  the  flyers,  &c  5.  The 
j  application  of  pegs  and  corresponding  re- 
cesses to  bobbins  or  bobbin-wheels  to  pre* 
vent  the  bobbins  from  leaving  the  wheels 
during  the  filling  or  copping.  6.  In  the 
application  to  the  said  machines  of  flyer- 
tops  constructed  with  sliu  in  them,  for  the 
purpose  of  conveying  the  fibrous  material 
more  easily  down  the  flyer-top  to  the  leg  of 
the  flyer  when  piecing  the  end  up.  7.  In 
the  application  to  throstle  frames,  doubling, 
twisting,  or  winding  machines,  of  a  peculiar 
arrangement  and  construction  of  spindles 
and  flyers  and  certain  machinery  or  appa- 
ratus connected  therewith ;  also  of  a  pecu- 
liar mode  of  supporting  and  steadying  them 
by  means  of  rails  or  tubes. 

Blythe,  William,  of  Oswaldtwistle, 
Lancaster,  manufacturing  chemist,  and 
Emile  Kopp,  of  Aeorington,  Lancaster, 
chemist  Improvements  m  the  mam^facturt 
qf  soda-ash  and  sulphuric  acid.  Patent  dated 
October  8,  1854.  (No.  21 19.) 
^  This  invention  consists  in  the  substitu* 
tion  of  any  oxide  or  carbonate  of  iron  in- 
stead of  lime  or  carbonate  of  lime  in  the 
manufacture  of  black  ash  or  crude  soda 
from  which  soda-ash  is  obtained,  and  in 
using  the  sulphnret  of  iron  produced  by  the 
process  for  the  purpose  of  forming  or  repro- 
ducing sulphuric  acid. 

Jbtes,  John,  of  Northampton,  seed  mer* 
chant.  An  improvement  in  the  manrfaeture 
of  paper,  threads,  and  yams.  Patent  dated 
October  8,  1854.    (No.  2120.) 

Claim, — Making  paper,  thread,  and  yams 
from  the  stalk  or  stem  of  the  mustard  and 
other  plants  of  the  same  class. 

Newton,  AlfredVincent,  of  Chancery- 
lane,  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman. 
Improvements  in  motive-power  engines,  appU- 
eable  to  the  working  iff  their  valves,  and  to 
the  conversion  of  the  reciprocating  motionm^ 
such  engines  into  rotary  motion,  (A  commu- 
nication.) Patent  dated  October  8,  1854. 
(No.  2121.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  driving  cylinder 
having  on  its  sur&ce  two  screw-like  pro- 
jections between  which  the  head  of  the 
piston  rod  works,  and  by  which  the  recipro- 
cating motion  of  the  piston  communicates  a 
rotary  motion  to  the  main  shaft  Inclined 
projections  are  also  placed  upon  the  driving 
cylinder  at  points  diametrically  opposite  to 
each  other,  for  the  purpose  of  operating  the 
ordinary  slide  valven  of  the  steam  engine. 

Newton,William  Edward,  of  Chanoery- 
lane,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improve^ 
ments  in  the  construction  iff  locks,  (A  com. 
munication.)  Patent  dated  October  8, 1854. 
(No.  2122.) 

Claim. — Constructing  locks  in  which  the 
lock  bolt  is  prevented  from  being  moved  in 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


m 


Bp^cpiCATxoNS  OF  ;r4T9U)ts  mc9?ifTLJ  gp.Tr.p, 


either  direction,  ap4  the  Ictok  A^rehy  se. 
cured,  by  meiiDs  of  a  combination  of  movable 
slides  or  shutters  which  can  only  be  moved 
bv  the  influence  of  a  magnet  o^  magnet*, 
the  whole  being  so  combined  ai^4  arranged 
that  acceaa  from  the  outside  to  the  inside  pf 
the  Ipok  with  any  instrument  capable  of 
moving  the  stop  pieces  is  prevented. 

McNauqht,  William,  of  Rdclidale, 
Lancaster,  engineer.  Improvementt  in  slide- 
vaives  for  steam  engines.  Patent  dated  Octo- 
ber 8,  1864.    (No.ai23.) 

Claim, — Imparting  to  the  slide-valves  of 
steam  engines  an  additional  motion  whereby 
the  steam  passages  leading  tq  the  cylinders 
are  closed  at  required  periode  of  ^he  strpke. 

^icKEL«,  Cui^ieTOPHEE,  of  the  Albany- 
road,  Surrey,  and  James  Hojison«  of  Lei- 
cetter.  Improvements  in  apparatus  t^sed  when 
weaving  piUd  fabrics  by  the  aid  rf  wires, 
Pi^tent  dated  October  ?,  1654.    (No.  2124.]i 

This  invention  consists — 1.  Of  apparatus 
for  introducing  flat  wires  into  fabric*  wheq 
made  with  warp  and  weft,  i(i)d  also  whefi 
iT>fide  by  looping  warp*  ;  and  2.  Qf  certfiin 
appar^^lfs  for  drawing  out  the  wiia  from  th^ 
fabrics. 

TpwNENP,  WiLiGiiT,  of  garden  Biog- 
ley,  York.  4n  improvement  in  combing  wooi 
and  oth$r  fibres*  Patent  dated  Qctober  d, 
1854.    (No.  21?5.) 

This  mvention  is  applicable  So  the  carry- 
ing comb  of  a  ro^chioe  in  which  a  oiroular 
or  endless  comb  is  en^ployed,  ai^d  the  ira- 
Brpvement*  consist  in  (H^P^yM^g  ^  curved  or 
bent  plate,  (qf  a  porresponding  radius  with 
the  cjrcqlar  or  endless  comb),  to  push  the 
wool  or  flbr^  on  the  carrying  comb  in  a 
curved  form  towards  the  endleM  oomb,  90 
that  it  (nay  be  deposited  equally  'm  the 
latter. 

Cdopep,  Tipo¥A9,  of  t)ie  Isle  of  Wighr, 
Hampshire,  brick-makef.  Ah  improvememt 
Ib  the  mannfyoiifre  sfnd  in  the  mode  rf  jimivg 
earthen  pipes.  Patent  dated  October  3, 
IPH,    (No.2??6.) 

This  invention  is  described  and  iUttstrated 
on  page  867  pf  this  n|imber. 

Ke&shaw,  John,  of  Stockport,  Cheitef, 
manager.  Certain  improvementt  us  telf' 
acting  mules.  Patent  dated  October  4, 1354. 
(No.  2127.) 

The  inventor  flts  pins  and  holes,  the 
former  of  which  take  into  the  latter,  to  the 
pulley  on  tho  stud  of  the  radial  arm  of  the 
mule,  ao^  to  the  atrap  which  passes  over  it, 
so  as  to  avoid  or  reduce  the  slipping  of  the 
strap. 

Chalmees,  David,  of  Mancheater,  Laa- 
caater,  machinist  Improvements  in  the  wmd$ 
or  method  pf  working  railway  breaks  emd 
communicating  signals.  Patent  dated  Oc- 
tober 4,  1854.    (No.  2180.) 

This  invention  *'  consists  in  attaching  a 


lever  a^d  we|g]it  tq  t]if  eentre  fth»ft  of  tht} 
break,  which  are  WPrke4  by  an  endlesy 
chain  and  pulley  operating  uppn  the  brei^k- 
blocks,  by  means  of  a  ehaft  with  one  or 
more  universal  joints  placed  longitudi|[|ally 
under  tlie  carriage,  extepdinjjf  to  each  end 
thereof,  aP4  co^imunici^ting  vitli  4  vertical 
shaii  at  the  en4  or  sii)e  pf  the  ei^rriage  by 
means  of  beyel  wheels  or  yimilv  con- 
trivances." 

Gaultok,  William  Peel,  of  Crag 
Works,  near  Macclesfield,  Cheater,  me-  ' 
chanical  manager.  Improvejgiei^s  in  breaks 
applicable  to  railway  carriages  and  other 
vehicles,  fi^te^t  jatpd  Pc(ober  4,  1854. 
(No.  2181.) 

This  invpption  relates  to  t]va  securini^  of 
the  break-blocks  to  the  frame,  and  consists 
in  employing  for  thia  pprp<>*^  f  cramn  or 
frame  having  toothed  or  fluted  jaw>  whici) 
are  ma4e  to  close  by  t^e  actipn  qf  scrpw^  or 
wedges. 

Leoewtil,  Aim»  Amtoins  JpsEVfi,  gen- 
tleman, of  Arras,  French  empire.  Certain 
irnproj^ments  in  pumps  or  madustery  for 
raising  and  forcing  water  aud  Qther  Jtu^du 
Patent  dated  October  4,  1854.  (No.  2)3^.) 
This  invention  consists  in  the  eipployment 
of  compressed  air  or  ga^  for  rai^g  and 
forcing  water  and  other  liquidf  appUe4 
through  a  blower  or  air  pump  on  tl)e  aur- 
fape  of  the  liqnid  introfluce^  into  a  veaael 
Hermetically  clo^e^i  through  a  valve  open- 
ing ipwKds  'm  ^e  ))Q(^om  tl^rept  A  pipe 
pasaes  through  the  uppef  ^art  of  t^iia  vessel 
e^tendiiig  qear}y  tQ  (he  bpttQ%  and  is 
intended  to  cppvey  the  V&t^F  aw^y  from  the 
vessel.  The  pipe  14  fltted  at  the  bottom 
with  a  valve  opening  ii^ward^  and'  the  y easel 
is  furnished  at  the  top  with  a  tube  and  stop- 
cock, by  means  of  which  f  passage  can  bo 
opened  froqi  thp  interior  of  the  ve^sf  1  to  the 
external  ^tifiosphere. 

q^os»|.^Ry,  „TifOM4«,  pf  ScoU'i-yard, 
Bush- lane,  London,  gei^tlemai)*  An  im- 
proved  midg  rf  memufy^turiug  printing' 
bltifiks.  (A  cotpmunip^tionO  Patent  dated 
Qctober  4,  1854.    (No.  2134.) 

This  iaventipii  consi^t^  in  a  method  of 
applying  gutta  percha  to  iropden  blocke  to 
form  pryiting  surfaces. 

PaoBSER,  Ti|oyA9,  of  New  York,  IJf^ited 
St^UM^  of  Aqaeric^  but  now  of  Qirkeahead, 
Cheshire,  n^erchaut  aa4  ^vil  oiigineer. 
Imprttpements  m  the  mamffaciure  qf  certain 
koUow  closed  vfiifeUy  and  m  *he  maphinny  mr 
apfftfolys  eil^loyed  therein,  par^s  qf  which 
impriivem^ni*  are  also  applicable  when  pre^ 
P^ng  /af  ^^  fastening  tubes  inta  eteam 
boilers,  or  other  vesself  requiring  tubes  to  h$ 
Ji^ed  therein.  Pateot  d«te4  Qctpber  4, 
1854.    (No.  2135.) 

Tiiia  invention  mainly  consists  In  tem- 
porarily uniting  tlie  parts  of  metillj.c  vess^ 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOVlStONlL  SPECIFIGATI0N8  KOT  l^ttOGEEBED  WITH. 


379 


hy  meani  of  pins  or  dowels,  and  in  then 
subjecting  them  to  a  welding  heat  and  to 
pressure. 

pERRj,  JoHif,  of  tlunslet  Old  if  ill,  near 
Leeds,  York,  wooUcotnb  maker.  Improve- 
ments in  preparing  ufoolfor  combing*  Patent 
dated  October  4,  1854.     (No.  2138.) 

'f his  invention  particularly  relates  to  the 
machines  patentea  by  Mr.  Brown,  October 
18,  1852,  and  consists  1.  In  covering  the 
upper  feed  roller  of  such  machines  with 
Tulcanized.  India  rubber,  or  other  suitable 
elastic  surface,  and  2.  tn  imparting  thereto, 
or  to  the  porcupine  feed  roller  upon  which 
it  rests,  or  to  both,  a  travelling  motion 
across  the  machine  by  which  means  a  better 
action  upon  the  wool  under  operation  is 
obtained. 

Moore,  Thomas  Edwin,  of  Great  Titch- 
Aeld-street,  Marylebone,  Middlesex,  en- 
gineer. Certain  improvements  in  machinery 
or  apparatus  for  curvilinear  and  annular  eui^ 
tings  in  metals  and  other  hard  substances. 
Patent  elated  October  5^  1854.    (No.  2139.) 

This  invention  consists  in  adapting  a 
norizontal  circular  moving  disc  or  round 
table  to  Ordinary  planing  machines,  so  that 
the  said  disc  or  table  shall  receive  the 
required  motion  by  the  longitudinal  move- 
ment of  the  sliding  bed  of  the  ordinary 
planing  machine  to  which  it  is  attached. 

Adams,  William  Bridges,  of  Adam- 
street,  Adelphi,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer. 
Improvements  in  rails  for  railways^  and  in  the 
connections  and  fastenings  for  rails.  Patent 
dated  October  5,  1854.    (No.  2140.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  variety  of  forms 
of  rail  and  modes  of  fastening  them  down, 
which,  or  portions  of  which,  we  shall  proba- 
bly give  hereafter. 

TiNDALL,  Enoch  Oldfield,  of  Sear- 
borough,  York,  ironfounder.  Improvements 
in  mangles  and  wringing -machines  for  smooth- 
ing  and  wringing  clothes  and  woven  fabrics. 
Patent  dated  October  5,  1854.     (No.  2141.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  inventor's 
patent" imperial"  and  "Vertical"  mangles, 
and  consists  in  the  use  of  a  lever  and  slid- 
ing-pin  for  depressing  the  spring  by  which 
the  operating  rollers  are  pressed  together, 
and  in  an  arrangement  in  which  two  rollers 
only  are  employed. 

CoLUEB,  Georqe,  of  tialifax,  York, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  the  mant^facture 
if  carpets  and  other  terry  fabrics.  Patent 
dated  October  5,  1854.    (No.  2143.) 

These  improvements  mainly  consist  in  an 
arrangement  by  which  the  instrument  that 
is  used  for  inserting  the  wire  withdraws  the 
one  which  requires  to  be  withdrawn. 

Frost,  William,  of  Wine-office-court, 
Fleet-ttreet,  London,  engineer.  Imprwe- 
ments  in  steam  engines.  Patent  dated  October 
5,1854.    (No.  2144.) 


Claim. — The  passing  of  superheated  steam 
alone  or  in  combination  with  common  steam 
through  ah  attemperating  surface.  Also, 
heating  the  water  in  a  separate  chamber  for 
feed  in  condensing  engines,  with  either 
heated  or  common  steam,  in  combination 
with  or  without  an  altemperator. 

Bennett,  Thomas,  of  "^oodbridg*- 
street,  Clerkenwell,  Middlesex,  gold  and 
silver  beater.  Improvements  in  the  apparatus 
employed  in  the  manufacture  of  goldf  sUver, 
and  metal  leqf.  Patent  dated  October  $ 
1854.    (No.  2145.^ 

The  inventor  oescribes  a  machine  for 
beating  out  the  lea/.  The  hammer  is  at- 
tached to  a  bar  (connected  with  a  frame) 
which  slides  and  is  guided  in  two  uprights. 
Under  the  hammer  the  anvil  is  fixed.  The 
bar  with  the  hammer  is  raised  by  projections 
on  two  connecting  rods,  each  of  which  is 
attached  at  one  of  its  ends  to  crank  pins 
affixed  to  two  wheels  on  an  axis  which  re- 
ceives motion  by  a  strap  from  one  of  two 
conical  drums.  The  mould  beneath  the 
hammer  has  communicated  to  it  a  recipro- 
catory  and  rotary  motion. 


provisional  BPECIFIcATIONfi   (lOt   ^RO- 
CBBDBD  WITH* 

Hutchinson,  William,  df  Salford,  Lan- 
caster, engineer,  and  William  Barlow,  of 
the  same  place,  engineer.  Improvements  tn 
steam  boilers.  Application  dated  Septem* 
her  28,  1854.     (No.  2085.) 

This  invention  relates  to  such  boilers 
as  are  provided  with  one  or  more  flues  pass- 
ing through  them,  and  consists  in  placln|f 
within  these  flues  longitudin&l  tubiUar  water- 
chambers  communicating  with  the  main 
part  of  the  boiler  by  suitable  passages. 

Woodward,  John,  of  Barnei,  Hertford, 
office  clerk.  Certain  apparatus  for  stopping 
shot  and  other  holes  in  ships  and  vessels,  Ap. 
plication  dated  September  28,  1854.  (No, 
2088.) 

This  invention  very  much  l-esembles  A 
former  one,  described  on  page  428  of  vol. 
Ixi.  . 

Beer,  Loo  is,  manufacturer,  of  Elbeuf, 
(Seine  Inferieure),  France.  Certain  im- 
provements in  machinery  for  shearing  piled, 
terry,  or  raised  fabrics.  Application  dated 
September  28,  1854.     (No.  2091.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  producing 
by  the  shearing  operation  on  the  fabrics  men- 
tioned in  the  title,  designs  which  hitherto 
have  only  been  obtained  by  the  Jacquard 
machine  or  in  the  weaving  process.  This 
is  effected  by  substituting  for  the  rigid  plain 
table  which  is  placed  tmder  the  shearing 
roller  and  over  which  the  fabtics  are  made 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


380 


PROVISIONAL  SPECIFICATIONS  NOT  PROCEEDED  WITH. 


to  past  in  ordinary  shearing,  a  cylindrical 
or  movable  table  or  figuring  roller  which 
is  set  rotating  by  the  friction  of  the  cloth  or 
by  separate  driying. 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Intprove- 
mentt  in  machinery  far  removing  the  points 
from  the  hairs  qf  rabbit  and  other  skins  em-- 
ployed  in  the  manttfacture  rf  hats,  and  similar 
articles.  (A  communication.)  Application 
dated  September  29,  1854.    (No.  2096.) 

This  indention  relates  to  the  cutting  or 
plucking  off  of  the  extremities  of  the  hair 
on  rabbit  and  other  skins,  so  as  to  leave 
merely  the  soft  downy  fiir,  by  the  aid  of  a 
series  of  nippers  composed  of  blades  of 
metal  arranged  to  work  in  a  frame  by  the 
action  of  a  crank  and  connecting-rod. 

Wilkinson,  William,  of  Nottingham, 
mechanic.  Improvements  in  looped  pHe  and 
cut  pile  fabrics,  and  in  machinery  for  brush- 
ing or  raising  a  cut  pHe  orjleece  upon  the  web 
on  both  sides  qfthe  article,  or  on  one  side  only, 
by  which  means  he  secures  a  looped  web  not 
liable  to  lei  down.  Application  dated  Sep- 
tember SO,  1854.    (No.  2097.) 

**  This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  improved  warp  maehines  and  stock- 
ing frames,  and  warp  machines  of  the  old 
oonttmction,  which  machinery  is  wholly 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  looped  fiu 
brics.  For  the  manufacture  of  these  looped 
webs  I  use  from  one  set  to  four  sets  of 
ffuidesfor  laying  the  threads  upon  the  needles, 
by  which  means  the  web  is  produced  to  be 
piled  or  fleeced  by  the  action  of  the  guide 
bars  carrying  the  guides  from  one  thread  to 
each  needle  to  four  threads  to  each  needle, 
and  by  this  arrangement  a  pile  or  fleece 
surface  may  be  placed  on  either  side  of  tlie 
fabric.  By  the  action  of  the  threads 
through  the  guides  upon  the  needles  a  pile 
web  will  appear  on  one  side  of  the  fabric, 
and  a  fleece  web  on  the  other,"  &c. 

Bradbury,  Jambs,  and  John  Brad- 
bury, of  Denton,  Lancaster,  machinists. 
Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for 
manufacturing  or  producing  piled  goods  or 
fabrics.  Application  dated  September  80, 
1854.    (No.  2098.) 

These  improvements  apply  primarily  to 
the  hand  loom  which  piled  goods  are  woven 
upon  double  grounds,  and  consist  in  the 
adaptation  of  tappets  for  the  purpose  of 
working  the  healds  as  well  as  communicat- 
ing motion,  at  the  same  time  and  from  the 
same  sooroe,  to  the  winding  on  roller. 
They  also  relate  to  the  production  of  the 
pile  of  goods  woven  in  double  frames. 

Tuck  BR,  William,  of  Old  Brompton. 
Preventing  the  escape  <f  fuliginous  smoke 
from  shefis  or  flues.  Application  dated  Sep. 
tember  80,  1854.    (No.  2099.) 

In  earrying  this  invention  into   effect. 


whenever  fresh  coal  is  placed  on  the  fur- 
nace water  from  a  reservoir  flows  in  through 
a  perforated  surface,  partly  falling  into  a 
tank  beneath  and  being  partly  converted 
into  steam  by  impinging  against  the  heated 
walls  of  the  flue  and  caloric  bars  placed 
within  the  flue ;  the  water  thus  falling  to- 
wards the  reservoir  carries  down  the  solid 
portions  of  the  smoke  which  are  removed 
with  it  through  the  waste  pipe. 
Bellford,  AuausTE  £oouard  Lora- 


Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London. 
mmds  in  suspended  purchases.  (A  commu- 
nication.)  Application  dated  October  2, 
1854.    (No.  2105.) 

This  invention  consists  in  raising,  con- 
veying,and  lowering  heavy  bodies  employed 
in  the  erection  of  bridges,  &c.,  over  streams 
or  ravinea,  by  means  of  suitable  cables, 
tackles,  and  other  apparatus  stretched 
across  from  point  to  point,  forming  a  fixed 
track  upon  which  suitable  carriages  and 
adjusting  apparatus  traverse. 

Gray,  Thomas,  of  St.  Clement's-lane, 
Strand,  Westminster,  printing-ink  manu- 
facturer. A  new  and  improved  method  if 
preparing  and  bleadung  raw  and  fabricated 
fibrous  substances  now  used  in  the  mans^fae- 
ture  qf  paper,  or  which  are  applicable  to  be 
used  in  such  manrfaeture.  Application  dated 
October  2,  1854.     (No.  2106.) 

This  invention  consists  in  immersing  the 
material  to  be  bleached  a  second  time  in  a 
solution  of  alkali,  potash,  soda,  or  soda  aah, 
and  also  in  a  hot  solution  of  chlorine. 

Wall,  '  Oeoroe,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster. Improoemente  in  the  manufacture  ef 
railway  tickets  and  other  similar  articles  from 
a  substance  or  material  capable  qf  being  re- 
used. Application  dated  October  2,  1854. 
(No.  2107.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  employ  gutta 
percha,  caoutchouc,  or  any  combination  of 
either,  in  the  manufacture  of  railway 
tickeu,  &c. 

Partington,  William,  of  Bonhill, 
Dumbarton,  bleacher.  Improvements  m 
bleaching.  Application  dated  October  2, 
1854.    (No.  2110.) 

The  materials  to  be  bleached  are  first 
washed  in  pure  water;  then  scoured  by 
means  of  muriatic  acid,  which  may  be  used 
either  hot  or  cold,  the  acid  being  afterwards 
washed  out  of  them ;  then  boiled  in  a  mix- 
ture  of  rosin  and  alkali  for  about  twelve 
hours,  being  again  well  washed  afterwards ; 
then  again  scoured  by  means  of  muriatic 
acid  as  before ;  then  steeped  in  a  solution  of 
chlorate  of  lime  for  about  four  hours ;  and 
finally  are  again  scoured  by  means  of  muri- 
atic acid,  hot  or  cold,  and  well  washed  in 
pure  water. 

DuRAND,  Fran 9018,  of  Paris,  France, 
mechanician.     Certain  improvements  in  looms 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOVISIONikL  PBOTECTKWS. 


381 


^  tmawJBg,  Applioation  dated  Oetolwr  2, 
18M.    (No.  2111.) 

This  invention  consists  in  certain  ar- 
rangements for  the  application  of  magnets 
to  machines  for  wearing. 

Hake,  John  Bowles,  of  Bristol,  floor- 
cloth manu&eturer.  Jn  imprawed  wiode  rf 
main{faeiitnng  prmting-bloek*,  Applipstion 
dated  October  2,  1 S54.    (No.  2112.) 

This  invention  is  intended  to  facilitate 
the  operation  of  grooving  blocks  for  print- 
ing floor-cloths,  and  for  this  porpose  is  pro- 
vided a  series  of  roUry  saw  blades,  secured 
to  a  common  shaft,  and  set  at  suitable  dis- 
tanees  apart. 

Bbnmbtt,  Nicholas,  of  Fumival's-inn, 
Holbom,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  J  nid«H- 
imUfir  the  teeffotding  at  present  employed  m 
aitdjor  the  ereetmg  and  repairing  efMld- 
ings.  (A  communication.)  Application 
dated  October  2,  1854.    (No.  2118.) 

The  inventor  employs  sockets  of  metal  or 
other  suitable  materiil,  which  he  builds  in 
with  the  brickwork  of  the  building,  dis- 
posing them  at  suitable  distances  for  ren- 
dering them  sTsilable  for  the  reception  of 
projecting  bracket  pieces  for  supporting  a 
temporary  stage  formed  of  planks  laid  side 
by  side. 

Stbphbns,  John,  of  the  Temple,  gentle- 
man. Iwtpro9einente  in  apparatus  for  snppfy' 
img  ptai/Ud  air  to  rooms  or  hmldSngs.  Ap- 
plication dated  October  2,  1854.  (No. 
2116.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  the  inventor 
employs  a  close  chsmber  divided  by  several 
shelves  or  psrtitions,  in  such  manner  that 
the  air  in  passing  through  it  shall  be  forced 
to  take  a  tortuous  direction,  and  in  doing  so 
is  brought  in  contact  with  charcoal  and 
other  matters  for  purifying  the  air  and  for 
depriving  it  of  moisture.  There  are  also 
partitions  of  woollen  fabric  to  filter  the  air 
through  so  as  to  remove  any  dust  or  other 
solid  impurities. 

Thomas,  Freoekick  Samson,  of  Corn- 
hill,  London,  and  Hook's-villa,  Fulham, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  ImprovemenU  in  lo- 
comotives. Application  dated  October  4, 
1854.    (No.  2128.) 

The  inventor  employs  atmospheric  air, 
which  he  collects  by  means  of  bellows  of 
fim-like  construction  affixed  to  and  worked 
by  the  axles  or  the  wheels  of  the  carriages ; 
this  air  he  then  conveys  into  reservoirs  and 
bellows  which  are  compressed  by  the  rotation 
of  a  laden  disc,  and  subsequently  expands 
it  by  the  application  of  caloric. 

Thomas,  Frederick  Samson,  of  Corn- 
hill,  London,  and  Hook's- villa,  Fulham, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  An  improoed  mode 
rf  obtmning  motive  power.  Application  dated 
October  4, 1854.    (No.  2129.) 

The  inventor  construots  a  wheel  with  cer- 
tain arms  or  chambers  upon  or  vrithin  which 


he  places  wdghty  balls,  or  fluids,  which 
approach  the  periphery  of  the  wheel  upon 
the  descending  side  and  the  centre  of  it 
upon  the  ascending  side;  "and  by  the 
greater  leverage  on  the  descending  side,'* 
he  says,  **  I  provide  the  power  by  which  the 
wheel  obtains  and  sustains  its  own  rotative 
movement." 

DiSHER,  John,  of  Edinburgh,  Scotland, 
brewer.  Improvements  in  masking*  apparaius 
for  brewing.  Application  dated  October  4, 
1854.    (No.  2182.) 

The  improved  machine,  which  is  of  a  port- 
able form,  consists  of  a  case  within  which  is 
contained  a  shaft  furnished  with  a  set  of 
beaters  or  dividers  made  to  operate  upon 
the  noalt  by  means  of  power  suitably  applied 
to  the  shaft. 

Phillips,  William  Henry,  of  Camber- 
well  New-road,  Surrey,  engineer.  Iwtprove- 
ments  in  rotatory  steam  engines.  Application 
dated  October  4,  1854.    (No.  2138.) 

This  invention  consists  of  a  peculiar  com- 
bination of  parts  whereby  water  or  other 
fluid  is  put  into  rotatory  motion  and  caused 
to  act  on  floats  or  paddles  on  arms  affixed 
to  an  axis. 

Rammbll,  Thomas  Webster,  of  Tra- 
falgar.  square,  Middlesex.  ImprovemenU  in 
steam-boiler  and  other  fnmaees.  Application 
dated  October  5,  1854.    (No.  2187.) 

This  invention  consists  in  burning  fuel 
on  a  close  surface,  the  air  for  supporting 
combustion  being  introduced  throueh  per- 
forated air  channels  or  passages  of  fireclay. 

Harris,  Thomas,  of  Nantyglo,  Abery- 
struth,  Monmouth,  engineer.  Separating 
the  steam  from  the  condensed  water  and  mud 
in  iU  transit  from  the  boiler  to  the  cylinder  qf 
a  steam  engine,  stationary  or  loeomotive.  Ap- 
plication dated  October  5,  1854.  (No. 
2142.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  the  steam 
with  the  condensed  water  and  mud  from  the 
boiler  is  to  be  discharged  into  a  chamber 
connected  to  the  steam  pipe  to  the  bottom 
of  which  chamber  the  water  and  mud  de- 
scend, whilst  the  steam  alone  passes  through 
the  other  division  of  the  pipe  to  the  cylin- 
der. 

PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 
Dated  March  27,  1855. 

674.  John  Cooke  Bourne,  of  Holmes-terrace, 
Kenttsh-town,  Middlesex,  artist.  Improvemento 
in  photographio  apparatus. 

676.  WlUum  Yates  the  younger,  of  Wobum- 
plaoe,  Russell-eQuare,  Middlesex,  gentlmnan.  Im- 
provemento in  the  treatment  of  grain  from  which 
beer  or  spirit  has  been  made. 

678.  John  Getty,  of  Liverpoolp  Lancaster,  ship- 
builder. An  JnpTOTeinent  in  the  oonstruction  of 
stoam  and  other  vessels. 

Dated  March  28,  1855. 
6«0.  George  Leonard  Tnmey.  of  Wood-stroet, 
Cheapslde,  London,  needle  and  pin  mannfbeturer. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


882 


KOTIOSS  6f  iHtlfilfl'lOli  TO  PROCEED. 


An  Improved  mode  of  irtanfflnf  of  padUiif  plni 
and  needles  for  tale. 

682.  John  Shae  Perring,  of  Radcliffe,  Lancaster, 
civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  the  permanent 
way  of  railways. 

684.  Fransols  Bttlenne  Hndde^  meehanieal  en- 
gineer, and  Jean  Baptiste  Emmanttel  Fouquet, 
gentleman,  of  Rue  de  I'Echiquier,  Paris.  Certain 
Improtements  in  the  eontlructlon  of  pyrometers. 

686.  WUliam  Dray,  of  Swan-lane,  Middleeex, 
engineer    An  improved  gear  for  oommunieAttng 

tower  ftom  horses  or  cattle  for  the  purpose  ot 
rit^ittg  niachthery.    A  communication. 

688.  Erhkst  Hattnibttl  Beekef,  of  Altfliih,  Lid^ 
caster,  manofaeturer.  A  nd#  dr  lltapnlv%d  pH||^ 
tile, 

690.  I'liomas  )tf 'low,  of  Middle-row,  tiolbom, 
Middlesex,  g^ntlenldn.  IniprdyetuenU  in  screw- 
ptopellert. 

60S.  Jos^h  PealM>d]r(  of  Old  Broiul-etreeCi  Lon- 
don, gentleman.  Improved  machirery  for  obtain- 
ing motive  power  bjrlh«  Adtioti  of  the  wind.  A 
communication. 

DOM  Midrth  19)  11151. 

N4.  Jdhn  D6dge,  of  Welllngtoniti^t  bontfi, 
M iddleees.  Improvements  in  the  meant  of  ttoy^ 
ping  or  retarding  reilway-tralna.  A  comwuniea- 
tion  from  Franz  Steigerwald  fieinrich  Scbiiges 
8ild  Carl  Fucht,  of  Munich,  Bavaria. 

696.  Marie  Jeanne  Th8r8ie  Oiiiet,  widttW,  and 
CAcile  Celestine  Beanvaie*  of  Upper  CharlettH^ 
street)  Fitzroy-equare,  London.  Improvements  in 
purifying  grain.  Vegetable  of  botanical  matter, 
and  cochineal. 

698.  James  Ponritt,  offltnbMhs  Yato  MUls,  hear 
llamsbottom,  Lancaster,  manufaoturer.  Certain 
tntprovements  in  steam-engines. 

70d.  John  Blatf ,  of  Glasgow,  LftiiarK,  hat  mAnti- 
facturer.  Impreteuentt  in  hats  ittd  dther  eoVer- 
ings  for  the  head. 

702.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
dfcldi,  Middlesex.  Improvemehts  in  anchors,  k 
commtinieation  fironl  Louis  Ptederib  Frattgoie 
Davidf  of  Havre*  France,  ehUn  manuftwituwh 

Dattd  March  60,  lS55i 

f06.  RehTv  Wllliaih  Parnell,  of  ^ryanstone- 
eqnate,  Loridon.  The  improvement  in  the  eon- 
atruction  of  ships  and  boats,  so  aa  to  increase  thekr 
buoyancy  and  diminbh  their  rolling  motion. 

f08.  Wlfllftm  Bwatrit  of  Biriningnum,  Warwick, 
geiltleman.  CerUin  imttrovfemente  in  f^tnaees 
for  Japan ders'  stoves,  ovens,  boilers,  and  kilne, 
and  which  improvements  are  also  applicable  to 
other  Are  places,  bv  which  combultion  is  rendered 
there  compliite  and  the  f^el  thereby  greatly  econo- 
mised. 

712.  Joseph  Monan,  of  Maneheeter,  manufJM- 
turer  of  plaited  wicka.  An  improvement  in  the 
manufacture  of  candles  Ih  which  tallow  is  used. 

714.  Bdward  VansitUrt  Neale,  of  Ruieellplaee, 
Middiesei,  eaqalre,  and  Thomas  Dawtoa,  of  King's 
Anns-yard,  London,  manufacturer.  Improvements 
in  handles  and  parts  of  handles  for  umbrellas, 
walking-sticks,  knives,  and  for  other  like  articles, 
,  and  for  articles  of  forniture,  in  stoppers,  finger- 
plates, medallions.  Jewellery,  furniture,  and  other 
decorative  articles. 

716.  Theophilus  Wood  Bunnlng,  of  Newcastle- 
npon-Tyne,  engineer.  Improvements  in  iieam- 
engines. 

Dated  March  31,  1855. 

718.  Charles  Whitley,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster 
self-acting  tool-maker.  Improvements  in  machi- 
nery or  apparatus  for  drilling. 

720.  William  Corbitt,  of  Elm-tree  Bank,  Rother- 
ham«  York,  stove  grate  manufacturer.  Improve- 
ments in  wanning  and  ventilating  apartmenU, 
parts  of  which  improvementa  are  applicable  to  the 
prevention  of  euoky  thltnneys. 

722.  WillUm  Edward  Newton,  of  Chancery-lane, 
Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  An  improved  mooe  af 
constxuctiog  centtebits.    A  communication. 


7I«.  George  FergniAoa  Wllion  Mlfl  OeotM 
Payne,  of  Belmont,  Vauzhall.  An  iniproTdmeat 
in  treating  oils  to  obtain  an  elastic  pipduct. 

726.  Elizabeth  Abbott  and  Mat&da  Abbott,  of 
Homingsea,  Cambridge,  gentlewometa.  Improve- 
ments in  stays. 

bated  April  2,  1S55. 

728.  Adolphe  Bmlle  Lambert  Charles  Tlmmer- 
hans,  of  Lidgc.  ti«lgitti&«  Forclhg  projeetllee  ap- 
plicable to  artille^  at  well  aa  to  portible  flre-armt. 

780.  Jamea  Bhand,  of  the  drm  of  Bhaad  And 
Mason,  Blaekftiars-road.  Surrev,  fire-engine  bi»> 
nufacturers.    Improtements  ill  fire-engines. 

782.  Charles  Cr#ws,  of  Mt^tagtie-terfidf,  B«w. 
KmHI,  and  Henry  Ottvtfe  any,  of  St.  JtaiM'-itt^l, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  preparing  and  nain( 
deodorizing  or  disinfecting  compottnda« 

734.  Richard  Teyton,  of  the  Bordetley  Wofka. 
Blhnin^llim.  Itn JtnvMnMII  lii  the  mdnttfiKture 
of  Iron  gdtes  and  fnioea. 

786..  William  Limdi  of  Fleet-street,  London, 
manufkcturer,  and  William  Edward  Hipkins,  fore- 
mifa  lo  WUliam  Luiid.  Improvements  in  ttie  fnA- 
nnlhetttrt  of  oork-eerawt. 

Dated  April  iAsiS. 

7Sli.  Kobert  Christopher  Witty,  of  tdMkno- 
nvenae,  Cafflden*road-viUil,  Middldedtj  ettO  cngl- 
nder.  An  Improved  Method  of  reieeting  and 
dilfUsing  solar  light. 

740.  Thomas  Frideaux,  of  Birmlnghani.  waf- 
Wick,  farther  and  hotkl  keeper.  A  ii«W  dtimflhyTed 
plough  for  drainittg  and  other  ilnillar  purttoeee* 

742.  Hiram  Powere,  of  Fiorencoi  in  Tuaeany, 
sculptor,  f^orming  perforations  Or  throats  to  the 
cutting  edges  of  flies  or  reaps  for  allowing  (be  par- 
tlelei  Out  away  to  pdss  thnmith>  Mtt  td  tirefrnt 
the  inatrument  from  eiogging  or  ehoking. 

744.  William  Eathome  Gill,  of  Totnea.  J)evoa- 
shire,  engineer,  and  Henry  Brlnsiey  SHendan,  of 
Pdrsbns-^reen,  Middlesex,  gentletnan.  Treating 
fish  for  oil,  and  utilising  the  produets  of  sdca 

746rJacob  Maas  an^  James  Adams,  of  White 
Hkrt-yard,  SoutnWark,  Surrey,  millWrightt  and 
millstone-mdkers.  Improvem«nt8  in  mills  for 
aplitting  ot  gHnding  beans,  peae«  eom,  and  all 
kinds  oigrain. 

748.  Henry  Richardson  Fanshawe  and  /oba 
Alhericus  Fattshawe,  of  Korth  Woolwich.  Esset, 
maoufactnring  agenta.  CerUin  Improvementa  In 
the  manufacture  of  waterproof  fabriea  of  the  vul- 
canised. Biilphurised,  or  cured  class. 

790.  Maxlinilien  Evrard,  dvil  engineer,  of  Salht 
Etienne,  French  empire.  Art  impinved  eobtlfiuous 
drawing  compressor  for  moulding  or  bruising  seve- 
ral substances  or  mistures. 

752.  Chrlstophet  Nickels,  of  the  Albany-road, 
Sttfrey,  and  Jambs  Hobson,  of  Letee^ter  Im- 
provementa In  weaving  pile  fkbrics  when  wilts 
aroused. 


NOTICEa   OF  INTENTION   TO 

PROCEED. 

(Frtm  iha  '*  Lwdm  Gazette;*   Aj^l  17/A, 

]8«6.) 

2871.  Perdlhand  Cellter  Blhmentbal  and  Maxi- 
milian Louis  Joaeph  Chollet.    Preservinc  meats. 

2587.  John  Cortlapd.  Theeafcty  of  lift  at  oea 
or  in  riv^. 

2S9d.  F»nffoll  Jaeqnot.  Improtementt  in  the 
lining  of  hats,  beltaietfl,  thakdl,  capa,  and  siailar 
artielel. 

2601.  Charles  Thompson  Guthrie.  Improve- 
mehts in  angles,  T  sqoates,  straight  edg^s,  paralldl 
rules,  and  other  similar  instrunlents  sinployed  lA 
dnwing. 

2608.  Fraads  Puis.  ImproTementa  in  electio- 
galvanic  apparatus  fox  medical  puiposee,  part  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WSEXLT  UM  or  tiXOfti. 


883 


whieh  improTemenU  trt  »ll6  appUealile  to  tfCber 
electro-frairanic  apparatus. 

2611.  G«orge  Henry  Bachhofllher.  ImproYementa 
in  the  eonttraction  of  flre-placea  for  the  better 
consumption  of  smoke  and  in  lighting  and  main- 
taining fires. 

tils.  Timothy  WBitat  Improvemelits  io  con- 
structing portable  houses  and  other  buildings  and 
structures. 

S611  Jos  Mayer  tod  Jbhti  David  Kind.  An 
improvement  or  improvements  in  door  knobs  or 
handles  made  of  ehlna,  earthenwaret  glass,  or 
other  vitreous  or  semi-vitreous  substance,  and  in 
attaching  the  said  knobs  ot  haiidleft  to  their 
^indies. 

1616.  Charles  Vredeiiek  BtAhsb^ry.  ▲  mWhine 
for  cutting  keys.    A  communication. 

26S0.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontainemo- 
lean.  Improvemeilts  in  i^hotogtaphy.  A  com- 
munication. 

26SS.  Llewellyn  William  Evans  and  James 
McBryde.  Certain  Improveinents  tn  the  butfllng 
ofsulphnretores  for  making  sulphuric  aMd)  and 
for  smelting. 

26S7.  Louis  Comides.  Certain  improved  ap- 
paratus for  coating  or  covering  surfiioes  of  glass 
or  other  material  mth  toUodlon. 

1649.  John  Sykes.  Improvements  In  iJetiug 
machines,  a  part  of  which  improvements  are  ap- 
plicable to  other  similar  purposes. 

2652.  Matthew  Curling  Friend  and  William 
Browning.  An  apparatus  for  detettnining  the 
magnetie  aberrations  occasioned  by  local  attrac- 
tion. 

2655.  Robert  Lucas  Cnanee.  An  Improyoment 
In  the  manufacture  of  glass. 

2661.  William  Oilpin  and  Abraham  Bowen.  A 
new  method  fbr  the  effectual  consumption  or  pre- 
Ttntion  of  smok6f  pnA  the  more  perfect  combus- 
tion of  coals  and  other  fnel  by  means  of  a  mecha- 
alcal  apparatus  and  furnace  bars  of  a  certain  con- 
•tmcUon ;  a  portion  of  the  same  may  be  applied 
for  raising  wateri  and  in  nirnaces  where  blast  is 
required. 

2662.  William  Hartley,  improvements  in  safety 
▼alves  for  steam  boilers  and  in  steam  engines. 

2703.  Alfred  Suier.  A  wind-guard  to  cure 
smoky  chimneys,  or  vontilaterooms  or  buildings. 

IIS.  James  Simpkin.  Improvements  in  rifles 
and  other  fire  arms. 

131.  Ambroiae  Qvertinler.  An  improvement  in 
glass  ftimaces. 

]  74.  William  Dray.  An  improved  machine  for 
cutting  chaff. 

222.  John  Henrf  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
looms  for  weaving.  A  communication  from  Gus- 
tave  Born^ue,of  Bavillers,  Prance,  manufacturer. 

258.  Edmund  Clegg  and  James  Leach.  Im- 
provements in  temples  for  looms. 

827.  Richard  Shirley  Harris.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  looped  fabrics. 

414.  William  Brown.  Certain  improvements  io 
machinery  for  printing. 

688.  Samuel  Cunliffe  Lister.  Improvements  In 
machinery  for  combing  wool  and  other  fibres* 

684.  Robert  More  Butt.  Improvements  in  tha 
manufacture  of  night  lighta. 

•10.  Vincent  Scully  and  Bennett  Johns  Hev- 
wood.  An  Improved  mode  of  regulating  the  supply 
of  gas  togas-burners. 

616.  Richard  £award  Hodges.  Improvemeots 
In  door  springs. 

617.  Alexander  Robert  l*erry.  Improvements 
In  apparatus  for  copying  letters  and  other  docu- 
ments. 

632.  John  Morrison.  An  improvement  or  Im- 
provements in  the  manufacture  of  metallic  pens. 

638.  Charles  Carnell.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  bricks. 

640.  George  Wbyatt.  Certain  improvements  in 
macbinory  or  apparatus  for  enttlng  piled  goods  or 
fabries. 

644.  Charles  Frederick  Behn.  Improvements  in 
maobinary  fox  making  moolda  for  catting  matal. 


A  eomnuinieatlon  firom  David  Btmm,  of  Balti- 
more, United  SUtes  of  America.  n 

652.  James  Niven.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  paper,  and  in  the  production  of 
textile  materials. 

655.  William  Brown.  An  improvad  m«ae  of 
preparing  sewing-silk  for  the  market. 

662.  George  Allam  Barrett,  William  Exall,  and 
Charles  James  And rewes.  Certain  improvements 
in  poruble  and  fixed  eombinad  threshint4na- 
chines. 

668.  Francis  Crossley.  ImproTements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  mosaic  ru^. 

674.  John  Cooko  Bottmb.     ImproveoMnii  in 


photographic  apparatus. 

680.  George  Leonard   Tumey.     An   ImpreTed 
mode  of  arranging  or  packing  pins  and  needlel  for 


ImproTeasanfts  tn  ftarew 


sale. 

690.  Thomas  McLow. 
propellers. 

706.  John  Blair.  Improvements  In  hatsi  and 
othet  coverioi^i  tbr  the  head. 

714.  Edward  Yansittatt  Keala  and  Thomas 
Dawson.  Improvements  in  handles  and  parts  of 
handles  for  umbrellas,  walking-sticks,  knives,  and 
for  other  like  articles,  and  for  articles  of  ftimlturo 
ih  stoppers;  flngar  platea,  medalllons»  January, 
ItemltttTa,  and  other  decorative  articles. 

720.  William  CorUtt.  Improvamehts  ill  wanning 
auvl  ventilating  apartments,  parts  of  which  im- 
provements are  applicable  to  the  prevention  of 
imoky  dhifimeys. 

746.  Jacob  Maas  and  James  Adams.  Imnrovo- 
ments  in  mills  for  splitting  or  grinding  beans, 
peas,  com,  and  all  kinds  of  grain. 

Opposition  can  be  tittered  to  the  fitting 
of  a  P&tefat  to  liny  of  the  parties  Ih  the 
above  List,  who  liave  given  notice  of  their 
intentioti  to  proeeed^  within  tiretity  *  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  Otttittt  iH  Which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
missionen'-office  particulars  in  writing  df 
the  Objection  to  the  applieatiod. 

— ^ 

We&RlV  list  of  PAtfeMTS. 
Staled  ApHl  18,  1860. 

2189.  Sir  James  Caleb  Anderson. 

2191.  Charles  Frederick  Staneburft 

2198.  William  Jafaies  Bariham. 

2195.  John  Harrison. 

2200.  Christbpher  Holt. 

2201.  Robert  Pihkhey. 
2205.  John  Henry  Pape. 
2208.  John  Bonnall. 

2216.  George    Scheuti     and     Edward 

Schetttz. 
2804.  John  Wainwright. 
2314.  Thomaa  Prosser. 
2488.  John  Darie  Morries  Btirlilig. 
1855. 

250.  George  ilitchie. 
282.  William  Sandford  Roberts. 
284.  John  Grainger. 
290.  George  tonilinson  Bousfield. 
806.  Wlliiim  Bridges  Adamfc 
Seated  April  17,  1855. 
2218.  Lotiis  Comides. 
2221.  Alfred  IlllngWorth  and  Henry  11- 

lingworth. 
2228.  Robert  John  Chippindall. 
2280.  John  Mason  and  William  Ronert- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC  ^^ 


384 


NOTICES  TO  GORRESPONBEMTS. 


2236.  Samttel  Mason  and  William  Beeby. 

2257.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fon- 

tainemoreau. 
2288.  John  Piatt 
2245.  JuHds  Smith  and  Frank  Sandom 

Thomai. 
2248.  John  Jamieson. 

2258.  Henry  Halet. 

2262.  Fran^ia  Jean  Bouwena. 
2267.  John  Welsh. 
2272.  Richard  RoberU. 
2284.  Charles  Henry  Olivier. 
2801.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman. 
2817.  Bewicke  Blackburn. 
2877.  Ignace  Porro. 
2462.  Richard  Keefe. 
2561.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fon- 
tainemoreau. 


2718.  Charlea  Henfrey. 

2719.  Warren  De  la  Rue. 

1855. 

67.  Henry  Bessemer. 
211.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fon- 

tainemoreau. 
289.  Martin  Samuelson  and  Alexander 

Samnelson. 
255.  James  Timroins  Chance. 
288.  George  Audemars. 
287.  John  Oro?e  Johnson. 
801.  Qeorge  Ferguason  Wilson. 

Sealed  April  IS,  1^55. 
2229.  George  Hamilton. 
2283.  Howard  Ashton  Holden. 
2285.  Benjamin  Nicdl. 


NOTICES  TO  CORREBPONDENT8. 

/.  SmmeL-'li  was  not  possible  to  make  the  ad-   |       C.  G.  (iHmiko.)— Wo  shaU 
dltloQ  ytm  saaaest  after  your  Moond  letter  rosclied 
us,  or  it  shoma  have  been  done  with  pleasura. 


yoor  addrsos. 


be  glad  to  leedTO 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


86« 


I>ray's  Patent  Chaff^utting  Maohlne  — («»M 
emaraniMM) S61 

On  the  BlastiBg  of  Rocks.  By  W.  Ntobet, 
EMq.^wUk  emgrmvhigt)  ^ 8U 

YentQatioQ  of  the  Fire-roonu  of  Steam  Ships. 
By  B.  F.  Isberwood,  C.E.,  United  States— 

(wUk  SMTOVllMf)  M 

CoiBper's  Patent  1>ratn  Pipes  and  Connections 

-^wUk  engrmoirngt)  367 

Williams*  Camp-stoves  and  Cooking-appars- 

tus-(<9lM  engfraohigt) M8 

Errors  of  Mechanical  Engineers  S70 

Remarks  on  Msgnetlsm.  By  Professor  Fara- 
day  «....- »7I 

North  of  England  Coal  Mines S7a 

On  Steam  used  Ezpansifely 87S 

On  the  Indicated  Horse-power  of  Steam  En- 
gines    B7S 

On  Polyohromacic  Presses S74 

Speciications  of  Patents  recently  Piled : 

Clark Door-knobs S7A 

Rogeison  ft  Brlme- 
low Steam  Engines  S75 

Newton 

Johnson  ... 

Crux  ........ 

Lancaster .. 

Poole 

Griffiths  ... 

Mohan  

Sneath  ..... 

Oamowell.. 

FUhon  

Collins 

Boyle. 

Poole 

Wilson  .... 

Cook  , 


Engines  . 

Rigging  Vessels 

.......Laiaps   

Bate  

Ftre-anns 

Paper- machines 

Lamps  

Chnins 


Sewing-machines  . 

Electric' 


375 
375 
S75 
375 
875 
375 
376 
376 
ic  Telegraphs ....  376 

>Oas-bnrners 376 

..Bricks  and  TUes 376 

..Umbrellas 376 

..Condensers 376 

...Rosin^U 376 

...WoTcn  Fabrics  376 

Sherritr Moulding  Metals 876 

Penn  ....^ ihropeller  Bearings 377 

HUl Pulp  377 

Hammond Reading-desks.. 377 

Tatham .....Winding  Cotton  377 

BIytheft  Kopp  ...Soda^Mh 377 

Jeyes Paper  and  Threads 377 

Newton... MoUve  Power 877 


Newton Locks 

M*Nanght Slide  ValTcs 

Nickels  ft  Hobson  PUe  Fabrics 

Townend Wool  

Cooper   ......Earthen  Pipes...... 

Kershaw  Self-acting  Mules 

Chalmers  Railway  Breaks  ... 

Oaulton Railway  Breaks  ... 

Legentil... .» ..Pumps  

CroBsley ....^Printing  Blocks  ... 

Pressor Jointing  Metals  ... 

Perry Combing  Wool    ... 

..Cutting  MoT  ■ 


....  377 
....  371 
,...  371 
....  378 
....  378 
....  378 
....  878 
....  378 
....  378 
....  378 
....  378 
...  378 

Moore...... Cuttbiglfetals    379 

Adams  Railway  Trains  .........  879 

TindaU Mangles    379 

Collier   Terry  Fabrics 379 

Frost... Steam  Engines. 379 

Bennett Beating  Oold  379 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with  : 
Hutchinson  and 

Barlow  ..Steam  Bollen 379 

Woodward    Stopping  Shot-holes  ...  379 

Beer Terry  Fabrica «  379 

Johnson RabMt  Skins  »  386 

Wiildnson Cut-pile  Fabrics  .........  3S8 

■  Bradbury  ft  Brad- 
bury   PUed  Fabrics 380 

Tucker Furnaces  380 

Hellford..... Cranes   380 

Gray  ...., Bleaching  Fibres    ......  380 

Wall  ...Railway  Tickets 880 

Partington   Bleaching 380 

Durand Looms 380 

Hare Printing  Blocks  881 

Bennett S<*afR>lding  •m.m 881 

Stephens  ......Ventilation 881 

Thomas Locomotives 301 

Thomas Motive  Power 381 

Disher   Mashing  Apparatus  ...  331 

Philhps Rotary  Engines 381 

Rammell Furnaces 381 

Harris Steam  Engines   .........  381 

Provisional  Protections ;...  881 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed 381 

List  of  Sealed  Patents ....  8S3 

Notices  to  Correspoodento  «.  384 


LONDON:  Ediled,  Printed,  and  Published  bv  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166.  Fleet-street' 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Pet|anit5'  Paja^int 


No.  1656.]  SATURDAY,  APRIL  28,  1855.  [stlS^Id^'i. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Biooman ,  166,  Fleet-street. 

BISHOPP'S    PATENT    METHOD    OF    COMMUNICATING    POWER   TO 
REVOLVING  SHAFTS. 


VOL.  LXII. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


386 

BTSHOPP'S   PATENT  METHOD    OF    OOMMtlKldATIircf    POWER   TO 

REVOLVING    SHAFTS. 

(Htm»  driCttd  /ulj  4,  1854.) 

Miu  O.  D.  Bxsuopp,  of  InteraesB-teiraea,  Middlesex,  the  patentee  of  the  Disc  Engine, 
has  patented  a  new  method  of  applying  the  reciprocatory  action  of  two  or  more  pistons  to 
the  prodaetion  of  rotary  motion  in  a  eommoxr  sha/t 

In  applying  the  invention  to  a  stesiti  engine  hariftg^  f^ur  cylinders,  for  example,  he 
places  the  cylinders  side  by  side  round  a  central  line,  which,  if  produced  towards  the 
engine  shaft,  would  coincide  with  the  centre  line  6f  that  shaft  "  Between  the  ends  of  the 
cylinders  and  a  crank  flzed  on  the  end  of  the  engfM  tliaft,  he  fixes  a  frame  or  headstock, 
to  carry  a  hall  and  socket  joint,  or  a  unifersal  Maiif  ttie  centre  of  the  joint  being  in  the 
same  oentre  liike  as  the  engine  shaft ;  and  to  or  ifSl6  (fiia  ball  or  universal  joint  is  fixed  one 
end  of  a  strong  shaft  or  arm,  the  otiier  end  Af  wlrfell  6ftters  a  hole  in  the  crank  on  the 
engine  shafts  which  hole  may  be  either  busked  6r  filled  with  brasses,  similar  to  a 
plummer  block ;  and  to  or  into  this  ball  Of  flhifUVri  joint  are  fixed  or  attached  as  many 
other  shafts  or  «f las  as  there  aM  eylinderf ^  the  cenfle  lifMS  of  these  shafts  or  arms  being  at 
Tight  angles,  or  mni^  M^  willi  tJbtf  fliil^  m  am  fMntioiied  before,  which  enters  and  is  to 
drive  the  crank.  TmM  fthev  ^mUM  of  MM  Itftf  M  fixed  that  one  end  of  each  shall  be  over 
or  opposite,  or  ii«arlf  met  9t  evj^^l^  lt«  •eiktfV  of  its  respective  cylinder.  To  each 
piston  or  piston  rod  ia  fitted,  by  i  mH  and  sMlMl  ar  ««ir«rsal  joints  ette  end  of  a  connecting 
rod,  the  other  esd  of  that  eoime«eia|  fed  Wmf  fitted  to  of  taklfif  lold  of,  by  a  ball  and 
socket  or  universal  Joiat,  tho  «hnd  or  mm  of  tM  ifcaliM  or  ArilM  wfeieh  is  over  or  opponte 
that  piston.  The  eylisdets  «f o  t«  be  fitted  wftft  ffteatn  slides  ct  valves  of  the  usual  eon. 
struetion,  which  may  be  worked  Itt  tk«  rtmA  way  by  eccentrics  or  cranks  on  the  engine 
shaft,  or  by  a  motion  obtained  fttm  the  ttMfta  «r  arms  before  mentioned,  or  from  the  ball 
and  socket  or  universal  joint  irkiek  \§  eatried  1^  the  headstock.  The  air-pumps  of  con- 
densing engines  and  other  prnnps  may  be  wwked  by  either  of  the  methods  employed  for 
working  the  slides,  or  they  may  be  worked  %y  folds  attached  direct  to  the  pistons  of  the 
steam  cylinders.  Another  method  of  working  tke  air  and  other  pumps  is  to  place  them 
between  and  alongside  the  steam  cylinders,  and  €6  work  them  by  moMM  of  arms  fixed  into 
or  attached  to  the  ball  of  the  socket  joint  or  th«  wriveFsal  joint  eavried  by  the  headstock. 
Upon  turning  round  the  engine  shaft  and  crank,  Che  pistons  will  retfiproeate,  and,  of  course, 
if  steam  or  any  fiuid  or  gas  (under  pressure)  bv  admitted  mto  the  oyKoders  at  the  proper 
periods,  the  reverse  action  will  take  place,  and  the  pisttftttf  #111  reeif  fMate  and  cause  the 
engine  shaft  to  revolve.  The  engiiM  may  be  ^{ased,  with  the  eylinderf  and  engine  shaft, 
either  in  a  vertioal  or  horizontal  povkioa,  of  ittefined  at  any  angle.  Instead  of  several  arms 
being  attached  to  the  central  ball  or  universal  joist,  a  AiM  eircufar  plate  may  be  fixed  or 
attached  to  the  ball  or  joint,  and  the  cooMOting  rods  catf  )«  attached  to  the  plate  by  ball 
and  socket  or  universal  joints.  Engines  ean  be  mado  on  tiifs  plan  with  two,  three,  or  a 
greater  number  of  cylinders,  attd  oaa  of  oourse  be  driven  by  high  of  lo#  pressure  steam, 
condensing  or  nou- condensing,  by  water  prassure,  or  by  tho  elastiv  pressure  of  any  fiuid 
orgas." 

The  engraving  on  the  preceding  nage  is  a  side  etenttion  of  the  ittrentimi  as  applied  to  a 
four-cylinder  engine,  such  as  woula  be  suitable  for  driving  a  serevr^propeller.  The  bed  or 
foundation  plate  is  seen  at  tfa,  and  the  four  oyUnders  at  h  b.  These  are  shown  fitted  with 
pistons,  having  trunks/ce.  The  connecting  rods,  dd,  are  attached  at  one  end  by  ball  and 
socket  or  universal  joints  to  the  pistoas  ax»d  piston  trunks,  ee.  and  by  their  opposite  ends 
to  the  ends  of  arms,  €«,  which  are  secured  in  th«  eentrid  ball  or  universad  joint>  /  The 
headstock,  ggt  forms  the  socket  for  earrying  tfto  ball,  /,  and  is  bolted  to  lugs  cast  en  the 
cylinders.  From  the  centre  of  the  ball,/  and  at  right  fttglos  to  the  plane  passing  through 
the  ends  of  the  azms^  ee,  is  the  crank  arm,  k^  the  outer  Oftd  of  which  enters  a  bush  or 
plummer  block  in  the  crank,  i,  of  the  main  shafts /•  The  falve  boxes  are  shown  at  kk, 
and  as  they  are  of  the  ordinary  construction,  and  worked  in  the  usual  manner,  it  will  not  be 
necessary  to  give  any  descripHon  of  them  furtiker  tltaik  to  say,,  that  they  are  operated  by 
means  of  the  shafts,  II,  which  are  actuated  Dy  the  ecceMfkos,  mm,  on  the  main  shaft, j. 
The  pistons  or  plungers  of  the  air-pumps  are  worked  by  means  of  the  rods,  o  o,  the  oppo- 
site ends  of  which  are  oonnected  fO  the  trunks,  •  c,  of  the  lower  cylinders,  b  h,  and  are 
worked  thereby. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


S87 


ELBMBKTA&Y  DSMOKSTBATIOKS  OF  PROPOSITIONS  IN  THE  THBORY 

OF  MAGNETIC  FOItCE. 


IMf.  1.  TlM  liii«l  df  fotee  dKM  to  any 
uftg^t  of  deetfo-m^^tfot,  <n  eoffibinatton 
of  mug^nets  of  aity  kind,  «re  the  )hie«  tliftt 
woufd  be  tfaeed  by  iikeiiig  the  e^ritre  of 
gt^Hf  of  A  terf  smaU  st«§l  ifOettt«,  poffetftfjr 
fte§  to  torn  obont  thie  pohft/  hi  sirf  poiittos 
ift  their  nt^libonrhoOd,  aod  then  einying 
it  ftlWaytf  iji  IhO  «#ectlM  poiftted  by  tho 
laognetic  atie  Of  the  Aeedle. 

R&nulrk.  Exeepf  in  the  Oaios  of  flynMM^' 
tfleal  Ifiaf fiete,  the  lifte*  of  feroe  iriU  feoerf 
rrily  be  lines  of  doable  eortdture,-  mi4  no 
Mi  of  them  it^'rll  lie  in  one  plane. 

I>rf.  2.  The  Knei  of  eoiApoMnt  fotOe  ift 
aiiy  plane  are  the  lioes  traced  by  plaeing  the 
centre  of  gfartty  of  a  steel  needle  aoywhero 
in  title  plane,  and  oarryin^  it  alwiyi  in  this 
plane  in  the  nearest  direction  to  that  pointed 
by  its  magnetic  axis ;  that  is,  the  direction 
of  the  orthogonal  projection  of  the  magnetic 
axis  on  the  plane ;  or  the  direction  that  the 
steel  needle  would  point  with  its  magnetic 
axis  if  placed  with  it  in  the  plane,  and  free 
to  turn  about  an  axis  through  its  centre  of 
gravity  perpendicular  to  the  plane. 

Prop.  I.  If  the  line  of  component  mag- 
netic  force  through  ahy  point  in  a  plane  be 
curved  at  this  point,  tne  force  will  vary  in  a 
line  perpendicular  to  ihe  line  of  force  in  its 
plane,  increaHng  in  the  direction  towarth  the 
centre  of  curvature. 

Let  EABF  be  a  line  of  component  fbree 
in  the  plane  of  the  diagrdm,  and  let  OCDH 
be  iLnother  near  it,  eaoh  and  all  between 
them  being  curved  in  the  safne  direction, 
the  arrow  head  on  eaeh  indieatmg  the  way  iL 
north  pole  would  be  itrged.  Let  AC,  B0 
be  lines  drawn  perpendictdartoall  the  lines 
of  eomponefit  force  between  these  two. 
Because  of  the  6nrvatute  of  these  lines,  the 
limes  AC  and  BD  (whether  straight  at 
enrred)  most  be  so  inclined  to  one  another 
that  the  portion  CD  cot  off  from  the  last 
shall  be  less  Uian  the  portion  AB  ent  off 
from  the  first  Let  d  ilorth  pote  Of  an  infi- 
nitely thin  nnifornerlV  itid  loA^ndinUll^ 
magnetized  baf,  of  which  the  sotith  pole  iS 
at  k  great  distafi6e  from  the  mugnets,  bo 
carried  from  D  to  C  along  the  line  of  com- 
ponent  ibrce  through  these  points,  from  0 
io  A  perpendicular  to  all  the  lines  of  fofeO 
traversed,  from  A  to  B  again  along  a  line  Of 
force,  and  lastly,  from  » to  D  perpencKOular 
to  the  lines  Of  fotce.  Wofk  must  bO  spent 
on  it  In  carrying  ft  from  C  to  D,  and  work 
is  yarned  in  passing  it  frorti  A  to  B^  Then, 
bedAose  no  work  is  eitbOf  gahted  of  s^ein  itit 
e^rffing  it  frond  Cto  Aoi^  frMi  B  to  B,  M 
iifOtk  gflfned  in  ittotk^  Aoag  AB  tannot 


exeeed  IhO  work  SfKnt  iti  th«  first  paft  of 
the  Motidh,  9t  else  w6  shotild  have  a  pera 
petual  development  of  energy  fronik  no 
soltroe^  by  ft}Mp)y  letting  Ihtf  Oyele  of  ftK>. 
tion  be  repeatod  ovfr  ttoA  oter  itgain  t  Ml 


the  work  spent  along  DC  cannot  exceed  that 
gained  from  A  to  B|  or  else  we  might  have 
A  perpetual  development  of  energy  from  no 
aeteroe,  merely  by  reversing  the  motion 
described^  and  so  reneating.  the  work 
^nt  and  gained  in  the  motions  along  DC 
and  AB  respectively  must  therefore  be  ex-; 
itotly  eqtoaL  Menee  the  mean  intensity  of 
the  ibroe  along  CD|  which  is  the  shorter  of 
the  two  paths,  must  exceed  the  mean  inten. 
aily  of  the  force  along  the  other ;  and  there- 
fore the  intensity  of  the  foree  iaeroases  from 
P  in  thO  pOrpendicnlar  direetion  towards 
whioh  the  eoitocvity  of  the  line  throngh  it 
is  ttiraedc 

*  rNole  added  March  26,  t855.1-It  mltfht  U 
dbfedted,  that  p^rtrSps  the  maenet,  1*  the  MOtlO* 
SBtrMil  M  i*  desMlMri/  wetUd  aOsetk  heat,  and 
eonvert  it  iirtQ  i^echanlotf  efE»et»  and  therefore 
that  there  woukl  be  no  absurdity  in  admitting  the 
hrpottieBl^  of  a  contttftxtid  developm^iit  of  ehet^y. 
This  (Alectien,  wMeh  hs*  eddan^d  tei^e  iltiee  tM 
present  paper  was  wrUt^n^  is  perfeoliy  valid 
against  the  reason  assigned  in  the  text  for  refect- 
ing thst  hypotheeit:  bui  the  second  laW  of  the 
d^arofcid  theoty  of  heat  (the  prloetifte  dlscoverett 
«y  Cafflot,  and  Intfodaced  by  Chmitne  and  myself 
tele  the  dynamiea)  theory #  ef  which,  alter  Joule's 
law,  it  eomplete*  the  foundation)  iiiows  the  true 
reason  for  rejecting  it,  and  eitaCtttltes  the  vallAty 
ot  the  remslnder  of  the  reaioni«R  In  the  text.  In 
fact,  the  only  absurdity  that  woald  be  iavoWed  In 
admitting  the  hypothesis  that  there  is  either  morcT 
qr  less  work  spent  in  one  part  of  the  n|otion  than 
lost  in  the  other,  would  be  the  supposition  ifiki  I 
Chehno-dyhaiAlc  engine  ooaM  absorb  heat  from 
matter  to  Its  netghboilrhMid,  and  eittaetr  oovrert  It 
wholly  into  mevbanfcat  effect,  or  convert  a  fart 
Into  mechanical  effect,  and  emit  the  remainder 
into  a  body  of  a  higher  temperature  thatf  that  flrom 
whkh  tlie  ttt^^  Is  drawn.  The  investigation  of 
a  new  branch  of  thermo^ynamicv  ^bich  I  intend 
•horfty  to  communicate  to  the  Royal  Society  df 
£dhibtirt;b,  shows  thai  Ihe  magnet  (if  of  ma^ 
netised  steel)  does  really  exparlence  a  eoolhig  eibel 
when  lis  pole  is  carried  from  A  to  B,  Mid  would 
experience  a  heating  effect  If  carried  in  (he  reverse 
direction,  lint  the  same  Ihvestigaticrn  alio  sho^S 
flMt  the  iiMgnst  nMst  Absorb  Jnst  aS  latieh  heat  to 
keep  vp  its  teiOperdtnre  dariatf  the  motion  qI  ita 

Klo  with  the  force  along  AB,  as  it  fnnst  emit  to 
epfrolti  rising  in  temperature  wheft  its  (ole  U 
earrWu  ^aM#i  me  ToreOi  along  BV* 
t2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


388  DEHONSTBATZOHS  07  PROPOBITIOKS  Sf  THB  THBOBT  07  UASfKBRO  70BCB. 


Frop.  IL  The  augmenbUioii  of  tlie  oom. 
pooent  force  in  any  plane  at  an  infinitely 
small  diaUnce  from  any  point,  towards  the 
centre  of  curvature  of  the  line  of  the  com- 
ponent force  through  it,  bears  to  the  whole 
intensity  At  this  point  the  ratio  of  the  infi. 
nitely  small  distance  considered,  to  the  radius 
of  curvature. 

If,  in  the  diagram  for  the  preceding  pro. 
position,  we  suppose  AB  and  CD  to  be 
infinitely  near  one  another,  and  each  infi-' 
nitaly  short,  they  will  be  infinitely  nearly 
ares  of  cireles  with  infinitely  nearly  equd 
nuHu  Hence  the  difference  of  their  lengths 
must  bear  to  either  of  them  the  ratio  of  the 
distance  between  them  to  the  radius  of  cur- 
vature. But  the  mean  intensities  along 
these  lines  must,  according  to  the  preceding 
demonstration,  be  inversely  as  their  lengths, 
and  hence  the  excess  of  the  mean  intensity 
in  CD  above  the  mean  intensity  in  AB  must 
bear  to  the  latter  the  ratio  of  the  excess  of 
the  length  of  AB  above  that  of  CD  to  the 
latter  length ;  that  is,  as  has  been  shown, 
the  ratio  of  the  distance  between  AB  and 
CD  to  the  radius  of  curvature. 

iVop.  IIL  The  total  intensity  does  not 
vary  from  any  point  in  a  magnetic  field  to 
a  point  infinitely  near  it  in  a  direction 
perpendicnlar  to  the  plane  of  curvature  of 
the  line  offeree  through  it. 

Prop,  IV,  The  totid  intensity  increases 
from  any  point  to  a  point  infinitely  near  it 
in  a  direction  towards  the  centre  of  curva- 
ture of  the  line  of  force  through  it,  by  an 
amount  which  hears  to  the  total  intensity 
itself,  the  ratio  of  the  distance  between  these 
twopoints  to  the  radius  of  curvature. 

These  two  propositions  follow  from  the 
two  that  precede  them  by  obvious  geome- 
trical considerations. 

[They  are  equivalent  to  asserting,  that  if 
X,  Y,  Z  denote  the  components,  parallel  to 
fixed  rectangular  axes,  of  the  force  at  any 
point  whose  co-ordinates  are  («,y,s)  the 
expression  Xdz-^-Ydy^Zdz  must  be  the 
dimrential  of  a  function  of  three  inde- 
pendent variables.] 

JSsamimaiioH  rf  ihe  Action  experienced  hy  an 
i^/initely  thin  untformUf  and  lougiindinaUy 
magneiized  bar,  placed  in  a  non^uniform 
Field  <if  Force,  with  it*  length  direct  along 
a  line  qf  force. 

Let  SN  be  the  magnetised  bar,  and  ST, 
NT' straight  lines  touching  the  line  offeree 
in  which,  by  hypothesis,  its  extremities  lie, 
and  P  a  point  on  it,  midway  between  them. 
The  resultant  force  on  the  bar  will  be  the 
resultant  of  two  forces  pulling  its  ends  in 
the  lines  ST,  NT".  If  these  two  forces 
were  equal  (as  they  would  be  if  the  intensity 
of  the  field  did  not  vary  at  all  along  a  line 
of  force ;  ai^  for  instance,  when  the  lines  of 


ibroe  are  eonoentrio  oirclet,  as  they  are  when 
simply  due  to  a  current  of  electricity  pass- 
ing along  a  straight  conductor ;  or  if  P  were 
in  a  situation  between  two  dissimilar  poles 
symmetrically  placed  on  each  side  of  it),  the 
resultant  force  would  clearly  bisect  the  angle 
between  the  lines  TS,  T'N,  and  would  there- 
fore be  perpendicular  to  the  bar  and  to  the 
lines  of  foroe  in  the  direction  towards  which 
they  are  curved ;  that  is  (Prop.  IV.),  would 
be  from  places  of  weaker  to  places  of  stronger 
force,  perpendicularly  across  the  lines  of 
force.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  line  of 
force  through  P  has  no  curvature  at  this 
point,  or  no  sensible  curvature  as  iar  fit>m 
It  as  N  and  S,  the  lines  NT  and  ST'wiU  be 
in  the  same  straight  line,  and  the  resultant 
force  on  the  bar  will  be  simply  the  excess 
of  the  force  on  one  end  above  that  on  the 
other  acting  in  the  direction  of  the  greater; 
and  since  in  this  case  (Prop.  IV.)  there  ia 
no  variation  of  the  intensity  of  the  force  in 


^ 


X 


the  field  in  a  direction  perpendicular  to  the 
lines  of  force,  the  resultant  force  experienced 
by  the  bar  is  still  simply  in  the  direction  in 
which  the  intensity  of  the  field  increases, 
although  this  is  now  a  direction  coincident 
with  a  line  of  force.  Lastly,  if  the  intensity 
increases  most  rapidly  in  an  oblique  direc- 
tion in  the  field,  ttom  P  in  some  direction 
between  PS  and  PP*,  there  must  clearly  be 
an  augmentation  (a  ''oomponent"  aug- 
mentation) from  P  towards  P' ;  and  there- 
fore (Prop.  rV.)  the  line  through  P  must 
be  curved,  with  its  concaviQr  towards  P', 
and  also  a  **  component "  augmentation 
from  N  towards  S,  and  therefore  the  end  8 
must  experience  a  greater  force  than  the 
end  N.  It  follows  that  the  magnet  will 
experience  a  resultant  force  along  some  line 
in  the  angle  SNP',  that  is,  on  the  whole 
from  places  of  weaker  towards  places  of 
stronger  force,  obliquely  across  the  lines  of 
force. 

Prop,  v.  (Mechanical  Lemma,)  Two  forces 
infinitely  nearly  equal  to  one  another,  act- 
ing tangentially  in  opposed  directions  on 
the  extremities  of  an  mfiiiitely  small  chord 
of  a  circle,  are  equivalent  to  two  forces 
respectivelT  along  the  chord  and  perpen- 
dicular to  it  through  ita  point  of  bisection^ 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BSK OHSTBAnONS  OV  nUKMSmOXS  IN  TRB  THKOBT  OV  MAGNXTIO  VOBOE.  889 


of  wlikh  the  ISmner  is  equal  to  the  diflte- 
enee  between  the  two  given  forces  and  acts    : 
on  the  side  of  the  greater ;  and  the  latter,    j 
acthig  towards  the  centre  of  the  circle,  bears 
to  either  of  the  given  forces  the  ratio  of  the 
length  of  the  are  to  the  radius. 

^le  troth  of  this  proposition  is  so  obvi. 
ons  a  eonsequenee  of  *.'  ue  parallelogram  of 
foroea,*'  that  it  is  not  necessary  to  give  a 
formal  demonstration  of  it  here. 

JPrep.  YI.  A  very  short,  infinitely  thin, 
onifonnly  and  longitudinally  magnetised 
needle,  placed  with  its  two  ends  in  one  line 
of  force  in  any  part  of  a  magnetie  field,  ex- 
periences a  force  which  is  Sie  resultant  of 
a  longitudinal  force  equal  to  the  difference 
of  the  forces  experienced  by  the  ends,  and 
another  force  perpendicular  to  it  through 
its  middle  point  equal  to  the  diflerenee  be- 
tween the  force  actually  experienced  by 
either  end,  and  that  which  it  would  expe- 
rience if  remored,  in  the  plane  of  curra- 
ture  of  the  line  of  force,  to  a  distance  equal 
to  the  length  of  the  needle,  on  one  side  or 
the  other  of  its  given  position. 

NS  being  the  bar  as  before,  let  I  denote 
the  intensity  of  the  force  in  the  field  at  the 
point  occupied  by  N,  I'  the  intensity  at  S, 
J  the  intensity  at  P  on  the  line  of  force 


midway  between  S  and  N,  and  J'  the  inten- 
sity at  a  point  P',  at  a  distanee  PP'  equal  to 
the  length  of  the  bar,  in  a  direction  perpen- 
dicular to  the  line  of  force.  Then  if  m  de- 
note the  strength  of  magnetism  of  the  bar, 
«I  and  mV  will  be  the  forces  on  ite  two  ex- 
tremities respectively.  Hence  by  the  me- 
chanical lemma,  the  resultant  of  these  forces 
will  be  the  same  as  the  resultant  of  a  force 
si(I— r)  acting  along  the  bar  in  the  direc- 
tion SN,  and  a  force  perpendicular  to  it 
towards  the  centre  of  curvature,  bearing 
the  same  ratio  to  either  ml  or  mV,  or  to  mJ 
(which  is  their  mean,  and  is  infinitely 
nearly  equal  to  each  of  them),  as  NS  to  the 
radius  of  curvature,  or  (by  Prop.  II.)  the 
ratio  of  the  excess  of  the  intensity  at  P' 
above  that  at  P  to  the  intensity  at  either, 
that  is  the  ratio  of  J'~  J  to  J,  and  therefore 
itself  equal  to  ai(J'- J).  The  bar  therefore 
experiences  a  force  the  same  as  the  resul- 
tant of  ai(I-IO  acting  along  it  from  S 
towmds  N,  nd  m  (J' --J)  perpendicularly 


across  it  towards  P',  through  ite  middle 
point 

Cor.  The  direction  of  the  resulUnt  force 
on  the  bar  is  that  in  which  the  toUl  inten- 
sity of  the  field  increases  most  rapidly  j  or, 
which  is  the  same,  it  is  perpendicular  to  the 
surface  of  no  variation  of  the  totel  inten- 
sity. 

JPrep.  VII.  The  resultant  force  on  an  in- 
finitely small  magnet  of  any  kind  placed  in 
a  magnetic  field,  with  ite  magnetic  axis 
along  the  lines  of  force,  is  in  the  line  of 
most  rapid  variation  of  the  toUl  intensity 
of  the  field,  and  is  equal  to  the  magnetic 
moment  of  the  magnet  multiplied  by  the 
rate  of  variation  of  the  total  intensity  per 
unit  of  distance  ;  being  in  the  direction  in 
which  the  force  inereat§t  when  the  magnetic 
axis  is  **  direct,'*  (that  is,  in  the  position  it 
would  rest  in  if  the  magnet  were  free  to 
tarn  about  ite  centre  of  gravity). 

Cor,  1.  The  resultent  force  experienced 
by  the  magnet  will  be  in  the  contr«i7  direc- 
tion, that  is,  the  direction  in  which  the 
totel  intensiQr  of  the  field  diminishes  most 
rapidly,  when  it  is  held  with  ite  magnetic 
axis  reverse  along  the  lines  of  force  of  the 
field. 

Cor,  2.  A  ball  of  soft  iron,  or  of  any 
non  -  crystalline  pazamagpetic  substance, 
held  anyhow  in  a  non-uniform  magnetic 
field,  or  a  ball  or  small  firagrment  of  any 
shape,  of  any  kind  of  paramagnetic  sub> 
stence,  whether  crystalline  or  not,  left  free 
to  turn  about  ite  centre  of  gravity,  will  ex- 
perience a  resultant  force  in  the  direction 
in  which  the  total  intensity  of  the  field  in- 
creases most  rapidly,  and  in  magnitude 
equal  to  the  magnetic  moment  of  the  mag- 
netization induced  in  the  mass  multiplied 
by  the  rate  of  variation  of  the  total  inten- 
sity per  unit  distance  in  the  line  of  greatest 
variation  in  the  field.  For  such  a  body  in 
such  a  position  is  known  to  be  a  magnet  by 
induction,  with  its  magnetic  axis  direct 
along  the  lines  of  force. 

Car*  3.  A  ball  of  non-crystelline  diamag- 
netic  substsnce  held  anyhow  in  a  magnetic 
field,  or  a  small  bar  or  fragment  of  any 
shape  of  any  kind  of  diamagnetic  sub- 
stance, crystelline  or  non-crystalline,  held 
by  ite  centre  of  gravity,  but  left  ft-ee  to 
torn  about  this  point,  experiences  the  same 
resultent  force  as  a  small  steel  or  other  per. 
manent  magnet  substituted  for  it,  and  held 
with  ite  magnetic  axis  reverse  along  the 
lines  of  force.  For  Faraday  has  discovered 
that  a  large  class  of  natural  substances  in 
the  steted  conditions  experience  no  other 
action  than  a  tendency /romplaeetqf  stronger 
towards  plaeee  rf  weaker  force,  qmiie  irre- 
epecHoe  if  the  directione  the  Umte  of  force 
weay  kaoe,  and  he  has  called  such  substances 
diunagnetiea. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


990 


BMLWAT  8WXT«aiefl  AMP  99QB9mQBi 


Cor*  4.  A  dianMfftetk,  hftld  by  iti  omtre 
of  gravity  but  free  to  turn  about  this  poiikt, 
mml  react  upon  other  magaeta  with  the 
same  foteea  as  a  iteel  or  other  magnet  iub^ 
stitnted  in  ite  plaee*  and  held  with  ks  mag- 
netic axis  reterae  along  the  linee  of  force 
due  to  all  the  magnets  in  its  ne^hbour- 
hood. 

Cot,  6j  Any  one  of  a  rtfir  of  balls  or 
oiibes  of  diamagnetio  subsfcanctf  h^d  in  a 
magnetic  field  with  the  Hde  joifttDg  their 
dentres  along  t  line  of  fofee,  is  i*  a  locality 
of  less  iBtense  foree  than  it  would  be  if  the 
others  were  removed  f  but  any  one  ball  or 
cube  of  ike  row,  if  held  with  the  line  joia'* 
ittg  thmr  centres  perpendieularly  aerdss  the 
line  of  fereet  is  in  a  locality  of  more  in- 
tense force  than  it  would  be  if  the  others 
were  removed. 

Cor.  6.  When  a  row  of  balls  or  eub^i  or 
a  bar,  of  perfectly  non>  crystalline  diamag- 
netio substance,  is  held  obliquely  across  the 
lines  of  force  in  a  magnetic  fieldf  the  mag- 
netic axis  of  each  ball  or  ctibe^  or  of  every 
small  part  of  the  substasee,  is  nearly  in  tlie 
directien  of  the  lines  of  ibreei  but  slightly 
inclined  from  this  direction  towards  the 
direction  perpendicular  to  the  length  of  the 
row  or  bar.  MenceV  since  the  magnetie  axis 
of  every  part  differs  only  a  littlef  from  being 
eitaotly  reverse  €tiong  the  Hms  rf  foree^  thtf 
direction  of  tihe  restutant  of  the  couples  With 
which  the  magnets,  to  which  th«  field  is 
due,  set  on  the  parts  of  the  row  or  bar  must 
be  such  as  to  turn  its  length  alongf  the  lines 
•f  force. 

Cbr,  7.  The  positions  of  equilibrium  of  a 
row  of  balls  or  cubes  I'igidly  eonnected,  or 
of  a  bar  of  perfectly  non-crystalline  dia- 
magnetio snbstanee,  free  to  move  about  its 
centre  of  gravity  in  a  perfectly  unrform  field 
of  forcej  are  either  with  the  Idngth  along  or 
with  the  length  perpendicularly  across  the 
lines  of  force:  positions  with  the  length 
along  the  lines  of  force  are  stable ;  positioni 
with  the  length  perpendicularly  across  the 
lines  of  force  are  unstable* 

Gar,  8;  The  mutual  influence  and  its 
efibcts,  referred  to  in  Cors.  &,  St  7,  is  so  eji^ 
cessively  minute^  that  it  cannot  possibly 
hive  been  sensibly  concerned  in  any  phe- 
nomena that  haVe  yet  been  observed ;  and  it 
is  probable  that  it  may  always  remain  in<> 
sensible,  even  to  experiments  especially 
directed  to  test  it.  For  the  infiuence  of  the 
most  powerful  eleetro^magnets  induces  the 
peculiar  magnetic  condition  of  which  dia- 
magnetics  are  capable,  to  so  slight  a  degree 
as  to  give  rise  to  only  very  feeble,  scarcely 
sensible,  mutual  force  between  the  diamag<> 
netic  and  the  magfiet )  and  therefore  the 
BMffnetizing  infiucBoa  af  a  aeighbolfriiM 
diaaMgiitiio^  whieh  could  seareely,  if  it  aU) 
be  observed  on  a  piece  of  soft  kratey  bmsI  H 


inappreaiably  ssaall   ob  aaotbar   diamag* 
netic. 

Cor,  9t  All  phenomena  of  motion  tiiat 
have  been  observed  as  produced  in  a  dia- 
magnetie  body  of  any  form  or  substance  by 
the  action  of  fixad  magnets  ar  elaclro-mag« 
ndte^  aro  due  to  (^e  resultant  of  foTeea  Uf|^ng 
aiU  parte  of  it^-  and  daujAes  tending  to  tmn 
them  i  the  force  aad  couple  acting  on  —ok 
small  part  being  thtf  aana  as  it  would  be  If 
all  the  dther  parts  were  removed. 

Cor,  10.  Thef  deSeetiiig  power  (obsaited 
and  measured  by  Weber)  With  which  a  bar 
of  noh-efystaiUne  bismuthi  placed  vertieallj 
As  core  in  a  eylindef  electro-magBat  (a 
helix  conveying  an  electric  current)!  urgea 
a  maglketized  neadle  on  a  level  wi^  either 
of  its  CndA,  is  the  reaetion  of  a  tendency  af 
all  parts  of  the  bar  itself  firanf  all  pldees  of 
sti^nger  towards  plases  of  weaker  ibreo  in 
its  actual  field. 

l*he  preecdhig  inveatigation,  leading  to 
Props.  YL  awd  vll.,  ia  the  aame  (only  en^ 
presied  in  non-analytieal  language)  ai  ona 
which  was  first  j»ublished  in  the  Caethid^ 
mtd  DiiblM  Mdikematheai  Jownud,  May, 
1846L-  The  Chief  codcluMons  now  drawn 
from  it,  with  partlcalartf  not  repeated,  wera 
stated  in  a  paper  entitled  '<  Hemarka  on  ib^ 
Forces  experienced  by  inductively  magnet- 
ized Ferromagnetic  tfr  Diamagnetio  Sub- 
stances," in  &€  Philosophical  Magaxine  for 
October,  1850; 

Glasgow  College,  Marci  15,  1855. 

Philosophical  Magaxme, 


RAILWAY  SWITCHES  AND 
CROSSINGS. 

A  paper  on  "  The  Construction  of  Rail- 
way Switches  and  Crossings*'  was  read  at 
the  InatitutioH  of  Civil  Engineers,  on  the 
evening  of  Tuesday^  April  17^  by  Mr.  B. 
Burleigh,  Attoc  Ins^  C.E. 

This  portion  of  the  permanent  way  of 
railways  was  shown  to  require  gfeat  atten- 
lion,  not  only  on  account  of  the  oostf  but 
for  the  more  important  reason,  the  safety  af 
the  travelling  public,-  which  waa  serlottBly 
jeopardized  by  any  want  df  care  in  tho  mgin* 
tenanoe;  it  was^  therefore«  most  desirable 
to  insure,  in  the  construction  of  all  parte  of 
the  permMent  way,  the  greatest  amount  af 
effidefioy,  combined  with  the  largest  oltiA 
mate  eeonomy. 

Thii  remark  was  more  peculiarly  appli* 
oable  to  ihe  construction  of  switches  aad 
crossings,  as  ti^y  not  only  ftmned  important 
features  in  the  system,  but  they  were  6rigi» 
nally  expensive,  and  were  liable  to  rapid 
destruction  under  heavy  traffic,  wbilal  eor* 
fesponding  injury  waa  dona  ta  the  rolling 
slaakr  by  thaiv  bakig  to  a  baA  atait  of  tapaiR 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


B1ILW1.Y  SVaGEEEa  MOk  GBOWmBB. 


BH 


WiA  tlMM  vi0Wf ,  muirj  altcmpto  hai  Wmi 
pudle  to  introiUioe  improweinenU,  whieii  had 
^n  mMe  or  lets  MUMeufiil.  Among  tboae 
•iuefly  deterving  attention  were,  Wild's  eye- 
tsm  of  heueing  dio  tongiw-rail  of  the 
fwitch  beneath  the  top  taage  of  the  fixed 
rail ;  Farsons'  loUd  point  rafl  awitehee  and 
orossiiiga;  Bi^oes^  twitoh,  with  ita  deep 
tongue-rail,  intended  to  clear  tiie  eliding 
«faair«  of  any  dirt  lodging  upon  them ;  and 
Oarr's  crosiing,  in  whi^  pieees  of  metal 
vere  welded  under  thoie  portions  of  the 
upper  tahle  of  the  wing  and  paint  rails,  moot 
exposed  to  abrasion  and  oompression.  These^ 
nlthmigfa  adfantageoos  modifioatiooB,  wejre 
still  suaeeptihie  of  improvement)  partion- 
Isjrly  ia  the  weakest  parts,  which  were  the 
nuter  rails  of  the  switehes,  and  the  wing 
nils  of  the  erossings,  in  the  line  where  the 
Alitor  edge  of  the  wheels  crossed  them  in  a 
diagonal  direction.  The  severe  bUva  to 
which  these  parts  were  exposed,  were  caused, 
in  a  great  measure,  by  the  undulation  of  the 
rails,  49U^9  ^^  P^saage  of  the  weight, 
vhich  was  alteenatsiy  sustained  by  the  point 
X%H  and  die  outer  r^iL  The  movement,  or 
ahifting  of  the  relative  positions  of  the  va- 
rioaa  parts  of  a  switch,  or  orossmg,  result- 
ing from  these  causes,  was  most  injurious, 
as  the  least  subsidenee  of  the  rail,  on  which 
the  wheel  rested,  caused  a  severe  concussion, 
when  die  Quter  edge  of  die  tyre  first  struck, 
or  mounted  the  adjoining  rail,  whilst  cross- 
log  it  diagonally.  This  concussion  waa 
simnltaneonsiy  both  lateral  and  vertical,  and 
being  given  at  a  high  velocity,  and  the  springs 
not  being  able  to  relieve  the  axles,  wheals, 
and  other  parte  of  the  engines  and  oarriages, 
general  injury  was  oecasioned ;  and  to  this 
cause  might  be  attributed  the  greatest  num. 
ber  of  aceidonte  arising  from  fractures  of  the 
rolling  stock. 

A  great  defect  in  ordinary  switehes,  was 
the  lateral  weakness  of  the  tongue-rail, 
which  was  sometimes  sprung  to  such  an  ex- 
tent by  the  leading  wheel,  aa  to  open  the 
point  suffieiendy  for  the  next  wheel  to  run 
on  to  die  wrong  lane,  and  cause  serious  ae^ 
oidente. 

The  importance  of  attention  to  these  por- 
dous  of  the  permanent  way,  would  bis  hotter 
apprsoiatod  by  alluding  to  the  quanti^  in 
use  throughout  the  kihgdom.  Thismiglit 
be  inferred,  from  the  fact  of  there  being  in 
the  London  Station  of  the  Great  Northern 
Railway,  upwards  of  five  hundred  sete  of 
points  hnd  crossings.  In  certain  stedons. 
under  very  heavy  and  constant  traffic,  and 
with  oertain  qualities  of  ballast,  the  outer 
rails  9f  some  ef  the  switehes  and  crossings 
were  frequendy  worn  o«t  in  six  weeks,  by 
the  cuttinff  action  of  ihe  outer  edge  of  the 
wheels,  ft  was,  however,  generally  found 
that  a  good,  eoand,  and  well^drained  loun* 


dation  tended  naterta|iy  to  seduae  this  do. 
structive  acdon. 

In  the  case  of  a  tyre,  worn  h^iow,  pass- 
ing  over  a  switch,  or  crossing,  the  wheel 
was  actually  lifted  off  the  inner  rail,  and 
carried  on  tbe  adjoining  rail,  resUng  only 
upon  die  outer  edge  of  the  tyre,  at  which 
moment  the  conoiission  occurred,  which  pro- 
duced the  lateral  strain  upon  the  wheel,  and 
the  crushing  action  which  channelled  out  the 
rail  in  the  nath  of  the  o^uter  edge  of  the  tyre. 
A  want  of  rigidity  was  severely  felt  in 
awitehes  and  crossings,  as  in  the  main  por- 
tion of  the  permanent  way  {  and  hence  the 
advantages  of  "fishing"  the  ends  of  the 
rails,  SQ  as  to  secure  oontiauous  resistance 
te  the  impact  of  the  wheels,  and  to  the  in- 
si  stent  weight  of  passing  loads. 

Considerable  experience  and  careful  ob- 
servadons  of  these,  and  other  minor  defeote, 
induced  the  introduction,  by  th#  author,  of  a 
ewitoh  with  a  projecdng  piece,  rolled  upon 
the  tongue-rail,  for  supporting  the  flange  of 
the  wheel,  during  ite  transit  over  the  spot ; 
the  surfi^9  ^t  ^  Prpj^ctjpg  piefie  )^piqg 
filing  tp  s^ch  a  4epta  peh^w  uip  top  of  the 
rail,  as  to  correspond  with  tiyi  jtoth  .of  the 
flange  of  a  new  wheel,  which  would  therefore 
take  a  bearing  on  both  the  rail  and  the  prp- 
Jecting  piece'  simultaneously.  When  a  tyre 
>ras  worn  hollow^  the  outer,  or  cutting  edge 
was  thus  borne  up  nearly  in  its  oHginal 
position,  and  was' prevented  from  cutting 
mto  the  outer,  or  adjoining  rail,  which  it 
crossed  in  a  diagonal  direction.  The  surface 
of  the  projecting  piece  was  so  depressed  at 
its  extremity,  as  to  receive  the  flsnge  of  the 
tjrre  very  gradually^  and  thus  to  avoid  any 
concussion ;  whilst  the  outer  rail  was  pro- 
tected from  iniu^y,  and  considerable  lateral 
stiflhess  was  imparted  to  die  tongue-rail. 
This  system  had  been  proved  to  be  very  suc- 
cessful practically,  and  appeared  to  obviatjs 
most  Of  tbe  defeote  of  previous  svriuhes 
and  crossings. 

The  advantages  of  having  extra  connect- 
ing rods  at  all  naeeting  points,  at  junctions, 
or  stetions  on  the  main  line,  were  insisted 
on ;  and  it  was  recommended,  that  they 
should  be  fastened  by  a  split-key,  rather 
than  by  a  screw  and  nut 

l*he  fl^equent  JFractures  of  the  oast-iron 
hinge  chairs  of  switches  had  induced  the 
suceessftil  introduction  of  wrought  iron  for 
the  purpose ;  tbe  hinge  being  so  constructed 
as  to  tender  it  almost  as  perfect  as  a 
f*  fished  "  joint,  and  all  risk  of  breakage  was 
obviated. 

The  introducdoB  of  a  fllllng .  piece,  or 
flange  bearer,  between  the  Wing  and  point 
irails  of  a  crossing,  was  also  shown  to  be  an 
improvement,  tending  to  prevent  concussion, 
whilst  it  acted  as  a  'f  fishing"  plate,  for  the 
andre  croaaing,  which  was  fendered  as  rigid 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


302  PBOTEGTION  OF  THE  HBW  P1.LA0B  AT  WESTMmSTEB  FROM  LLiXBXKaa. 


as  a  beam.  The  importance  of  Uus  oontu 
DUous  rigidity  was  eyident,  from  the  cessa- 
tion of  the  alternate  moTements  between  the 
wing  and  point  rails,  which  were  usual  on 
the  passage  of  trains,  and  which  caused  so 
much  mischief 

The  "  fishing  "  plates  were  rolled  alike  on 
both  surfaces,  for  the  purpose  of  being  re- 
versed; the  substitution  of  wrougfati  for 
cast-iron  chairs,  insured  immumty  from 
fracture. and  ultimate  economy;  wooden 
keys  were  entirely  dispensed  with ;  and  after 
severe  trial  under  very  heavy  traffic  on  the 
Great  Northern  Railway,  particularly  in 
positions  where  the  outer  rails  had  been 
previously  destroyed,  in  six  weeks,  or  two 
mouths,  the  switches  and  crossings,  intro- 
duced by  the  author,  had  stood  the  test  of 
long  and  heavy  wear,  without  exhibiting 
any  symptoms  of  failure,  and  the  ex|>erienoe 
already  acquired  of  their  properties  in- 
duced complete  confidence  in  the  advan- 
tages they  presented. 


PROTECTION  OF  THE  NEW  PA- 
LACE AT  WESTMINSTER  FROM 
LIGHTNING. 

In  the  published  Estimates  of  Civil 
Services  (chap.  1)  for  the  year  1855-6  there 
is  a  charge  of  £2,314,  for  works  necessary 
for  protecting  the  New  Houses  of  Parlia- 
ment from  injury  by  lightning,  to  which  an 
explanatory  report  is  appended  by  Sir  W. 
Snow  Harris.  In  a  notice  of  this  subject 
the  Times,  of  Monday  last,  has  the  follow, 
ing  remarks : 

Sir  Snow  Harris,  in  his  present  report, 
onee  more  reftites  the  fallacy  of  the  vulgar 
and  unphilosophieal  assumption  that  light- 
ning rods  *<  attract"  the  lightning,  and  so 
act  as  efficient  safeguards.  It  is  proved  by 
a  most  extensive  induction  of  facts,  and  a 
large  generalization  in  the  application  of 
metallic  conductors,  that  metallic  sub- 
stances have  not  exclusively  in  themselves 
anymore  attractive  infiuenee  for  the  agency 
of  lightning  than  other  kinds  of  common 
matter,  but  that,  on  the  contrary,  by  con- 
fining and  restraining  the  electrical  disohaige 
within  a  very  narrow  limit,  the  application 
of  a  small  rod  or  wire  of  metal  to  a  ^ven 
portion  of  a  building  is,  in  reali^,  highly 
objectionable.  Besides,  the  i^plieation  of 
an  ordinaiy  lightning  rod  is  of  a  very  par- 
tial character ;  it  has  small  electrical  capa- 
city, and  is  very  often  knocked  to  pieces  by 
heavy  discharges  of  lightning.  To  mention 
only  a  few  recent  instances  out  of  several 
adduced  by  Sir  Snow, — last  June,  Ealing 
church  was  struck  by  lightning,  the  sroaU 
conductor  atUched  to  the  tower  was  par- 
tially fused,  and  damage  ensued.  So  again, 
in  July,  a  church  at  Astbury  was  struck, 


and  the  small  conductor  fused  in  sereml 
places,  the  discharge  dividing  on  the  body 
of  the  church,  and  displacing  and  shivering 
several  stones.  In  Her  Migesty's  navy  oon- 
ductors  of  this  description  have  been  re- 
peatedly knocked  in  pieces  by  lightning. 
To  secure  such  a  building  as  the  New  P». 
lace  at  Westminster  against  lightning.  Sir 
Snow  considers  it  requisite  to  complete  thm 
general  conductibility  of  the  whole  masa, 
and  so  bring  it  into  that  passive  or  non -re- 
sisting state  whioh  it  would  assume  in  re- 
spect  of  the  electrical  dischaige,  supppoeing 
the  whole  were  a  complete  mass  of  metal ; 
by  which  means  a  discharge  of  lightning  in 
striking  upon  any  given  point  of  the  build- 
ing would  have,  dirough  the  instrumentality 
of  capacious  electrical  conductors,  unlimited 
room  for  expansion,  upon  the  surfiiee  of  the 
earth,  in  all  directions  to  which,  by  a  law  of 
nature,  the  discharge  is  determined.  '*  In 
fact,"  to  quote  from  the  text  of  the  report, 
"what  is  called  lightning  is  the  evidence  of 
some  occult  power  of  nature,  forcing  a  path 
through  substances  which  ofi^er  greater  or 
less  resistanoe  to  its  progress;  such,  e.^., 
among  the  former,  as  atmospheric  air,  vi- 
treous  and  resinous  bodies,  dry  vegetable 
substances,  and  such  like.  In  the  case  of 
such  bodies  a  powerful  evolution  of  light 
and  heat  attends  iu  course,  toge&erwith 
irresistible  expansive  and  disruptive  foree, 
by  which  the  most  solid  and  compact  stnie* 
tures  are  rent  asunder ;  whereas,  in  finding 
a  path  through  substances  which  offer  com- 
paratively little  resistance  to  iU  course,  this 
explosive  form  of  action,  which  we  call 
ligntning,  becomes  transformed  into  a  harm- 
less and  unseen  current;  hence,  the  great 
protective  influence  of  a  capacious  and  ge- 
neral system  of  conduction,  snob  as  ^at 
just  adverted  to,  which  does  not  restrict  the 
discharge  to  a  given  partial  and  narrow 
path,  but  is  so  circumstanced  that  lightning 
atriking  anywhere  upon  buildings  cannot 
enter  upon  any  circuit  of  which  the  large 
capacious  lines  of  conduction  do  not  form  a 
part"  Such  are  the  views  and  principles 
on  which  Sir  Snow  Harris  ventures  to  re- 
oommend  his  system  of  metallic  oonductors 
to  be  applied  and  carried  out  in  the  great 
mass  of  the  buildingt  constituting  the  new 
Palace  at  Westminster,  and  which,  he  feels 
assured,  will  efiectnally  secure  those  build, 
ings  from  the  efibcts  of  lightning  both  for 
the  present  and  for  all  foture  time.  Now, 
the  general  surface  of  the  roofs  of  the  pa- 
lace  being  iron  coated  with  sine,  and  con- 
nected with  the  earth  by  iron  waterpipes  in 
very  many  places,  fulfils,  to  a  great  extent, 
one  of  the  important  conditions  of  the  ge. 
neral  conduction  required,  and  thus  the 
large  mass  of  the  roofing  may  be  deemed 
aa  virtoally  a  portion  of  the  earth's  sur&ee 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


u*QArnfn  patsmt  masts  and  spa&s. 


898 


eleetrically  eonndered.  It  is  only  neoes- 
■avy,  therefore,  to  provide  for  the  sevenl 
portions  of  the  building  aboTe  the  general 
level  of  the  rooft,  and  to  make  up,  by  capa- 
cious conductors  of  copper,  for  the  compa- 
ratiTcly  lovr-condueting  power  of  the  roo£i 
and  the  cast-iron  pipes  vrhioh  connect  them 
with  the  earth.  Tne  elegant  central  tower, 
for  instance,  is  150  feet  above  the  general 
level  of  the  roofs  of  the  palace ;  and  Sir 
'Snow  recommends  that  a  capacious  con. 
ductor  of  copper  tube  of  two  inches  dia- 
meter, and  at  least  one-eighth  of  an  inch 
thick,  be  fixed  within  the  upper  part  of  the 
tower,  in  its  south-west  angle,  from  the 
large  copper  terminal  which  surmounts  it 
to  the  level  of  the  roofs  of  the  buildings 
generally  ;  that  this  tubing  should  be  effec 
tually  secured  at  the  joints  oyer  solid  screw 
plugs  and  coupling-pieces,  and  secured  to 
the  masonry  by  metallic  staples.  At  the 
junction  of  the  tower  with  the  roofs  Sir 
Snow  would  recommend  this  copper  tubine, 
after  being  well  connected  with  the  metals 
of  the  rooi|  to  be  continued  externally  to 
the  earth  in  as  straight  a  course  as  possible, 
and  there  terminated  by  one  or  two  project- 
ing branches  of  solid  copper  rod.  The  rea- 
son assigned  for  continuing  the  copper  con- 
ductor as  a  whole  into  the  earth  ^the  soil  of 
which  should  consist  of  carbonized  matter 
aa  far  as  possible),  instead  of  terminating  it 
in  the  metals  of  the  rooi^  is  this — viz.,  that 
the  electrical  discharge  would  have  a  line  of 
the  same  conducting  material  throughout, 
and  not  have  to  leave  a  high  for  a  lower 
conducting  power.  Throughout  the  entire 
height  of  the  Victoria  and  Clock  Towers 
(800  feet  from  the  ground)  Sir  Snow  recom- 
mends that  a  copper  band  of  conduction, 
similar  to  the  conductors  applied  in  Her 


Majesty's  nayy,  five  inches  wide  and  S-lSdis 
of  an  inch  thick,  be  fixed  and  secured  to  tha 
walls ;  the  band  to  be  properly  connected 
with  the  metal  bodies  of  the  roofs  generally, 
and  also  with  the  metal  rail  of  the  staircase 
within  each  tower.  The  north  and  south  towers 
in  the  centre  of  the  portion  of  the  river  front 
will  also  require  special  protection,  by  attach, 
ing  bands  of  sheet  copper  from  the  Tanes  to 
the  roofing  beneath,  and  from  these  conduc- 
tors constructing  an  independent  line  of  the 
same  metal,  U^  be  continued  to  the  earth. 
The  north  and  south  wing  towers  of  the  river 
front  should  be  treated  similarly.  In  the 
ventilating  shaft  of  the  House  of  Commons, 
where  a  coke  fire  is  generally  in  operatioo, 
it  is  recommended  that  a  tubular  conductor 
should  be  fixed  on  the  east  side  of  Uie  shaft, 
and  connected  with  the  metals  of  the  roof, 
as,  otherwise,  the  ascending  rarefied  column 
of  warm  air  might  determine  the  course  of 
a  stroke  of  lightning  in  the  direction  of  the 
shaft.  Lastly,  the  ornamental  turrets  and 
pinnacles  of  St.  Stephen's  Porch  should  be 
protected  by  small  bands  of  sheet  copper, 
two  inches  wide,  and  one-eighth  of  an  inch 
thick,  neatly  attached  to  them,  and  placed 
in  connection  with  the  metals  of  the  roof  be- 
low. These  recommendations  are  the  result 
of  very  serious  and  attentive  deliberation, 
and  Sir  Snow  conscientiously  believes  that 
they  are  absolutely  requisite.  The  instances 
of  various  church  spires  struck  by  lightning 
and  ruined  are  adduced  in  support  of  bis 
views.  It  is  worthy  of  remark,  as  illustra- 
tive  of  the  deplorable  ignoranoe  which  ex- 
ists, that  on  the  spire  of  Christchurch,  at 
Donoaster  (struck  in  the  year  1836),  a  ball 
of  glass  had  been  placed,  under  the  notioB 
that  glass,  because  a  non-conductor,  is  also 
a  repellent  of  lightning. 


M'GAVIN'S  patent  masts  and  SPARS. 
,  (Patent  dated  If  anh  SI ,  185S. ) 

Mr.  R.  M'Gavin,  of  Olasgow,  has  patented  a  method  of  combining  iron  or  wood 

Fig.  1,  Pig.  2.  Fig.  8.  Fig.  4. 


N*  ^p 


in  the  manufSicture  of  masts  and  spars,  for 
the    purpose  of  reducing  their  first  cost, 
weight,  and  bulk. 
"rig.  1  of  the  accompanying  engravings  is 


a  horizontal  section  of  a  ship's  mast  or  yard, 
constrnctefi  with  his  improvements;  fig.  2 
shows  a  method  of  applying  additional  plates 
when  required ;  fig.  8  is  a  sketch,  in  which 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


964 


maceat's  9A.nm  AnpABAitrs  voa  raoMKXiNa  ybsselb. 


At  platM  shown  in  fig.  8  ant  digfatiy  «^pa- 
ffftttd  I  and  fig.  4  is  another  modifioation  of 
tilt  tame  principlt. 

**  In  oonitracti&g  a  aaat  in  tfaia  way/' 
aayi  the  inventor,  ''  a  long  main  oentral 
plate.  A,  ia  first  roiled  and  prepavtd  to  suit 
the  required  dimensions  of  tne  nast,  the 
width  of  the  naetal  being  oonsiderably  less 
than  the  diameter  of  the  finished  mast; 
B  B  are  the  two  additional  side  pieces  ne- 
eeesary  to  make  np  the  intended  eraciferm 
section  of  this  wrougpht-iron  core.  £aoh  of 
these  i>ieees,B,has  an  angle,  G,  roiled  along 
one  edge,  so  that  when  die  two  pieces  are 
disposal  on  opposite  sides  of  and  at  right 
angles  to  the  main  plate,  A,  rivets  osn  be 
passed  through  the  angle  pieces,  B,  and 
through  the  main  plate,  along  the  centre 
line  of  the  latter,  to  combine  the  three  pieces 
into  one  frame -piece  or  core.  The  fonr 
spaces  or  divisions,  D,  are  now  filled  up  with 
wood,  S,  so  aa  to  form  a  mast  of  oompleteljr 
solid  cross  section.  The  wood  so  filled  in  is 
not  relied  upon  as  a  direct  means  of  sup- 
norttng  strength,  its  essential  office  being 
(he  filling  up  of  the  divisional  spaces  to  form 
a  solid  mass,  snd  prevent  die  buckling  of 
Che  pistes  of  the  core  {  fer,  as  the  presence 
•f  a  solid  body  between  each  two  divisional 
pieces  or  wings,  A  B,  prevents  either  of  such 
wings  from  swerving  out  of  its  normal 
plane,  it  follows  that  each  plate,  A  B,  is  dis- 
posed in  the  best  possible  manner  to  meet 
lateral  strains ;  that  is  to  say,  all  lateral 
ctrain  is  directed  through  esch  plate  in  a 
line  parallel  with  the  plane  of  such  plate 
where  there  is  tlie  greateet  resisting  depth 
of  metal.  Hence  the  fiiling-in  wood  may 
be  in  short  smsU  pieces,  as,  provided  the 
wood  is  sound,  such  short  pieces,  when  well 


iMBod  br  marine  glut  or  otfaorwiie,ao  m  to 
leave  no  objectionil^le  pp^ijiga  aloag  their 
contact  surfaces,  are  quite  as  efficient  u 
longer  once.  Various  means  may  he  adoptad 
for  effecting  the  jui^otion  of  the  oonatitaent 
pieces  of  the  wroughft-iiws  con.  For  aaum- 
ple,  a  double  angle  or  ^-edge  may  be  rolled 
or  formed  on  the  edge  of  eaeh  of  the  side 
pieces,  instead  of  the  single  angle  or  flange ; 
or  the  piocea  may  be  left  entirely  without 
Aangea,  aeparate  angie-irans  being  riveted  or 
attached  to  one  edge  of  each  separate  side 
niece,  such  angle  irons  beinff  then  riveted 
ny  their  other  free-flange  to  ttie  main  plate, 
as  represented  in  fig.  4.  Where  very  great 
atrength  is  required,  the  core  of  Ihft  meet  or 
spar  ia  constructed  aa  represontea  in  figs,  t 
and  fi,  the  centra)  plate,  A,  basing  parrewer 
plates,  F,  riveted  to  eadi  side  of  it,  together 
witii  the  anffled  platee,  O*  between  whuh  the 
aide  plates,^,  are  riveted.'' 

In  making  a  yard,  the  longitudinal  oeatsai 
portions  qf  the  plates,  A  B,  are  made  of  a 
euperior  width,  so  aa  the  better  to  reriat 
lateral  strain  i  or,  inatead  of  thia  widening 
of  the  metal,  its  thickness  may  be  inereaaed, 
either  rolled  in  the  platee,  or  made  by  the 
addition  of  eeparqte  tapered  pieeea.  "  It 
will  be  obvious,"  says  Mr.  M'Oavin,  '^te 
the  practieal  man  that  this  system  of  con- 
structing meats  and  spars  is  suitable  for  a 
variety  of  works,  and  eapeoially  f^t  the  jibe 
of  cranes,  where  a  combined  longitudinal 
and  lateral  resistance  ia  reqnired.  The  fill- 
ing-in  wood  may  be  made  either  to  fill  «p 
the  divisional  spacee  entirely  or  partially ; 
but,  when  filled  np  throughout,  «a  in  fig.  I, 
metal  hoops,  H,  are  paesed  upon  the  etrae- 
ture,  to  bind  the  whole  well  together." 


MACKAY'S  PATENT  APPARATUS  FOR  PROPELLING  VESSELS. 
(Patent  4mted  9u\f  M,  IMS.) 


Mr.  J.  Mackay,  of  Aigburth,  near  Li- 
yerpool,  has  patented  an  arrangement  of 
propelling  apparatus,  which  is  intended  to 
prevent  the  loss  of  power  occasioned  by  the 
slip  of  the  common  screw  propeller,  and 
also  to  avoid  the  loss  occasioned  by  the  dead 
resistance  which  the  boss  and  arms  of  sub- 
merged propellers  present  to  the  water 
during  the  onward  progress  of  the  vessel. 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  Mr.  Mac 
kay  forms  a  kind  of  double- threaded  screw 
by  lapping  round  a  boss  carrle4  by  a  pro- 
peller sh/ift,  two  segment  blades  formed  out 
of  a  circular  disc  cut  into  two  equal  parts, 
which  blades  are  set  at  an  angle  to  each 
other,  their  lines  of  divergence  crossing 
in  the  axis  of  the  shaft  that  carries  them. 
The  vessel  to  the  stern  of  which  the  im- 
proved propeller  is  to  be  fiUed  is  provided 
with  a  horizontal  tubular  projection,  through 


which  the  propeller  shaft  runs,  snd  againat 
which  the  boss  of  the  propeller  abutf,  the 
object  being  to  displace  the  water  in  front 
of  the  boss  pf  the  propeller.* 

In  the  accompanymg  engravings,  fig.  1 
is  a  partial  side  elevation  of  «  ship  fitted 
with  these  improvements,  and  fig.  2  repre- 
senis  the  stem  end  of  the  vessel,  a  is  the 
boss,  and  b  b  are  the  blades  of  the  propel- 
ler, c  is  the  propeller  shaft,  connected  in 
the  usual  manner  to  the  motive  power  ma- 
ohinery,  and  running  through  a  tubular  pro- 
jection, d  4,  having  a  diameter  correspond- 
ing to  the  diameter  of  the  boaa,  a.  Thia 
projeetion,  d,  it  will  be  seen  is  psrallel  or 
nearly  so  to  the  keel,  and  falls  away,  snd  ia 

•  This  bosiacntol  tnbiilar  pvqjeotioB  placed  be- 
fore  the  bofs  of  the  propeller  to  (h^  cb       - 


feature  of  Mr.  Macalllster's  Invention,  of  which 
description  was  promiaed  on  p.  sM,  ot  Ho.  IWl. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


UfEBTOlJI  TIU«GE4FHS. 


895 


lo9t  ui  thf  •vtll  of  Uie  hull  of  kha  ?euel.  It 

!•  thm  virtually  a  forward  prQlongatiop  of 

Fig.  1. 


the  bo99  of  tht  propellfr,  and  preyentt  the 

water  which  ja  displaced  by  the  hull  of  the 

Fig.  2. 


ressel  from  closing  in  and  pressing  upon  thp 
forward  end  of  th^  boss,  a. 
"  In  forming  the  blades  of  my  improved  pro- 
Fig.  3, 


feller/'  says  the  inventor,  *'  I  have  said  thi^t 
employ  two  semicirculair  plates.     These 


blades  I  prefer  to  place  eccentrically  nppn 
their  boss,  as  I  thereby  cause  the  forward  end 
of  the  propeller  to  describe  a  circle  of  a  larger 
diameter  than  the  hinder  end.  the^flbefff 
which  arrangement  is  that  me  propelling 
power  of  each  blade  will  be  great  imme- 
diately it  enters  the  water,  and  that  the  lift 
of  back  water  will  be  inconsiderable.  The 
diagram,  fig.  8,  shows  the  pattern  of  tlie 
kin4  of  blade  which  I  prefer  to  employ,  »s 
laid  out  flat,  with  its  outer  edge  oenoentric 
with  the  boss  which  is  to  carry  it.  The 
Inner  edge  of  the  blade  is  formed  b^  making 
in  the  semicircular  plate  (from  which  the 
blade  is  supposed  to  be  formed)  an  eccen- 
tric circular  or  curved  cut.  When,  there- 
fore, a  blade  formed  after  this  pattern  is 
applied  to  the  boss  so  that  its  inner  edge 
lies  Iq  contact  with  the  cylindrical  surface 
of  the  boss,  the  blade  will  take  the  conflga- 
ration  shown  at  fig.  2. 


AMERICAN 
Mr.  T.  p.  Shaeffmbb,  the  President  of  the 
American  Confederated  Telegraph  Compa- 
nies, has  published  in  the  New  York  Tele- 
graph (JompanioHf  of  which  he  is  the  Editor, 
the  results  of  his  last  year's  risit  to  this 
country  and  the  continent,  the  object  of 
which  waa  to  obtain  from  the  Danish  and 
Russian  OoTernmeuts  certain  concessions 
necessary  to  the  establishment  of  submii- 
rine  telegraphic  communication  between 
AmcTica  and  Europe.  We  can  ourselves 
l>ear  testimony  to  the  zeal  with  which  Mr. 
Shaether  devoted  himself,  during  his  tour, 
to  the  acquisition  of  full  and  acpurate  in- 
formation  on  all  subjects  relating  to  the 


TELEGRAPHS. 

operation  of  the  telegraph  in  this  country, 
and  we  have  but  little  doubt  Chat  his  ob- 
servations will  lead  to  beneficial  chan|pcs  in 
the  telegraphs  of  the  United  States. 

The  following  remarks,  taken  from  his 
paper,  display  considerable  honeity,  and 
show  us  that  the  Americans  have  much  to 
do  towards  perfecting  their  system,  whieh 
has  been  sp  highly  held  up  by  some  En^- 
lish  writers  for  our  imiUtion. 

"  The  winds  and  storms  are  great  eiM!- 
mies  to  the  American  lines.  We  have  all 
our  telegraphs  built  on  poles.  Trees  are 
blown  across  our  wires,  and  the  line  i* 
either  broken  or  buried  in  the  earth.    Not- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


396 


F£NT0N*8  PATENT  SAFETT-TALVES. 


withstanding  tbe  daily  tronblei  ooenrring 
from  the  storms,  yet  the  atmospheric  diffi- 
culties are -the  most  powerful  and  annoy- 
ing. With  our  practical  and  money-mak- 
ing  ideas,  we  have  not  properly  studied 
this  difficult  problem.  H  they  had  the 
same  difficulties  to  encounter  in  Europe, 
we  haTe  no  do\ibt  some  remedy  would  have 
long  since  been  discovered.  In  America 
the  dollar  controls  everything.  Success  in 
money  makes  the  man.  It  is  thus  that 
many  men  become  great,  while  others  of 
merit  are  passed  unnoticed.  Our  people 
look  for  the  dividends  immediately,  and 
unless  they  are  large  and  often,  dissatisfac- 
tion is  manifested.  In  making  these  re- 
marks,  we  may  add,  that  while  the  American 
people  do  not  apply  the  necessary  theory 
and  scientific  talent  in  the  conducting  of 
our  telegraphs,  we  think  the  European 
lines  do  not  have  the  appliances  of  pracv 
tical  facilities  equal  to  the  American,  They 
are  in  in  advance  of  us  in  theory.  We  are 
before  them  in  practicabilities  for  the  tinfe 
being.  Theirs  are  substantial,  and  made 
for  years ;  while  many  of  ours  are  built  and 
rotted  within  a  year.  Upon  this  subject  we 
purpose  speaking  to  our  American  people 
in  the  language  of  figures,  ere  long.  Daily 
observation  tells  us  that  we  must  change 
our  mode  of  construction." 

It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  Mr.  Shaeffner 
attaches  much  importance,  and  gives  great 
prominence,  to  the  system  of  the  Magnetic 
Telegraph  Company,  and  speaks  of  its 
officers,  in  the  following  passage,  in  terms 
which  it  is  not  the  custom  of  our  cousins 
to  employ,  when  discoursing  of  English 
soience  and  scientific  men. 

"  On  arriving  in  England,  we  soon  found 
that  there  was  much  to  be  learned,  and  we 
spared  no  pains  in  procuring  all  the  inform- 
ation possible.  In  the  present  number,  we 
give  the  answers  of  Mr.  Charles  T.  Bright, 
engineer  of  the  English  and  Irish  Magnetic 
Telegraph  Company,  and  also  the  answers 
given  by  Mr.  Edward  B.  Bright,  secretary 
to  the  same  company.  These  gentlemen 
did  not  give  their  views  with  the  ezpecta. 
lion  of  their  publication,  but  we  find  them 
so  exceedingly  interesting,  that  we  take  the 
responsibility  of  publishing  them  for  the 
benefit  of  others. 

**  Messrs.  Bright  have  charge  of  the 
Company's  lines  on  which  they  are  en- 
gaged. Their  manner  of  business,  and 
manaffement  generally,  compare  favourably 
with  the  best  governed  lines  of  any  ooun- 
try.  They  are  gentlemen,  well  educated,  and 
they  understand  their  business  thoroughly. 
We  regard  them  as  experts  in  all  de- 
partments of  telegraphing,  and  worthy  of 
the  most  elevated  consideration.  We  feel 
under  many  obligations   to   the    Messrs. 


Bright  for  their  many  attentions  in  pre- 
senting us  with  so  much  valuable  informa- 
tion, and  we  assure  them  that  their  pre- 
sence  in  America  would  be  received  with 
much  pleasure  and  congratulation. 

'*  At  the  earliest  opportunitv  wa  ahall 
feel  pleased  to  reciprocate  tne  iavoois 
shown  us ;  and  if  it  should  be  out  of  our 
power  to  return  them  equal  fovours,  we 
hope  it  may  fall  to  the  lot  of  some  generona 
American  to  square  the  account  for  na." 

It  may  be  well  to  sUte  that  Mr.  Shaefl^ 
ner  was  quite  successful  in  his  applieaticiM 
to  foreign  courts,  and  is  now  earnestly  ex- 
erting himself  in  order  to  efieet  the 
structicn  of  transatlantic  telegraphic  < 
munieation. 


FENTON»S  PATENT  SAFETY- 
VALVES. 

A  paper  descriptive  of  the  improTcd 
safety- valres,  of  which  we  publisned  ea 
illustrated  account  in  Na  I6o4,  (rol.  Izi, 
page  529,)  was  recently  read  at  the  Institifr' 
tion  of  Iklechanical  Engineers,  Birmiai^- 
ham,  by  the  inventor,  Mr.  Jamee  Fentoo, 
of  Leeds. 

We  are  pleased  to  find  that  after  the 
reading  of  the  paper,  (which  the  artiele 
above  referred  to  has  rendered  it  nimeces- 
sary  for  us  to  publish),  the  high  oimiion 
we  expressed  of  Mr.  Fenton's  invention 
was  amply  confirmed  by  the  testimony  of 
several  eminent  engineers. 

Mr.  W.  Fairbaim,  who  presided,  re. 
marked  that  the  proposed  arrangement  of 
valve  appeared  to  have  much  ingenuity  aud 
merit ;  Uie  double  lock-up  valve  waa  parti. 
cularly  simple  and  complete,  both  the  valvee 
being  looked  in  effect,  but  still  fiee  to  nMve 
and  blow  o£ 

Mr.  Fenton  said  it  was  found  a  practical 
advantage  of  much  importance  tiiat  the 
lock-up  spring  was  adjusted  to  the  required 
limit  of  pressure  by  the  open  spring  balance 
alone ;  Uius  entirely  avoiding  tlM  unoar- 
tainty  of  pressure  adjustment  that  existed 
in  many  lock-up  springs,  arising  from 
difficulty  in  measuring  the  piesaure  accu- 
rately when  adjusted,  and  from  change  in 
the  elasticity  of  the  spring  during  use.  In 
the  new  arrangement  this  pressure  was  coo- 
tinually  checked  by  the  open  ^ring  balance, 
and  could  be  readily  tested  with  certainty, 
by  screwing  down  the  spring  balance  unUI 
the  lever  began  to  lift  up  the  locked  spring 
by  acting  upon  the  front  valve  aa  a  fulcrum ; 
the  arrangement  formed  a  simple  and  con- 
venient mode  of  obtaining  the  advantage  of 
a  lock-up  safety-valve  with  the  ordinaiv 
pair  of  open  valves,  without  interforing  with 
their  action. 

Mr.  Fairbaim  asked  whether  aagr  other 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


'  MBirainunoH  mask  bast. 


397 


form  of  spring,  sooli  u  a  flat  Tolute  apring, 
had  been  tried  for  the  lock-up  spring ;  he 
thonght  the  ordinary  spiral  spring  would 
probably  not  be  found  the  best  for  the  pur- 
pose,  as  it  did  not  stand  so  well  under  tery 
heavy  pressure. 

Mr.  Fenton  replied,  that  a  trial  of  some 
Tolute  springs  was  expected  to  be  made 
shortly,  but  there  had  been  found  a  diffi. 
oulty  at  first  in  getting  them  made  suitable 
for  the  purpose ;  the  spiral  spring  that  was 
shown  bad  however  been  found  to  stand 
satisfactorily  in  the  vaWes  that  were  at 
work,  and  when  a  greater  pressure  was 
required  than  could  be  well  obtained  with 
a  single  spring,  a  second  spiral  spring  was 
added  in  the  interior  of  the  first  one,  with- 
out  occupying  more  space,  or  altering  the 
outer  casmg. 

*  Mr.  Fothergill  had  known  the  ordinary 
safety-valves  stick  in  many  oases  in  the 
joints  of  the  levers,  arising  from  dirt,  and 
also  inaccuracy  in  the  fitting,  and  conse- 
quent  imperfection  in  the  bearing  of  the 
aeveral  moving  parts,  causing  oblique  strain 
and  friction ;  but  the  new  valve  of  Mr. 
Fenton  entirely  avoided  this  cause,  and  the 
arrangement  was  certainly  very  perfect  in 
insuring  always  a  correct  action  of  idl  the 
parts. 

Mr.  May  inquired  whether  any  particular 
process  had  been  adopted  for  getting  up  the 
balls  of  the  safety-valves.  Ball- valves 
could  be  made  to  fit  very  accurately ;  he 
remembered  a  remarkably  perfect  specimen 
that  was  made  by  an  old  foreman  of  Messrs. 
I>onkin'8, — it  was  a  glass  sphere  dropping 
into  a  steel  plate  with  a  thin  knife- edge 
round  the  aperture,  and  it  fitted  perfecUy 
air-tight,  although  the  surface  of  contact 
was  so  exceedingly  minute. 

Mr.  Fenton  replied  that  the  best  plan  he 
knew  for  the  purpose  was  that  used  by  Mr. 
Ramsbottom,  for  getting  up  the  ordinary 
ball-valves  of  pumps;  two  oast  iron  cups 
were  employed,  revolving  in  opposite  direc- 
tions, one  inverted  over  the  other,  and  the 
ball  was  ground  between  them  with  emery. 
The  cost  of  getting  up  the  pump-valves 
was,  he  believed,  very  small  by  this  plan, 
only  about  l|dL  per  ball,  and  they  were 
made  Tory  perfeot 

Mr.  Adams  remarked  that  the  common 
mode  of  grinding  children's -marbles  was  a 
curious  instance  of  simplicity  in  machinery ; 
a  number  of  stone  chips,  broken  to  size, 
were  put  together  in  a  tin  box  and  fastened 
to  the  rim  of  a  water-mill  wheel,  and  there 
left  to  grind  themselves  into  shape. 

Mr.  Fairbaim  inquired  what  was  the  re- 
lative expense  of  the  new  safety-valves,  com- 
pattd  with  that  of  the  ordinary  ones  f 

Mr.  Fenton  replied  that  the  single  valves 
were  about  the  same  cost  as  the  ordinary 


ones,  but  the  double  valves  combined  under 
one  lever,  were  about  one-third  less  cost 
than  a  corresponding  pair  of  ordinary  valves ; 
the  cost  was  about  £IS  for  the  double  valve, 
and  £10  for  the  single  one,  including  the 
spring  balances. 

Mr.  Fairbaim  thought  the  plan  was  an 
ingenious  improvement  to  prevent  slicking 
of  the  valves,  and  the  consequent  risk  of 
accident,  by  insuring  a  constant  free  action ; 
and  it  was  a  very  simple  and  efficient  ar* 
rangement  for  obtaining  a  lock-up  valve. 

He  proposed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  Fen- 
ton, wtrich  was  passed. 


MensuratioH  Made  Easy;  or,  the  Decimal 
System  for  the  MiUion,  with  Us  JftpUcaiiom 
to  tke  Daily  Employments  t^  the  ArtUum 
and  Mechanic,  By  Charles  Hoarb. 
Third  Thousand,  with  ImporUnt  Addi- 
tions. London:  Effingham  Wilson,  11, 
Boyal  Exchange. 

A  great  want  has  long  been  felt,  accord- 
ing to  Mr.  Hoare,  of  an  elementary  work 
fitted  to  impart  to  the  artisan  and  mechanio 
knowledge  so  necessary  as  that  of  decimal 
arithmetic,  and.  its  applications  to  the 
various  little  problems  which  they  daily 
meet  with.  To  supply  this  want  tiie  pre- 
sent work  has  been  written,  and  an  in- 
spection of  it  is  *'  courteously,  but  fear- 
lessly, solicited."  Notwithstanding  the 
confidence  of  the  author,  and  the  fact  that 
the  treatise  has  passed  into  a  third  edi- 
tion, and  the  further  fact  that  it  has  been 
noticed  favourably  by  certain  Head  Maaters 
of  Schools,  and  by  Morning  Papers,  we  are 
bound  to  say  that  it  is  a  production  which 
we  cannot  recommend,  ana  which  its  many 
demerits  incline  us  to  treat  severely. 

Its  very  title-page  ought  to  be  viewed  as 
a  caution  against  it,  when  it  is  discovered 
that  the  whole  work.  Including  several 
tables,  is  comprised  in  eighty-four  pages 
much  smaller  than  our  own,  and  in  type 
very  much  larger  than  that  which  the 
reader  is  now  perusing ;  for  it  is  impossible 
that  either  Mensuration  could  be  made 
easy,  or  a  Decimal  System  be  presented  to 
the  Million,  in  so  small  a  compass.  But 
on  a  closer  examination  we  find  it  is  to  be 
condemned  because  a  very  bad  use  haa  been 
made,  in  many  places,  of  what  little  space 
is  allotted  to  his  task  by  tlie  author.  In 
tsaking  the  treatise  he  seems  to  have  ex- 
perienced some  difficulty,  and  one  might 
almost  be  certain  that  a  long  and  preten- 
tious preface  had  been  written  before  the 
work  itself  was  commenced,  but  was  snbce- 
ouently  found  too  long  to  appear  m  preprid 
Jormd,  and  was  therefore  broken  up  and 
dispersed  through  the  aooceeding  pagts,  in 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


998     PSOFES0OB  OALLAN  <m  TSB  nSff  UlYVOOm  flmGLE-FLmD  BATTE&Y. 


Qtiu  to  aroid  WMting  (he  Ubopir  i^f  the 
writer. 

PMsiag  by  the  loose  and  uogrammatical 
atjle  io  which  much  of  the  book  ii  written, 
we  remark  that  defimtiooa  and  priociplea 
are  often  vaguely  and  incorrectly  stated.  As 
9xaq9p}es  of  ^hia  the  following  may  be  given : 

"  A  cylinder  is  a  roupd  prism,  the  ends 
being  circular,  as  in  a  round  canister." 

"  A  oone  is  a  round  pyramid,  the  base 
being  oireular." 

"  Similar  forms  are  in  the  proportion  to 
eaob  other  of  the  squaree  of  their  like  sides 
or  diameters." 

Any  geometrician  will  at  once  discorer 
the  grave  defects  of  these  sentences,  and  we 
might  increase  the  number  of  such  extracts 
greatly. 

In  a  fragment  of  the  preface  which  ap- 
pears on  page  24,  the  author  calls  Mensura- 
tloD  an  exact  soiencec  it  certainly  is  not 
yry-Mxaot  in  his  hands }  nor,  indeed,  is  it 
properly  a  teUncg  at  all,  but  an  art,  as  it  is 
termed  by  Mr.  Hoare  himself  on  page  29. 

Moreover,  the  oinissiops  visible  in  the 
work  ace  aa  numerous  as  the  faulta.  While 
there  i*  pothing  in  it  which  is  not  done  bet- 
ter elsewhere,  there  are  aome  things  of  the 
greateat  importance  excluded  altogether. 
One  reoaarkable  Instance  is  this  :*-rthe opera- 
tioQ  of  extracting  the  square  root  of  a  quan- 
tity if  a? aided  \  hence  the  pppil.ii  enabled 
to  find  neither  the  third  side  of  a  triangle 
from  the  other  two,  nor  the  area  of  a  triangle 
when  the  lengths  of  its  three  sides  are  given, 
nor  the  area  of  a  segment  of  a  circle  when 
the  chord  and  versed  sine  are  given,  and  so 

OB. 

In  abort,  the  probability  U  that  the  only 
peiaons  who  would  understand  the  book  are 
thoM  who  could  write  a  much  better  one 
themselvea.  We  regret  baviog  to  apeak  so 
ttnfavourably  of  |ir.  Qoare's  produation, 
but  it  is  pretty  plain  to  us  that  if  the  sci- 
entifio  portion  of  the  press  does  not  pro- 
nopace  faithfully  on  such  treatises,  the 
senseless  commepdationa  of  newspapers  and 
other  unqualified  organs  will  beget  and 
foster  a  spurious  specjes  of  literature,  which 
will  tead  only  to  confound  those  of  the 
working  classes  who  make  attempts  at  self- 
oulture,  and  give  them  a  distaste  for  studies 
whieh,  properly  directed,  eannot  fail  to 
prove  aourt:es  of  pleasure  and  benefit 


PROFESSOR  C  ALLAN  ON  THE  NEW 
MAYNOOTH  SINGLE- FLUID  BAT- 
TERY. 

\To  the  Editor  qf  ihe  Mechmici'  Magazimi, 
Sir, — I  have  no  intention  of  entering 
into  a  discussion  on  the  merits  of  the  May- 
pooth  single*fluid  battery.    I  have  neither 
iacliaatipP,  nor  lime,  aor  health,  fi>r  carfy* 


ipg  OP  a  ooptroversT  on  that  or  any  other 
subject.  But  I  think  it  right  to  say  some- 
thing in  reply  to  the  letter  of  "  A  Gal- 
yanist,"  published  in  your  journal  of  the 
14th  of  this  month. 

The  writer  of  the  letter  commences  by 
aaying  or  implying  that  the  Maynooth  ain- 
gle-fluid  battery  is  not  a  new  one.  I  do 
not  agree  with  him ;  on  the  eont^ary,  I  feel 
perfectly  certain  that  it  is  a  new  battery, 
because  the  exciting  fluid  in  the  Maynoodi 
siogle-fluid  battery  was  never  used  before  in 
any  single-fluid  battery,  especially  whep  the 
negative  element  was  cast-iron*  The  voltaic 
power  of  a  battery  depends  on  the  solid 
elementa  employed,  wnich  are  generally 
9inc  and  a  negative  ipetal,  or  zinc  and  oar* 
bon,  and  the  fluid  or  fluida  by  whieh  th^ 
are  excited.  A  battery,  then,  ia  a  pew  one 
when  a  solid  element  is  employed  which 
waa  never  used  before,  or  when  two  solid 
elements  are  excited  by  a  fluid  or  fluida 
never  used  ip  any  former  battery,  or  whep 
they  are  excited  by  a  fluid  by  which  they 
were  never  before  excited,  though  that  fluid 
had  been  used  for  exciting  other  elementa. 
Thua  Bunsep's  battery  waa  a  new  one, 
though  the  solid  elements,  as  well  aa  the 
fluids,  had  been  used  before ;  bpt  the  carhop 
was  never  excited  in  any  former  battery  by 
nitrio  acid.  Thus,  also,  for  the  same  reason, 
the  cast-iron  nitric  acid  battery,  commonly 
ealled  the  Maynooth  battery,  waa  a  new  one, 
because  cast-iion  was  never  before  excited  by 
nitric  aeid.  The  Maynooth  aingle-fluid 
battery  is  described  in  the  PhUe$9phieml  ila* 
gwtins,  page  264,  aa  consisting  of  caat-iron 
and  amalgamated  zine  exoiled  by  any  of  the 
following  fluids :— "  First,  undiluted  mari<p 
atio  acid,  or  muriatio  aeid  diluted  with  a 
small  quantity  of  water :  aeoopdly,  muriatic 
and  sulphuric  aeid  together,  diluted  with  a 
quantity  of  water  a  little  more  than  twice  aa 
great,  by  measure,  aa  that  of  the  aulphurie 
acid;  thirdly,  sulphuric  aeid  diluted  with 
about  twice  its  bulk  of  water,  or  the  strongeat 
sulphuric  aeid  made  from  aulphur,  diluted 
with  three  times  its  bulk  of  water ;  fourthly, 
sulphuric  aeid  mixed  with  three  timea  iU 
bplk  of  a  strong  solution  of  common  salt, 
or  the  strongest  sulphuric  acid  made  from 
sulphur,  mixed  with  three  and  three. fourths 
its  bulk  of  the  same  solutioi^."  I  feel  oon- 
fident  that  any  of  these  fluids  was  never 
used  before  in  any  single-fluid  battery,  espe. 
daily  when  oast>iron  was  the  negative  ele* 
ment ;  and  until  I  find  it  stated  in  some 
publication  that  at  leaat  one  of  theee  fiuida 
waa  used  in  exciting  a  caat-ifon  sipgle-floid 
battery,  I  think  I  opp  fairly  hold  that  the 
Maynooth  singl4»-flttid  battery  as  a  new  one. 

Your  correspondent  says  that  *'  great  atreas 
ia  laid  on  the  pee esaity  of  inauripg  proomity 
of  the  plates.''    I  am  not  aware  of  having 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOFBSSOB  QAf^J^  <m  TEE  VBW  MATHOOTH  mXUatiM'WLQW  BATTBBT.     390 


}M  griett  BtrfffiB  on  thit  ntcetsi^.  I  belief « 
J  merely  rapresented  thftt  the  singler fluid 
l»t!tery  has  this  gre^t  advantage  oyer  the 
nitric  «cid  batteriea — that  the  distance  be- 
tween the  positive  and  negative  elements  in 
the  former  may  be  diminished  without  limit, 
whilst  this  di[|tanoe  in  the  latter  cannot  be 
U99  than  Uiree-eighths  of  an  inch. 

In  the  following  paragraph  he  say*  that 
the  result*  of  my  experimeiats  frith  the  gal- 
yauometer  mto  iallaeious.  J  do  not  fioti'' 
eider  them  faljaoious,  although  some'persons 
might  drair  an  erroneous  infer/mee  from 
them.  It  would  certainly  be  an  error  to 
conclude  from  them  that  the  intensity  of 
^he  n«w  battery  is  greater  tbM  that  of  the 
nitric  acid  batteries.  X  h^e  n^t  drawn 
inch  a  conclusion  from  them :  this  !«  eviv 
dent  from  4»e  following  pMS»gc  in  my 
paper  in  the  Phihwphieal  Magoi^nt,  **  The 
greatest  length  of  the  flame  between  thiS 
coke  points  (when  ignited  by  seventy 
^inch  cells  of  the  new  battery)  appeared  t« 
me  to  be  less  th«n  it  would  be  with  a  nitric 
acid  battery  of  seventy  4.iaeh  cells.  Hence 
I  infiar  that  the  intensity  of  the  single-fluid 
battery  is  less  than  that  of  the  nitric  acid 
battery  although  the  nuantUy  of  electricity 
is  much  greater.'* — ^Page  272.  I  believe 
this  passage  ia  which  I  say  that  the  intenr 
iity  of  the  new  battery  is  less  than  that  of 
the  nitric  acid  battery,  is  the  only  one  in 
which  the  intensities  of  the  two  batteries 
are  compared.  It  is  evideut,  then,  that 
I  never  intended  to  induce  others  to  believe 
that  the  intensity  of  the  new  battery  was 
greater  than  that  of  the  nitric  acid  bat- 
teries. From  my  experiments  with  the 
galvanometer,  I  merely  inferred  that  the 
new  battery  is  more  powerful  than  the 
nitric  ecid  batteries,  because  ^e  voltaic 
current  produced  by  the  former  is  more 
powerfiir  than  that  which  is  produced  by 
the  latter.  This  inference  appears  to  me 
to  be  a  fair  one,  not  calculated  to  mislead 
othem,  especially  as  I  deecribed  the  gal- 
Yanometer  I  asad,  which  was  evidently 
made  for  comparing  currents  of  great 
quantity  rather  than  currents  of  great 
intensity. 

Alter  saying  that  "  the  double  fluid  de- 
flected the  needle  92^  on  one  side,  whereas 
when  the  current  from  the  single  fluid  was 
passed  In  the  opposite  direction  it  not  only 
overcame  the  current  from  the  double,  but 
deflected  the  needle  1%**  on  the  opposite 
side."  your  correspondent  adds :  "  The  fact 
is,  the  eflect  could  not  be  otherwise,  seeing 
the  con^iMon?  of  the  galvanometer  cou 
relatively  to  the  conditions  of  e^ioh  pf  the 
iwo  batteries."  I  pan  fispure  him  that 
were  any  other  battery,  except  the  Mayr 
900th  pipele-fluid  battery,  compared  by 
meaQS  of  me  same  galvanometer  coi)  which 


I  used,  with  the  nitric  ^id  batteries,  |Jie 
eflect  would  be  quite  otherwis/ei  and  that 
the  current  of  any  of  the  other  batteriee 
so  far  from  overcoming  the  current  of  a 
nitric  acid  battery,  and  producing  an 
opposite  'defection  of  72<*  would  not  over, 
come  one  half  of  the  current  from  a  nitric 
acid  battery, 

Year  correspondent  appear*  to  think  that, 
in  order  to  form  a  correct  estimate  of  the 
relative  powers  of  the  si^gle-flnid  ^d  t|i# 
l>itric  acid  batteries,  the  former  ehould  be 
used  with  all  the  disadvantages  of  the  latter* 
In  thi*  I  do  not  a^re^  with  him.  I  think 
that  the  two  batteries  should  he  compared 
with  each  other,  each  acting  in  the  most 
favpiirable  circumstances,  or  working  with 
iU  greatest  power,.  It  was  w  this  way  I 
compared  their  powers  by  mcfnf  of  the 
galvanometer.  J  \^p  compared  the  poiver 
of  some  of  the  common  batteries  with  t^at 
of  the  new  single-fluid  Rettery,  by  metfts  of 
the  same  galvanometer,  f nd  have  found  th«t 
in  order  to  prodi^oe  the  deflection  of  the 
Qeedle  caused  by  a  pair  of  4.inch  pUte^  of 
the  new  battery,  a  pair  nearly  twenty  tim^ 
as  )^rge  as  that  of  the  oth^r  batteries  would 
be  required, 

In  the  last  paragraph  yonr  correspondent 
says  that  the  protection  neceesary  for  the 
inactive  part  of  the  cas^iron  shows  th^t 
there  must  he  great  local  action,  and  oon« 
sequently  considerable  changes  in  the  fluids, 
which  render  the  action  of  the  battery  of 
such  shor^  duration  as  to  make  it  unfit  for 
little  fpore  thafi  js  striking  experiment  in 
the  lecture- room.  If  the  inactive  piirt  of  tlie 
cast-iron  be  not  protected,  there  wiU  cer- 
tainly be  a  good  deal  of  Ipcid  action  on  that 
part  But  is  your  correspondeot  pertain 
that  the  action  on  the  active  part  of  the  iron, 
or  on  tb^t  part  of  it  which  iji  opposite  the 
zinc,  is  merely  local  aotiont  or  |hat  the 
action  on  that  part  of  the  iron  does  not  pror 
dnce  in  ^he  battery  im  amount  of  galvanic 
power  proportionate  to  the  action  ?  I  am 
mdined  to  think  ^hat  the  aoHon  of  the 
exciting  fluid  od  the  active  ptrt  of  the  iron 
contrihntes  to  the  galTaoio  power  of  the 
battery;  #i}d  tha^  the  galvanic  power  of  the 
Maynooth  single-fluid  battery  is  proper* 
tion#l  not  \o  the  action  on  the  sine  ^Jene, 
m  in  the  nitric  acid  batteries,  but  to  the 
sum  of  the  actions  on  the  ir<^9  ai>d  ainc,  4n4 
that  therefore  the  expense  arising  from  the 
ponsamp^|on  of  metal  will  he  )ese  in  the 
^ngle-fluid  battery  than  in  the  nitric  acid 
batteriee ;  for  sine  is  more  than  twice  a^  dear 
M  castpiron.  See  my  paper  in  the  Ph%lm^ 
phifial  Magazintt  page  268. 

With  reg^d  to  the  eooelunon  which  your 
correspondent  draws  frpm  the  action  of  the 
fluid  on  the  cast-iron,  vi*.,  thet  the  action 
of  the  bfit^ry  mnst  be  of  shovt  4wratioB» 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


400 


SPEOIFIOATIOKS  OF  PiLTEMTS  BEOENTLT  VILED. 


although  it  18  a  Tery  natural  one,  it  is  not 
warranted' by  experiment.  This  is  evident 
from  the  following  brief  account  contained 
in  my  paper  of  the  results  of  a  trial  of  48 
cells  of  the  new  battery  by  two  eminent 
scientific  men  : — "  The  Rev.  Dr.  Robinson 
and  Mr,  Bengin,  to  whom  I  mentioned  the 
various  fluids  which  I  found  to  excite  cast, 
iron  and  zinc  so  powerfully,  have  lately 
tried  a  cast-iron  battery  of  48  cells,  charged 
with  one  part  of  strong  sulphuric  acid  and 
three  of  a  pretty  strong  solution  of  common 
salt.  The  distance  between  the  sine  and 
iron  was  nearly  one-eighth  of  an  inch.  The 
quantity  of  fluid  used  in  filling  the  battery 
was,  I  think,  a  gallon  and  a  half,  in  which 
there  were  about  three  pints,  or  about  seven 
or  eight  pounds  of  sulphuric  acid.  With 
this  battery  they  had  a  brilliant  coke  light, 
sufficiently  stesdy  to  enable  them  to  make 
observations  on  the  light  with  the  prism  and 
polariscope  ;  also  lights  produced  by  the 
Ignition  of  various  metallic  points,  on  which 
lights  similar  observations  were  made.  Va* 
rious  other  experiments  were  made:  they 
commenced  at  one  o'clock,  and  were  not 
given  up  till  nine.  There  were,  of  course, 
several  interruptions,  during  each  of  which 
the  fluid  was,  by  a  very  ingenious  contriv- 
ance, poured  off  the  metallic  plates.  During 
the  eight  hours  the  experiments  lasted,  the 
battery  was  in  constant  action  at  least  three 
and  a  half  or  four  hours.  At  the  end  of  the 
experiments  the  two  metals  were  quite  clean, 
and  there  was  no  sensible  diminution  of 
voltaic  power.  The  resulu  of  this  trial  show 
that  a  cast-iron  battery  excited  by  one  part 
of  sulphuric  acid  and  three  of  a  solution  of 
common  salt,  is  rery  powerful,  extremely 
constant  in  its  action,  and  most  economical 
in  use.  The  sulphuric  acid  employed  was 
made  not  from  pyrites,  but  from  sulphur.   I 

Surohase,  at  the  vitriol  works  of  Messrs. 
toyd,  Belfast,  sulphuric  acid  made  in  the 
same  way  and  of  the  same  strength,  at  the 
rate  of  8s.  6d.  per  cwL,  or  for  less  than  one 
penny  per  pound.  Hence,  at  the  price  at 
which  sulphuric  acid  is  sold  by  Messrs. 
Boyd,  the  cost  of  the  exciting  fluid,  for 
eight  hours,  scarcely  exceeded  eight  pence." 
— PAil  Mag.,  p.  2«9. 

Although  I  have  not  yet  made  an  exact 
oomparison  between  the  intensity  of  the  single 
fluid  battery  and  that  of  the  nitric  acid  bat- 
tery,  I  have  described  in  the  Phil.  Mag.  one 
experiment  in  proof  of  the  sreat  intensity  of 
the  single-fluid  battery.  I  sUted  that  **  in 
using  for  the  electric  light  a  cast-iron  bat- 
tery, excited  by  about  one  part  of  sulphuric 
acid,  one  of  muriatic,  and  two  of  water,  I 
made  an  experiment  which  proves  the  great 
intensity  of  this  battery.  After  the  battery 
had  been  at  work  for  about  three  quarters  of 
an  hour,  I  emptied  two  of  the  cells  at  one 


end.  Whilst  they  were  empty,  the  ends  of 
the  battery  were  connected  with  a  pair  of 
coke  points.  The  voltaic  current  passed 
through  the  two  empty  cells,  ignited  the 
coke  points,  and  produced  a  brilliant  light 
The  voltaic  current  had  no  other  means  of 
passing  to  the  coke  than  through  the  damp 
pieces  of  wood  which  separated  the  sine 
plates  from  the  cast-iron  cells,  or  through 
the  wooden  frames  in  which  the  two  empty 
cells  were  placed." — Page  268.  I  haa  a 
still  more  striking  proof  of  the  intensity  of 
the  new  battery  in  trying  186  cells,  on  last 
Friday  week.  When  all  the  cells  but  three 
were  fllled,  I  brought  a  pair  of  coke  pointa 
connected  with  the  opposite  ends  of  the 
battery  into  contact  with  each  other,  under 
Fater.  As  soon  as  they  were  pot  in  contact 
with  each  other,  a  spark  passed  between  the 
metals  in  the  empty  cells,  and  afterwards  a 
flame,  caused,  I  suppose,  by  the  combustion 
of  the  sine  and  casUiron.  The  metals  wei« 
separated  from  each  other  by  pieces  of  diy 
wood.  Had  your  correspondent  witnessed 
the  action  of  the  several  series  of  the  new 
battery  which  I  tried  since  its  discovery, 
some  of  which  are  desoribed  in  the  PkiL 
Mag.,  he  certainly  would  never  have  enter- 
tained the  opinions  he  has  expressed  re- 
garding the  Maynooth  single-fluid  battery. 
Your  correspondent  says,  without  giving 
any  reason  for  the  assertion,  that  practice 
will  prove  that  Daniell's  battery  is  prefer- 
able to  my  battery,  in  which  east-iron  is 
substituted  for  the  copper  used  in  Daniell'a 
battery.  In  my  paper  in  the  Phil.  Mag^  I 
have  proved  that  my  battery  is  more  pow- 
erful and  more  economical  than  DanieH'a. 
As  your  correspondent  does  not  impugn  my 
proof,  I  think  it  unnecessary  to  repeat  it. 
He  also  says  that  there  is  nothing  new  in 
this  battery.  I  think  otherwise;  for  this 
battery  differs  just  as  much  from  Danieirs, 
as  Bunsen's  does  from  Grove's.  In  Da. 
niell's,  copper  is  excited  by  a  solution  of 
sulphate  of  copper;  in  mine,  east-iron  is 
excited  by  the  same  solution.  In  Grove's, 
platina  is  excited  by  nitric  acid ;  in  Bun. 
sen's,  carbon  is  excited  by  the  same  sold. 
I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

N.  Callax. 
Maynooth  College,  AprU  11, 18M. 


SPECIFICATIONS    OF    PATENTS 

RECENTLY  FILED. 
•••  No.  2142,  an  abstract  of  which  ap- 
peared on  page  381  of  our  last  Number 
among  the  **  iProvisional  Specifications  not 
Proceeded  with,"  has  subsequently  been 
completed,  and  the  final  specification  of  it 
filed,  the  Lord  Chancellor  having  granted  aa 
extension  of  the  time  allowed  for  filing  it,  in 
consequence  of  the  delay,  by  which  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPEOinOATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BEOENTLT   FILBD. 


401 


allotted  time  wis  exceeded,  having  ariaen  in 
the  Poet  Office. 

DuNLOP,  John  Maciiillan,  of  Manches- 
ter, Lancaster,  engineer.  Improtfemenit  m 
wutehmtry  or  opparatutfor  prepormg,  spmming, 
amddoubimg  cotton  and  other  fibroui  materialt. 
Patent  dated  Octoher  5,  1854.    (No.  2147.) 

This  invention  "  relates  to  such  machines 
for  preparing,  spinning  and  douhling  as  are 
provided  wi&  revolving  spindles,  the  bear- 
ings of  which  are  variable  as  regards  their 
distance  in  steadying  effect,  and  consists  in 
imparting  a  velocity  to  the  said  spindles,  so 
as  to  drive  them  at  an  accelerated  rate 
accordingly  as  they  are  more  effectually 
steadied,  and  eiee  vtnd,*' 

DuRAND,  Francois,  of  Paris,  France, 
mechanician.  Certain  improvemenie  in  eir.. 
emiar  horns.  Patent  dated  October  5,  1854. 
(No.  2148.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  such  me- 
chanical arrangements  of  a  circular  loom 
that  the  weft  threads  are  made  to  cross  the 
warp  threads  by  means  of  a  continuous  cir- 
cular motion.  2.  In  a  qrstem  of  pass-  thread 
readers,  with  or  without  a  shuttle,  and  act- 
ing as  an  endless  or  intermittent  weft.  8. 
In  the  construction  of  a  weft  needle  oariier 
to  vary  the  colours  and  form  the  design.  4. 
In  a  new  needle-knife  carrier  to  cut  plain 
velvet,  or  alternate  parts  of  velvet  on  tissue. 
6.  In  certain  mechanical  arrangements  for 
constructing  a  twisting  hook. 

Smith,  Ahdrbw,  of  Princes-street,  Mid- 
dlesex, civil  engineer.  Jn  Unproved  Mi^eiy^ 
cage' and  opparaiuefor  mimt.  Patent  dated 
October  6, 1854.  (No.  2149.) 

This  improvement  consists  in  the  appli- 
cation of  elastic  stays,  or  elastic  angular 
connecting  rods,  to  support  the  cage  Ib 
which  men  or  materials  are  raised  from  or 
lowered  intp  a  mine  or  other  underground 
working,  so  arranged  that  in  the  event  of 
the  breaking  of  Uie  rope  or  chain  they 
arrest  the  decent  of  the  car  or  other  means 
of  conveyance. 

Chambees,  William,  of  Hampson  Mill, 
near  Buiy,  Lancaster,  bleacher.  Improve- 
mente  in  machinery  for  heetUng  cotion  and 
other  fabriee.  Patent  dated  Octpber  7, 1854. 
(No.  2152.) 

"  This  invention  consists  of  an  improved 
combination  of  machinery  for  beetling  cot- 
ton and  other  fabrics  whidi  are  wound  upon 
rollers,  and  subjected  to  the  action  of  two 
aeries  of  beaters  acting  alternately  upon  the 
fabrics." 

Urbh,  Robert  Wat,  of  Fogginton, 
Devon,  engineer.  Improoemenit  in  machinery 
for  ihe  wumrfactnre  cf  hriche  and  HIet,  Pa- 
tent dated  October  7,  1854.    (No.  2154.) 

CkUmt,  -^  1.  The  construction  of  ma- 
chinery  for  the  manufacture  of  bricks  and 
tiles,  by  the  employment  of  cylinders  or 


chambers  prorided  with  pugging  knives  and 
pressing  bars,  in  combination  with  con- 
nected sets  of  moulds  caused  to  move  to 
and  firo  beneath  the  said  cylinders  or  cham- 
bers. 2.  A  mode  of  arranging  the  cylin- 
ders or  chambers  in  pairs  around  the  centre 
of  the  machine,  each  one  of  eveiy  pair  of 
cylinders  being  on  opposite  sides  thereot 
and  a  mode  of  causing  the  moulds  to  move 
to  and  firo  beneath  such  pairs  of  cylinders, 
so  that  one  set  of  moulds  may  be  filled 
while  the  other  set  is  being  discharged.  3. 
A  mode  of  causing  the  moulds  to  move  to 
and  fro  beneath  the  cylinders  or  chambers 
when  arranged  otherwise  than  in  pairs.  4.  A 
mode  of  constructing  the  cylinders  or  cham- 
bers with  a  partial  false  bottom.  5.  The  em- 
ployment of  pressing  bars  in  the  cylinders  or 
chambers.  6.  The  combination  of  several 
moulds  in  one  mould  frame.  7.  Certain 
modes  of  constructing  and  working  the 
receiving  tables. 

Sblbt,  Oborob  Thomas,  of  Smethwlck, 
Stafford,  manufacturer.  Jn  imprenement  in 
fumaeee.  Patent  dated  October  7,  1854. 
(No.  2155.) 

Claim,  —  The  causing  of  air  to  pass 
through  or  under  hollow  or  a-shaped  bars 
and  to  enter  the  front  part  of  the  furnace 
through  hollow  bearers  carried  up  into  the 
furnace. 

Roberts,  Thomas,  and  John  Dale, 
of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  manufacturing 
chemists.  ImprooemenU  in  obtaining  and 
treating  extraetefrom  certain  dye-woode,  gmd 
in  apparatus  for  obtaining  etudk  exiraete. 
Patent  dated  October  7, 1854.    (No.  2157.) 

This  invention  consists  of  methods  of  ob- 
tiuning  extracts  from  logwood,  peach,  Brasil, 
and  other  woods  requirinff  simiUr  treatment, 
in  which  a  series  of  vessels,  like  the  detaohed 
ones  ordinarily  employed,  are  placed  side  by 
side,  and  made  steam-tight  at  the  top,  &c. 

Johnson,  William,  of  Lincoln's-inn. 
fields,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improve^ 
ments  in  windlasses.  (A  communication.) 
Patent  dated,  October  7, 1854.    (Na  2158.) 

This  invention  consists  in  surrounding 
the  hoisting  barrel  of  the  windlass  with  a 
screw  formed  with  deep  threads  or  leaves. 
This  screw  is  detached  from  the  barrel  of 
the  windlass,  but  is  fixed  to  the  *•  bltu  "  and 
to  the  deck,  and  causes  the  cable  to  be  re. 
ceived  on  and  given  off  the  windlass  uni- 
formly, without  the  usual  ''fleeting"  or 
"surging"  of  the  chain,  and  without  its 
being  liable  to  get  foul. 

Maynard,  Robert,  of  Whittiesibrd, 
Cambridge,  agricultural  machinist.  Improve* 
ments  in  machinery  for  threshing  and  dressing 
grain.  Patent  dated  October  7,  1854.  (No; 
2159.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  the  em- 
ployment  of  two  spiked  feed-rollers  rsTolring 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


402 


8PE<nVI0ATI0N8  OV  PATENTS  BBOEMTLY  FILED. 


at  nBMiiAl  ▼•Uaitiei.  S.  In  the  employ- 
mtnt  of  two  jointed  slotted  plates  whicb  are 
fitted  over  the  feed-rolUrs.  S.  Of  a  method 
of  resifting  the  riddlings,  and  of  delivering 
them  by  self-aoting  apparatus  to  a  second 
proeess  of  cleaning.  4.  In  the  employment 
of  springs  in  threshing  machines  for  sus- 
pending the  riddles,  and  for  oounteraeting 
the  shock  arising  from  the  vibration  of 
them.  5,  Of  a  new  form  of  dmm  or  beater 
composed  of  a  series  of  bars,  having  a  row 
of  studs  immediately  in  advance  of  their 
edges,  by  whicli  the  grain  is  loosened  in  the 
ears  before  it  is  entirely  expelled  by  the 
plain  surfaoo  of  the  angle  iron. 

Shanks,  James,  of  St.  Helens,  Lan- 
•aster,  manufacturing  chemist.  An  Im- 
praoed  mods  rf  mam^aeturing  mUphurie  acid. 
(A  oommunication.)  Patent  dated  Oc- 
tober 0,  1654.    (No.  2161.) 

C/^mt— 1.  Thedeeomposition  of  sulphate 
of  lime,  whether  native  or  artificla(,  by 
flseans  of  chloride  of  lead,  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  salphate  of  lead.  ft.  The  deeom- 
position  of  snlpfaate  of  lead  so  obtained  by 
the  use  of  hydrochloric  acid,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  obtaining  free  sulphuric  acid. 

CnoisKiLL,  William,  of  Beverley,  York, 
•ivil  engineer.  Improvementt  in  the  eon- 
atntetim  ff  portable  r^Uwayt.  Patent  dated 
October  10,  1854.    (No.  2162.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  combining 
the  sleepers,  ehairs,  and  rails  of  a  railway 
that  t|i«  whole,  when  anited,  mav  be  folded 
Into  portable  forms;  in  making  the  lon- 
gitudinal sleepers  and  rails  of  two  or  more 
4i(foreot  lengths,  capable  of  being  arranged 
so  that  when  the  long  and  short  lengths  are 
laid  down  altismately  on  each  side  th(i  rail- 
aray  shall  form  a  straight  line,  but  tha^ 
when  some  or  all  of  the  long  sleepers  and 
rails  are  laid  down  on  one,  and  some  or  all 
of  the  short  ones  on  the  opposite  side  the 
railway  shall  form  a  curve ;  ftc. 

WMftE,  Hbnet  Thomas,  of  Queen's- 
ierraee,  Hammersmith,  army  aecoutremen^r 
maker,  and  Oeorqe  Roberts,  of  Great 
f  eCer-atreet,  Westminster,  miner,  /ft  im- 
prooed  mode  rf  rendering  hatt,  caps,  and 
otker  eoveringo  for  the  head  te{f 'Ventilating. 
Patent  dated  October  10,  1854.   (No.  2164,} 

The  inventors  form  an  elastic  pushion, 
composed  of  6ne  wire  twisted  into  the  shape 
of  a  flat  helical  spring  or  otherwise,  and 
attach  this  to  the  hat  and  cover  iq  snch 
asnner  that  the  edges  will  peripit  of  the 
free  passage  of  air  throi^gh  the  elliptic 
cushion  when  the  hat  is  worn. 

HAMMBKICIf.    YALENTimS  WiLLIAM,   Of 

i^ltona,  Holstein,  but  nosr^t  John-street, 
Minories,  London,  upholsterer.  Jn  fmr 
proved  construction  qf  buoyant  mattrett. 
Patent  dated  October  10,  1854.  (No.  2165.) 
fllie  inventor  forms  a  mattress  of  a  woveA 


material  pervious  to  water,  and  stuft  it 
with  horsehair  or  other  elastic  stuffing, 
leaving  at  one  edge  a  separate  compart- 
ment for  the  reception  of  eork  or;  other 
buoyant  material.  The  mattress  is  pro- 
vided with  straps  or  belts  for  soeuriag  tt  to 
the  body  oC  a  shipwrecked  person  when  it  is 
required  to  be  used  as  a  life-buoy. 

Hancock,  Samuel,  of  Woolatoq-street, 
Nottingham,  silk-agent.  Improvements  in 
the  manrfaeture  rf  looped  fabries.  Patent 
dated  October  10,  1854.    (No.  2itf.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  improved  instruments  for  forming 
the  loops  between  the  n^dles  and  oarryiog 
the  loops  forward  under  the  beards  of  the 
fieedles,  which  instruments  perform  part  of 
the  operations  now  usually  effected  by  the 
Jack  or  lead-sinkers  \  in  the  employment  of 
improved  instruments,  and  in  the  method  of 
working  the  same,  for  the  purpose  of  bring, 
ing  the  wortc  forward  on  the  needlea,  press- 
ing down  the  beards  of  the  needles,  regu- 
lating  the  loops,  knocking  ever  the  work, 
and  drawing  It  back  agam,  theee  instro- 
ments  performing  the  operationsnow  usually 
eflTeoted  by  the  lead  and  jack-sinkers  and 
presser-bar  of  th«  common  stocking  frame ; 

iAOKSON,  Joseph  Buedbkin,  of  Etna 
Works,  Sheffield,  York,  and  William 
BoWLEE,  also  of  Sheffield,  engineers.  Im- 
provements injktmaees  fir  fire-plaeet,  and  in 
the  prevention  ^  smoke.  'Patent  dated  Oc- 
tober 10,  1654.    (No.  8167.) 

Claim. — **  The  system  or  mode  of  supply. 
ing  air  to  furnaces  and  ire-plaees,  for  die 
prevention  or  better  consumption  of  smoke, 
by  means  of  a  passage  or  parages  along  the 
bottom  of  the  ashpit  opening  into  the  main 
flue  immediately  behind  the  fire  space,  and 
ftirnished  with  an  automatic  or  partially  au- 
tomatic valve  or  valves  for  regulating  the 
supply  of  air." 

Kmoceer,  Geoeoe  Wiqsbll,  of  Bushy 
Ruff,  Dover,  Kent,  gentleman.  Improve' 
ments  |j^  e5farnmg  motive  power  by  means  of 
water.  Patent  dated  October  10,  1854. 
(Np.  2168.) 

The  inventor  describes  an  arrangement  la 
which  the  tanks  and  cylinders  employed  are 
placed  in  two  tiers  at  diflferent  heights,  and 
a  peculiar  system  of  slide  valves,  with  the 
application  of  them  to  his  arrangemenL 

Kershaw,  John,  of  Brixton,  Surrey,  en- 
gineer. Improvements  in  the  mannfaeture  tf 
wrought  iron  railway  wheels.  Patent  dated 
October  10,  1854.     (No.  2169.) 

file  inventor  tbapufactures  a  solid 
wrotfgl}t-irQi)  wheel,  by  first  forming  the 
nave,  disc  or  spokes,  an  j  ty^e  separately, 
and  then  welding  them  togetljer  bjr  one  pr 
more  described  processes. 

Crosslbt,  H^nrt,  of  OtmberweH-grove, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPBOmOATIOMS  or  PATBNT8  RECENTLY  FILED. 


403 


Bumv,  91? II  engineer.  Improvemenit  in  the 
wumrfaeiwre,  of  waddingt  for  emmons  and 
firt-anns.  Patent  dated  Oetober  10|  18^4, 
(No.  2170.) 

This  intention  consists  in  making  wad' 
dings  from  spent  tan  and  spent  hops,  or 
either  of  them«  mixed  with  vegetable  or 
animal  fibre ;  these  matters  being  reduced  to 
a  dough  or  thick  pulp^  plaoed  in  moulds^ 
and  pressed  by  hydraulio  or  other  suitable 
pressure. 

Chubb,  William,  of  Clifton,  Oloueester, 
gentleman.  ImprmtemetUt  in  the  eorutruciUm 
rf  heama  i»d  parts  rf  thipii  thipi*  nuuU  and 
spars,  and  other  like  struetmres*  Patent  dated 
Ootobsr  10,  1854.    (No.  2171.) 

This  iuTention  consists  in  forming  beams 
or  bars  of  sSTeral  pieces  of  angle-iron  com- 
bined with  or  Imbedded  in  wood  as  de* 
scribed. 

Cruisb,  AoBBETt  of  Manchester,  Lan. 
easter,  engineer.  Improvements  in  maddnerp 
or  apparatns  for  itoppUig  railwap  earriagei. 
Patent  dated  Oetober  11,  1854.  (No. 
3177.) 

Claims, — 1.  The  adaptation  to  carriapes 
of  a  sliding  rod  eombined  with  the  friction 
breaks^  and  eonneeted  together  by  a  yield* 
ing  apparatus.  2,  The  appiieation  to  the 
friction  breaks  of  elastic  abutments.  S.  The 
application  td  the  break  ^an  of  two  sliding 
reos  through  which  power  is  eommnnicated^ 
saeh  rods  being  capable  ef  BSOTing  in  oppo- 
site directions. 

SiiAW,  Thomas,  of  Preston,  Lncaster, 
machilM^makA,  and  Bicharb  Dieon,  of 
the  same  place,  machine-maker*  Itkpmt^ 
mente  in  sMlfingt  rowsgi  and  Jaak-jrames 
etkphped  in  the  preparaHon  t/  eoitoa  and  oihir 
fibrous  substances*  Patdit  dated  October 
11,1854.    (NO.S179.) 

This  invention  mainiy  Consists  in  the  ap- 
plieation  and  use  of  detaching  stays  or 
lerers,  wotking  on  one  eemmon  fixed  centre 
•t  one  end,  and  supporting  the  top  of  the 
flyers  at  ths  other)  for  the  purpose  of  steady- 
ing and  checking  the  vibrations  of  such 
flyers  in  slnbbing^  roving,  and  jack  frames 
when  driven  at^  high  velocity. 

Sbvillb,  Edwabd  John,  of  Brhiton, 
Surrey,  gentlcraani  An  imptooement  in  the 
manufacinte  rf  hats,  (A  eommnnieation.) 
Patent  dated  October  12,  1854.  (No. 
2180.) 

This  invention  sonsists  m  cementing  the 
^arts  of  the  linings  of  hats  to  the  interior  of 
the  bat-bodies,  so  as  to  form  part  of  them, 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  silk  or  ether 
eoverings  are  affixed  to  the  exterior. 

Whiter  WfLLiiiM,  of  York  yilla«  Ken* 
siogtoB-park^  fiayswater,  sonsnhing  ehe- 
misL  ImprommeiUs  in  the  memefiietnn  pf 
mannres.  Palsot  dated  Ootobte  12^  1854. 
(Ho.  2181<) 


*'  I  introdneei"  says  the  inventor,  "  into  a 
retort  or  apparatus  in  which  is  charcoal  in  a 
state  of  ineaudescenee,  a  quantity  of  potash, 
or  ashes  of  wood^  or  vegetable  matter  yield- 
ing potash.  I  also  prepare  blood  by  the  ac- 
tion of  sulphate  of  alumina  and  obtain  the 
same  in  a  dry  and  pulverulent  cendition, 
and  I  combine  the  same  with  the  charcoal 
above-mentioned^  and  also  with  matters 
yielding  phosphoric  aeid  and  other  fertilis* 
ing  elements ;  and  in  some  manures  in  order 
to  prevent  disease  in  plants  and  vegetables 
I  combine  the  following  matters:  hydrate 
of  limc)  sulphate  of  alumina}  sulphate  of 
protoxide  of  iron ;  sulphate  of  protoxide  of 
magnesium;  ohareoal  and  chloride  of  se* 
dium  I  and  I  obtain  and  apply  products  by 
the  destnieiive  distillation  of  night  soil  and 
animal  matters  by  condensing  the  products 
which  come  over,  and  I  combine  these  mat* 
ters  in  preparing  manures  as  above-men- 
tioned." 

Chanob,  Jambs  Timmshsi  of  Birming- 
bami  Warwick.  Improvements  in  mammae* 
turing  articles  from  the  minerals  or  roeks  rf 
the  descriptions  eommonljf  called  basalt  or 
trapi' sometimes  rowk^rag  or  vthinstone.  Pa- 
tent dated  Oetober  12,  1854.    (No.  2182.) 

This  invention  consists  in  subjecting 
fused  masses  of  the  minerals  or  rocks  men- 
tioned in  the  title  to  pressure,  by  means  of 
rollers  and  pressing  apparatus,  in  order  to 
produce  varioutf  articles  such  as  slabs, 
sheets,  bars,  8te. 

AdVTLiDOB,  Ancbl  Alexandbr,  of 
Neath,  Glamorgan.  Improvements  in  the 
manrfaeture  rf  detonating  railway  signals. 
Patent  dated  October  12,  1854.  (No.  2183.) 

These  improtementi  consist — 1.  In  so 
forming  and  connecting  the  parts  of  such 
signids  that  the  edges  may  be  soldered  and 
rradered  impervious  to  moisture.  2.  In 
forming  sireh  signals  with  a  projecting  end 
or  plate,  which^  being  beiTt  down,  will  pass 
between  thS  ends  of  two  rails  of  a  railway, 
and  thos  prevent  the  signal  from  being 
brushed  off  the  rail.  8.  In  forming  such 
signals  of  a  tapering  form  so  that  the  wheel 
of  the  engine  or  tender  may  the  more 
certainly  pass  over  them  without  knocking 
them  aside.' 

Dblsartb,  Francois  Albxaiidrb  Ni- 
colas, professor,  of  Rue  Cretx  Boissiere, 
Paris«  France.  A  new  mode  of  and  apparatus 
for  tuning  pianos  and  other  kinds  ^f  stringed 
instmments*  Patent  dated  October  12/ 1854. 
(No.  218«.) 

This  invention  consists  in  tuning  such 
instruiifenti,  or  ih  ascertaining  whether  they 
are  exactly  tuned,  by  applying  te  them  any 
sBstable  stopping  apparatus  by  which  the 
vibrating  parts  <rf  all  or  some  of  the  strings 
may  be  temporarily  brought  at  pleasure  to 
a  certain  standard  length  or  lengths  and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


404 


PROVISIONAL  8PE0IFI0ATION8  NOT  PttOOKI&DED  WitH. 


tbe&  toned  in  unison,  and  fintUj  reetoring  the 
stringt  to  tlieir  primitire  Tibrating  lengtha 
hj  removing  the  apparatus  from  them. 

Anderson,  Sir  Jambs  Calbb,  of  Fer- 
moy»  Cork,  Ireland,  baronet.  Improvemtnti 
in  kieomotive  engmes.  Patent  dated  October 
18,1864.    (No.  2189.) 

The  inventor  claims — 1.  Certain  new  ar. 
rangements  of  boilers.  2.  A  safety-valve 
to  be  placed  on  the  fire-box.  8.  Pumping 
the  water  into  the  fire*box,  and  thence  into 
a  tube  cylinder.  4.  Certain  modes  of  steer- 
ing locomotives.  6,  A  certain  described 
condenser ;  also,  the  forcing  of  cold  air,  by 
a  fan  or  otherwise,  into  a  vessel  or  vessels 
to  condense  the  exit  steam  by  contact  with 
it.  ^  A  separate  engine  to  work  the  fan, 
to  blow  the  fire,  or  to  force  the  air  into  the 
condenser.  7.  A.  turn-stile,  to  check  the 
number  of  passengers  conveyed  by  locomo- 
tive carriages. 

DoBsoN,  Arthur,  of  Bel&st,  Antrim, 
Ireland,  bleacher.  Certain  improoementt  in 
iooms/or  weaving.  Patent  dated  October  13, 
1864.    (No.  2190.) 

Tiiis  invention  consists  of  improved  com- 
binations  of  machinery  for  imparting  a  po- 
sitive motion  to  the  vibrating  rail  of  a  loom, 
which  motion  can  be  regulated  according  to 
the  shed ;  also  in  the  application  of  certain 
paru  by  which  the  warp  is  held  when  it  is 
separated  to  form  the  shed.  By  means  of 
these  improvements  the  injurious  strains  on 
the  warp  are  to  be  diminished  or  avoided, 
and  a  more  uniform  doth  produced  than 
heretofore. 


PROYISIONAI.   SPECIFICATIONS   NOT   PRO- 
CEEDED WITH. 

Lander,  John  Adams,  of  the  South- 
wark-bridge-road,  civil  engineer,  /mproee- 
ntentt  in  putehinet  employed  in  €tndfor  the  mo- 
nn^aeture  rf  spikes  and  nails.  Application 
dated  October  6,  1864.    (No.  2146.) 

The  inventor  forms  the  cutting  edges  of 
hardened  and  tempered  cast  steel  and  the 
other  part  of  the  shears  of  cast  iron  or  other 
metal,  and  securely  connects  the  steel  cutting 
edge  to  the  other  part  by  screws,  by  which 
arrangement  he  is  enabled  to  adjust  the  cut- 
ting edge  independently  of  the  other  part 
of  the  shears,  or  to  remove  it  for  repairing 
or  sharpening,  or  to  substitute  an  entirely 
new  one  for  it 

Britten,  John,  of  Birmingham,Warwick, 
engineer.  J  new  or  improved  machine  for 
sweeping  or  cleaning  chiwmies.  Application 
dated  October  6,  1864.     (No.  2160.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  machine  com- 
posed of  elastic  brushes,  mounted  on  elastio 
stems,  and  furnished  with  a  guide  roller, 
and  a  brush  for  cleaning  the  top  of  the 
oMmney. 


Kbr  r,  Peter,  of  Paisley,  Benfrew,  thread 

;   manufacturer.     Improvements  in  the  treat' 

ment  and  finishing    of    threads    or    yams, 

!   Application  dated  October  6,  1864.    (No. 

I   2161.) 

The  yarns  or  threads  to  be  finished  are 
taken  direct  from  bobbins,  or  from  a  beam 
I  upon  which  they  have  been  previously 
I  wound,  and  are  first  passed  through  a  reed 
fixed  at  one  end  of  a  framing  esnying  the 
finishing  details.  On  leaving  the  first  reed 
the  threads  pass  between  a  pair  of  rollers, 
the  lower  one  of  which  revolves  in  a  trough 
supplied  with  the  starching  or  other  matter 
with  which  the  threads  are  treated,  and  af- 
terwards  pass  through  a  seoond  reed,  and 
tlien  between  a  series  of  polishing  rollers. 

Blont,  Charles,  of  Sydenham,  Kent, 
gentleman,  and  Josbfh  John  William 
Watson,  of  Wandsworth,  Surrey,  doctor  of 
philosophy.  Improvements  in  wiaehinenf  for 
the  prodaetion  of  artificial  JueL  Application 
dated  October  7,  1864.    (No.  2163.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  construc- 
tion and  arrangements  of  a  centrifugal  ap- 
paratus by  which  the  inventors  paJveiize 
and  commingle  the  materials  oompoBing 
their  artificial  fuel,  and  of  channels  or  oon« 
duits  distributed  in  radiating  lines  in  and 
around  the  sub-basin  of  the  centrifugal 
machine,  by  which  means  they  condense 
the  said  materials  towards  the  moulds, 
affording  to  the  mass  the  requisite  con* 
sistency. 

Db  Meritens,  Jean  Baptists  Sbra- 
PHiN,  gentleman,  of  Paris,  Frenoh  Empire. 
Certain  improvements  in  the  mode  ^dyeing 
cotton,  Jlax,  and  other  fibrous  substan4ses  and 
fabrics  generattff.  Application  dated  Oe- 
tober7,  1864.    (No.  2166.) 

These  improvements  have  for  object  the 
fixing  of  all  colours  upon  thread,  cotton, 
wool,  silk,  and  fibrous  substanoes  and  tex- 
tile &brios  generally,  and  do  not  relate  to 
changes  in  the  ingredients,  but  to  the 
following  methods  of  preparing  and  em- 
ploving  them.  1.  Instead  of  using  as  many 
baths  as  there  are  different  dyeing  sub- 
stances, the  inventor  makes  use  of  but  one 
single  bath  containing  the  whole  of  them. 

2.  He  uses  water  from  springs  or  wells  only. 

3.  The  bath  contains  water  and  the  dyeing 
ingredients,  and  is  reduced  one-third  by 
evaporation  over  a  fire.  4.  The  threads  or 
goods  are  immersed  in  the  bath  in  a  cold 
atate.  6.  After  each  immersion  the  threads 
or  goods  are  dried  in  the  open  air  and  in  the 
shade.  6,  These  immersions  and  dryings 
are  to  be  repeated  alternately  at  least  three 
or  four  times,  then  the  threads  or  goods  are 
to  be  washed  in  water,  or  in  soap  and  water, 
to  get  rid  of  any  excess  of  dye  {  and  finally, 
they  are  to  be  dried  in  the  sun. 

AiBiCAN,  James,  of  the  firm  of  James 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOVIfllONAL  PSiOCEOTIONS. 


405 


and  Oeoige  Aikman,  of  Ptisley,  Renfinw, 
finiahen.  J  rotter  for  aecmring  amdJlnUking 
i€xHhfaMet.  Application  daied  October  9, 
1854.    (No.  2160.) 

Thb  iiiTention  consists  in  adapting  and 
appWing  to  the  purpose  of  scouring  and 
finiaaing  textile  fabrics  a  roller  eompcMed  of 
stone  in  substitution  for  those  which  haye 
hitherto  be^n  used  for  the  purpose. 

pROTBBRT,  Noel,  of  Lyons,  France. 
ImfprooemenU  in  macluMry  for  making  laee, 
Am>lication  dated  October  10, 18/»4.    (No. 

The  improved  machine  consists  of  a  lace 
frame  in  which  all  kinds  of  lace  are  pro- 
dnoed  by  means  of  thread-carrying  spindles 
and  holding  needles  for  holding  the  points, 
both  being  roored  by  a  Jac^uard  apparatus. 

Mbllibe,  Marie  Am£dbe  Chaeles,  of 
Paris.  ImpirmmumU  in  ihe  mana^aeiure  rf 
paptr.  Application  dated  October  10, 1854. 
(No.  2172.) 

The  inventor  takes  straw  or  other  veget- 
able fibrous  material,  cuts  it  into  short 
lengths,  washes  it  well,  and  soaks  it  in  warm 
water ;  he  then  places  it  in  a  suitable  close 
▼easel,  where  it  is  retained  between  two 
plates  of  perforated  metal,  and  boiled  under 
steam  pressure  of  at  least  56  lbs.  per  square 
inch  by  means  of  steam;  &c. 

Tatlee,  William  Heney,  chemist, 
South-row,  New-road,  St  Pancras,  Mid- 
dlesex.  ImprontemenU  in  cartouehe^belU  or 
eatet  for  eomtakung  eartridgu  to  be  worn 
round  the  toaist,  or  otherwitet  ealetUated  for 
anme  pf  every  deeeription,  guns,  jnttoU,  and 
other  Jtre-arme*  Application  dated  October 
11,1854.    (No  2175.) 

The  inventor  describes  an  improved  belt 
formed  of  two  cases,  of  which  the  outer  is 
made  impervious  to  damp,  and  is  provided 
with  an  opening  for  the  removal  of  the  car- 
tridges, and  a  flap  to  cover  it.  The  inner 
ease  receives  the  cartridges  and  is  capable 
of  being  turned  round  by  the  fineer,  which 
ia  inserted  in  the  hole  fh>m  whicn  the  last 
cartridge  has  been  removed. 

BooBRSOM,  Samuel,  and  James  Rooee- 
aoN,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  trimming- 
manufacturers.  Improvements  M  the  produc- 
tion rf  ornamental  patterns  upon  velvet  and 
other  woven  fabries,  and  in  machinery  or  op- 
paratus  for  Meeting  the  same.  Application 
dated  October  1 1,  1854.     (No.  2176.) 

This  invention  refers  to  the  obtaining  of 
patterns  in  relief  upon  velyet  and  other 
fabrics,  the  raised  parts  of  such  patterns 
being  of  one  colour  and  the  ground  of 
another.  In  order  to  accomplish  this,  the 
inventors  apply  a  stratum  of  flock,  pulve- 
rised silk,  or  other  finely-divided  sub- 
stance, in  coBJunction  with  farina  or  other 
adhesive  substanoe,  and  then  by  means  of 
suitable  machhiery  emboss  the  desired  pat^ 


tern.  This  causes  the  flock  to  adhere  to 
the  surface  which  receives  the  pressure,  after 
which  the  fine  material  is  brusned  away,  and 
I  the  woven  fabrics  are  exposed  at  the  elevated 
parts. 

Jackson,  John,  of  Belfast  Improvements 
in  treating  or  preparing  tow,  so  as  to  render  it 
Jttfor  drawing  or  roeiitg.  Application  dated 
October  11,  1854.    (No.  2178.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  a  rotatory 
brush  is  employed  which,  aotfang  amongst 
the  hackles,  removes  the  tow  from  them  and 
delivers  it  to  a  doffing  cylinder  (clothed 
with  card  teeth),  from  which  it  is  remored 
by  a  blade,  and  is  caused  to  pass  between  a 
pair  or  pairs  of  rollers  from  which  it  is  re- 
eeived  in  a  can  or  receiver. 

Hood,  Joseph,  of  Newmilns,  Ayr,  ma- 
chinist Improvements  in  ornamental  weaving. 
Application  dated  October  12,  1853.  (No. 
2184.) 

The  essential  feature  of  this  invention 
consists  in  causing  the  pikes  of  the  needle 
frames  to  work  amongst  a  series  of  wires, 
and  in  spaces  formed  by  the  action  of  a  Jao- 
quard  machine,  in  lifting  or  shifting  certain 
of  the  wires. 

Paekee,  Alexander,  of  Newmilns, 
Ayr,  pattem-cutter.  Improvements  in  oma^ 
mental  weaving.  Application  dated  October 
12,1854.    (No.  2185.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  perforated  pattern  in  combination 
with  a  TOW  or  rows  of  needles. 

Hancock,  James  Lamb,  of  MUford  Ha- 
ven, Pembrokeshire.  An  improved  machine 
for  ploughing  or  working  land.  Application 
dated  October  18, 1854.    (No.  2188.) 

This  invention  consists  in  fixing  to  a 
metal  plate  which  is  placed  edgewise  knives 
fixed  so  as  to  cut  the  land,  as  it  were,  into 
slices  laterally  on  both  sides  of  the  plate, 
and  to  act  one  after  and  below  the  other. 

•••  Noa  2187  and  2194  have  not  been 
allowed.  The  documents  of  No.  2102  are 
with  the  law  officers  under  objection. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

I>ated  March  29,  1855. 

704.  WlUisai  James,  of  Crosby  HaU-ohambers, 
London,  Iron  morchant.  ImprovomonU  In  tlie 
manufoctnre  of  screw-bolts. 

Dated  March  80,  1855. 
710.  Ooorge  H.  Babcock  and  Ather  M.  fiabooek, 
of  Westerly,  Rhode  Island,  United  Stetes  of  Ame- 
rica.   Improvements  in  presses   for  printing  in 
colours,  called  polychromatic  printing  preises. 

Dated  April  4,  1855. 

754.  Robert  Hills,  of  Csroltne-plaoe,  Ctty-rosd. 
Tbomss  Miles,  of  Qaeen-street,  Pinsbnry,  snd 
Henry  Monnment,  of  Gsroline-piaee,  City-rosd. 
ImprovemenU  In  bottles,  jars,  sad  other  similar 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


4M 


WnOGEED. 


TeMdt  to  liMilltMe  Um  eorkii«  or  iCoppiBC  of 


DaUd  JprU  6,  IM§. 
716.  Thonto  Bquira,  of  Lstoliftrd,  Ohiolor,  t«- 
ner.    ImproTements  in  remoTing  hairs  from  hMot 
and  ftkiiiB.    A  communioatlon. 

759.  lildoiM  CarlhUn.  of  Roe  dn  Sefrdef ,  l»Afli, 
Franee,  soA  Fnmfott  IsMort  CotW^fe,  of  CMtiO- 
•treet,  Holborn,  London.  ImproveniOiilt  In  app»* 
ratus  for  making  soda  water  and  other  aOrated 
liquids.  A  eoBininaleatloil  from  Messrs.  Gaillard 
and  tMbols. 

760.  Joseph  BraslertorWolterhaBiptOD,0tAffd, 
nt  Off  UnpM 


manufactorer.  An  Improremont  ( 
in  revolving  or  repeating  flre-arms. 

799.  Donnj  lane,  of  Sondsys  Well,  Corlt,  uer- 
flkmt.  hnpTOTomtn^t  te  ohttfnttig  |»irer  hf 
water. 

764.  Abram  Longbottom,  of  Soho  Foundry, 
Mearfow-lane,  Leedl,  Tork,  engineer.  Improve- 
menu  in  preparing  sMd  atid  materiall  to  be  nsed 
when  casting.    A  oomannleatien. 

766.  Peter  Arrive,  engineer,  of  Speneer-streetf 
Darnley-road,  Gravesend,  Kent.  Improvements 
In  tafety-Tsltes  of  sfeam-boilers. 

IkUed  April  7,  l»filr. 

19S,  Rolterl  WinUfen  Walibmm,  esqntre,  of 
Bentbam  Henae,  York.  Improvetoefftetn  maoht- 
nery  or  apparstns  £or  the  maaufiletttre  of  litt  or 
similar  substances. 

770.  Alexander  Rollason,  of  BtitelngTiam,  "Wii- 
wlek,  pbotogrsphlo  artist.  Certain  improtemenli 
iapHotography. 

■  772.  Richard  Stones,  of  Klngstoa-npon-Httll, 
Tork,  btast-founder.  improvements  In  taps  or 
<K>eki  fbr  drawing  off  il  olds. 

774.  Joseph  ArestI,  of  GredM-«tre«i  SohO^^^afe/ 
Middlesex,  Hthographey.  A  method  of  obtaining 
Improved  effects  upon  drawings  washed  or  painted 
on  stohe. 

770.  David  GflUKlit  Jones,  of  Harrington- 
sqvMre,  H8«l|»teiid-fOiid,  Mkldleaoz,  M .D.  Atfew 
or  improved  fkrinaeeoos  food. 

DatedJpril9;iS6$. 

778.  James  Clarkson  Kav,  of  Buy,  Lanedlter, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  the  construction  of 
prensttre  and  vacuum  gaugei. 

780.  Edward  (I'Calfaghan,  UeaCenant  of  H.M.'ft 
Fifty-irst  Ught  Iitfaniry.  ImMroveuoBts  in  ord- 
nance, and  in  prqjectiles  applieable  to  ordnance 
and  small  arms. 

785.  William  Bulf,  of  Rttnsey,  Eisez,  dork. 
An  improved  iAatranMat  for  evtting  of  sliefaig  tur- 
nips and  other  vegetablee. 

Dated  ApHllO,  1855. 

784.  William  Ricketts  and  Thomas  BuUey,  of 
Stepney,  Middlesex,  painters  and  giainers.  Im- 
provements in  producing  Ornamental  designs  on 
painted  or  Japanned  table-cover*. 

786.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  ^ontainemoreau, 
of  Sontlh street,  London.  CetMfti  Ifn^venwirts 
In  tho  coittirnetlMi  of  steam  boflefs.  A  eommn-- 
nicatlon  fh>m  M.  8.  Botttlgny,  of  Pdris.  FfftAee. 

788.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's  inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentlerAan^  fnrprovemenU  in 
maobinofy  er  apparatus  for  oombing  wool  and 
other  fibrous  sobetanees.  A  eommuAlefltion  from 
Victor  Bfosser,  of  Beauvais,  Franco. 

790.  Louisa  Monaanl,  widow  and  adatnlstralriai 
of  Willoughby  ThRobald  Monianl,  late  of  St. 
Jamea's-terraoov  Viae  Aaehor-rorid,  Bermondsey, 

Sintlemaa,  deceased.    Improvements  la  folding- 
oolt  and  foiding-chaSrs.    A  eommuulentloa  from 
her  late  husband. 


PATBNfl  APta.Tto  FOB  WITH  OOXPMSni 
SPECIFICATHmS. 

loo.  Rugtatf  Fouler,  engineer,  of  AhdUf, 
France.  An  improved  machino  to  be  used  let 
drying  wool  and  other  fihious  malorials  April 
if.lSil 

800.  Soren  Hjorfh,  of  CMenhagM.  Aft  taS- 
lAMVed  eleetro-magneile  bMtefy.    Apfll  1 1,  iMi. 

807.  Soron  ^>orUi,  of  Gopenhagen.  An  la- 
proved  electro-magnetie  maefaine.    April  II,  I85S. 

808.  Soren  Hjorth,  of  Capenoaeeii.  An  Im- 
p^oted  electrO-magnetie  mnemiie.    ApAl  II,  f99S. 


NOTICES   OF  INTENTION   TO 

PHOCEED. 

(#y^  ike  '^Ltrndim  Gd^U**  MprU  S4fA, 

fS8S.  Jaffies  Higglns  and  thomai  Schofleld 
WhltwoHh.  ImprovectteMs  In  the  mMtlteture  of 
bny  onots,  and  fas  maeMnety  or  appaefs  oonneototf 
therewith. 

7.   William   Davis.    Improvements  in  fof- 


2597. 
naces. 

Mt9.  WHltem  CharMe  8eo<t.    ImprOT«movU  la 
paddle-wheels. 

2640.   William  Clark.     Improvements   in  aa* 
dhori. 

tM4.   FrinM  Arehef  and  WllRiih  l^artneau. 

^  jj,  dIstUHng  r ■ 


minous,  jMid  veaetable  maite'ia. 

2648.  Feter  Joel  Livsey  anj(  WlllUm  Weild. 
ImpToveiMrats In  ciirtridMs andprofectaes,  and  id 
the  construction,  mounling,  and  wetklifg  of  ord- 


2667.  Juliana  itartin.    A  safety  apparatus  fee 
effectually  cleining  windows  from  the  inside  of  a 


11664.  Bdwin  Wlielo;  ImpMvoneMo  la  «U  aat 
other  lamps. 

286d.  James  Pritchard.  Certain  improvements 
M  the  eoimrnetton  of  ierew-pfopellers. 

2678.  ioha  Avery.  Improvements  hi  iJddhMif 
for  cutting  metallic  bars.  A  e«Dnaunlca(io8  froiri 
Samuel  HaU,  of  New  York,  United  Stater  of  Amo- 
rfe«. 

2674.  Frederlek  HobeH  Augustus  Glover.  Itt- 
provemonts  in  or  applieable  to  tho  tfonolrattiSB  of 
carriager. 

S677.  Joseph  Tucker.  An  improvement  in  the 
consfruethm  of  ships  for  saving  persons  In  ease  Of 
shipwreck. 

2681.  John  Paul.  Impfovomento  fat  rnnebtaery 
or  apparatus  for  colouring  or  staining  the  suif^ees 
(it  papef ,  leather,  woven  fabrics,  and  similar  raa- 

26»1.  George  BoD  and  OMrgo  CRMHrOfMies. 
Improvements  in  the  manuHseiu-re  of  ludfer  or 
congreve  matches  and  other  instantaneous  Hghts. 

2705.  Fredeflft  Prtnee.  Certain  improvements 
In  the  nipples  of  flre-aftne. 

2714.  John  Franeis  Portec  Inipiuiemento  la 
the  manufacture  of  bricks  and  tiles. 

2n5.  Geotge  Aaderson.  Ittprovements  In  puri- 
fying sewers  aod  buUdlngs,  or  other  plac^M,  of 
noxkras  vapoura. 

2725.  James  Oundas.  Improvementa  In  tho  nw- 
nufacture  of  cannon  and  ordnance  of  every  do- 
seription. 

IS.  Fdlls  Gabriel  CdMstla  I^haynlfr.  Imneve- 
ments  in  the  purification  of  hyd  royea  gas. 

18.  John  Henry  Johnson.^  An  tanpiovod  system 
or  mode  of  coating  iron  witl  copper.  A  commn- 
nfOfltion. 

M<  AadrfOaipkrdGMednm.  AIM&lNMtaMf 
which  jyy  bo  used  for  different  purposes. 

64.  Edward  Booth.  Certain  Imnrovementa  la 
tli6  Inodo  aitd  AttcttUMff  fb/  df o4tog,7t^bi!b 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


vxxsLT  un  «r  »atknts. 


407 


and  flnltUng  tertlle  ■A4  oClMr  Mukm  tad 


149.  Thomas  Cfendos  Hill.  An  improTement 
in  drain-pipM  and  tilat. 

206.  John  Henry  Johnson.  ImproToments  In  the 
oonstrnction  of  kllea,  and  In  the  application  there- 
of to  tM  imrposes  of  eanji^g  lines,  and  of  signal- 
ling. A  commnnlcation  from  AndrA  Marie  Pr^To- 
nnd,  of  Paris,  France. 

215.  William  Polklnliom.  ImproTemcnta  in  ap- 
paratus for  cleansing  wheat. 

830.  Jelin  Raphael  Isaac.  ImproTementa  in  the 
construction  of  portable  Inilldinfs. 

S82.  George  Heppel.  An  improved  rotary  pump 
and  engine.  A  eommonlBntion  flrom  John  Mortf* 
mer  Heppol»  of  Oolre,  •vKseiland. 

891.  Thomas  Harrison.  A  composition  for  coyer- 
ing  and  protecting  the  bottoms  of  shlpt  and  re^ 

4M.  Willam  Hedgai.  Certain  impioTementa 
in  boots  and  shoea. 

488.  John  Coney.  An  Improved  constmotlon  of 
gnn-lock. 

687.  William  HaaVattglit  Certain  improvo- 
ments  te  maelrtnery  or  apparatus  for  spianinff 
cotton  and  ether  flbroM  anbttanoee. 

678.  John  Getty.  An  improvement  in  the  eon- 
ttruetion  of  steam  and  other  vessels. 

712.  Joeepn  Morgan.  An  iiuprovemeiit  in  the 
mannfaeture  of  candles  In  Which  tallow  if  vsed. 

718.  Charles  Whitley.  Imprdvetfkcnts  Id  ttsclii- 
nery  or  apparatus  for  drilling. 

722.  William  Edward  Newton.  An  improved 
iA6deofeoiigtfAetin^  tfentre^-blfi.  A  cofntonnlciU 
tion. 

724.  George  Fergusson  Wilson  and  Georae 
Fayne.  Antmprcr^enMnttntfMCIngemtoobtalil 
an  elastic  oroduoC 

7S4.  Richard  Peyton.  Improvemedts  In  iik9 
manufscture  of  iron  gates  and  flmoci. 

752.  Christopher  Niokels  and  James  Hobson. 
Improvements  in  weaving  pile  fabrics  when  wires 
are  used.  

762.  Denny  Ldrtfe.  impAyvemente  in  Ootaining 
powtfV  Iff  iratt*.  ^_ 

790.  Iioiiisa  Modtfitni.  liAprovements  Mr  Rwflng- 
•fools  and  folAAg-chaitt.  A  eonmnnicatiotf  from 
ner  late  hnrtdntf. 

Oppofiticm  can  be  entered  to  the  ^dnting 
of  a  ratent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
*b«ve  Liat,  whd  havt  given  notlee  of  their 
itttentfmi  W  ftoceed,  within  twenty  *  one 
ja^s  from  the  date  of  the  Odzetle  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
miasioners'.office  partioulars  in  writing  of 
Um  objeetioB  t«  tM  application. 


WSSKLT  LIST  OF  TAf  tUtt^, 
SetOed  JpHl  70,  18^5. 
2351.  WillMuivOreeBand/oaepliJPiekett 
2262.  Edward  Abell. 
2254.  Georfi;e  Savage. 
2255«  Abraham  Gerard  Brade. 
226#.  Joseph  HopkinsoB  Oie  yoBDger. 
2278.  Louia  Vital  HeHn. 
2280.  William  Orindtey  Cra?g. 
2282.  John    Healey,  John    Foster,  and 

John  Lowe. 
2846.  WtHiam  Childa  thd  founget. 
2864.  James  Whitehead. 
2894.  Eugene  RioMiMl. 
2414.  George  Bodiey. 


1855. 

1 16.  Jean  Antoine  Fran9oityietor  OodiD. 

818.  Alexander  Sanda. 

840.  William  BIythe  and  Emile  Kopp. 

858.  Andrew  Henshaw  Ward,  Junior^ 

988.  George  Noble. 

410.  John  Henry  Johnson. 

Sealed  AprU  24,  1855^ 
Thomas  H&tfh. 
William  Tbomaa  Smith  aad  George 

HilL 
Joseph  Eecles; 
James  Griffiths. 
Augusto  Bdouard  Lorndouz  BeU" 

ford. 
Astley  Pastoh  Price. 
William  AshteiK 
Edward  Lindfiet. 
feufk  Pierre  SavoufC. 
George  Taylor. 

James  and  William  Bradshaw. 
Edoaard  Alexandre. 
Andrew  Ped^ie  How. 
John  Blatkie. 
Darid  tunks. 
James  Kiven. 
Willlafn  lC)6ett. 
Thw  UM.  WitHMi  Edwwd  Pittw 

murtdtf.' 
B.obert  Wilson. 
]^enri  Jules  Duvivier  and  Henri 

Chaudet 
Peter  Amoand  Looomte  de  Fob- 

tainemoroKU 
Henry  Strong, 
i'eter  flawotth. 
Ashton     Stansfield     «ld    Josiah 

GreeBWoed. 


2142. 

2278. 

2288. 
2287. 
2289. 

2291. 
2292. 
2297. 
2298. 
2819. 
2820. 
2884. 
2858. 
2860. 
2381. 
2885. 
2896. 
M00« 

2426. 
2479. 

2541. 

2544. 
2787. 
2747. 

1855. 

22. 

28. 

#1. 
199. 
288. 

248. 
247. 
819. 
887. 
839. 
847. 
858. 

880. 
889. 
897. 

418. 
421. 
458. 
467. 
479. 
591. 


John  y enables  and  Arthur  llann. 

John  Yenjibles  and  Arthur  MasB. 

Thomas  Witeon. 

George  Bell. 

John  Smith  and  Jane*  HoUing«' 

worth. 
William  Taylof. 

Alexander  William  Williamson. 
Louis  Adolphe  Ferdinand  Betna^d. 
Jimies  N tcYrol. 
Francis  Brown  Blanchard. 
William  Spenoe. 
Ferrtooato  G«etano  Pitftro  Maria 

Vittorio  Maneglia. 
Thomas  Organ  and  George  Pitt. 
Paul  Prinoe. 
Frederick  William  East  and  ^ohn 

Mills. 
John  Scott  RnaseU. 
ChArles  Henry  Roberts. 
Jamet  Lewis. 
Alfred  YincMit  Newton. 
Timothy  Walker  Carter. 
Bttg#MTn<dlf. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


406  U8T  OF  BESXGNS. 

LI8T  OP  DB8IGNB  FOE  ARTICLBS  OF  UTILITY  BSGIBTSRSD. 


Dftto  of     No.  In 

RofUtra-  tho  Ro- 

tton.       gitter. 


Proprietor's  Nunos. 


AddlMMt. 


ApiU4 


10 
Jl 
18 


S701 
S70S 
S70S 

sroi 

STM 

srM 
s7or 


20  S700 


BUr.iO 

049 

Si 

060 

Apr.  11 

051 

oos 

IS 

858 

054 

17 

055 

18 

050 

B.  Whodor...^. .......  Nottiiiffliam  ......^.^... 

P.  De  La  Rno  and  Co....  Banhtll^Tow  ............... 

Potter,  Porter,  and  Co...  Wood-ttreet ......... ....^ 

N.  Grefg,  R.  Taylor,  and 

J.  Chandler  .........;..  BermoodeeyM.......^... 

N.  Bioutfh Btmingbam 

T.  P.  Hide ..........  Briatol  . . ... ., 

A.  Emetl Liverpool  ............ ...m.. 

]Cnlght,]ferT,andET- 

ley M........I....  lMTm<nglifm  —  „,r , 

B.  B.  B.  Wren  ...^....m.  Tottenliam-ooart-road  : 


Subject  of  Design. 

........  Plre-brkk. 

Fasteningt  for  poitMiM. 

........  Alliance  sbawL 

........  Caviar  or  ease. 

........  Clasp  or  bnekle. 

MM....  81ing-<aotion ' 

».M.M  Chlinaof  Top. 

........  Cooking-lamp. 

..M....  Csmp  ans-ehalr. 


raoTisxovAL  nsaisTnAnovs. 
Middlesex.. 


W 

J.  Hinks  ... 

C.  Wills  ... 

T.  Bulloek 

J.  P.  Fenner  and  T.  H 

HIdey 

G.  Grout , 

J.Cooke Colehester...... 

J.  B.  De  Pinna  Regent's-park 


.  Bvompton ......... .................. ...... 

,.  Wlncoester  ......m.......m....m.m*m. 


,  Gray's-lnn-road ........ 


Bieeeb-loading  i 
Protector  for  rolled  ilhtase. 
Union  lailw^-chair. 
Levertap. 

■  Tooaco^plpe. 
.  Crochet  cotton  annlet. 
.  Portable  Ponltiy  pen. 
.  Artificial  grape. 


.    MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  ft  GO. 
VadiBrtalu  the  PzoeKrsti<m  of  PaU&ti 
^or  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  the  traniaction  generallj  of  nD 

buainess  relating  to  Patents.    Coats  of  Pro? isional  Protection— £10  lOs. 

Pnetical  Inatmetions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  giatis  on  applieation 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON*  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  <*  Meohanios*  Magazine  audi 

Patent  Office/'  166,  Fleet-street,  London. 


CONTENTS  OF 
Bisbopp's  Patent  Mctbod  of  Communicating 
Power  to  RcTolTlng  Shafte— («Uk  eivroo- 

imgi)  « 

ElemsNfetary  Denoastrations  of  Propositions  in 
the  TbeofT  of  Magnetle  Forces.  Bj  Pro- 
fessor W.  Thomson— <«Mh 


Batlwi^  8^ 
Proteonon 


S87 


of  the  New  Palace  at  Westminster 


:  Masts  and  8parsv(wU*  «»- 


392 


from  lightning 
M*Gavfn*s  Patent 

froeiMf) S9S 

Maekay^   Patent  Apparatus  for  Propelling 

Vessels— («<(*  sit^ari»^«) 394 

Amerlcao  Telegraphs 895 

Fenton's  Patent  Safety-TalTes 896 

"Mensuration  made  Easy;  or,  the  Decimal 
System  for  the  Million.'*    By  Charles  Hosre 

— (Reriew) 387 

Profeesor  Cailaa  on  the  New  Maynooth  Singlo- 

llald  Battery 3M 

Speciftcatloas  of  PatenU  recently  Piled : 

Dnnlop Fibrous  Materials  ......  401 

Ihnand.M ...Circular  Looms 401 

Smith Safety^age  for  Mines...  401 

Chambers .-..Beetling  Fabrics.........  401 

Uren BrUks  and  Tiles.........  401 

Sdby Furnaces 401 

Roberts  ft  Dale  ...Bxtrsets  from  Wood  ..  401 

Johnson Windlasses 401 

Miynard Threshing  Grain.........  401 

Shanks Sulphuric  Acid  ..........  402 

Crossklll Portable  Hallways  ......  402 

White  ft  Roberts.. VentUatini  Hats. 402 

Hammerkh  ..Buoyant  Mattresses  ...  402 

Hancock  ......Looped  Fabrics  ..........  402 

Jackson...............PnTnaees 402 

...MotlTo  Power 402 


THIS  NUMBER. 

Kershaw  ......^....Ra&way-wheols  ......... 

Crossley  ............  Waddings  for  Flxo-aima 

Chubb ......MasU  and  Beama  ...... 

Cruise.'........ Jtsilway-brsaks  .......... 

Shaw  ft  Dlxoa ......  Pibrons  Substaneee  .... 

Beyille   ...............Hats  ..... 

White... Manures  ................ 

Chance  .............Mineral  Articles ....«» 

Routledge... ... .. ..Railway-signals  ....... 

Delsarte  ...........Tuning  Fiance......... 

Anderson  ....... ..LoeomotlTo  Engines .. 

Dobson Looms 

Prorisional  Speciflcatlons  not  Proceeded  with; 

Lander  .............Spikes  and  Nafls...... 

Britten  ...». Sweeping  Chimoiee ... 

Kerr Threads  or  Yams  .... 

Blunt  ft  Watson...AMielalFliel  ........ 

De  Meritens  ......Dyeing  .............. 

Alkman .Textfle  Fabriea .. 

Prothoy  ..........Lace-Baachiaeiy....  ... 

Melller  ...........«»Paper ............. 

Taylei|.............Cartridge-belta........ 

Rogerson  ft  Roger- 
son Ornamental  Yelfct..... 

Jackson Tow 

Hood  ...;..........Onameatal  Weaving  . 

Parker  ... ....... ..Otnamental  Weaving.. 

Hancock Ploughing  Land  ...... 

Provisional  Protections... 

Patents  Applied  for  with  Complete  Spedfiea- 

tions 

Notices  of  InUntlon  to  Proceed............... 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 

List  of  Designs  for  Articles  of  Utility  ILe0s- 

List  of  Provlsloiiai*Registntfm 


401 

4es 
4es 
oas 
4es 

4«S 


401 


>  N  D  o  N :  Edited,  Frmteo,  and  Published  by  BJchard  Archibald  Bnoman,  of  No. 
la  the  City  of  London — Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Gallgnant,  Rue  Tlvienne  Paris  }j 
Dublin  I  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


of  No.  100,  Fkot-elroet, 
and  Co., 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1656.]  SATURDAY,   MAY  5,    1835.  iJ'^"/', 

-•  '  '  [stamped  4d. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  \M,  Pleet-ttreet. 

CARR'S  PATENT  STEERING  APPARATUS. 
Fig.  1. 


Fig.  2. 


VOL,    LXll. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


410 

CARR'S  TATENT  STEERING  4pP4HATUSj 
(Patent  dated  August  28,  18J(.) 

Mr.  T.  Cahr,  of  Liverpool,  sharebroker,  has  patented  an  arrangement  of  mechanism  for 
transmitting  the  necessary  motion  from  the  steering-wheel  to  the  rudder,  by  mean^  of 
which  forces  acting  upon  the  rudder,  arising  from  the  striking  of  the  water  against  it,  xtiU 
be  slightly  yielded  to,  and  prevented  from  acting  prejudicially  upon  the  steering  ropes  or 
the  helmsman,  as  is  often  the  case  in  consequence  of  the  too  great  rigidity  of  the  com- 
mon  steering  apparatus. 

The  invention  consists,  according  to  the  inventor,  in  the  application  and  arrangement  of 
an  eccentric,  cam,  or  either  of  their  equivalents  (but  by  preference  the  eccentric),  as  a 
means  through  which  the  requisite  motions  may  be  conveyed  to  rudders.  The  following  is 
his  own  explanation  of  the  manner  in  which  it  is  carried  into  effect: — "  I  mount,"  says  he, 
**  an  eccentric  with  its  axis  on  a  vertical  stud  or  fhaft,  and  fit  it  with  a  strap  and  short  rod, 
jointing  the  end  of  the  latter  with  the  end  of  t!)e  tiller.  From  the  shaft  of  the  steering, 
wheel  I  impart  a  revolving  or  oscillating  moven^ent  to  the  eccentric,  by  means  of  toothed 
wheel- work,  or  by  the  arrangement  commonly  applied  (a  barrel  and  chain  or  rope)  for 
giving  motion  to  the  tiller,  which  I  cause  to  impart  motion  to  an  arm  or  quadrant  (corres- 
ponding to  the  tiller),  which  is  keyed  or  otherwise  secured  on  the  shad  of  the  eccentric,  so 
as  to  impart  its  motion  to  the  eccentric.  It  will  now  be  seen  with  this  arrangement,  that 
on  the  eccentric  receiving  a  revolving  or  osoill^tpry  paovement,  iU  action  will  be  conveyed 
by  the  connecting  rod  to  the  tiller,  and  will  thus  be  imparted  to  the  rudder ;  but  from  the 
nature  of  the  eccentric  it  will  be  obvious  that  the  rudder  will  have  little  power  to  act 
through  the  connecting  rod  upon  the  eccentric  to  revolve  it,  and  the  steering-wheel  con- 
nected with  it,  by  reason  of  the  friction  against  revolution  in  the  eccentric  counteracting 
the  force  which  the  connecting  rod  will  exert  tending  to  revolve  the  eccentric  ;  the  resist- 
ance  of  the  eccentric  to  revolution  being  increased  or  diminished  by  increasing  or  diminish- 
ing the  diameter  of  the  eccentric,  the  throw  or  aqaount  of  eccentricity  remaining  the  s^me." 

Fig.  1  of  the  engravings  on  the  preceding  page  shows  a  sectional  elef  atiqn,  and  fg.  2  a 
sectional  plan  cf  the  arrangement  of  mechanism,  which  the  inventor  prefers  to  use  iq  earrj- 
'"  }t.    Iq  fig.  1  the  ecoentrio  is  s))own  i^  one  of  Us  ez^renit  posi. 
I  in  it*  middle  position,  that  i|,  in  the  position  ft  occupies  when 

J  line  ^\\\k  the  keel  of  the  vessel,    a  it  9  short  stud  fixed  to  the  dock  of  the 

vessi)  j*  i  il  the  oopontrip.  the  axis  of  which  is  free,  and  fits  on  t1)e  stud,  o,  being  scoured 
upon  |t  ftx  ^  P^^^^  or  cap  Rolted  to  t|ie  stud  ;  c  is  a  strap,  fitting  into  a  groove  formed  in 
the  rlvfi  ffi  the  eccentrio,  and  made  in  two  halves,  so  that  it  can  be  ))olted  on  the  eccentric 
by  the  bolts,  I/,  the  heads  of  which  are  formed  to  joint  with  the  forked  ends  of  the  connect- 
ing rod,  d,  which  are  secured  to  the  heads  of  the  bolts.  If,  by  pinsj  ^;  and  the  other  end  of 
the  forked  connecting  rod  is  jointed  with  the  heads  of  the  bolts,  e",  (by  means  of  a  pin), 
which  screw  together  the  swivel  parts,  e',  that  embrace  the  pin  or  stud,  0,  fixed  in  the  end 
of  the  tiller  or  lever,/,  which  is  secured  to  the  fulcrum  of  the  rudder,  g*  With  this 
arrangement  the  connecting  rod,  d,  will  not  be  strained,  but  will  be  free  to  vertical  oscilla- 
tions, which  may  be  given  to  it  by  vertical  motion  in  the  rudder,  g.  Motion  is  imparted  to 
the  eccentric  by  the  steering-wheel,  H,  (which  may  be  made  with  a  weighted  rim»  so  as  to 
act  li|ce  a  fly-wheel  on  receiving  an  impulse),  which  is  mounted  on  a  shaft  in  bearings  in 
the  usual  manner;  t  being  the  barrel  or  drum,  around  which  the  rope  or  chain  is  wound 
and  made  fast,  one  end  passing  in  this  case  round  the  obliquely  placed  sheave  pulley,  ji 
and  being  secured  to  the  end,  f,  of  the  quadrant*  h  (which  is  bolted  to  the  eccentric) ; 
the  other  end  passes  through  the  sheave  pullies,  j  and  k,  and  is  secured  to  opposite  ends  of 
the  quadrant,  /".  In  the  arrangement  shown,  the  eccentric  is  only  turned  acout  gn9-third 
of  a  revolution,  its  eccentricity  i)eing  made  sufficient  to  give  the  extreme  moveipents 
required  by  the  rudder  with  that  amount  of  revolution ;  but  if  made  to  re?p|f  P  PPHIplctelj, 
the  amount  of  eccentricity  may  be  diminished  ;  in  which  case,  instead  of  tbs  QU|Qr«lit  or 
segment  of  a  pulley,  f,  an  entire  pulley  may  be  used,  imd  the  sheave  pulleys,  i  J,  dispensed 
with.  Both  ends  of  the  rope  or  chain,  after  passing  through  the  sheave  pulleys,  JJ»  m*y  be 
directly  secured  to  the  pulley,  I,  From  what  has  been  described,  it  will  now  be  utiderstood 
that  the  revolving  of  the  steering-wheel,  H,  will  cause  the  eccentric,  i,  to  turn  on  the 
axis,  a,  and  that  its  reciprocating  movement  will  give  the  requisite  mofenff nts^  to  the 
rudder,  gs  and  it  will  be  seen  that  while  the  rudder  can  easily  be  acted  upon  by  |nann^ 
power  applied  to  the  steering-wheel,  the  proportions  of  the  eccentric  may  be  so  adjusted 
that  it  will  itself,  on  the  contrary,  have  l)ut  small  power  to  act  through  the  eccentric  upon 
the  steering,  wheel,  which  wil),  therefore,  for  the  most  part,  remain  in  whatever  position  it 
is  placed  in,  without  exertion  on  the  part  of  the  helmsman  to  bold  it  in  such  position  ;  but 
as  it  is  found  inexpedient  to  make  the  mechanism  perfectly  rigid,  the  rudder  is  allowed  to 


sectional  pian  ci  tne  arrangen 

jp?  Wi  JRWRlien  ijf^  effect. 

tioi)«  I  \^  dg.  I  it  18  «hpwn  m 
the  fufld^v  fi  Id  I  line  with  tli 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OS  THE  SEWAGE  OV  TOWNS  AND  OITJES. 


411 


bave  a  little  action  on  the  eeoentric  (and  therefore  on  the  steering-wheel)  when  snbjected 
to  heavy  impulses  from  the  water,  the  amount  of  which  may  be  regulated  by  proportioning 
the  parts  as  before  explained,  that  is,  by  increasing  or  diminishing  either  the  dian^eter  of 
the  eccentric,  its  eccentricity  remaining  the  same,  or  the  stud  or  axis  on  which  it  revolves, 
or  both,  according  as  a  greater  or  less  decree  of  rigidnesi  is  required.  It  will  be  evident, 
that  in  place  of  the  eccentric,  a  modification  of  it,  approaching  a  crank,  or  a  lever,  may  bf| 
employed,  as  the  action  of  the  two  is  precisely  the  same,  the  eccentric  being  only  a  crank 
with  ^  pin  enlarged  sufficiently  to  embrace  its  axis  of  rotation  ;  but  as  an  ordinary  crank  is 
in  a  large  degree  free  to  impulses  actin^^  at  right  angles  to  it,  the  parts  will  require 
arranging  and  modifying  to  increase  the  friction,  so  as  to  destroy,  to  a  great  extent,  the 
reactive  force  of  the  rudder  upon  it,  which  may  be  accomplished,  as  before  stated,  by  con^ 
siderably  increasing  the  diameter  of  (he  fulcrum  or  axis  of  the  ofanky  or  lever,  or  tba 
diameter  of  the  part  corresponding  to  the  crank  pin,  or  both. 


ON  THE  SEWAGE  OF  TOWNS  AND  CITIES. 


Natuae  provides  sewers  in  brooks, 
streams,  and  rivers,  and  cesspools  in  those 
large  swamps  and  deltas  which  gather  "  aess  " 
and  exuviae  from  the  hills  and  mountains — 
those  npss  localities  whieh  give  sufficient 
warning  to  the  mere  animal  instinct  of  man 
at  first,  and  to  his  intellect  aa  time  advances 
that,  Uioagh  they  are  veil  adapted  to 
foster  the  vegetation  on  which  he  so  largely 
depends,  they  are  not  plaoas  in  which  be 
eaii  himself  grow  to  the  perfection  pf  hie 
nature.  The  sloping  sides  of  hills,  and 
elevated  porous  plains,  and  not  the  saturated 
Talley,  nor  the  marsh,  nor  the  delta,  are  the 
sites  marked  ont  by  Nature  for  man  to  rear 
his  dwelling  upon ;  and  if,  despite  of  Na- 
ture's warnmg,  he  will,  from  idleness  or 
cupidity,  dwell  in  swamps,  his  stature  will 
inevitably  be  dwarfed,  his  body  diseased, 
and  his  life  shortened. 

In  and  about  this  city  of  London,  spread 
out  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  we  have  hills, 
and  valleys,  and  swamps ;  and  it  is  elear 
that  the«e  swamps,  whether  of  -Battersea, 
Deptford,  Greenwich,  the  Jsle  of  Dogs,  or 
the  Essex  Marshes,  are  appointed  to  be 
garden  ground  for  the  growth  of  vegetables 
for  the  citisena,  and  as  elear  that  the  hills 
are  intended  for  the  residence  of  the  citizens 
themselves,  possessing  more  or  less  of  salu- 
brity according  to  the  natural  conditions  and 
artificial  eapabilities  of  the  soil.  In  circum- 
stances of  inadequate  knowledge,  men  have 
unfortunately  converted  garden  grounds 
into  dwelling-places,  and  unhealthy  proxi- 
mity to  tlie  centre  of  London  has  been 
deemed  of  more  importance  than  healthy 
distance  from  it.  Houses  are  built  in 
swamps  below  tha  level  of  the  river,  and  the 
consequence  is,  a  heavy  per  centage  is  de* 
ducted  from  the  number  and  value  of  the 
population, regarding  them  merely  as  wealth- 
producing  creatures,  while  their  moral  worln, 
it  is  well  known,  decreases  in  proportion  «s 
life  beoomes  hazardous  and  short. 

If  we  stand  on  a  hill-side,  and  loak  down 


over  a  swampy  valley,  in  the  early  mprning 
or  the  evening,  we  behold  it  covered  with  a 
mist  rising  several  feet  above  the  surface  of 
the  ground.  This  mist  is  the  recipient  of 
malaria — a  kind  of  wet  sponge  holding 
gaseous  poison.  Over  all  the  moist  surtaoe 
of  the  earth  this  mist  prevails  more  or  less* 
but  is  densest  and  deepest  in  low  levels.  At 
a  certain  height,  beyond  the  reach  of  this 
ground  fog,  the  whole  atmosphere  is  equally 
healthy.  Where,  therefore,  a  house  is  built 
in  a  marsh  sufficiently  high  to  pierce  through 
this  fog,  human  beings  may  live  healthily 
over  the  marsh,  in  pure  air ;  and  tlie  upper 
rooms  of  a  lofty  house  in  a  marsh*  might 
actually  be  healthier  than  grouiid-floor  rooms 
on  a  hill.  But  it  is  evident  that  the  resi- 
dences in  the  marsh  must  be  much  more 
costly  than  those  on  the  hilU  So  also  it 
may  be  possible  to  drain  a  marsh  artificiaUy, 
but  it  will  be  at  a  considerably  greater  oost 
than  to  drain  a  hill ;  and  this  oost  is  so  mvch 
greater,  that  we  think  it  qujte  probable  the 
time  will  come  when  the  necessity  of  a 
change  will  force  itself  on  the  population  of 
London,  and  the  low  rent  of  Deptford 
Marshes  will  be  considered  no  compensa- 
tion for  loss  of  time,  and  money,  and  di- 
minished production,  and  ruin  of  health. 
It  is  quite  a  possible  thing  that  the  exten- 
sion of  London  will  be  along  the  hills  and 
ridges,  and  that  Deptford  and  Bermondsey, 
and  similar  places,  will  revert  to  their  natu- 
ral purposes.  A  roadway  from  Greenwich 
Hill  along  the  high  lands  of  Kent  would 
afford  better  dwellings  at  a  cheaper  rate, 
and  quite  as  accessible  to  London,  as  the 
miserable  dens  whose  very  look-out  seems 
to  engender  fever  and  ague,  and  drives  tha 
inhabitants  to  unhealthy  stimulants. 

Thus  far  we  have  merely  considered  ma- 
terial circumstances,  but  by  the  aggrega- 
tion of  men  in  numbers,  large  quantities  of 
exuviae  aru  produced,  the  vapours  from 
which  are  many  degrees  more  pernicious 
than  those  produced  by  mere  rotting  vege« 
u  2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


412 


ON  THB  SRWAGE  OP  TOWNS  AND  GITIBS. 


Ution.  In  thinly-peopled  distriots  tbii  may 
be  left  to  disperse  in  the  atmosphere ;  but 
even  then,  in  a  summer  season,  the  exaviie 
from  a  single  house  has  been  known  to  de- 
eimate  a  neighbourhood.  In  short,  if  men 
li?ed  wholly  like  animals,  the  eril  would  be 
less  than  that  occasioned  by  the  ordinary 
Arrangements  of  a  dwelling  without  drains 
or  iiewers.  From  cesspool  colleotions  there 
is  no  hope  of  desiccation.  Water  percolates 
and  fills  the  soil  in  all  directions,  and,  like  a 
churchyard,  the  site  of  a  town  becomes  gra- 
dually  poiaoDoos,  with  more  or  less  of  Tiru- 
lenoe. 

Even  with  drains  and  sewers,  bad  con- 
struction often  makes  of  them  what  has 
not  unaptly  been  termed  "elongated  cess- 
pools ;"  but  even  if  well  drained,  say  in  the 
metropolis,  the  ultimate  receptacle  being  a 
tidal  river,  we  only  spread  about,  but  do  not 
remove  the  evil.  Moreover,  the  very  prin- 
eiple  of  sewers  involves  a  difficulty  at  the 
outset  As  the  town  increases,  the  relative 
eapacity  of  the  sewera  decreases,  and  con- 
stant alterations  are  required  in  default  of  a 
wasteful  outlay  at  the  commencement. 

We  are,  therefore,  of  opinion  that  the  ex- 
uvi«  of  dwellings  in  towns  'should  not  be 
discharged  into  the  sewers  and  then  into  the 
river,  but  should  be  dealt  with  chemically 
in  each  individual  house,  so  as  thoroughly 
to  deodorise  it ;  and  if  possible  such  exu- 
vi«,  thoroughly  deodorised,  should  be  the 
servant's  perquisite,  and  as  much  care 
would  be  bestowed  upon  it  as  in  the  case  of 
kitohen-stuffi  If  it  can  be  treated  chemi- 
eally,  so  as  to  make  its  removal  as  little  ob- 
noxious as  the  removal  of  dust,  the  great 
difflonlty  of  sewage  will  be  at  an  end. 

Thus  far  we  agree  with  the  author  of  a 
pamphlet  before  us,  on  the  **  Effectual 
Drainage  of  Towns,"  *  that  the  sewage  may 
be  better  dealt  with  in  small  quantities  than 
in  large, — that  it  cannot  be  dealt  with  in 
large  quantities  bv  means  of  drains  and 
sewers  to  any  other  effect  than  merely 
moving  the  pollutions  to  another  spot,  with- 
out destroying  the  evil.  Even  in  seaport 
towns,  where  it  is  sought  to  convey  the  sew- 
age into  deep  water,  it  is  rarely  effectual ; 
and  the  visitors  who  throng  those  places  in- 
summer  will,  sooner  or  later,  abandon  them, 
unless  some  effectual  measures  are  taken  to 
remove  and  neutralise  the  abomination. 

The  pamphlet  before  us  begins  thus : 

"  The  three  objects  proposed  to  be  effected 
by  this  scheme,  as  indicated  in  the  preface, 
are,  the 

**  Drainage  of  Towns  ; 

**  Employment  of  Convicts ;  and 

*  *'A  Scheme  for  the  ElTeotual  Drainage  of 
Towns:  with  Prq)«cti  of  important  Nauonal 
H oBSures  which  may  be  engrafted  upon  it.  Lon- 
don :  John  Woale,  M,  Hlfh  Hoibom,  1855." 


**  Provision  of  Lodgings  for  the  Working 
Population." 

It  then  proceeds : 

"  The  main  sewer  being  divided  into  see- 
tions  or  parts,  each  serving  the  entire  drain- 
affe  of  a  district,  an  opportunity  is  afbrded 
of  acting  upon  the  collected  mass  of  sewage 
of  each  district  independently  of  the  acj^oia- 
ing  districts.    Thus  we  may  suppose  a  main 
sewer,  as  now  existing,  to  extend  a  distance 
of  two  miles,  and  be  divisible  into  ten  dis- 
tricts, to  each  of  which  a  length  of  main 
sewer  equal  to  1056  feet  will  properly  be- 
long.    Let  us  adopt  one  of  these  sections  of 
main  sewer,  1056  feet  in  length,  and  proceed 
to  apply  the  proposed  apparatus  to  iL    In 
the  lowest  part  of  the  district,  and  as  nearly 
contiguous  to  the  main  sewer  as  possible,  a 
space  of  ground  about  200  feet  long  and 
100  feet  wide  is  to  be  obtained  as  a  site  (or 
the  receptacles,  &c     It  generally  happens 
that  the  lowest  sites  in  large  towns  are  the 
least  valuable,  and  are  thus  frequently  em- 
ployed for  manufactories  or  other  inferior 
purposes,  or  left  as  waste  ground,  being 
unremunerative  for  building  purposes,  and 
objeotionable  in  respect  to  access  and  loca> 
lity.  These  inferior  imd  cheap  spots  are  the 
most  preferable  as  the  locations  of  the  sew- 
age receptacles.     If  the  site  is  immediately 
contiguous  to  the  main  sewer,  the  meana  of 
connection  will  be  of  the  simplest  kind,  and 
oonsist  of  a  branch  connected  with  the  main 
at  right  angles,  or  nearly  so,  and  provided 
with  four  or  five  outlets,  dipping,  with  as 
much  fall  as  can  be  conveniently  obtained, 
into  the  receptacles.    If,  however,  the  poai« 
tions  of  the  existing  main  sewer  and  the  new 
receptacles  are  remote  from  each  other,  a 
branch  sewer  is  to  be  constmcted  leading 
the  sewage  from  the  former  into  the  latter, 
the  relative  levels  of  all  the  parts  of  the 
apparatus  being  such  that  the  natural  or 
hydrostatic  tendency  of  the  sewage  shall  be 
uniformly  away  from  the  sewer  and  tommrA 
the  receptacle.   Our  site  of  200  feet  in  length 
is  to  be  divided  into  five  portions  of  nearly 
equal  width,  and  of  uniform  length  $  four,  or 
on  occasion,  all  the  five,  of  these  portions 
are  available  as  receptacles  into  which  the 
sewage  is  allowed  to  fiow  as  rapidly  as  it 
may  accumulate  in  the  main  sewer.     Each 
receptacle  is  to  be  filled  in  suoceaaion,  or 
each  may  be  partly  filled  in  succession^  ac- 
cording  to  circumstances,  the  total  capacity 
of  the  receptacles  being  equivalent  to»  and 
somewhat  in  excess  beyond,  the  estimated 
bulk  of  sewage  that  can  under  ordinary  cir- 
cumstances be  committed  to  them.'* 
•  •  «  • 

"  Objections  are  commonly  entertained 
against  all  methods  of  sewage  treatment, 
upon  the  ground  that  the  reoeptaelea  or 
tanks  in  which  the  sewage  is  reoeived  and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  8KWAOE  OF  TOWNS  AND  CITIES. 


413 


treated  must  of  necessity  emit  effluvia  sod 
gmses  oflfonsive  to  the  senses  and  dangerous 
to  human  health.  In  the  plan  here  pro- 
posed, these  objections  are  completely  obTi- 
ated,  the  entire  surfaoe  of  the  tanks  being 
protected  by  a  stratum  of  coal  ash  with  (in 
some  oases)  an  admixture  of  gypsum,  or 
other  ealoareous  or  deodorisins  material. 
TMs  stratum  is  of  suiBoient  thickness  to 
prevent  the  escape  of  the  gases,  and  will  be 
trMted  so  as  to  absorb  all  rolatile  matters 
in  the  sewage  as  rapidly  as  they  are  engen- 
dered. Methods  hate  been  proposed  for  ac- 
eompllshing  this  purpose  by  elaborate  che- 
mical mixtures  and  processes  of  crystallisa- 
tion;  but  these  are  not  now  considered 
necessary,  it  being  found  by  all  experiments 
in  this  department  that  coal  ash  is  an  active 
absorbent  of  the  odorising  ingredients  of 
sewage,  and  eileotually  arrests  all  the  vola- 
Itle  matters  which  constitute  its  most  Talu- 
able  fertilising  properdes. 

**  This  coal  ash  is  contained  in  boxes  or 
eases  which  are  supported  upon  beams  or 
girders  over  the  tauks,  the  boxes  being  per- 
iirated  in  such  manner  that  free  access  is 
afforded  to  the  coal  ash  from  the  sewage  in 
the  tanks.  The  coal  ash  becoming  in  course 
of  time  saturated  with  the  rich  vapours  from 
the  sewage,  is  to  be  mixed  in  certain  propor- 
tions with  the  solid  parts  of  the  sewage,  thus 
increasing  its  total  quantity  without  deterio- 
rating its  fertilising  properties.  The  boxes 
of  coal  ash  above  the  Unks  will  then  be  re- 
newed, and  the  process  proceed.  It  is  in- 
tended, moreover,  that  these  boxes  shall  bo 
so  coostraeted  that  the  lower  and  more  satu- 
rated portions  of  the  coal  ash  in  each  box 
may  be  renewed  from  time  to  time,  as  often 
as  may  be  required,  by  placing  fresh  coal 
ash  on  the  upper  stratum,  and  by  this  means 
renewing  and  replacing  the  saturated  coal 
ash,  which  would  be  crushed,  rubbed,  or 
shaken  into  the  receptacle  by  a  triturating 
apparatus  connected  with  the  lower  part  of 
the  boxes.  In  this  manner  the  upper 
stratum  of  coal  ash  could  never  become  im- 
pregnated  by  any  saturation  or  gaseous 
effluvia,  and  it  would  never  be  necessary  to 
remove  the  boxes  except  for  repairs.  In 
this  manner  the  upper  and  non-impregnated 
part  may  remain  as  a  constant  protecting 
stratum,  or  it  may  be  renewed  at  long  inter, 
vals  of  time,  as  found  best  in  the  practical 
working  of  the  plan.  Sliding  perforated 
bottoms  or  trays  within  the  boxes,  or  other 
suitable  apparatus,  may  be  employed  for  this 
>  partial  renewal  of  the  coal  ash. 

"  The  several  stages  through  which  it  is 

proposed  that  the  sewage  shall  pass  after  its 

reception  in  the  tanks  are : 

-  Setmng  or  DtfMMm  fty  wMeft  /As  Sewage 

wm    be  dimmed   kHo  Liquid   and   8eUd 

"  Raoking  off  and  filtering  liquid  portion. 


"  Discharge  of  filtered  water  into  deep 
well. 

"  Subee^uent  discharge  into  deepest  well. 

"  Pumpmg  up  into  high  reservoir ;  and 

"  Ultimate  dispersal  for  manufacturing  or 
other  purposes. 

"  Mixing  and  drying  solid  portion. 

"  Grinding  it  into  the  form  of  guano. 

"  Packing  guano    in  bags    or    suitable 


"  Lifting  same  from  tanks,  and  delivering 
into  wagons,  trucks,  ftc,  for  agricultural 
purposes.** 

•  •  •  • 

"  The  preparation  of  the  remainder  of  the 
sewage  (after  draining  off  the  liquid  part  of 
it)  so  as  to  deliver  it  m  the  form  of  a  dried 
solid  and  utterlv  inodorous  guano-like  ma- 
nure, or  '  British  guano,*  as  it  may  be  well 
termed,  constitutes  the  second  part  of  the 
sewage  treatment,  and  which  is  now  to  be 
described. 

*'  The  comparatively  solid  portion  of  the 
sewage  remaming  in  the  form  of  a  thin 
stratum  of  a  tolerably  uniform  and  paste- 
like consistence  over  the  bottom  or  eaeh 
tank  after  the  last  draining-off  of  the  liquid 
sewage,  has  to  be  mixed  end  dried— mixed 
with  the  coal  ash  and  gypsum,  or  other 
similar  material  (which  may  have  become 
saturated  or  paruy  impregnated  with  the 
volatile  gases,;  and  dried  by  the  application 
of  heat.  This  mixing  is  considered  desira- 
ble not  only  for  deodorising  the  sewage,  but 
as  a  mode  of  profitably  using  the  saturated 
materials  without  impairing  or  injuriously 
moderating  or  qnaliQring  the  high  forcing 
and  fertilising  powers  of  the  solid  ma- 
nure. 

*'  It  is  proposed,  as  the  most  ready  me- 
thod of  effecting  this  mixing,  that  a  small 
auantity  of  the  coal  ash  and  gypsum,  ftc, 
ball  be  permitted  to  escape  from  the  boxes 
over  the  tanks,  and  frilling  through  each  of 
the  tanks  to  become  deposited  as  a  thin  bed 
or  film  over  the  surface  of  the  bottom  of  the 
tank  before  the  sewage  is  sdmitted.  This 
sprinkling  of  the  coal  ash,  &c.,  may  be  re- 
peated occasionally  during  the  settling  pro- 
cess, by  which  these  maurials  will  descend 
with  the  solid  particles  of  the  sewsge,  and 
become  incorporated  with  the  accumulating 
solid  mass  in  the  bottom  of  the  tenk.  The 
construction  of  the  coal-ash  boxes  has  been 
already  described  as  being  such  that  this 
gentle  liberation  of  the  lower  and  more  satu- 
rated parts  of  the  coal  ash,  &c.,  can  be  rea- 
dily effected  at  such  times  and  in  such 
portions  aamay  in  practice  be  found  adapted 
to  produce  solid  deodoriied  manure,  or 
'British  guano,'  of  the  best  quality  for 
agricultural  purposes. 

*'  The  drying  of  the  solid  and  mixed  mass 
in  the  bottom  of  the  tanks  is  proposed  to  be 
c^cted  by  the  application  of  neat  byn 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


414 


ON  TJTE  SEWAGE  OF  TOWNS  AND  CITIES. 


qf  the  clrauUtiPO  of  hot  water,  air,  or  steam, 
within  coils  of  piping  placed  around  and 
within  the  tooks.  This  heating  will  com. 
mence  immediately  after  draining  off  the 
liquid  iiiattersi  and  a  final  sprinkling  of 
coal  ash,  &c.,  has  been  deposited  oyer  the 
solid  stratum.  The  heatjng  will  proceed 
until  all  the  moisti^re  of  the  mass  is  ef  apo- 
rated,  and  it  is  thoroughly  dried  into  the 
form  of  a  solid  stratum  or  slab,  of  more  or 
less  tenaeity.  In  this  condition  the  mass 
will  be  scrjiped  froip  the  bottom  of  the  tapk, 
and  put  into  grinding  or  crushing-machine^ 
These  machines  maybe  fixed  upon  platforms, 
that  should  descepd  into  the  tanks  as  aoon 
as  the  manure  has  become  thproughl v  dried. 
fQWr  labourers  (convicts,  if  employed)  might 
descend  with  each  maohine  oq  it^  platform* 
and  connect  it  by  4  band  with  a  sl^ft  worked 
by  the  steam  engine,  h4ving  first  scraped  up 
the  manure  and  filled  the  Q^achipe.  When 
delivered  from  the  machine,  the  ground 
manure  WPuld  be  by  the  same  labourers 
filled  into  bagSi  to  be  raised  to  the  groun4 
surface  by  cranes  worked  by  hydraulic 
power  or  by  the  steam  engine.  These  air- 
tight bags  or  ci|ses  will  e^ch  hol4  &  definite 
quantity  or  weight  of  the  dried  inodorous 
solid  munure.  During  this  grinding  an4 
packing,  the  heat  will  be  withdraw^  (roni 
the  tank  in  which  these  operations  are  pro- 
ceeding,  and  be  transferred  to  the  next  in 
succession  of  the  tanks,  where  a  siofiliHr 
series  of  processes  will  be  performed. 

"  The  grinding  an4  packing  having  been 
performed  at  tl)e  bottom  of  the  tank,  the 
bags  of  'British  guano'  are  raised  to  the 
surface  pf  the  ground,  or  ground  level  of 
the  building,  and  are  there  delivered  into 
trucks  or  wagons  for  conveyance  tp  the 
places  where  required.  This  raising  is  per* 
formed  either  by  the  steam  engine  or  by 
hydraulic  crapes  worked  by  the  water  from 
the  summit  reservoirs  or  tapks  at  the  top  of 
the  tower." 

The  site  for  this  apparatus  is  to  be  200 
feet  in  length,  and  100  feet  in  breadth,  and  a 
depth  of  68  feet  below  the  surface  of  the 
ground  1  in  this  space  the  whole  of  the  water 
is  to  be  filtered  from  the  sewage,  pumped  up 
to  a  high  tower,  as  a  level  from  which  to 
supply  streets,  courts,  urinals,  closets,  &c., 
or  fire-eogiqes!  The  suthor  states  that 
convict  labour  may  be  employed  in  these 
operations.  We  apprehend  that  it  would  be 
difiKcult  to  people  such  a  hole  by  volunteers. 
Model  lodging-houses  are  to  be  bujlt  over 
these  pits ;  and  the  author  states  ; 

"No  appr-hension  nee4  be  felt  that  the 
sewage  operations  below  would  occasion  ex* 
halations  offensive  or  injurious  to  the  in- 
mates of  the  lodgings  above.  The  protect- 
ing povering  of  coal  ash  and  other  deodo- 
risers, and  the  mode  of  oondueting  the 
•everal  processes,  would  e^ectually  obviate  > 


an^  nuisance  of  this  kind ;  while  the  lofty 
height  of  the  building,  the  great  ext.  nt  of 
frontage,  the  solidity  qf  the  foundation,  the 
convenience  of  the  steam  power  for  working 
a  hoist  for  raising  all  ooals  and  other  heavy 
stores,  the  pseful  command  of  an  ample 
supply  of  clear  inodorous  water  for  aocb 
purpose^  as  it  is  fitted  for,  the  liberel  pro- 
vision of  gas,  water,  end  all  other  sources  ef 
domestic  convenience,  would  all  condnoe  to 
render  the  buildings  here  proposed  emi* 
nently  desirable  as  lodgings  for  the  working 
population  of  the  distriot.  According  ta 
the  plan  shown  iu  fig.  8,  twenty-fonr  sets  ef 
apfirtipenu  are  provided  on  eaoh  floor ;  and 
supposing  the  building  to  contain  five  ef 
these  floors  or  stories,  )20  sots  would  be 
comprised  in  the  whole.  An  oferago  of 
four  individuals  to  e#ch  set  of  apartments, 
gives  ^80  individuals,  for  whons  eaoh  of 
these  buildings  would  fiirpish  comfortable 
accommodation.  As  |t  question  of  pewiT 
niary  suecess,  it  is  well  known  that  ^ild. 
ings  devoted  to  this  pprpose  and  properly 
conducted  are  uniforroly  remunerative,  en4 
may  be  profiuble." 

.The  author  would  almost  appear  to  wm^ 
aider  his  plans  so  perfeet  that  a  given  quan- 
tity of  water  bping  auppUed  to  the  lodging- 
houses  at  the  beginning  of  the  year,  it 
might  he  used  end  deodorised,  and  used 
again,  from  year's  end  to  year's  end,  only 
requiring  to  provide  for  eveporation. 

We  have  rarely  seen  a  proposition  for 
manofaeturing  eflluvia  more  eomplete  then 
the  following :  the  anther's  love  of  manure 
seems  to  outweigh  all  other  oonaidera- 
tions. 

"In  order  to  complete  the  oleensiog  of 
towns  it  will  be  necessary  to  remove  in  the 
most  efifeotual  manner,  and  to  maan&ctufe 
into  valuable  manure,  without  the  escape  of 
effluvia,  every  desoription  of  animal  refuse, 
including  the  offal  of  dead  enimala,  entrails 
of  fishes,  and  contents  of  slaughter-houses 
— in  short,  every  description  of  the  moot 
noxious  animal  and  also  vegetable  refusOi 
The  removal  of  all  this  could  be  eflheted  by 
povered  vans  made  air. tight,  and  by  whieh 
it  might  be  conveyed  to  pits  excavated  in 
the  sewage  diatriot  for  the  purpose.  If 
this  removal  were  made  with  regularity  two 
or  three  timea  in  the  week,  the  refuse  would 
not  become  putrid  or  decayed,  or  emit  the 
noxious  effluvia  which  it  would  if  allowed 
to  remain  for  longer  perioda. 

"The  pits  should  be  five  in  number} 
four  to  contain  SMlmal  «b4  vegetable  re. 
ftise,  the  fifth,  or  central  one,  to  contain 
street* sweepings  or  other  deodorising  mate- 
rial. Each  of  the  four  pits  should  be  |arge 
enough  to  eontoin  one  month's  refuse  of 
the  district.  To  render  the  system  intelli- 
gible, the  author  will  suppose  each  ^  to  be 
100feetby«9(«i(»8iid<Oftotdee^    Over 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  81SWAGB  OF  tOlfNS  AHB  CITIES. 


416 


the  top  of  thin  pit  in  open  railway  8taotil<) 
Iw  conatraetecl,  upon  which  the  eo?ered 
tans  should  be  drheii,  and  their  contents 
emptied  through  the  bottom  of  them.  A 
similar  eonstMietioh  is  pttfposed  oter  each 
of  the  fife  eseafationsi  and  over  this  base- 
ment story  a  superstructure  15  feet  high  is 
to  be  raised.  The  order  iti  which  the  refuse 
matter  should  be  plaeed  in  the  pits  is  as 
fellows : — 1  foot  in  thickness  of  dry  and 
sifted  street-sweepings  should  be  placed  at 
the  bottom  of  the  pit  Orer  this,  1  foot  of 
stable  dung  shonld  be  spread,  treading  it 
down  earef\i11y ;  6  inches  of  animal  and 
vegetable  refuse  should  be  plaeed  on  this 
layer  of  stable  dung ;  another  layer  of 
stable  duiig,  1  foot  thick,  should  now  be 
spreid  over  the  refuse,  treading  it  down 
•areftilly  as  before,  and  over  this  should  be 
placed  6  inches  of  street-sweepings,  the 
surface  of  which  should  be  spread  evenly 
and  rolled.  Over  this  a  layer  of  dung,  1  fodt 
thick  should  be  plaeed,  treilding  it  down 
earefhlly  as  before ;  then  a  layer,  0  inches 
thiek,  of  refuse  as  befbre;  then  anothet 
layer  of  dung,  1  foot  thick,  and  then  d  inches 
of  street- Sweepings.  Exactly  the  sahie  pro- 
dess  shonld  be  carried  an  Ss  before,  uiUil 
the  pit  is  fiill,  when  ft  should  be  crowned 
with  18  inches  of  street-sweepings.  Dor- 
Mg  the^rocess  of  filling  the  pit,  care  should 
be  taken  t6  finish  the  day's  work  with  the 
layer  of  stteet-sWeepings,  so  as  to  prevent 
the  possibility  of  the  escape  of  eflluvia  from 
afiy  of  the  ingredients  When  onee  deposited 
within  the  pit; 

'*  The  elaboration  of  these  Uyers  of  hekt- 
ifig  and  cooling  mattef  may  be  thus  de- 
scribed *-i-The  vapouf  eaftsed  by  the  fcr- 
mentatioti  of  the  animal  Snd  vegetable  re- 
fhse  and  the  stable  dntig  i^ould  be  impri- 
soned or  retarded,  and  perhaps  chemieally 
fixed  by  the  cold,  dry,  and  sifted  street- 
sweepings.  As  the  ftrmentation  gradually 
cooled,  Sie  vapour  would  become  gradually 
dondensed  ifi,  and  deodorised  by  the  street- 
sweepings.  In  three  months,  if  this  heap 
were  opened,  it  would  be  found  to  be  one 
homogeneons  mass,  resembling  black 
butter;  it  would  be  impossible  to  distin- 
guish  the  dung  ffom  the  animal  and  vpge- 
tiible  matter,  or  the  latter  ft>tmi  the  street- 
aweepings.  It  would  be  one  of  uniform 
blAck  colour,  and  as  inodotous  is  the  usual 
farm-yatd  dung.  It  would  be  found  mueh 
more  fertilising  ahd  lasting  in  its  effects 
than  the  very  best  description  of  farm-yard 
manure,  Inasmuch  as  none  of  the  efiluvia 
Of  ammoniacal  v apotir  could  escape,  being 
fixed  atid  condensed  by  the  layers  of  stteet- 
sweepings,  and  thus  incorporated  into  the 
Whole  mass. 

"  The  opefi  railway  ovet  the  top  of  the 
pits  would  much  faeiHtate  the  toiptyhig  i 


and  if  intervals  wefe  left  between' the  pits, 
similar  to  the  intervals  described  between 
the  sewage  tanks,  cranes  eould  be  worked 
by  hydraulic  power  which  would  further 
facilitate  the  operation  of  emptying.  As 
the  condensation  of  the  ammoniaoiil  vapOur 
would  render  this  manure  soft  and  plastic, 
it  is  probable  that  by  hydraulic  pressure  it 
might  be  compressed  into  blocks  which 
would  make  it  much  more  portable  than  the 
usual  form  of  farm -yard  manure.  It  ia  to 
be  observed  that  only  the  basement  and 
ground  stories  are  required  for  carrying  On 
thole  operations.  Buildings  for  any  pur- 
poses might  be  erected  over  the  pitSi  and 
their  roofa  could  be  converted  into  reser- 
voirs for  filtered  water,  which  might  be 
useful  for  working  cranes  or  other  machi- 
nery by  hydraulic  power,  for  extinguishing 
fires,  and  for  many  other  purposes." 

We  trust  that  when  the  author  brings 
this  to  bear,  he  may  be  sentenced  to  live 
over  the  pit,  with  an  ample  supply  of  the 
filtered  water  for  all  his  uses,  unless  he 
shall  construct  it  in  some  uninhabited 
neighbourhood.  The  "  black  butter"  would 
be  something  like  the  manure  heaps  of 
a  certain  cow-keeper,  which  fbrmerly  as- 
phyxiated the  neighbours  on  their  opening. 
The  work  is  that  of  a  writer  who  seems  to 
have  gleaned  his  ideas  from  the  blue  books 
of  Mr.  Chad  wick,  and  has  reproduced  them 
in  the  most  crude  shape. 

We  believe  that  the  ultimate  method  of 
dealing  with  the  exnvise  of  dwellings  will  be 
chemically  as  well  as  mechanically,  so  as  to 
render  removal  at  any  time  unobnoxious, 
and  to  insure  the  proper  dealing  with  it,  as 
we  have  said,  by  making  it  a  perquisite  of 
servants  or  others.  It  is  a  very  practicable 
thing  to  construct  efficient  galvanised  tanks, 
in  which  the  chemical  chanse  may  be  pro- 
duced. The  chief  diflSculty  has  been  in  our 
resort  to  water  as  our  general  cleanser, 
which  dilutes  and  weakens  the  exuvisB,  and 
overfiows  the  deposits,  and  ultimately  pol- 
lutes the  river.  If  proper  chemical  disin- 
fectants were  used,  the  water  would  not  be 
required. 

On  a  railway  near  London  i  large  free- 
school  was  erected.  The  exuvia  were  used 
to  manure  some  garden  ground  in  which 
the  boya  worked  ;  but  they  did  not  require 
the  whole.  A  nuisance  was  created,  and 
the  trustees  of  the  school  were  threatened 
with  prosecution.  They  then  placed  peat 
charcoal  in  the  cesspool.  The  nuisance 
was  abated,  and  the  liquid  proved  an  in- 
noxious clear  stream,  from  which,  at  some 
distance,  a  pic-nic  pariy,  unconscious  of  its 
source,  were  supplying  themselves  with 
diluent 

Probably  better  and  more  manageable 
things  than  peat  chatcoal  may  be  fbund, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


416 


fougault's  kxpkbimewts  with  the  gtboboopb. 


and  it  would  not  be  diffleult  to  imagine  a 
far  betur  ayBtem  of  Inbrieation  for  closeti, 
to  prevent  adbesion,  than  yet  prevaili. 


FOUCAULPS  EXPERIMENTS  WITH 
-  THE  GYROSCOPE. 
M.  FoucAULT,  the  author  of  the  cele- 
brated pendulnm  experiment,  hj  which  the 
motion  of  the  earth  was  made  apparent  to 
the  eye,  read  an  important  paper  at  the  lait 
meeting  of  the  British  Aaiociation,  on 
**  NoQTellea  Ezp^enees  tur  le  MouToment 
de  la  Terre  an  Moyen  du  Oyroacope."  The 
experiment!  bron^t  before  the  Aasociadon 
by  M.  Fouoault  on  that  oceasion  were  of  a 


very  striking  oharacter,  and  elicited  a  re- 
quest  from  the  Section  that  they  should  be 
repeated  before  the  assembled  Association 
at  one  of  the  evening  meetings,  as  they  ae- 


eordingly  were.  The  following  illottrated 
description  of  the  instrument  is  from  the 
April  number  of  the  CiwU  Engineer  amd 
ArehUeeVt  JemnuU. 

**  In  the  accompanying  engraving  of  the 
gyroscope,  A  is  a  section  of  the  peripheiy 
of  the  wheel,  A  A,  which  is  conatrueted 
with  a  very  heavy  rim  or  periphery,  and 
a  light  disc,  BB,  forming  the  arms  bv  mean 
of  which  the  conneotion  is  made  to  the  axis, 
C  C,  of  the  wheel.  This  axis  is  hung  or 
connected  to  a  ring,  DD,  by  meana  of 
gymbal  journals  at  ma;  this  axis  at  each 
end  being  brought  to  a  conical  point  and 
dipping  into  the  conical  recess  made  in  the 
end  of  the  bolts,  6;  which  bolts  being 
screwed,  pass  through  the  brass  hoop  or 
ring,  and  are  secured  steadily  by  the  jam- 
nut,  d,  in  the  position  which  permits  of  the 
free  revolution  of  the  axis,  C  C.  This  ring, 
DD,  again  is  hung  or  eonneeted  to  the 
brass  ring,  £  E,  by  means  of  gymbal  sus- 
pensions at  ee.  These  gymbal  suspen- 
sions  are  constructed  in  the  same  way  (with 
bolts  and  lam-nuts)  as  those  described  aua- 
pending  the  axis,  C  C,  of  the  wheel,  A  A. 
Again,  this  ring,  £  E,  is  suspended  to  the 
upper  part,  F  F,  of  the  stand,  by  another 
pair  of  ffymbals  similarly  to  the  others.  The 
box,  F  P,  or  upper  part  of  the  stand  ia  pro- 
vided with  a  prong,  O,  or  long  pivot,  which 
dips  into  a  socket  on  the  top  of  the  lower 
part  of  the  stand,  H.  The  wparatns  so 
made  is  thus  capable  of  the  foUowing  mo- 
tions : — ^The  wheel,  A  A,  ia  c»able  of  revo- 
lution on  its  axis,  C  C,  witjiin  the  rinc, 
D  D ;  the  ring,  D  D,  including  the  whed, 
A  A,  is  capable  of  revolution  within  the 
ring,  EE,  round  the  gymbal  tuapenakNM, 
e  e ;  the  ring,  E  £,  is  again  eapable  of  revo- 
lution  within  the  box,  F  F,  or  upper  part  of 
the  stand,  round  the  gymbal  auspenaions 
that  connect  it  to  the  frmme  or  atasd ;  and 
finally,  the  whole  apparatus  is  suseeptible 
of  revolution  horinontally  on  the  pivot,  G^ 
which  is  inserted  into  the  socket  of  the 
stand,  H/* 

The  same  journal  then  goes  on  to  say: 
**  With  the  apparatus  so  constructed,  a  va- 
riety of  beautiful  experiments  can  be  per- 
formed, of  which  the  following  are  the  more 
interesting.  Remove  the  ring,  DD,  car- 
rying the  wheel,  A  A,  from  the  machine,  act 
the  wheel  A  A  in  rapid  motion,  which  can 
be  done  by  winding  a  piece  of  twine  roond 
the  axis  of  the  wheel,  A  A,  and  while  hold- 
ing the  ring  D  D  firmly  in  the  hand,  pull 
the  tvine  violently,  so  as  to  uncoil  it  from 
the  axis,  C  C ;  suspend  the  ring  D  D  by  a 
piece  of  line  atUched  to  itself,  or  what  is 
better,  to  the  projecting  head  of  the  bolt 
which  is  outside  of  the  ring  at  the  gymbal 
journal ;  and  so  long  aa  the  velocity  of  the 
wheel,  A  A,  exoeeda  a  certain  amount,  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


FOUCAUI.t'S  EZFBBIMENT8  WITH  THK  GYB08C09E. 


417 


riag  DD  will  stand  boriiontally,  though 
sutpended  on  one  Bide,  or  it  will  remain  in 
any  position  forming  an  angle  with  the 
horiion  in  which  it  may  be  plaoed;  and 
while  so  suspended  will  slowly  revolve  ronnd 
the  suspending  twine  as  a  centre  of  motion. 
Thus  the  revolving  motion  of  the  mass  of 
the  wheel  and  axis  resists  the  action  of 
gravity  on  the  mass,  both  of  the  matter  which 
is  in  motion  and  on  that  whieh  is  at  rest 

"  Another  experiment  is  as  follows :  Place 
the  ring,  £  E,^  perpendicular,  the  ring,  D  D, 
at  right  angles  to  it ;  set  the  wheel,  A  A,  in 
rapid  motion  in  the  same  way  aa  before,  and 
aasuming  that  .while  the  machine  is  at  rest 
it  is  in  exact  equilibrium,  suspend  while 
it  is  in  motion  a  small  weight  on  the  pro- 
jecting head  of  the  bolt,  which  forms  the 
axis  of  the  wheel,  and  a  horisontal  revolu- 
tion  of  the  whole  mass  round  the  pivot 
centre  of  the  stand  will  take  place.  Sus- 
pend now  a  heavier  weight  at  the  other  end 
of  the  axis  of  the  wheel,  and  the  motion  will 
be  reversed  ;  that  is,  if  with  the  li|(ht  weight 
the  revolution  took  place  to  the  right  or  left 
band,  it  will,  after  the  addition  of  the  heavier 
weight  at  the  opposite  end,  revolve  to  the 
left  or  right  hand,  the  directions  being  de- 
termined by  the  direction  in  which  the 
wheel  A  A  revolves. 

"  A  third  very  interesting  experiment  is 
the  following : — When  the  whole  machine  is 
at  rest,  if  a  stand  be  slowly  turned  round  on 
the  table,  the  whole  mass  will  turn  with  it, 
the  weight  of  the  machine  causing  sufficient 
friction  on  the  pivot  to  produce  this  effect ; 
but  set  the  wheel  in  rapid  motion  as  before, 
and  the  stand  may  be  turned  either  way 
without  disturbing  the  upper  part  of  the 
machine,  or  altering  the  absolute  direction 
of  the  axis  of  rotation.  Thus,  as  with  the 
pendulum  experiment,  can  be  shown  the 
actual  revolution  of  ^e  earth,  seeing  that  as 
the  revolution  of  the  earth  takes  place,  it 
slowly  revolves  round  under  the  gyroscope, 
the  axis  of  which  retains  the  same  absolute 
direction  in  space.  Instead  of  the  ring,  D  D, 
being  used  to  carry  the  axis  of  the  wheel, 
A  A,  a  semi-sphere  is  sometimes  substituted, 
and  in  this  form  if  the  cup  or  semi -sphere 
be  carried  in  the  hand,  the  resistance  which 
the  moving  mass  offers  to  any  change  in  the 
direction  of  the  axia  of  rotation  opposing 
any  horixontal  or  perpendicular  angular 
motion  in  the  axis,  gives  the  sensation  as  if 
Uie  inanimate  matter  possessed  life  and  a 
will  of  its  own.'* 

The  following  account  of  the  proceedings 
before  the  Section  of  the  Association  is  from 
the  Aihemmim,  No.  1406 : 

"  The  author  spoke  in  French,  but  very 
distinctly,  and  the  apparatus  was  so  simple, 
beautiful,  and  exauisitely  constructed,  that 
the  experiments  all  succeeded  to  a  roiraele, 


and  folly  interpreted  the  author's  meaning  aa 
he  proceeded.  The  gyroscope  is  a  maasive 
ring  of  brass  connected  with  a  steel  axis  by 
a  thinner  plate  of  the  same  metal,  sll  turned 
beautifully  smooth,  and  most  accurately  cen- 
tered and  balanced  ;  in  other  words,  the  axia 
caused  to  pass  accurately  through  the  centre 
of  gravity,  and  to  stand  truly  perpendicular 
to  the  plane  of  rotation  of  the  entire  masa. 
On  this  axis  was  a  small  but  stout  pinion, 
which  served  when  the  instrumentwas  placed 
firmly  on  the  small  ftame,  containing  a  train 
of  stout  clock-work,  turned  by  a  handle  like 
a  jack,  to  give  it  an  exceedingly  rapid  rota- 
tory motion  on  its  axis.  But  to  this  clock- 
work frame  it  could  be  attached  or  detached 
from  it  instantly.  This  revolving  mass  waa 
only  about  S  inches  wide,  and  four  of  them 
were  mounted  in  frames  a  little  differendy. 
The  first  was  mounted  in  a  ring,  attached  to 
a  hollow  sheath,  which  only  permitted  the 
axle  and  the  pinion  to  appear  on  the  outside, 
so  that  it  could  be  laid  hold  of,  or  grasped 
firmly  in  the  hand,  if  the  pinion  were  not 
touched,  while  the  mass  inside  waa  rapidly 
revolving  without  disturbing  that  motion. 
By  this  modification  of  the  gyroscope,  the 
author  aflR>rded  to  the  audience  a  sensible 
proof  of  the  determination  with  whieh  a  re- 
volving mass  endeavours  to  maintain  its  own 
axis  of  permanent  stable  rotation,  for  upon 
setting  it  into  rapid  rotatory  motion,  and 
handing  it  round  the  room,  each  person  that 
held  it  found  himself  forcibly  resisted  in  any 
attempt  to  turn  it  round  either  in  his  fingers, 
to  the  right  hand  or  left,  or  up  or  down,  or 
in  his  hands  if  he  swung  it  round.  So  Uiat 
the  idea  was  irresistibly  suggested  to  the 
mind,  that  there  was  something  living  within, 
which  had  a  will  of  its  own,  and  which  al- 
ways opposed  your  will  to  change  its  posi- 
tion. The  second  modification  presented 
the  mass  suspended  in  a  stout  ring,  which 
was  furnished  with  projecting  axles,  like  the 
ring  of  the  gymbal.  These  axles  could  be 
placed  in  a  small  frame  of  wood  bushed  with 
brass.  This  small  frame,  when  placed  on  a 
piece  of  smooth  board,  could  be  turned 
freely  round  by  turning  the  piece  of  board 
on  which  it  rested  as  long  as  the  gyro- 
scope was  not  revolving,  friction  oeing 
sufficient  to  'cause  the  one  to  turn  with 
the  other ;  but,  when  the  gyroscope  waa  set 
rspidly  revolving,  in  vain  yon  attempted  to 
turn  the  frame,  by  turning  the  board  on 
which  it  rested,  so  determinately  did  it  en« 
deaveur  to  mainuin  its  own  plime  of  rota- 
tion, as  quite  to  overpower  the  friction.  In 
the  third  modification  of  the  gyroscope  it 
was  suspended  in  gymbals,  so  exquisitely 
constructed  that  both  the  gyroscope  proper 
and  the  supporting  gymbals  were  accurately 
balanced,  so  as  to  rest  freely  when  plaeed  in 
any  position  in  relation  to  the  OMth.    Bw 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


418 


ON  THE  DISmiBUtlOW  Of  MATfcBlAt  til  WHOOGHT-IRON  BEJLMS. 


thig  the  author  sbtmed  tnost  fttrilciriftljr  the 
eiT^et  of  any  attempt  to  commuhlcate  re- 
▼olvfng  niotton  round  any  other  axis  to  a  tntfts 
already  revolving,  for,  on  placing  the  gym- 
baU  in  a  frame  m  wood  while  the  gyroscope 
wag  not  rcTolring,  it  remained  qnlte  steady; 
but,  when  thrown  into  rapid  refolving  mo- 
tion,  the  ftli^htest  attempt  to  turn  the  frame 
round  to  the  right  or  to  tne  left  was  instantly 
followed  by  the  entire  gyroscope  turning 
round  in  the  gymbals,  so  as  to  bring  its  axis 
to  coincide  with  the  new  axis  you  endea- 
toured  to  gire  it,  with  a  Hfb-like  precision, 
and  always  so  as  to  make  its  own  direction 
of  rerolutlon  he  the  same  as  that  of  the 
slightest  turn*  yon  impart  to  it  Hating 
thus  demonstrated  the  necessary  effect  bf 
dombining  Me  rotatory  motion  with  another, 
he  then  proceeded  to  demonstrate  palpably 
(hat  the  earth's  reroltinff  motion  affected 
the  gyroscope  in  precisely  a  similar  way. 
Hilfing,  by  the  screw  adjustmenta,  brought 
the  gyroscope,  Iti  gymbals,  to  a  very  exact 
balance,  it  remained  fixed  in  anv  position 
when  not  rtfTolting.  But,  rapid  rotatory 
motion  hating  been  communicated  to  the 
gyroscope  fnass,  as  sobn  as  the  gymbal  sup- 
ports are  placed  on  the  stand,  you  see  tne 
entire  apparatus,  slowly  at  first,  but  at  lengtli 
more  rapidly,  tutn  itself  rdund,  nor  eter  set- 
tle until  the  axis,  on  which  the  gyroscope  is 
^etolring,  arranges  itself  parallel  to  the  ter- 
restrial axis,  in  6Q6h  a  sense  its  to  make  the 
direction  of  the  revolving  gyroscope  be  the 
same  as  that  of  the  whole  earth.  He  next 
ahowed  that  the  determination  with  which 
It  did  this  waa  sufficient  to  control  the 
entire  weight  of  the  instrument,  though  that 
amounted  to  several  pounds,  for,  taking  the 
ring  gyrdscope,  from  the  side  of  the  ring  of 
which  a  small  steel  wire  projected,  ending 
in  a  hook,  the  wiVe  Coinciding  with  the  pro- 
longation of  the  axis  of  the  gyroscope ;  of 
dOnrse,  when  not  made  to  reto1te,the  huok, 
if  placed  In  a  little  agate  cup  at  the  top  of 
A  stand,  Would  permit  the  instrument,  by 
its  weigbt,  to  fail  instantly,  as  soon  as  the 
aupport  of  the  hand  was  taken  from  it.  But 
upon  imparting  to  it  rapid  rotatory  motion, 
it  stood  up  eten  beyond  the  horizontal  posi- 
tion, so  as  to  bring  its  &$!%  of  rotation 
neatly  to  the  same  inclination  to  the  horizon 
as  the  axis  of  the  earth,  while  the  whole 
acquired  a  slow  rotatory  motion  round  the 
point  of  the  hook ;  and  so  steady  was  its 
equilibrium  while  moving  thus,  that  a  string 
being  passed  under  the  hook  and  btfth  ends 
brought  together  in  the  hand,  the  whole 
may  be  lifted  by  the  cord  off"  the  stand  and 
earried  revolting  steadily  about  the  room. 
Next,  to  show  the  motion  of  the  earth  sen- 
sibly, he  placed  the  gymbal  gyroscope  sus- 
pended  freely  by  a  fine  silk  fibre  in  a  stand 
with  the  lowef  steel  point  of  its  support  rest- 


ing in  an  agate  eup ;  a  long  light  itointer 
projedting  from  the  ring  carried  a  pointed 
card  which  passed  oter  a  graduated  card 
arch  of  a  citcle  placed  concentrically  with 
the  gyroscope ;  upon  imparting  rapid  rota- 
tory  motion  to  the  gyroscope  the  index  was 
seen  as  the  earth  moved  to  point  out  the 
relative  motion  of  the  plane  of  rotation  ex- 
actly in  the  same  way :  the  law  of  the  mo- 
tion being  also  the  same  as  that  of  the  well- 
known  pendulum  experiment  Lastly,  he 
set  the  ring  gyroscope  in  motion,  and  by 
placing  a  small  pointed  pieee  of  brass  at  the 
end  of  the  axle  on  the  ring,  the  instrument 
went  Immediately  through  all  the  etolutions 
of  a  boy's  top  on  the  floor,  humming  mean- 
while  loudly  also."    ^ 

ON  THE  DISTRIBUTION  OP  MATE- 
RIAL IN  WROUOHT-IRON  BEAMS. 

The  paper  read  at  the  Institution  of  Civil 
Engineers,  on  the  evening  of  Tuesday,  April 
2*,  was — "  On  the  Economic  Distribution 
of  Material  in  the  Sides  orVertieal  Portions 
of  "Wrought- iron  Beams,"  by  Mr.  J.Barton, 
M.  Inst  C.E. 

It  was  stated  that,  in  the  tarious  intesti- 
gations  upon  wrought-iron  beams  which 
Had  been  submitted  to  the  profession,  com- 
paratively little  attention  had  been  given  to 
the  part  which  the  tertical  portion  of  the 
beam  had  to  perform,  of  to  the  elimination 
of  the  laws  goteming  the  attains  in  the 
sides,  or  the  mode  by  which,  on  the  applica- 
tion of  a  weight  at  one  point  of  the  tertical 
portion,  the  strain  was  resolved  into  a  tariety 
of  strains,  of  known  direction  and  intensity, 
in  the  top  and  bottom  webs. 

The  systems  of  construction  mbst  gene- 
rally used  were  shown  to  be  the  tubular  or 
fdate  beam,  the  Warren  girder,  and  the 
attice  bridge,  the  latter  being  the  least 
reprtfsented  on  a  large  scale  until  the  recent 
construction  of  the  Boyne  Viaduct 

An  intestigation  was  then  made  of  the 
direction  of  the  strains  in  plate  beams,  with 
and  without  vertical  stiffening  pieces,  with 
the  object  of  showing  that  the  only  supposi- 
tion  which  could  give  true  results  as  to  the 
horizontal  strains  in  the  top  and  bottom,  was 
that  the  strains  were  diagonal  through  the 
tertical  portion,  and  alternately  tensile  and 
compressive.  This  view  was  sustained  by 
quotations  from  Mr.  E.  Clark's  work  on  the 
Conway  and  Britannia  bridges,  and  from 
the  experiments  on  the  model  tube,  where 
the  undulations  in  the  sides  showed  diagonal 
strains  at  an  angle  of  about  45^,  crossing 
each  other  at  right  angles.  The  calculation 
of  Warren's  girders  by  Mr.  C.  H.  Wild  were 
then  alluded  to,  and  the  mode  of  calculating 
the  strains  in  the  bars  of  lattice  beams  was 
investigated  in  detail,  and  a  formula  was 
giten,  deduced  by  the  author,  fbi  ntirtng 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


STa£s'  PAT-:Nt  FRKD  APPA'tATf^ 


no 


at  correct  restilts,  eitlief  for  a  fixed  uniform 
load,  for  a  passing  load,  ot  for  the  ordinary 
case  in  j>ractiec — a  load  partly  constant  and 
partly  passing ;  the  formula  giving  the  maxi. 
mam  strains  of  compression  and  tensiotf  in 
each  case  to  whicli  each  bar  was  liable. 

A  comparison  was  then  entered  into  of 
the  three  systems — 1st,  as  to  the  amount  of 
material  required  under  each ;  and  2ttdly,  as 
to  the  comparative  practical  advantages  of 
construction  in  each  case.  The  amount  of 
material  theoretically  required  in  each  of 
the  three  Ay  steins  was  sho^n  b^  dtafframs, 
ill  whichi  by  a  geometric  representation « 
the  area  of  material  #as  given,  and  the 
results  arrived  at  appeared  to  be,  that  if  the 
material  in  a  theoretiaally  perfect  plate 
beam  wa§  represented  by  100,  the  Warren 
girder  wtfhld  only  require  73,  and  tlie  lattice 
67 ;  or,  in  other  words,  that  the  lattice  saved 
33  per  cftnt  of  material  as  compared  to  that 
of  the  plate  or  tubular  beam,  and  the  War- 
ren saved  27  per  cent. )  the  lattice  requiring 
6  per  cent,  less  than  the  Watren,  chiefly 
from  the  fact  of  the  angle  of  46*  being  fem- 
ployed  initead  of  60"  in  the  inclination  of 
the  bracing.  It  was  argued  also  that)  in  the 
above  consideration,  the  tubular  girder  was 
placed  in  too  favourable  &  positioti,  taking 
into  account  the  position  assumed  by  Pro- 
fessor Haupt,  in  a  paper  before  the  Ameri- 
can Institute,  in  Jdfy,  1863,  where  it  was 
asserted  that  a  plate  could  not  theoretically 
>  act,  within  a  large  per  cetitage,  to  the  same 
advantage  as  a  bar  fbr  tension  in  the  side  of 
a  beam  between  vertical  stiffeners. 

Among  the  practical  considerations,  the 
price  per  ton  was  stated  to  be  in  favour  of 
the  lattice  beam.  The  facilities  which  each 
system  gave  for  so  arranging  the  parts  in 
compression  that  thi^y  wotild  resist  flexure, 
were  examined^  and  *ah  explanation  was 
giveti  of  a  mode  devised  atid  ftd(fpted  by  the 
author  in  the  Boyne  and  other  bridges,  by 
which  the  struts  themselves  became  lattice 
beams,  instead  df  mere  hnrs,  sn  that  great 
rigidity  wii  obtained.  The  presumed  loss 
of  strength  from  ritetting  together  the  lat- 
tice work  v^as  shm^n  not  to  exist,  as  it  was 
in  no  way  more  rivetted  per  ton  than  the 
plate  beam,  and  also,  as  by  means  of  a  mode 
df  rivetting  devised  by  the  author,  (he  loss 
of  area  need  never  exceed  one  small  rivet  at 
any  junction  of  two  bars  or  ptaf  ed. 

The  facilities  for  repairs  and  painting,  and 
the  small  surface  exposed  ttf  stoYms,  were 
assumed  as  additional  advantages  in  favour 
of  the  lattice  system. 

On  these  grounds  the  author  contended 
that  intersecting  systems  of  bracing,  set  at 
an  angle  of  45*  tb  the  hdfizon,  forhi^d  the 
moat  economic  mode  of  constructing  the 
sides  of  wrought- iron  beams,  and  that  both 
theoretical    and     practical     considetations 


pointed  to  this  conelnsion.  But  whilst 
urging  the  subject  on  the  attentive  consi- 
deration of  the  profession,  he  felt  bound  to 
acknowledge  that  it  was  only  from  the 
advanced  ground  already  occupied  by  those 
who  had  investigated  the  question  of  the 
tubular  and  the  Warren  girders,  that  he 
endeavoured  to  go  somewhat  forward  in  the 
present  investigation. 

In  an  appendix  to  the  paper,  an  account 
was  given  of  the  principal  features  of  the 
Boyne  Viaduot«  at  Drogheda,  on  the  line  of 
the  Dublin  and  Belfast  Railway,  a  work  of 
about  one. third  of  a  mllfe  in  length,  com- 
posed of  twelve  arches  of  blue  limestone,  of 
61  feet  span  each,  on  thtf  south  bank,  and 
of  three  similar  arches  on  the  north  bank, 
restiiig  on  slender  pierA,  the  tideway  being 
crossed  by  three  lattice  beamS,  a  centre 
span  of  264  feet,  and  two  side  spans  of  138 
feet  8  inches  each,  in  the  clear,  at  a  height 
of  90  fbet  above  high  water  of  spring  tides. 


SYKfiS'  PATENT  FEED  APPARA- 
TUS. 
(Patent  dated  Febrliary  2, 1854.). 

Mr.  F.  H.  Sykes,  of  Piccadilly,  has  pa- 
tented an  invention  which  consists  of  certain 
meehanical  arrangements  to  be  employed 
fb^  the  purpose  of  supplying  ateam  boilers 
and  other  similar  vessels  with  water.  The 
apparattis  for  effecting  this  object  consists 
of  a  pair  of  cylindrical  vessels  closed  at  the 
top  and  bottom,  and  connected  by  a  pipe 
furnished  with  two  valves,  each  having  four 
ports  in  its  seat  and  two  in  itself,  so  ar. 
ranged  that  two  are  always  open  and  two 
closed.  To  each  of  the  valves  are  secured 
two  pipes  which  communicate  with  the 
ports.  One  pipe  from  each  valve  is  carried 
into  the  boiler,  one  entering  the  lower  part 
of  it,  and  the  other  the  upper;  the  first 
conveying  steam  into  the  cylitidrlcal  vessels, 
and  the  other  conveying  water  from  them 
into  the  boiler.  One  of  the  other  two  pipes 
connected  with  the  valves  conveys  the  water 
from  the  well  or  reservoir  to  the  cylindrical 
vessels  before  referred  to  j  while  the  other 
carries  away  the  steam  from  the  vesseh  to  a 
condenser. 

The  engraving  on  the  following  page 
represents  a  front  elevation  of  the  apparatus. 
A  A'  are  a  pair  of  cylindrical  metallic  ves- 
sels, made  of  copper,  and  firmly  bolted 
together  to  withstand  the  pressure  of  steafii ; 
they  are  furnished  with  pistons  or  floats, 
Yl',  to  prevent  the  steam  from  touching 
the  surface  of  the  water  and  becoming  con- 
densed, and  are  supported  by  the  pipes, 
B,  B',  and  C,  C%  which  are  secured  to  the 
valves  D  and  E,  which  are  fixed  to  the 
pillar  or  stand,  F.  G  is  the  ►ervioe-plpe 
communicating  with  the  reservoir  from 
which  the  supply  of  cold  water  is  drawn- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


420 


(  N  THB  PRODUCTION  OF  DAGUERREOTYPES  WITHOUT  LENSES. 


H  is  the  pipe  which  conveys  the  water  from 
the  vessels  into  the  boiler ;  I  is  «  pipe  by 
which  steam  is  carried  from  the  boiler  into 
either  of  the  supply- vessels ;  aud  K  is  a 
steam  pipe  terminating  in  a  coil,  which  is 
placed  in  the  reservoir  for  the  purpose  of 
condensing  the  steam  within  the  supply- 
▼essels  A,  with  each  of  which  it  is  alter. 
n%tely  in  communication.     L  is  a  bridge- 


cock,  by  which  both  the  vessels.  A,  A',  may 
be  filled  with  steam  prior  to  starting  the 
apparatus.  The  water  pipes,  B,  B',  and 
steam  pipes,  C,  C,  are  fitted  at  the  end, 
which  communicate  with  the  vessels.  A,  A^ 
with  joinU  through  each  of  which  an  aper- 
ture is  bored  for  the  passage  of  the  flaids. 
Beneath  the  vessels.  A,  A',  and  in  a  line 
with  the  base  of  the  valve,  D,  are  placed  a 


pair  of  buffers,  M,'M',  which  form  an  elastic 
aapport  for  the  vessels,  A,  A',  as  they  alter- 
nately descend.  This  apparatus  is  intended 
tr>  be  fixed  on  a  level  with  the  water  in  the 
toiler.  "When  the  water  within  the  boiler,*' 
lays  the  inventor,  *'  is  at  the  boiling  tem- 
perature,  the  apparatus  for  the  further  sup- 
ply of  water  to  the  boiler  may  be  brought 
into  action  ;  the  bridge-  cock,  L,  is  opened, 
by  which  the  steam  is  admitted  to  and  fills 
both  the  vesaela,  A,  A',  with  steam,  in  order 
to  drive  out  the  air;  the  steam  is  then  to 
be  shut  off;  the  steam  pipe,  K.  is  in  com- 
mnnicmtion  through  the  valve,  £,  with  the 
upper  vessel,  A',  and  the  service-pipe,  O, 
»  through  the  valve,  D,  likewise  in  com- 
munication with  the  lower  part  of  the  Teasel, 


A^  As  the  steam  from  the  boiler  paaaes 
down  the  pipe,  K,  it  is  rapidly  condensed ; 
the  partial  vacuum  thus  created  within  the 
vessel,  A',  causes  the  service-water  to  rush 
through  the  pipe,  O,  thence  through  the 
valve,  D,  and  pipe,  B',  to  the  veasel.  A', 
which,  when  filled,  or  nearly  so,  will  descend 
and  lift  the  vessel,  A,  and  this  descent  opens 
and  shuts  the  valves.  This  play  will  con- 
tinue according  to  the  want  of  water  in  the 
boiler,  and  the  apparatus  will  keep  the 
boiler  supplied  with  water  always  at  one 
level,  independent  of  the  engine." 

The  inventor  also  proposes  to  employ 
the  apparatus  for  raising  and  forcing  liquids 
for  other  purposes. 


ON  THE  PRODUCTION  OF  DAGUERREOTYPES  WITHOUT  LENSES. 

[The  following  remarks  occur  in  a  paper,  I   phia,  and  published  in  the  Sckni^^  Awt0- 
uritten  by  J.  F.  Mascher,  Esq.,  of  Philadel-   I  rieam  of  April  21st.] 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  PBODUCTION  OF  DAGUERREOTYPES  WITHOUT  LENSES. 


421 


I  send  you  with  this  two  slereosoopie 
pictures,  taken  by  me  by  means  of  a  box,  to 
oe  described  hereafter,  which  contained 
neither  lenses,  reflector^,  nor  any  refracting 
or  reflecting  medium  of  any  kind. 

I  accidentally  made  the  discovery  that 
photographic  pictures  could  be  taken  in  this 
manner,  while  prosecuting  some  experi- 
ments relative  to  stereoscopic  angles. 

It  is  well  known  that  two  pictures,  taken 
with  two  ordinary  cameras,  placed  only 
2^  inches  apart  horizontally,  will  not,  when 
placed  in  the  stereoscope,  show  proper  or 
sufficient  stereoscopic  relief;  and  yet  it  is 
well  known  that  the  human  eyes  are  only 
placed  2^  inches  apart,  and  see  solid  objects 
in  their  proper  solidity  and  relief.  To  ex- 
plain the  why  and  wherefore  of  these  facts, 
nas  challenged  the  attention  of  Professor 
TTheatstone,  Sir  David  Brewster,  and  a  host 
of  others;  leading  the  abore-named  gentle- 
men into  a  very  sharp  controversy,  leaving 
the  main  question — the  determination  of  the 
proper  stereoscopic  angles — as  far  as  prac- 
tical results  are  concerned,  in  precisely  the 
same  condition  in  which  they  found  it. 

Under  the  circumstances,  we  may  be  per- 
mitted to  ask,  why  is  it  that  two  pictures, 
taken  by  two  cameras  placed  2^  inches 
apart,  do  not  show  sufficient  stereoscopic 
relief?  Why  is  it  that  we  must  place  the 
cameras  about  eight  times  further  apart 
than  the  human  eyes,  in  order  to  produce 
the  proper  relief?  When  these  questions 
firbt  suggested  themselves,  the  following 
answer -occurred  to  me  (without,  at  that 
time,  being  able  to  prove  it  to  be  the  cor- 
rect one),  namely,  "  Because  the  lenses  in 
the  camera  (quarter  size)  are  twelve  times 
larger  than  the  human  lenses  (eyes).'* 

In  order  to  ascertain  whether  this  was  the 
correct  answer  or  not,  it  was  only  necessary 
to  take  two  pictures  with  two  cameras,  hav- 
ing a  diaphragm  in  each,  the  openings  of 
which  were  one-eighth  of  an  inch  in  dia- 
meter, that  being  the  diameter  of  the  dia- 
phragm of  the  human  eye.  In  executing 
this  experiment,  I  was  very  much  surprised 
to  find  that  the  focal  range  of  the  camera 
was  increased  to  an  extraordinary  extent. 
The  cameras  had  been  focussed  for  a  house 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street ;  but  the 
moment  the  diaphragm  was  introdnced,  the 
sash  in  the  window,  which  before  was 
invisible,  suddenly  became  as  sharp  and 
distinct  as  the  house  on  which  the  focus 
had  been  previously  drawn.  Subsequently, 
on  removing  the  camera  to  an  upper  story 
of  tny  house,  it  was  fotind  that  this  increase 
in  focal  range  extended  not  only  from  the 
house  towards  the  camera,  but  also  to  an 
equal  extent  beyond  the  house.  Alter  as- 
certaining these  facts,  it  became  desirable 
to  find  out  the  causes  of  them.    With  this 


end  in  view,  the  lenses  were  removed  from 
the  tube,  and  only  the  diaphragm  remained 
in  it.  You  may  well  imagine  my  astonish- 
ment at  finding  the  pictures  of  houses  and 
other  objects  in  the  street,  faithfully  de- 
picted upon  the  ground  glass !  The  letters 
of  signs,  &c.,  were  reversed  precisely  as  if 
lenses  had  been  used.  The  next  step  was  to 
ascertain  whether  these  pictures  possessed 
photogenic  properties,  which  was  soon  done 
by  substituting  a  metal  diaphragm  with  an 
aperture  of  one-fiilieth  of  an  inch  in  dia- 
meter, for  the  paper  one  of  one-eighth  of  an 
inch  in  diameter,  putting  in  a  coated  plate, 
allowing  it  to  remain  for  fifteen  minutes, 
and  coating  it  with  mercury  in  the  usual 
manner.  The  result  was  a  beautiful  picture, 
similar  to  the  one  I  herewith  have  sent 
you. 

It  was  self-evident  now  that  we  had  the 
means  to  do  that  with  one  camera,  for  which 
two  1vere  before  deemed  indispensable ; 
namely,  taking  two  stereoscopic  pictures 
through  two  apertures  situated  only  2^ 
inches  apart ;  but  as  a  quarter>size  plate  is 
only  4i  inches  long,  and  as  it  was  desirable 
to  take  the  two  pictures  on  one  plate,  two 
apertures,  1-66  of  an  inch  in  diameter, 
were  made  in  the  metal  plate  above  al- 
luded to,  only  2i  inches  apart.  After 
twenty  minutes'  exposure,  the  sun  shining 
on  the  house  all  the  time,  the  pictures 
which  I  send  you  were  the  results ;  thus  de- 
monstrating conclusively  that  two  stereo- 
scopic pictures  can  be  taken  on  one  plate, 
witn  one  camera  (or  dark  chamber  without 
lenses),  and  simultaneously,  without  either 
reflectors  or  refractors  of  any  kind  what- 
soever. It  may  here  be  remarked,  how- 
ever, that  the  pictures  thus  taken  on  one 
plate  are  stereoscopic  reverse;  that  is  to 
say,  the  right  picture  is  on  the  side  where 
the  left  one  ought  to  be,  and  tnct  vertd,  which 
can,  however,  be  very  readily  remedied  by 
cutting  the  plate  in  two  and  pasting  them 
together  again  properly.  This  stereoscopic 
reverse  was  next  attempted  to  be  remedied 
by  placing  a  reflector  before  the  apparatus ; 
but  the  only  effect  produced  by  this  device 
was  the  same  aa  the  reflector  produced  upon 
pictures  taken  by  an  ordinary  camera,  viz., 
making  the  pictures  appear  in  their  natural 
position,  so  that  letters  on  signs,  &c.,  could 
be  read  correctly. 

There  is  another  advantage  resulting  from 
this  camera ;  it  is  this :  you  may  make  two, 
four,  six,  or  more  sets  of  holes  in  the  same 
camera,  either  all  of  the  same  diameter,  by 
which  means  you  will  obtain  an  equid 
number  of  stereoscopic  pictures  with  the 
number  of  sets  of  holes  ;  or  you  may  make 
one  set  with  an  aperture  1-200  of  an  inch, 
another  1-100  of  an  inch,  one  set  1-70  of  an 
inch,  and  still  another  set  with  1-25  of  an 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


422 


TKt  SCRKW  PROPEtLr.R. 


incli  diameter;  when  yoii  will  be  almost 
certain  to  obtain  at  least  one  set  of  pictures 
properly  "timed/*  especially  as  the  other 
pictures,  which  are  not  properly  timed,  can 
be  rubbed  out  before  gilding,  thus  sating 
the  plates. 


INTERCOMMUNICATION  IN  RAIL- 
WAY  TRAINS. 

On  Saturday  last  a  trial  of  the  invention 
of  Mr.  H.  Wickens,  of  Tokenhouse-yard, 
London,  for  eilbcting  a  communication  be- 
tween the  driver  and  the  guard  on  a  railway 
train  was  made  on  the  Windsor  train  of  12 
carriages  on  the  South- Western  line,  in  the 
presence  of  Lieutenant-Colonei  Wynne, 
railway  inspector  from  the  Board  of  Trade, 
Mr.  H.  R.  Williams,  of  the  Board  of  Trade, 
Mr.  J.  Seattle,  engineer  of  the  line,  Dr.  i 
Spurgin,  Mr.  Wickens,  and  others.  The  , 
invention  is  remarkable  for  its  simplicity, 
and  the  impossibility  of  its  being  put  out  of 
order,  however  rapid  the  rate  of  speed,  or 
great  the  oscillation  of  the  engine  or  car- 
riages, and  is  applicable  to  a  train  of  any 
length.  It  consists  of  two  small  portable 
boxes,  one  of  which  is  placed  at  each  end  of 
the  train;  into  each  box  is  fixed  a  short 
piece  of  India-rubber  tubing,  which  is  con- 
nected with  the  end  of  a  small  tin  or  other 
tube,  fixed  under  each  carriage,  which,  by 
means  of  secure  coupling  joints  fitting  each 
other,  and  so  arranged  as  to  admit  of  any 
elongation  or  variation  in  tht  train  under 
any  circumstances,  can  be  instantly  attached 
or  detached  to  or  from  the  next  carriage.  In 
each  of  these  boxes  is  fixed  a  very  simple, 
but  very  efficacious  apparatus,  which  being 
worked  by  a  handle  outside  the  box,  a  loud 
and  shrill  whistle  is  emitted  from  the  driver 
at  the  one  end  to  the  guard  at  the  other  end 
of  the  train,  or  from  the  guard  to  the  driver, 
as  may  be  necessary.  The  code  of  signals 
is  of  equal  simplicity  with  the  rest  of  the 
invention,  and  may  be  understood  without 
difficulty  and  worked  by  anybody,  one 
whistle  meaning, "  Go  on — take  off  breaks ; " 
two  whistles,  "  Slacken  speed— look  out ;" 
three  (danger  signal),  "  Stop— reverse  en- 
gine—put on  breaks  ;  '*  four  (speed  signal), 
"Go  faster — behind  time — another  train 
following,"  &c.  Each  whistle  is  caused  by 
one  separate  pressure  of  the  handle  of  the 
box.  The  advantages  of  this  invention  are 
its  inexpensi?encss :  (for  the  entire  cost  of  its 
permanent  application  to  the  whole  rolling 
slock  of  a  company  would  be  less  than  that 
occasioned  by  one  serious  accident;)  the 
great  security  it  will  afford  to  passengers  ; 
the  rapidity  of  its  operation,  the  common i- 
cation  being  instantaneous ;  and  its  exemp- 


tion from  the  accidental  disarrangement  to 
which  more  complex  and  delicate  apparatns 
is  exposed  in  the  transit  of  a  train,  more 
especially  if  a  heavy  one,  over  4,380  feet  of 
rail  per  minute,  a  pace  at  which  trains  some- 
times travel,  and  which  rapidity  of  motion 
would  render  the  delay  necessary  in  some 
modes  of  communication  that  have  been 
suggested  by  cords  or  wires  very  problema- 
tical. The  communication  by  electricity, 
and  the  signal  by  electric  clocks,  however 
important  and  extraordinary,  aeem  leas  cal. 
culated  for  the  communication  with  one  end 
of  a  train  in  rapid  motion  with  the  other  end 
than  this  more  unpretending  invention,  the 
simplicity  of  whicti  is  more  suitable  to  the 
capacities  of  the  people  by  whom  it  is  to  be 
worked  than  more  scientific  arrangements. 
By  a  very  trifiing  addition  to  the  construc- 
tion the  communication  is  also  conveyed 
from  any  of  the  carriages  to  the  guard.  The 
result  of  the  trial  was  entirely  satisfactory, 
the  invention  fully  performing  what  was 
claimed  for  it.  The  public  will  learn  with 
satisfaction  that  the  Government  are  about 
to  bring  in  a  bill  compelling  railway  com- 
panies to  adopt  a  communication  along  the 
trains,  by  which  security  from  danger  may 
in  future  be  afforded  to  passengers. 


Th€  Strew  Propeller,    A  Letter  to  Captain 
0.   T.  Seohell,  R.N.,  M.P.      With  Docu- 
mentt    relating    to    the  Invention   of  tht 
"  Screw  Propeller  "  tued  in  the  Royal  Na^, 
and  to  the  mUapplieatioH  of  the  Orant  of 
Twenty  Thousand  Pounds  **  Remunerative 
Compensation"  voted  by  the  House  qf  Com- 
mons,   By  Captain  £.  J.  Carpenter, 
R.N. 
The  recent  agitation  in  the  morning  papers, 
having  for  its  object  the  presentation  of  a 
national  testimonial  to  Mr.  F.  P.  Smith,  as 
the  inventor  of  the  screw  propeller,  from 
the  use  of  which  the  Royal  ana  Mercantile 
Navies  of  this  country  have  derived  enormous 
advantages,  has  very  naturally  had  the  effect 
of  calling  forth  a  re-a^sertion   of  his  own 
claims  on  the  part  of  Captain   Carpenter — 
claims  which,  as  our  readers  will  remember, 
have  been  confirmed  by  Lord  Justice  Knighc 
Bruce,  on  behalf  of  the  Committee  of  the 
Privy  Council. 

On  March  28, 1855,  Captain  Scobell  gave 
notice  in  the  House  of  Commons  of  his 
intention  to  move  for  a  "  Select  Committee 
to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  under  which 
the  sum  of  £20,000,  voted  by  the  House 
of  Commons  as  a  reward  to  the  inventor  of 
the  screw  propeller  use^  in  Her  Majesty's 
Navy  has  been  applied,  and  by  whom  and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THIS  acftEW  PftOPKLllfK. 


423 


to  whom ;  and  Wlietber  the  Mid  rewarfl,  or  a 
part  thereof,  has  been  paid  by  the  party  in- 
trusted by  the  Admiralty  to  apportion  it  to 
a  person  or  persons  not  harinj;  a  just  claim 
thereto,  and  to  the  exclasion  of  Captain  Car- 
penter, R.N.,  who?e  title  to  the  inrention  of 
tuoh  screw  propeller  has  been  substantiated 
by  a  judgment,  in  March,  1854,  of  the  Judi- 
eial  Committee  of  Her  Majesty's  Most  Ho- 
■ourable  Priry  Council." 

The  following  is  Captain  Carpenter's  let- 
ter to  Captain  Scobell : 

**Sir, — Impelled  by  a  deep  sense  of  per-, 
•onal  injury «  and  a  desire  to  arert  future 
infliction  of  public  wrong,  I  have  collected 
fbr  pnblieation  the  annexed  documents. 

•"The  House  of  Commons  toted  £20,000, 
mi  account  of  patent  rights  for  the  "  screw 
propeller  *'  used  In  Her  Majesty's  ships  and 
▼essels.' 

''To  the  Lords  Commissionei-s  for-exe- 
cttting  the  office  of  Lord  High  Admiral  of 
the  United  Kingdom,  was  entrusted  by  Par- 
liament  the  responsible  duty  of  the  right 
appropriation  of  the  grant  fiom  the  public 
purse. 

"Unsanctioned  by  Parliament,  this  im- 
portant trust  wad  delegated  by  the  Admi- 
ralty  to  a  private  gentleman — ft  banker — 
unqualified  for  the  office,  as  unknown  in  the 
scientific  world,  and  disqualified  by  the  in- 
terest held  by  him  in  one  of  the  patents. 

"  He  was  one  of  the  Directors  of  the  Com- 
pany to  which  this  patent  was  conveyed, — 
10  alliance  and  amalgamation  of  interests, 
with  the  representatives  of  four  competing 
patents, — and  as  the  organ  of  the  coalition, 
he  obtained  from  the  Lords  of  the  Admi- 
ralty, ('on  his  personal  guarantee  to  Her 
Majesty's  Government  against  all  claims,') 
•~-  possession  of,  and  control  over,  the 
£20,000  of  the  public  money. 

'*  hy  this  private  gentleman,  the  trust  waa 
sub-deleg/ttcd,  to  a  patent  agent, — the  party 
by  whom  the  coalition  was  arranged,— who 
had  been  or  was  then  employed  by,  or  pro- 
fessionally interested  for,  several  of  tlie  five 
allied  patentees, — and  to  whom  was  com- 
tfittted  the  award  of  the  '  national  grant! ! ' 

"The  pecuniary  distribution  of  thfc 
£20,000,  in  accordance  with  this  award, 
(yet  unrevealed  to  the  public,)  was  left  en- 
tirely to  the  banker. 

**  Could  no  adequate  tnlent  and  ability 
have  been  selected  by  the  Lords  of  the  Ad. 
mirally,  within  the  Royal  Society,  the  Royal 
or  the  Mercantile  Navy  of  Great  Britain,  to 
fbrtn  an  impartial  and  well  qualified  com- 
mission, by  whom,  after  due  public  notice, 
the  intentioh  of  Parliament  might  have  beeh 
rightfully  and  disinterestedly  carried  out? 
— Would  the  protective  shield  of  the  deed 
of  indemnity,  to  which  were  parties  the 
Lords  of  the  Admiralty  on  the  one  hand, 


and  the  banker  elect,  with  his  co-guarantee 
on  the  other,  have  been  found  in  unnatural 
association  with  the  invention  of  the  '  screw, 
propeller,*  now  a  great  and  essential  element 
of  national  intercourse,  and  a  mighty  engine 
of  defensive  and  offensive  warfare  ? 

"  In  1714,  the  House  of  Commons  voted 
£20,000,  to  reward  and  compensate  the  in- 
ventors and  improvers  of  the  marine  chro- 
nometer. Then  Parliament  appointed  a 
commission,  in  which  the  great  name  of  Sir 
Isaac  Newton,  President  of  the  Royal  So- 
ciety,  is  recorded. 

"Will  the  Parliament  of  the  United 
Kingdom  permit  the  delegation  and  sub- 
delegation  of  their  mandate?  Will  the 
representatives  of  the  nation  sanction  this 
unconstitutional  method  of  award  and  dis- 
tribution of  their  grant,  to  stand  forth  as  a 
precedent,  to  shelter  future  official  apathy, 
incapacity,  or  neglect  of  duty  ?  Can  Par- 
liament tolerate  such  contempt  of  its  will 
and  authority  ?  Public  wrong  is  inseparable 
from  private  injury.  Many  devote<i  years, 
numerous  and  repeated  experiments  '  with 
the  concurrence  of  the  Lords  of  the  Admi- 
ralty,' constant  application  and  great  outlay 
of  very  ii {.spared  capital,  have  enabled  me 
to  produce  and  to  perfect  th^it  instrument, 
the  '  screw  propeller,'  now  adopted  by  and 
used  in  Her  Majeslty's  Navy. 

*'  The  judicial  Lords  of  the  Privy  Coun. 
cil,  by  their  inquiry  and  recorded  judgment, 
fully  established  my  claims  to  the  invention, 
and  decided  that  my  'patent  is  in  use  at 
this  day,  and  has  for  some  time  been  in  use 
in  the  Royal  Navy.'  (See  Meeh,  Mag.,  vol. 
lx.,p.  345.) 

**  t  have  applied  in  vain  to  the  Lords  of 
the  Admiralty  for  redress  of  the  injury  re- 
ceived, by  the  exclusion  of  my  claims  from 
the  grant  out  of  the  public  purse,  and  that 
justice  might  be  done  to  my  well-established 
right  to  compensation  and  reward. 

**  By  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  I  was 
referred  to  the  banker,  to  whom,  under  deed 
of  indemnity,  they  delegated  the  award  and 
appropriation  of  the  £20,000  voted  by  the 
House  of  Commons,  and  against  whom 
counsel  learned  in  the  law  advise  me  that  I 
have  no  legal  remedy. 

*•  To  institute  proceedings  in  the  Courts 
of  Justice  against  the  Lords  of  the  Admi- 
ralty, would  be  to  involve  myself  in  ex- 
penses that  I  am  unable  to  bear,  as  well  as 
to  encounter  the  chances  arising  out  ot  legal 
technicalities,  and  to  contend,  on  unequal 
ground,  with  a  public  Official  Board,  from 
whom  costs  cannot  be  recovered. 

'*  The  Right  Honourable  Lord  Lyndhurst, 
convinced  of  the  justice  and  truth  of  my 
claims  to  reward  and  to  compensation,  as 
the  inventor  and  patentee  of  the  *  screw 
propeller,'  adopted  by  and  now  hi  use  in  the 


Digitized  by 


Google    "^ 


424 


8PRCIFIGATI0N8  OF  PATENTS  BEOSNTLY  FILED. 


Navy,  inoTed  in  the  House  of  Lords  for  '  a 
copy  of  the  agreement  entered  into  hy  the 
Lords  of  the  Admiralty,  in  respect  of  which 
a  sum  of  £20,000  has  been  paid  on  account 
of  patent  rights  for  the  "  propellers  "  used 
in  Her  Majesty's  Navy.' 

*'The  annexed  copies  of  his  Lordship's 
speech,  and  of  the  agreement  (deed  of  in- 
demnity) with  the  elucidatory  documents, 
willy  it  is  belicTed,  carry  conviction  to  every 
unprejudiced  mind  that  public  wrong  and 
that  priTale  injury  have  been  perpetrated. 

**  To  the  House  of  Commons  appertains 
the  control  and  the  supenrision  of  the  right 
award  and  appropriation  of  money  grants 
from  the  public  purse.  In  that  house,  I 
liumbly  but  confidently  seek,  *  on  public 
grounds,'  the  redress  of  the  injury  done  to 
me.  In  soliciting  your  aid  and  support,  as 
an  independent  Member  of  Parliament,  to 
bring  my  case  before  the  consideration  of 
the  House  of  Commons,  I  court  every  in- 
quiry, I  shrink  from  no  investigation,  and  I 
respectfully  hope,  that  the  council  elect  of 
the  nation  will  vouchsafe  to  entertain  my 
claims,  and  to  grant  me  relief. 

"  Believe  me,  Sir,  &c., 

"  £.  J.  Carpbnter, 

"  Captoin  R.N. 
''7,  Baytwater-terraee, 
"  Msich  SOtb,  1839." 


LADDER  EMBUTE  AT  THE  CRYS- 

TAL  PALACE. 

T9  the  Bd&tor  o/  tht  Mtekmht*  Mugozme, 

Sir, — In  an  admirably-written  paper  on 
the  CrysUl  Palace,  in  the  last  number  of  the 
QMarUrly  Review,  the  writer  observes  that, 
**The  watering  of  the  plants  is  a  task  of 
great  nicety,  ensconced  as  they  are  among 
miscellaneous  articles  and  materials  ill.fitted 
to  bear  wet  or  soil,  while  that  of  watering  the 
d24  swinging  flower  baskets  is  one  of  some 
peril.  The  vipr'ighi  /re-eteape-Uke-laddert, 
self-sustained,  are  nervous  tottering  things 
for  a  man  to  find  himself  projected  upon  at 
50  feet  from  the  ground,  with  the  additional 
weight  of  a  heavy  vessel  of  water ;  strong 
headii  therefore,  prefer  climbing  and  creep- 
ing along  the  girders  themselves.  Indeed, 
the  ladder  has  more  than  once  threatened  to 
raise  a  rehelUcn,  and  ought  not  to  be  ineitted 
upon,**  The  machine  here  alluded  to,  is  an 
indifferent  specimen  of  Gregory's  Fire- 
escape  ladder,  patented  in  1819,  and  de- 
scribed some  ten  years  afterwards  in  Num- 
ber 295  of  your  11  th  volume,  p.  114;  cer- 
tainly  a  roost  unfit  instrument  for  the  use 
to  which  it  has  been  misapplied  at  Syden- 
ham. 

It  is  truly  lamenUble  that  such  a  labour 


of  lore,  as  liquoring  lilies,  loptnea,  and 
lobelias,  should  entail  any  liability  to  low 
of  life  or  limb  to  the  labourers  located  on 
lofty  labent  ladders ;  and  equally  astounding, 
that  "  all  the  talents,"  with  Sir  Joseph  ai 
their  head,  should  have  been  unable  to 
devise  any  better  expedient  for  safely  per- 
forming this  needful  operation.  If  thai 
popular  depository  of  past  experience,  the 
Meehaniet*  Magazine^  had  been  eonsulted, 
at  page  60  of  the  19th  volume  there  wonld 
have  been  found  a  description  oTRote*t  Jbre- 
man*9  elemUor,  an  apparatus  much  better 
adapted  for  the  operation  in  question,  and 
with  a  superadded  arrangement  for  supply- 
ing water  to  the  balcony  from  below,  seema 
caToulated  to  obviate  all  the  well-grounded 
objectibns  to  which  Gregory's  ladders  are 
unquestionably  open.  Telescopic  tubes  fitted 
to  Uie  sides  of  the  sliding  ladders,  with  screws 
at  each  end  for  the  attachment  of  a  small 
hose,'  the  upper  one  furnished  with  a  braneh- 
pipe  or  rose,  and  the  lower  one  attached  to 
a  small  force-pump,  seems  to  be  all  that 
can  possibly  be  required.  Antiquity,  like 
"  music,  has  charms,"  although  sometinies 
of  a  very  questionable  character ;  and  if 
Gregory's  fire-ladders  were  adopted  by  the 
Crysul  Palace  authorities  beeauie  they 
must  have  an  **  old  copy  " — still  tliey  might 
at  least  have  had  the  *<  best  edition ! " 

I  remain,  youn,  fte., 

W.  Baodslbt. 

18,  Angell-temoe,  Itlincton, 
April  S7,  IttS. 


SPECIFICATIONS    OP    PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Stansbdry,  Charles  Frederick,  of 
the  firm  of  Nourse  and  Co.,  Cornhill,  Lon- 
don. Improved  apparatu*  for  heathtg  JmUd- 
ingt,  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
October  Id,  1854.    (Na  2191.) 

/This  invention  mainly  consists  in  the 
combination  of  a  steam  generator,  a  radiator, 
and  a  condenser,  for  the  purpose  of  heating 
buildings,  the  connection  between  the  gene- 
rator and  condenser  being  perforated  so  as 
to  admit  of  the  formation  of  a  hydrostatic 
column  balancing  the  pressure  of  steam  on 
a  certain  valve,  and  permitting  the  water 
resulting  from  the  condensation  of  the 
ateam  to  return  to  the  generator. 

Barsham,  William  James,  of  Stratford, 
Essex,  gentleman.  Improvements  m  sse- 
ekittery  or  apparatm/or  cnMng  mmeral  mnd 
other  eubsttmeet.  Patent  dated  October  18, 
1854.     (No.  2193.) 

The  inventor  describes  an  arrangement  of 
sUmping  apparatus  in  which  the  stamper 
head  is  aflSxed  to  a  stem  which  has  auitable 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPEOIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS  RECENTLY  VILED. 


425 


gnidm  to  regulate  its  moviement,  and  upon 
which  are  formed  or  affixed  teeth  (or  pins 
aotiog  as  teeth),  which,  in  order  to  produce 
the  successive  lifts  of  the  stamper,  are  taken 
into  by  teeth  or  cogs  formed  partly  around 
a  wheel  or  disc  affixed  to  a  rotating  shaft. 

Harrison,  John,  of  Brighoure,  York, 
millwright  and  engineer.  Impnwements  m 
the  houet  applied  to  wnUsUmet,  Patent  dated 
October  14, 1854.    (No.  2195.) 

This  invention  consists  in  a  peculiar  ap- 
plication of  springs  to  the  bosses  used  for 
driving  millstones,  which  are  at  present  used 
without  springs. 

Haddan,  John  Coopb,  of  Chelsea,  Mid- 
dieses,  civil  engineer.  ImpropemenU  in  the 
moHH^aehare  qf  canwmt  and  ^  projeetUe*  for 
the  stone.  Patent  dated  October  14,  1854. 
(No.  2197.) 

These  improvements  consist — 1.  In  form- 
ing two  or  more  curved  grooves  in  the  bore 
of  cannon  by  means  of  a  shaft  carrying  a 
rotatory  cutter  or  cutters,  the  shaft  being 
disposed  ecoentrically  to  the  axis  of  the 
cannon,  and  working  in  a  tube  or  bearing, 
which  is  prevented  from  turning  beyond  the 
extent  requisite  for  producing  the  rifle  turn ; 
or  in  finishing  the  bore,  or  forming  the 
grooves  of  rifled  cannon,  by  means  of  a 
planing  tool  which  slides  along  the  cannon 
upon  a  truly  formed  surface  of  a  guiding- 
bar  or  bed-plate  inserted  within  the  cannon. 
2.  In  closing  the  breech  of  breech- loading 
cannon  by  means  of  a  stopper  inserted  from 
the  mussle-end  of  the  cannon.  8.  Firing 
a  number  of  projectiles  firom  several  cannon 
by  means  of  electric  wires  passed  down  the 
grooves  of  the  cannon.  4.  Casting  elon- 
gated shot  and  shell  in  vertical  moulds,  the 
core  being  supported,  in  the  case  of  shells, 
by  means  of  spindles  or  points  at  either  end  : 
also  in  casting  such  projectiles  with  a 
superfluity  of  metal  (in  order  to  produce 
homogeneity  in  them),  the  superfluous 
matenal  being  afterwards  removed.  5.  Pro* 
duoing  homogeneous  wads  by  manufac- 
turing  them  in  layers,  or  of  reduced  material 
solid&ed  by  pressure. 

Holt,  Christopher,  of  the  New-road, 
St.  Pancras,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in 
fystemngs  for  the  laths  of  iron  bedsteads, 
eoneheSf  and  other  tmilar  artieles  of  fnr* 
mimre.  Patent  dated  October  14,  1854. 
(No.  8200.) 

The  inventor  forms  upon  the  laths  two 
hooks,  both  turned  in  one  direction,  so  that 
on  desiring  to  remove  the  lath  from  the 
bedstead  it  is  simply  necessary  to  lift  one 
edge  of  it,  when  the  hooks  will  be  simul- 
taneously wididrawn  from  the  holes  in  the 
angle*irons. 

PiNKNBT,  Robert,  of  Long-acre,  Mid- 
dlesex. Improvements  in  bottles,  jars,  and 
other  Wee  vessels,  and  in  the  method  i^  stop- 


pering them.  Patent  dated  October  14, 
1854.    (No.  2201.) 

This  inventiou  consists — ].  In  forming  a 
cap  having  two  cuts  or  passages  with  an 
incline  stop  and  oavity,  in  combination 
with  corresponding  projections  in  the  neck 
of  the  bottle  or  jar.  2.  In  forming  a  cap 
having  indentations  or  projections  in  com- 
bination with  a  projecting  rim  and  passages 
on  the  neck  of  the  bottle. 

You  NO,  Jambs  Hadden,  of  College- 
street,  Camden- town,  Middlesex.  Improve* 
ments  in  brooms  or  brushing  apparatus.  Pa- 
tent dated  October  14,  1854.    (No.  2204.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  which  is 
adapted  to  the  sweeping  of  streets,  &e.,  and 
is  an  improvement  upon  an  apparatus  pa- 
tented by  the  inventor,  January  15,  1858,* 
the  materials  of  which  the  brush  is  com- 
posed, instead  of  being  fixed  to  a  wooden 
axis,  are  bound  together  by  wire  twisted 
together.  To  the  centre  of  this  wire  axis  a 
small  pulley  is  fixed,  over  which  a  band  is 
made  to  pass,  connecting  it  with  a  wheel  on 
the  outside  of  a  containing  box  to  the  bot- 
tom of  which  a  metal  pan  is  hinged.  The 
handle  of  the  apparatus  is  connected  to  the 
box  by  means  of  pivots. 

Pape,  John  Henry,  of  Paris,  Rue  des 
Bons  Enfants.  Improvemenis  in  the  mohk- 
faeture  of  boots  and  shoes.  Patent  dated 
October  14,  1854.    (No.  2205.) 

These  improvements  consist— 1.  In  the 
substitution  of  metal  for  sole  leather  for  the 
under  part  of  shoes  and  boots.  2.  In  pro- 
ducing elasticity  by  means  of  India-ruDber 
introduced  between  the  shoe  and  the  sole 
and  in  the  inside  of  the  heel. 

BissBKBR,  William  John,  of  Birming- 
ham»  Warwick,  manufacturer.  A  new  md 
improved  and  durable  method  of  labelling 
bottles,  and  such  like  vessels  or  artieles  as  rs- 
quire,  or  may  require  labelling.  Patent  dated 
October  14,  1854.    (No.  2206.) 

Claim. — "  The  manufacture  and  construc- 
tion of  metallic  labels  for  bottles  and  such 
like  vessels  or  articles  as  require,  or  may 
require  labelling,  such  labels  being  shaped 
so  aa  to  fit  the  surface  of  the  bottle  or  otner 
vessel." 

MooRB,  Thomas  Edwin,  of  Great  Titoh- 
fleld-street,  Oxford-street,  Middlesex,  engi- 
neer. Improvements  in  apparatus  for  sharpen^ 
ing  knives,  scissors,  and  other  siwUlar  edged 
tools.  Patent  dated  October  16,  1854.  (No. 
2207.) 

The  inventor  fixes  vertically  to  an  appro- 
priate holding  frame,  by  means  of  binding 
screws  and  washers,  two  square  plates  of 
properly-tempered  steel,  about  ^th  part  of 
an  inch  in  thickness,  and  of  any  convenient 
size,  with  their  edges  more  or  less  bevelled, 

•  Boe  Meeh.  Meg.,  No.  IMS,  p.  73. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


426 


SPBOIFICATIONB  OK  PATEWTS  EEOiam.T  FILED. 


and  60  arranged  that  the  meeting  sides  ihall 
be  alike.  The  blades  to  be  sharpened  are 
drawn  between  these  plates. 

BoNNALL,  Jonni  of  Spittlegate,  Oran- 
tham,  Lineoln,  engineor.  lmprovement»  in 
mpp&ratui  for  hoU^  <M  for  lubricating  pur- 
poses. Patent  dlited  Oetober  10,  1854< 
(No.  2208.) 

CUdm. — **  Forming  vessels  to  contain  oil 
for  lubricating  purposes  of  flexible  or  elas- 
tic material,  capable  of  eooiprMsion  to 
force  out  the  oil  contained  therein,  but  with 
a  tendency  to  expand  again  when  the  pres- 
sure is  removed  as  explained." 

Thompson,  Nathan,  junior,  of  New 
York,  United  Sutes  of  America.  Imprmfe^ 
ments  in  Ufo-preter9ing  seats.  Patent  dated 
Oetober  16,  1864.    (No.  2209.) 

This  inTcntion  consists  in  iroproTcmenti 
en  the  lile- preserving  seat  patented  by  the 
Inventor,  September  18,  1864.*  Instead  of 
hinging  or  fixing  the  water-tight  compart-^ 
menu  to  the  sides  of  a  seat,  so  that  ihey 
may  be  opened  out  by  being  pressed  against 
the  body  of  the  person,  be  permabeittly  at- 
taches them  to  the  rides  of  the  seat)  and 
divides  the  top  of  the  seat  and  upper  water- 
tight compartment  into  two  parts,  which  he 
hinges  together. 

BbrnOt,  Etibnnb,  of  Paris,  France,  gen. 
tleman.  A  new  mmehint  for  liuiiing  JUes^ 
which  he  calis  '*  BsmoVs  JUe-^euiting  ntMhineJ* 
Patent  dated  October  16^  1864.  (No.  2210.) 

In  Bernot's  machine  the  cutting  is  ef- 
fected by  means  of  a  graver  mounted  en 
the  end  of  A  descending  lever,  the  action  of 
which  is  eontrolled  by  a  main  springy  the 
force  of  which  is  varied  by  an  eccentric. 

Wain,  William,  of  Brunswick-street, 
Stamlbrd-street,  Sonthwark,  engineer,  /m* 
provements  in  the  emutruction  of  screw  prepet* 
lets.  Patent  dated  Oct.  16,  1854.  (No.  221 8.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  the  boss  of 
the  propeller  is  cast  in  one  ^iece,  with  an 
opening  through  it  to  receive  the  stems  of  a 
pair  of  propeller  blades,  which  are  capable 
of  being  set  to  any  required  angle  to  suit 
the  run  of  the  vessel.  The  gearing  for  ef- 
fecting this  adjustment  is  contained  within 
the  boss.  The  stems  are  set  in  conical 
btishes  made  in  two  halves,  and  bolted  to 
the  boss. 

WBTHBilBLLi    LfONBL    JOHN,   of  Comp- 

ton  -  street,  Clerkenwell,  Middlesex,  civil 
engineer,  and  Avgustus  /ohann  Hofp- 
STAEOT,  of  Albion-place,  Surrey,  agent. 
An  imprwud  eonstruetim  tj  pump.  Patent 
dated  October  16,  1854.    (No.  2214.) 

The  improvement  constituting  this  Inven- 
tion  consists  in  the  employment  of  a  lasy- 
tongs  arrangement  of  levers  for  transmit- 
ting the  reciprocating  motion  of  the  pump- 

•  Bm  Mtch.  Mug.,  No.  1652,  p.  119. 


handle  to  the  piston-rod,  ibr  Uie  purpose  ef 
increasing  the  length  of  the  stroke. 

ScRBUTC,  Oborgb,  of  Saltsboiy-atreet^ 
Middlesex,  gentleman,  and  Bdwaao 
9cBBt7TB,  of  the  same  place,  eivil  engineer. 
Improvtmmts  in  nuKhhUry  ur  apparatUM  for 
emicutating,  and  printing  the  retuUM  uf  such 
ealeulathns.  Patent  dated  October  17« 
1854.    (No.  2216.) 

It  is  impossible  to  eXplaiii  the  eonttrue- 
tioB  of  this  machine  without  an  elaborate 
illustrated  description.  The  folkmiog  no- 
tice of  it  appeared  in  the  last  number  ui  tb« 
Journal  qf  the  Society  qfArUf 

"  The  machine  is  of  that  class  knotm  to 
mathematteians  as  a  difierenee  engine,  its 
calculations  being  made  on  the  principle  of 
difibrences.  The  machine  is  adapted  fot 
calculating  tables  the  law  of  whose  forma- 
tion  is  dependent  on  the  addition  of  eocces- 
sive  diflerenees.  It  not  only  calculates  the 
series  of  numbers,  but  it  imptessea  each 
result  on  a  piece  of  lead,  from  which  * 
•lich^  in  type  -  metal  is  taken,  thas  pro- 
ducing  a  stereotype  -  plite,  from  whioh 
printed  copies  may  be  obtained,  free  from 
any  error  of  composing,  8tt.  The  madiine 
calculates  to  sixteen  fignreSi  but  ptinig  to 
eight  only ;  and  by  a  singularly  Sngeniona, 
and  at  the  same  tiiiie  simple  contrivanee^ 
the  eighth  figure  in  the  table  is  printed,  HOI 
in  all  eases  as  ealculated^  but  with  a  corree- 
tion;  when  required,  fbr  the  ninth  and  sub- 
sequent figures  omitted  in  the  table.  Tkn, 
wherever  the  ninth  figure,  at  eaieolcted, 
amounts  to  five  or  more,  it  is  more  aoovrato 
that  the  eighth  or  final  flguM  in  tbo  Ubie 
should  be  printed  with  the  addition  of  one ; 
this  the  machine  aeeomplishes.  By  taking 
out  eertain  wheels  and  tnserting  others,  the 
maehlne  can  be  readily  caused  to  produce 
its  results  in  £  s.  d.,  degrees,  minutes,  and 
seconds,  or  wf  ether  series  of  subdivisions 
which  may  be  thought  desirable.  The  ma- 
chine perfimns  its  operatiohs,  when  enee  set 
to  the  law  on  which  the  required  table  de-* 
pends,  by  simply  taming  a  handle,  without 
any  further  attention,  the  power  required 
for  the  purpose  being  extremely  small,  not 
more  than  a  child  of  ten  years  old  could 
supply.  The  calculations  are  madCi  and 
the  resnlte  impressed  on  the  lead  at  the  rate 
of  about  250  figures  every  ten  minutes;  the 
machine  being  worked  slowly.  It  may  be 
worked  much  Ihster,  but  in  that  case  there 
might  be  danger  from  the  momentum 
a  rapid  motion  wouM  generate  in  the 
wheels." 

CORNiDBS,  Lovis,  of  Trafalgar-sqnare, 
Charing  -  cross,  Middlesex.  An  improved 
apparatus  for  amalgamating  the  gold  and  siher 
contained  in  pulverized  ores.  Patent  dated 
Oetober  17,  1854.    (No.  2218.) 

This  invention  cofnitts  in  **  drawitig  pttl<' 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


8P£CIFI0ATI0NS  OF  PATENTS  BECENTLY  FILED. 


427 


Tcrised  metalUferoua  ore  in  a  thin  stratum 
between  quicksilver  and  a  surface  moving 
or  rotating  io  auch  quicksilver,  and  thereby 
subjecting  such  ore  to  the  pressure  of  the 
quicksilver  proportionate  to  the  depth 
thereof,  and  tous  amalgamating  the  metal 
in  such  ore  with  suoh  quicksilver.'* 

Ulinowoeth,  Alfrsd,  and  Henry 
iLLiNOWoaTB,  of  Bradford,  York,  spin- 
ners. Imprevemenit  in  machinery  er  appart^iut 
for  comUng  wool  and  piker  Jlkraus  subttaucet. 
Patent  dated  October  17,  1854.  (No.  2321.) 

This  invention  aonsists-^l.  In  the  appli* 
cation  of  instruraeiits  for  combing  out  the 
projecting  enda  pf  tufts  when  they  have 
passed  through  and  are  held  by  nippers 
which  detach  them  from  the  body  of  ma- 
terial under  operatioa.  2.  Detaebing  tufts 
•r  portions  of  the  material  by  two  drawing 
operations  for  each  tuft  or  portion.  3.  The 
application  of  e  transferring  apparatus  for 
turning  over  detached  portions  or  tufts 
which  have  been  combed  at  both  ends  and 
depositing  them  reversed  upon  a  surface 
travelling  in  the  direction  of  the  feed.  4. 
The  application  of  springs  to  the  bottom  parts 
of  nippers  used  in  detaching  tufts,  instead 
of^  or  in  combination  with  those  at  the  top.| 

DocKRAT,  Jacob,  of  Leeds,  York,  ma- 
obine-ipaker,  and  John  Dawson,  of  Hol- 
beckf  Leeds,  machine-maker.  Certain  t'ai- 
propemente  in  mMkinery  far  raiting  woollen 
cloth.  Patent  dated  October  17,  U54. 
(No.  2222.) 

In  thia  improved  machinery  the  eloth  is 
caused  to  pass  under  a  stretching- roller  and 
over  a  pair  of  ahields  or  guards  which  par- 
tially cover  the  upper  surface  of  the  card- 
cylinder,  leaving  a  portion  of  it  eiposed 
between  them,  so  that  as  the  cloth  is  drawn 
over  the  shields  a  part  of  the  surftce  of  the 
card-cylinder  projecting  above  the  shields 
comes  in  eonUet  with  the  cloth.  The  inventors 
also  employ  endless  bands  of  wire  cards. 

Gresv,  Richard,  of  Sydney-street, 
Brompton,  Middlesex.  Improeemenitinpro- 
ptlUng  9e$ul9*  Patent  dated  October  17i 
1854.    (No.  2224.) 

Ciam. — *'The  application  of  paddles  or 
moveable  axes  or  spindles,  the  motion  of 
which  is  effected  by  oams  or  collars  on  the 
said  axes  or  spindles,  combined  with  the 
eoncentrie  guide- rings  or  rails,  and  the 
stnds,  pins,  orroUers,  for  periodically  chang. 
iog  the  position  of  the  paddles  with  respect 
to  the  water  in  which  they  act,  whether  audi 
paddles  be  made  to  rotate  continuously  on 
their  axes  in  one  direction  or  to  gyrate  to 
and  f^o." 

Bblliord,  Apgvstb  Edouard  Lora- 
DOUX,  of  Castle-Street,  London.  Certain 
imprevemente  in  kreech^kadimg  fhre-arwu. 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  October 
1».1»M.    (Na2226.) 


These  improvements  consist  in  connect- 
ing  the  barrel  with  the  stock  and  station- 
ary breech  by  means  of  projections  on  its 
sides,  one  part  of  each  of  which  is  circular 
and  another  part  of  a  wedgelike  form,  theae 
projections  fittmg  within  recesses  in  plates 
attached  to  the  stock,  which  recesses  corre- 
spond in  form  with  the  circular  nart  of  the 
projections,  but  are  wider  than  the  wedge- 
shaped  parts,  the  object  being  to  permit  the 
tear  end  of  the  barrel  to  be  swung  up  and 
exposed. 

Fontainbmorbau,  Petbr  Arhand  Lb- 
coMTE  DB,  of  South-street,  Londoif.  /aa- 
provemenle  m  preventing  eoUuioM  on  rail' 
ways,  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
October  18, 1854.    (No.  2227.) 

The  inventor  arranges  apparatus  in  such 
manner  that  upon  a  train  passing  over  it  a 
piston  is  depressed  by  means  of  an  inclined 
plane  fixed  under  the  engine  or  tender, 
and  an  electric  current  is  put  in  eommu- 
nicati'on  with  the  apparatus  and  conveyed  by 
means  of  a  conduoting-wire  to  a  aeeond  ap- 
paratus  signalizing  the  approach  of  thetrain. 

Oessnbr,  Erhbt,  of  Aue,  near  Schnee- 
berg.  Saxony.  Improvemente  in  gig-mille. 
Patent  dated  October  18,  1854.  (No.  2228.) 

Thia  invention  consists  of  improvements 
in  machinery  described  in  the  specification 
of  a  patent  formerly  granted  to  the  inventor, 
the  improved  machines  being  arranged  to 
work  with  either  two  or  one  raising  cylin- 
ders, and  furnished  with  a  novel  arrange- 
ment of  apparatus  for  conducting  the  cloth 
to  or  from  the  gig-mill. 

Hamilton,  Georob,  of  Great  Towev- 
street  Iwtproaemenlt  in  obtaining  eoundmgu 
Patent  dated  October  18,  1854.  (No.  2229.) 

This  invention  consists  in  attaching  by 
a  hinge  joint  to  the  fore  part  of  a  ship  or 
vessel,  a  metal  bar  so  arranged  as  to  trail 
on  the  bottom  when  the  depth  of  water  is 
small.  To  this  metal  bar  is  attached  an  in- 
dicator, by  means  of  which  the  depth  of 
water  is  indicated  aa  soon  as  the  ship  gets 
into  shallow  water. 

This  arrangement  was  suggested  in  Fe- 
bruary,  1854,  by  Mr.  Edwar^  of  Pembroke 
Dockyard;  see  page  180  of  our  60th  vo- 
lume. 

Mason,  John,  of  Eochdale,  Laneaatof, 
machinist,  and  William  Robertson,  of 
the  same  place,  machinist.  Improvemente 
iu  machinery  or  apparatut  for  preparing  and 
•pinning  cotton  and  other  fibreme  eubttaneee, 
part  rf  which  iipprooementt  it  oUq  appUeaide 
for  tktfiing  ttrapt,  by  which  nwtion  itjammU' 
nicated  in  other  nachinet.  Patent  dated  Oe*- 
tober  18,  1854.    (No.  2230.) 

This  invention  conaista^l.  In  so  regit, 
lating  the  speed  of  the  carriage  in  going  in 
that  when  the  spindles  are  bare  ita  speed 
shall  be  lower  than  when  the  base  of  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


428 


PROVISIONAL   SPRCIFIGA.TI0N3    NOT   PROOKKDED   WlTU. 


cop  has  been  formed.  2.  In  a  certain 
method  of  connecting  the  under  and  upper 
fillers,  and  an  arrangement  by  which  sensi- 
tiveness is  imparted  to  the  one,  and  the 
change  produced  on  the  operation  of  the 
other.  3.  In  weighting  the  faller  so  as 
to  cause  it  to  drop  down  during  the  back- 
ing off;  also  in  raising  the  faller  by  means 
of  a  shaper  plate  when  the  carriage  is  at 
the  roller  beam,  and  in  the  use  of  friction 
apparatus  for  working  this  shaper.  4.  In 
driving  the  earn  shaft  which  effects  the 
changes  by  means  of  a  band  or  other  frtc> 
tion  apparatus  which  will  slip  while  the 
said  shaft  is  to  be  detained.  5.  In  the  use 
of  loose  wharves  upon  the  spindles,  and  of 
certain  friction  bars  described  in  conjuno- 
tion  therewith.  6.  In  the  employment  of 
oertain  double-acting  strap  forks. 

HoLDBN,  Howaud  Ashton,  of  Birming. 
ham,  Warwick,  manufacturer.  Certain  im- 
prmfewientt  in  ro^  tamps  for  raUwaif  or  oAer 
earriageSt  and  fir  partt  uted  in  eonneetum 
with  the  tame.  Patent  dated  October  18, 
1854.    (No.  2233.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  certain 
arrangements  for  keeping  the  cotton-holder 
cold  ;  in  so  constructing  circular  roof  lamps 
that  the  inner  lining  may  be  dispensed  with ; 
in  uniting  the  cotton-holder  to  supply  and 
air-tubes  by  union  joinu ;  in  the  use  of  a 
stop-oock  or  valve  applied  to  the  supply- 
pipe  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  oil 
from  flowing  down  to  the  burner  while  trim- 
ming; in  uniting  the  stoppers  to  the  re- 
servoir of  roof  lamps ;  in  employing  hori- 
zontal  crown  reflectors ;  &c. 

WiNPiELD,  Robert  Walter,  of  Bir- 
mingham, Warwick,  merchant  and  manu- 
facturer.  An  improvement  or  improvements 
in  tubes  and  rods  used  in  the  construetion  of 
articles  qf  wtetaUie  fitmitmre.  Patent  dated 
October  19,  1854.    (No.  2234.) 

This  invention  consists  in  coating  tubes 
and  rods  of  iron  with  zinc,  tin,  copper,  or 
other  metal,  or  alloy,  and  giving  a  smooth 
or  polished  surface  to  the  coated  tubes  by 
drawing  them  through  draw  plates  or  col- 
lars. The  tubes  and  rods  may  have  a  higher 
polish  given  to  them  by  any  suitable  polish, 
mg  process,  and  be  lacquered,  varnished, 
painted,  japanned,  or  otherwise  ornamented. 

NicoLL,  Benjamin,  of  Regent-circus, 
Piccadilly,  Middlesex,  and  Lombardcstreet, 
London,  shirt- maker.  Improvewients  in  shirt 
ironts.  Patent  dated  October  19,  1854. 
(No.  2235.) 

The  inventor  manufactures  the  linen  or 
other  material  to  be  employed  for  shirt 
fronts  in  strips  of  the  width  which  the 
plaits  (or  tlie  exposed  or  outward  part  of 
the  plaits)  of  the  shirt  front  are  required  to 
be,  and  these  plaits  or  the  exposed  parts 
thereof  be  manuisetiires  of  very  fine,  whilst 


the  concealed  parts  are  made  of  coarser 
material. 

Mason,  Samuel,  shoe  manufacturer,  and 
William  Bbbby,  clicker,  both  of  North- 
ampton. Certam  improvements  in  the  jromi- 
facture  of  coverings  for  the  human  leg  and  foot* 
Patent  dated  October  19, 1854.  (No.  2236.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  mode  of  mann- 
facturing  a  seamless  blocked  gaiter  and 
riding  legging,  &c. 

FOMTAtNBMOREAU,  PbTBR  ARMAHD,  LB- 

coMTB  DB,  of  South-Street,  London.  /*- 
provements  tn  the  constmction  ^  grates* 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  Oe- 
tober  19,  1854.    (No.  2237.) 

This  invention  consists  in  construeting 
grates  of  two  fiwnes,  each  supporting  a 
tier  of  moveable  bars,  and  in  providing  each 
with  two  endless  screws  passing  over  the 
extremities  of  the  ban  and  bearing  on  plates 
set  at  the  back  and  the  front  The  two 
upper  screws  when  made  to  rotate  move  the 
bars  on  the  upper  frame  to  the  back  of  the 
grate,  where  they  fall  on  to  the  lower  frame, 
and  returning  to  the  front  are  elevated  to 
their  former  position. 

rROVISIONAL   SPBCIPICATIONS    NOT    PRO- 
CBBDED  WITH. 

Hjortb,  Soren,  of  Copenhagen.  An 
improved  magneto-electrie  battery.  Applica- 
tion dated  October  14,  1854.    (No.  2198.) 

The  main  feature  of  this  battery  consists 
in  applying  one,  two,  or  more  permanent 
magnets  of  cast-iron  in  connection  with  an 
equal  number  or  more  electro-magnets  in 
such  manner  that  the  currents  induced  in 
the  coils  of  the  revolving  armatures  are 
allowed  to  pass  round  the  eleetro-nugnets. 

HioRTH,  SoRBM,  of  Copenhagen.  An 
improved  ^lectre^magnetie  ma^Une.  Appli- 
cation dated  October  14, 1854w   (No.  2199.) 

This  machine  is  composed — 1.  Of  several 
hollow  stationary  electro-magnets,  oonieal 
inside,  with  double  poles  placed  in  opposite 
directions  in  order  to  serve  for  double 
strokes,  connected  and  fastened  by  means 
of  brass  rings  and  screw-bolts.  2.  A  hol- 
low electro-magnet  put  together  in  such 
manner  that  its  single  parts  terminate  in 
sn  iron  ring  in  which  the  magnetism  is 
collected,  &e, 

RossiTBR,  William,  of  Gosvrell  -  road, 
Middlesex,  paper-manufacturer,  and  Mat- 
thew Kdwin  Bishop,  of  Cannon-street 
West,  London,  wholesale  stationer.  Im- 
provements in  the  mamirfaeture  tf  pulp  smit- 
able  for  paper,  pasteboard,  and  millboard,  pa^ 
pier^machd,  and  other  like  purposes.  Appli- 
cation dated  October  16,  1854.   (No.  2211.) 

The  inventors  take  rope  diakings,  can- 
vas, tow,  bagging,  or  other  similar  mate- 
rials used  in  Uie  mAnufacturs  of  PAper,  and 
reduce  them  to  pulp  in  an  ormnaiy  rag- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PROVISIONAL  PROTRCnONS. 


429 


engine,  Adding  a  eertun  quantity  of  oil  and 
aluniy  or  other  equivalent  chemical  agents, 
for  the  purpose  of  neutralizing  any  tar  or 
other  matter  that  may  he  contained  in  the 
pulp ;  they  then  introduce  into  the  rag. 
engme  ahout  an  equal  quantity  of  refuse 
tan,  hark,  or  other  vegetable  matter,  which 
may  or  may  not  have  been  previously  re- 
dueed  to  pulp,  and  combine  the  same  tho- 
roughly with  the  rope- pulp. 

JoHHBON,  John  Hbnry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  An  tm- 
f/nmd  opparaiut  for  dUeooering  tkt  leakage 
er  eeeape  rfgat.  (A  eommunication.)  Ap- 
plication dated  Oct  16, 1854.    (No.  2212.) 

This  invention  '*  consists  in  forcing  a  cer- 
tain quantity  of  atmospheric  air  into  the 
pipes  and  apparatus  connected  therewith, 
by  means  of  a  force-pump,  the  cocks  of  the 
burners  and  main  cock  being  previously 
closed." 

Child,  William  Henry,  of  Providence- 
row,  Finsbury,  London,  brush  manufacturer. 
Orrtaim  improvemeni*  in  the  manrfaeture  and 
eensirmeUem  rf  hnuhee,,  Application  dated 
October  17, 1854.    (No.  2215.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  com- 
bining coarse  and  fine  hair  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  brushes. 

CooHLAN,  John,  of  Craven-street,  Strand, 
Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  An  improved 
mode  rf  eigntMing  on  railways  by  eleelric 
telegraph.  Application  dated  October  17, 
1854.    (No.  2217.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  a  strand  of 
wires,  or  a  wire  rope,  is  suspended  over  or  at 
the  side  of  each  line  of  rails,  and  to  the 
tender,  or  to  a  carriage  in  the  immediate 
proximity  of  the  engine  of  each  train,  is 
fixed  a  bar  of  metal,  or  a  dnim  turning  on 
an  axis,  which  bar  or  drum  shall  be  in  con- 
tact with  the  wire  strand  or  rope  and  form  a 
metallic  circuit  for  telegraphing  purposes, 
suitable  batteries  being  provided. 

Cole,  John  Lawbs,  of  Henry-itreet, 
Salmon* s-lane,  Limehouae,  Middlesex,  en- 
gineer. An  improoed  construction  qf  portable 
drUL  Application  dated  October  17,  1854. 
(No.  2219.) 

The  chief  object  of  this  invention  la  to 
provide  a  ready  means  of  boring  holes  in 
gas  and  water  mains  for  the  purpose  of  at- 
taching branch-pipes  to  them.  To  effect 
this  the  inventor  provides  the  drill  with  a 
clamping-frame,  which  consists  of  two  side 
bars  connected  to  a  cross  bar  at  about  the 
middle  of  their  length  by  adjustable  pins 
which  pass  through  them  and  through  holes 
in  the  cross  bar. 

Veal,  Arthur,  of  Oxford,  bootmaker. 
Improvements  in  the  manrfaetwe  rf  boots,  Ap- 
plication  dated  October  17,  1854.  (No. 
2220.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  to  construct 


Wellington  boots,  and  others  of  that  class, 
so  that  they  shall  be  capable  of  expanding 
while  being  drawn  on  to  the  foot  of  the 
wearer,  and  afterwarda  contracting  to  their 
original  sise,  this  being  effected  by  the  in- 
troduction of  lengths  of  elastic  webbing  into 
the  boot  at  opposite  sid^s  of  the  leg. 

Eassie,  William,  of  Gloucester,  rail- 
way contractor.  An  improved  means  qf  se- 
emring  goods  or  hading^  in  or  on  railway  tmeks 
or  wagons.  Application  dated  October  18, 
1854.    (No.  2225.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  use  an  improved 
kind  of  latch  or  bar  lock,  ohiefiy  applicable 
for  the  flaps  of  lime  or  coal  wagons,  or 
trucks,  by  which  the  fastening  process  is  to 
be  rendered  easier  to  work  and  more  secure 
than  at  present 

Cooks,  Benjamin  Franklin,  of  Bo&ton, 
Massachusetts,  United  States  of  America, 
gentleman.  An  improved  mode  rf  caulking 
ships  t  applicable  also  to  the  rendering  rfrorfs 
waterprorf.  Application  dated  October  18, 
1R54.    (No.  2281.) 

This  invention  consists  in  caulking  seams 
with  a  material  made  by  introducing  alum 
into  the  ingredients  of  vulcanized  India- 
rubber,  whereby  the  compound  is  rendered 
cellular  after  it  has  been  subjected  to  heat 
in  the  well-known  manner,  and  expands 
with  increasing  temperatures.  . 

Wheeler,  Mare,  of  Newton-street,  Hol- 
born,  Middlesex,  japanner.  An  improved 
mode  rf  consuming  SKtoke  arising  from  the 
combustion  of  fuel  in  furnaces.  Application 
dated  October  18,  1854.    (No.  2232.) 

The  inventor  says,  *'  I  provide  the  stoker 
with  a  quantity  of  sawdust,  or  other  sub- 
stance which  will  readily  absorb  water,  and 
will,  when  dry,  burn  as  fuel ;  and  when  the 
fire  is  fairly  alight,  I  throw  into  it  after 
every  fresh  charge  of  coals  a  shovel-full  of 
this  damp  substance,  the  action  of  which  is 
that  it  will  prevent  the  smoke  given  off  from 
the  coal  from  rising  and  passing  away  from 
the  fire-  place,  with  the  gaseous  products  of 
combustion." 

<^i^*  The  documents  of  No.  2202  and 
2208  are  with  the  Lord  Chancellor. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  March  6.  1855. 
496.  Peraeval  Moses  Partona,  of  Duke- street, 
Adelphi.  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.    Ceruin  Im- 
provements In  flie-arms  and  projeotlles. 

Dated  March  7,  1855. 
506.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lineoln*s-lnn> 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  ImproTements  in 
the  manuilseture  of  hard  India-rubber,  and  of  arti- 
cles composed  of  that  material.  A  eommunleation 
from  Charles  Morey,  of  Paris,  France,  esq. 

Dated  March  14, 1855. 
572.  Edward  Vincent  Gardner,  of  Norfolk-street, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


430 


PROVISIONAL  PBOiVXTIONS. 


Middlesex  Hospital,  Middlesex,  professor  of  die- 
mistry.  Improvement*  In  furnaces,  aRh-pits,  flues, 
tnd  flre-plaees,  whereby  smoks  is  prevented,  fuel 
more  perfectly  consumed,  Md  its  boating  value 
greatly  economised. 

Daitd  March  26,  1855. 

657.  Jean  Baptiste  Dechanet,  iron  manufacturer, 
and  Antoine  Dominique  Sisco,  practical  engineer, 
both  of  Paris,  France.  Improvements  in  the  pro- 
cess of  manufacturing  metallic  tubes  and  pipes, 
and  in  the  machines  or  apparatus  used  for  that 
purpose. 

659.  John  Gedge.  of  Wellington-street  South, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
gloves.  A  communication  from  Felix  J.  P.  Bou- 
vier,  of  Orenoble,  France. 

661.  John  Britten,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
•nginecr.  A  new  or  improved  machine  for  sweep- 
ing or  cleaping  chimnies. 

663.  John  McKinnell,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark,  gen- 
tleman.   Improvements  in  ventilation. 

665.  William  Bartlett,  of  Bradford -street,  Bir- 
mingham. Warwick,  manufacturer.  Certain  im- 
provements in  ventilators. 

669.  Oliver  R.  Burnham,  of  New  York,  United 
States  of  America.  Improvements  in  the  construe- 
UoD  Qf  proJectUea. 

671.  John  Marland,  of  Leeds.  Improvements 
in  preparing  for  and  in  sixlngaod  warplifg  woollen 
and  worsted  yarn. 

678.  John  Shaw,  of  Leea,  manager,  Lewis  Har- 
rop,  of  Oldham,  cotton  spinner,  and  James  Field- 
ing, of  Lees,  cotton  spinner,  all  In  Lancaster.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  for  spinning  and  doubling 
cotton  and  other  fibrous  materials. 

Dated  March  27,  1856. 

67.^.  John  Gedge,  of  Welllnston-street  South, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  the  mode  or  modes 
of  transferring  designs  on  to  woven,  textile,  or 
othei  fabrici,  or  on  paper,  and  in  the  machinery 
used  for  such  purp(»ses.    A  communication. 

677.  Charles  Goodyear,  of  Awnue  Gabriel, 
Champs  Elys6^s,  Paris.  A  new  method  of  mould- 
ing India-rubber  and  gutta  percha.  A  communi- 
cation. 

679.  Archibald  Turner,  of  Leicester,  India-rub- 
ber manufacturer.  Improvements  in  the  manu- 
fiscture  of  elastic  fabrics. 

Dated  April  11,  1855. 

792.  Jonathan  Edge,  of  Boltun-le-Moort,  Lan- 
caster, engineer.  Improvements  In  steam-engines. 

794  Charles  Blunt,  of  Wanstead,  Essex,  gentle- 
man, and  Joseph  John  William  Watson,  of  Wands- 
worth, Surrey,  doctor  of  philosophy.  Improve, 
ments  in  the  composition  of  artificial  fuel,  with 
the  machinery  employed  in  the  manufacture  there- 
of. 

796.  John  Alderman,  of  Denmark-street,  Mid- 
dlesex, manufacturer.  Improvements  in  the  con- 
struction of  adjustable  couches,  cliairs,  and  other 
similar  descrii'tions  of  furniture  for  invalids. 

798  Frederick  Shnnd  Hemming,  of  Birkenhead, 
Chester,  engineer.  Improvements  in  the  construc- 
tion of  buildings,  which  Improvements  are  parti- 
cularly applicable  to  military  and  other  hospitals. 

802.  George  Fergusson  \VIUon,  Conrad  Abben 
Hanson,  and  James  John  Wallis,  all  of  Belmont, 
Vanxhall.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
lamp  candles,  and  in  candle-lampe  for  holding  the 
same. 

804.  George  Fergusson  Wilson  and  George 
Payne,  of  Belmont,  Vanxhall.  An  improvement 
in  ornamenting  glass. 

Dated  Apnl  12,  1855. 
810.  Ferdinand  Wilhelmy,  engineer,  of  Dussel- 
dorf,  Prussia.     Bordei  paddles  for  steam-boat 
wheels. 


81?.  William  Ternr,  of  Francis-street,  Astoo, 
Birmingham,  Warwick,  gun -maker.  Improve- 
ments appertaining  to  breeeh^oading  fire-arms. 

814.  Jules  Laleman,  of  Lille,  France,  of  the 
firm  C«nvn  and  Companv.  Improved  machinery 
for  combing  flax  and  other  similar  fibrous  mate- 
rials.   A  communication. 

Dated  April  13,  1855. 

816.  James  Templeton,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
manufacturer.  |mproveipents  in  the  manufacture 
of  pile  fabrics. 

818.  Joseph  Revell,  of  Dukin field,  CheeCer. 
plasterer.  Certain  improvemtnu  in  naduncry  or 
apparatus  for  propelling  vessels. 

820.  John  Jarman,  of  M^asborough,  York.  Im- 
provements in  horse-ehops. 

822.  Thomas  Hill,  of  Walsall,  merehavt.  Im* 
prevements  in  the  manufacture  of  borse-eboe  infl 
oth^r  nails.    A  communication. 

DaUd  April  14,  1655. 

824.  Jules  Denonal,  of  Samares  Lodge,  ft. 
Clements,  Jersey.  C«rtain  improved  nie«i8  of 
enveloping  medicinal  preparations  with  sQlixblp 
substances. 

826.  William  Gossage,  of  Widnes,  Laacacter, 
chemist.  Iraprovementa  In  the  aanolMCare  of 
certain  kinds  of  soap. 

S28.  WillUm  Reid,  of  Holehonse,  N»D«tem, 
Renfrew,  bleacher,  improvements  in  the  treat- 
ment, cleaoeing,  starching,  and  flnisliteg  of  tex- 
tile fabrics. 

830.  Gustave  Ukuht  Sculfort,  of  Mauberge, 
France,  manufacturer.  An  improvement  in  screw- 
wrenches. 

Dated  April  16,  1355. 
832.  Rowland  Mason  Ordlsb.  of  Copenhagen, 
Denmark,  engineer.    Certain  improvepaents  in  the 
permanent  way  of  railways. 

834.  Henry  Holmes,  of  ClifloQ-road,  MaUg 
Vale,  Middlesex,  doctor  of  medicine  and  surgeon. 
Certain  processes  of  treating  the  human  l>ody  by 
gases,  vapours,  and  eleetriclty,  and  for  certain 
apparatus  for  obtaining  and  applying  the  said 
gases,  vapours,  and  electricity,  to  the  above  or  any 
other  purposes. 

886.  John  Cowley,  of  Quennington  Paper  Mills, 
Oloucestet shire,  and  Daniel  Peyton  Sullivan,  ef 
Stockwell,  Surrey.  Improvement*  in  the  mann- 
facture  of  paper. 

835.  William  Bull,  of  Lupus-street,  Belgrave- 
road,  Pimlico.  Improvements  in  bearings,  bushes, 
and  other  surfaces,  in  or  upon  which shafu.  axlee, 
or  other  bodies  move  or  revolve,  also  in  the  said 
shafts,  axles,  and  other  moving  or  revolving 
bodies. 

Dated  April  n,  1855. 

840.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontdnemo- 
reau,  of  South-Ktreet,  London.  Certain  Improved 
machinery  for  manufacturing  nails,  bolts,  rivets, 
and  other  similar  articles.    A  communication. 

842.  Robert  Milligan,  of  Harden,  Bingley, 
York,  manufacturer.  An  improvement  in  the 
manufacture  of  woven  fabrics  made  of  wool, 
mohair,  or  alpaca. 

844.  Charles  Ciapelet,  of  Rue  des  Fosses  Mont- 
martre,  Paris.  Improvements  in  the  construction 
of  tompions  for  cannon  and  other  flie-arms, 
which  improvements  are  applicable  to  stof^ing 
bottles  and  other  vessels. 

846.  Phillip  Levy,  of  Edinburgh,  f\xrrier  to  Her 
Majesty.  An  improved  wrapper  for  travelling  and 
personal  wear. 

848.  Cranston  Foster,  of  Wanington,  Laaeaster, 
machinist.  Certain  improvements  in  eflecting 
communication  bj  signals  upon  railways,  and  in 
the  apparatus  connected  therewith. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WEEKLY  lIoT  OF  PATEKTo. 


431 


PATENTS  APPLIED  FOR  WITH  COMPLETE 
SPECIFICATIONS. 

893.  Henri  Si-boor«,  of  Saint  QiWtn.  near  Brus-    ' 
•els,  Belsium.     Improvements  in  makinf?.  flxinK, 
or  attachini;  artificial  teeth,  gums,  and  palatea. 
April  31.  18S5. 

909.  Henry  Jeremiah  IliflTe  and  James  Newman, 
of  BIrminfrharo,  Warwick,  manttfaeturera.  Im> 
proTementt  in  the  manufaeture  of  coveied  buttons. 
April  23,  1855. 


NOTICES  OP  INTENTION  TO 

PROCEED. 

(From  ihe  '*  London  Gazeiio;*   May  \st, 

1855.) 

36S0.  R.  B.  Hnygens.  Improvementa  in  ord- 
nance and  fire-arms,  and  in  the  projectiles  to  be 
nsed  therewith. 

2(t95.  Andrew  Smith  and  James  Thompson 
Maekensie.  Improvements  in  ordnance  and  small 
arms  bv  applying  thereto  projectile  force  obtained 
from  high  pressure  steam. 

2728.  Thomas  Boyle.  Improvements  in  re- 
flectors for  artiflelal  light, 

273S.  Margaret  Williams.  Improvements  In 
suspending  swing  looking  or  dressing-glasses. 

S.  Joseph  Segutn.  Improvements  in  obtaining 
motive  power  by  the  expansion  of  air,  steam,  and 
other  fluids. 

4.  George  Cram  and  John  Jackson  Crane.  An 
improved  composition  applicable  to  the  coating  of 
ships'  bottoms  and  other  useftil  purposes. 

10.  Claude  Jules  Plncken.  Preserving,  without 
loas  of  beat,  all  windows,  glass  roofs,  fklse  rooft, 
frc,  ft-om  the  effects  of  condensation  and  damp, 
and  also  Arom  the  eflbcts  of  external  smoke,  soot, 
and  dust. 

14.  Hippolyte  Fontaine.  Improvements  In  en- 
gravers' presses. 

Al.  Edward  Hayes.  Improvements  in  apparatus 
fbr  feeding  thrashing  machines. 

114.  James  Lee  Norton.  Improvements  in  re- 
covering the  wool  fh>m  fabrics  composed  of  wool, 
or  wool  In  connection  with  cotton,  or  other  vege- 
table substanee. 

246.  Isaac  Jecks.  A  machine  for  sweeping  grass 
or  weeds  from  lawns  or  fields,  and  depositing  the 
same  into  a  box  or  other  receptacle. 

261.  Thomas  Allan.  Improvements  in  obtain- 
ing and  transmitting  motive  power. 

8M.  Oeorge  Tillett.  Improvements  In  the  con- 
atniction  of  bedsteads. 

384.  John  Hyde  Pidoock.  An  improved  method 
of  propelling  and  steering  vessels,  which  is  also 
applicable  to  the  forcing  and  directing  of  liquids 
and  fluids. 

306.  Walter  Neilson.  Improvements  in  locomo- 
tive engines. 

408.  Victor  Joicpb  Lebel,  Jean  Fourniol,  and 
Jean  Baptiste  Remyon.  Improvements  in  typo- 
graphic presses. 

496.  Perceval  Moses  Parsons.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  fire-arms  and  projectiles. 

570.  William  Galloway  and  John  Galloway. 
Certain  improvements  in  balancing  or  regulating 
the  pressure  on  the  slide  valves  of  steam-engines. 

590.  Joseph  Mitchell.  Supplying  grease,  tallow, 
or  oil,  either  with  or  without  the  addition  of  black- 
lead  to  locomotive  engines,  horisontal  and  beam 
engines,  marine  engines,  and  Nasmyth's  patent 
steam  hammer. 

677.  Charles  Goodyear.  A  new  method  of  mould- 
luff  India-rubber  and  gutta  percha.  A  communi- 
cation. 

696.  Marie  Jean  Th6r^  Oillot  and  Ctfeile  CMes- 
tine  Beauvais.  Improvements  in  purifying  grain, 
vegetable  or  botanical  mxtter,  and  cochineH]. 

736.  WiUiam  Lund  and  WUliam  Edward  Hip- 


kins.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of  cork- 
screws. 

758.  Isidore  Carlhian  and  Francois  Isidore  Cor- 
bi^re.  Improvements  in  apparatus  for  making 
loda-water,  and  other  aerated  liquids.  A  commu- 
nicAtion  from  Messrs.  Gaillard  and  Dubois. 

760.  Joseph  Brazier.  An  improvement  or  im- 
provements in  revolving  or  repealing  fire-arms. 

766.  Robert  William  Waithman.  Improvements 
in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  the  manufacture  of 
lint  or  similar  substances. 

802.  George  Pergusson  Wilson,  Conrad  Abben 
Hanson,  and  Jamee  John  Wallis.  Improvementa 
in  the  manufacture  of  lamp  candles  and  in  candle- 
lamps  for  holding  the  same. 

804.  George  Pergusson  Wilson  and  George  Payne. 
An  improvement  in  ornamenting  glass. 

816.  James  Templeton.  Improvements  in  the 
manufiicture  of  pile  fabrics. 

822.  Thomas  Hill.  Improvements  In  themanu- 
Cscture  of  horse-shoe  and  other  nails.  A  commu- 
nication. 

828.  WUIlamReld.  Improvements  In  the  treat- 
ment, cleansing,  starching,  and  finisblog  of  tex- 
tUe  Ikbrics. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  partiea  in  the 
above  List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  GazetU  in  wl)ich 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
inissioners'-oflSce  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  application. 


WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 

Sealed  April  27,  1855. 

2302.  Oliver  Maggs. 

2308.  Gustave  Hermann  Lillie. 

2321.  James  Rae. 

2332.  Nathaniel  Topp,  John   Holt,  and 

John  Partington. 

2333.  Isidore  Alexandre  Moineau    and 

Jean  Gustave  Lemasson. 
2354.  William  Henry  Woodhouse. 
2670.  Auguste  Francois  Joseph  Favrel. 
1855. 

313.  Edward  SparkhaU. 
472.  William  Hunt. 

Sealed  May  1,  1855. 
2338.  John  Adcock. 
2343.  Joseph  Betteley. 
2345.  James  Wallace,  junior. 
2352.  Edward  Hogg. 
2393.  John  Wain. 
2495.  John  Simon  Holland. 
2646.  Edward  Strong. 
2763.  Bernard  Hughes. 

1855. 

361.  John  Oxiey. 
881.  George  Nasmyth. 

The  above  Patents  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  ProTisional  Protection  Was 
granted  for  the  seteral  inTentiona  men- 
tioned above. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


432 


NOTICES  TO  CORRBSPOVDENl'S. 


NOTICB8  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


/.  Sim9<m.  —  The  enfrine  you  mention  ii  of 
11 -horse  power,  bat  It  li  aided  in  irorking  the 
fkmntain  bj  other  apparatus. 

Infini€ur.—BMewini[  with  you  that  the  discus- 
sion on  the  Indicated  Hone-Power  of  Steam  En- 
gines is  dofreneratlng  into  mere  rerbosity,  we  de- 
dine  to  publish  any  continuation  of  it. 

C.  Jt.  writes  as  follows:— "Sir,— I  should  feel 
nneh  obliged  if  some  one  of  your  readers  could  in- 
form me  of  the  best  mode  of  stopping  a  leaky  brick 


tank  without  taking  out  the  water.  The  area  of 
the  tank  is  about  7,000  feet,  and  the  depth  18  feet. 
I  think  that  a  little  information  upon  the  subject. 
stating  the  plans  adopted  in  specific  eases,  would 
be  of  great  service  to  many  of  your  readers  as  well 
as  to  myself." 

W.  A.  Bendelow,-^lt  yon  send  us  a  short  deeerfii- 
(ion  of  your  invention,  we  will  let  you  know  If  it 
resembles  the  Earl  of  Aldboroujrh's. 

A  Jommeffma*  Blacksmith.— Y ma  commnaica- 
tion  shall  be  attended  to  shortly. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

IFBderUko  the  Proenratiion  of  Patontt 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Conn  tries,  and  the  transaction  generaUy  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.    Costs  of  Provisional  Protection— £10  10s. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  *<  Mechanics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office,*'  166,  Fleet-street,  London. 


CONTENTS  OP  THIS  NUMBER. 


Carr's  Patent  Steering  Apparatus— <v<<*  ^- 

grmingt) 409    I 

On  the  Sewage  of  Towns  and  Cldes 4 1 1 

Foueautt's  Experiments  with  the  Gyroscope— 

(with  enqrttvtngt)  41C 

On  the  Distribution  of  llaterial  in  Wrought 

Iron  Beams 418 

8yke%*  Patent  Feed  Apparatus— (viM  engrut- 

iii9$)  419 

On  the  Production  of  Daguerreotypes  without 

Lenses 420 

Intereommunicati^m  in  Railway  Trains 422 

Csptaln  Carpenter's  Letter  to  Captain  Scobell, 

M.P.,  on  the  Screw  Propeller 4S2 

Ladder  Emeute  at  the  Crystal  Palace 424 

SpecifleatioBs  of  Patents  recently  Filed : 

Stansbuty Heating  Apparatus  ....  424 

Bar»ham Crushing  Mineral* 424 

Harrison MllUtones 425 

Haddan Catinou 425 

Holt Iron  Bedsteads 425 

Plnkney Stoppering  Bottirs 425 

Young Brushes 425 

Pape Boots  and  Shoes 42  j 

Bisseker  Ubelling  Bottles  4W 

Moore Bharpening  Knives  ....  425 

Bonnall Oil  Holders  426 

Thompson ...Life-preserTing  Seats...  426 

Bernot ...Cutting  Files 426 

Wain  -Screw  Propellers 426 

Wetherell  k  Hoff- 

staedr Pumps  426 

SeheuU  &  SchentsCalcuUiing  Machines  .  426 

Comides  Amalgamating  Ores  ...  426 

Illingworth  &    11- 

lingworth Combing  Machinery  ...  427 


Dockr4y&  Dawson  Raising  Cloth 427 

Green    Propelling «,...  427 

Belliord Breech  •  loading   Fire^ 

arms 427 

Fontainemoreau  ...Railway  Signals  .........  427 

Gessner Gi^  Mills Atl 

Hamilton  Sounding ^ 427 

Mason   &  Robert- 

•on Fibrous  Substances  ....  427 

Ilolden  Carriage  Lamps  4tS 

Winfleld  Tubes  and  Rods ... 42S 

Nicoll Shirt-fronts 428 

Mason  ft  Beeby  ...Gaiters 428 

Fontainemoreau  ...Grates 428 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with  : 

HJorth Halvanle  Battery  428 

HJorth Electro-Magnetic    Ma- 
chine    428 

Rossiter  ft  Bishop. Pulp 42s 

Johnson Testing  Gas-pipes  42f 

Child Brushes  429 

Coghlan   Railway  Sianala 429 

Cole  Purtable  Drill 429 

Vcai Boots 429 

Eassie Wagons  and  Trucks  ...  429 

Cooke Caulking  Ships 429 

Wheeler  Consuming  Smoke.....  429 

Provisional  Protections 429 

Patents  Applied  for  with  Complete  Speoiflea- 

lions 421 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed ...«•  421 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 411 

Notices  10  Correspondents 42S 


LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166.  Fleet-street, 
In  the  City  of  Landon.^^old  by  A.  and  W,  Galignani,  Rue  Vivienne  Paris ;  Mason  and  Co. , 
DubUn ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1657.]  SATURDAY,   MAY   12,  1855.  [siS^  «. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  166,  Fleet-street. 


GRAY'S  PATENT  COMPASSES. 
Fig.  1. 


Fig.  2. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


484 

GRAY'S  PATENT  COMPASSES. 

(Pfttent  dated  August  28,  1854.) 

Mb.  J.  Gray,  of  Liverpool,  has  recently  invented  a  compass,  of  which  he  himself  enter- 
tains a  very  high  opinion ;  for  in  a  lecture  delivered  by  him,  on  the  15th  of  January  last, 
at  the  Liverpool  Polytechnic  Institute,  after  enumerating  the  various  causes  of  deviation 
which  affect  the  compasses  of  ships,  he  says,  **  But  I  hope  to  see  the  day  when  the  incubus 
of  public  hypothesis  will  no  longer  exist,  and  thst  the  apparatus  I  have  invented  will  be  the 
pioneer  to  its  accomplishment  With  this  apparatus,  all  that  is  required  is  an  observation 
by  night  or  day,  either  by  the  pole  star  or  meridian  altitude  in  the  northern  region,  or  the 
southern  cross  and  altitude  in  the  southern ;  two  positions  are  merely  required,  and  the 
a^ustment  for  heeling  can  be  effected  when  imder  a  press  of  cinvass." 

"  The  invention  consists,"  says  Mr.  Gray,  "  in  so  arranging  and  cons tmeting  ships' 
compasses  as  to  counteract  tll«  Tibntory  Aetion  to  whioh  ihef  are  subjeat  in  steam  ships 
and  other  vessels.  The  eotnpass  is  suspended  irWhln  A  Vessel  ttr  bowl,  wMeli  is  held  in  a 
state  of  sUspensIdn  Within  ahother  tessel  or  bowl  containittf  B^ldt  whleti  I  prefer  to  be  of 
thick  varnish,  dii  Abcount  of  its  adhesive  and  sluggish  aet|dil|  fmdn  Is  betiraaal  in  keeping 
the  inner  bowl  Iteady  {  and  I  connect  the  bottom  of  thtt  Uhttir  tCImI  or  bowl  with  the 
bottom  of  the  butei-  Vessel  or  bowl  by  springs ;  and  t  also  cotlhieet  the  tt|lpbt  ihd  iniitr  lim 
with  the  outer  ^im  by  tulcanized  Itidia-rubber  or  other  spHiij^,  iw  WUft  vesMi  ot  bowl 
being  kept  in  a  central  position  bV  tatlgentlal  ftoreWs^  sO  aft  to  eOtintsh^k  the  latertl  aetion, 
whilst  the  spritigs  below  will  reguUte  the  tertioal  |>osiiiotiof  the  iHttisr  Wl  in  eOnjunction 
with  the  fluid  contained  in  the  outer  bowl." 

Fig.  1  is  a  section,  and  4^.  It  |  HAtf-plan,  of  t  eompn^  tnrange^  AeoordlAg  to  this 
invention.  A  is  the  outer  rihjf  of  the  gimole,  on  which  are  bearings  fit  the  azekf  B,  fixed 
on  the  vessel,  C,  which  contains  a  flui{  such  as  a  saturated  soliltiott  (n  eotaimoii  salt;  or  it 
may  be  varnish  ot  other  fluid,  which  is  rather  sluggish  in  its  inov^^ghil.  In  this  Tcssel, 
C,  floats  the  vessel,  B,  in  which  the  needle  and  card  arb  eontaihttid.  jK  II  are  two  pieces  of 
metal  atUched  to  the  vessel,  D,  which  slide  in  guides,  ^,  attached  to  m  tetsel,  C.  To  the 
vessel,  D,  are  atso  attached  four  lugs,  G,  which  nip  valcaniied  In^ia-tubBer  sprihga,  H,  to 
the  eUds  of  Which  are  fastened  metal  screws,  having  squAH  snanu^  Which  paas  through 
holes  of  a  similar  form  in  the  uprights,  I,  attached  to  the  vesael,  C  The  screws  are  far- 
nished  with  nuts,  J,  by  moans  of  which  the  tension  of  the  springs  may  be  adjusted,  and  the 
vessel,  D,  held  concentrically  with  the  vessel,  C,  and  this  is  assisted  by  the  springs,  D^ 

The  needle  and  card  are  supported  as  follows,  the  object  being  still  further  to  decrease 
vibration.  K  is  a  metal  box,  m  which  is  contained  a  Vulcanized  India-rubber  disc,  L,  on 
which  the  foot  of  the  spindle,  M,  presses.  The  spindle  slides  freely  through  the  top  of  the 
box,  K,  and  also  of  the  box,  N,  above  it ;  within  the  box,  N,  is  a  spiral  spring,  which  acts 
on  the  disc,  O,  on  the  spindle,  M,  and  thus  prevents  it  from  pressing  too  strongly  on  the 
India-rubber  disc,  L.  On  the  top  of  the  spmdle,  M,  is  another  box,  P,  in  which  also  is  a 
vulcanized  India-rubber  disc,  Q,  in  the  centre  of  whioh  the  oup,  R  (which  receives  the  pin 
of  the  compass  card),  is  fixed.  Round  the  cup,  R,  is  stretched  a  ring  of  vulcanized  India- 
rubber,  to  prevent  it  from  jarring  against  the  cover  of  the  box,  P.  S  is  the  compass  card, 
on  which,  by  preference,  two  needles,  T  and  U,  are  mounted  on  centres  at  V  and  W  ;  X  are 
plates  of  talc  or  other  material,  whioh,  by  ofiering  a  resistance  to  the  air,  cheek  the  oseilla- 
tions  of  the  compass;  Y  is  a  glass  which  covers  the  vessel,  D ;  and  Z  is  a  pin,  descending 
from  the  gUift,  Y»  to  jpretent  tho  ealrd  being  thrown  out  of  its  boaring  by  a  suddMl  shock. 


ON  TH«  DIStRtBtJTIOK  OF  MATERIAL  IN  IfROUGHT-tRON  BEAMS. 


At  the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  on 
Tuesday  evenings  Majr  1,  the  discussion  was 
renewed  on  MV-.  Barton's  papiit  '*  On  the 
Economic  DistribntSOa  of  Material  in  the 
Sides  or  Vertical  i^t»Hten  t4  Wrought- Iron 
Beams,"  and  was  odHttt^ea  thrMigh  the 
evening. 

Allusion  was  made  to  a  }>apw  teceiilfy 
read  before  the  Royal  Society  by  Uf;  W*  fi* 
Barlow,  wherein  it  Was  shown  that  undlft 
the  existing  theory  of  beams,  in  which  an}f 
two  elements  of  resistance  —  tension  and 
compression — were  recognised,  the  strength 


of  a  beam  of  east-iron  ootdd  liot  be  Tocon. 
ciled  with  tlie  results  of  fegt>«thnenta  on  the 
direct  tensile  streiigiM«  i^  ttle  nentral  axis 
was  in  the  centre  of  tM  beam.  A  series  of 
experimenta  had  ImMH  made,  with  the  view 
of  detehnininf  t|#  position  of  .the  neutral 
axisy  and  the  results  showed  that  the  exten- 
tifiia  a#d  eoiiipressioBS  proceeded  in  an 
arithmetical  ratio,  from  the  centre  to  the 
Upper  and  the  lewer  sides  of  the  beam  ;  and 
that  at  any  given  distance  on  either  aide  of 
the  centre,  the  amount  of  extension  was 
equal  to  the  amount  of  compression. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Oir  tfl*  btftTHteUWON  Ol^  WAfERtAli  ril  WfeOtrGtt¥-IRO!T  B6AM3. 


435 


The  position  of  the  kieutral  axis  being 
^tA  Mcertained  to  be  in  the  centre,  it  was 
%hown,  that  not  only  the  ultimate  strength, 
btit  also  the  amount  of  extension  and  com. 
ptetsion  with  a  ffiven  strain,  indicated  the 
existence  nf  another  element  of  resistance, 
in  addition  to  the  resistances  to  extension 
and  compteteion.  Further  consideration  of 
these  results,  and  inyestigation  of  the  action 
of  the  fibres  under  different  degrees  of  ex- 
tension and  compression,  induced  the  con- 
viction that  the  effect  of  the  lateral  action, 
tending  to  modify  the  effect  of  the  unequal 
and  opposite  strains  in  a  beam,  Constituted, 
In  eflbct,  a  <*  resistance  to  flexure  "  acting  in 
addition  to  the  Resistances  of  tension  and 
compression. 

A  long  investigation,  and  a  great  number 
of  experiments  induced  the  following  con- 
clvsions:— That  when  the  top  flange. was 
not  of  a  less  section  than  one-seventh  that 
of  the  whole  beam,  the  middle  rib  affected 
the  strength  to  the  extent  of  one-half  the 
value  of  its  material,  as  if  placed  on  the 
bottom  flange  ;  that  when  abeam  was  loaded 
on  one  side  of  the  bottom  flange  only,  it  be- 
came  necessary  to  increase  the  section  of 
the  top  flange  to  about  one-third  of  the 
whole  section  of  the  beam  ;  and,  that  when 
these  proportions  were  attended  to,  the  fol- 
lowing rule  would  be  fouhd  correct : 
Area  of  bottom  flange. 

-f-  Half  the  area  of  the  middle  rib. 

X  Depth  between  the  centres  of  the  top 
and  bottom  flanges. 

X   Constant  n\l^ber  28. 

4-  Length  of  bearing  (all  in  inches). 

=  Breaking  ^^eight  on   the   centre,   in 
tons. 

This  rule  gave  54  tons  for  the  beams 
above  mentioned,  and  it  would  be  found  to 
apply,  with  equal  correctness,  to  any  other 
proportion  of  beam,  provided  the  top  flange 
was  large  enough. 

The  investigation  alluded  to  extended  to 
the  examination  of  every  form  of  beam,  and 
the  construction  of  simple  formula  for 
them,  and  the  details  were  promised  to  the 
Institution  on  a  future  occasion. 

It  was  submitted  that  in  the  case  of  the 
vertical  rib  of  a  beam  being  thick  enough 
not  to  require  strengthening  by  angle  iron, 
or  other  bracing,  the  whole  strain  was  hori^. 
zontal,  and  no  diagonal  strain  existed ;  but 
when  angle  iron  pillars  were  used,  and  the 
thickness  of  the  rib  was  diminished,  the 
normal  state  was  altered,  and  diagonal 
strains  were  induced.  The  angle  irons 
then  had  to  keep  the  top  and  bottom  asun- 
der, and  performed  the  functions  of  columns 
under  compression. 

Admitting  then  the  existence  of  diagonal 
strains,  and  with  the  view  of  throwing  the  top 
into  compression  and  the  bottom  into  exten- 


sion, for  which  the  uprighl angle  iron  columns 
were  not  intended,  and  trying  the  effect  of 
forces  at  diflTerent  angles,  keeping  in  view 
also  the  requisite  material  in  the  cross  sec- 
tion, and  the  length  of  each,  the  angle  of 
45°  appeared  to  be  most  advantageous,  both 
for  the  ties  and  the  struts  of  '*  Warren  •* 
girders,  and  the  intersection  of  the  bars  of 
trellis  beams. 

It  was  due  'to  the  designed  of  the  Boyne 
bridge  to  state,  that  a  greater  amount  of 
deflection  might  have  been  anticipated,  from 
the  yielding  of  the  numerous  component 
parts  of  the  trellis  beams,  as  compared  witlr 
the  more  homogeneous  construction  of  plate 
beams. 

The  greatest  advantage  of  the  plate  beam 
over  the  "Warren"  girder  and  the  trelHs 
beam,  consisted  in  the  perfect  uniformity 
with  which  the  strain  was  brought  upon  the 
top  and  bottom,  throughout  th«  entire 
length. 

It  was  contended,  that  before  instituting 
a  comparison  between  the  relative  merits  of 
plate,  or  trelHs  sides  for  a  girder,  it  was 
essential  to  obtain  something  like  a  clear 
notion  of  the  nature  of  the  strains  developed 
in  a  plate,  when  placed  between  two  systems 
of  particles  constituting  the  upper  and  the 
lower  webs  of  a  girder.  It  was  necessary 
also  to  direct  attention  to  the  usual  mode  of 
arriving  at  the  position  of  what  was  termed 
the  neutral  axis  of  a  beam. 

The  forces  supposed  to  be  called  into  play 
were  invariably  assumed  to  be  in  horizontal 
lines ;  consequently,  in  a  series  of  lines  re- 
presented  by  two  triangles,  those  of  the 
triangle  near  the  upper  web  of  the  beam 
were  assumed  to  be  m  a  state,  more  or  less, 
of  compression,  and  those  of  the  other  tri- 
angle in  a  stale  of  tension.  The  point  of 
meeting  of  the  apices  of  the  two  triangles 
was  therefore  supposed  to  be  neither  in  a 
state  of  extension  nor  of  compression.  This 
portion  of  the  material  had,  consequently, 
been  generally  assumed  to  be  in  a  quiescent 
state,  and  as  adding  nothing  to  the  strength 
of  the  beam.  If  Uie  forces  developed  were 
really  horizontal,  this  conclusion  would,  no 
doubt,  be  correct ;  but  inasmuch  as,  what- 
ever might  be  the  deflection  of  a  beam, 
any  one  particle  of  matter  iu  the  top  could 
only  maintain  its  relative  position  or  dis- 
tance  in  reference  to  any  one  particle  in  the 
bottom,  it  was  obvious  that  in  respect  of 
all  others  every  intermediate  particle  must 
be  subject,  as  the  case  might  be,  to  exten- 
sion  or  compression  ;  and  therefore  proceed- 
ing from  one  end  of  the  beam  to  tne  other, 
and  tracing  the  connection  between  the  top 
and  bottom  particles,  it  inevitably  followed 
that  no  one  particle  could  escape  being  ex- 
posed to  an  mfinite  variety  of  strains,  com- 
prising every  degree  of  intensity  between 
x2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


436 


ON  THE  DISTBIBUnON  OF  MATERIAL  m  WBOUaHT-IBON  BEAMS. 


extreme  compression  and  extreme  tension. 
Hence  it  was  apparent  that,  by  no  possibi- 
lity, could  a  line  of  particles  be  traced  in 
the  vertical  rib  which  was  not  subject  to 
strain,  and  therefore,  although  there  might 
be  traced  a  line  or  lines  about  which  the 
forces  on  either  side  might  balance  each 
other,  yet  nevertheless  the  particles  them, 
selves  in  these  lines  must  be  subject  to  the 
conflicting  strains  before  adverted  to.  This 
view  might  be  illustrated  by  assuming  a 
neutral  axis  to  exist  in  any  vertical  section 
of  a  girder;  and  if  the  ordinary  presumption 
were  true — that  the  material  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  so-called  neutral  axis  were  useless, 
or  might  be  removed  without  impairing  the 
strength  of  the  beam — it  was  evident  that, 
by  the  same  reasoning,  a  line  of  particles 
might  be  removed  from  the  vertical  rib, 
throughout  its  entire  length,  without  inflict- 
ing on  it  any  injury.  This  was,  however,  so 
manifestly  inconsistent  with  fact  as  not  to  be 
tenable.  In  short,  it  would  appear,  there- 
fore,  that  throughout  the  whole  area  of  the 
vertical  rib  of  a  plate  beam,  every  particle 
was  exposed  to  an  infinite  variety  of  strains, 
both  of  compression  and  extension,  at  angles 
to  each  other;   or,  in  other  words,  every 

S article  was  performing  a  double  amount  of 
uty.  This  view  appeared  to  enable  a  com- 
parison to  be  established  between  the  nature 
of  the  strains  existing  respectively  in  trellis 
girders  and  in  plate  beams  In  the  trellis 
girders,  one  system  of  lines  was  devoted 
exclusively  to  bearing  compression,  whilst 
the  other  system  was  entirely  devoted  to 
resisting  extension.  If  the  trellis  lines  were, 
therefore,  increased  in  number  until  they 
formed  a  continuous  plate,  it  was  clear  that 
the  vertical  rib  would  be  divided  into  two 
portions — one  solely  resisting  compression, 
and  the  other  extension.  Now,  since  the 
power  of  a  plate  to  resist  extension  could 
hardly  be  affected  by  being  exposed  at  the 
same  time  to  compression  at  right  angles  in 
the  line  of  tension,  it  would  seem  reasonable 
to  conclude  that  a  larger  amount  of  mate- 
rial was  required,  when  arranged  as  a  trellis, 
than  when  disposed  in  the  form  of  a  plate. 
This  view  might  be  further  illustrated  by 
referring  to  a  piece  of  open  trellis- work, 
where  it  was  evident  that,  at  each  intersec- 
tion of  the  bars,  double  the  amount  of  ma- 
terial was  required,  one  half  of  the  thickness 
being  under  compression,  and  the  other  half 
at  right  angles  being  under  tension.  This 
view  was  not  urged  with  the  object  of  dis- 
paraging the  system  of  trellis  structures, 
but  rather  as  exemplifying  the  position  pre- 
vioQsly  assumed  in  favour  of  the  system  of 
plate  structures. 

These  views  were  brought  forward,  to 
some  extent,  without  that  premeditation  re- 
quired by  so  intricate  a  subjeot,  and  chiefly 


with  the  object  of  directing  the  attention  of 
the  profession  to  the  question,  at  it  appeared 
evident  that  beam  bridges  were  about  to 
supersede  all  other  systems  of  construction. 
It  was,  therefore,  extremely  desirable  to 
subject  all  the  systems  to  the  same  rigid 
scrutiny  as  the  trellis  and  the  truss  had  un- 
dergone, in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Doyne,  whose 
valuable  paper,  presented  in  conjunction 
with  Professor  Blood  in  1851,  left  little  or 
nothing  more  to  be  written  on  the  subject, 
and  the  accuracy  of  the  exneriments  there 
given  had  been  satisfactorily  tested  subse- 
quently to  the  reading  of  the  paper. 

In  reply  te  the  objections  urged  against 
the  positions  assumed  in  the  paper,  it  was 
contended  that  the  allegation  of  the  strains 
in  a  plate  beam  being  altogether  horizontal, 
could  not  be  maintained,  inasmuch  as  it  was 
opposed  to  the  simple  mathematical  propo- 
sition, that  a  vertical  weight  could  not  be 
held  in  equilibrium,  by  strains  which  were 
only  horizontal ;  that  it  was,  therefore,  ab- 
solutely necessary  for  a  diagonal  or  oblique 
strain  to  exist,  in  order  to  effect  the  resolu- 
tion of  a  vertical  force  into  a  horizontal  di- 
rection. If  this  was  conceded,  and  also  that 
the  compressive  strains  in  a  plate  beam  were 
carried  (as  in  all  plate  beams  yet  constructed 
they  were  actually  carried)  by  vertical  pil- 
lars, the  oblique  resultant  must  be  sought 
for  in  the  tensile  strains  passing  through 
the  plate  sides,  and  thus  the  plate  would  be 
doing  the  diagonal  tensile  work  in  the  beam ; 
but  it  had  been  contended  that  the  plate  was 
taking  both  horizontal  and  diagonal  strain, 
and  that  the  plate  did  perform  the  double 
duty,  which  the  trellis  system  could  not 
perform.  The  simple  reply  to  this  was,  that 
the  first  authorities  on  plate  beams,  and  who 
had  given  such  interesting  information  on 
the  subject,  had  never  proposed  to  obtain 
any  definite  advantage  from  the  horizontal 
strains  in  the  sides ;  that  in  fact  they  were 
not,  in  practice,  calculated  on  as  thus  afibrd> 
ing  strength,  and  that,  therefore,  practically 
they  were  not  of  any  value,  inasmuch  as 
they  did  not  save  any  material,  nor  would  it 
be  safe  to  adopt  any  other  practice  with  th« 

S resent  amount  of  knowledge  of  the  actna? 
nes  of  the  strains  in  plate  beams ;.  and  this 
was  confirmed  bv  a  closer  examination  of 
the  subject,  for  if  it  was  conceived  that  a. 
portion  of  plate  was  acted  upon  by  both 
diagonal  and  horizontal  strains,  it  could  not 
be  considered  as  capable  of  bearing  in  both 
directions  as  much  as  it  would  in  one,  and 
that  so  far  as  the  iron  was  acting  for  bori> 
zontal  strain,  whilst  at  the  same  time  the 
portion  acting  horizontally  was  acting  at  a 
disadvantage,  from  not  being  at  the  bottom 
I  or  the  top  of  the  beam.  This  last  point  was 
I  put  forward  as  a  probable,  but  not  an  abso- 
lute determmation  of  the  effect  of  these 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


mPOBTANT  niPBOTEHZirr  IN  THK  BLEOTBIC  TELEOBAPH. 


437 


crotsmgatrainsybut  it  was  sufficient  to  render 
the  advantage  of  a  continuous  rib  very  doubt- 
fnl  as  regarded  horizontal  strains. 

The  iron  lost  at  the  intersection  of  the 
lattices  had  been  looked  upon  as  a  matter 
'which  increased  as  the  lattices  approached 
each  other,  and  might,  if  the  lattices  were 
very  close,  cause  a  loss  of  about  50  per 
cent. ;  but  it  was  submitted  that  the  author 
of  the  paper  did  not  contemplate  greater  loss 
in  this  way  than  in  the  Boyne  Viaduct,  in 
which  the  amount  really  lost  in  the  sides, 
from  that  cause,  was  rather  under  1  per 
eent 

It  had  been  said  that  the  angle  of  eco- 
nomy  for  bracing  was  not  determinate,  and 
where  plate  beams  were  concerned,  this  was 
admitted  to  be  indeterminate,  so  far  as  the 
present  knowledge  extended;  and  in  this 
consisted  one  great  advantage  of  the  trellis 
beam,  inasmuch  as  both  the  angle  of  eco- 
nomic bracing,  as  well  as  the  amount  of 
strain  in  the  trellis,  could  be  investigated 
with  mathematical  correctness.  The  state- 
ments  in  the  paper  respecting  a  saving  of 
33  per  cent,  in  the  sides,  were  not  in  any 
way  modified  or  withdrawn ;  and  the  angle 
of  45®,  which  was  assumed  for  the  investiga- 
tion  of  the  plate  beam,  had  been  so  assumed 
because  it  was  the  angle  which  gave  the 
plate  beam  most  advantage,  and  it  was  con- 
tended that  the  saving  in  practice  was  over 
that  per  centage. 

It  was  contended  that  the  tubular  beams, 
'now  being  constructed  for  the  "  Victoria" 
Bridge,  over  the  St  Lawrence,  which  had 
been  adduced  as  examples  of  excellent  pro- 
portions of  material,  might  be  used  for  de- 
monstrating the  saving  which  would  have 
been  effected  by  the  adoption  of  trellis  sides. 
This  portion  i>f  the  subject  would  be  re- 
served for  treating  at  the  resumed  discus- 
sion. 

The  paper  had  been  listened  to  with  great 
patience ;  the  views  it  propounded  had  been 
received  with  much  kindness,  and  it  had,  at 
least,  the  merit  of  having  induced  some  of 
those  who  justly  stood  at  the  head  of  the 
profession  to  come  forward  and  give  to  the 
Institution  their  thoughts  and  views  on  an 
important  subject,  in  a  very  instructive 
manner. 


IMPORTANT  IMPROVEME:nT  IN 
THE  ELECTRIC  TELEGRAPH. 

A  discovery  is  said  to  have  been  recently 
made  at  Stockholm,  which,  if  it  can  be  real- 
ized and  practically  applied,  will  tend  greatly 
to  facilitate  telegraphic  communications. 
The  discovery  to  which  we  allude  is  the 
means  of  transmitting  two  messages  at  the 
tame  time  along  a  single  wire. 


It  is  evident  that  if  at  the  same  instant  a 
message  is  sent  along  a  wire  in  one  direc- 
tion, another  message  could  be  speeding  its 
way  through  the  same  wire  in  the  opposite 
course,  one-half  the  number  of  wires  would 
be  sufficient,  and  there  wrmld  consequently 
be  a  great  saving  in  the  cost  of  forming  new 
telegraph  lines,  and  that  those  already  laid 
down  would  be  enabled  to  transact  double 
the  amount  of  business  they  are  now  capa- 
ble of  doing.  To  those  who  are  not  ac- 
quainted with  the  modes  of  transmitting 
electric  telegraph  signals,  it  may  appear  at 
first  sight  impossible  to  send  messages  in 
opposite  directions  at  the  same  time  along  a 
single  wire,  as  one  current  of  electricity,  it 
might  be  supposed,  must  necessarily  clash 
with  and  counteract  the  transmission  of  an- 
other current  in  the  opposite  direction. 
But,  in  point  of  fact,  not  two  only,  but  bun- 
dreds  of  electric  currents  in  differing  direc- 
tions are  frequently  passing  through  the 
same  medium,  without  the  slightest  inter- 
ference. The  difficulty  to  be  overcome  is 
altogether  of  a  practical  kind,  and  that  it 
does  not  arise  from  any  limited  capacity  in 
the  vrire  may  be  shown  by  actual  practice  in 
existing  telegraphs. 

In  the  early  days  of  the  electric  telegraph, 
before  the  conducting  power  of  the  earth 
was  well  known,  a  single  wire  only  was  em- 
ployed for  the  return  current,  though  several 
were  required  to  transmit  messages,  and 
through  that  single  wire  different  currents 
were  often  passing  at  the  same  instant. 
When  the  conducting  power  of  the  earth 
was  applied  to  complete  one-half  the  cir- 
cuit, the  moist  ground  became  the  transmit- 
ter of  currents  from  every  electric  telegraph 
that  was  established,  and  through  that  me- 
dium there  are  now  passing  messages  of  all 
kinds,  which,  though  mingled  together  in 
mother  earth,  become  separated  at  the  poles 
of  their  respective  voltaic  batteries,  and  are 
delivered  without  any  interference  with  one 
another.  Thus  in  constructing  a  telegraphic 
line,  a  wire  insulated  fVom  connection  with 
the  ground,  by  being  supported  on  posts,  is 
extended  between  the  towns  to  be  placed  in 
communication,  and  at  each  encT  the  wire  is 
connected  with  a  copper  plate  buried  in  the 
earth,  to  complete  the  voltaic  circuit  These 
plates  of  copper,  technically  called  **  earth 
plates,"  or  more  commonly  "earths,"  con- 
duct the  electricity  f^om  one  to  the  other 
through  the  moisture  of  the  earth  much 
more  readily  than  any  artificial  metallic 
conductors  that  could  be  laid  down;  the 
resistance  thus  offered  to  the  transmission 
of  electricity  being  so  small  as  to  be  scarcely 
appreciable.  These  earth  connections  are 
so  convenient  that  they  have  been  formed 
at  all  the  stations  where  telegraphs  have 
been  established,  which  are  thus  voltaically 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


438 


riUPORtAlTT  IMPttOVE^lEJTt  IN  teE  tetECtUrC  TELlEGHAPH. 


cohtiec'ted  togetlier.  Suppose,  for  instance, 
that  the  zinc  end  of  a  voltaic  battery  is  con- 
nected with  the  earth,  and  that  the  copper 
end  is  connected  with  a  needle  instrument 
in  London,  and  that  that  is  connected  with 
the  telegraph  wire  supported  on  posts  and 
extended  to  Edinburgh,  where,  after  passing 
through  a  corresponding  instrument,  it  is 
connected  with  a  metal  plate  buried  in  the 
ground.  The  electric  current  will  then  paai 
Sirough  the  instrument  in  London,  along 
the  wire  to  Edinburgh,  where  it  will  deflect 
the  needle,  and  passing  on  to  "earth,'*  will 
there  come  into  instantaneous  connection 
with  the  zinc  end  of  the  battery  from  which 
the  current  emanated,  and  will  return  to 
that  battery  regardless  of  all  interposing 
electric  currents  that  may  be  passing  through 
the  earth  at  the  same  time.  A  slight  know- 
ledge of  the  nature  of  a  voltaic  battery  will 
be  sufficient  to  prove  that  it  could  not  be 
otherwise.  No  excitement  of  voltaic  elec- 
tricity can  take  place  unless  there  be  a 
connection  between  the  two  poles  of  the 
battery.  So  long,  therefore,  as  the  wire  at 
Edinburgh  continues  detached  from  the 
earth  plate,  the  battery  in  London  remains 
inactive^  provided  the  wire  be  perfectly  in- 
sulated. It  is  by  the  act  of  bringing  the 
two  poles  into  connection  by  means  of  the 
wire  and  earth  plate  at  Edinburgh,  that  the 
electricity  is  excited,  and  the  current  is  sent 
in  that  direction  alone.  The  action  of  all 
other  batteries  that  may  be  connected  with 
the  earth  cannot  affect  the  electric  current 
thus  established  between  London  and  Edin- 
burgh, because  they  do  not  contribute  in 
any  way  to  complete  the  circuit  by  which 
alone  the  electricity  is  at  once  excited  and 
transmitted.  A  metallic  conductor,  in  the 
same  manner,  will  connect  the  opposite 
poles  of  any  number  of  batteries,  and  will 
thus  serve  to  transmit  several  differing  elec- 
tric currents  without  their  interfering.  It 
would  not  be  difficult,  indeed,  to  make  a 
single  wire  form  part  of  the  circuits  of  one 
hundred  different  batteries,  each  one  of 
which  might  be  transmitting  distinct  tele- 
graphic messages. 

From  this  consideration  of  the  facility 
with  which  a  single  wire  can  conduct  dif- 
ferent electric  currents,  it  might  be  sup- 
posed that  there  would  be  no  difficulty  in 
completing  such  an  arrangement  as  is  now 
said  to  have  been  effected  in  Sweden,  and 
tliat  one  wire  might  be  made  to  serve  the 
purpose  of  the  thirteen  that  are  supported 
on  posts  near  London,  in  addition  to  others 
that  are  buried  underground.  It  is,  never- 
theless, one  of  those  things  which,  though 
often  attempted,  has  not  yet  been  practically 
accomplished ;  nor  do  the  accounts  of  the 
discovery  by  Professor  E.  Edlund,  of  Stock- 
holm, represent  him  to  have  done  more  than 


send  two  currents  along  the  same  wire,  and 
those  in  opposite  directions.  The  great 
difficulty  to  be  overcome  in  endeavouring  to 
effect  such  an  arrangement  is,  to  prevent 
the  electric  current  &om  the  transmiitioff 
battery  from  making  a  short  circuit  throngn 
the  acyoining  instrument,  instead  of  travers- 
ing the  wire  to  the  corresponding  instru- 
ment at  the  distant  station,  ^e  accom- 
Sanying  diagram  will  serve  to  show  the 
irecdon  which  the  electric  current  would 
take,  if  there  were  no  special  provision  to 
break  contact  with  the  near  instrument. 


Let  d,  f  represent  two  telegrapli  instra- 
ments  at  the  station,  A,  the  opper  one  of 
which,  df  is  intended  to  receive  mesaa^es 
transmitted  from  the  instrument,  g,  at  tke 
station,  B ;  and  the  lower  one,  /,  is  the  in- 
strument  connected  with  the  voltaie  battery, 
e  z,  from  which  messages  are  to  be  trans- 
mitted  to  A,  along  the  line-wire,  L,  to  the 
earth  plate,  E',  and  through  the  eaitb^  back 
to  the  battery.  It  will  be  perceived,  how- 
ever, that  as  the  instrument,  4,  if  also  con- 
nected with  the  line-wire,  and  with  the 
earth  plate,  E,  that  a  short  passage  is  open  * 
for  the  transmission  of  electricity  from  e  !• 
z,  in  the  direction  of  the  arrows,  without 
traversing  the  line-wire,  consequently  then 
would  be  no  electric  current  sent  to  the  in- 
strument, A.  The  same  effect  wonld  attend 
the  arrangement  at  B,  where  a  short  eireait 
would  be  also  established  through  the  seeood 
instrument,  and  no  communication  could 
be  made  between  the  distant  stations^  If, 
sgain,  it  were  attempted  to  send  sevecal 
messages  along  a  single  wire  in  the  same 
direction,  by  having  separate  batteries  and 
instruments,  the  electric  currents  might  be 
transmitted  to  the  distant  instruments,  bat 
they  would  pass  through  all  of  them  indts- 
criminatelyi  producing  an  incomprehensible 
medley  of  signals.  The  problem,  then,  to 
be  solved  is,  to  make  an  arrangement  by 
means  of  which  the  electric  current  from 
the  battery  at  A  may  be  sent  along  the  line- 
wire,  without  being  diverted  through  the 
instrument,  d,  and  yet  at  the  same  time  to 
maintain  such  a  connection  between  the 
instrument,  d,  and  the  line-wire  and  ^ 
earth,  that  it  may  be  always  in  a  state  to 
indicate  the  signals  that  may  be  trans- 
mitted to  it^from  the  corresponding  sta^ 
tion. 

No  description  has  yet  been  reeeivcd  eC 
the  mode  by  which  Professor  Edlund  pro- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


IHPOBTANT  mPBOVEUENT  IN  THE  SLECTBIC  TE][.EaRAFH. 


439 


poses  to  oTercome  the  difficulty,  but  we  can 
fully  understand  the  principle  on  which  such 
an  arrangement  may  be  made,  and  we  may 
yeuture  to  point  out  the  means  by  which  it 
might  be  successfully  accomplished.  Sup- 
posing the  arrangement  of  the  instruments 
and  batteries  to  be  the  same  as  in  the  pre- 
ceding  diagram,  let  there  be  introduced  at 
the  points  of  junction  with  the  line-wire, 
small  instruments  for  making  and  breaking 
contact,  R  and  S,  fig.  2. 

Fig.  2. 


The  cross  Knefl  fai  the  contact  wheels  re- 
present  strips  of  metal  inlaid  in  wood,  and 
When  in  the  position  shown  in  the  diagram, 
the  instmment,  A,  would  be  connected  with 
OBe  end  of  the  line-wire,  and  the  instrument, 
/  would  be  connected  with  the  other  end, 
whilst  the  two  instruments,  d  and  g,  would 
be  out  of  contact  Under  these  circum- 
stances  an  electric  current  would  pass  from 
the  battery  at  the  station,  A,  through  /,  to 
the  instrument,  ^  whence  it  would  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  earth,  and  by  thus  completing 
the  circuit  those  two  instruments  might 
communicate  with  each  other  as  perfectly  as 
if  there  were  no  other  instruments  connected 
with  the  wire.  If  the  wheels,  R  and  S, 
make  the  eighth  part  of  a  revolution,  the 
positions  of  the  wires  forming  connection 
with  the  instruments  would  be  reversed,  and 
then /and  h  would  be  thrown  out  of  contact, 
and  tiie  current  would  be  transmitted  from 
the  voltaic  battery  at  B,  through  g  and  J, 
and  those  two  instruments  would  be  able  to 
communicate.  It  is  evident,  if  the  two 
contact-wheels  could  le  made  to  rotate  ex- 
actly together,  that  independent  signals 
might  be  transmitted  through  at  least  two 
instruments  at  the  same  station  at  the  same 
time,  through  a  single  wire.  The  synchro- 
nous  movement  of  two  instniments  at  dis- 
tant stations  has  been  accomplished  in  Mr. 
Bakewell's  copying  telegraph ;  therefore,  it 
is  quite  posaihle  to  ^pt  such  an  arrange- 
ment as  the  one  w«  have  indioated. 

But  it  may  be  said  that  this  would  not 
solve  the  problem,  because  not  more  than 
one  electnc  current  would  be  transmitted 
along  the  wire  at  the  same  instant  The 
currents  would,  indeed,  be  transmitted 
alternately,  but,  for  practical  purposes,  the 
effect  would  be  the  same  as  if  thev  were 
passing  at  the  same  instant,  for  the  alterna- 
tions might  be  made  so  quickly  as  to  appear 
to  be  continuous,  and  to  answer  the  same 


purpose  as  if  they  were.  Suppose,  for  ex- 
ample, the  wheels,  R  and  S,  to  be  rotating 
ten  times  in  a  second,  then,  as  contact  would 
be  made  and  broken  four  times  each  revolu- 
tion, the  corresponding  instruments  might 
be  placed  ia  connection  with  each  other 
forty  times  in  a  second.  The  greatest  num- 
ber of  beats  by  the  needle  telegraph  during 
the  rapid  transmission  of  a  message  does 
not  exceed  five  per  second ;  therefore,  with 
a  much  smaller  number  of  alternations  than 
we  have  supposed,  each  instrument  might 
be  simultaneously  sending  and  receiving 
messages  along  the  same  wire:  nor  need 
the  number  be  limited  to  two  instruments 
and  two  different  stations.  It  might  be 
possible  to  arrange  on  the  same  principle 
many  instruments  connected  with  others  at 
several  stations,  and  thus  all  the  telegraph 
communications  of  an  extended  line  might 
be  maintained  with  one  or  two  wires,  and 
each  station  might  have  a  separate  means  of 
communication  independent  of  the  other/ 
stations  beyond  it,  with  which  it  would  not 
interfere,  and  from  which  it  would  be  just 
as  distinct  as  if  separate  wires  were  laid 
down  to  each  station.  For  the  purpose  of 
sending  messages  in  opposite  directions  by 
the  same  wire  between  only  two  communi- 
cating stations,  it  would  not,  indeed,  be 
necessary  that  the  contact-wheels  should 
rotate  synchronously.  If  one  of  them  was 
rotating  rather  faster  than  the  other,  the 
number  of  times  that  connection  would  be 
made  and  broken  with  the  corresponding 
instruments  during  a  second  would  be  so 
great,  compared  with  the  number  of  signals 
transmitted,  that  the  electric  current  would 
not  be  perceptibly  interrupted  during  the 
transmission  of  a  message.  It  would,  in- 
deed, be  far  better  that  a  synchronous  move- 
ment  of  the  wheels  should  be  arranged, 
which  we  believe  might  be  effected  at  any 
number  of  stations  along  an  extended  line 
of  communication  by  means  of  an  addi- 
tional wire ;  for  then  not  only  could  mes- 
sages be  sent  and  received  at  two  stations  at 
the  same  time  by  one  transmitting  wire,  but 
several  instruments  at  all  the  stations  might 
be  receiving  and  transmitting  messages  with 
that  same  wire.  By  this  means  two  wires 
might  serve  the  purpose  of  many,  and  as 
those  only  would  be  required  they  might  be 
made  thicker,  and  be  more  carefully  insu- 
lated, than  is  economically  practicable  when 
many  are  wanted  for  doing  the  same  amount 
of  business;  and  thus  telegraphic  commu-. 
nications  miffht  be  rendered  more  free  from 
the  interruptions  caused  by  imperfect  insu- 
lation and  by  accidents  to  the  wires,  as  well 
as  much  cheaper. 

Whether  the  arrangement  we  have  sug- 
gested  be  similar  to  that  which  is  said  to 
have  been  successfully  made  by  Professor 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


440 


AN  IMPBOYED  TUYEBE  FOB  SMITHS   UEABTHS. 


Edlund/wehayeno  present  means  of  know 
ing.  We  wish  to  show  that  such  a  plan  is 
practicable,  and  that  it  might  even  be  ex- 
tended far  beyond  the  limits  to  which  the 
accounts  yet  published  state  that  it  has  been 
carried. — Chnl  Engineer  and  Architect* t  Jour- 
nal. 


AN    IMPROVED  TUYERE    FOR 
SMITHS'  HEARTHS. 

The  subject  of  a  paper  read  at  a  recent 
meeting  of  the  Institution  of  Mechanical 
Engineers,  Birmingham,  was  an  improve-' 
nient  upon  the  ordinary  water-tuyere  or 
tue-iron  for  smiths'  hearths,  which  has  been 
found  advantageous  in  much  increasing  the 
durability  of  the  tuyere. 

The  improved  tuyere  has  been  in  use  for 
some  years  by  the  author,  at  Messrs.  Brown, 
Marshall,  and  Co.'s  Works,  in  Birmingh  am 
with  very  satisfactory  results,  and  also  at 
some  other  works;  several  modifications 
having  been  made  of  the  same  principle  of 
construction  by  the  different  parties  who 
have  adopted  it. 

The  original  suggestion  was  made  by  Mr. 
John  Lee,  then  of  the  Britannia  Foundry, 
Derby,  who  about  eight  years  ago  had  his 
attention  called  to  the  defects  of  the  ordin- 
ary  water-tuyere,  when  making  trial  of  a 
number  of  cast-iron  ones  as  cheaper  sub- 
stitutes for  the  wrought-iron  tuyeres,  in 
some  large  fires  for  wheel-making  belonging 
to  the  late  Mr.  Frost,  of  Derby.  They  were 
made  in  the  usual  way,  with  a  water  cistern 
above,  connected  by  gas  piping,  and  great 
difficulty  was  experienced  in  keeping  them 
at  work,  the  ends  of  the  tuyeres  being 
sometimes  burnt  out  in  a  single  day's 
work. 

It  then  occurred  to  Mr.  Lee,  that  the  in- 
tense heat  acting  on  so  small  a  quantity  of 
water,  caused  steam  to  be  formed  at  the  end 
of  the  tuyere,  which  forced  the  water  back 
into  the  cistern,  and  prevented  a  further 
supply  through  the  very  small  pipes;  the 
general  opinion  amongst  the  workmen  was 
that  the  supply-pipe  was  stopped  up  with 
dirt,  but  on  examining  several,  thatwas  found 
not  to  be  the  case.  Mr.  Lee  then  proposed 
the  construction  shown  in  fig.  1 ;  to  have  a 
large  body  of  water  always  in  connection 
with  the  tuyere,  by  opening  the  entire  end 
direct  into  the  water-cistern,  so  as  to  insure 
in  all  cases  a  good  supply  of  water,  and 
prevent  the  heating  of  the  water  at  the  end 
of  the  tuyere  to  so  high  a  temperature  as  to 
generate  steam. 

The  first  one  made  on  this  principle  was 
put  to  work  in  1846,  and  proved  quite  suc- 
cessful ;  it  was  a  single  casting,  and  similar 
to   fig.   1  ;    the    inner   pipe    being  carried 


straight  through  to  the  back  of  the  water- 
oistern,  for  the  blast  to  enter. 
Fig.  1. 


Several  more  were  shortly  afterwartU 
made  upon  the  same  plan,  and  some  with 
the  inner  pipe  turned  at  rigrht  angles,  as  in 
fig.  2,  which  is  a  plan,  and  passing  out  at 
the  side  of  the  cistern,  where  there  was  not 
convenient  space  at  the  back  for  the  branch 
air-pipe  and  cock.  The  pipe  has  also  been 
turned  upwards,  in  some  eases,  where  re- 
quired  for  hand-blowing,  with  the  bellows 
fixed  alofU 

In  these  tuyeres,  the  outer  portion  alone 
being  exposed  to  the  fire,  the  inner  pipe  has 
no  wear  upon  it,  and  the  outer  portion  only 
requires  renewal.  A  modification  of  the 
construction  was  suggested  by  the  author's 
brother,  Mr.  George  Ross,  to  provide  for 
this  by  making  the  two  portions  separate, 
and  fitting  them  together  at  the  nosste  by  a 
turned  coned  joint.  The  outer  portion  was 
thus  a  short  easting  bolted  on  by  a  flange. 
Fig.  2. 


easily  removed  and  replaced  at  a  small  oost 
whenever  worn  out.    The  back  end  of  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PADDLE  YEBSUS  SOBEW. 


441 


inner  pipe  was  passed  through  a  socket  in 
the  back  of  the  cistern,  packed  with  hemp 
tightened  by  a  flange  with  bolts,  so  as  to 
give  a  little  play  for  the  unequal  expansion/j 

There  are  thirty- five  tuyeres  on  this  last 
construction  in  use  at  the  Britannia  Car- 
riage and  Wagon  Works,  near  Birmingham, 
most  of  which  have  been  four  or  five  months 
at  work,  and  they  have  proved  so  satisfac- 
tory that  thirty.five  more  fires  have  been 
fitted  with  them ;  the  cone  joint  at  the 
nozzle  has  remained  quite  tight,  the  only 
failure  being  that  a  few  of  the  outer  pieces 
have  cracked  at  the  end  from  the  cone  joint. 
This  construction  is  preferred  to  the  single 
casting,  as  less  expensive  in  repair,  and 
^  avoiding  the  imperfection  in  coring  out  the 
water  space  at  the  nozzle,  to  which  the  single 
casting  is  liable. 

The  wrought-iron  tuyere  shown  in  fig.  3 

is,  however,  considered  preferable,  though 

more  expensive  at  first,  as  it  is  more  dura- 

ble  than  the  cast- iron  one,  being  not  liable 

Fig.  3. 


to  crack,  and  rather  thinner  in  the  metal ; 
the  nozzle  is  .formed  by  a  narrow  ring 
welded  solid,  and  the  back  end  is  fixed  in 
the  plates  of  the  cistern  by  a  ring  of  wood 
driven  into  the  socket  in  segments,  forming 
a  simple  and  very  durable  joint. 

The  end  of  the  inner  pipe  is  made  a  few 
inches  longer  than  necessary,  to  allow  of 
cutting  off  the  nozzle,  whenever  burnt  out, 
and  shortening  the  tuyere  by  welding  on 
another  ring  to  form  the  nozzle. 

The  author  has  had  seven  of  these 
wrought-iron  tuyeres  in  constant  use,  one 
for  eleven  months,  and  the  rest  for  an  aver- 
age of  six  months,  without  any  perceptible 
wear. 

After  the  reading  of  the  paper,  the  Chair- 
man, Mr.  W.  Fairbairn,  inquired  where  the 
improved  tuyeres  were  at  work,  and  to  what 
extent  they  had  been  adopted  ? 

Mr.  Ross  replied,  that  there  were  many 
of  them  in  use  in  Derby,  and  a  number  at 
his  own  works,  and  some  other  works  in 
Birfningham  ;  but  he  was  not  aware  whether 
they  had  got  into  use  elsewhere  to  any  ex- 
tent at  present    He  had  expected  Mr.  Lee 


to  be  present  at  the  meeting,  who  would 
have  been  able  to  give  more  information 
about  their  use.  Mr.  Lee  had  used  the  first 
of  these  tuyeres  about  eight  years  ago,  but 
those  at  his  own  works  had  been  only  two  or 
three  years  in  use.  These  were  all  csst- 
iron,  but  made  so  as  to  admit  of  adopting 
the  proposed  wrought-iron  nozzles  after- 
wards in  the  course  of  repair,  as  he  con- 
sidered wrought-iron  so  much  better  for  the 
purpose  as  to  be  worth  the  extra  cost.  All 
those  that  he  had  used  had  continued  at 
work  satisfactorily,  without  giving  any  trou- 
ble ;  except  a  few  of  the  first  which  had  the 
tuyere  placed  below  the  bottom  of  the 
cistern,  attached  to  the  underside,  and  were 
found  to  get  choked  up  in  time  by  the  sedi- 
ment depositing  in  the  water  space  of  the 
tuyere ;  all  the  others,  which  were  attached 
at  the  side  of  the  cistern  above  the  bottom, 
remained  entirely  free  from  obstruction. 

Mr.  Beyer  had  seen  a  similar  construe- 
tion  of  tuyere  before,  and  considered  it  a 
good  plan,  and  he  had  adopted  it  at  his  own 
works  recently,  as  preferable  to  the  ordinary 
water  tuyeres ;  he  thought  it  was  as  much  as 
twelve  years  since  it  was  first  introduced. 

Mr.  Jones  remembered  also  a  similar 
tuyere  in  use  earlier  than  that  time. 

The  Chairman  remarked  that  the  mecha- 
nical value  of  the  invention  was  the  more 
important  question  for  consideration,  rather 
than  that  of  priority  of  invention. 

Mr.  Femie  said,  that  as  successor  to  Mr. 
Lee,  at  the  Britannia  Foundry,  Derby,  he 
could  speak  to  the  wear  and  efiSciency  of  the 
improved  tuyeres,  and  he  had  found  them 
very  durable  and  satisfactory  in  work.  He 
had  a  considerable  number  in  constant  use, 
and  none  of  them  had  required  replacing 
during  the  last  two  years ;  they  continued 
quite  sound  and  in  good  order,  although  all 
of  them  were  cast  of  the  simplest  form,  as 
in  the  first  engraving  shown,  fig.  1.  He  had 
not  found  any  disadvantage  from  making 
them  of  cast-iron,  and  it  was  an  important 
point  in  such  things  to  obtain  cheapness  and 
simplicity  of  construction  ;  any  adoption  of 
wrought-iron  for  the  purpose  would  add 
materially  to  the  cost,  and  he  did  not  think, 
from  his  own  experience,  that  it  was  re- 
quired. 

The  Chairman  thought  the  tuyere  ap- 
peared  a  decidedly  useful  improvement,  and 
It  was  one  of  those  cases  of  simple  inven- 
tions  that  were  often  very  useful  and  service- 
able to  be  brought  before  the  members.  He 
proposed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  Ross, 
which  was  passed. 

PADDLE  versut  SCREW. 
An  experiment  of  an  interesting  nature, 
and  attended  with  important  resulu  in  con- 
nection with  steam  navigation,  has  recently 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


442 


HUFif li  WiKHKHytHY  wr^EOS.^ 


been  made  by  \he^  Peniutul«r  Mxd.  QrienUl 
Steam  Company,  who,  more  fully  to  teat 
the  respective  merits  of  the  pa(l41e  and 
screw,  have  altered  one  of  their  fine  steam- 
ers from  a  paddle-vheel  to  a  screw.  The 
steamer  in  question  is  the  SuUan,  an  iron 
ship  of  1,200  tons  burden,  originally  fitted 
witn  engines  of  420  horse  power.  The 
alterations  no«[  made  in  the  vessel  have 
caused  the  old  machinery  to  be  entirely  dis- 
carded and  in  its  place  engines  of  only 
210  horse  powef  have  been  supplied  by 
Messrs.  Sunmers  and  Pay,  of  Southamp. 
ton,  with  Lamb  and  Sunmeirs'  patent  flue- 
boilers.  An  opportunity  was  hei^e  afforded 
of  exhibiting  the  differenee  in  speed  caused 
by  the  alteration  not  only  in  t^e  method  of 
propulsipn,  but  in  the  power  of  the  ma- 
ghinery.  Tl\e  experiment  has  not  only  be^n 
successful,  but  the  result  is  suf^ciently 
extraordinary  to  merit  the  attention  of 
scientific  men.  At  the  official  trial  trip,  of 
the  Sultof^  in  1861  with  paddle-wheel  en. 
gines  of  420  horse  powe^,  the  average  speed 
was  10*714  knots  an  hour.  With  the  n^w 
engines,  which  are  precisely  half  the  power 
of  the  old  ones,  hut  d^^iving  a  screw,  the 
average  speed  under  steam  alone  has  been 
10*47  knou  s  and  with  a  light  breeze,  and 
the  fore  and  aft  eanvas  set,  11*004  knoU, 
the  former  being  very  nearly  eqi^al  to  the 
sneed  gained  when  the  ship  ^as  driven 
through  the  water  by  paddle-wheel  engines 
o(  such  enormously  disproportionate  Iprce. 
The  slighl  and  almost  insignificant  differ- 
enod  in  speed  is  not  the  only  advantage 
gained  by  the  novel  change,  tn  place  of 
carrying  only  eight  days'  coal  as  heretofore, 
the  SuUan  can  now  stow  fuel  for  16  days' 
consumption,  has  greater  accommodation 
fpiT  passengers,  and  can  take  l&O  to  200  tons 
more  cargci  t^n  it  was  possible  to  carry 
before.  With  this  combination  of  advan- 
tages, added  to  the  fact  that  the  w«ar  and 
tear  and  working  expenses  of  the  ship  are 
proportionately  reduced,  it  is  no  marvel  that 
the  ex^rimeut  has  been  regarded  with 
much  mterest,  as  being  one  never  before 
attempted.  The  trial  trip  to-day  waa  at- 
tended by  many  gentlemen  connected  with 
steam  navigation,  several  of  the  directors  of 
the  company,  including  Mr.  J.  Allan,  the 
managing  director,  Admiral  Thornton,  Ad- 
miral Sir  Richard  Grant,  Captain  Mairne, 
R.N.,  Messrs.  De  Salis  and  Hadow,  Captain 
Engledue,  Mr.  A.  Lamb,  Mr.  Ddnnen,  the 
Government  surveyor,  &c.  The  Stdkui  is 
heavi^  rigg^)  and  can  spread  a  great  deal 
of  canvas,  so  as,  when  necessary,  to  be  en- 
tirely independent  of  steam  power.  The 
tests  applied  to-day  have  proved  the  ex- 
cellence  of  the  machinery,  and  the  admirable 
handiuesB  of  the  ship,  whether  regarded  as 
a  ft^ll  power  steamer  <ur  as  a  vessel  em- 


bracing the  advAV^agoa  botl^  of  a 
vessel  and  auxiliary  screw.    She  ia  to  he 
placed  at  once  on  the  Southampton,  Malt^i 
and  Alexandria  station. 

Tm 


BID£K*8  PATENT  IMPROVBMBNTS 
IN  MARINE  STEAM  ENGINES. 

The  increased  extent  to  which  high-pres- 
sure  steam  is  now  commg  into  use,  renders 
it  necessary  that  all  accessory  contrivances 
for  improving  the  efiectiveness  and  economy 
of  engines  snould  be  made  available.  At 
present  there  is  excessive  waste  in  our  modes 
of  condensation,  and  boilers  are  rapidly  de- 
stroyed by  the  injurious  action  of  salt  water 
upon  them. 

It  is  well  known,  and  has  been  frequently 
shown  by  experiment,  that  steam  is  readily 
condensed  by  being  passed  through  a  me- 
tallic conduit  immersed  in  a  constant  stream 
of  cold  water.  Symington  and  others  availed 
themselves  of  tbis  mode  of  condensation. 
Mr.  Biden  contemplates  in  his  patent  the 
adaptation  of  this  system  to  high-pressure 
engines,  so  as  to  return  the  condensed  steam, 
as  water,  at  nearly  boiling  temperature,  into 
a  reservoir  whence  it  is  to  be  pumped  back 
into  the  boiler.  The  temperature  of  this 
returned  water  i^^ay,  of  course,  be  regulated 
by  the  length  and  size  of  the  pipe  or  con- 
duit through  which  it  is  passed,  tl^eie  being 
determined  also  by  the  pressure  at  which 
the  steam  leaves  the  cylinders. 

The  great  advantages  resulting  from  this 
arrangement  are  easily  seen.  The  duration 
of  the  boilers  employed  in  connection  with 
it  would  be  much  Increased,  and  the  expen- 
diture  of  fuel  would  be  necessarily  dimi- 
nished. 

The  patentee  provides  two  safety  or  es- 
cape-valves ;  one  to  carry  the  steam  which 
passes  off  when  the  engine  is  stopped  to  the 
condenser — the  other,  which  is  a  little  more 
weighted,  to  ensure  safety  should  the  first, 
by  neglect  or  accident,  get  out  of  order. 


Ekmentary  Phynci  ;  an  Inirotkieiiom  U  At 
Study  of  Natural  Philosophy,  By  Robekt 
Hunt,  F.R.S.,  Author  of  "  ^he  Poetry  of 
Science,"  "Researches  on  Light,"  &o. 
New  edition  with  cbrrectiona.  London : 
H.  G.  Bohn,  1855. 

The  proper  object  of  social  institutions 
is  the  education  of  the  people — of  t^e  nation. 
Our  government  and  our  laws  should  have 
this  for  their  end  more  or  less  directly. 
Education  in  its  broadest  sense  is  the  great 
purpose  to  which  all  human  action  should 
be  devoted.  To  raife  and  ennoble  the  minds 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


UUmft  XLBMENTABT  PHTSIOS. 


443 


tlM  tool  of  the  nation  ihould  be  the  aim 
tlie  final  cause,  of  a  national  constitution 
and  government  This  is  in  £ict  neces- 
saij  to  national  atability;  for,  though  in 
times  of  peace  and  prosperity  things  may 
go  smoothly  enough  even  with  the  ignorant 
and  debased,  when  the  ''evil  day  cometh," 
such  a  strength  and  health,  both  mental 
and  corporal,  is  needed  to  support  its  trials 
as  only  thorough  education  can  ensure. 
Howerer  little  our  UgUlahtrt  has  hitherto  re- 
garded this,  our  Societies  of  Arts,  our  Me- 
chanies'  Institutions,  our  Working  Mens' 
Colleges,  are  the  expression  of  a  very  gene- 
ral  desire  to  extend  facilities  for  acquiring 
knowledge  to  those  who  are  unable  to  attain 
It  by  means,  which  though  more  effectual, 
require  more  time  and  wealth  than  they  have 
at  their  command.  The  most  powerful 
engine  of  general  edneation  is,  or  course, 
formed  by  our  literature  and  our  press — ^an 
engine  capable  of  affording  to  the  opulent  a 
means  of  self-improvement  and  culture  al- 
ways  at  hand,  and  of  rendering  the  amuse- 
ments and  recreations  of  the  labourer  and 
the  artisan  instruments  of  self-instruction. 
Thus  large  benefits  have  accrued,  and  are 
looked  for,  from  our  healthy,  widely  spread, 
and  cheap  literature.  To  provide  these 
hoped-for  results  literature  must,  without 
doubt,  be  devoted  to  the  dissemination  of 
truth---moral,  scientific,  and  other.  And 
notwithstanding  that  vicious  publications 
may  have  tendencies  to  produce  effects  ex- 
actly opposite  to  those  resulting  firom  books 
of  worth,  there  are  two  principles  which  in- 
sure us  against  the  evils  of  such  instances. 
First,  works  of  evil  tendency  must,  from  the 
nature  of  the  case,  be  less  numerous  and  of 
less  frequent  occurrence  than  those  of  good. 
Second,  evil  books  will,  in  the  main,  be 
less  readily  recei?ed  than  good.  The  gene- 
ral truth  of  these  must  be  admitted  by 
all  who  advocate  the  freedom  of  the  press, 
as  such  advocacy  can  hardly  have  any  other 
firm  foundation. 

Pew  things  can,  perhaps,  do  more  to 
raise  and  expand  the  general  mind  than 
a  knowledge  of  the  laws  which  are  observed 
to  be  fulfilled  in  the  operations  of  nature 
around  os,  and  any  one  who  should  increase 
the  facilities  for  acquiring  such  knowledge 
would  confer  a  considerable  benefit  upon 
society.  Any  one  who  writes  a  work  setting 
forth  more  clearly  and  correctly  these  laws, 
so  that  they  can  be  thus  brought  within  the 
reach  of  a  larger  number  than  hitherto, 
deserves  onr  thanks.  On  the  other  hand, 
he  who,  assuming  to  himself  the  office  of 
public  instructor,  though  without  a  single 
qualification,  puts  forth  a  work  pretending  to 
give  accurate  and  complete  knowledge,  while 
it  contains  more  falsehood  than  truth,  lead- 
ing those  of  its  readers  who  will  be  led  by 


it  into  error— such  a  one  deserves  to  be 
regarded  as  a  man  desirous  of  stealing  into 
the  temple  of  fame  unlawfully  —  one  who 
wishes  to  be  esteemed  a  man  of  learning 
and  a  philosopher,  without  ever  having  given 
to  the  subject  he  treats,  that  labour  and 
attention  which  alone  can  furnish  a  claim 
to  such  titles.  Not  a  little  harm  is  in  the 
power  of  such  a  one  to  do.  For  it  is  no  easy 
matter  to  protect  those  who  desire  to  obtain 
elementary  books  to  instruct  themselves  in 
matters  of  science,  from  the  adulterated 
wares  of  the  scientific  pretender  and  char- 
latan.  Those  who  read  such  books,  will  at 
best  find  that  much  valuable  time  has  been 
wasted  in  reaching  the  conclusion  that  they 
are  entirely  unworthy  of  confidence;  and 
perhaps  be  discouraged  from  pursuing  their 
purpose.  Al)  this  is  worse  when  the  author 
comes  forward  with  the  prestige  which  the 
letters  F.R.S.  afford  as  appendages  to  his 
name. 

It  is  in  this  very  painful  light  that  Mr. 
Hunt  appears  to  us  in  this  book  on  elemen- 
tary physios.  In  his  preface  he  tells  us 
that  **  intimate  association  with  those  insti- 
tutions  which  are  devoted  to  the  diffusion  oi 
useful  knowledge  has  led  to  a  conviction  that, 
notwithstanding  the  increasing  desire  mani- 
fested amongst  their  members  to  cultivate  an 
acquaintance  witli  physical  science,  the  means 
has  not  been  afforded  by  which  this  import- 
ant  study  might  be  facilitated."  He  wrote 
his  book  "  impressed  with  the  idea  that  it  is 
quite  possible  to  render  every  truth  intel- 
ligible by  the  most  simple  language — ^that 
it  is  practicable  to  teach  physical  science, 
so  hi  as  to  render  all  the  great  deduc- 
tions from  observation  and  experiment  satis- 
factorily clear  without  encountering  the 
difficulty  of  mathematics.*'  Its  '*  design  is, 
to  give  accurate  information  on  every  im- 
portant fact  connected  with  physics  ;  to 
explain  the  experimental  evidence  by  which 
each  law  has  been  developed ;  and  by  avoid- 
ing mathematical  details, — ^while  accepting 
the  proofs  they  afford, — to  place  clearly  the 
deductions  from  physical  investigation  be- 
fore those  to  whom  the  higher-class  treatises 
are  sealed  books." 

This  is  certainly  a  great  deal  by  way  of 
promise  and  pretension.  The  boe^  itself, 
written  to  justify  this  pretension  and  ful- 
fil this  promise,  contains  hardly  a  single 
statement  which,  if  it  can  be  shown  to  mean 
anything,  cannot  be  shown  to  be  false. 
Reading  it  serves  one  purpose  besides  con- 
vincing us  of  its  wottfalessness — it  enables 
us  to  understand  the  preface  in  its  fullest 
purport  We  find  the  author  is  not  likely  to 
agree  with  us  in  believing  that  one  great 
reason  why  little  knowledge  of  natural  phi- 
losophy has  been  diffiised  by  our  mechanics' 
and  o^er  institutions,  is  that  the  lecturers 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


444 


HUNT^S  ELSHENTABT  PHTSICS. 


provided  have  generally  known  so  little  of 
their  subjects  that  their  teaching  has  served 
rather  to  confound  than  to  enlighten  their 
audiences.  The  reason  is  not  the  want  of 
suitable  works,  for  there  are  many  good 
books  on  the  subject,  but  that  lectures  have 
been  too  much  like  Mr.  Hunt's  book. 
Again,  we  learn  why  Mr.  Hunt  regards 
mathematics  as  not  absolutely  necessary  to 
the  perfect  understanding  of  physical  sci- 
ence.  It  becomes  evident  that  he  has  never 
thoroughly  known  the  difficulties  to  be 
overcome  in  obtaining  definite  and  clear 
ideas  on  these  matters,  for  he  has  plainly 
never  gone  through  the  process;  no  man 
with  a  tolerable  knowledge  of  applied  ma- 
thematics  could  possibly  write  the  nonsense 
which  he  has  written.  Mr.  Hunt's  great 
mistake  evidently  is,  thinking  that  he  him- 
self understands  elementary  physics  at  all. 
This  primary  blunder  explains,  if  it  does  not 
excuse  his  subsequent  errors.  It  is  proved 
by  the  gravity  with  which  he  puts  forth  pro. 
positions  in  direct  contradiction  of  asoer-* 
tained  laws.  His  want  of  some  little  know- 
ledge  of  the  exact  sciences  has  plainly 
prevented  him  from  mastering  sufficiently 
the  laws  deduced  by  their  means  from  oh. 
served  facts  to  enable  him  to  give  anything 
like  an  approxitnately  correct,  much  less  a 
clear  statement  of  them.  It  is  generally 
true  that  the  least  worth  is  associated  with 
the  most  pretension ;  and  here  we  have  no 
exception  to  the  rule.  Instead  of  the  accu- 
rate  mformation  promised  us  in  the  preface, 
we  find  in  the  book  scientific  phraseology 
abused,  nonsense  put  for  science  herscm, 
and  to  nature,  laws  ascribed  which  are  alto- 
gether  ridiculous.  Of  course,  WQ  shall  not 
fail  amply  to  justify  this  severity — a  severity 
merited  the  more  because  the  author  has 
persisted  in  his  errors  by  publishing  thus  a 
second  edition  of  a  work,  the  fact  of  whose 
appearance  at  all  was  quite  a  sufficient  dis- 
grace, both  to  him  and  to  the  learned  societies 
to  which  he  belongs.  How  far  Mr.  Bohn  is 
to  blame  for  introducing  into  his  scientific 
library  a  pseudo- scientific  work,  which  may 
taint  the  reputation  of  the  whole  collection, 
we  cannot  say. 

The  first  chapter  is  ou  the  general  proper- 
ties  of  ponderable  matter,  and  is  a  very 
heterogeneous  mixture  of  a  little  statics, 
dynamics,  strength  of  materials,  hydrostat- 
ics, hydrodynamics,  optics,  astronomy,  &o. 
We  shall  cull  the  first  specimens  of  our 
author's  performance  from  the  definitions 
given  in  this  chapter.  We  choose  the  fol- 
lowing from  many  of  their  kind : 

**  The  distinctions  between  the  liquid,  the 
vapour,  and  gas,  are  principally  determined 
by  the  conditions  of  resistance  which  these 
bodies  ofier."  Of  course,  we  know  that  such 
a  sentence  cannot  mean  anything  which  is 


true,  although  we  are  not  able  to  assign  it 
any  definite  meaning  at  all.  The  distinc- 
tion between  liquid,  gas,  and  vapour  have 
nothing  whatever  to  do  with  their  resist- 
ances. 

"Extension  —  The  capability  of  b«ing 
spread  out." 

"  Density — Hardness  and  heaviness.*' 

These  two  definitions  speak  for  them- 
selves ;  but  here  is  one  worthy  of  a  little 
more  regard,  as  we  may,  perhaps,  hit  upon 
its  purport. 

"  Inertia — A  body  at  rest  cannot  be  moved 
without  the  application  of  a  certain  amoont 
of  force ;  the  quantity  offeree  applied,  there- 
fore, to  move  the  body,  is  a  measure  of  its 
inertia — the  force  which  keeps  it  at  rest.*' 

On  this  we  remark,  in  the  first  place,  that 
a  body  does  not  require  any  definite  amount 
of  force  to  move  it  when  nothing  bat  its 
inertia  is  in  question,  but  will  move  under 
the  action  of  any  force  whatever ;  and  henee, 
in  the  second  place,  the  use  of  the  coiganc- 
tion,  therefore,  which  follows,  is  utterly  ab- 
surd ;  and  thirdly,  that  the  inertia  is  not  a 
force  at  all,  but  that  quality  by  reason  of 
which  it  refuses  to  change  its  condition  of 
rest  or  motion  without  a  cause  proper  and 
adequate  to  the  mode  and  degree  of  the 
change.  These  four  specimens  have  been 
taken  from  two  consecutive  pages  (6  and  7.) 
On  page  8  we  hare  the  following  about  gra- 
vitation :— '*  It  is  the  force  which  draws  a 
small  body,  set  free  to  move,  to  a  larger  one." 
This  implies,  of  course,  that  the  force  of 
gravitation  does  not  act  except  one  of  the 
bodies  concerned  is  free  to  move,  and  that 
one  less  than  the  other.  Page  9,  we  have : 
"  Dynamics  is  the  science  which  belongs  to 
matter  in  motion  ;  a  force,  or  power  undis- 
turbed, or  balanced,  is  said  to  be  a  siaticai 
force,  whilst  in  activity  it  is  termed  a  d|yiia- 
mical  force."  Now  there  are  no  such  forces 
known  to  science  ;  such  distinctions  are 
worse  than  useless. 

But  turn  we  to  glance  at  the  exposition 
of  rotary  motion  and  centrifugal  force  (pp. 
11—15.)  From  the  fact  that  motion  in  cases 
like  that  of  the  governors  of  a  steam  engine 
causes  bodies  to  separate,  our  author  has 
arrived  by  induction  at  the  principle  that 
all  motion  is  inimical  to  aggregation.  Thus 
he  says,  **  It  may  be  difficult  to  conceive 
how  light  bodies,  free  to  move,  are  not 
thrown  off*  from  the  surface  of  the  earth  into 
space,  under  the  influence  of  motion.  It 
will  be  shown  that  the  power  of  gravitation 
is  so  nicely  balanced  against  the  result  of 
the  earth's  revolution,  that  the  lightest  down 
floating  on  the  air  swims  in  the  calm  eqni* 
librium  of  two  forces  apparentiy  undis- 
turbed." This  proves  Mr.  Hunt  ignorant, 
1st.  That  the  earth's  attraction  and  the  cen- 
trifugal force  at  her  surface  produced  by 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


HiniT'S  ZUOIBNTAST  PHTSIOS. 


445 


ber  rotation  do  not  aot  in  the  same  straight 
line,  except  where  the  horizon  is  parallel  to 
the  axis.  2nd.  That  the  centrifugal  force 
varies  directly  as  the  cosine  of  latitude.  3rd. 
That  at  its  maximum — that  is,  at  the  equa- 
tor — it  is  a  very  small  part*  of  the  force  of 
gravitation.  Speaking  of  the  results  of  oo* 
hesive  attraction,  "  In  these  results,*'  saya 
Mr.  Hunt,  '*  we  have  conclusive  indications 
of  a  power  by  which  matter  is  aggregated  or 
collected  into  masses— of  a  force  acting  in 
opposition  to  the  force  belonging  to  motion." 
Here  is  a  statement  the  hardihood  of  whioh 
is  seldom  matched : — "  We  ba?e  now  learned 
that  ail  maitgr,  in  whatever  form  we  find  it, 
is  held  together  by  a  force  which  we  call 
COHESION"!!  Has  Mr.  Hunt  ever  heard 
of  such  a  body  as  steam  or  atmospheric  air  7 
On  the  same  page  (42),  "It  signifies  not 
whether  we  throw  a  pound  of  iron  or  a  pound 
of  chalk  into  the  air ;  they  are  each  alike 
drawn  back  to  the  earth  with  the  same  velo- 
city." Everybody  knows  this  is  untrue — 
the  resistance  of  the  air  acting  differently  on 
the  two  bodies,  aecording  to  Uieir  forms  and 
densities.  Pages  46,  47  we  have  an  offence 
against  elementary  mechanics,  which  proves 
the  author's  thorough  incapacity  to  treat  any 
physical  subject  whatever.  He  says,  **  This 
attraction  (that  of  gravitation)  is  measured 
by  the  space  throueh  whioh  it  draws  a  body 
in  a  given  time.  The  attraction  of  one  body 
upon  another  does  not  depend  upon  the 
mats  nf  the  body  which  it  attracted,  but  is 
the  same  whatever  be  the  mass  of  the  body 
so  attracted,  at  the  same  distances.  If  the 
earth  and  the  sun  were  equidistant  from 
Jupiter,  the  infiuence  of  that  planet  would 
be  the  aame  on  each,  and  would  draw  them 
through  the  same  space  in  the  same  time. 
Again,  this  attraction  is  proportional  to  the 
mass  of  the  body  which  attracts,  if  the  dis- 
tances of  the  different  attracting  bodies  be 
the  same.  Supposing  the  sun,  whioh  is  very 
much  larger  than  Jupiter,  to  draw  the  earth 
through  a  given  number  of  inches  in  a 
second,  Jupiter  being  at  the  same  distance 
firom  the  earth  as  Uie  sun,  would  draw  it 
through  a  considerably  smaller  space  in  the 
same  time."  The  grammar  of  this  curious 
extract  we  will  allow  to  tell  its  own  tale,  and 
point  out,  for  Mr.  Hunt's  sole  benefit,  the 
propriety  of  attaching  a  negative  to  almost 
every  sentence  of  this  passage.  In  the  first 
place,  no  force  is  ever  measured  by  the 
space  through  which  it  draws  a  body  in  a 
given  time,  but  always  by  the  momentum 
which  the  said  force  would  generate  in  a 
given  time,  if  it  acted  uniformly  during  that 
time ;  that  is,  by  the  product  of  the  mass  of 
the  body  and  the  velocity  generated  in  that 


*  At  the  equator,  the  eentrifugal  force  is  *I117 
—gravity,  il'2. 


time,  on  the  same  supposition.  Again,  the 
attraction  of  two  bodies  for  each  other  does 
depend  upon  the  mass  of  both  those  bodies, 
and,  in  fact,  varies  as  the  product  of  their 
masses  divided  by  the  square  of  the  distance 
between  their  centres  of  gravity,  and  so  on. 

But  let  us  turn  to  the  next  page,  where 
we  find  some  definitions  which  openly  set 
all  the  first  principles  of  geometry  at  de- 
fiance. **  If  we  cut  a  cone  perpendicularly 
to  the  base,  the  section  is  a  triangle."  **-  If 
we  out  the  cone  parallel  to  the  axis  perpen- 
dicularly  from  the  vertex,  making  a  greater 
angle  with  the  base  than  is  made  by  the 
side  of  the  cone,  the  figure  obtained  is  a 
hyperbola."  It  is  not  an  easy  thing  to  un- 
derstand how  a  man  who  has  been  associated 
with  scientific  institutions  for  any  length  of 
time  could  have  preserved  himself  so  utterly 
ignorant  of  the  elements  of  gpeometry  at  to 
be  able  to  use  scientific  terms  in  this  ridi- 
culous  way.  On  pages  49,  50  is  a  theory 
of  *'  balance  of  power  "  in  the  solar  system, 
which  is  wholly  false.  Pag^  52  affords  us 
an  example  of  hardy  ignorance  from  which 
common  sense  ought  to  have  protected  even 
Mr.  Hunt.    This  is  it: 

**  As  the  earth  rotates  from  east  to  west, 
each  point  of  her  surface  describes  an  arc 
proportional  to  its  distance  from  her  axis ; 
therefore  (how  therefore  ?)  a  falling  body  has, 
from  the  beginning  of  its  fall,  a  tendency 
eastward ;  that  is,  if  a  5,  be  a  well-ascer- 
tained perpendicular,  and  a  body  is  set  free 
to  fall  from  a,  the  point,  b,  being  carried 


forward  by  the  earth's  rotation,  the  body 
vdll  fall  along  such  a  line  as  a  c.  Experi- 
ments of  this  class  have  been  made  by 
Oulielmini,  Benxenberg,Reioh,  and  Oersted, 
which  give  a  deviation  to  the  east  of  the 
true  perpendicular  of  8*95  French  lines. 
These  results  have  been  confirmed  by  ex- 
periments in  some  of  the  deep  mines  of 
Cornwall.  Beyond  this,  a  deviation  to  the 
southward  of  ue  true  perpendicular  has 
been  detected,  which  deviation  does  not 
admit  of  that  easy  explanation  which  the 
direction  of  the  earth's  motion  enables  us 
to  give  of  the  former."  This  reminds  us 
of  a  passage  in  the  *'  Weather  Almar  ack  "  of 
the  immortal  Mr.  Murphy,  for  the  year 
1888.  "  It  must  appear  singular,"  says  the 
weather  prophet,    "considering   the  emi- 


Digitized  by 


Google    "^ 


446 


Bxart^  iHiBimnPAiiY  BSYSioa. 


nent  men  who  h».u  so  long  4treo|«d  their 
atteatioQ  to  the  subject,  that  a  fkot  ao  start- 
ling and  important  should  have  so  long,  as 
it  were,  escaped  their  observation ;  and  which 
of  itself  were  sufficient  to  overthrow,  by 
showing  the  total  insufficiency  oi^  the  New- 
tonian ueory."  Perhaps  our  readers  would 
have  been  inclined  to  regard  Mr.  Hunt's 
assertion  that  the  earth  revolves  from  east 
to  west  as  a  typographical  error  if  we  had 
not  laid  before  them  the  whole  of  the  para- 
graph  in  which  it  occurs.  It  will  be  per- 
ceived (however  surprising  the  fact)  that 
this  hypothesis  is  altogether  necessary  to 
the  subsequent  arguments,  and  hence  we 
must  infer,  that  it  is  Mr.  Hunt's  serious 
opinion  that  the  earth  revolves  from  east  to 
west !  It  is  a  fact,  that  a  body  falls  to  the 
east  of  the  perpendicular,  and  our  author 
can  only  account  for  this  by  supposing  the 
earth  to  move  in  a  manner  exactly  opposite 
to  that  in  which  we  all  believe  the  motion  to 
take  place.  This  hypothesis,  we  think, 
would  tend  oonsiderably  to  complicate  aa- 
troBomieal  matters.  How,  for  instance, 
could  the  faet  that  the  sun  rises  in  the  east 
and  sets  in  the  west  be  shown  consistent  with 
itt  To  account  for  the  actual  mode  of  the 
deviation  of  the  path  of  a  falling  body  from 
the  perpendicular,  it  is  usual  to  adopt  a 
course  of  argument  altogether  different  from 
that  pursued  by  Mr.  Hunt  We  should  say, 
because  the  earth  revolves  yromioM<  toeati; 
because  the  point  a  is  situated  at  a  greater 
distance  than  b  from  the  axis  of  rotation ; 
and  because  the  body  at  a,  before  it  is  set 
free  to  move,  is  in  rigid  connection  with  the 
earth;  therefore,  the  said  body  at  a  has  a 
greater  velocity  of  translation  towards  the 
east  than  has  the  point  b,  the  foot  of  the 
'' well-ascertained  perpendicular "  let  fall 
from  a.  Hence  it  is  that  when  the  body  is 
set  free  to  fall  from  a,  preserving  this  velo- 
city,  it  leaves  the  poidt  b  behind,  and  falls 
to  the  east  of  it,  because  of  the  superior 
velocity  to  the  eastward  which  the  falling 
body  possesses  over  the  point  b.  So  that 
instead  of  being  left  behind  by  the  foot  of 
the  perpendicular,  the  body  outruns  it. 

Perhaps  it  was  prudent  not  to  attempt  to 
explain  the  deviation  to  the  southward  (in 
north  latitude)  for  it  is  moat  probable  that  if 
any  method  had  been  hit  upon,  it  would  have 
been  one  Fequiring  an  hypothesis  in  thorough 
discord  with  that  which  precedes.  But  we 
can  assure  Mr.  Hunt  that  it  is  not  difficult 
to  explain  this  phenomenon  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  many  who  imagine  they  understand 
these  matters.  Here  we  think  we  shall  have 
difficulty  in  ren(!eriog  the  mode  of  explana- 
tion intelligible  to  our  author,  because  we 
regard  this  as  a  question  to  the  full  under- 
standing of  which  some  considerable  mathe- 
matioal  knowledge  is  indispensable.    We 


will  do  our  best,  however,  to  make  oimelvei 
underatood  by  our  readers.  To  this  end,  we 
must  use  the  accompanying  rather  exagge- 


rated diagram.  Suppose  WNE  8  is  a  me- 
ridional section  of  the  earth ;  S  K  her  axis. 
Let  B  and  C  be  two  bodies  in  connection 
with  the  earth,  and  ao  placed  that  the  line 
of  the  earth's  attraotion  on  each  shall  pass 
through  the  oentie  of  gravity  of  the  other; 
that  is,  so  that  B  C  and  c  may  be  in 
the  ssnM  straight  line  (e  being  the  centre  of 
gravity  of  the  earth).  Now  we  may  regard 
each  of  theae  bcMliea  aa  viftnally  under  the 
aotiott  of  two  foreea,  the  attraotion  of  gra* 
viutton  in  the  direction  C  c,  and  the 
centrifunl  force  in  the  direction,  cW. 
Let  us  begin  with  C.  Suppoee  C  e  to  re- 
present in  magnitude  as  well  as  direction 
the  attraction  of  gravitation  on  C,  and  C  e, 
in  a  similar  way  represent  the  centrilugal 
force  on  the  same  body ;  join  C  e,  then  C  a,  is 
the  direction  of  the  resultant  force  on  C, 
and  it  is  plain  that,  the  latitude  oonstant,  the 
greater  the  ratio  which  o  e  bears  to  c  C,  that 
is,  the  greater  the  ratio  of  the  centrifugal 
force  to  that  of  gravitatien,  the  greater  will 
be  the  angle,  •  C  c  And  passing  to  B,  we 
obseive  that,  since  the  forces  acting  on  Bare 
in  the  same  .direetion  aa  tboee  en  C,  aad 
since  the  greater  dietanee  of  B,  from  the 
axis,  S  N,  renders  its  eentriik^al  tendency 
gresfler,  while  the  increased  dislanoe  from 
the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  earth,  e,  rendeia 
the  attraction  of  gravitation  less  than  that 
belonging  to  the  body,  C,  therefore  the 
ratio  of  the  centrtfrigal  to  the  gravitating 
force  is  greater  for  B  than  for  C,  and  hence 
the  inclination  of  the  resultant  force  on  B, 
to  the  south  of  the  line,  B  C  c,  is  greater 
than  that  of  C  o,  and  this  resultant  would 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


mm^B  wsmpmMY  ?H78»}«. 


447 


aet  in  wh  a  line  M  A  B.  It  i«  plai^  thit| 
if  these  two  iiaei  be  produced  upwardsi 
tbey  will  meet  in  some  point,  A.  If  two 
strings  he  no«v  ittached  to  B  and  C,  and 
both  made  fast  at  the  point,  A*  which  is 
sappoaed  rigidly  connected  with  the  earth, 
we  have  the  remarlcable  phenomenon  of  two 
plumb  lines  hanging  from  the  same  point 
and  not  coinciding.  I^  while  we  shorten 
AB,  we  keep  C  the  eigne,  the  angle  BAG 
increases.  Thus,  taking  AC  to  denote  a 
"well-ascertained  perpendicular,"  we  per- 
ceire  that  we  are  not  altogether  at  a  loss 
for  a  reason  why  a  body  fidling  from  A, 
should  strike  the  earth  to  the  southward 
ofC. 

On  the  page  oocupied  by  the  forego- 
ing extract,  we  observe,  in  contradiction  to 
what  is  sUted  before,  that  '*  all  bodies  mu- 
tually attract  eaph  other."  On  the  same 
page  (53)  commences  a  loose  and  wrong 
account  of  tides.  On  the  next  we  resd, 
"  At  the  times  of  the  new  and  full  moon 
the  tides  are  sensibly  affected;  these  are 
called  tpringf  producing  the  highest  and 
lowest  water,  and  fkeqp  tides,  which  neither 
rise  so  high  nor  fall  so  low."  This  is  a 
harmless  error  in  one  sense,  because  every- 
body knowa  Ike  truth  it  raisiepresenia. 
Neap  tides  of  course  happen  midway  be- 
tween the  new  and  full  moon. 

We  have  hitherto  chosen  passages  oon- 
taining  errors  of  unequal  importance,  aim- 
ply  because  they  occurred  together,  and  we 
desired  to  show  how  densely  suck  errors  are 
crowded  into  the  book.  We  cannot,  nor 
would  it  be  desirable  to,  proceed  through 
the  book  in  this  way,  as  to  do  so  would 
amount  to  the  publication  ef  a  corrected 
edition  of  a  work,  the  arrangements  of  which 
remind  one  of  the  average  order  exhibited 
in  a  well-shufBed  pack  of  cards.  We  will 
jast  point  out  the  pages  where  more  may  be 
found,  and  transcribe  and  correct  those 
which  may  be  sufficiently  absurd  to  amuse, 
or  important  enough  to  interest  our  read- 
ers. On  page  56  a  body  falls  15  feet  in  a 
second  ;  on  58,  it  Islls  rather  more  than  16 
feet  in  the  same  time.  On  57,  is  an  unin- 
telligible  account  of  Attwood's  machine, 
which  must  be  wrong,  because  Attwood's 
machine  is  not  unintelligible.  On  59  is 
given  a  false  reason  for  the  floating  of  a 
feather  in  the  air.  On  68  we  have  the  sole- 
cism, "  a  force  exaetly  equal  to  the  superi- 
ority of  its  mass  over  that  of  the  feather ;  " 
and  en  74,  this  one ;  "  the  Une  of  equili- 
brium, which  we  call  the  centre  of  gravity." 
We  need  say  no  more  about  this  chapter, 
except  that  it  closes  at  page  78. 

The  next  chapter  treats  of  the  general 
laws  of  motion,  though  those  laws  have 
been  assumed,  or  ought  to  have  been  as- 
sumedy  in  a  variety  of  oases  of  motion  con- 


sidered in  the  first  chapter.  We  muft  give 
the  opening  paragraph  entire,  as  it  affords  a 
convincing  proof  of  how  thoroughly  loose 
and  rotten  must  be  the  physical  knowledge 
which  is  associated  with  such  notions  of  the 
first  laws  of  motion. 

"  The  most  perfect  exemplification  of  the 
primary  law  of  motion,  is  the  rotation  of 
the  earth  itself.  The  law,  as  expressed  by 
Newton,  is,  that  a  bodtf  «U  reU  amthwee  tU 
rest,  and  that  a  body  in  melton  goes  on  wumng 
withoiU  akering  its  velocity  or  direction,  un- 
less compelled  by  some  extraneous  forces 
to  change  it  A  ball  discharged  from  a 
rifle  does  not  move  for  ever,  however  great 
mt^  have  been  the  force  by  which  it  was 
impelled.  Here  we  have  the  resistance  of 
the  air  (friction)  and  the  power  of  gravita- 
tion acting  extraneously  to  reduce  the  force 
of  motion,  and  bring  the  body  to  a  state  of 
rest  All  motion  ia  the  result  of  some  mode 
of  force  I  and  in  the  example  of  the  earth's 
rqtationi  although  we  cannot  clearly  define 
all  the  causes  at  work,  there  can  be  no 
doubt  but  its  uniformity  is  due  to  the  con- 
stant expenditure  of  some  external  force, 
Laplace's  calculations  show  that  it  is  im- 
possible that  a  difference  of  one-hundredth 
of  a  second  can  have  taken  place  in  the 
length  of  the  di^  since  the  most  remote 
antiquity.  Now,  although  the  earth's  mo- 
tion has  been  usually  referred  to  the  first 
law,  this  wonderful  regularity  appears  to 
indicate  the  operation  also  of  the  second 
and  third  laws  of  motion.  These  are-^ 
When  a  force  acts  on  a  body  in  motion,  it 
producea  the  samie  effect  as  if  the  same 
force  acted  on  a  body  et  reat  i-^and,  when 
a  force  of  the  nature  of  pressure  produces 
motion,  the  velocity  produced  is  propor- 
tional to  the  force,  other  things  being 
equal."  Why  Mr.  Murphy  himself  could 
not  have  written  such  nonsense  as  thisl 

Mr.  Hunt  is  very  apt  at  an  absurd  defini- 
tion. Page  82,  he  says,  "  Rectilinear  molion 
is  the  movement  of  points  in  parallel  lines." 
It  is  no  such  thing.  Page  83  contains  a 
caricature  of  one  of  Newton's  corollaries, 
and  a  proof  of  the  uniform  darkneas  of  the 
author's  ignorance : 

**  III  the  great  work  of  Newton,  the  Prin- 
cipia,  the  first  corollary  is,  'a  body  de- 
scribes  the  diagonal  of  a  parallelogram  by 
two  forees  acting  conjointly,  in  the  same 
time  in  which  it  would  describe  its  sides  by 
the  same  forces  acting  separately.* "  Then 
follows  a  pretended  illustration,  which  seems 
to  have  no  relation  either  to  this  stupidly- 
stated  principle  or  to  anything  else.  It  is 
really  too  bad  to  ascribe  such  stuff"  to 
Newton.  On  page  84  we  have  similar  ab- 
surdities. On  page  85,  the  principles  of  the 
I  inclined  plane  are  wholly  misrepresented. 
On  page  86,  Mr.  Hunt  speaks  of  an  ignorant 


Digitized  by 


Google     — 


448 


SPEOIFIOATIOMS  OF  PATBMTS  SECENTLY  FILED. 


man,  who  "  might  project  a  road  over  the 
summit  of  a  mountain."  The  reader  will 
not  fail  to  see,  that  if  Mr.  Hunt  cannot  he 
identified  with  the  "  ignorant  man,"  whom 
he  often  introduces,  it  is  because  he,  Mr. 
Hunt,  is  much  more  ignorant  than  even  that 
benighted  personage.  On  page  87,  geome- 
trical terms  are  again  abused.  On  pages  94, 
95,  96,  we  find  friction  treated  in  a  mode 
harmonizing  very  well  with  the  rest  cf  the 
book ;  it  is  **  nothing  more  than  the  exercise 
of  cohesion  and  gravitation."  *  •  * 
"Wherever  matter  exists,  we  have  fric- 
tion." 

Here  is  something  new  about  shot : 

**  A  perfectly  spherical  shot  projected  from 
a  cannon,  where  the  explosive  force  is  ex- 
erted  on  one  hemisphere  only,  is  driven 
round  with  enormous  velocity  in  its  flight" 

Two  more  sentences,  which  are  consi- 
derably superior  to  many  oth6r  parts  of  the 
book  in  point  of  composition  and  grammar, 
though  they  are  not  much  so  in  their  rela- 
tion to  truth : 

"No  form  of  matter  can  move  without 
the  application  of  a  force,  and  as  soon  as 
the  power  supplied  is  expended,  the  body 
comes  to  rest"      •        •        •        ♦        • 

"  It  is,  however,  most  important  again  to 
impress  the  fact,  that  motion  cannot  pro- 
duce  A  farce,  and  that  a  force  must  be  exerted 
to  produce  motion." 

This  last  is  a  worthy  conclusion  to  the 
second  chapter.  We  have  now  arrived  at 
page  108,  and  have,  we  think,  justified  our 
sentence  against  the  book.  It  will  be  our 
duty,  however,  to  show  in  a  future  paper,  by 
a  less  minute  examination,  that  the  same 
disease  prevails  through  the  rest  of  the 
volume. 

(To  he  concluded  in  our  next.) 

RE-PATENTING    OF    THE    LAZY- 
TONGS    AS    APPLIED    TO    THE 
WORKING  OF  PUMPS. 
To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanics*  Magaxine, 
Sir, — At  page  426  of  your  last  number, 
by  an  extract  from  the  Specifications  re- 
cently filed,  we  learn  that   a  patent    has 
been   taken  out  by  Messrs.  Wetherell  and 
Hoffistaedt,    for    "an  improved    construe 
tion  of  pump ; "  the  improvement  consist- 
ing in  the  employment  of  a  laxy-tongs  ar- 
rangement  of  levers  for  transmitting  the 
reciprocating  motion  of  the  pump-handle 
to  the  piston-rod,  for  the  purpose  of  increas- 
ing the  length  of  the  stroke. 

On  referring  to  page  413  of  your  64th 
volume,  it  will  be  seen  that  Mr.  Joseph  Nye 
took  out  a  patent  for  precisely  the  same  ar. 
rangement  on  the  12th  of  November,  1850. 
Mr.  Nye's  patent,  therefore,  secures  to  him 
the  "  sole  use"  of  this  invention  (if  it  has 


any  practical  value)  for  nine  years  to  come» 
to  the  exclusion  of  Messrs.  Wetherell  and 
Hoffstaedt's  claim. 

At  page  853  of  your  56th  Tolume  there 
is  an  account  of  an  important  and  interest- 
ing trial  of  Mr.  Nye's  lazy-tongs  worked 
pumps,  when  this  much-vaunted  method  of 
converting  a  short  stroke  into  a  long  one 
proved  to  be  a  follacy — "  introducing  a  oom- 
plexity  of  parts,  entailing  enormous  friction, 
increased  wear  and  tear,  and  great  liability 
to  derangement" 

I  believe  the  result  of  this  trial  was  the 
abandonment  of  the  scheme,  and  the  dis- 
persion of  the  machines  by  Uie  auctioneer's 
hammer!  The  dear-bought  experience  of 
the  first  patentee  may,  perhaps,  be  of  service 
to  the  gentlemen  who  seem  following  so 
very  closely  in  his  foouteps. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &&, 

W.  Baddsley. 


18,  AnMll4sirBoe,  Idingtoo, 
May  7, 1855. 


SPECIFICATIONS    OF    PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Platt,  John,  of  Oldham,  Lancaster, 
mechanical  engineer.  /siproomeiilt  m 
machinery  or  apparatut  for  makittg  hrickt. 
Patent  dated  October  19,  1854.  (No. 
2238.) 

Claiim — 1.  The  applieation  to  brick  nu- 
chines  with  travelling  moulds  of  hoppers 
with  suitable  apparatus  for  determining  the 
supply  of  material  by  opening  and  shuttiiig 
the  orifices  through  which  it  passes.  2.  As 
applied  to  the  machine  patented  by  James 
McHenry,  July  20,  1852,  the  use  of  suit- 
able apparatus  for  drawing  down  the  pis- 
tons within  the  moulds.  3.  Sweeping  off 
the  pressed  bricks  by  means  of  an  apparatus 
which  arrives  in  contact  with  one  portion 
of  the  range  at  a  time. 

BiooAaT,  Thomas,  of  Dairy,  Ayr,  spin- 
ner, and  Allan  Loudon,  of  tlie  same  place, 
mechanic.  Improvements  in  regulating  mo- 
tive-power  engimee.  Patent  dated  October 
19.  1854.    (No.  2239.) 

This  invention  relates  to  mechanism  to  be 
employed  in  connection  with  the  ordinary 
ball  or  other  similar  governor  of  motive- 
power  engines  for  the  purpose  of  securing  a 
uniform  rate  of  working,  "and  consists  in 
connecting  the  lever  of  the  throttle-valve  or 
steam  current  regulator  with  a  rack  in  gear 
with  a  pinion,  which  is  made  to  turn  in 
either  direction,  and  so  open  or  shut  the 
throttle-valve  when  the  speed  of  the  engine 
varies  from  the  regular  rate." 

Allan,  Thomas,  of  Adelphi  -  terrace, 
Westminster,  civil  engineer.  Improvements 
in  applying  eleetriciiy.  Patent  dated  Octo- 
ber 20,  185*.    (No.  2243.) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS  RECENTLY    FILED. 


449 


This  invention  comprises  a  mode  of  con- 
structing the  breaks  or  vaWes  of  electro- 
magnetic engines ;  a  mode  of  arranging  the 
polarities  of  many-poled  or  accumulatiTe 
electro-magnets  applicable  to  direct-attrac- 
tion  electro-magnetic  engines ;  the  employ- 
ment of  a  crosshead  slide  and  sliding-bush 
in  such  engines  ;  the  employment  of  a 
ratchet-wheel  and  double-pawl  arrangement 
for  producing  rotation  in  the  shaft  of  an 
electro-magnetic  engine  fVom  the  direct- 
attractive  reciprocating  motion  of  electro- 
magnets ;  and  the  substitution  of  magnets 
for  keepers  in  the  employment  of  magnets 
arranged  in  pairs ;  some  or  all  of  which  im- 
provements we  shall  probably  describe  at 
length  shortly. 

Smith,  Julius,  of  Oainford-placc,  Barns- 
bury-road,  and  Frank  Sandom  Thomas, 
of  South- terrace,  Walworth.  An  improved 
apparaitu  for  steering  akipe  and  other  ves- 
sels.  Patent  dated  October  21,  1854.  (No. 
2245.) 

This  invention  consists  in  interposing 
between  the  rudder  head  and  the  screw  or 
the  tiller  a  hollow  cylinder  containing  a 
conical  volute  spring,  which  is  actuated  by 
the  mechanism  connected  with  the  screw  or 
the  tiller. 

Smith,  William  Joseph,  of  Stretford, 
Lancaster,  salesman.  A  certain  improve' 
meut  in  buttons.  Patent  dated  October  21, 
1854.    (No.  2246.) 

Claim, — The  use  of  embossed  'Tndia- 
rubber  cloths"  for  the  purpose  of  coating 
or  covering,  either  plain  or  ornamental  but- 
tons, the  figuring,  stamping  or  embossing, 
to  be  produced  either  before,  at  the  same 
time,  or  after  the  button  is  covered. 

Jamieson,  John,  of  Oldham,  Lancaster, 
engineer  and  millwright.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  steam  engines.  Patent  dated  Octo- 
ber 21,  1854.     (No.  2248.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  use  of 
springs  under  the  nuts  which  hold  down 
the  lids  or  covers  of  metallic  pistons ;  in 
ceruin  improved  forms  of  pistons;  in  certain 
improved.induction  and  eduction  valves;  and 
in  certain  means  of  working  air-pumps,  &c. 

Green,  William,  of  Howard- buildings, 
Brick-lane,  St.  Luke's,  Middlesex,  engineer, 
and  Joseph  Pickett,  of  Duke-street,  Lon- 
don, manufacturer.  Improvements  in  treating 
or  ornamenting  textile  materials  or  fabrics  atui 
paper,  and  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for 
effecting  the  same.  Patent  dated  October 
21,  1854.  (No.  2251.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  producing 
upon  continuous  lengths  of  paper  effects 
similar  to  those  which  on  silk  goods  are 
designated  "watered"  and  *<sbot."  2.  In 
certain  modes  of  producing  upon  textile 
fabrics  and  paper,  by  printing,  effects  simi- 
lar to  those  which  are  produced  b^  the 


"Jacquard"  or  similar  apparatus.  8.  In 
certain  modes  of  producing  patterns  or  de- 
signs with  metal  or  dry  powders,  by  first 
forming  a  suitable  ground,  and  then  ren- 
dering  certain  portions  of  the  same  adhesive 
by  heat,  or  by  moisture  and  pressure. 

Abell,  Edward,  of  Lambeth,  Surrey, 
gentleman.  An  improved  instrument  to  assist 
the  hand  in  writing.  Patent  dated  October 
28,  1854.    (No.  2252.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing  a 
small  instrument,  a  portion  of  which  is  in 
the  form  of  a  ring  which  slips  over  the 
forefinger,  or  the  fore  and  middle  fingers 
together,  having  underneath  a  short  metal 
or  other  bar  or  projection,  so  situated,  that 
while  one  end  is  within  the  hand,  the  other 
end  of  the  bar  projects  outwards  towards 
the  thumb,  there  affording  a  rest  or  fulcrum, 
against  which  the  handle  or  stem  of  the  pen 
rests. 

Hales,  Henry,  of  Brighton,  Sussex, 
gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  machinery 
for  propelling  vessels.  Patent  dated  October 
23,1854.    (No.  2253.) 

Claims. — 1.  Certain  arrangements  or  com- 
binations of  eccentrics,  connecting-rods,  and 
drum-shafts,  by  which  the  power  of  the  mo- 
tive agent  employed  to  work  the  paddle- 
wheels  of  a  vessel  may  be  also  applied  to 
work  a  screw-propeller  or  propellers  in  the 
same  vessel.  2.  The  use  of  two  screw- 
propellers  of  any  description  fixed  upon  the 
same  shaft,  one  jn  the  dead  wood,  and  one 
abaft  it. 

Savage,  George,  of  Adderbury,  Oxford, 
horse-breaker  and  clipper.  A  new  or  im^ 
proved  singeing  lamp.  Patent  dated  Oc- 
tober 23,  1854.    (No.  2254.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  singeing  lamp 
having  a  hollow  handle  opening  into  cham- 
bers, the  connection  between  which  is 
opened  or  closed  by  a  stop-cock. 

Brade,  Abraham  Gerard,  of  Paris,  and 
Salisbury-square,  London.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  qf  plate  and  thread,  for  gold 
and  silver  lace  and  bullion.  (A  communica- 
tion.) Patent  dated  October  23,  1854.  (No. 
2255.) 

This  invention  is  a  communication  from 
Ambroise  Auguste  Masson,  and  forms  an 
addition  to  his  former  invention  patented 
January  11,  1854.* 

Maddox,  John,  of  Thomas-street,  Brick- 
lane,  Edward  Gardner,  of  Buxton- street, 
and  George  Dyer  Green,  of  Weaver- 
street,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  weaving 
fringes.  Patent  dated  October  23,  1854. 
(No.  2256.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  that  differ- 
ent widths  of  fringe  may  be  woven  at  differ- 
ent times  in  the  same  space.     "For  this 

•  See  Meek.  Mag.,  I?o.  1616,  p.  US. 


Digitized  by 


Google 


450 


SPECIFICATIONS   OF  PATENTS  EECENTLY  FILED. 


purpose/'  8ay  the  inveotors,  **  the  warpf 
for  two  pieces  of  fringe  are  arranged  side  by 
side  at  a  short  distance  «»art,  and  several 
pairs  of  such  warps  are  so  arranged  in 
number  accordmg  to  the  width  of  the  loom 
employed.  Each  shuttle  carries  the  weft  to 
weave  two  pieces  of  fringe,  which  are  after- 
wards  divided  by  cutting  through  the  weft- 
threa4s  which  connect  Uiem  together,  as  is 
well  understood.  Tho  width  of  fj['uige  to 
each  pair  of  warps  is  governed  by  the  action 
of  an  adjustable  instrument  or  pusher  (there 
being  one  of  such  instruments  to  each  pair 
of  warps)  in  connection  witl^  a  frame  which 
receives  a  to-and-fro  movement  by  means 
of  cords  and  pullies  connected  to  a  lever 
arm  fixed  to  the  batten,  or  in  any  other  con- 
venient manner." 

p£XM,  JouK,  of  Greenwich,  engineer. 
Improvements  in  the  mani^aeture  of  the 
pistons,  slide-valves,  and  stuffing-boxes  qf 
steam  engines.  Patent  dated  October  23, 
1854.^   (No.  2258.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing 
the  pistons,  slide-valves,  and  atuffing-bos^es 
of  steam  engines  with  wood  packings. 

Scott,  James,  of  Argyle-square,  Edin- 
burgh, M.D.  Improvements  in  apparatus 
for  faciUtating  surgical  operations  and  teach- 
ing anatomy.  Patent  dated  October  23, 1854:. 
(No.  2259.) 

The  inventor  describes'an  apparatus  on 
which  patients  may  be  laid  when  they  are  to 
undergo  operations,  &c.,  which  apparatus  is 
fitted  with  a  horizontal  screw,  by  means  of 
which  a  pr^sure  may  be  exerted  upon  a 
particular  part. 

CowPER,  Cbarles,  of  Southampton- 
buildings,  Middles^  Improvemients  in  pre-" 
paring  to  he  spun,  and  in  spinning  silk  waste, 
(^  communication.)  Patent  dated  October 
24,  1854.    (No.  2261.) 

Claims,— -i*  "  In  preparing  silk  waste  by 
the  coi^ibined  and  successive  operations  of 
frst  opening  and  paralielizing  the  fibres, 
then  cutting  theipi  to  a  suitable  length  for 
being  combed,  and  afterwards  combing  theux. 
2.  Preparing  and  spinning  silk  waste  in  a 
wet  state  after  previously  opening  and  paraU 
elizing  the  fibres,  cutting  them  tq  a  suitable 
length,  and  combing  them,"  &9. 

BouwENS,  pRANfSUs  Jean,  of  Mechlin, 
Belgium,  architect  An  improved  rotary 
engine.  Patent  dated  October  2^,  1854. 
(No.  2262.) 

This  invention  consists  m  the  construe 
tion  of  a  rotary  engine  in  which  a  series  of 
pistons  traverse  an  annular  chamber,  the 
sliding  motions  of  these  pistons,  by  which 
they  are  projected  after  passing  by  the 
steam  stops,  being  produced  by  the  direct 
action  of  tne  steam  upon  them. 

SoMERBY,  GusTAVus  Adolfiius,  and 
Charles  W1LI.IAM  ^oaa,  of  Massachusetts, 


United  States  of  America.  Jn  impKoteed 
brake  apparatus  for  railway  carriages.  Patent 
dated  October  24,  1854.     (No.  22d3.) 

Claim. — "  In  combination  with  a  brake 
mechanism  and  a  wheel  made  to  move,  or 
made  capable  of  being  moved  against  and 
away  from  its  rubber,  as  described,  another 
brake  mechanism  so  applied  to  the  first 
brake  mechanism  and  to  the  wheel,  or  to 
another  wheel,  as  to  be  simultaneously  set 
in  action  on  its  wheel  with  and  by  the  other 
brake  mechanism,"  &c. 

Adams,  Isaac,  of  Massachusetts,  United 
States  of  America.  New  and  usrful  improve^ 
ments  in  machinery  for  printing.  Patent 
dated  October  24, 1854.    (No.  2264.) 

The  inventor  describes  an  arrangement 
of  apparatus  for  effecting — 1.  The  distribu- 
tion of  the  ink.  2.  The  pointing  of  the 
sheets  on  the  feed-board  or  tympan.  8. 
The  tRking  of  the  sheeU  from  the  feed- 
board,  and  the  conveying  of  them,  in  between 
the  platen  and  form  of  types.  4.  The  pro. 
ducmg  of  the  impression.  5.  The  removing 
of  the  sheets  from  the  press  and  laying  them 
on  the  pile. 

Warlich,  Ferdinand  Charles^  of  Suf- 
folk-street,  Middlesex,  gentlemaipi.  Im- 
provements in  generating  steam.  Patent  dated 
October  24,  1854.    (No.  2265.) 

This  invention  consists  "in  employinff 
tubular  heaters  (containing  flu\d  combined 
with  other  matters)  whicl^  are  introduced 
into  the  tubular  flues  of  steam  boilers,  or  the 
tubular  flues  of  other  forms  of  vessels  used 
for  boiling  or  evaporating  water  or  other 
fluids." 

HoPKiNsoN,  Joseph,  the  younger,  of 
Huddersfield,  York,  engineer.  Improve- 
ments in  steam  engine  boilers  and  srftty- 
valves,  and  in  apparatus  for  indicating  the 
vacuum  in  steam  engine  condensers,  in  rela^ 
tion  to  the  existing  atmospheric  pressure. 
Paten^  dated  October  24,  1854.  (No.  2266.) 

Claimt' — 1.  So  arranging  a  series  of 
boilers  in  compiunic^tion  with  each  other 
that  their  lower  parts  shall  ponstitute  two  or 
more  levels,  forming  a  wavy  line,  so  as  to 
expose  the  ^ides  of  tne  boilers  against  which 
the  products  of  combustion  ace  caused  to 
Impinge  by  means  of  bridges,  such  products 
of  combustion  beiog  prevented  from  passing 
between  the  boiler^.  2.  A  double  safety, 
valve  described,  the  one  constituting  a  seat 
for  the  other,  i.  The  use  of  a  column  of 
mercury  with  communications  capable  of 
being  opened  at  pleasure  W  the  atmosphere 
and  ta  the  condenser. 

Welsh,  John,  of  Greenock,  Renfrew, 
sergeant  of  police.  Improvements  in  ex- 
tracting liquids  from  saccharine  and  other 
matters.  Patent  dated  October  24,  1854. 
(No.  2267.) 

Claim. — Xl^6  mo49  of  extracting  li^uidt 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PROVISIONAL   SPECIFICATIONS    NOT  PROCEEDED  WITH. 


451 


from  saccharine,  and  other  matters  by  ex- 
hatittfng  or  partially  exhanfttihg  th«  afr 
from  one  side  or  part  of  the  mass  under 
treatment,  so  as  to  cause  a  preponderance  of 
atmospheric  pressure  on  any  exposed  part 
of  auch  mass,  and  thBrehy  cause  the  syrup 
or  liquid  to  drain  through  Sn  the  direotioti 
of  the  exhaust  action. 


FROTItlONAL  SPBCIPfCATlOira  HOt   PRO- 
CBBDKt)  WiTtt. 

HiootNft,  ThouaS,  ot  Liverpool,  Lah- 
caster,  commander,  SLoyal  Navy.  Improved 
apparain$  applleabk  to  t%e  venHUiHon  ijfthipt 
and  ntinet  and  other  useful  purposes,  Appli- 
cation  dated  October  19,  1854.   (No. 2240.) 

This  invention  consists  in  employing  two 
circular  tubes  or  pipes  in  which  are  placed 
shafts  with  torew*  formed  upon  them  to  as 
to  fill  the  space  within  the  pipes,  or  nearly 
so.  The  screw  shafts  are  mounted  upon 
suitable  bearings,  and  are  each  provided  at 
the  upper  end  with  a  fan-ttirneap  which  is 
acted  upon  by  the  wihd  and  gives  motion 
to  the  serew-shalU. 

MARKif,  William,  of  Bywater-atreet, 
King*8-road,  Chelsea,  Middlesex,  uphol- 
sterer.  An  improoed  rocking  and  htmging 
chair.  Application  dated  October  20,  18^4. 
(No.  2241.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing  a 
lounging  chair  which  is  capable  of  different 
degrees  of  etevation  and  inclination,  and 
also  of  being  folded  up  into  a  small  com- 
pass when  required.. 

Chenu,  Louis  Auoubte,  baker,  and 
Frait^ois  FRRDEitrc  PiLLiAs,  Contractor, 
of  Fontainebleau,  French  Empire.  Certain 
improvements  in  premrving  animal  eubttances. 
Application  dated  October  20,  1844.  •(No. 
2242.) 

This  invention  consists  in  preserving 
meat,  &c.,  by  cutting  it  up,  immersing  it 
for  about  two  minutes  in  boiling  water, 
draining  it  for  about  a  minute  in  a  perfora- 
ted vessel,  plunging  it  for  a  second  in  a  bath 
of  water  and  sal-ammoniac,  and  then  drying 
it  for  twenty. four  hoars  in  a  stove  kept  at  a 
temperature  of  138*  Fahr. 

Bernard,  Julian,  of  Club-chambera, 
Regent- street,  Middlesex,  gentleman,  /m- 
provements  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for 
stitching.  ApplicaUon  dated  October  21, 
1854.    (No.  2244.)    - 

This  invention  consists  in  bslandng,  or 
nearly  balancing  the  arm,  slide,  or  fever 
which  actuates  the  needles  in  stitehing- 
maehines,  and  in  imparting  a  lateral  motion 
to  them,  &c. 

Edwards,  William  Alexander,  of 
Brooke-street,  West-square,  Lambeth,  Snr- 
rey,  engineer.  Separating  iron  or  steel  from 
braeSf  gun^metalf  and  all  other  metallic  filings. 
Application  dated  Oct.  21, 1854.  (No.  2247.) 


The  inventor  employs  electro- magnet  ism 
as  a  means  of  scpartiting  iron  and  steel  from 
olhfer  filings. 

Brade,  Abraham  Gerard,  of  Paris, 
France,  and  Salisbury-square,  London. 
Improvements  fn  the  mant^acture  of  gas- 
fittings,  (A  ^communication.)  Application 
dated  October  21,  1854.    (No.  2249.) 

This  invention  consists  in  ornamenting 
gas  tubes  by  passing  them  into  hollow 
moulds  of  ornaments,  ahd  pouring  the 
melted  metal  in  while  the  tubes  remain  in 
that  position,  by  which  means  th\B  outings 
are  made  to  adhere  to  the  tubes. 

HsTwooD,  Bbrmbtt  Johns,  of  Oreen 
Mount-cottage,  Dalkey,  near  Dublin,  Ire- 
land, gentleman,  improved  apparatus  for 
aSixing  postage  and  other  stamps  to  envelopes, 
letters,  and  other  documents.  Application 
dated  October  21,  1854.    (No.  2250.) 

In  affixing  stamps  by  means  of  this  im- 
proved  apparatus  the  paper  to  be  stamped  Ss 
laid  on  a  pad  (moistened  by  eapilhiry  action) 
and  pressed  upon  it  by  means  of  a  sliding 
fhimei  it  is  then  laid  upon  the  upper  end  of 
a  pile  of  adhesive  stamps,  the  gummed  sur. 
faces  of  which  are  uppermost,  and  again 
pressed  by  a  sliding  frame. 

Simmons,  Oeorob,  of  Liverpool-street, 
London,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  in 
the  construction  if  railway  bearers  and  sleepers. 
Application  dated  October  23,  1854.  (No^ 
2257.) 

The  inventor  constructs  bearers  knd 
sleepers  of  two  angle  irons  combined  with 
plates  at  the  top  and  bottom  by  means  of 
rivets  or  bolts,  or  by  the  rails  of  the  railway. 

Marie,  Eome  Hyppolite,  of  Paris, 
French  empire,  professor  of  physics.  Certain 
improvements  in  the  machinery  for  preparing, 
spinning,  and  twisting  cotton,  silk,  fiat,  wool, 
and  other  fibrous  substances.  Application 
dated  October  2S,  1854.    (No.  2260.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  <Hhe  cotton 
or  other  fibrous  substance,  in  the  state  of  a 
band,  sliver,  or  roving,  is  passed  between 
two  drawing  rollers  which  are  placed  one 
beyond  the  other  in  the  direction  in  which 
the  roving  is  moving,'*  &c. 

Spencer,  Joseph,  of  Bilston,  Stafifbrd^ 
iron-founder.  A  new  or  improved  fence  for 
railway  stations,  docks,  and  such  other  places 
as  the  same  is  or  may  be  applicable  to,  Ap. 
plication  dated  Oct.  24,  1854.    (No.  2269.) 

On  the  edge  of  the  platform  or  in  any 
other  convenient  place,  the  inventor  fits  a 
series  of  uprights  turning  upon  joints  situ- 
ated a  little  below  the  level  of  the  platform. 
These  uprights  are  capable  of  motion  in  a 
vertical  plane  parallel  to  the  edge  of  the 
platfbrm.  A  rail  or  bar  connects  all  their 
upper  ends  together,  and  when  it  is  desired 
the  whole  may  be  lowered  down  level  with 
the  joints. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


452 


PROVISIONAL  PBOTECTIONS. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  February  23,  1855. 

400.  John  Norton,  of  Dublin,  Ireland,  esquire. 
ImprovemenU  in  the  construction  of  cartridges    < 
for  flre-arms.  . 

Dated  March  I,  1S55. 

456.  Thomas  Kennedy,  of  Kilmarnock,  Ayr, 
gun  manoDseturer.  Improvements  in  wadding  for 
fire-arms. 

Dated  March  5,  1855. 

491.  Charles  Lowell  Fowle,  of  Massachusetts, 
United  States  of  America.  New  and  useful  im- 
provements in  machinery^for  sewing  cloth,  leather, 
or  other  material.  A  oommuaieation  ttom  Edwin 
A.  Forbrish,  of  Massachusetts. 

Dated  March  9,  1855. 
590  WUliam  Smith,  of  Salisbury-street,  Adelphi, 
Middlesex.    Safety  harness.    A  communication. 

Dated  March  15,  1855. 

683.  Nathan  Robinson,  overlooker,  John  Lister, 
mechanic,  and  Henry  Stevenson,  pattern-maker, 
all  of  Bradford,  York.  Improvements  in  Jooms 
for  weaving  cocoa-nut  matting  and  similar  fabrics. 

Dated  March  26,  1855. 
672.  Carl  Armbruster,  of  Andermach,  Rhenish 
Prussia,  proprietor  of  mines,  and  Otto  Laist,  of 
Pfeddersheim,  in  the  Orand  Duchy  of  Hesse,  che- 
mist. Improvements  in  the  manufacture  ot  sul- 
phate of  soda. 

Dated  MareJi  28,  1855. 

681.  Francis  George  Mulholland,  of  Viocent- 
square,  Westminster,  civil  engineer.  An  improved 
mode  of  constructing  fireproof  and  waterproof 
roofing,  flooring,  and  covering  for  general  pur- 
poses. 

688.  James  Higgin,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 
manufacturing  chemist.  The  use  of  a  thickener 
for  mordants  and  colours  for  printing  woven 
fabrics,  which  thickener  has  not  been  hitherto 
used  for  such  purposes. 

685.  William  Hutchison,  of  Tonbridge  Wells, 
Kent,  stone  merchant  and  indurator.  Improve- 
ments in  manufacturing  artificial  stone,  and  in 
giving  colour  to  the  same. 

687.  Joseph  Revell,  of  Dukinfleld,  Chester, 
plasterer.  Certain  improvements  in  machinery 
or  apparatus  for  propelling  vessels. 

689.  George  Hall  Ntcoll,  of  Dundee,  Foifkr, 
ironmonger.    Improvements  in  laundry  stoves. 

691.  William  Henry  Gauntlett,  engineer,  of 
Banbury,  Oxfordshire.  Improvements  in  appara- 
tus for  cutting  or  pulping  turnips  and  other  roots. 

Dated  March  29,  1855. 

693.  Frederick  William  Mowbray,  of  Shiplev, 
near  Leeds,  York,  engineer.  Improvements  In 
bearings  for  the  axles  of  railway-wheels,  and  of 
other  axles  or  shafts,  which  improvements  are 
also  applicable  to  axles  or  shafts,  and  other  like 
rubbing  surfaces. 

695.  Frangois  Joseph  Anger,  of  Stamford-street, 
Blackftlars-road,  Surrey,  merchant.  Improve- 
ments in  the  preservation  of  vegetable  substances. 

697.  Walter  Brown,  of  Catherine-street,  Corn- 
wall-road, Lambeth.  Improvements  in  the  manu- 
facture of  sheet  metal  casks  and  kegs. 

699.  Alexander  McDougal,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster, manufacturing  chemist.  An  improved 
method  of  consuming  smoke  in  steam-engine  or 
other  Aimaees  or  fire-places. 

701.  Alexander  Dalgety,  of  the  firm  of  Dalgety 
and  Ledger,  of  Deptford,  Kent,  engineers.  Im- 
provements in  steam-engines. 

708.  Robert  Johnson,  William  Whittle  Johnson, 


and  Robert  Johnson  the  younger,  of  Waterloo- 
place,  Commercial-road,  Middlesex.  A  new  and 
improved  covering  for  surfaces,  linings,  roofs,  and 
spaces. 

Dated  March  30,  1855. 

705.  Anatole  BAre,  government  mining  engineer, 
of  Lille,  France,    Improvements  in  steam-boilers. 

709.  William  Tytherleigh,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick,  clerk  of  works.  The  application  of  a  eeitain 
well  known  process  to  the  covering  of  iron,  in 
sheets  or  hart,  with  copper  or  copper  alloys, 
whereby  he  produces  a  new  and  usefm  product. 

711.  Manning  Prentice,  of  Stowmarket,  and 
Thomas  Richardson,  of  NewcasUe«on-Tyne.  Im- 
provements in  the  manufacture  of  manures. 

713.  Manning  Prentice,  of  Stowmarket.  and 
Thomas  Richardson,  of  Neweastlo-apon-Tyne. 
Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of  maaures. 

715.  Theophaus  Wood  Bnnning,  of  Newcastle- 
upon-Tyne,  engineer.  An  improvement  in  steam- 
engines. 

DaUd  March  31,  1855. 

717.  Andrew  Shanks,  engineer,  of  Robert-street, 
Adelphi,  Westminster.  Certain  improvements  In 
hand  drilling  machines. 

719.  John  Bailey  Surgey,  of  Lldlington- place, 
St.  Pancras,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  instm- 
ments  for  threading  needles. 

721.  Robert  Hardman,  of  BoIton-le-Moors,  Lan- 
caster, mechanic.  Certain  improvements  in  looms 
for  weaving. 

725.  Thomas  Russell  Crampton,  of  the  Adelphi, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  locomotive  and 
other  steam  boiler  furnaces.    A  eonununication. 

727.  Thomas  Hedgcock,  of  Cavendish-grove, 
Wandsworth-road,  Surrey,  master  Royal  Navy. 
An  improved  quadrant  for  taking  solar  altitudes 
for  latitude  without  aid  of  marine  horixon,  and 
for  ascertaining  the  true  longitude. 

Dated  April  2,  1855. 

789.  Frederick  Phillips,  ofthe  Hall  Farm,  Down- 
ham,  near  Brandon,  Suffolk,  land  agent.  Improve- 
ments in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  distributing 
manure,  sowing  or  depositing  seeds,  and  efTecling 
the  working  and  cultivation  of  land. 

781.  John  Taylor,  of  Spring-grove,  Hounslow, 
Middlesex.  An  improvement  in  the  manufacture 
of  CO  vers  for  books. 

738.  Robert  Stirling  Newall,  of  Gateshead-on- 
Tyne,  wire-rope  manufacturer.  An  improvement 
in  the  sUndlng  rigging  of  ships  and  other  vessels. 

785.  George  William  Friend,  of  High  Holbom. 
Middlesex,  umbrella  and  parasol  manufhcturer. 
Improvements  in  umbrellas  and  parasols. 

Dated  April  3,  1855. 

737.  Francois  Theodore  Botta,  of  Paris,  brewer. 
Improvements  in  the  method  of,  and  apparatus 
for,  beer  brewing. 

789.  Henry  Chapman,  of  KIngsland,  Middlasex. 
An  improved  electro-mechanical  apparatus  for 
supplying  and  adjusting  the  electrodes  used  in  the 
production  of  the  electric  light. 

741.  Peter  Rothwell  Jackson,  of  Salford,  Lan- 
caster, engineer.  Improvements  in  machinery  for 
makingpattems  and  for  moulding  therefrom. 

748.  William  i Henry  Tooth,  of  Pilgrim-street, 
Kennlngton-lane,  Surrey,  engineer.  Certain  im- 
provements in  the  construction  of  fioating  vessels, 
and  in  the  machinery  and  steam  signals  connected 
therewith,  and  in  the  application  thereof  to  other 
purposes. 

747.  James  Cowen,  of  Greycoat-street,  and  James 
Sweetlong,  of  Earl-etreet,  Westminster.  A  loco- 
motive land  battery. 

749.  Frederick  Joyce,  of  Upper  Thames-street, 
London,  percussion-cap  manufacturer.  Improve- 
ments in  the  manufwture  of  percuasion-caps  and 
other  primers. 

751.  Samuel  Greenwood,  of  Sunderland,  Dnr- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOVmONAL  PS0TECXI0M8. 


453 


bam,  engineer.  Improvements  in  machinery  ibr 
making  rivets,  bolts,  nuts,  and  other  similar  arti- 
cles. 

Dated  ApHl^,  1855. 
75S.   John  Crowley,  of  Sheffield,  York,  iron- 
founder.    Improvements  in  the  manofacture  of 
malleable  cast  iron. 

mi 55.  Louis  Ambroise  Michel  Moachel,  of  Paris, 
France,  and  166,  Fleet-street,  London,  merchant. 
An  improved  method  of  Joining  pipes,  tubes,  and 
dncts.    A  communication. 

DaUdJpnlS,  1855. 

757.  William  Ooostrey  and  George  Hiilme,  of 
Chedderton,  Stafford,  paper  manufacturers,  and 
Charles  Hough,  of  the  same  place,  manager.  Im- 
provements ui  machinery  or  apparatus  for  manu- 
ncturing  paper. 

759.  James  Cbesterman,  of  Sheffield,  York,  ma- 
nufacturer. Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
table  and  other  like  knives. 

761.  Charles  Goodyear,  of  Avenue  Gabriel, 
Champs  Elystes,  Paris.  Improvements  in  self- 
inflating  pontoons  and  life-preservers. 

763.  Joseph  Edwin  Frost,  of  Goswell*8treet, 
Middlesex.  An  improvement  In  ball  or  float- 
cocks. 

765.  Herbert  Mountford  Holmes,  of  Derby.  Im- 
provements in  the  manufacture  of  tires  for  wheels. 

767.  Anguish  Honour  Augustus  Durant,  eiquire, 
of  ToDg  Castle,  Salop.  An  improved  axle  and 
axle-box  for  carriage-wheels^  ihafta,  axles,  or 
general  bearings  of  machinery. 

Dated  AprU  7, 1855. 

769.  William  Bennett  Hays,  of  Cambridge-street, 
Plmlieo,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  An  improved 
breakwater. 

771.  Henry  Gemer,  of  Moorgste-street,  London, 
architect.  ImprovemenU  in  polygraphic  or  writing 
and  drawing  apparatus. 

773.  Joseph  Hull,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster.  Im- 
provements in  the  machinery  and  apparatus  for 
grinding  com. 

775.  Richard  Husband,  of  Manchester,  Lancas- 
ter, hat  manufacturer,  and  George  Mallinson,  of 
tho  same  place,  pattern  designer.  An  improve- 
ment in  the  manufacture  of  hat-plush. 

777.  George  Walker,  of  Belfast,  Antrim,  spin- 
ning manager.    An  improvement  in  power-loomi. 

Dated  April  9,  1855. 

779.  William  Tner,  William  Hodgson,  and  Ro- 
bert Hall,  machine-makers,  and  Samuel  Hall, 
foreman,  all  of  Bury,  Lancaster.  Certain  Improve- 
menU in  looms  for  weaving. 

781.  David  Cope,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick,  ma- 
nufacturer. Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
metallic  spoons,  forks,  and  ladles. 

783.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Essex-street,  London.  Improvements  in  pumps. 
A  communication  ft-om  John  Hoyes  McGowan, 
Junior,  of  Cincinnati,  United  States. 

Dated  April  \0,  1855. 

785.  Samuel  Fielding  the  younger,  of  Green, 
Rochdale,  Lancaster.  Improvements  in  apparatus 
for  oiling  or  lubricating  the  pistons  of  steam-en- 
gines. 

787.  Alexander  Chaplin,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  steam  boilers  and  in 
the  combustion  of  fuel. 

789.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln  s-inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  preparing  cotton  and 
other  fibrous  substances.  A  communicalion  from 
Jean  Beugger,  of  Wulflingen,  Switzerland. 

791.  Lord  Charles  Beauclerk,  of  the  Riding, 
Northumberland.  Improvements  in  machinery 
for  tilling  and  subsoU  ploughing. 


Dated  Apnl\\,\%$5. 

793.  John  Addison,  of  Basinghall-street,  Lon- 
don, captain  In  the  Honorable  £ast  India  Com- 
pany's service,  and  Duncan  Sinclair,  of  Oxford- 
street,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  bayonet  scabbards,  sword- 
soabbards,  pistol-cases,  and  holsters. 

795.  Leopold  Oudry,  electro-metallurgtst  and 
Alphonse  Oudry,  Imperial  Government  engineer, 
both  of  Paris,  France.  Certain  Improvements  in 
preserving  wood,  metal,  and  other  substances. 

797.  James  Fletcher,  of  Facit,  near  Roehdale, 
Lancaster,  manager.  Improvements  in  and  appli- 
cable to  machines  for  spinning  and  weaving  cotton, 
wool,  and  other  flbroas  materials. 

799.  Jean  Vincent  Marie  Dopter,  of  Paris, 
France.  Certain  improvemenU  in  printing  fa- 
brics. 

801.  Samuel  Holt,  of  Shaw-heath,  Stockport. 
Chester,  manager.  Improvements  in  weaving 
plush  or  piled  fabrics. 

808.  Philippe  AmMee  Devy,  of  Old  Jewry- 
chambers,  Old  Jewry.  Improvements  In  the  con- 
struction of  coke  ovens.    A  communication. 

805.  James  Lee  Norton,  of  Holland-street,  Black- 
friars.  Improvements  In  separating  wool  and  other 
animal  fibres  from  vegetable  matters,  and  in  drying 
wool  and  other  animal  fibres. 

Dated  April  12, 1855. 

809.  Alfted  Thomas  Richardson,  manufacturer, 
and  George  Malllnson,  pattern  designer,  both  of 
Manchester.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture 
of  certain  piled  fabrics. 

811.  Isaiah  Vernon,  of  West  Bromwlch,  Stafford, 
manufacturer.  An  improvement  or  improvements 
in  the  slide-valves  of  steam-engines. 

813.  Alexander  Cunninghame,  of  Glasgow,  La- 
nark, iron-master.  Improvements  in  the  manu- 
facture or  production  of  sulphuric  acid  and  sul- 
phates of  Iron  and  idomina. 

DaUd  AprU  13, 1855. 

815.  Jean  Baptlste  Bagary  and  Claude  Perron,  of 
Paris,  France.  New  or  improved  knitting  machi- 
nery. 

819.  Thomas  Wimpenny,  of  Holmflrth,  York, 
manufacturer,  and  Jonas  Wimpenny,  of  Raw- 
tenstall,  Lancaster,  surgeon.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  machinery  or  appsratus  for  drawing 
and  spinning  wool,  or  wool  mixed  with  other 
fibrous  substances. 

821.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  166,  Fleet- 
street,  London,  patent  agent.  Improvements  in 
the  treatment  of  fatty  and  resinous  matters,  and 
in  preparing  them  for  the  manufacture  of  candles 
and  other  articles.  A  communicaiion. 

823.  George  Turner,  of  Northfleet,  Kent.  Cer- 
tjdn  Improvements  In  the  construction  and  fitting 
of  tents  and  marquees. 

Dated  April  18,  1855. 

850.  Frederick  Ludewick  Han  Danchell,  of  Ar- 
thur-terrace, Caledonian  road,  Middlesex,  engi- 
neer. Improvements  in  apparatus  for  Increasing, 
exhausting,  or  regulating  fluids  and  indicating 
pressure. 

852.  John  Fordred,  of  Hempstead,  Middlesex, 
gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  production  of 
reflecting  surfaces,  and  in  the  'application  of  re- 
flecting surfaces  to  decorative  and  useful  pur- 
poses. 

8.54.  Richard  Bridge,  of  Chadderton,  Lancaster, 
manufacturer.  Certain  improvements  in  power 
looms. 

856.  Bei^amin  Cook,  engineer,  of  Summer-row, 
Birmingham,  Warwick.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  construction  of  horse-shoes,  and  which  said 
improvements  are  also  applicable  to  tbe  shoeing  of 
asses,  mules,  and  oxen,  when  such  are  used  as 
animals  of  draught,  such  shoes  boing  applied  in 
each  ease  without  the  use  of  nails. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


454 


N0TI6KS  ov  nrmmoN  to  proceed. 


858.  John  Lawton,  of  Leeds,  York,  machine- 
maker,  and  Somerville  Dear,  of  the  same  place, 
machine-maker.  Improvements  in  machinenr  for 
combing  and  cleaning  flax,  tow,  wool,  and  eotton, 
and  other  fibroas  substances. 

DaUd  AprU  19,  I860* 

862.  Dumont  PalUer,  of  Broad-ttreet,  Lambeth, 
Surrey,  greaae  manufacturer,  and  £dward  Taylor, 
of  the  same  place,  manufacturing  chemist.  Im< 
provements  in  the  manufactijire  of  soap. 

864.  Edward  Howes,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
manufacturer,  and  Walter  Howes,  of  Birmingham, 
manufacturer.    Improvements  in  carriage  lamps. 

866.  James  Hindle,  of  Accrlngton,  Lancaster, 
machine  printer.  Improvements  in  machinery  or 
apparatus  used  in  the  process  of  printing  wovm 
fabrics. 

868.  Alfted  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chancery-lane, 
Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman.  Improved 
machinery  for  crushing  and  grinding  minenl  and 
other  substances.    A  communication. 

870.  William  Jones,  of  Rhodes,  near  Mlddleton, 
Lancaster,  machine  printer.  Improvements  In 
printing  calico  and  other  fabrics. 

872.  Frangois  Jacot,  of  Rue  du  Jeunense,  Paris. 
An  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of  starch, 
and  In  obtaininff  and  treating  the  gluten. 
.  874.  John  Atherton,  of  Preston,  Lancaster,  ma- 
chine-maker, William  Boyes,  of  the  same  place, 
mannfkcturer,  and  William  Lancaster,  of  the  same 
place,  manufacturer.  Improvements  in  temples 
employed  in  the  manufacture  of  textile  fabrics. 

876.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lineoln's4nn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Impiovements  In 
railway  brakes.    A  communication. 

Baud  Apnl  20,  1855. 

878.  Lucien  Tardieu,  of  Rue  de  I'Eehiduier, 
Paris,  France,  gentleman.  A  new  mode  of  pro- 
ducing letters  and  figures  for  signs,  show-boards, 
flronts  of  shops,  houses,  and  other  places. 

880.  Hypolite  Mac^,  of  Paris,  France,  merchant. 
Improvements  in  transferring  colours  or  metals  in 
design,  on  and  from  paper  andf  stone  on  to  surfaces. 
A  communication  A-om  L.  A.  C.  Mac^,  of  Paris. 

882.  James  Alexander  Manninir,  of  the  Inner 
Temple,  Middlesex,  esquire.  Improvements  in 
effecting  the  agitation  of  fluids,  and  solid  matters 
contained  therein. 

884.  Samuel  Cunllffe  Lifter,  of  Bradford,  York, 
manufacturer.  Improvements  in  treating  the 
rhea-plant  so  as  better  to  prepare  its  fibres  before 
being  spun. 

886.  Richard  Bright,  of  Bruton-street,  West- 
minster, lamp-manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
lamps  and  in  lamp-wicks. 

888.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chancery-lane, 
Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman.  Improved 
machinery  for  manufacturing  bolts  and  other  like 
articles.    A  oommunlcation. 

Dated  April  21,  1855. 

890.  Edwin  Pettitt,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster. 
Improvements  In  preparing  and  spinnins  cotton 
and  other  fibrous  substances,  and  In  machinery  for 
such  punoses. 

892.  William  Hadfield,  of  Manchester,  spinner 
and  manufacturer.  Certain  improvements  in 
looms  for  weaving. 

894.  John  Bamett,  of  the  Minorles,  London. 
Improvements  in  smiths'  hearths.  A  communica- 
tion fh)m  Jean  August  Petry,  of  Li^e. 

896.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
the  oonsumption  or  prevention  of  smoke.  A 
oommimication  from  R6n6  Garcon,  of  Paris, 
Franee,  accountant. 

898.  William  Winter,  of  Carlton-hUl,  NotUng- 
ham,  manufacturer.  CerUin  improvements  m 
the  manufacture  of  warp  looped  fabries. 

900.  William  Charles   Theodore   Schaefier,    of 


Bradford,  York,  manufacturer.    Iraprorements  in 
the  treatment  of  the  waate  wash  waters  of  wool 

and  other  mills. 


PATENTS  APPLUD  FOR  WITH  COMPLETE 
SPECIFICATIONS. 

920.  William  Symington,  of  Little  Bowdea, 
Northampton,  eoffee-roatter.  An  improTement  In 
preparing  peas,  and  pearl  and  Scotch  bariey  Ibr 
culinary  purposes.    April  25, 1855. 

954.  Morris  Lyons,  of  Snffolk-stnet,  BiiaiiBg- 
bam,  Warwick,  chemist.  An  improved  enamel 
for  coating  met^s  and  bricks.    April  27, 1855. 

NOTICES  OF  INTENTION  TO 

PROCEED. 

(From  ik9  "L$ndtm  GoMftte,"   May  %ih, 

1855.) 

2721.  John  Comatock.  Improyements  in  trip- 
hammers. 

2746.  Andrew  Diets  and  John  Q.  Dunham.  Im- 
provements in  mowing  and  reH>ing  machines,  by 
which  the  sickle  cutting  the  ^ain,  ia  moved  or 
worked  directly  by  the  driving-wheel  or  its  equiva- 
lent, without  the  necessity  of  oog-wheela,  cranks, 
kc. 

2756.  Eugene  Mayear*  A  new  hydraulic  pnmp 
or  machine,  based  on  ihe  centrifugal  principle,  fsr 
the  purpose  of  raising,  forcing,  or  exhausting  (even 
muddy)  waters  or  other  fiuids,  and  applicable  to 
the  wants  of  agriculture,  industry  generally,  and 
to  the  salvage  of  ships.  A  communication  from 
Thomas  Piatti. 

2762.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improremeats  in 
obtaining  motive  power.  A  eommunleatkm  trom 
Jacques  Eugene  Armengaud,  of  Paris,  Fnnee, 
eivil  engineer. 

2764.  Samuel  Smith  Shipley,  improremeats  in 
fittings  suitable  for  dressing-cases,  and  fta*  otlier 
purposes  of  eleganee  and  utility. 

16.  William  Kendall  and  George  Gent.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  or  apparatna  for  eutting 
metals,  either  solid  or  tubular. 

21.  Alexander  South  wood  Stoeker  and  ! 


Darling.  Certain  improvements  in  the  mannite- 
tare  of  bottles,  pots.  Jars,  tubes,  and  other  reeea- 
tacles,  p^rt  of  which  improvements  are  applicable 
to  various  other  purpoaes  for  eommercial  and  do- 
mestic use. 

37.  Jean  Baptiste  Edooard  Rttttre.  Improre- 
ments  in  the  treatment  of  rags  and  other  goods 
formed  partly  of  wool  and  partly  of  v^^^table 
fibres,  in  order  to  separate  the  Togetmble 
fibres  ttom  them,  and  obtain  the  wool  in  its  pnie 
state. 

45.  Robert  McCall.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  Iron  and  steel. 

46.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontainemorsan. 
An  improved  mode  of  obtaining  alcohol.  A  com- 
munication. 

74.  Robert  Oxiand.  Improrementa  in  the  ma- 
nufacture and  rcTivification  of  animal  charcoal. 

96.  Joseph  Claudot.    An  improved  stucco. 

110.  Henry  Adkins.  An  improvement  or  im- 
provements in  bleaching  or  decoloriaing  ofly  and 
&tty  bodies. 

152.  Maurice  Delcamp.  An  Improved  apparatus 
for  advertising  or  for  the  exhibition  of  placards. 

160.  William  Eisenmann.  A  new  construction 
for  a  hearth,  applicable  to  all  firing>constructiotts 
or  fire-places. 

179.  James  Webster.  A  new  or  improved  method 
of  changing  the  direction  of  and  multiplying  mo- 
tion. 

189.  Charles  Frederick  Bumard.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture  of  super- phosphate  of  lime. 

218.  John  Imray.    Improvements  in  locks. 

224.  Alphonso  Pichot.  Certain  improvemeiitB 
in  postage-paper  and  envelopes. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WXIXLT  UBT  or  SATEHTS. 


455 


2S8.  Jaeqnes  Ronx  Delffney-MalaTas.  Improved 
machinery  for  obUiniog  and  applytaf  motive 
power. 

321.  George  Ronnie.  Improrementt  in  marine 
steam-engines. 

Ml.  Robert  Moleswortb.  Improveittentt  in  tbe 
eonstniction  of  brusbei. 

SOS.  William  HartclilTe  and  Jowph  Waterbouie. 
Certain  improvements  In  looms  for  weaving. 

400.  John  Norton.  Improvements  in  the  eon- 
•tmction  of  cartridges  for  flre-arms. 

456.  Thomas  Kennedy.  Improvements  In  wad- 
ding for  fire-arms. 

491.  Charles  Lowell  Powle.  KetT  and  nsefbl 
Improvements  tn  machinery  for  sewing  cloth, 
leather,  or  other  material.  A  eommunicatum  firom 
Edwin  A.  Forbrish,  of  Massachusetts. 

572.  Edward  Vincent  Gardner.  Improvements 
In  fumaoes,  aah-pltSt  flues,  and  fire-places,  Wherebv 
smoke  is  prevented,  fuel  more  perfectly  consumed, 
and  its  heating  value  greatly  economised. 

60S.  Thomas  George  Shaw.  Improvements  in 
apparatus  to  facilitate  the  "  tilting ''  of  casks,  bar- 
rels, or  other  slmOar  vessels  of  capacity. 

670.  Archibald  Turner.  Improvements  in  the 
manufiscture  of  elastic  fabrics. 

69S.  Frederick  William  Mowbray.  Improve- 
ments in  bearings  for  the  axles  of  rsJlway-wheels, 
and  of  other  axles  or  shafts,  which  improvements 
are  also  applicable  to  axles  or  shafts,  and  other 
like  rubbing  surfaces. 

700.  William  Tytherleigh.  The  application  of 
a  certain  well  known  process  to  the  covering  of 
iron,  in  sheets  or  bars,  with  copper  or  eopper 
alloys,  whereby  he  produces  a  new  and  useful  pro- 
duet. 

711.  Manning  Prentice  and  Thomas  Richardson. 
Improvements  m  the  manufacture  of  manures. 

71S.  Manning  Prentice  and  Thomas  Richardson. 
Improvements  In  the  manufacture  of  manures. 

7S3.  Robert  Stirling  Newall.  An  improvement 
in  the  standing  rigging  of  ships  and  other  vessels. 

7S5.  George  William  Friend.  Improvements  in 
umbrellas  and  parasols. 

7S0.  Henry  Chapman.  An  improved  electro- 
mechanical apparatus  for  supplying  and  adjusting 
the  electrodes  used  in  the  production  of  the  elec- 
tric light. 

748  William  Henry  Tooth.  Certain  iroprove- 
ttents  in  the  construction  of  floating  vessels,  and 
In  the  machinery  and  steam  signals  connected 
theiewith»  and  in  the  application  thereof  to  other 
purposes. 

749.  Frederick  Joyce.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  percussion  caps  and  other  primers. 

763.  John  Crowley.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  malleable  cast  iron. 

761.  Charles  Goodyear.  Improvements  in  self- 
inflating  pontoons  and  life-preservers. 

763.  Herbert  Monntford  Holmes.  Improve- 
ments in  the  manuftcture  of  the  tires  for  wheels. 

766.  Peter  Arrive.  Improvements  in  safety- 
valves  of  steam-boilers. 

760.  William  Bennett  Hays.  An  improved 
breakwater. 

787.  Alexander  Chaplin.  Improvements  in 
steam-boilers  and  in  the  combustion  of  fhel. 

801.  Samuel  Holt.  Improvements  In  weaving 
plush  orjpile  fisbrics. 

80S.  Philippe  AmM^  Devy.  Improvements  in 
the  construction  of  coke-ovens.  A  communica- 
tion. 

813.  Alexander  Cnnninghame.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture  or  production  of  snlphurio  add 
and  sulphates  of  iron  and  alumina. 

842.  Robert  MlUigan.  An  improvement  in  the 
mannfketure  of  woven  fabrics  made  of  wool,  mo- 
hair, or  alpaca* 

844.  Charles  Crapelet.  Improvements  in  the 
construction  of  tompions  fl>r  cannon  and  other 
fire-arms,  which  improvements  are  applicable  to 
stoppinff  bottles  and  other  vessels. 

866.  James  Hindle.    Improvements  in  machi- 


nery or  apparatus  used  in  the  process  of  printing 
woven  fkbries. 

874.  John  Atherton,  William  Boyes,  and  William 
Lancaster.  Improvements  in  temples  employed  in 
the  manufacture  of  textile  fabrics. 

880.  Hypolite  Mac6.  Improvements  in  trans- 
ferring colours  or  metals  In  design,  on  and  trctm 
paper  and  stone  on  to  surfaces.  A  communication 
from  L.  A.  C.  Mac6,  of  Paris. 

888.  AltteA  Vincent  Newton.  Improved  machi- 
nery for  manufacturing  bolts  and  other  like  arti- 
cles.   A  communication. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  ^e 
above  List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  OazeUe  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
missioners'.ofllce  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  application. 

WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 

S9aled  May  4i,  IS55. 

2202.  Louisa  Monzani. 

2203.  Louisa  Monzani. 
2337.  George  Lee  Baxter. 
2373.  Paul  Pretsch. 

2413.  Pierre  Joseph  Meeus. 

2418.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman. 

2441.  Charles  Asprey. 

2455.  Nicholas  Callan. 

2571.  James  Edward  M*Connell. 

1855. 

273.  Thomas  Barnabas  Daft. 

Sealed  May  S,  1855. 
2309.  William  Stead,  William  Spence, 

and  Samuel  Wood. 
2379.  John  Berry,  Richard  Berry,  Tho- 

mas  Berry,  and  Thomas  Royds. 
2392.  Henry  WitthoE 
2402.  Joseph  Armstrong. 
2466.  John  Henry  Johnson. 
2497.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fon- 

tainemoreatt. 
2538.  James  Biden. 
2564.  AlbinuB  Martin. 
2776.  James    Langridge    and    Richard 

Langridge* 
2741.  John  Gray. 

1855. 

820.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bell- 

ford. 
415.  Andrew  Small. 
484.  William  Johnson. 

514.  Thomas  Walker. 

515.  Antoine  Fran^oie  Jean  Clandet* 
66&.  James  Hulls  and  John  Lowe. 
562.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton. 

577.  Charles  Goodyear,  junior. 

The  above  Patents  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  Provisional  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  several  inyentions  men- 
tioned aboTC. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


456 


NOTICES  TO  GORRESPONBEKTS. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


Micanieien.—'Vfe  cannot,  as  we  stated  last  week, 
re-open  the  discussion  on  the  "  Indicated  Horse- 
power of  Steam  Engines." 

N.  C.  /.,  ii««r»c*.— Dr.  Ure,  in  his  "  Diction- 
ary of  Arte,"  says,  "The  method  of  trial  best 
adapted  to  show  the  real  Inherent  strength  and. 
goodness  of  gunpowder,  appears  to  be  an  eight  or 
ten-inch  iron  or  brass  mortar,  with  a  truly  spheri- 
cal solid  shot,  baying  not  more  than  one-tenth  of 
an  inch  windage,  and  fired  with  a  low  charge. 
The  eight-inch  mortar,  fired  with  two  ounces  of 
powder,  is  one  of  the  established  methods  of  proof 
at  Her  Majesty's  Works.  Gunpowders  that  range 
equally  in  this  mode  of  trial  may  be  depended 
on  as  being  equally  strong. 

"  Another  proof  is  by  four  drachms  of  powder 
laid  in  a  small  neat  heap,  on  a  clean,  polished, 


copper  plate ;  which  heap  is  fired  at  the  apex  by 
red-hot  iron.    The  explosion  should  be  sharp  and 
quick;  not  tardy,  or  lingering;  it  should  produce 
a  sudden  concussion  in  the  air ;  and  the  force  and 
power  of  that  concussion  ought  to  be  Judged  of 
by  comparison  with  that  produced  by  powder  of 
known  good  quality.    No  sparks  should  fly  off, 
nor  should  beads  or  globules  of  alkaline  reaidiam 
be  left  on  the  copper.    If  the  copper  be  left  clean, 
i. «.  without  gross  foulness,  and  no  light,  1.  e. 
spaiks  be  seen,  the  ingredients  may  be  considered 
to  have  been  carefully  prepared,  and  the  powder 
to  have  been  well  manipulated,  particularly  if 
pressed  and  glased;  but  if  the  contrary  be  the 
result,  there  has  been  a  want  of  skill  or  of  care- 
fulness manifested  in  the  manufacture.** 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

Undertake  the  Procnratioii  of  Patents 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  the  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.     Costs  of  Provisional  Protection — £10  10s. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  ''Mechanics*  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office,"  166,  FleeUstreet,  London. 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


6ray*s  Patent  Compasses — {with  engraving*)..  4SS 
On  the  Distribution  of  Material  in  Wrought 

Iron  Beams 434 

Important  Improrement  in  the  Electric  Tele- 
graph  437 

An  Improved  Tuyere  for  Smiths'  Hearths 440 

Paddle  ««rnu  Screw 441 

Biden*s   Patent .  Improvements    in   Marine 

Steam-Engtnes  442 

Elementary  Physics.    By  Professor  Hunt — 

{Review)  442 

Re-patenting  of  the  Laxy-tongs  as  applied  to 
the  Working  of  Pumps   448 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed : 

Piatt  Bricks    448 

Biggart  and   Lou- 
don   Governors 448 

Allan Applying  Electricity...  448 

Smith  ft  Thomas.. Steering  Apparatus  ...  449 

Smith Buttons ^ 449 

Jamieson Steam  Engines    449 

Green  and  Pickett.Textile  Fabrics  449 

Abell Writing  Instrument ...  449 

Hales Propelling 449 

Savage  Singeing  Lamp  449 

Brade Gold  and  Silver  Lace...  449 

Maddox,  Gardner, 
and  Green Fringes 449 


Penn Pistons,  Slide  -valves, 

and  Stuffing-boxes...  4M 

Scott  Surgical  Apparatus  ...  450 

Cowper Silk  Waste   ..'. 4$0 

Bouwens  Rotary  Engine    4S# 

Somerbyft  Fogg...Railway  Brakes  .........  4S0 

Adams  Printing  Machines......  4M 

Warlich Generating  Steam  ......  450 

Honkinson   Boilers  ft  Safety-yalTes  450 

Welsh Extracting  Liquids  ...  450 

Provlsonal  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with : 

Higgin Ventilation  451 

Marsh Rocking  Chair    451 

Chenuand  Pilllas.. Preserving  Meat 451 

Bernard Stitching  Apparatus  ...  451 

Edwards   Separating  Filings  ......  45! 

Brade Gas  Fittings 451 

Heywood  Affixing  SUmps 451 

Simmons  Railway  Bearings  ......  451 

Marie Fibrous  Substances    ...  451 

Spencer... Fences  451 

Provisional  Protections 452 

Patents  Applied  for  with  Complete  Speciflca^ 
tiona 454 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed 454 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 455 

Notices  to  CorrespODdents 456 


LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-street, 
in  the  City  of  London.—Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Oallgnani,  Rue  Vivienne  Paris;  Mason  and  Co., 
Dublin ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Pec|amt$'  Pajajine. 


No.  1658.]  SATURDAY,  MAY  19,  1855.  [sJl^Jl^d'Ji. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  166,  Fleet-street. 


HACKWORTH'S  PATENT  STEAM  ENGINE  CRANKS,  CYLINDERS, 
GOVERNORS,  AND  GEARING. 


.5P 


VOL.  LXII. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


458 

HACKWORTH'S  PATENt  STEAM  ENGINfe, CRANKS,  CYLINDERS, 
GOVERNORS,  AND  GEARING. 

(Patent  dated  September.9, 1854.) 

Mr.  J.  W.  Hack  WORTH,  of  Priestgate  Engine,  works,  Darlington,  patented,  at  the  above 
date,  various  modifications  of  the  general  details  of  steam  engines,  especially  intended  for 
stationary  and  marine  purposes,  with  the  view  of  securing  superior  efficiency  of  working 
action.  One  of  these  improvements  relates  to  a  '<  duplex  over-end  crank,*^  to  Be  used 
instead  of  the  ordinary  crank  arrangements  of  steam  engines.  This  double  crank  is  made 
by  keying  or  forging  on  the  end  of  the  main  shaft  a  plain  crank  arm  of  the  usual  kind. 
The  opposite  end  of  this  crank  is  formed  with  an  eye  to  receive  a  stout  crank  pin  (answer- 
ing as  the  working  t^lR  lor  one  steam  cylinder),  which  is  forged  iH  one  piece  with  a  second 
arm  or  lighter  iihink  lever.  The  other  end  of  this  secondly  attii  lias  ibrgtd  li|k>n  it  a 
second  crank  pin  for  thS  Otiier  steam  cylinder.  The  sMtttor  plii  tff  tlie  l06ohdftHr  crank 
arm  is  fixed  into  the  eye  of  the  &m  crank,  so  as  to  set  the  iWb  i^ms  at  I  tfoMldf  fftlle  angle 
with  each  diher,  or  At  a  right  angle,  aft  may  be  desired^  The  slide  vaWa  fbff  latffc  steam 
cylinder  ot  a  pa!(  of  dhgines  may  be  wx>rked  from  a  8t)tliHef  kejui  oh  ilM  fettd  of  the 
secondary  b^ank  pifi ;  the  other  end  of  this  spanner  being  «MtfM  OA^k  ai  fat  aa  tba  centre 
of  the  shaft,  whilst  it  terminates  in  a  solid  i»in  set  true  witb  i)l8  Itlfl)  Wh^  df  the  main  shaft, 
upon  which  two  eccentrics  may  be  placed  lor  working  the  lUfttB  fttMl^l }  Dfr  Insteaii  of  two 
eccenttics  IWo  pins  tfaay  be  used.  The  steAm  cylinders  fdr  l(tuAlin||  Itkl  *'  duplex  t>fer.end 
crank"  Ktti  disposed  one  on  each  side  of  tbb  main  shaft,  bpbtisitC  t0  M%ii  otbet,  And  nearly 
in  the  Same  stra^^hl  line.  The  axial  line!  of  the  two  cytiildefl  ttttit  fary  sufficiently  to 
allow  fdir  th^  thickntas  of  the  second  crank,  in  addition  td  tmaHftlf  of  Hth  etank  )6umal; 
but  by  crahkinjl  the  It^cond  m-ank  lever  this  distance  may  be  diMinfsh^j. 

Tb  ecoiidhiise  sbikh  powers  the  working  steam  cylinder  tiaa  Miittd  It  a  daainff  dr  shell 
filled  witl)  An  anndlat  series  Of  tubes  running  parallel  with  tiie  d|liti(iet^s  axial  lintf.  The 
waste  steaih  passes  into  this  chamber  from  each  side  of  ttie  Uide  Valve  chest,  ao  as  to 
surround  tl^e  cotiMUed  ttlbes,  protisioh  being  made  for  thd  ekit  oi  the  #ater  cutreni  The 
i)9ed  water  fbr  the  bdiler  \i  passed  through  these  tubes,  an^  thus  wllilit  the  belt  df  steam 
t^re^etlts  uk^due  Hdiatfoa  or  the  heat  from  the  steam  cvlitideh  ttie  feed  water  ia  highly 
heated  #ith  whit  Wduld  btherwise  be  mere  waste  heat  In  ita  Appti^Atidn  td  a  vertical  steam 
cylinder,  the  adVahiages  of  this  system  are  thought  to  cothe  ant  more  phnkiinei&tly.  in 
ibis  ease,  the  tubes  being  verlibal,  sediment  cannot  lodge  In  thetat  Ahd  the  passage  of  the 
water  upwairds  ObViouiiijr  beat  suitt  the  actioii  Of  tlie  heAt.  jth  hoHzontal  en^nea,  the 
chamber  M  the  rebeptlbn  of  the  exhaust  steam  may  be  arranged  With  etoss  tubes. 

The  necessary  governing  acUOh  Ibr  the  tste  Of  steam  engines  is  obtained  from  the 
buoyaht  eftect  of  a  t.uii^  as  pe^cury,  ih  One  direction,  and  the  weight  of  a  piston  in  the 
opposite  diHction,  as  is  described  furthier  Oh. 

in  engines  where  frequeht  reversing  is  hecessary,  in  mihe  engines,  for  instance^  a  con- 
triyance  is  Added  whereby  thU  neici^^sary  reverse  movement  is  obtained  without  reversing 
the  engine  ilself.  Ih  this  arrah||timent  tlie  engine  shaft  is  disposed  At  Hght  angles  with  the 
i^inding  Ot  leco^d  biOiion  ihaft ;  the  latter  has  upon  its  pn^eeting  ehd  a  large  bevii  wheeL 
The  engine  ahaR  HkHies  two  loose  bevil  j^nions,  contrivei  to  gea^  with  the  intermediate 
bevil  wheel  at  plOA^Ufe.  A  cone  clutch  br  friction  box  is  |>laeed  on  the  engine  shaft 
hetweeh  thtft  tWo  pIHIohs,  so  as  to  put  the  proper  pinion^ihto  Abtion  at  pleasure.  Various 
arrAngemehts  Of  clhtdi  or  connecting  movAnenU  may  be  Adopted,  k  simitar  recnlt  may 
fce  obtalhed  w  the  ai«  of  a  combination  of  four  spur  pinidt^a  %hd  A  a^^r  whael,  the  engine 
ahaft  beih#  (Kapo^d  in  a  line  parallel  with  the  winding  dI*  ^Ver^O  AetiOh  shaft,  and  also 
jparAile!  Witt  &  thfrd  or  counter  shaft.  Thus,  by  shifting  Uke  t^uteh  either  to  one  side  or 
bther,  either  A  pinion  oA  the  engine  shall  may  be  made  t©  j^eaf-  dltectV  with  the  wl^cel  on 
the  Windikl||  lhait>  ok-  the  other  pinion  on  the  engine  shaft  Way  drive  the  eounter  ahalt,  a 
)»ihioi\  on  the  latter  shaft  driving  M  winding  shaft  in  a  revel'se  direction. 

Fig.  1  of  the  iMgtavinffs  on  til«  preceding  page  is  a  plan^  Ahd  fig.  2  ta  a  side  elevation,  of 
i  combined  Or  compound  if  riinj^^'ment  of  steam  engines,  showing  two  steam  eylindera,  lying 
hOriioAtAlly,  and  connected  to  a  duplex  over.end  crank,  aa  cohstHicted  according  to  this 
hivention.  ^  These  tWD  figures  also  comprehend  a  modificatfon  of  the  steam-condensing  and 
Witet-heating  a^^j^MiatW^  as  adapted  to  this  arrangement  of  engine.  A,  B  are  the  two  steam 
%yi!&dm  employ  id,  these  being  bolted  down  at  opposite  ends  of  a  long  cast-iron  bed  frame 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


HACKWOBTH's  patent  STEAK-SNGUrS  GBAKK6,  CYLINDERS,  ETC.  459 

or  casiag,  C.  The  piston  rod  ends  are  fitted  with  slide  blocks  to  slide  in  the  borisontal 
guides,  D,  bolted  down  to  the  bed  frame,  C,  and  each  piston  rod  is  jointed  to  a  connecting 
rod,  E,  which  passes  to  a  crank  pin  carried  by  the  main  shaft,  F.  The  shaft,  F,  lies  hori- 
zontally  and  at  right  angles  to  the  axial  lines  of  the  steam  cylinders  A,  B,  and  its  end  is 
supported  in  the  pedestal  bearings,  G,  bolted  down  upon  the  bed  frame,  C.  The  shaft,  F, 
has  keyed  or  forged  upon  the  end  projecting  inside  the  bearings,  G,  a  plain  crank  arm,  H, 
the  outer  end  of  which  is  formed  with  an  eye,  to  receive  a  stout  crank  pin,  I,  answering  as 
the  working  pin  of  the  steam  cylinderi  A,  and  having  strapped  or  otherwise  jointed  to  it 

Fig.  S. 


tiie  eonnectinff  rod,  £,  of  that  cylinder.  This  pin,  I,  is  forged  in  one  piece  with  a  second 
arm  or  erank  lever,  J,  the  other  end  of  which  has  forged  upon  it  a  second  crank  pin,  K,  for 
the  other  steam  cylinder,  B,  and  bavinff  the  connecting  rod,  E,  of  that  cylinder  strapped  or 
o^rwise  jointed  to  it.  The  first  pin,  I,  of  the  crank,  J,  is  set  in  the  arm  of  the  crank,  H, 
in  such  manner  as  to  place  the  second  crank  pin,  K,  at  a  distance  from  the  other,  equiva. 
lent  to  a  quarter  of  a  revolution,  or  any  other  distance  that  may  be  desirable.  The  two 
steam  cylinders  are  placed  a  little  out  of  line  with  each  other,  so  that  the  axial  line  of  each 
may  be  in  the  same  plane  with  the  centre  of  its  respective  erank  pin.  The  intennedinte 
crank,  J,  may  be  cranked  or  bent,  so  as  to  bring  the  two  crank  pins  nearer  together.  The 
valve  casings,  L,  of  the  steam  cylinders  are  on  the  sides  furthest  from  the  main  shaft,  and 
the  valve  rods,  M,  pass  out  through  stuffing  boxes  on  the  inner  ends  of  the  valve  casings. 
Connecting  rods,  N,  are  jointed  to  the  valve  rods,  and  are  worked  by  means  of  a  spanner  or 
light  lever,  O,  keyed  on  the  second  crank  pin,  K,  and  formed  with  pins,  P,  placed  in  suit- 
able positions  as  regards  the  axial  line  of  the  main  shaft  for  working  the  valves,  the  con. 
necting  rods,  N,  being  strapped  or  jointed  to  them  for  that  purpose ;  or,  instead  of  this 
arrangement,  the  spanner,  O,  may  be  formed  with  a  single  pin,  the  centre  of  which  is  made 
to  coincide  with  tfaie  axial  Ime  of  the  main  shaft,  the  valves  being  in  this  ease  worked  by 
eccentrics  keyed  upon  this  central  pin.  In  single  cylinder  engines  the  same  general 
arrangement  of  details  may  be  employed,  the  valves  being  worked  by  a  pin  or  eccentric  on 
a  spanner  or  return  crank  fixed  upon  the  main  ttrtt^etA  crank  pUn.    ft  is  also  obvious  that 

Y  2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


460 


ON  THE  MANUFAGTDSE  OF  STEEL. 


the  steam  cylinder  or  cylinders  may  be  disposed  either  horizontally  or  yeriically,  or  in  any 
convenient  position.  In  the  arrangement  shown  in  figs.  1  and  2  the  cylinder- warming  eon- 
trirance  is  diapensed  with,  the  exhaust  steam  being  conveyed  by  the  pipes,  Q,  to  a  vessel, 
R,  supported  upon  four  hollow  pillars,  S.  This  vessel,  R,  contains  a  number  of  vertical 
tubes,  communicating  with  spaces,  T,  at  the  top  and  bottom  of  the  vessel,  through  which 
tubes  the  feed  water  is  pumped  on  its  way  to  the  boiler,  entering  beneath  by  the  pipes,  U, 
and  passing  off  above  by  the  pipe,  V,  and  is  thus  heated  by  the  feed  water. 

The  governing  mechanism  is  represented  in  fiffs.  3  and  4.  It  consists  of  a  three-branched 
vessel  or  pipe.  A,  carried  upon  a  vertical  spindle,  B,  supported  and  driven  in  the  manner 
usually  employed  with  ordinary  ball  or  pendulum  governors.  One,  C,  of  the  three 
branches  of  the  vessel,  A,  rises  up  centrally  and  vertically,  whilst  the  two  other  branches, 
D,  run  out  upwards  and  laterally  on  opposite  sides.  The  central  branch,  C,  is  bored  out 
cylindrically,  and  inside  it  works  a  plunger  or  heavy  float,  £.  A  rod,  F,  passes  up  from  the 
float,  E,  through  a  hole  in  the  cover  of  the  pipe,  C,  and  is  jointed  to  the  lever,  G,  which 
transmits  the  regulating  action  of  the  governor  to  the  throttle  valve,  H.  A  quantity  of 
mercury,  I,  or  other  suitable  fluid  is  placed  in  the  vessel.  A,  and  fills  the  three  branches  to 
the  same  level  when  the  governor  is  at  rest.  On  the  governor  being  caused  to  revolve, 
however,  the  centrifugal  action  causes  the  fluid  to  run  up  the  lateral  branches,  D,  and  to 
sink  to  a  lower  level  in  the  central  branch,  C.  If  the  governor  is  driven  beyond  the  proper 
rate,  the  mercury  will  sink  so  low  in  Uie  central  branch,  C,  as  to  allow  the  float,  E, 
to  descend,  which  movement  will  act  on  the  throttle  valve  connections  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  partially  close  the  valve,  and  diminish  the  supply  of  steam  to  the  engine.  On  the  con- 
trary, when  the  governor  revolves  at  too  low  a  rate,  the  mercury  will  sink  in  the  lateral 
branches,  D,  and  rise  correspondingly  in  the  central  branch,  C,  lifling  the  float,  E,  and 
thereby  causing  the  throttle  valve  to  open  further,  and  give  an  increased  supply  of  steam 
to  the  engine  to  enable  it  to  recover  its  rate. 

The  throttle  valve,  H,  represented  as  in  connection  with  the  improved  governor,  ia  also 
constructed  according  to  one  portion  of  this  invention.  The  valve  seating  consists  of  a 
cylinder,  J,  fitted  into  the  steam-pipe,  K,  in  such  manner  that  one  of  the  pipe  communicates 
with  one  or  both  ends  of  the  cylindrical  seating,  whilst  the  other  end  communicates  with 
the  circumference  of  the  seating,  the  steam  having  to  pass  througli  the  cylindrical  valve 
seating  on  its  way  to  the  cylinder,  this  passage  being  effected  through  slots  in  the  seating. 
The  spindle,  L,  of  the  valve  passes  through  the  axis  of  the  seating,  and  carries  a  number  of 
radial  feathers  corresponding  to  the  slots  in  the  valve  seating,  J,  and  turned  on  their 
circumferential  edges  to  work  upon  the  turned  inside  surface  of  the  valve  seating.  The 
valve  is  thus  balanctd  as  regards  the  steam  pressure,  which  can  in  no  position  have  any 
tendency  to  shut  or  open  it,  or  prevent  its  being  shut  or  opened  by  the  least  possible 
force  applied  to  its  lever. 


ON  THE  MANUFACTURE  OF   STEEL. 


A  paper  on  the  manufacture  of  steel,  as 
carried  on  in  different  countries,  was  read  on 
Wednesday  evening.  May  9,  at  the  Society 
of  Arts,  by  Mr.  Charles  Sanderson.  After 
alluding  to  the  antiquity  of  the  manufac- 
ture, the  composition  of  steel,  and  the  raw 
materials  from  which  it  is  prepared,  the 
author  proceeded  as  follows : 

The  kinds  of  steel  which  are  manufac- 
tured are  natural  steel,  called  raw  steel,  or 
German  steel ;  Paal  steel,  pro<luced  in  Sty- 
ria,  by  a  peculiar  method ;  cemented,  or 
converted  steel ;  cast- steel,  obtained  by 
melting  cemented  steel;  puddled  steel, 
obtained  by  puddling  pig  iron  in  a  peculiar 
way. 

Natural,  or  German  steel,  is  so  called 
because  it  is  produced  direct  from  pig  iron, 
the  result  of  the  fusion  of  the  spathose  iron 
ores  alone,  or  in  a  small  degree  mixed  with 
the  brown  oxide;  these  ores  produce  a 
highly  crystalline  metal,  called  spiegel 


that  is,  looking-glass  iron,  on  account  of 
the  very  large  crystals  the  metal  presents. 
This  crude  iron  contains  about  four  per 
cent,  of  carbon,  and  four  to  five  per  cent,  of 
manganese.  Karsten,  Hassenfratz,  Marcher. 
and  Reamur,  all  advocate  the  use  of  grey 
pig  iron  for  the  production  of  ateel ;  indeed 
they  state  distinctly  that  firbt  quality  steel 
cannot  be  produced  without  it;  that  the 
object  is  to  clear  away  all  foreign  matter  by 
working  it  in  the  furnace,  to  retain  the 
carbon,  and  to  combine  it  with  ihe  iron. 
This  theory  I  hold  to  be  incorrect,  although 
supported  by  such  high  authorities.  Grey 
iron  contains  the  maximum  quantity  of 
carbon,  and  consequently  remains  for  a 
longer  time  in  a  state  of  fluidity  than  iron 
containing  less  carbon;  the  metal  is  then 
mixed  up,  not  only  with  the  foreign  matter 
it  may  itself  contain,  but  also  with  that 
with  which  it  may  become  mixed  in  the 
furnace  in  which  it  is  worked.    This  pro- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  MANUFACTUBE  OF  STEEL. 


461 


longed  working,  which  is  necessary  to  bring 
highly  carbonised  iron  into  a  malleable 
state,  increases  the  tendency  to  produce 
silicates  of  iron,  which  entering  into  corn- 
position  with  the  steel  during  its  production, 
renders  it  red  short.  Again,  by  this  length- 
ened process,  the  metal  becomes  very  tender 
and  open  in  its  grain;  the  molecules  of 
silicate  of  iron  which  are  produced  will  not 
unite  with  the  true  metallic  part ;  and  also, 
whenever  the  molecular  construction  of  iron 
or  steel  is  destroyed  by  excessive  heat,  it 
becomes  unmalleable.  Both  these  are  the 
causes  of  red  shortness,  and  also  of  the  want 
of  strength  when  cold.  For  these  reasons 
I  consider  that  grey  pig  iron  is  by  no  means 
the  best  for  producmg  natural  steel ;  and 
fbr  the  same  reasons  I  should  not  recom- 
mend the  highly  carbonised  white  iron, 
although  it  is  now  used  both  iu  Germany 
and  in  France.  In  Austria,  however,  they 
have  improved  upon  the  general  continental 
process ;  their  pig  iron  is  often  highly  car- 
bonised,  but  they  tap  the  metal  from  the 
blast  furnace  into  a  round  hole,  and  throw- 
ing a  little  water  on  the  surface,  they  thus 
chill  a  small  cake  about  half  an  inch  ;  this 
is  taken  from  the  surface,  and  the  same 
operation  is  performed  until  the  whole  is 
formed  into  cakes;  these  cakes  are  then 
piled  edgewise  in  a  furnace,  are  covered 
with  charcoal,  and  heated  for  48  hours ;  by 
this  process  the  earbim  is  very  much  dis. 
charged.  By  using  these  cakes  in  the 
refining,  the  steel  is  sooner  made,  and  is  of 
Fig.  1. 


better  quality.  In  the  opinions  I  have 
given  to  many  German  steel  makers,  and 
in  the  advice  I  have  offered  them,  I  have 
endeavoured  to  show  that  pig  iron  can  only 
be  freed  from  its  impurities  whilst  in  a  fluid 
state.  I  take  the  advantage  of  the  property 
of  cast-iron,  and  previous  to  melting  it  in 
the  steel  refinery  I  submit  it  to  a  purifica- 
tion, by  which  process  I  seek  to  reduce  the 
degree  of  carbonisation  of  the  metal,  and  to 
separate  and  dissolve  the  earthy  matter 
with  which  It  may  be  combined;  I  then 
obtain  a  purer  metal  for  the  production  of 
steel.  The  metal  itself  being  to  some  ex- 
tent decarbonised,  is  sooner  brought  into 
"  nature,"  as  it  is  termed ;  that  is,  it  sooner 
becomes  steel.  The  process  being  shorter, 
and  the  metal  itself  being  purer,  there  is 
less  chance  or  opportunity  for  the  formation 
of  deleterious  compounds,  which,  becoming 
incorporated  with  the  steel,  seriously  injure 
its  quality.  Of  course,  steel  manufactured 
from  crude  iron,  either  purified  or  not,  of 
any  defined  quality,  will  inherit  such  qua- 
lity, be  it  good  or  bad.  Art  can  in  some 
degree  remove  these  noxious  qualities  from 
the  crude  iron.  Chemistry  has  lent  its 
powerful  assistance,  yet  nature  will  main- 
tain her  sway,  and  in  all  cases  the  good  or 
bad  qualities  of  the  metal  will  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  steel. 

The  furnaces  in  which  raw  or  natural  steel 

is  manufactured  are  nearly  the  same,  as  far 

as  regards  their  general  construction,  in  all 

countries  where  such  steel  is  produced  ;  yet 

Fig.  2. 


etfteh  country,  or  even  district,  has  the  fire  in   i   strucUd.    We  find,  therefore,  the  German, 
which  the  metal  is  worked  differently  con-   I  the  Styrian,  the  Carinthian,  and  many  other 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


4iQ2 


GOODALL's  PAT£yr  GBINDiVa  AMD  LEVmATING  APPARATUS. 


methods,  all  producing  steel  from  pig  iroD, 
yet  pursuing  different  modes  of  operation. 
The8e  differences  arise  from  the  nature  of 
tiie  pig  the  country  produces,  and  the  pecu. 
liar  habits  of  the  workmen.  These  modified 
processes  do  not  affeot  the  theory  of  the 
jnanufacture,  but  they  rather  accommodate 
themselves  to  the  peculiar  character  of  the 
metal  produced  in  tne  vicinity.  In  Siegen 
they  use  ths  white  carbonised,  manganesiao 
meUtli  while  in  Austria  a  grey  or  molded 
pig  iron  is  used* 

The  furnace  Ib  built  in  the  aane  form  as 
a  common  charcoal  refinery. 

Fig.  1  shows  a  ground-plan  of  the  fur- 
nace;  Ag.  2  an  elevation;  and  fig.  3  the 
form  of  the  fire  itself  and  the  position  of 
the  metal  within  it  The  fire,  D,  is  24 
inches  long  and  24  inches  wide ;  A,  A,  A 
are  metal  plates  surrounding  the  furnace. 

Fig.  2  shows  the  elevation,  usually  built 
of  stone,  and  braced  with  iron  bars.  The 
fire,  G,  is  16  inches  deep  and  24  inches 
wide.  Before  the  tuyere  at  B,  a  space  is 
left  under  the  fire,  to  allow  the  damp  to 
•scape,  and  thus  keep  the  bottom  dry  and 
hot. 

In  fig.  1  there  are  two  tuyeres,  but  only 
one  tuyere.iron  which  receives  both  the 
blast  noules,  which  are  so  laid  and  directed 
that  the  currents  of  air  cross  each  other,  as 
shown  by  the  dotted  lines ;  the  blast  is  kept 
as  regular  as  possible,  so  that  the  fire  may 
be  of  one  uniform  beat,  whatever  intensity 
may  be  required. 

Fig.  S  shows  the  fire  itself,  with  the  metal, 
charcoal,  and  blast.  A  is  a  bottom  of  char- 
Fig.  3. 


coal,  rammed  down  very  close  and  hard. 
B  is  another  bottom,  but  not  so  closely 
beaten  down  ;  this  bed  of  charcoal  protects 
the  under  one,  and  serves  also  to  give  out 
carbon  to  the  loop  of  steel  during  its  pro- 
duction. C  is  a  thin  stratum  of  metal, 
which  is  kept  in  the  fire  to  surround  the 
loop.     D  shows  the  loop  itself  in  progress. 

When  the  fire  is  hot,  the  first  operation  is 
to  melt  down  a  portion  of  pig  iron,  say  50 
to  70  pounds,  according  as  the  pig  contains 
more  or  less  carbon  ;  the  charcoal  is  then 
pushed  back  from   the  upper  part  of  the 


fire,  and  the  blast,  which  is  then  reduced,  is 
allowed  to  play  upon  the  surface  of  the 
metal,  adding  from  time  to  time  seme  ham- 
mer  slack,  or  rich  oinder,  the  result  of  1^ 
previous  loop.  All  these  operations  tend  te 
decarbonise  the  metal  to  a  certain  extents 
the  mass  begins  to  thicken,  and  at  length 
becomes  aelid.  The  workman  then  draws 
together  the  charcoal  and  melts  dowaano- 
ther  portion  of  metal  upon  the  eak*.  Tfaii 
operation  renders  the  faoe  of  the  cake  again 
fiuid,  but  the  operation  of  deoarboniaation 
being  repeated  in  the  second  charge,  it  also 
thickens,  incorporates  itself  with  the  pre* 
vions  eake,  and  the  whole  become  hard; 
metal  is  again  added  until  the  loop  is  eon. 
pleted.  During  these  sueeessive  op«rationa 
the  loop  is  never  raised  befoR  the  blaat,  as 
it  is  in  making  iron,  but  it  is  drawn  from 
the  fire  and  hammered  into  a  large  Uoom, 
which  is  eut  into  several  pieces,  the  ends 
being  kept  separated  from  the  middle  or 
more  solid  parts,  which  are  the  best. 

This  operation,  apparently  so  simple  in 
itself,  requires  Initk  skill  and  care.  Tlie 
workman  has  to  jndge,  as  the  operation  pro- 
ceeds, of  the  amount  of  carbon  which  he 
has  retained  from  the  pig  iron ;  if  too  much, 
the  result  is  a  very  raw,  crude,  untreataMe 
steel ;  if  too  little,  he  obtains  only  a  steel!- 
fled  iron.  He  has  also  to  keep  the  cinder 
at  a  proper  degree  of  fluidity,  which  is 
modified  from  time  to  time  by  tke  addition 
of  quartz,  old  slags,  &o.  It  is  usual  to  keep 
from  two  to  three  inches  of  cinder  on  the 
face  df  the  metal,  to  protect  it  from  the 
direct  action  of  the  blast.  The  fire  itself  is 
formed  of  iron  plates,  and  the  two  charcoal 
bottoms  rise  to  within  nine  inches  of  the 
tuyere,  which  is  laid  flatter  than  when  iron 
is  being  made.  The  position  of  the  tuyere 
causes  the  fire  to  work  more  slowly,  but  it 
insures  a  better  result 

The  quantity  of  blast  required  is  about  ISO 
cubic  feet  per  minute,  at  a  pressure  of  17 
inches  water  gauge.  Good  workmen  make 
7  cwt.  of  steel  in  17  hours.  The  waste  of 
the  pig  iron  is  from  20  to  25  per  cent,  and 
the  quantity  of  charcoal  consumed  is  240 
bushels  per  ton.  The  inclination  of  the 
tuyere  is  12  to  15  degrees.  The  flame  of 
the  fire  is  the  best  guide  for  the  workman. 
During  its  working  it  should  be  a  red 
blueish  colour.  When  it  becomes  white  the 
fire  is  working  too  hot 

{To  be  eonHnued,) 


GOODALL'S  PATENT  GRINDING 
AND  LEVIGATING  APPARATUS.  . 

Mr.  H.  Goodall,  chemist,  of  Derby,  has 
recently  patented  a  very  ascfnl  grinding- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


NEW  f  AtEKT  BABBBL-BOLT. 


468 


na^btn^,  to  Ih*  merits  of  which  Tcry  high 
testimony  has,  in  several  cases,  been  borne. 
His  invention  consists  in  the  construction 
and  arrangement  of  an  apparatus  by  which 
the  operations  of  grinding  or  levigating 
various  substances  may  be  performed  by  the 
aid  of  a  pestle,  instead  of  rollers,  or  fiat 


grinding  surfaces.     The  accompanying  en- 
graving  represents  the  machine. 

The  substances  to  be  operated  upon  are 
placed  in  the  mortar,  in  which  the  pestle  is 
made  to  work  by  mechanical  means  in  such 
manner  as  to  give  the  same  rubbing  motion 
as  is  imparted  by  the  hand,  when  substances 


are  ground  or  pulverized  in  a  mortar  by 
manual  labour.  The  pestle  may  be  weighted 
to  any  desired  extent,  and  by  traversing  over 
a  different  surface  every  time,  removes  the 
necessity  of  scrapers  to  keep  the  materials 
constantly  acted  upon. 

The  amount  of  labour  saved  is  considera- 
ble,  and  the  hardest  and  most  difficult  sub- 
stances  may  be  ground  by  this  machine, 
worked  by  hand,  as  effectually  as  by  the 
most  powerful  machinery,  enabling  drug- 
gists  and  others  to  grind  articles  perfectly, 
on  a  small  scale,  which  could  only  be  done 
hitherto  by  mills  requiring  great  power  to 
drive  them.     On  a  large  scale,  driven  by 


steam,  it  will  be  found  to  be  a  very  econo- 
mical and  effective  machine. 

The  mortar  and  pestle  are  both  detached, 
and  may  be  easily  removed :  the  mortar 
being  placed  in  front  of  the  machinery,  the 
possibility  of  dirt  falling  into  it  from  the 
friction  of  the  wheels  is  avoided ,  hence  it 
will  be  found  of  great  advantage  for  all  kinds 
of  salts,  choice  colours,  mercurial  prepara- 
tions, printer's-ink,  paints,  &c.  A  sitting- 
apparatus,  if  required,  can  be  added  to  the 
machine,  so  that  the  operation  of  powdering 
and  sifting  may  be  carried  on  at  the  same 
time. 


NEW  PATENT  BARREL-BOLT. 


A  new  barrel-bolt  has  recently  been  pa- 
tented by  John  Phillips,  and  is  manufac- 
tured  by  the  Patent  Bolt  and  Latch  Com- 


pany,  Birmingham.  It  differs  from  the 
common  bolt  (made  principally  at  Willen- 
hall,  in   Staffordshire)  in  its  being  made 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


464 


PREMIUM  FOR  THE  PREVENTION  OF  SMOKE. 


without  a  single  riTet    The  barrel  is  pressed 
to  the  form  of  the  bolt  itself  from  the  plate, 


by  which  means  the  whole  is  made  from  one 
piece  of  metal.     Much  greater  strength  is 


secured  than  by  the  riveted  bolt,  and  it  is 
not  requisite  to  cut  away  the  wood  for  fixing 
the  bolt. 


The  accompanying  engraving  represents 
the  improved  bolt. 


PREMIUM  FOR  THE  PREVENTION  OF  SMOKE. 


The  Steam -Coal  Collieries'  Association 
at  Newcastle  -  upon  -Tyne  have  offered  a 
tey^wd  o(  Jive  hundred  pounds  for  the  inven- 
tion of  an  efi*ectual  method  for  preventing 
the  emission  of  smoke  from  the  chimneys 
of  multitubular  boilers  upon  the  following 
conditions : 

1.  The  Steam- Coal  Collieries'  Associa- 
tion will  appoint  three  persons  as  judges,  to 
whom  shall  be  referred  all  designs  which 
may  be  sent  in  for  competition,  and  the 
award  of  these  judges,  or  of  the  majority  of 
them,  shall  be  final  and  decisive. 

2.  Every  competitor  for  the  above  pre- 
mium shall,  at  his  own  expense,  prepare 
sufficient  models  or  drawings,  and  a  full 
written  description  of  the  system  he  pro- 
poses to  adopt,  and  shall  forward  the  same 
to  the  Secretary,  at  the  Coal  Trade-office, 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne,  on  or  before  the  1st 
of  August,  1855. 

3.  The  judges  shall  select  such  one  or 
more  of  the  designs  so  sent  in  as  they  may 
think  most  applicable,  and  submit  the  same 
to  such  practical  trials  as  they  may  deem 
proper,  to  ascertain  their  actual  and  relative 
value. 

4.  For  this  purpose,  an  additional  sum, 
not  exceeding  £300,  will  be  placed  by  the 
Association  at  the  disposal  of  the  judges. 

5.  Any  competitor  may,  nevertheless,  if 
he  think  fit,  at  his  own  expense,  require  his 
invention  to  be  submitted  to  practical  trial ; 
and  the  same  shall  be  examined  and  reported 
upon  by  the  judges  in  the  same  manner  as 
though  it  had  been  selected  by  them  as 
aforelaid.  And  in  case  such  trial  should 
establish,  in  the  opinion  of  the  judges,  the 
superiority  of  the  invention  over  the  others, 
and  its  conformity  with  the  conditions  here- 


inafler  stipulated,  then  the  inventor  shall  be 
allowed,  in  addition  to  the  premium,  such 
further  reasonable  sum  as  the  judges  may 
award  to  him,  on  account  of  the  expenses  of 
the  trials. 

6.  The  premium  shall  be  paid  over  to  the 
inventor  of  the  design  which,  in  the  opinion 
of  the  majority  of  the  judges,  shall  be  enti- 
tled thereto. 

7.  No  design  shall  be  deemed  entitled  to 
the  premium,  unless  it  be  in  conformity  with 
the  following  conditions: 

(a.)  It  shall  efifectually  prevent  the  pro- 
duction of  smoke  during  the  combustion  of 
any  of  the  Hartley  steam  coals  of  the  north 
of  England. 

(b.)  Such  prevention  shall  be  accomplished 
by  the  combustion  of  the  smoke  or  gases  in 
the  furnace  or  air-chamber  previous  to  pass- 
ing through  the  flues  or  tubes. 

(c.)  It  shall  be  applicable  to  all  the  usual 
forms  of  boilers,  containing  a  number  of 
small  tubes  between  the  furnace  and  the 
chimney,  and  especially  to  the  usual  forms 
of  marine  boilers. 

(d.)  It  shall  not  diminish  the  evaporating 
power  of  the  boiler  to  which  it  may  be  ap- 
plied. 

(e.)  It  shall  not  impair  the  durability  of 
the  boiler. 

(f )  It  shall,  as  far  as  possible,  be  inde- 
pendent of  the  personal  attention  of  stoker 
or  engineer ;  but  it  is  not  essential  that  it 
should  be  absolutely  so. 

(g.)  It  shall  not  be,  or  be  made  the  sub- 
ject of  a  patent,  or  if  so,  the  inventor  or  pa- 
ten  tee  shall  undertake  that  the  patent  right 
shall  not  exceed  in  amount  such  rate  per 
horse  power,  or  per  foot  of  fire  grate,  as  the 
judges  shall  determine. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Hour's  **  ELEHENTABT  PHTSIC8." 


465 


HUNT'S  "  ELEMENTARY 

PHYSICS."  ♦ 

(second  notice.) 

"  //  n*en  eoAU  aueune  peine  de  Ure  ce 
qui  est  hon^"  says  Voltaire.  Reading  is 
certainly  a  pleasant  occupation,  when  it  is, 
as  Bacon  says,  **  conTersing  with  the  wise." 
Bat  it  is  quite  otherwise  when  one  is  cslled 
on  to  peruse  a  book  like  that  under  review. 
It  is  better,  however,  that  we  should  under- 
take to  read  and  report  upon  it,  than  that  it 
should  be  the  means  of  absorbing  the  time 
and  money  of  those  for  whom  it  pretends  to  be 
written,  and,  in  return,  unsettle  their  faith 
in  nature,  and  render  those  studies,  which 
might  afford  profit  and  instruction,  sources 
of  weariness  and  disgust.  We,  therefore, 
return  to  our  task. 

The  third  chapter  treats  of  the  **  Laws  of 
slightly  elastic  ifuids.*'  By  these  fluids  our 
author  means  those  which  are  generally 
denominated  non«elastic ;  that  is,  liquids. 
Mr.  Hunt  has  here  shown  a  desire  to  be  ori- 
ginal  in  rather  an  unseasonable  way.  There 
is  a  much  wider  distinction  between  a  liquid 
and  a  gas  than  between  the  terms  **  slightly 
elastio"  and  "elastic"  It  is  true  that 
water  and  other  liquids  possess  some  degfee 
of  that  quality  which  is  possessed  by  all  ma. 
terial  substances,  called  elasticity.  But  it 
is  not  true  that  water  possesses  any  degree 
of  that  quality  which  is  the  characteristic  of 
.  gaseous  bodies,  also  called  elasticity.  To 
term  water  a  slightly-elastic  fluid,  is  to  ig- 
nore the  fact  that  the  elasticity  of  an  elastic 
fluid  is  understpod  to  be  a  quality  belonging 
in  no  degree  to  any  other  class  of  bodies; 
while  the  elasticity  possessed  by  liquids  is, 
in  different  degrees,  the  property  of  all 
forms  of  matter.  This  appears  the  more 
pedantic  when  we  observe  that  all  the  laws 
which  the  author  attempts  to  state  are 
drawn  from  the  supposition  that  these  fluids 
are  not  only  non-elastic,  but  also  incom- 
pressible. 

This  chapter  is  divided  into  two  parts, — 
Hydrostatics,  and  Hydraulics.  The  first 
part  is  composed  of  an  attempt  to  state  and 
illustrate  the  law  of  the  distribution  of  fluid 
pressure.  The  following  extracts  will  ex- 
hibit the  style  of  the  whole : 

*'  All  fluids  in  a  state  of  complete  repose 
present  horizontality  ;  that  is,  every  part  of 
their  surfaces  is  equidistant  from  the  centre 
of  the  earth,  every  atom  being  equally  acted 
on  by  gravitation,  and  free  to  arrange  itself 
in  obe£ence  to  that  influence.'* 

•  •  *  **  All  non-elaatic  bodies  possess 
the  property  of  transmitting  equally  in  all 

"  We  find  it  is  necessary  to  state  that  the 
italics  which  occur  in  the  extracts  flroni  this  work 
in  our  last  week's  notice  were  not  employed  for 
purposes  of  criticism,  bat  appear  Id  the  original. 


directions  the  pressure  exerted  on  any  point 
of  their  surfaces."     What  e<m  this  mean  ? 

Here  is  a  passage  not  commendable  for 
accuracy : 

"  For  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the 
pressure  exerted  upon  any  sloping  wSl,  or 
on  the  sides  of  a  pond,  drop  a  line  from  the 
water  to  the  middle  point  between  the 
water's  edge  and  the  deepest  part,  and  mul- 
tiply the  length  of  the  plumbline  under 
water  by  the  extent  of  th^  side  covered  with 
water."  Of  course,  nobody  will  ever  at- 
tempt  to  follow  such  a  rule  as  that  On 
the  same  page  we  And  this  sapient  remark : 

"  The  resistance  offered  when  we  attempt 
to  sink  a  body  lighter  than  water  in  that 
fluid,  proves  that  it  presses  with  equal  force 
upwards  as  downwards.  Upon  this  depend 
the  laws  of  floating  bodies;  and  the  bottoms 
of  large  ships,  on  this  account,  have  to  be 
built  very  strong." 

From  the  hydraulics  we  will  quote  one 
of  many  faulty  passages.  Speaking  of 
Barker's  mill,  the  author  says :  "  The 
moving  force  becomes  greater  after  the 
machine  ITas  begun  to  revolve,  the  water  in 
the  horizontal  arms  acquiring  a  centrifugal 
force,  by  which  its  pressure  against  the  side 
is  increased."  We  should  like  to  see  Mr. 
Hunt  prove  this.  It  is  boldly  sUted,  and 
ought  therefore  to  be  well  grounded.  We 
'have  always  thought  that  the  moving  force 
is  greatest  when  the  mill  is  at  rest,  and  that 
as  its  velocity  increases,  this  force  de- 
creases;  and  that  such  a  velocity  might  be 
conmiuhioated  to  the  mill,  by  independent 
means,  as  to  cause  the  said  moving  force  to 
vanish  altogether.  As  to  the  centrifugal 
force  augmenting  the  motive  power  of  the 
machine,  this  is  to  us  a  notion  worthy  of  the 
seekers  after  perpetual  motion.  Of  course, 
whatever  rotary  motion  the  fluid  acquires 
absorbs  so  much  of  the  motive  power,  so 
that  no  gain  can  arise  in  that  way.  We 
shall  not,  however,  enter  more  deeply  into 
this  question  here;  but  pass  to  the  next 
chapter,  on  the  "  Laws  of  elastic  fluids." 

The  first  thing  we  meet  with  in  this 
chapter  is  a  homily  about  twilight,  and  the 
refraction  of  the  sun's  rays  by  the  atmo- 
sphere. This  is  altogether  misplaced,  to 
say  nothing  about  its  inherent  absurdity. 
What  has  twilight  to  do  with  the  laws  of 
elastic  fluids  ?  Mr.  Hunt  seems  to  imagine 
that  a  mode  of  discovering  the  height  of  the 
atmosphere  from  the  length  of  twilight  can 
be  shown  by  such  collections  of  jumbled 
words  as  this :  *'  Our  twilight  is  owing  to 
the  refraction  or  bending  of  the  rays  of  the 
sun, — after  that  orb  has  sunk  below  the 
horizon, — by  the  medium  through  which 
they  pass;  therefore  the  duration  of  the 
twilight  affords  a  guide  to  the  height  of  the 
atmosphere."    The  only  end  this  can  serve 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


466 


hunt's  ^*  HLnKMTlBT  VETBIOB/* 


is  to  mystify  tny  onfortiinste  reader  who 
may  not  feel  jnitlfied  in  condemning  what 
is  taught  by  a  member  of  the  Royal  Society. 
Mr.  Hunt  has  not  defined  twilight,  or, 
doubtless,  his  definition  would  have  been 
worthy  of  transcription;  for  he  does  not 
seem  to  know  what  twilight  is.  Let  Mr. 
Hunt  reconsider  this  matter,  and  he  will 
find  that  twilight  is  less  purely  the  effect  of 
refraction  than  he  seems  to  believe.  Twi- 
light properly  does  not  commence  till  sun- 
set,  and  the  sun  does  not  set  till  its  rays 
(refracted  *or  not)  cease  to  convey  its 
image  to  us.  In  fact,  twilight  arises  rather 
from  the  dispersing  than  the  refracting 
powers  of  the  atmosphere.  Finally,  no 
confldenee  can  be  plaeed  in  the  estimate  of 
the  height  of  the  atmosphere  made  in  this 
way,  because  it  is  very  little  better  than 
mere  guess  work. 

Pursuing  this  subject  still  fVirther,  Mr. 
Hunt  betrays  to  us  how  very  little  apti- 
tude  he  possesses  for  understanding  the 
actual  laws  and  conditions  of  the  atmo- 
sphere ;  he  says  (pages  1S6, 137),  '*  It  would 
appear  that  the  gaseous  fluid  is  held  to  the 
solid  earth  by  virtue  of  the  same,  or  a  simi« 
lar,  power  to  that  which,  we  have  already 
shown,  is  to  be  detected  in  action  over  the 
surfaces  of  all  bodies.  This  has  not,  how. 
ever,  been  a  point  which  has  hitherto  en- 
gaged attention; — gpravitation  alone  has 
been  thought  sufficient  to  explain  the  phe- 
nomenon.  By  ascending  mountidns  and 
floating  at  considerable  elevations  In  bal- 
loons, it  has  been  determined  that  as  this 
attraction  diminishes,  the  air  becomes  more 
thin ;  not  because  it  is  rarefied  by  heat,  but, 
according  to  one  view,  because  the  pressure 
of  the  superincumbent  column  is  lessened. 
At  the  same  time  this  attraction  of  particles 
is  reduced,  and,  the  air  rapidly  losing  its 
capacity  for  heat,  cold,  regularly  increasing 
with  the  height,  is  produced.  It  has  been 
thought  that  this  loss  of  heat  would  eventu- 
ally place  a  limit  to  rarefaction,  and  even 
reduce  the  uppermost  stratum  of  the  air  to  a 
liquid  state." 

This  passage  is  contradicted  in  one  whieh 
occurs  in  the  chapter  on  Heat ;  a  fact  which 
shows  how  little  the  author  understands  the 
relations  which  the  various  parts  of  his  sub- 
ject  bear  to  one  another.  On  the  same  page 
we  have  "  the  flowing  currents  of  the  air," 
spoken  of  as  proving  "  its  aiteriuated  fluidity." 
And  on  the  next  page  there  is  an  attempt 
to  proTC  what  neither  needs  nor  admits  of 
any  proof— the  impenetrability  of  the  air. 
Impenetrability  forms  the  principal  part  of 
our  idea  of  matter,  and  is  seen  to  be  neces- 
sary to  that  idea.  That  this  quality  belongs 
to  all  material  substances  is,  in  fact,  an 
axiom,  and  is  no  more  provable  than  those 
of  Euclid's  geometry. 


On  page  155,  we  have  a  further  exUiitioa 
of  our  author's  pendumi  for  torturing  the 
adjective  attenuated!  he  has  here  foroed  it 
into  the  phrase  "attenual$dregiom»  of  the  air." 

It  oonld  not  be  expected,  after  what  w« 
have  witneased,  that  any  very  clear  «o. 
count  of  the  trade  winda  would  be  found  in 
the  book ;  such  aa  it  is,  we  give  it  as  a 
favourable  specimen  of  Mr.  Hunt's  style* 
"  Their  origin  is  due  to  the  powerful  heat 
of  the  torrid  zone,  which  rarefies  the  air  of 
that  region.  The  air  thus  rarefied  risoa. 
and  to  supply  its  place,  the  colder  air  of  the 
temperate  sonea  moves  towards  the  equator. 
However,  these  north  and  south  winds  from 
regions  where  the  rotatory  motion  of  the 
earth'a  surface  is  less,  to  those  where  it  ia 
greatest  If  the  earth  did  not  turn  round, 
they  would  be  north  and  south  winds ; 
but  as  they  approach  the  equatorial  region 
they  acquire  additional  velocity,  and  are 
bent  into  north-east  and  south-east  winds." 

This  passage  will  not  prove  very  trans- 
parent to  any  kind  of  reader ;  but  we  must 
pass  on  to  the  next  chapter  on  the  "  Sono- 
roua  Movement  of  Bodies."  From  this  we 
will  extraot  just  one  paragraph,  to  show  its 
fellowship  with  the  rest  of  the  book.  The 
subject  is  tlie  wavea  of  the  ocean. 

"  The  importance  of  these  undulations  of 
water  is  very  great  Did  not  the  great 
ocean,  by  the  mobility  of  its  particles, 
yield  to  every  disturbance,  it  would  sooa 
be  rendered  putrid ;  but  these  disturbances 
present  the  organic  exuviae  which  the  sea 
containa  to  the  action  of  active  chemical 
agencies,  and  thus  putrescence  is  prevented. 
The  influences  at  work  on  the  ocean  are,  the 
attraction  of  the  sun  and  moon,  producing 
the  great  tidal  wavei  the  rotation  of  the 
earth  on  her  axis,  whieh  gives  rise  to  a 
constant  eaaterly  current;  the  action  of 
heat  commencing  those  great  ocean  cur- 
rents  which  flow  from  the  warmer  to  the 
colder  portions  of  the  earth  ;  and  the  winds, 
which,  in  their  calmest  movementa,  merely 
ripple  the  surface,  but  which,  in  their  noore 
violent  aetions,  stir  tlie  ocean  to  a  Tery  con- 
siderable depth  1" 

With  regard  to  this,  several  queatiooa 
present  themselves. 

1.-  What  has  all  this  to  do  with  acoustics  ? 

2.  What  have  the  tidal  wave  and  the 
ocean  currents  to  do  with  the  importance 
of  undulations  in  any  sense  T 

3.  How  can  the  rotation  of  the  earth  of 
itself  give  rise  to  "  a  constant  eatterfy  cor- 
rent?" 

4.  Does  not  tlie  action  of  heat  (by  pro- 
ducing evaporation)  give  rise  to  currents 
from  cold  to  warm,  rather  than  ftom  warm 
to  cold  climates  ? 

We  pass  to  the  next  chapter,  which  con- 
cerns Electricity  and  Magnetism.  Sven  hete 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


hunt's  "  ELEMKNTAKY  PHYSICS." 


467 


oar  AQthorliaB  not  been  able  to  aroid  his 
habit  of  making  tangible  blunders,  although 
so  little  is  known  of  the  nature  of  the 
agencies,  that  he  might  speculate  a  great 
deal  without  invading  known  principles  to 
any  great  extent  Mr.  Hunt  deems  it  of  para- 
mount importancci  that  the  public  should 
know  to  which  of  the  several  hypotheses  re- 
garding electricity  he  lends  his  sanction  and 
support  He  says,  Dr.  Faraday  **  is  rather 
disposed  to  regard  this  agency  as  '  a  mere 
power  of  matter,  like  what  we  conceive  of 
the  power  of  gravitatiop.*  It  is  not  easy 
to  make  this  view  clearly  intelligible  to 
such  as  have  not  been  accustomed  to  meta- 
physical studies."  This  from  Mr.  Hunt!  His 
solecisms  are  probably  due  to  the  intricacies 
of  his  metaphysical  studies.  Referring  to  the 
Franklinian  theory,  and  that  of  Fay  and 
Symmer,  he  continues:  '*  Either  of  the  pre- 
ceding hypotheses — of  two  electricities,  or 
of  one — may  be  adopted  in  connection  with 
the  views  of  this  philosopher  (Faraday) ;  it 
will,  however,  be  evident  to  all,  that  I  am  not 
disposed  to  entertain  this  view,  but  rather 
to  consider,  with  Franklin,  that  electri- 
city has  a  positive  entity ;  that  it  is  a  sub- 
tle body  condensed  on  the  surfaces,  and 
through  the  pores  of  all  bodies,  in  virtue  of 
some  of  the  forces  of  matter,  which  have 
been  already  considered."  We  think  that 
if  such  countenance  can  have  any  influence 
on  this  hypothesis,  it  will  be  a  damaging  one. 
We  shall  not  occupy  much  of  the  reader's 
attention  with  erroneous  notions  of  magne- 
tism ;  we  will  hdwever  quote  the  following 
laws,  ascribed  by  Mr.  Hunt  to  Hausteen, 
because  they  are  not  unamusing. 

"  1.  The  attractive  and  repulsive  force 
with  which  two  magnetic  particles  afiect 
each  other,  is  always  directly  as  their  inten- 
sities, and  inversely  as  the  squares  of  their 
mutual  distances. 

"  2.  The  absolute  intensity  of  any  mag- 
netic particle  situated  in  the  axis  is  propor- 
tional  to  the  square  of  its  distance  from  the 
middle  point  of  the  axis. 

"  3.  The  distance  from  the  middle  of  a 
magnet  being  the  same,  the  force  opposite 
the  poles,  or  in  the  direction  of  the  axis,  is 
double  of  the  force  in  the  magnetic  equator. 

'*  In  all  cases  the  south  pole  of  a  magnet 
will  be  found  to  be  weaker  than  the  north 
pole."  To  Mr.  Hunt,  and  to  him  alone, 
Delongs  this  code  of  magnetic  laws ;  he  has 
set  his  mark  upon  them ;  to  ascribe  them 
to  any  one  else  is  to  do  himself  injustice, 
and  to  outrage  the  person  he  ptetendsto 
honour.  Who  else  would  like  to  talk  of  the 
intensity  rf  a  particle  f  or  of  ti  force  opposite 
the  poles  of  a  magnet  t  &c.  A  gain  ;  that  the 
two  poles  of  a  magnet  are  not  equal  in 
power  is  contrary  to  Faraday's  views  of  the 
^ame  subject 


In  the  chapter- on  Heat,  Mr.  Hunt  is  as 
original  and  as  erroneous  as  elsewhere. 
What,  for  instance,  does  this  paragraph 
mean? 

"Heat  is  a  universal  force,  moving 'ac- 
cording to  laws  which  are  peculiarly  its 
own,  although  in  some  respects  they  ap- 
proach nearly  to  those  which  regulate  the 
motions  of  light  Calorific  radiations  are 
capable  of  being  reflected,  and  undergo 
polarization  under  the  same  circumstances 
as  do  the  luminous  rays.** 

Here,  be  it  observed,  the  polarisation  of 
light  has  not  yet  been  explained,  nor  any 
attempt  made  to  explain  it.  This  para- 
graph, like  the  rest,  has  its  internal  arrange- 
ments  on  a  par  with  that  of  the  paragraphs 
in  the  chapters,  and  the  chapters  in  the 
book.  Here  are  wonderful  definitions  of 
latent  and  sensible  heat: 

"We  speak  of  free  caloric,  and  mean 
thereby  the  circumstance  of  heat  being 
sensible^  as  when  diffusing  itself,  in  its  ten- 
dency towards  an  equilibrium,  through  all 
surrounding  bodies.  When  an  equilibrium 
is  restored,  and  all  neighbouring  bodies  are 
at  an  equal  temperature,  this  agency  is  said 
to  be  l<itentt  or  in  a  state  of  repose.  The 
doctrine  of  latent^  or  hidden  heat,  has  been 
disputed  by  those  philosophers  who  are 
disposed  to  regard  heat  as  a  mere  property 
of  matter,  its  sensible  effects  being  due  to 
motion.  When,  however,  we  consider  the 
evidence  which  experimental  science  afTords 
us  of  phenomena,  during  which  caloric 
appears  to  be  squeezed  out  of  solid  or 
gaseous  matter,  as  the  molecules  are  brought 
closer  together,  the  hypothesis  of  latent  heat 
receives  the  strongest  support.** 

We  are  first  told  that  free  heat  is  a  cir- 
cumstance,  and  then  that  latent  heat  is  the 
beat  resident  in  a  system  of  bodies  of 
equable  temperature.  We  need  make  no 
correction  in  this  place.  On  page  340  is 
detailed  a  false  method  of  graduating  a 
thermometer.  Page  847  we  have  a  re- 
markable evidence  of  obtuseness :  **  Place 
upon  a  hot  plate,  side  by  side,  two  vessels 
containing  equal  weights  of  water  and  mer- 
cury, at  a  uniform  temperature ;  if,  after  a 
period,  we  examine  the  temperature  of  each, 
we  shall  find  that  the  mercury  will  be  much 
hotter  than  the  water,  the  capacity  of  the 
one  for  caloric  being  greater  than  the  other." 
Such  an  internretation  to  such  an  expe- 
riment is  the  evidence  of  a  very  small  power 
of  discrimination  in  the  interpreter.  This 
experiment  would  prove  one  of  two  things, 
either  that  mercury  it  a  much  better  con- 
ductor of  heat  than  water,  or  that  the  mer* 
cury  has  a  less  capacity  for  heat  than  has 
water.  Which  of  these  is,  or  whether  both 
are,  the  cause  of  the  difference  of  tempera- 
ture, the  experiment  does  not  show. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


468 


hunt's  ''elementabt  physics." 


Page  350  we  read : 

"  Water  has  the  greatest  capacity  for 
heat  of  any  body,  and,  consequently,  it  is  a 
very  important  agent  in  equalising  the  tem- 
perature of  our  planet?" — Has  water  a 
greater  capacity  for  heat  than  steam  ? 

fhe  following  about  the  variation  of  the 
temperature  of  the  air  as  we  ascend  from 
the  earth's  surface,  next  requires  our  atten- 
tion.  It  is  in  contradiction  to  a  statement 
already  referred  to. 

"  As  the  air  increases  in  tenuity,  its  capa- 
city  for  heat  becomes  greater,  and  henoe 
the  extreme  degree  of  cold  experienced  in 
ascending  to  great  heights  in  the  atmo- 
sphere. Regulated  by  this,  we  have  a  cer- 
tain line  of  elevation,  above  which  the 
snow  never-  melts ;  this  is  called  the  snow 
line,  or  line  qf  perpehuU  snow.  *  * 

The  upper  limits  of  the  snow  line  cannot 
be  ascertained,  since  we  are  not  able  to 
ascend  to  such  a  height  as  to  be  beyond 
the  limits  of  aqueous  vapour.  Water  must, 
however,  cease  to  exist  in  the  atmosphere  at 
no  very  great  distance  from  the  earth,  as 
evaporation  must  be  depended  by  the  ab. 
sence  of  a  sufficient  amount  of  heat" 

This  mode  of  accounting  for  the  decrease 
of  temperature  in  the  higher  regions  of  our 
atmosphere  is  sufficiently  absurd  as  it  is 
commonly  presented  to  us,  but  it  is  here 
maJe  especially  so  by  the  manner  in  which 
the  author  puts  it  It  will  give  ui  very 
little  trouble  to  exhibit  its  incorrectness. 
It  is  quite  true  that  the  diminution  of  the 
density  of  a  quantity  of  air  or  other  elastic 
fluid  involves  an  increase  in  its  capacity  for 
heat;  but  an  increased  capacity  for  heat 
does  not  necessarily  imply  a  decrease  of 
temperature ;  with  a  given  density  and 
capacity  for  heat,  a  mass  of  atmosphere 
may  have  all  imaginable  temperatures. 
This  being  true,  as  it  undoubtedly  is,  Mr. 
Hunt's  argument  is  destroyed,  and  his 
"  hence  *'  in  the  foregoing  extract  is  alto- 
gether  out  of  place.  To  illustrate  this  fur- 
ther,  we  may  take  the  ordinary  equation 
connecting  the  pressure,  density,  and  tem- 
perature of  elastic  fluids ; 

where  p  =  the  pressure,  p  the  density,  0  the 
temperature  above  the  standard,  k  a  con- 
stant depending  on  the  nature  of  the  parti- 
cular gas,  and  a  the  increment  of  volume 
per  degree  of  temperature.  In  this  equation 
we  see  that  both  p  and  p  may  diminish 
without  any  variation  of  0,  or  with  any  kind 
of  increase  or  decrease  of  the  temperature ; 
though  with  a  given  pressure  and  density 
the  temperature  can  have  but  one  value. 
Thus  with  a  g^ven  series  of  pairs  of  values 
for  the  pressure  and  density  we  can  have 
but  one  series  of  values  for  the  temperature. 
And  in  the  case  of  the  atmosphere,  with  the 


actual  mode  in  which  the  pressure  and  den- 
sity vary,  the  actual  variation  of  temperature 
is  necessary,  and  may  be  deemed  accounted 
for  by  that  mode  of  variation.  But  to  say 
either  that  the  pressure  or  the  density  de- 
creases,  or  that  the  pressure  and  densi^ 
both  decrease,  is  not  at  all  to  account  for 
the  diminution  of  temperature,  as  these 
might  both  happen  with  a  constant  amount 
of  sensible  heat  in  a  given  weight  of  the 
gas.     If  we  transform  our  equation  thus, 

akp  a 

we  perceive  that  the  temperature  would  re- 
main constant  if  the  pressure  and  density 
increased  or  diminished  at  the  same  rate. 
And  in  order  that  0  may  grow  less,  the 
pressure  must  diminish  faster  than  the  den- 
sity. So  that  if  we  wish  to  account  in  this 
way  for  the  fact  that  the  temperature  eon- 
stautly  grows  less  and  less  as  we  ascend  on 
a  mountain  or  in  a  balloon,  we  must  explain 
why  the  pressure  and  density  have  their 
actual  mode  of  variation.  We  think  Mr. 
Hunt  would  find  this  a  difficult  Usk ;  in 
fact,  we  do  not  believe  it  possible  to  show 
this  independently  of  the  temperature.  The 
proper  way  to  set  to  work  to  solve  the 
problem,  seems  to  us  to  be  to  seek  out  a 
reason  for  the  depression  of  temperature  in- 
dependent both  of  the  density  and  pressure. 
A  few  hints  will  perhaps  suffice  to  convey 
to  the  reader  a  notion  of  the  method  which 
we  think  should  be  pursued.  Let  us  ima- 
gine  the  atmosphere  to  be  replaced  by  an 
incompressible  fluid  of  a  given  altitude, 
having  a  temperature  to  begin  with,  of  60* 
throughout  the  whole  mass,  and  suppose 
this  to  be  at  the  same  time  the  temperature 
of  the  earth's  crust  We  must  conceive  the 
incompressible  fluid  to  have  all  the  proper- 
ties of  air,  except  its  elasticity :  it  must 
transmit  heat,  and  treat  the  sun's  rays  ex- 
actly  in  the  same  way  as  the  air  does.  It  is 
tolerably  clear  the  outer  strata  of  this  en- 
velope would  part  very  rapidly  with  their 
heat  to  the  space  around,  until  the  tempera- 
ture of  the  upper  stratum  approximated  to 
that  of  that  space,  and  the  successive  tem- 
peratures of  the  lower  strata  were  so  gra- 
duated from  the  top  to  the  bottom,  that  the 
heat  given  off  from  any  particular  stratum 
to  the  next  superior  (in  consequence  of  its 
superiority  of  temperature),  were  equal  to 
that  parted  with  by  the  upper  stratum  to 
the  outside  spaces,  and  to  that  given  off  by 
the  earth  below  to  the  lowest  stratum  of  the 
fluid ;  and  until  this  constant  stream  were 
exactly  compensated  periodically  by  the  in- 
flux  of  solar  acid  other  heat  One  of  the 
uses  that  such  an  envelope  would  serve — a 
use  apparently  fulfilled  by  our  own  atmo- 
sphere— is  that  of  preventing  the  sur&ce  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


hunt's  **ele]Kertab7  physics.'' 


469 


the  earth  from  assuming  the  temperature  of 
surrounding  space.  The  only  reason  why 
the  ordinary  surface  of  the  earth  is  warmer 
than  the  tops  of  the  Alps  appears  to  be,  that 
one  has  a  thicker  garment  than  the  other. 
Thus  we  regard  the  graduation  of  the  atmo- 
spheric  temperature  as  determined  by  the 
temperature  of  the  earth  on  one  side,  and 
that  of  the  outer  spaces  on  the  other ;  and 
accordingly  the  density  must  he  determined 
by  the  pressure  and  temperature. 

From  what  has  been  said,  it  will  not  be 
difficult  to  see  how  the  gradual  increase  of 
temperature,  abo?e  pointed  out,  may  extend 
even  to  some  distance  below  the  surface  of 
the  earth.  The  fact  that  the  sensible  heat 
does  increase  below  the  surface,  has  led 
some  to  think  the  centre  of  the  earth  pos- 
sesses the  heat  of  an  intense  fire,  though 
there  is  not  much  ground  for  such  a  beliq^ 
A  propo*  to  this  Mr.  Hunt  says  (page  364), 
"  Every  extended  series  of  observations  ap- 
pears to  contradict  the  hypothesis  of  a  cen. 
tralfire,  and  to  prove  that  the  increase  of 
subterranean  temperature  is  due  to  the  ab- 
sorption of  calorific  matter  by  the  surface, 
and  the  gradual  conduction  of  it  by  the 
masses  of  the  rocks  to  a  considerable 
depth.*'  That  is,  rocks  have  the  peculiar 
property  of  conducting  heat  from  the  colder 
to  the  hotter  of  two  masses.  That  is  very 
philosophical,  certainly. 

On  page  866,  the  properties  belonging  to 
]).iraboioidal  mirrors  alone  are  ascribed  to 
all  concave  minors.  Here  is  an  absurd 
statement  from  page  368:  "In  practice, 
however,  radiation  is  usually  prevented  by 
clothing  the  pipes  thickly  with  felt,  or  some 
other  bad  conductor  of  heat"  This  felt  is 
used  to  prevent  the  escape  of  heat  by  con- 
duction, and  to  some  extent  facilitates  radia- 
tion. One  mote  specimen,  of  like  merit, 
from  this  chapter : 

**  Bodies  radiating  heat  quickly  become 
sooner  heated  when  exposed  to  calorific  ra- , 
diation,  than  those  bodies  which  radiate 
slowly.  Upon  this  fact  is  established 
Priest's  theory  qf  exchanges ;  or,  in  other 
words,  the  extension,  to  heat,  of  the  theory 
of  the  equilibrium  of  forces,  which  appears 
to  bold  true  for  every  condition  of  physical 
phenomena." 

The  next  and  last  chapter  is  on  "  Light 
and  Actinism."  On  its  third  page  begins  a 
description  of  the  eye,  which  hardly  contains 
a  single  true  statement  "  In  the  centre  of 
the  cornea."  says  the  author,  "  is  a  circular 
opening,  the  pupil,  and  within  it  is  the  crys- 
talline lens,  a  transparent  capsule  contain- 
ing the  vitreous  humour."  This  is  strsnge 
confusion.  The  pupil  is  made  an  opening 
in  the  cornea  where  there  is  no  opening; 
the  aqueous  humour,  which  in  fact  occupies 
the  space  between  the  cornea  and  the  crystal- 


line lens,  is  not  mentioned ;  and  the  vitreous 
humour,  whieh  ought  to  be  placed  in  the 
principal  chamber  of  the  eye,  is  crowded  into 
the  crystalline  lens  to  the  expulsion  of  the 
proper  tenant,  the  crystalline  humour. 

Mr.  Hunt  gives  us,  on  page  387,  a  core 
for  squinting.  "  The  cure  of  squinting  is 
to  be  efi*ected  by  constantly  directing  the 
eyes  in  such  a  manner  that  the  axes  shall 
coincide."  That  is,  the  afflicted  party  must 
leave  off  squinting,  and  squint  no  more ;  a 
sure  cure,  we  should  think,  if  practicable! 

The  following  seems  very  little  calculated 
to  convey  any  instruction  as  to  physical 
science;  it  will  serve  to  show,  however, 
Mr.  Hunt's  simplicity  in  relation  to  these 
matters : 

"  M.  Fiseau  has  determined  the  velocity 
of  artificial  light  by  a  very  ingenious  con- 
trivance. A  disc,  carrying  a  certain  num- 
ber of  teeth  upon  its  periphery,  wns  made 
to  revolve  at  a  known  rate  ;  placing  a  tube 
behind  these,  and  looking  at  the  open  spaces 
between  the  teeth,  they  become  less  evident 
to  sight  the  greater  the  velocity  of  the  mov- 
ing wheel,  until,  at  a  certain  speed,  the 
whole  edge  becomes  transparent  The  rate 
at  which  the  wheel  moves  being  known,  it  is 
easy  to  determine  the  time  occupied  while 
one  tooth  passes  to  take  the  place  of  the  one 
next  to  it.  A  ray  of  light  is  made  to  tra- 
verse many  miles  through  space,  and  then 
?ass  through  the  teeth  of  the  revolving  disc. 
t  moves  the  whole  distance  in  just  the  time 
occupied  in  the  movement  of  a  single  tooth 
to  the  place  of  another  at  a  certain  speed ; 
this  method  gives  a  very  close  approximation 
to  the  results  obtained  by  observation  on 
the  moons  of  Jupiter,  or  on  the  aberration 
of  light."  Then  follows  a  false  definition 
of  aberration : — "  By  aberration  is  meant 
the  difference  between  the  real  and  the  ap- 
parent places  of  the  stars." 

As  to  M.- Fiseau' s  experiment,  at  above 
deeeribedf  we  are  obliged  to  deny  its  effi- 
ciency altogether.  The  apparent  trans- 
parency of  the  edge  of  the  wheel  arises 
from  the  inability  of  the  eye  to  distinguish 
between  a  continuous  and  an  intermittent 
stream  of  light  when  the  broken  portions  of 
the  ray  follow  each  other  at  very  small  in- 
tervals of  time.  Now  these  intervals  of  time 
would  be  the  same  for  the  same  velocity  of 
the  wheel,  whatever  be  the  velocity  of  light, 
and  at  whatever  distance  from  the  wheel  the 
source  of  light  is  placed. 

On  the  next  page  we  have  the  old  error 
about  concave  mirrors  repeated ;  and  on  the 
following  page  the  law  of  refraction  mis- 
sUted. 

Asa  last  extrsct,  we  give  the  whole  of  the 
exposition  of  the  principle  of  achromatic 
lenses.  We  are  first  told  that  **  the  prism- 
atic dispersion  in  English  flint  glass  is  li 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


470 


THE  GftlMSAir  ^UBlUBUnC  TELTCIUPH. 


times  M  great  a<  in  crown  glass;"  snd  then 
Mr.  Hant  says,  "Sttoposing  one  of  the 
lenses  in  figure  204  to  oe  of  crovni  and  the 
other  of  flint  glass,  it  will  he  ohvious,  when 
two  such  glasses  are  comhined,  that  the  ravs 
refraoted  by  one  prismatic  medium  will  he 
restored  to  their  original  line  hy  the  other." 
In  the  figure  are  a  double-convez  and  a 
douh}e-concave  lens.  We  should  be  pleased 
to  know  anT  one  to  whom  such  a  state  of 
things '  would  "  he  obvious  '*  from  such  ^u 
explanation. 

n  e  hate  shown  our  readers  that  our  esti- 
mate  of  this  hook  has  good  foundation.  The 
extracts  we  have  made  are  sufiicient  to  prove 
the  work  a  thorough  failure.  We  repeat  that 
there  is  hardly  anything  in  the  volume  which 
is  not  either  unintelligible  or  false.  It  may 
be  Mr.  Hunt's  opinion,  as  it  is  the  opinion 
of  many  persons  we  have  heard  of  and  met 
with,  that  the  proper  method  of  popuUriaing 
seamiee  is,  so  to  disguise  its  principles  hy 
hard  words  of  any  and  all  kinds,  thst  their 
first  discoverers  would  not  recognise  them 
in  their  new  iorm.  Such  persons  either 
think  that  tlie  uneducated  con  comprehend 
them  simply  because  the  initiated  caimot,  or 
they  desire  to  obtain  amongst  the  ignorant 
that  reputation  ibr  grett  learning  which 
those  who  talk  "  high  nonsense  "  sometimes 
acquire.  In  the  first  ease  the  writer  de- 
ceives himself;  in  the  second  he  endeavours 
to  deceive  his  readers.  We  have  tried  to 
provide  for  either  state  of  Uiings. 

We  may  assure  those  who  desire  a  work 
of  a  popular  character,  to  assi«t  them  in  the 
acquirement  of  scientific  knowledge,  that 
useful  and  good  books  are  not  wholly  ab* 
sent  from  our  literature.  There  are  msny 
such,  amonff  which  we  may  mention  Pro- 
fessor Moseley's  **  Mechanics  applied  to  the 
Arts,"  Dr.  Lardner's  "  Hand  Book  of  Na- 
tural Philosophy  and  Astronomy ;"  and  to 
these  we  may  add  the  publications  of  the 
Messrs.  Chambers,  which,  though  perhaps  not 
without  faults,  are  in  very  many  respects  ex- 
cellent. The  perusal  of  Mr.  Hunt's  work« 
on  tlie  contrary,  cannot  but  prove  worse 
than  unprofi.table  to  eveiy  class  of  readers ; 
for  those  who  have  not  independent  means 
of  testing  his  statements  may  imbibe  his 
errors ;  and  those  who  possess  these  means 
will  not  be  rewarded  ict  their  trouble,  be- 
cause his  mistakes  constitute  his  eols 
originality. 

» ■■■ 
THE  CRIMEAN  SUBMARINE 
TELEGRAPH. 
To  the  Editor  qf  the  Mechanic^  Magazine, 

Sir,— There  appears  to  be  a  great  deal  of 
mystery  and  not  a  little  incongruity  in  the 
various  statements  that  have,  from  time  to 
time,  been  put  /orth  respecting  the  Crimean 


Submarine  Telegraph,  and  we  are  really 
left  very  much  in  the  dark  on  the  subject  of 
its  construction  and  efiGiciency. 

The  difficulties  experienced  by  those  who 
attempt  to  comprehend  the  matter  will  be 
seen  from  the  following  summary  of  what 
has  hitherto  appeared  in  print,  apparently 
authoritatively.  In  January  last  it  was  an- 
nounced in  the  papers,  with  a  great  flourish 
of  trumpets,  that  the  dispatch  with  which 
the  protected  wires  had  been  prepared  was 
something  quite  wonderful,  and  "  strikingly 
illustrative  of  the  energy  of  the  British  cha- 
racter,"  and  details  were  given  as  to  the  im. 
portant  personages  who  were  to  proceed  to 
the  Black  Sea  to  lay  it  down,  and  the  num- 
ber of  ewiployit  (60)  who  accompanied  it. 
It  was  likewise  slated  the  telegraph  cable 
was  400  miles  long,  and  that  "gangs  of 
labourers  were  employed  five  days  and  nights 
paying  away  the  cabU  before  the  last  of  it 
was  got  on  board  a  ship,"  called  in  honour 
of  its  freight  the  Black  Sea;  also,  that 
"  the  weight  of  the  400  miles  of  cable  is 
100  tons,  and  the  contract  is  stated  to  be 
20,000i." 

In  sore  perplexity  the  eommunem  vuigus 
wish  to  know  how  it  happens  that  this 
vaunted  cable,  a  work  of  such  vastness  that 
the  rapid  preparation  of  it  was  so  "  strik- 
ingly illustrative  of  the  energy  of  the  British 
character,"  said  to  be  400  miles  long  and 
of  100  tons  weight,  required  five  days  and 
nights  to  pay  it  away  on  board  a  ship ;  and 
if  It  were  400  miles  long,  how  much  it  would 
have  cost  per  mile,  siter  making  fair  deduc- 
tions from  the  contrsct  price  of  20,000A  for 
the  cost  of  conveyance,  the  delays,  the 
trans-shipments,  and  the  maintenance  of 
the  sixty  employes  for  a  period  three  or 
four  times  as  long  as  had  been  anticipated  ? 
The  specimen  of  the  so-called  cable  dis- 
played in  the  shop  window  of  Messrs. 
Newall,  in  the  Strand,  would  cost  for  galva- 
nized iron  alone  little  short  of  402.  per  mile 
(being  about  a  ton  and  a  half  to  the  mile  at 
25L  per  ton) ;  and  the  copper  wire  enclosed 
and  coated  with  gutta  percha  (being  No.  1) 
would  cost  20/.  per  mile,  msking  in  all  about 
60/.  per  mile,  without  accounting  for  cost  of 
manufacture.  Besides,  if  this  cable*  as 
displayed  by  Messrs.  Newall,  is  upwards  of 
a  ton  and  a  half  to  the  mile,  how  can  its 
weight  be,  as  stated,  but  100  tons  for  the 
whole  400  miles?  Intelligence  from  the 
Crimea,  and  elsewhere,  states  that  it  is  only 
a  small  portion,  some  fifteen  miles  or  so,  at 
either  end,  that  is  protected  with  the  iron 
wires  outside,  according  to  the  pattern  ex- 
hibited by  Messrs.  Newall,  and  that  all  the 
rest  is  merely  the  gutta  percha  coated  wire — 
a  thing  in  itself  about  a  third,  or  one-half  of 
the  strength  of  the  first  experimental  wire 
employed  between  Dover  and  Calais ! 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OK  TBS  EXPAH8IT1  VSB  OF  STUM. 


471 


It  M«mt  a]ao  a  matter  of  doubt  whother  thia 
wire  exiata  in  continuitr,  or  if  it  haa  maia- 
tainad  ita  continuity  aa  long  aa  its  Dovar  and 
Calaia  predaoeaaor;  for  Mr.  Roebuck  and 
othera  aeam  to  hare  had  great  difficult/  in 
getting  repliea  from  the  Qoremment.  wbo 
teem  ipuch  perplexed  whan  qoeationed,  and 
cTidantly  know  bat  little  about  tbeae  things, 
and  the  leoreta  aometimea  oonneoted  with 
them.  It  ia  quite  eTident  to  those  wbo  are 
versant  in  these  matters,  that  the  great  ac- 
celeration which  haa  recently  taken  place  in 
the  tranamisaion  of  our  telegraphic  newa 
fnta  the  Crimea  is  in  consequence  of  the 
land  line  from  Bucharest  to  Varna  having 
been  oompleted ;  and  from  the  datea  of  the 
dispatohea  received,  it  ia  quite  clear  that 
ample  time  elapses  for  them  to  be  sent  from 
Balaklara  to  Varna,  a  diatanoe  of  only  26U 
or  270  miles,  by  steam.  For  instance,  the 
first  dispatoh  that  Lord  Pan  mure  vouch, 
safed  to  give  forth  waa  aa  ibllowa:  "War 
Department,  May  4th,  aeven  p.m.-*- Varna, 
May  8rd.  A  sharp  engagement  took  place 
befbre  Sebaatopol  on  the  night  of  the  1st  of 
May ;"  showing  that  thia  important  tit*bit 
may  have  taken  steamer'a  time  (in  place  of 
a  few  seconds)  on  its  way  to  Varna,  being 
thence  telegraphed  through  the  various 
continenUl  ay  stems  hither.  Since  then, 
with  a  few  exceptions,  these  dispatches  seem 
to  have  eeaaed  altogether.  No  news  used 
to  be  good  newa ;  but  with  auppoaed  means 
of  speedy  tranamission  the  old  saw  becomes 
obsolete. 

People  fancy,  when  they  see  the  apacimen 
of  thia  cable  in  the  shop-window,  that  they 
have  got  a  real  telegraph  to  the  seat  of  war. 
Let  us,  if  we  can,  hope  that  they,  aa  well  aa 
the  Government,  are  not  deceived,  and  have 
not  paid  20,0001.  for  an  almost  useless  arti* 
cle,  that  is  put  out  of  sight  at  the  bottom  of 
the  sea.  If  the  Government  are  themselves 
helpless  and  ignorant  in  these  matters,  why 
do  they  not  entrust  the  auperintendence  of 
them  to  Faraday  or  Wheatatone,  and  not 
run  the  risk  of  befooling  the  public  and 
squandering  the  taxes  of  the  countiy  in  in- 
excusable bungling  f 

I  am.  Sir,  youra,  &c.. 

One  or  the  Public. 

May  14, 18fS. 


ON  TftE  EXPANSIVE  USE  OF 
STEAM. 
To  th9  Editor  rfthe  Meduuuct^  Magazine, 
Sir, — I  have  just  learned  that  Mr.  Deur- 
ance,  so  favourably  referred  to  in  Mr.  Wil- 
liams's volume,  as  understanding  and  ap- 
plying the  correct  principles  of  combustion 
to  the  locomotive  boiler,  was  among  the  first 
to- intelligently  recognise  and  adopt,  aa  far 
aa  ttie  construction  of  his  enginea  would 


permit,  the  economy  of  the  expansive  use 
of  steam,  aa  developed  in  Mr.  Craddock's 
lectorea  twelve  yeara  since,  and  that  it  is  in 
a  great  meaaure  to  bia  example  and  hia 
exertiona  that  we  may  attribute  the  gradual 
increaae  in  the  steam  preasure  of  locomo- 
tives, from  60  Iba.  then  in  uae  to  the  120  lbs. 
set  forth  in  the  exhibited  works  of  Messrs. 
Brunei,  Crampton,  and  othera,  in  1851.. 
Mr.  Williama  haa  therefore  at  band  an 
authority  in  whom  he  reposes  confidence, 
to  assist  in  clearing  away  an  error  which 
defaces  his  work,  so  soon  aa  his  health  and 
time  will  permit  him  to  redeem  that  pro- 
mise. The  importance  of  settling  thia  quea- 
tion  in  an  authoritative  work  on  combustion, 
and  with  the  least  possible  loss  of  time,  will 
be  forcibly  impressed  by  the  following  ex- 
tract from  a  late  publication  of  the  inventor. 
After  pointing  out  the  totol  extinction  of 
danger  from  explosions,  the  author  pro- 
ceeds :  "  My  boiler  of  500  horse  power  occu- 
pies but  one  quarter  the  apace,  and  is  little 
above  one  quarter  the  weight  of  the  present 
boiler.  The  steam  can  be  got  up  in  it  to 
200  lbs.  in  one*tenth  the  time  it  can  be  got 
up  to  20  lbs.  in  the  common  boiler.  The 
500  horse  power  can  be  got  with  the  ateam 
at  60  Iba.,  and  the  remaining  150  lbs.  kept 
in  reaerve  to  pursue  or  get  away  from  the 
enemy  or  for  any  purpose  required.  If  the 
deaire  be  serious  that  is  prevalent  for  the 
meana  of  obtaining  great  power  with  shal- 
low draught  of  wator  and  small  consump- 
tion of  coala,  then  here  are  such  means. 
And  the  above  ia  not  an.  overdrawn  repre- 
sentation. I  have  little  doubt  but  Uiat, 
which,  for  a  less  offensive  name,  I  will  eall 
the  modern  English  philosophy,  will,  aa  it 
haa  dona  by  aecret  inainuation  represent  me 
and  my  inventioua  as  twaddle.  I  warn  the 
English  people,  that  Uiey  will  find  it  '  se- 
rious twaddle '  in  the  hands  of  the  Ruiaiana." 
There  ia  now  a  great  movement  of  alleged 
public  spirit ;  the  "  democracy," aa  it  ought  to 
be  called  consistently  with  that  absurd  phraae 
so  prevailing  of  the  "  aristocracy  "  as  a  cUuSf 
are  going  to  mend  our  waya  and  set  the 
right  men  in  the  right  placea,  so  that  we 
may  hope  to  aee  the  right  engines  placed 
rightly  also.  But  meantime  any  Londoner, 
influenced  by  that  vulgar  quality  called  in- 
quisitiveoess  or  curiosity,  may  see  at  the 
Ranelagh  WoodWorka,  Pimlico,  machinery, 
which  with  an  ordinary  engine  required  18 
tone  of  coal  per  week,  driven  by  the  com- 
bustion of  the  mere  refuse  shavinga  and 
aaw  duat  of  the  manufactory.  Such  it  the 
economy  rf  unag  steam  expansineUf  as-re^ 
commended  hy  Mr,  Fairbedm,  As  the  very 
beat  meana  of  clearing  up  the  confuaed  mis- 
apprehension in  Mr.  Williams's  otherwise 
lueid  work,  I  earnestly  recommended  ha 
should  take  the  meaoa  I  always  take  ior  ua- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


472 


SPECmCATIOMB  OF  PATBMTS  RECENTLY  FILED. 


dentanding  anything,  and  go  and  tee  what 
was  so  incorrectly  described.  But  we  are 
at  a  great  epoch ;  old  things  are  to  be  done 
away  and  all  things  made  new,  and  we  may 
trust  soon  to  hear  Mr.  Fnirbairn  lecturing 
on  a  report  of  the  actual  adaptation  of 
expansive  economy  in  our  steam  navy. 
Meanwhile,  as  a  puzzle  to  our  reformers,  we 
perceive  (according  to  the  jargon)  an  **  aris- 
tocrat" in  Lord  Dundonald,  and  a  "  demo- 
crat" in  Mr.  Craddock,  receiving  an  equal 
share  of  government  patronage. 
I  am,  yours,  &c., 

David  Mushet. 

May  14,  1855. 

P.S.  In  my  last  letter,  3)  26«.  was  erro- 
neously printed  for  3f  times. 


SPECIFICATIONS    OF    PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

RicKHtJSs,  John,  of  Worcester,  china 
potter,  and  Charles  Toft,  of  St.  John, 
Bed  war  dine,  Worcester,  modeller,  /m- 
provements  in  the  mamifacture  rf  potion, 
porcelain,  china,  and  earthenware.  Patent 
dated  October  25,  18.54.    (No  2268.) 

This  invention  consists  in  manufacturing 
articles  of  the  materials  named  in  the  title, 
and  in  ornamenting  them,  "by  indenting  or 
incising  the  pattern  of  the  intended  orna- 
ment or  decoration  in  the  moist  parian  or 
clsy,  and  then  introducing  the  colouring 
matter  into  such  indentations  or  incisures, 
and  bringing  the  whole  to  a  smooth  surface 
by  turning,  scraping,  shaving,  or  rubbing, 
before  baking  or  burning  the  article." 

Henderson,  William,  of  Cannon-street, 
London,  manufacturing  chemist  Improve^ 
menu  in  treating  certain  ore$  and  alloy »,  and 
in  obtaining  products  therefrom.  Patent 
dated  October  25,  1854.     (No.  2270.) 

Claims, — 1.  The  separation  of  the  pre- 
cious metals,  such  as  gold,  silver,  and  pla^ 
tinum,  when  one  or  more  of  them  occur  in 
the  ores,  reguluses,  or  alloys  of  other  me- 
tals, by  converting  the  associated  metals 
into  oxides  by  the  several  metliods  des- 
cribed, if  such  metals  do  not  already  exist 
in  that  state,  and  afterwards,  by  fusion  with 
silica  or  matters  containing  silica,  convert- 
ing  these  metals  into  silicates,  whilst  the 
precious  metals,  being  reduced  by  heat 
alone,  are  separated  from  the  scoria  or  slag 
in  a  nearly  pure  state.  2.  The  preparation 
of  the  ores  of  tine  and  other  volatile  metals, 
when  they  contain  an  excess  or  deficiency 
of  sulphur,  as  described.  3.  The  use  of  a 
mixture  of  chlorides  and  nitrates  of  alkali, 
or  other  oxidizing  agents,  for  the  purpose  of 
decomposing  ores  in  the  process  of  ealcina- 
tion.  4.  Certain  means  described  for  sepa- 
rating and  obtaining  arsenic,  antimony,  tin, 
and  several  other  metals,  or  the  oxides  or 


salts  of  arsenic,  antimony,  tin,  and  several 
other  metals  from  zinc,  copper,  lead,  silver, 
gold,  and  other  metals  whose  chlorides  are 
not  volatile  at  a  low  red  heat.  5.  The 
manufacture  of  chloride,  oxide,  or  carbonate 
of  zinc  in  the  manner  described. 

Roberts,  Richard,  of  Manchester,  en- 
gineer. Improvements  in  macksnery  for  ptrt- 
paring  and  spinning  cotton  and  other  Jibrons 
substances.  Patent  dated  October  25,  1854. 
(No.  2272.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  means  for 
varying  the  angle  of  feeding  apparatus  in 
combing  machines,  so  that  the  plane  of 
the  feed  shall  be  kept  in  line  with  the  pall 
whilst  the  tuft  of  fibre  is  being  detached. 
2.  In  means  for  adapting  the  taking  eomb, 
brush,  or  nipper  to  recede  from  the  feeding 
apparatus  whilst  taking  fibre,  and  to  ad- 
vance when  disengaging  it.  3.  In  adapting 
the  traversing  apparatus  of  balling  ma- 
chines  for  producing  a  more  cylindrical  lap 
than  heretofore.  4.  In  applying  a  rail  or 
spring  to  a  self-acting  mule,  in  such  man- 
ner, Uiat  by  its  action  on  the  winding.^m 
drum,  supplementary  motion  may  be  given 
to  the  spindles,  and  snarls  in  the  yam  pre- 
vented. 

Smith,  William  Thomas,  of  New 
Hampsteskd-road,  Kentish-town,  Middlesex, 
surveyor,  and  George  Hill,  of  the  City- 
road,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  wtackmery 
or  apparatus  for  winnowing,  washing,  sifting, 
or  separating  corn,  gravel,  minerals,  and  other 
materials.  Patent  dated  October  2S,  1854. 
(No.  2273.) 

On  a  strong  frame  or  framing,  having  one 
or  more  sides  than  the  number  of  screens 
required,  the  same  number  of  standards  are 
erected,  between  which  the  several  months 
of  the  screens  work.  Attached  to  these 
standards,  which  are  grooved  on  the  onter 
side,  are  an  equal  number  of  division  boards 
to  keep  the  material  operated  upon  separate 
as  it  comes  from  the  mouth  of  the  screens, 
whose  gyrations  are  made  to  be  from  right 
to  left,  or  vice  versd,  their  horizontal  motion 
not  being  fully  circular,  but  so  far  as  the 
side  appropriated  to  the  exit  of  the  screened 
material  will  allow.  This  exit  is  made  either 
at  once  from  the  mouth  of  the  screens,  or 
from  a  fixed  shoot  into  a  truck  or  cHJier 
receiver,  as  desired.  An  upright  perforated 
metal  tube,  serving  to  wash  the  material  by 
means  of  jets  of  water  issuing  firom  the  per- 
forations into  the  screens,  has  its  lower  end 
stopped  and  formed  as  a  pivot  working  on 
a  capped  step  or  bearing.  Oit  this  tube 
are  fixed  a  suitable  number  of  screen  frames 
(provided  with  the  shoots  before  referred  to), 
which  are  fitted  with  movable  screens,  so  as 
to  elevate  or  depress  the  side  furthest  from 
the  shoot  aiB  the  quality  or  size  of  the  ma- 
terial may  differ,  or  as  a  greater  or  lesa 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS  RECENTLY    FILED. 


473 


auantity  of  any  one  size  may  require.  On 
le  upper  end  of  the  upright  tube  above 
the  collar  in  wMch  it  works  is  a  stuffing, 
box  with  a  service  pipe  attached  to  supply 
air,  water,  or  other  matter  between  the 
screens. 

HuQHES,  Richard  Hugh,  of  Hatton- 
garden.  Improvements  in  transmitting  mo- 
tive power.  Patent  dated  October  25,  1S54. 
(No.  2274.)  , 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  a  shaft  or 
axis  which  receives  motion  from  a  steam 
engine  or  other  power  has  on  it  one  or  more 
cog-wheels  which  are  not  fixed  but  are  ca- 
pable of  moving  thereon.  Each  of  these 
wheels  is  connected  with  the  shall  or  axis 
by  means  of  one  or  more  coiled  springs. 
One  end  of  each  spring  is  fixed  to  the  shaft 
or  axis,  and  the  other  end  is  fixed  to  the 
outer  part  of  the  wheel.  These  cog-wheels 
give  motion  to  another  shaft  by  taking  into 
pinions  upon  it.  The  springs  are  wound  up 
by  levers  acting  on  ratchets  on  the  first 
i^haft 

Mather,  Colin,  of  Salford  Ironworks, 
Manchester.  Improvements  in  machinery  for 
boring  in  the  earth,  and  for  actuating  a  ham- 
mer/or driving  tubes  into  the  earth,  and  other 
uses.  Patent  dated  October  25,  1854.  (No. 
2275.) 

This  invention  consists  of  certain  modifi- 
cations of  a  former  patent,  in  which  cutting 
tools,  a  hammer,  &c.,  are  actuated  by  steam. 

Laubert,  Francois,  chemist,  of  Rue 
d*Enfer,  Paris.  Improvements  in  compounds 
to  be  used  cu  cosmetics.  Patent  dated  Octo- 
ber 25,  1854.     (No.  2276.) 

This  invention  "  consists  in  introducing, 
in  the  preparation  of  cosmetics,  chemical 
substances  capable  of  reacting  one  on  the 
other,  so  as  to  develop  a  dynamic  electri- 
city which  strengthens  the  hair,  the  beard, 
and  the  other  parts  of  the  human  body  upon 
which  the  stimulating  action  of  the  electri- 
city  may  render  the  employment  of  these 
compositions  suitable." 

Helin,  Louis  Vital,  of  Rue  des  Douze 
ApMres,  Brussels,  Belgium,  chemist.  Im- 
provements in  the  manttfacture  of  paper  from 
straw.  Patent  dated  October  25,  1854. 
(No.  2278.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  the  straw 
is  steeped  in  water,  then  washed,  then  rolled, 
or  acted  upon  by  millstones,  and  then  dried. 
It  is  afterwards  steeped  in  alkaline  solutions 
of  soda  or  potash,  exposed  to  air,  and  then 
subjected  to  one  or  more  of  the  following 
baths  : — First,  of  carbonate  of  soda  or  of 
potash  8  lbs.,  and  water  20  gallons.  Second, 
bicaz1)onate  of  soda  or  of  potash  6  lbs.,  and 
water  20  gallons.  7%tr(/,  caustic  potash  or 
soda,  4  lbs.,  and  water  20  gallons.  Fourth, 
hypochloride  of  potash  or  of  soda  10  lbs., 
and  water  20  gallons.     Ftfth,  hypochloride 


of  lime  or  bleaching  powder  1^  lbs.,  water 
20  gallons,  to  which  may  be  added  in  addi- 
tion, if  necessary,  l^  lbs.  of  bleaching 
powder. 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
ments in  circular  looms.  (A  communication.) 
Patent  dated  October  25,  1854.  (No.  2279.) 

The  inventor  claims  the  application  and 
ase  in  circular  looms  of  flexible  spindles  in 
place  of  spring  needles;  the  construction  * 
and  arrangement  of  certain  vertical  hooked 
blades  and  their  application  in  conjunction 
with  slotted  inflexible  spindles ;  the  mode 
of  actuating  the  hooked  blades  by  means  of 
eccentric  inclines;  and  certain  peculiar 
constructions  and  arrangements  of  thread 
feeders  or  supplyers. 

Craio,  William  Grindley,  of  Gorton, 
near  Manchester,  Lancaster,  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  the  mode  or  method  qf  consuming 
smoke,  and  in  the  machinery  or  apparatus  em- 
ployed therein.  Patent  dated  October  26, 
1854.    (No.  2280.) 

This  invention  consists  in  **  the  arrange- 
ment of  one  or  more  furnaces  or  fire  places 
projecting  from,  or  formed  in,  upper  or 
lower  shelves,  or  in  one  continuous  line 
within  the  fire  box,  in  conjunction  with  a 
series  of  water  spaces,  blocks,  or  bridges, 
fonning  obstructions  and  chambers  or  pas- 
sages for  smoke  or  flame,  causing  them  to 
pass  through,  under,  or  over  the  coked  or 
carbonized  fire  in  advanoe  of  or  below  the 
coal  or  green  fire  or  fires,  with  a  revolving 
bar  or  grate  and  a  door  or  doors  to  the 
water  spaces  by  which,  with  the  admission 
of  oxygen,  or  atmospheric  air  at  the  timo 
the  fire  or  furnace  is  fed  with  fresh  fuel,  the 
smoke  is  consumed." 

Healey,  John,  engineer,  and  John 
Foster  and  John  Lowe,  spindle-makers, 
all  of  Bolton-le-Moors,  Lancaster.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  to  be  used  for  draw- 
ing, moulding,  forming,  and  forging  articles 
in  metal.  Patent  dated  October  26,  1854. 
(No.  2282.) 

In  working  with  this  improved  machinery 
the  material  to  be  operated  upon  is  entere(f 
between  the  rolls  on  the  ^me  side  as  that 
on  which  it  is  delivered.  The  rolls  em- 
ployed  have  flat  or  sunk  places  upon  them, 
which  are  arranged  so  as  to  come  opposite 
each  other  every  revolution,  leaving,  for  a 
moment,  a  space  between  them  through 
which  the  metal  is  entered ;  and  if  this  is 
done  while  they  are  revolving,  the  speed  is 
regulated  to  give  the  necessary  time.  Two 
hammers  mounted  in  arms  on  revolving 
shafts  are  also  employed. 

EccLEs,  Joseph,  of  Blackburn,  Lancas- 
ter, cotton-spinner.  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery for  the  mant^faeture  of  bricks.  Patent 
dated  October  26,  1854.    (No.  2283.) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


474 


BPE0IPICATI0K8  OF  PATENTS  BBCSNTI.T  FILED. 


Claim, — ^Th«  arrangement  and  mode  of 
constrDCting  mould  boies  for  the  manufac- 
ture of  bricks  with  hollows  in  them,  when 
used  in  machines  which  form  or  mould  sneh 
bricks  from  dry  or  untempered  clay  or  ma- 
terials by  compression. 

Olivier,  Charlbs  Hbhrt,  of  Finsbnry- 
square,  London,  eommission-mercfaant  An 
improved  apparaius  for  drying.  (A  eommu' 
nication.)  Patent  dated  October  26,  1854. 
(No.  2284,) 

The  inventor  describes  an  arrangement 
of  apparatus  for  drying  materials  in  closed 
dark  chambers  by  means  of  steam. 

FONTAINEMOHEAU,  PBTER  LecOIITB  BE, 

of  South-street,  London.  Improvements  in 
bteaching,  dyeings  and  preparing  hemp  and 
fiax  to  he  spun,  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  October  26,  1864.    (No.  2286.) 

Claims, — 1.  The  submitting  of  peeled 
hemp  to  fermentation  by  meaiift  of  hot  water 
for  softening  and  separating  the  fibres,  as 
described.  2.  A  certain  contrivance  for, 
and  mode  of  bleaching  and  dyeing  flax  and 
hemp.  8.  Preparing  hemp  and  flax  to  be 
spun,  after  they  have  been  bleached  or 
dyed,  by  submitting  them  to  beating,  and 
to  an  operation  analogous  to  the  processes 
employed  for  peeling  flax. 

Orippiths,  James,  of  "Wolverhampton, 
Stafford,  engineer.  Improvements  in  the 
mode  or  process  of  mamrfactnring  certain 
kinds  (f  iron,  and  in  the  machinery  or  appa- 
ratus used  tn  such  man^acture,  parts  <f 
which  improvements  are  atso  applicable  to  ma- 
chinery used  in  the  manufacture  of  other  de- 
scriptions of  iron.  Patent  dated  October  26, 
1854.     (No.  2287.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  an  im. 
proved  method  or  process  of  manufacturing 
iron  of  small  sizes,  by  forming  strands  of 
twice  the  width  of  the  proposed  bars,  and 
dividing  such  strands  lengthwise  by  cutting 
apparatus  of  a  novel  construction ;  aho,  by 
shortening  the  process  of  preparing  the  bil- 
lets for  making  such  iron  by  the  use  of  similar 
cutting  apparatus  to  produce  such  billets,  by 
dividing  puddle  bars  or  piled  bars  longitu- 
dinally for  that  pur]iOse.  2.  In  certain  addi- 
tions to,  or  improvements  in  the  ordinary 
rolling  machinery  constituting  the  cutting 
apparatus  employed  to  divide  the  strand  or 
bar  before  mentioned.  3.  In  an  improved 
combination  of  mechanical  parts  for  regu- 
lating, varying,  and  adjusting  the  distance 
between  the  finishing  rolls,  which  mecha- 
nism  is  also  applicable  to  other  rolls  which 
require  frequent  adjustment. 

Bellford,  Auouste  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-street,  London.  An  im- 
proved mode  of  operating  trip  hammers.  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  October  27, 
1854.     (No.  2289.)  * 

This  invention  consists  in  attaching  to 


the  stem  or  -rod  of  the  hammer  a  piston 
working  in  a  cylinder  which  is  open  at  tlw 
top  and  closed  at  the  bottom,  and  is  pro- 
vided with  valves  or  their  equivalents  by 
which  the  air  can  be  excluded,  or  admitted 
under  the  piston,  for  the  purpose  either  of 
adding  the  whole,  or  such  part  of  tlie 
pressure  of  the  atmosphere  ai  may  bo  de- 
sirable, or  of  ereating  resistance  to  the 
weight  of  the  hammer  in  giving  the  h\ow. 

Price,  Astlbt  Paston,  of  Margate, 
Kent,  chemist.  Improvements  ht  the  cahina,- 
turn  and  oxidation  qf  certain  metalUe,  minerai, 
and  metaUm^ical  compounds,  and  in  Me  app«- 
ratus  and  means  for  effecting  tie  same.  Patent 
dated  October  27,  1%54.    (No.  2291.) 

Claim. — **  The  employment  of  revolving 
tubes  or  retorts,  heated  externally,  and  so 
arranged  as  to  admit  into  their  interior  air 
or  steam  highly  heated,  or  otherwise  free 
from  the  products  irising  from  the  com- 
bustion of  the  fuel  employed  in  the  heating 
of  such  revolving  retorts  or  tabet,  or  of 
their  contents,  and  to  allow  of  the  exit  of  the 
products  of  the  oxidation  or  calcination." 

AsHTOiv,  William,  of  Preston,  Laneas- 
ter,  engineer.  .Improvements  in  safety  br 
escape-valves.  Patent  dated  Oetober  27, 
1854.    (No.  2292.) 

This  invention  consists,  according  to  one 
modification,  in  the  employment  of  a  hollow 
piston  or  tube  sliding  vertically  in  a  closed 
outside  casing  fitted  on  to  the  top  of  the 
boiler  or  other  vessel.  Only  one  valve  seat 
is  used,  the  valve  being  formed  either  by  an 
enlargement  on  the  upper  portion  of  the 
tube,  the  shoulder  of  which  enlargement 
rests  upon  the  valve  seat  when  closed,  or  the 
tube  may  be  of  the  same  diameter  through- 
out, its  lower  end  resting,  when  dosed,  on 
the  valve  seat.  The  steam  enters  the  in- 
terior of  the  tube  (which  is  closed  at  one  or 
both  ends)  by  a  lateral  opening,  and  escapes 
by  a  similar  opening  at  the  upper  end,  or  by 
the  opening  lefl  between  the  lower  end  of 
the  tube  and  the  valve  seat  when  the  valve 
is  raised. 

Wilkinson,  William  Boutlakd,  of 
Newcastle-on-Tyne,  plasterer  and  manufiie- 
turer  of  artificial  stones.  Improvements  in  the 
construction  qf fire-proof  dwellings,  warehouses, 
and  other  buildings^  or  parts  if  the  same. 
Patent  dated  October  27,  1864.  (No. 
2293.) 

The  inventor  describes  certain  methods  of 
constructing  cellular  partitions,  floors,  &c., 
that  are  intended  to  be  impervious  to  fire. 

, Morgan,  Jabez,  of  Kidderminster,  Wor- 
cester, engineer.  Improvements  in  machinery 
or  apparatus  for  cutting  metals.  Patent  dated 
October  28,  1854.     fNo.  2295.) 

Claims. — 1.  A  mode  of  actuating  the  cut- 
ting blades  of  shearing-machines  oy  means 
of  an  eccentric,  or  eccentrics  working  fn  an 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOVISIONAI.  SPECinCATlQirS  MOT  PROCEEDED  WITH. 


475 


opening,  recess,  or  chamber,  formed  either 
in  the  blade  itself  or  in  a  frame  cast  on  or 
otherwise  connected  to  the  blade.  2.  A  cer- 
tain mode  of  adjusting  the  cutting  edges  of 
plate-shearing  machines.  3.  The  applica- 
tion and  use  of  a  moveable  table  in  plate- 
•hearing  machines  for  supporting  the  severed 
portion  of  the  plate.  4.  The  application  and 
use  of  an  adjustable  gauge-bar  or  guide  for 
guiding  the  plate  daring  its  tnverae  through 
tile  machine.  '5.  The  application  and  use  of 
plate-she^tfing  machines  with  the  pides  of 
the  standard  out  away  or  recessed  to  receive 
the  plate  and  allow  it  to  pass  through  the 
macnine. 

Lindner,  Edward,  of  New  York,  Uni- 
ted States  of  America.  Improvementt  in  re- 
volving-breech /ire-amu  and  magazine.  Pa- 
tent dated  October  28,  1954.    (No.  2297.) 

This  invention  consists  in  providing  below 
the  gun-barrel  an  extra  charge-barrel,  which 
contains  from  thirty  to  fifty  cartridges.  Be- 
tween the  gun  and  charge-barrel  is  a  rack 
in  connection  with  a  piston  or  slide  which 
acts  upon  the  cartridges,  and  which  is  itself 
in  connection  with  the  gun-lock  in  such 
manner  that  each  time  the  g^n  is  fired  off 
one  of  the  cartridges  is  forced  into  a  revolv- 
ing breech-piece,  by  which  means  the  whole 
of  the  cartridges  contained  in  the  charge- 
barrel  can  be  rapidly  fired  ofi:  The  revolv- 
ing breech-piece  is  turned  round  each  time 
the  gun  is  cocked,  one-sixth  part,  by  a  me- 
chanism applied  to  the  inside  of  it  The 
percussion- caps  are  brought  opposite  the 
nipple  by  an  arrangement  of  springs,  and 
are  put  on  by  the  hammer  itself  at  the  mo- 
ment the  gun  is  fired  off,  the  old  caps  being 
thrown  off  from  the  nipple  when  the  gun  is 
cocked.  The  needle-lock  is  so  arranged 
that  the  needle,  after  having  entered  the 
cartridge  sufficiently  far  to  ignite  the  prim- 
ing, springs  suddenly  back,  by  which  ar- 
rangement any  heating  of  the  needle  is 
prevented,  and  the  application  of  a  revolving 
breech-piece  is  peripitted. 

PROVISIONAL   SPECIFICATIONS    NOT   PRO- 
CEEDED WITH. 

Stocker,  Alexander  Southwood,  of 
the  Poultry,  Cheapside,  London,  mai)ufac- 
turer.  Certain  improvements  in  the  mani{fac* 
ture  rf"  tubes  applicable  to  gas  and  other  pur^ 
poses,  also  m  tlie  eonstruetion  of  certain 
engineering  machinery  and  apparatnSy  and  the 
application  of  the  whole  or  part  of  the  same  to, 
and  other  meams  to  be  used  or  empUyed  m,  the 
manjrfacture  of  tubes,  also  in  the  mode  of  ma- 
nufacturing  and  the  application  of  certain 
arUcUs  connected  with  or  necessary  to  the 
completiott  of  such  or  other  tubes.  Applica- 
tion dated  October  25,  1854.    (No.  2271.) 

This  invention  oonsists  in  mannfaotaring 
tabes  of  mch  diameter  that  fhey  shall  iki 


one  within  the  other  telescopically,  and 
when  two  or  more  are  placed  one  within 
another  submitting  them  to  a  bath  of  solder- 
tog  or  other  material  by  which  all  the  inter- 
stices will  be  filled  up,  and  the  whole,  when 
taken  from  the  bath  and  allowed  to  cool,  be- 
come a  solid  tube. 

Pechenard,  Edouard,  contractor,  of 
Montherm^  Canton,  French  Empire.  CSer- 
taim  improifements  in  rorfs  or  cofterings  for 
bttUdings.  Application  dated  October  2^, 
1854.    (No.  2277.) 

The  inventor's  roo£i  os  coverings  cjre 
formed  of  slate  or  other  suitable  covering 
medium,  and  of  wrought  or  east-iron  beams, 
and  transverse  rafters  or  supports,  which 
drop  into  steps  or  grooves  cut  in  the  sides 
of  the  beams.  The  slates  are  held  in  posi- 
tion by  a  band  or  strip,  which  lies  over  and 
parallel  with  the  beam,  and  overlaps  the 
sides  of  the  slates  on  each  side  of  the  beam. 
This  band  is  secured  (and  thereby  the  slates 
also)  to  the  beam,  by  means  of  a  bolt  with  a 
broad  head  and  screw-threaded  point  This 
bolt  passes  first  through  an  orifice  in  the 
band,  then  through  the  space  left  between 
the  plates  in  setting  them  up,  thsn  traverses 
an  aperture  in  the  beam,  and  is  finally  se- 
cured from  the  inside  of  the  roof  by  means 
of  a  nut 

Brooman,  Richard  Archibald,  of  166, 
Fleet-street,  London,  patent-agent  An  im- 
proved method  qf  obtaining  alcohol  from  or- 
ganic substances,  and  particularly  from  wood. 
(A  communication.)  Application  dated 
October  26,  1854.    (No.  2261.) 

The  wood  or  other  organic  substances,  in 
their  dry  state,  are  reduced  into  very  small 
pieces,  and  subjected  to  the  action  of  con- 
centrated sulphuric  acid.  The  mixture 
is  afterwards  diluted  with  water,  and  then 
subjected  to  the  action  of  carbonate  of  lime, 
in  order  to  neutralize  the  excess  of  sulphntio 
acid.  The  sulphate  of  lime  which  is  formed 
is  separated  from  the  liquid  by  filtration  or 
decantation;  the  remaining  liquid  is  fer- 
mented with  yeast  or  otherwise,  and  alcohol 
is  obtained  by  distillation. 

Fontainemoreau,  Peter  Armand  Le- 
COMTB  Dfi,  of  Sottth-street,  London.  Im- 
provements in  tranrferring  coloured  pictures, 
portraits,  and  engravings,  (A  communica- 
tion.) Application  dated  October  26,  1854. 
(No.  2286.) 

"  By  means  of  a  lithographic  process," 
says  the  patentee,  "  I  obtain  an  exact  out- 
line of  the  subject  to  be  transferred  upon 
paper,  which  can  then  be  transferred  either 
upon  paper,  stone,  glass,  leather,  metal, 
wood,  or  any  other  substance,  and  by  sub- 
mitting this  to  a  lithocromie  operation  I 
obtain  the  coloured  reproduction  of  the  ob- 
jeet" 

Dudoeon,  John,   of  151,    Fenchuiok- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


476 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 


street,  in  ih«»  city  of  London.  An  improve- 
ment in  rendering  ships  and  batteries  shot- 
proof.  Application  dated  October  26,  18e>4. 
(No.  2288.) 

The  inventor  faces  ships,  batteries,  &c., 
with  double  iron  casings  containing  water 
under  presiiure,  and  of  such  external  forms 
that  they  will  deflect  and  fling  off  imping, 
ing  shot,  shell,  Ace. 

Turner,  John,  overlooker,  Benjamin 
Holds  WORTH,  overlooker,  and  Robert 
Hartley,  beamer,  of  Burnley,  Lancaster. 
Certain  improvements  in  power-looms  for 
weaving.  Application  dated  October  27, 
1854.     (No.  2290.) 

These  improvements  relate  to  power- 
looms  in  which  check- straps  are  used  at 
each  end  of  the  slay  or  lathe ;  and  the  in- 
ventors "  employ  a  bracket  secured  to  the 
side  of  the  slay,  as  well  as  a  check-strap 
furnished  in  the  middle  with  a  button  or 
stop,  und  working  between  the  cheeks  of  the 
bracket  on  a  small  spindle ;  but  the  peculiar 
novelty  of  our  invention  consists,"  say  they, 
*'  in  the  application  of  a  friction  plate  be- 
neath the  button  of  the  check-strap,  and 
acting  upwards  and  against  it  by  menus  of 
springs.** 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  February  15,  1855. 

Si3.  Benjamin  Cower,  of  Stratford,  Etnex,  en^U 
ncer.  Improvementa  in  cannona  and  piecea  of 
ordnance,  and  in  shot  and  projectiles  for  cannons 
and  pieces  of  ordnance. 

Dated  March  30,  1855.    * 
707.  William  Crozier,  of  Sunderland,  Dnrham, 
'livil  engineer.    The  better  extinction  of  fire. 

Dated  April  14,  1855. 

825.  Joseph  Armstrong,  of  the  Normanton  Sta- 
tion, Wakefleld,  and  John  Livingston,  of  Leeds. 
Improvements  in  certain  parts  of  the  permanent 
way  of  railways. 

827.  Jane  Ann  Herbert,  of  Waterden  -  place, 
Guildford,  Surrey,  widow.  Improvements  in  pro- 
pellers for  vessels,  which  are  denominated  the 
eonic^  prq[)eUer8.  A  communication  from  Wil- 
liam D.  Jones,  of  Pokeepsie,  and  Henry  Winfleld, 
of  New  York,  United  States  of  America. 

.829.  Thomas  Kennedy,  of  Kilmarnock,  Ayr, 
gnn-manufacturer.  Improvements  in  shot  or  pro- 
jectiles. 

Dated  April  16,  1855. 

831.  Peter  Armand  Lecomtede  Fontainemoreau, 

of  South-street,  London.     Improvements  in  the 

E reduction  of  a  felted  tissuf ,  applicable  to  replac- 
ig  leather  In  the  manufacture  of  cards.  A  com- 
munication. 

883.  RichsHl  Husband,  of  Manchester,  Lancas- 
ter, hat-manufacturer.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  hat-plushes  of  spun  silk  and 
other  spun  yams. 

835.  Edward  Hammond  Bentall,  of  Heybridge, 
Essex,  ironfounder.  An  improvement  in  the  con- 
struction of  harrows. 

837.  George  Beard,  of  Birmingham.  Warwick, 
manufacturer.  An  improved  label  and  stamp  set- 
ter. 


Dated  April  n,  1855. 

839.  Arthur  Wellington  Callen,  of  Camberwell 
Surrey,  gentleman,  and  Joseph  West,  of  Guemeey 
engineer,  and  George  Washington  Lewis,  of  Bris- 
tol, United  States.  Improvements  in  the  conatroc- 
tlon  and  fittings  of  tents,  especially  suitable  for 
military  purposes. 

841.  Philippe  AmM6e  Devy,of  Old  Jewry  Cham- 
bers, Old  Jewry.  Improvements  in  the  frames  of 
swing  looking-glasses.    A  communicacioD. 

843.  George  Fergusson  Wilson,  of  Belmont, 
Vauxhall,  and  Warren  de  la  Rue,  of  Bunhill-row. 
Improvements  In  eombining  fluid!  to  be  burned  in 
lamps. 

845.  Edward  Ellis  Allen,  of  the  Strand,  Middle- 
sex, engineer.    Improvements  in  steam  engines. 

847.  Robert  Calvert  Clapham,  of  Ardrosaan,  Ajr, 
analytical  chemist.  Improvements  in  the  manu- 
(Iscture  or  production  of  the  salts  of  baryta  and  of 
artiiiciai  iron  pyrites,  and  in  the  applieation  thereof 
in  the  manufacture  or  production  of  salts  of  soda 
or  other  alkaline  salta. 

Dated  AprinS,  1855. 

849.  Henry  Woodhouse,  of  Stafford,  engineer. 
Improvements  in  the  construction  of  croesinga  for 
the  permanent  way  of  railways. 

851.  Louis  Dameron,  of  Paris,  coach-manufac- 
turer. Improvements  in  the  construction  of  car- 
riages. 

853.  John  Kay,  of  BonhUl,  Dumbarton,  calieo- 
printer.  Improvements  in  preparing  and  printing 
textile  fabrics  and  other  surfaces. 

855.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvementa  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  moulding  and  casting 
fusible  or  plastic  materials,  and  in  eorering  or 
coating  articles  with  such  materials.  A  communi- 
cation. 

857.  William  Madeley,  of  Manchester,  Lancas- 
ter, machinist,  and  Thomas  Hanlon,  of  the  same 
place,  mechanic.  An  improvement  in  or  applieable 
to  power  looms. 

859.  Frederick  Russell,  of  Cumberland  Market, 
Regent's-park,  Middlesex,  mechanic.  Improve- 
ments in  hanging  window-sashes. 

861.  William  Vaughan  Edwards,  of  Swindon, 
Wilta,  ironmonger.  An  Improved  economic  porta- 
ble boiler  and  cooking-«ppatatus. 

Dated  AprU  19,  1855. 

863.  Thomas  Lees,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
manufiscturer.  An  improvement  or  improTemente 
in  metallic  pens. 

867.  WiUiam  Bishop,  of  Old  Pish-slreet  HBl. 
Upper  Thames  -  street,  London,  stationer.  An 
improved  mode  of  omamentioff  writing-papers. 

871.  Peter  Lear,  of  Boston,  Massachusetta,  Uni- 
ted States  of  America.  An  improved  method  of 
arranging  and  operating  horizontal  submeigcd 
propellers. 

873.  William  Savory,  engineer,  of  Gloueester. 
Improvements  in  machinery  for  crushing  grain 
and  other  substances,  and  for  cutting  chaffs 

875.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's -inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  ImproTementa  in 
the  manufacture  of  articles  of  hard  India-rubber 
or  gutta  percha,  or  compounds  thereof,  and  ia 
coating  or  covering  articles  with  the  like  materiads. 
A  communication. 

DaUd  AprU  20, 1855. 

877.  John  Charles  Fearce,  of  the  Bowling  Iron- 
works, near  Bradford,  York,  engineer.  Improve- 
ments in  making  the  Joints  of  pipes  snd  other  arti- 
cles. 

879.  William  Ryder,  of  Bolton-le-Moors,  Lm- 
caster,  spindle  apd  flyer-maker.  Improvementa 
in  certain  parts  of  nuichinery  for  slubUng  and 
roving  cotton  and  other  fibrous  substances. 

881.  Claude  Laurent  Victor  Maurice,  civil  engi- 
neer, of  St.  Etienne,  Loire,  French  Empire.    Ccr- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOTISIOMAIi  PBOTBCnONB. 


477 


tain  ImproTemeiita  In  carbonislog  conl,  and  in 
appantns  to  be  employed  therein. 

88S.  John  Lord,  of  Rochdale,  Lancaster,  maaa> 
fSKturer.     Improrements  in  temples  for  power- 


88S.  Horatio  Allen,  of  the  Novelty  Iroa-works, 
New  York,  United  States  of  America,  eiyil  engl- 
neer.  ImprovemenU  in  the  valves  of  steam  and 
other  engines. 

887.  William  Lee  Bennett,  of  WoUton.  Warwick, 
gentleman.  An  Improvement  or  improvemento  in 
eeed-driUs. 

889.  John  Drury,  of  Paddock,  near  Huddersfleld, 
Torkf  machine-maker.  Improvements  in  steam 
twilers  for  preventing  explosion  thereof. 

^  DaiedApHl  21,  IS55. 

891.  William  Gerhardi,  of  Manche«ter,  mechanic. 
Improvements  in  apparatus  to  prevent  the  lapping 
of  straps  round  shafts. 

805.  WQllam  Prior  Sharp  and  William  Weild,  of 
Manchester, Lancaster,  machinists.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture,  and  In  machinery  for  the  ma- 
nufacture of  spun  or  thrown  silk  threads. 

897.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's -Inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  spinning  cotton  and 
other  fibrous  materials.  A  communication  from 
Messrs.  Constant,  Pengeot,  and  Co.,  of  Andincourt, 
France,  manufacturers. 

899.  Willtsm  Alexander  Edwards,  of  Brook- 
atreet,  West-square,  Lambeth,  Surrey,  engineer. 
Separating  certain  metals  from  metallic  sub- 
stances. 

901.  Samuel  Walsh  and  John  Henry  Brierley, 
small-ware  manufacturers,  of  Stannary-works,  Ha- 
lifhx,  and  Noble-street,  Cheapslde,  London.  A 
clasp  or  fastener  for  belts,  bands,  or  straps. 

Dated  April  2Z,  1855. 

903.  Joseph  Whitworth,  of  Manchester,  Lancas- 
ter, engineer.  Improvements  In  ordnance,  fire- 
arms, projectiles,  and  machinery  for  the  manufac- 
ture thereof. 

905.  John  Orr,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark,  manager, 
and  James  Templeton,  of  the  same  place,  manu- 
facturer. Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
figured  fabrics. 

907.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chancery-lane, 
Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman.  Improved 
machinery  for  separating  substances  of  dlfiierent 
specific  gravity.    A  communication. 

Dated  April  24,  1855. 

910.  Joseph  Taylor,  of  King-street,  Westminster, 
gentleman.    Improvements  in  propelling  vessels. 

911.  William  Westley  Richards,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  gun-man ufaeturer.  An  improvement 
or  Improvements  in  repeating  or  revolving  fire- 
arms. 

912.  Josiah  Horsfall,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 
Joiner.  Machinery  for  mitreing  moulded  and  other 
sashes. 

913.  James  Hunter  and  George  Hunter,  both  of 
Leysmill,  Forfkr,  engineers.  Improvements  in 
stone  cutting  machinery. 

914.  Francis  McKenna,  of  Salford,  Lancaster, 
manager.  Certain  improvements  in  power -looms 
for  weaving. 

915.  Frederic  James  Utting,  of  Wisbeach,  Cam- 
bridge, engineer  and  ironfounder.  Imi<rovements 
in  land-rollers  and  clod-crushers. 

910.  Matthew  Andrew  Muir,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
machinist.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
moulding  of  railway  chairs. 

917.  Charles  Piazzi  Smyth,  of  Hillside-crescent, 
Edinburgh.  Improvements  In  astronomical  and 
geodetical  instruments. 

918.  Charles  Jordan,  of  Newport,  Monmouth, 
ironfounder.  An  improvement  in  discharging 
cannon. 


Dated  April  26,  1855. 

921.  Louis  Alexandre  Avisse,  of  Paris,  France, 
pianoforte-manufketurer.  Improvements  in  lubri- 
cating revolvirig  shafts  of  all  descriptions,  and  also 
the  axles  of  railway  and  other  wheels. 

923.  James  Wallace,  Junior,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
manufacturer.  ImprovemenU  in  bleaching,  wash- 
ing, or  cleansing  textile  fabrics  and  materials. 

924.  Mark  Mason,  of  Dukinfield,  Chester,  ma- 
chinist. Improved  machinery  or  apparatus  for 
manufacturing  sole-tips  and  heels  for  ciogs,  boots, 
or  other  coverings  for  the  feet. 

925.  John  Joseph  Victory,  of  Henrietta-street, 
Middlesex,  carpenter.  Certain  apparatus  for  mark- 
ing out  curved  lines  upon  wood  and  stone,  spe- 
cially adapted  to  the  marking  out  of  hand-railings, 
together  with  improved  machinery  for  boring  and 
sawing  wood. 

926.  John  Black,  of  Hempstead -road,  Middlesex, 
sculptor.  Improvements  in  axles,  shafts,  and 
bearings. 

927.  John  Hunter,  of  Liverpool.  Lancaster,  gen- 
tleman. Improvementa  in  the  distillation  of  tur- 
pentine and  other  resinous  substances.  A  com- 
munication. 

928.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Essex-street,  London.  A  new  and  improved  ma- 
chine for  planing  screw-nuts  and  bars  of  any  pris- 
matic form.    A  communication. 

929.  Augusta  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellfnrd.  of 
Essex-street,  London.  An  improved  gas  regulator. 
A  communication. 

930.  Augusta  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Es&ex-street,  London.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  seamless  garmenta  or  other  uselul 
articles  of  felt.    A  communication. 

931.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Essex-Street,  London.  Improvements  in  scales  or 
machines  for  weighing.    A  communication. 

932.  John  Bryant  Wilkin,  of  HeUton,  Cornwall. 
Improvements  in  stamping  and  dressing  or  sepa- 
ratmg  ores  of  any  kind,  but  more  especially  tin 
ores. 

933.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Essex-street,  London.  An  improved  chafl'-cutting 
machine.    A  communication. 

934.  Auguste   Edouard   Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
F.S8ex -street,  London.    A  new  and  improved  lock  « 
for  sliding  doors.    A  communication. 

936.  Samuel  Draper,  of  Lenton,  near  Notting- 
ham. Improvements  in  apparatus  for  retarding 
and  stopping  railway  trains. 

937.  Julius  Jeffreys,  of  Kingston  Hill,  Surrey. 
Invprovements  in  engines  or  machines  lor  raising, 
difrosing.  or  injecting  fluids. 

938.  Edward  Frankland,  of  Owen's  College,  Man- 
chester, I<ancaster.  Improvements  in  th?  treat- 
ment of  certain  salts,  commonly  called  alums,  to 
obtain  products  therefrom. 

939.  George  Augustus  Uuddart.  of  Brynkir, 
Carnarvon,  Esq.  Improved  machinery  for  obtain- 
ing motive  power  from  running  waters. 

940.  Joseph  Peabody,  of  Old  Broad- street,  Lon- 
don, gentleman.  An  improved  consitruction  of 
hay  making  machine.    A  communication. 

941.  John  Hilvcbter,  of  Smethwick,  Stafford,  en- 
gineer. Improvements  in  spring  balances,  and  in 
their  connection  and  adjustment  to  steam  vaUvtt. 

942.  George  Augustus  Huddart,  of  Brynkir,  Car- 
narvon, Esq.  Improved  machinery  for  obtaining 
and  applying  motive  power. 

Dated  April  20,  1855, 

943.  John  Elce  and  Juhn  Bond,  of  Manchester, 
Lancaster,  machinists.  Improvements  in  casing, 
guarding,  and  protecting  revolving  shafts  and  mill 
work  in  general. 

944.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontalnemoreau, 
of  South-street,  London.  Improvements  in  appa- 
ratus for  preventing  the  escape  of  iuids,  which  he 
calls  diaphragm  obturator.    A  communication. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


478 


NOTI0E8  or  tNTERtrOlf  TO  PKOCEED. 


945.  August*  EdouMd  LondottX  Bellford,  of 
Essex  -  street,  London.  A  new  combination  of 
slide-valves  and  ports  for  the  induction  and  educ- 
tion of  steam  or  other  elastic  fluid,  in  steam  en- 
gines or  other  engines  of  similar  character.  A 
Gommnnicatioa. 

946.  WUliam  Shears,  of  Bankside,  Southwark. 
An  improvement  in  cases  or  magazines  for  gun- 
powder or  other  explosive  preparations  or  com- 
pounds. ^ 

947.  Thomas  Haley  Burley.  of  Ohio.  United  States 
of  America.  A  new  and  useiul  machine  for  making 
dovotailB. 

Dated  April  27,  IS55. 

948.  Robert  Paul  Coimet,  Captain  en  fetralU  du 
Oinle,  of  Rue  da  Bac,  Paris,  France.  Certain  im- 
provements for  rendering  tissues  waterproof. 

949.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontatnemorean, 
of  South-street,  London,  patent  agent.  Applica- 
tion of  certain  primitive  products  to  the  manufac- 
ture of  hearings,  and  all  parts  of  apparatus  sub- 
jeeted  to  friction.    A  commuoicstion. 

950.  Alfred  Crossklll,  of  Beverley,  York,  civil 
engineer.  Improvements  in  machinery  for  turning 
and  spreading  cut  grasses  or  hav. 

951.  Thomas  Page,  of  MlddleScotland-yard,  Mid- 
dlesex, civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  ordnance. 

95S.  Jean  Charles  Gnlllaume  Masslquot,  of  Paris, 
France.  Certain  Improvements  In  lithographic 
presses  and  Inking-apparatus  connected  therewith. 

955.  Henry  Collett,  of  Grosvenor-street,  St.  Pe- 
ter's-street,  Islington.  Improvements  In  pumps, 
or  machinery  for  raising  water  or  other  fluids. 

956.  Edward  Mvers,  of  Rotherham,  York,  engi- 
neer, and  John  Wright  Potter,  of  the  same  place, 
gentleman.  Improvements  in  stoves  for  warming 
i^artments. 

957.  Richard  Clark,  lamp-manufacturer,  of  the 
Strand,  London,  and  John  Thomas  Stroud,  lamp- 
manufacturer,  of  Suffolk'Street,  Birmingham.  War- 
wick. Certain  improvements  in  lighting,  applica- 
ble to  table,  street,  signal,  and  other  lamps,  as  also 
for  the  constructing,  denoting,  and  regulating  the 
signals  and  burners  of  lighthouses. 

Dated  April  28,  1855. 

958.  Thomas  Knowles  and  James  Knowles,  of 
^    Manchester,  Lancaster,  engineers.    Improvements 

in  steps  and  holsters  to  be  used  in  machinery  for 
spinning,  doubling,  winding,  and  similar  processes. 

959.  Daniel  Warren,  of  Ezmouth,  Devon,  gen- 
tleman. Certain  Improvements  in  obtaining  and 
applying  motive  power. 

960.  Frank  James  Wilson  Packman,  of  Pucke- 
ridge,  Herts,  doctor  of  medicine.  Improvements 
in  projectiles,  In  projectile  instruments,  and  iu  the 
means  of  charging  the  same. 

961.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chancery-lane, 
Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman.  An  im- 
provement in  file-cutting  machinery.  A  commu- 
nication. 

963.  William  Elliot  Carrett,  of  the  Sun  Foundry, 
Leeds,  York,  engineer.  Improvements  in  motive- 
power  engines. 

963.  James  Marsh,  of  Store -street,  Bedford- 
square.  Middlesex,  pianoforte-manufacturer.  Im- 
provements In  the  construction  of  pianofortes,  for 
rendering  them  more  portable. 

Dated  April  30,  1855. 

965.  Edward  Acres,  of  Pouldre-w  Mills,  Water- 
ford,  miller.  Improvementa  In  desiccating  and  cool- 
ing atmospheric  air,  and  the  application  thereof  to 
useful  purposes. 

967.  William  Johnson,  of  Lincoln 's-lnn-fields, 
Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  In  regu- 
lating the  pressure  or  flow  of  gas  or  fluid  bodies. 
A  communication  flrom  Samuel  W.  Brown,  of 
Lowell,  Massachusetts,  United  States  of  America. 

969.  Henry  Franeto,  of  West  Strand.  Improve- 
menta In  manofiMtnilDg  boota  ind  ahoes. 


NOtlCBS   OF  INTENTIOlf  TO 

PROCEED. 

(From  the  "London  OwtoHe,"  Matf  Uth, 

1855.) 

S757.  George  Mallinson  and  Hontie  Ridings. 
An  improved  manufacture  of  woven  fiibric. 

12.  John  Keir  Harvey  and  Daniel  Pewee.  A 
calendar  inkstand. 

17.  Samuel  Asplnwall  Geddard.  A  new  or  Im- 
proved firearm,  a  portion  of  which  la  ifplieiUe  to 
ordnanee. 

20.  Charles  Hnstwiek  and  Wfillam  Beaa.  Im- 
provementa in  bufflBrs  and  springs  for  ralliray-car- 
riages  and  other  purposes. 

28.  George  Bowden.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  united  adhesive  boek-hcnditeiA  and 
register  ribbons. 

40.  George  Hallen  Cottam  and  Henry  Rkfaard 
Cottam.  An  improvement  in  tbe  manwftrtnie  of 
iron  bedsteads. 

42.  Willi  <m  Grindlev  Craig.  ImpreveoMBils  in 
railway-buffer  cases  and  imma. 

48.  John  Huggins.  A  new  or  improved  machine 
for  the  manuCscture  of  ilnt. 

50.  Samuel  Smith  Shipley.  ImproveoMmU  in 
BMChinery  and  appends  for  washing  er  cteanssng. 

53.  Joseph  OSbrd.  Improvements  In  tlsa  easi- 
structlon  of  carriages. 

56.  Nathaniel  Jones  Amies.  Certain  Improve- 
ments  in  winding  or  balling  thread  or  yam.  aad  in 
the  machinery  or  apparatus  connected  therewith. 

58.  Ebenezer  Bow.  Improvemenu  in  tbo  ma- 
nufactnre  or  production  of  '*  blackening  "  for  foun- 
dry purposes. 

62.  Bartholomew  Predaval.  Improvhif  the  pro- 
duction and  manufiaotuie  of  pnlp  far  the  makiDg 
of  paper. 

65.  William  Coles  Fuller.  Improvements  in 
the  construction  and  adaptation  of  India-ivhber 
springs. 

72.  Alexander  Robertson.  A  new  maaufaeture 
of  packages  for  dry  goods. 

84.  Ezra  Miles.  An  improTed  coupling  Joint  or 
connection  for  tubing  or  other  purpoeee. 

87.  Francis  Preston.  Improvements  in  ordnance 
and  In  projectiles  for  ordnance  and  small  anna. 

88.  William  Bamingham.  Improvementa  in 
connecting  the  rails  of  railways. 

95.  William  Henry  NevUl.  Improvementa  in 
the  construction  of  reverberatory  Aimacea  for  the 
collection  and  condensation  of  volatile  substaneea. 

98.  Edward  Lambert  Hiqrward.  Improvonents 
in  kitchen  ranges. 

102.  Francis  Burke.  Improvements  In  and  ap- 
paratus for  obtaining  from  the  plantain,  baiuaa, 
aloe,  penguin,  and  other  vegetable  substaneea. 
fibres  applicable  to  various  manufacturing  par- 
poses. 

120.  Joshua  Horton.  An  improvement  or  Im- 
provements in  packing  or  storing  gunpowder. 

135.  William  Johnson.  Improvementa  In  the 
application,  treatment,  cleansing,  and  dyeing  of 
fibrous  substances  and  products.  A  communica- 
tion. 

184.  William  Edward  Newton.  Improved  ma- 
chinery for  raising  and  forcing  fluids.  A  commu- 
nication. 

234.  Arthur  Lyon.  Improvement  In  aausi^e- 
maklng  or  mincing  machines. 

293.  George  Briggs.  An  Improved  spring  for 
carriages. 

311.  John  Landman.  Improvements  in  portable 
buildings,  specially  adapted  to  campaigning  pur- 
poses. 

816.  George  Hallen  Cottam  and  Henry  Rldiard 
Cottam.  Improvements  in  the  construction  of 
iron  buildings. 

848.  Benismln  Go\rer.  Improvements  In  can- 
nons and  pieces  of  ordnance,  and  In  shot  and  pio- 
jectiles  for  cannons  and  pieces  of  ordnance. 

585.  George  Tomlinson  Bousfield.     Improvc- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WEEKIT  UST  OF  PATENTS. 


479 


meiits  In  preparing  wool  md  oth«r  fibroni  tub- 
stances  for  spinning.  A  conynanication  trom 
Jean  Joseph  Jules  Pierrard. 

569.  John  Kidder.  Improvements  in  the  con- 
•truction  of  castors. 

657.  Jean  Baptiste  Peehanet  and  Antoine  Do- 
miniquk  Stsco.  Improvements  in  the  process  of 
manufacturing  metallic  tabes  and  pipes,  and  in 
the  machines  or  apparatus  used  fur  that  parptfie. 

66S.  John  McKinnell.  Improvements  in  venti- 
lation. 

671.  John  Marland.  Improvements  in  preparing 
for  and  In  sixing  and  warpmg  woollen  and  wonted 
yarn. 

699.  Alexander  McDougal.  An  imvnrtd  m*- 
thod  of  consuming  smoke  in  steam-engine  or  other 
Aimaces  or  flre-places. 

76S.  Robert  Johnson,  William  Whittle 'Johnson, 
and  Robert  Johnson,  the  younger.  A  new  and  im- 
proved eoveiing  for  snrfacei,  linings,  roofs,  and 
spaces. 

707.  William  Crosier.  The  better  extinction  of 
lire. 

741.  Peter  Roth  well  Jackson.  Improvements 
in  machinery  for  making  patterns  and  for  mould- 
ing therefrom. 

763.  Joseph  Edwin  Frost.  An  Improvement  in 
ball  or  float-cocks. 

821 .  Richard  Archibald  Brooman.  Improvements 
in  the  treatment  of  fatty  and  resinous  matters,  and 
in  preparing  them  for  the  numufaeture  of  candles 
and  other  articles.    A  communication. 

835.  Edward  Hammond  Beatall.  An  improve- 
ment in  the  construction  of  harrows. 

837.  George  Beard.  An  improved  label  and 
stamp-setter. 

843.  George  Fergusson  Wilson  and  Warren  de  la 
Rue.  Improvements  in  combining  fluids  to  be 
burned  in  lamps. 

847.  Robert  Calvert  Clapham.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture  or  production  of  the  salts  of 
biryta  and  of  artificial  iron  pvrites,  and  in  the  ajK* 
plication  thereof  in  the  manufacture  or  production 
of  salts  of  soda  or  other  alkaline  salts. 

854.  Richard  Bridge.  Certain  improvements  In 
power-looms. 

855.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  moulding  and  casting 
fusible  or  plastic  materials,  and  In  covering  or 
coating  articles  with  such  materials.  A  commu- 
nication. 

857.  William  Madeley  and  Thomas  Hanlon.  An 
Improvement  in  or  applicable  to  power-looms. 

868.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton.  Improved  ma- 
chinery for  crushing  and  grinding  mineral  and 
other  substances.    A  communication. 

871.  Peter  Lear.  An  Improved  method  of  ar- 
ranging and  operating  horizontal  submerged  pro- 
pellers. 

875.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  artioles  of  hard  India-rubber 
or  gntta  percha,  or  compounds  thereof,  and  in 
coating  or  eovering  articles  with  the  like  materials. 
A  communication. 

879.  William  Ryder.  Improvements  in  certain 
parts  of  machinery  for  stubbing  and  roving  cotton 
and  other  fibrous  substances. 

884.  Samuel  Cunltffe  lister.  Improvements  in 
treating  the  rhea  plant,  so  as  better  to  prepare  iU 
fibres  befbre  being  spun. 

890.  Edwin  Pettitt.  Improvements  in  preparing 
and  spinning  cotton  and  other  fibrous  substances, 
and  In  machinery  for  such  purposes. 

891.  William  Oerhardi.  Improvements  In  appa- 
ratus to  prevent  the  lapping  of  straps  round  shafts. 

896.  John  Henry  Johnson.  ImprovemenU  In 
the  construction  or  prevention  of  smoke.  A  com- 
munication f^om  Ren6  Garcon,  of  Paris,  France, 
accountant. 

897.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  spinning  cotton  and 
other  fibrous  materials.    A  communication  from 


Messrs.  Constant,  Pengeot,  and  Co.pof  Andincourt, 
France,  manufacturers. 

903.  Joseph  Whitworth.  Improvements  in  ord- 
nance, fire-arms,  projectiles,  ana  machinery  fdr  the 
manufaeture  thereof. 

905.  John  Orr  and  Jatnes  Tetdpleteil.  Improve- 
ments in  the  manufacture  of  figured  fabrics. 

907.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton.  Improved  machi- 
nery fof  separating  tubatanees  of  diffbrent  specific 
gravity.    A  communication. 

916.  Matthew  Andrew  Mtdr.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  or  moulding  of  rallway-ehalrs. 

920.  William  Symington.  An  improvement  In 
preparing  peas,  and  pearl  and  Scotch  barley  for 
enUnatr  purpotes. 

921.  Louis  Alexandre  Avisse.  Improvements  in 
lubricating  revolving  shafts  of  all  descriptisnstand 
also  the  axleiof  raflway  and  other  wheels. 

913.  James  Wallace,  Innlor.  Improvements  In 
bleaehing,  washing,  or  eleaiulBg  textile  fttbriss  and 
materials. 

937.  Julius  Jefl^ys.  Improvements  in  eaglnes 
or  machines  for  raising,  diilUsing,  or  in>cting 
fiuids. 

947.  Thomas  Haley  Burlev.  A  new  and  useful 
machine  for  making  dovetails. 

961.  Alfted  Vincent  Newton.  An  improvement 
in  file-outting  machinery.    A  communication. 

962.  William  Elliot  Carrett.  Improvem  n  s  in 
motive  power  engines. 

967.  William  Johnson.  Improvements  I  regu- 
lating the  pressure  or  fiow  of  gas  or  fluid  3<lies. 
A  communication  firom  Samuel  W.  Bn  .n*  ef 
Lowell,  Massachusetts,  United  States  of  Ai .  ji*  ca. 

Oppoaitiou  can  be  entered  to  the  ^dating 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the 
above  List,  who  have  given  notice  of  Iheir 
intention  to  proceed,  within  twenty  -  one 
days  from  the  date  of  the  Gazette  in  which 
the  notice  appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Com- 
missioners'-office  particulars  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  application. 


WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 

SeaUd  May  n,  \B56. 
2412.  Samuel  Pearson. 

2424.  George  Henry  Ingall. 

2425.  Peter  Knowles  and  Edward  Kirby. 
2429.  Samuel  Fenton. 

2431.  John  Piatt 

2433.  William  Low. 

2437.  James  Higgins  and  Thomas  Scho- 

field  Whitworth. 
2444.  William  Coulson. 
2449.  Edouard  Belmer. 
2502.  John  Clarke. 
2520.  William  Taylor. 
2526.  Edward  Briggs  and  William  Soiiter. 
2528.  Julian  Bernard. 
2614.  William  Chippindale  and  Leonard 
Robert  Sedgwick. 
1855. 

144.  Robert  Martin  and  Jacob  Hyams. 
231.  Henry  Davis  Pochin. 
374.  Frederick  Blacket  Edward  Beau- 
mont 
406.  Benjamin  Looker,  junior. 
608.  Edmund  Reynolds  Fayerman. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


480 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


Sealed  May  15,  1856. 

2415.  Jeaii  Marie  Chevron  and  Charles 
Victor  Frederic  de  Roulet 

2513.  John  Moore  Hyde. 

2568.  Joseph  Phelps. 

2618.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bell- 
ford. 


2700.  Loais   Joseph   Frederic  Margue- 
ritte. 

The  above  Patents  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  Provisional  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  several  inventions  men. 
tioned  above. 


NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


X.  N.  B.—Th*n  woald  be  no  difference  in  the 
cost,  about  £43.  Copies  of  Speciflcations  can  bo 
purchased  at  the  Office  of  the  CommiuionerB  of 
Patents,   Southanipton-|>uiIding8,   Chancery-lane. 


The  price  varies  with  the  length  of  the  deseriptioo 
and  the  number  of  drawings. 

An  Engineer.— \rt  have  received  year  letter. 
Will  yon  favour  us  with  your  address  t 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

Undertake  the  Proeuration  of  Patents 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  the  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.     Costs  of  Provisional  Protection — i^lO  10s. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  <*  Mechanics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office,"  166,  Fleet-street,  London. 


CONTENTS  OP  THIS  NUMBER. 


Hackworih's  Patent  Steam    Engine  Cranks, 
Cylinders,  Governors,  and  Gearing— (v»/A 

engraving*)   457 

On  the  Manufacture  of  Steel -(wl/A  emgrav- 

ingt)  , 4fi0 

Goodall's  Patent  Grinding  and  Levigating  Ap- 

'    ^ztaX}j%— {with  an  engraving) 4d2 

New  Patent  Barrel  '&o\x—{vfith  au  engraving)..  463 

Premiam  for  the  Prevention  of  Smoke  AM 

Hunt's  "  Elementary  Physics."— (Second  No- 
tice)   465 

The  Crimean  Submarine  Telegraph 470 

On  the  txpunsive  Use  of  Steam  471 

SpeeiAcations  of  Patents  recently  Filed  : 

Ricfchussand  Toft.  Porcelain,  &c 472 

Henderson  Ores  and  Alloys 472 

Roberts Spinning  Machinery  ...  472 

Smith  and  Hill Cleaning  Grain  472 

Hughes Transmitting  Power ...  473 

Mather Sinking  Tubes 473 

Lambert Cosmetics   473 

Helin Paper  from  Straw  473 

Johnson   Circular  Looms  473 

Craig  Consuming  Smoke 47^ 


Healey  and  Lowe. .Drawing  and  Forging .  47J 

Eccles  Bricks  473 

Olirler Drying  Apparatus 474 

Footainemoreau  ...Hemp  ana  Flax 474 

Griffiths  Manufacturing  Iron  ...  4«4 

Fellford  Trip  Hammers 474 
rice  Calcining  Compounds..  47t 

Ashton Safety- Valves  474 

Wilkinson Fire-proof  Structures...  474 

Morgan .....Cutting  Metals 474 

Lindner  k .....Revolving  Fire-arms...  474 

Provisional  Specifications  not  proceeded  with: 

Stocker Tubes 475 

Pechenard Roofs 47S 

Brooman Obtaining  Alcohol  from 

Wood,  &c 475 

Fontalnemoreau  ...Transferring  Pictures  .  47S 

Dudgeon ...Shot-proof  Ships 475 

Turner,    Holds- 
worth,  ft  Hartley  Power  looms .»  476 

Provisional  Protections 476 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed 47S 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 479 

Notices  to  Correspondents  480 


L  O  N  D  6  N  :  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-street, 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Galignani,  Rue  Vivienne  Paris;  Mason  and  Co., 
Dublin ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


IJetlanits'  Pajajint 


No.  1659.]  SATURDAY,   MAY  26,  1866.  [  »"""  '■' 


_St«n:ped  4d 
Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  166,  Fleet-»treet. 


BENNETTS  PATENT  MACHINERY  FOR  BEATING  GOLD,  SILVER,  AND 
OTHER  METAL  LEAF. 
Fig.  1.  Fig.  3.  Fig.  2. 


YOL,  LXII. 


Digitized  by  LjOOQ IC 


482* 

BENNETT'S  PATENT  MACHINERY  FOR  BEATING  GOLD,  SILVER,  AND 
OTHER  METAL  LEAF. 
(Patent  daUd  October  1, 18M.) 

Mr.  Bennett,  gold  and  silTer  beater,  of  Clerkenwell,  has  patented  an  arrangemeot  of 
apparatui  for  beating  out  metal  leaf,  which  is  intended  to  produce  effects  equivalent  to 
those  obtained  by  the  hand  hammering  pTOoess  that  requires  great  strength  and  skilL  A 
short  account  of  this  machine  was  given  in  our  number  for  April  21  (No.  1654),  page^  379; 
hut  the  following  description,  accompanied  by  the  engraving  on  the  preceding  page,  is  in- 
tended to  furnish  a  complete  account  of  it. 

Fig.  1  is  a  side  elevation,  and  fig.  2  an  end  elevation,  of  a  machine  constructed  In 
accordance  wi(h  Mr.  Bennett's  invention,  a  is  the  shaft  or  driving  airis,  on  which  are  Uat 
and  loose  pulljes,  6,  b,  which  receive  motion  from  a  steam  engine  or  ot«er  prime  mover  by 
means  of  a  b4kd,  c.  There  is  a  cone,  d,  on  the  axis,  a,  which,  by  a  bind,  «,  gives  motion 
to  another  eo^/f,  on  the  axis,  g,  and  the  band,  e,  is  caused  to  shift  oil  the  cones,  d  and  /^ 
by  means  of  a  fork,  d\  which  travels  on  a  screw  ;  and  there  are  rods  of  guides,  which  pre. 
vent  the  fork  devolving  with  the  screw,  by  means  of  portions  of  the  boss  or  nut  of  the  fork, 
d^f  sliding  theteon ;  and  this  arrangement  is  for  the  purpose  of  altermg  th^  ffMStt  of  the 
hamoMr  «$  the  work  progresses,  which  the  attendant  inspects  from  fftfte  M  9lm»  ^  one 
«ilid  of  Ike  4X18^  f ,  there  is  a  pulley  formed,  which,  by  a  band,  h,  p«#ii*tf  HMM  it  $$d  a 
ttulley,  I,  gives  motion  to  the  axis,  j.  Upon  the  axis,  j,  are  two  wlkfeHi  kt  kt  «M  «l  either 
Ind,  having  eraok  pins,  to  which  the  lower  ends  of  the  connecting  foi^Ji  k  <N  iifa»hed, 
their  tipper  ends  being  connected  to  the  cross  head,  m,  which  trav  A  v^  fiP^^  ">  ***  ^"^'Oi^ 
in  tJK  framing.  Upon  the  connecting  rods,  /,  /,  are  formed  o|  tMi^4  ft^Mections^  f ,  t, 
wHieh,  when  tie  cross  head,  m,  is  down,  pass  below  the  projecting  ^^  iN  v,  of  the  cross 
head,  0,  of  the  Iiammer,  p,  which  also  travels  in  the  guides,  n,  «,  er  M  lNuviltf|#  io  <hat 
wltefl  the  cress  head,  m,  rises,  by  the  upward  movement  of  the  eoK^eeHiif  iodt^  If  I,  the 
cross  heiedi  o,  snd  hammer,  p  (fixed  thereto),  will  also  be  raised  hjr  w^$tm  itf  Ae  |*eje«tioiis, 
f,  /,  which  aie  so  formed  tliM  when  the  hammer,  p,  and  cross  hinAi  4^  hf|v«  tMen  carrted  up 
to  Ike  fullest  extent  that  the  orank  pins  admit  of,  and  the  connecting  roJNj  (  i,  have  begva 
to  descend,  the  ends,  o',  «f,  of  the  eross  head,  o,  slip  off  the  projeeiione,  f ,  ff  aQatke  cross  head, 
o,  end  hammer,  p^  being  guiclsd,  as  explained,  fall  on  to  the  4i»vil,  d ;  bulk  skoidd  they  not 
fall  tet  enough  (as  wodld  be  the  oase  when  working  rapidly),  then  Che  orotss  liead,  as,  wovld 
drive  them  down.  The  mouM,  r,  is  caused  to  change  its  position  en  the  jhivil  slightly  «|tor 
every  klew  of  the  hammer,  p,  and  this  movement  is  obtained  hy  the  foAewing  teeane  :-^ 
There  is  a  small  pulley,  <,  on  the  axis,j,  which,  by  a  band,  f,  teting  on  the  pulley,  fk»  glfm 
motion  thereto.  There  is  on  the  face  of  the  pulley,  «,  a  pin  or  erojectiiig  footh,  t/,  whiom 
enters  betweea  the  pins,  «^,  t/,  of  the  wheel,  e,  in  such  manner  thit,  upon  each  revolvtioB  ef 
the  pulley,  Mt  the  projecting  pdn  or  tooth,  n%  drives  the  wheel,  p,  on  its  axis  to  the  extent  of 
^e  tooth,  of  ene-twelith  of  a  r^olution.  Upon  the  upper  stirface  of  the  wheeK  f  >  sod  «ovklDg 
in  hearings  ettaehed  thereto,  k  a  screw  on  which  is  a  nut  whiek  travels  thereon  tAien  the 
screw  is  tulned.  At  the  npeer  part  of  the  nut  is  formed  an  axis  on  which  ie  m  small 
euiley,  shoth  in  Ig.  3,  and  oa  the  same  axis  is  a  connecting  link,  whieh  ser vet  to  eonnect 
the  nut  with  a  metal  ring,  to  which  are  attached  rods  which  work  ki  gui^s  atUehed  to  the 
anvil,  I,  so  i)ist  a  alow  to-and-A-o  movement  of  the  ring  is  caused  to  tahe  place  upem  the 
anvil.  Wilhin  the  above-named  ring  is  another  which  extends  upwards  n  Utile  above 
the  former,  {he  upper  portion  having  a  groove  formed  therein  to  receive  a  gut  or  hand, 
ilhich,  by  pilssiiig  around  it  and  the  small  pulley,  is  caused  to  revolve  slow^f  within  the 
inter  ring,  hj  Uiese  ineani  the  mould,  r,  which  is  within  the  squered  portion  of  the  fing, 
Ifceives  a  sfight  movement  slier  every  blow  of  the  hammer^  such  movement  always  taking 
pace  during  the  ascent  of  ike  hammer,  p. 


OH   THE  MANUFACTURE  OF  STEMl. 

(Coneludsd  from  pagt  462. ) 


f  ftoic  thU  description  of  the  process,  it 
will  he  evident  thai  pig-iron  will  require  a 
much  longer  time  to  decarbonise  than  the 
cakes  of  metal  which  have  been  roasted,  as 
already  described ;  and,  again,  it  must  he 
evident  that  a  purified  and  decarh<mued  me- 
Ul,  such  as  I  have  proposed,  must  be  the 


best  to  secure  a  good  and  equal  <|ttaU^  td 
the  steel,  since  the  purified  metal  ia  a«M 
homogeneous  than  the  crude  irou. 

When,  therefore,  care  has  been  takm  ia 
melting  down  each  portion  of  mtfMI,  iM  t 
complete  and  perfect  layer  of  steel  kiie  heea 
obtained  after  each  successive  melting,  when 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THK  HAMtrFAOTtmE  OF  STEEL. 


483 


the  cinder  has  had  due  attention,  so  that  it 
has  been  neither  too  thick  nor  too  thin,  and 
the  heat  of  the  fii^^  regfulated  and  modified 
during;  the  progressit e  stages  of  the  process, 
then  a  good  result  is  obtained ;  a  fin^. grained 
steel  is  produced,  which  drCirs  under  the 
hammer,  and  hardeM  well.  However  good 
it  may  be,  H  possesses  one  gr^at  defect ;  it 
is  this.  During  its  mannfacttn'e,  ifm  h 
produced  along  with  the  steel,  and  becomes 
so  intimately  mixe^  tfp  with  it,  that  ft  rtl- 
jufes  the  otherwise  good  qualities  6f  the 
steel ;  the  iron  becomes,  as  it  were,  hiterlaeed 
throughout  the  mass,  and  thus  destroys  its 
hardening  quality.  'When  any  tool  or  iA- 
strument  is  made  from  natural  sfeel,  without 
it  has  been  very  well  refined,  it  will  not  re- 
ceiTC  a  permanent  entfing  edge ;  the  iron  part 
of  the  mass,  of  course,  not  being  hard,  the 
tool  cuts  only  upon  the  steel  portion  ;  fhe 
edge  very  soon,  therefore,  becomes  destroyed. 
There  is  another  defect  in  natural  steel,  but 
it  is  of  less  importance.  When  too  much 
carbon  has  been  left,  the  sfeel  is  ^aw  and 
coarse,  and  it  draws  very  imperfectly  tmdei' 
the  hammer;  the  articles  manufactured  from 
such  steel  often  break  in  hardening ;  thus  it 
is  evident,  that  in  producing  the  steel,  every 
care,  skill,  and  attention  are  required  at  (h'e 
hands  of  the  workman.  These  defects  vei'y 
materially  affect  the  commercial  value  6f  the 
steel ;  the  irregular  quality  secures  no  gua- 
rantee to  the  consumer  that  the  tools  shall 
be  perfeet,  and,  consequently,  it  is  i&ot  used 
for  the  most  important  purposes ;  yet,  where 
the  raw  steel  is  refined,  it  becomes  a  very 
useful  metal,  and  is  largely  used  in  West- 
phalia for  the  manufacture  of  liardware, 
scythes,  and  even  swords.  It  possesses  a 
peculiarity  of  retaining  its  steel  quality  after 
repeated  heating,  arising  from  its  carbon 
being,  as  it  were,  incorporated  with  each 
molecule  of  the  mass.  This  property  ren- 
ders it  very  useful  for  mining  and  many 
other  purposes. 

The  raw  steel,  being  so  imperfect,  is  not 
considered  so  much  an  article  of  commerce 
with  the  manufacturer,  but  it  is  sold  to  the 
steel  refiners,  who  submit  it  to  a  process  of 
welding.  The  raw  steel  bloom  is  drawn  into 
bars,  one  or  two  inches  wide  and  half  an  inch 
thick,  or  less ;  a  number  of  these  are  put 
together  and  welded ;  these  bars  are  then 
thrown  into  water,  and  they  are  broken  in 
smaller  pieces  to  examine  the  fracture ;  those 
bars  which  are  equally  steelified,  are  mixed 
together.  In  manufacturing  refined  steel, 
the  deg:ree  of  hardness  is  selected  to  suit  the 
kind  of  article  which  it  is  intended  to  make. 
A  bar,  two  to  three  feet  long,  forms  the  top 
and  bottom  of  the  bundle,  but  the  inside  of 
the  packet  is  filled  with  the  small  pieces  of 
selected  steel.  This  packet  is  then  placed 
in  a  hollow  flife,  and  Carefully  covered  f^om 


time  to  time  with  pounded  clay,  to  form  a 
coat  over  the  metaf,  aitd  preserve  it  ffdm  thi 
oxidising  fnfiuence  of  the  bltfst.  When  it  U 
at  a  full  welding  heat,  ft  is  dlnced  xxtidet  a 
hammed,  and  made  as  sound  and  homoge- 
neous  as  possible  ;  it  is  again'  cut,  doifbled 
together,  and  again  welded.  Tot  very  fine 
articles,  the  fefirting  is  increased  by  seterAl 
doublings,  btit  this  is  riot  carried  at  pfesehf 
to  so  gretft  an  exteAt  as  formerly,  sinc6  e^st 
steel  is  substituted,  beidg  iii  manly  case^ 
chs?iper. 

I  take  the  Manufacture  of  j^ifddlled  ite^t 
as  neit  in  order,  because  fhe  ptorftfct  is 
simflar  to  th4t  of  natural  sfeel,  that  beintf 
obtained  direct  front  the  crude  pig-iron.  It 
is  a  steel  of  very  recent  hivention,  And  its 
iftanufaictuftf  is  carried  oYi  entirely  in  Wesf- 
phalia.  But  a  few  years  ago  a  very  smalT 
quantity  of  this  sted  was  produced  from  oni 
work.  There  are  now  several  largd  estab- 
lishments for  its  manufacture.  The  product 
is  becoming  considerable,  and  likely  t6  in- 
crease on  account  of  its  cheapness. 

The  object  of  the  operation  is  simila:^  to 
that  adopted  in  the  making  of  raw  steel,  to 
decarbonise  pig-iron  down  to  that  point  at 
which  it  can  be  treated  as  sfdel.  The  pro- 
cess is  this : — About  280  lbs.  of  pig-iron  are 
charged  into  a  puddling-fiimace.  As  soon 
as  this  metal  begins  to  melt,  the  damper  is 
partly  closed,  and  12  to  16*  shovelfuls  of  cin- 
der, &c.,  as  it  comes  from  the  hammer  and 
rolls,  are  thrown  into  the  furnace ;  the  whole 
is  then  melted  down  together,  and  the  mass 
is  puddled  with  great  care.  The  metal  hav- 
ing become  so  far  decarbonised  as  to  lose  its 
liquidity,  the  damper  is  opened,  and  40  lbs. 
of  pig-iron  are  charged  near  the  fire-bridge 
of  the  furnace.  This  is  allowed  gradually  to 
melt  arid  mix  itself  with  the  metal  previously 
dharged,  which  causes  it  to  boil;  a  blue 
flame  rises  from  the  surface  of  the  mass,  and 
very  shortly  the  metal  stiffens.  The  damper 
is  again  three-quarters  shut,  and  the  mass 
is  worked  until  it  becomes  waxy.  The  me- 
tal is  then  collected  into  balls  and  hammered 
into  blooms.  This  steel  is  very  imperfect ; 
too  much  depends  upon  the  manipulation  of 
the  process ;  it  is  out  of  the  sieht  of  the  work- 
man, and  equally  from  under  his  control, 
being  continually  covered  with  cinder.  Prac- 
tice has,  no  doubt,  assisted  materially  in  the 
improvements  made  in  the  irianufacture  of 
this  steel  since  its  introduction,  but  it  is  e\'i- 
dent  that  steel  produced  by  such  a  process 
can  only  be  serviceable  for  the  commonest 
purposes,  being  subject  to  man^  serious  im- 
perfections. The  blooms  resulting  from  the 
process  described  are  drawn,  doubled,  and 
welded  precisely  in  the  same  manner  as 
charcoal  raw  steel  is  refined ;  yet,  such  is 
the  acknowledged  inferiority  of  this  steel, 
that  whilst  charcoal  natural  steel  sells  for 
z2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


464 


ON  THE  HAMUFACTUBE  OF  STEEL. 


£18  p«r  ton,  the  puddled  steel  will  not 
eommftnd  more  than  igl4  per  ton,  and  an 
equal  reduction  is  made  on  the  refined  steel 
manufactured  from  puddled  steel  blooms. 

The  next  process  is  the  Paal  method,  so 
called*  from  the  name  of  the  works  at  which 
the  plan  is  used.  These  works  belong  to 
Prince  Schwartzenberg,  and  are  situated 
near  to  Murrau,  in  Styria.  The  process  is 
based  upon  the  old  one  of  Vaiiaccio ;  it  con- 
sists in  plunging  iron  into  a  bath  of  melted 
metal.  The  carbon  of  the  metal  combines 
with  the  iron,  and  in  a  yery  short  time  con- 
verts it  into  steel.  This  process  was  carried 
further  by  Vanaccio,  who  contrived  to  add 
wrought  iron  to  the  metal  until  he  had  de- 
carbonised it  sufficiently ;  this  was  found  to 
? reduce  a  steel,  but  unfit  for  general  use. 
'bat  produced  by  plunging  iron  into  metal, 
was  found  to  be  very  hard  steel  on  the  out- 
side, but  iron  within ;  while  that  produced 
by  adding  iron  to  the  metal  was  found  too 
brittle  to  be  drawn.  The  Paal  method^  how- 
ever, as  I  saw  it  used  at  these  works,  is  a 
decided  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of 
refined  natural  steel.  They  produce  natural 
steel  at  the  prince's  various  works,  and  bring 
it  to  Paal  to  be  refined.  The  packets,  as 
already  described  in  the  refinement  of  natu- 
ral steel,  are  welded  and  drawn  to  a  bar ; 
whilst  hot  they  are  plunged  into  a  bath  of 
metal  for  a  few  minutes,  by  which  the  iron 
contained  in  the  raw  steel  becomes  carbo- 
nized, and  thus  a  more  regular  steel  is  ob- 
tained than  that  produced  by  the  common 
process.  The  operation  requires  great  care, 
for  if  the  bars  of  steel  be  left  in  the  metal 
too  long,  they  are  more  or  less  destroyed,  or 
perhaps  entirely  melted.  It  commands  a 
little  higher  price  in  the  market,  and  is 
chiefly  consumed  by  tiie  .hjme  manufac- 
turers, excepting  a  portion  which  is  exported 
to  Russia. 

I  have  now  described  the  manufacture  of 
steel  by  various  processes,  in  all  of  which 
the  carbon  is  derived  from  the  metal 
itself,  and  in  which  the  wh.ile  of  the. 
molecules  of  the  melal  may  be  said  to  be 
equally  charged  ;  they  contain  the  necessary 
amount  of  carbon,  or  steelifying  principle, 
within  themselves,  and  to  this  may  be  attri- 
buted  the  reason  why,  after  repeated  heating 
and  hammering,  the  steel  never  loses  its 
property  of  hardening.  On  this  account, 
natural  steel  is  used  almost  exclusively  by 
the  Mexican  and  South  American  miners 
for  their  tools. 

I  shall  now  turn  to  the  second  mode  of 
producing  steel,  by  introducing  carbon  into 
iron  to  9uch  an  extent  as  may  be  needful  for 
the  various  purposes  to  which  it  is  to  be  ap- 
plied. 

In  explaining  the  theory  and  practice  of 
manufacturing  natural  steel,  I  have  shown 


that  the  object  is  to  prevent  the  mass  from 
I  becoming  iron,  the  process  being  arrested  u 
I  that  point  where  the  metol  has  lost  so  much 
I  of  its  carbon  that  the  remainder  is  necessary 
'   for  it  to  possess  as  a  steel. 

The  process  of  converting  iron  into  steel 
{  by  cementation  is  the  reverse  of  the  process 
I  already  described.  The  iron  to  be  converted 
I  is  placed  in  a  furnace  stratified  with  carbo- 
naceous  mattery  and  on  heat  being  applied, 
j  the  iron  absorbs  the  carbon,  and  a  new  com- 
pound is  thus  formed. 

When  this  process  was  discovered,  is  not 
I  known.  At  a  very  early  period  charcoal  was 
found  to  harden  iron,  and  make  it  a  sharper 
cutting  instrument ;  it  seems  probable  that, 
from  the  hardening  of  small  objects,  bars  of 
iron  were  afterwards  submitted  to  the  same 
process.  To  Reamur  certainly  belongs  the 
merit  of  first  bringing  the  process  of  con- 
version to  any  degree  of  perfection.  His 
work  contains  a  vast  amount  of  information 
upon  the  theory  of  cementation;  and  al- 
though his  investigations  are  in  many  in- 
stances not  borne  out  by  the  practice  of  the 
S resent  day,  yet  the)fr«<  principles  laid  down 
y  him  are  now  the  guide  of  the  converter; 
our  furnaces  are  much  larger  than  those  used 
by  Reamur,  and  they  are  built  so  as  to  pro- 
duce a  more  uniform  and  economical  result; 
they  give,  however,  precisely  the  same  re- 
sults which  he  obtained  in  his  small  ones. 

A  converting  furnace  consists  simply  of 
two  troughs,  built  of  fire-brick,  12  feet  long, 
3  feet  wide,  and  3  feet  deep  ;  the  fire- room 
is  placed  between  them,  and  the  whole  co- 
vered  by  an  arched  vault,  so  that  the  heat 
may  pass  entirely  around  these  troughs,  and 
distribute  itself  equally.  The  bar  iron  is 
placed  within  thetie  troughs,  stratum  super- 
stratum  along  with  charcoal,  which  is  broken 
to  the  size  of  beans.  When  the  troughs  are 
full,  they  are  covered  with  sand  or  loam, 
which  partially  vitrifies  and  cakes  together 
as  the  heat  of  the  furnace  increases,  and 
thus,  by  hermetically  sealing  the  top,  the 
air  Is  excluded.  This  furnace  being  charged 
with  about  20  tons  of  iron,  the  fire  is  lighted, 
and  in  the  course  of  60  to  70  hours  the  iron 
will  have  become  fully  heated ;  at  this  point 
the  conversion  commences.  The  pores  of  the 
iron  being  opened  by  heat,  the  carbon  is 
gradually  absorbed  by  the  mass  of  the  bar, 
but  the  carbonisation  or  conversionis  efiTected, 
as  it  were,  in  layers.  To  explain  the  theory 
in  the  clearest  manner,  let  me  suppose  a  bar 
to  be  composed  of  a  numberof  lamins  — the 
combination  of  the  carbon  with  the  iron  is 
first  effected  on  tho  surface,  and  gradually 
extends  from  one  lamina  to  another,  until 
the  whole  is  carbonised.  To  effect  this  com- 
plete carbonisation,  the  iron  requires  to  be 
kept  at  a  considerable  uniform  heat  for  a 
length  of  time.    Thin  bars  of  iron  are  much 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  MAJ«UFAOTUR£  OF  STEEL. 


485 


soooer  oouferted  tlian  thick  ones.  Renmur 
•Utet,  ill  his  experiments,  that  if  a  bar  of 
iron  8-16th8  of  an  inch  thick  is  converted 
in  6  hours,  a  har  7-16th8  of  an  inch  would 
require  86  hours  to  attain  the  same  degree  of 
hardness.  The  carbon  introduces  itself  n«c- 
eessivelff,  the  first  lamina  or  surface  of  a  bar 
oombiningwith  a  portion  of  the  carbon  with 
which  it  is  in  contact,  gives  a  portion  of  the 
carbon  to  the  second  lamina,  at  the  same 
time  taking  up  a  fresh  quantity  of  carbon 
from  the  charcoal ;  these  successive  combi- 
nations are  continued  until  the  whole  thick- 
ness is  eonyerted ;  from  which  theory  it  is 
evident  that,  from  the  exterior  to  the  centre, 
the  dose  of  carbon  becomes  proportionately 
less.  Steel  so  produced  cannot  be  said  to 
be  perfect ;  it  possesses  in  some  degree  the 
defect  of  natural  steel,  being  more  carbo. 
nised  on  the  surface  than  at  the  centre  of 
the  bar.  From  this  theory  we  perceive  that 
•teel  made  by  cementation  is  diffe^nt  in 
its  oharafiter  from  that  produced  directly 
from  crude  metal.  In  conversion  the  car- 
bon is  made  successively  to  penetrate  to  the 
centre  of  the  bar,  whilst  in  the  production 
of  natural  steel,  the  molecules  of  metal 
which  compose  the  mass  are  per  te  charged 
with  a  certain  per  oentage  of  carbon  neces- 
sary for  their  steelification  ;  not  imbibed, 
but  obtained  by  the  decarbonisation  of  the 
crude  iron  down  to  a  point  requisite  to  pro- 
duee  steel. 

During  the  process  of  cementation,  the 
introduction  of  the  carbon  disintegrates  the 
molecules  of  the  metal,  and  in  the  harder 
steel  produces  a  distinct  crystallisation  of  a 
white  silvery  colour.  Wherever  the  iron  is 
unsound  or  imperfectly  manufactured,  the 
surface  of  the  steel  becomes  covered  with 
blisters  thrown  up  by  the  dilatation  of  the 
metHl  and  introduction  of  carbon  between 
those  laminae  which  are  imperfectly  melted. 
Reamur  and  others  haye  attributed  this 
phenomena  to  the  presence  of  culphur,  va- 
rious salts,  or  sine,  which  dilate  the  metal ; 
but  this  is  incorrect,  because  we  find  that  a 
bar  of  cast  steel  which  is  homogeneous  and 
perfectly  free  from  internal  imperfedtions 
never  blisters,  for  although  it  receiyes  the 
highest  dose  of  carbon  in  the  furnace,  yet 
the  surface  is  perfectly  smooth.  From  this 
it  is  evident  that  the  blisters  are  occasioned 
by  imperfections  in  the  iron.  Iron  increases, 
both  m  length  and  weight,  during  conver- 
sion. Hard  iron  increases  less  tlian  soft. 
The  augmentation  in  weight  may  be  said  to 
be  j^,  and  in  length  y^  on  an  ayerage. 

The  operation  of  conversion  is  extremely 
simple  in  its  manipulation  ;  nevertheless,  it 
requires  great  care,  and'  a  loqg  as  well  as  a 
varied  experience,  to  enable  a  manager  to 
produce  every  kind  or  temper  required  by 
consumers.    Considerable  knowledge  is  re- 


quired  to  ascertain  th(^  nature  of  the  irons 
to  be  converted,  because  all  irons  do  not 
convert  equally  well  under  the  same  cir- 
cumstances ;  some  require  a  different  treat- 
ment from  others,  and,  again,  one  iron  may 
require  to  be  eonyerted  at  a  different  degree 
of  heat  from  another.  The  furnace  must 
have  continual  care,  and  be  kept  air-  tight, 
so  that  the  steel,  when  carbonised,  may  not 
again  become  oxidised.  Generally  speak- 
ing, in  working  converting  furnaces,  but 
little  attention  is  paid  to  the  theory  of  pro- 
ducing steel,  which  I  have  endeavoured  to 
explain.  It  is  known  amongst  steel-makers, 
that  if  iron  be  brought  in  contact  with  car- 
bon, and  if  heat  be  applied,  it  will  become 
steel.  This  is  the  knowledge  gleaned  up  by 
workmen,  and  I  may  add,  by  too  many 
owners  of  converting  furnaces.  The  incon- 
venience arising  from  a  want  of  care  and 
knowledge  of  the  peculiar  state  of  the  iron 
during  its  conversion,  sometimes  occasions 
great  disappointment  and  loss.  The  suocess 
usually  attained  by  workmen  may,  however, 
be  attributable  to  an  eyeryday  attention  to 
one  object,  thus  gaining  their  knowledge 
from  experience  alone  ;  good,  I  admit,  in  a 
workman,  but  this  should  not  satisfy  the 
principal  or  manager  of  a  steel  work.  It  is, 
perhaps,  not  needful  that  he  should  be  a 
man  of  science,  but  I  consider  it  the  duty, 
as  it  certainly  is  the  interest,  of  every  owner 
of  such  works,  not  only  to  satisfy  himself, 
but  to  be  able  to  convince  the  minds  of 
others,  that  he  is  fully  conversant  with  tlie 
cause  and  efi'ect  of  every  operation  in  his 
business,  and  although  a  knowledge  of  che- 
mistry  may  throw  much  light  upon  his  oper- 
ation, it  is  also  necessary  that  he  should 
possess  a  varied  experience  in  conjunction 
with  it,  before  he  can  pretend  to  produce 
steel  of  such  superior  and  uniform  quality 
as  the  arts  require.  The  conversion,  or  car- 
bonisation  of  the  iron,  is  the  foundation  of 
steel  making,  and,  as  such,  may  be  consi- 
dered  as  the  first  step  in  its  manufacture. 
Before  bar  steel  is  used  for  manufacturing 
purposes,  it  has  to  be  heated,  and  hammered 
or  rolled.  Its  principal  uses  are  for  files, 
agricultural  implements,  spades,  shovels, 
wire,  &c.,  and  in  yery  large  quantities  for 
coach  springs. 

Bar  steel  is  also  used  for  manufacturing 
shear  steel.  It  is  heated,  drawn  to  lengths 
3  feet  long,  then  subjected  to  a  welding 
heat,  and  some  six  or  eight  bars  are  welded 
together  precisely  as  described  in  the  refine- 
ment of  natural  steel ;  this  is  called  single 
shear.  It  is  further  refined  by  doubling  the 
bar,  and  submitting  it  to  a  second  welding 
and  hammering ;  the  result  is  a  clearer  and 
more  homogeneous  steel.  During  the  last 
seyen  years  the  manufacture  of  this  steel  has 
been  limited,  mechanics  preferring  a  soft 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


486      ON  A  N£W  MAKlTPACXtTBE  OF  GOlCPOUND  METALUC  BODS  AND  BARS. 


east  steel,  which  ii  much  superior  when  pro- 
perly manufactured,  and  which  caa  he  very 
easily  welded  to  iron. 

The  price  of  bar  steel  varies  according  to 
the  price  of  the  iron  from  which  it  is  made, 
but,  as  a  general  average,  its  price  in  com> 
merce  may  be  taken  at  £5  per  ton  beyond 
the  price' of  the  iron  from  which  it  is  made. 
Bar  8  teel  produced  tor  the  better  irons  is 
usually  dearer  ttian  the  commoner  kind,  on 
account  ot  their  scarcity. 

Shear  steet  in  ordinary  size  sells  at  iCO 
per  ton  nett. 

Coach- spring  steel  from  foreign  iron, 
jg22  per  ton  nett. 

Coach-spring  steel  from  English  iron, 
£18  per  ton  nett. 

These  may  be  taken  as  approximate  prices 
in  1854-5. 

From  the  outline  which  t  have  given  of 
the  processes  by  which  various  steels  are 
manufactured,  it  will  be  seen  that  there  are 
in  each  great  defects,  want  of  uniformity, 
temper,  or  clearness  of  surface,  unfitting 
them  for  many  useful  purposes*  To  obviate 
these  defects,  both  bar  converted  and  also 
raw  steel  are  melted,  by  which  the  metal  is 
freed  from  any  deleterious  matter  which  the 
iron  might  have  contained;  a  uniform  and 
homogeneous  texture  is  obtained,  whilst  an 
equality  in  temper  or  decree  of  hardness  is 
secured  ;  besides  which  the  surface  is  capa- 
ble of  receiving  a  high,  clear,  and  beautiful 
polish — qualities  which  the  other  steels  I 
have  described  do  not  possess.  The  first 
ateel  which  may  be  called  cast  steel  is  the 
celebrated  wootz  of  India;  it  is  produced 
by  mixing  rich  iron  ore  with  charcoal  in 
small  cups  or  crucibles.  These  are  placetl 
in  a  furnace,  and  a  high  heat  is  given  by  a 
blast  After  a  certain  time  this  ore  melts 
and  receives  a  dose  of  car()on  from  the 
leaves  and  charcoal  charged  with  iU  The 
result  is  a  small  lump  of  metal  with  a  ra- 
diated  surface  about  the  size  of  a  small 
apple  cut  in  two ;  it  is  very  difficult  to  work ; 
nevertheless,  swords  and  other  steel  imple- 
ments are  manufactured  from  it  in  the  cast; 
it  it  not  found  in  England  as  an  article  of 
commerce.  The  melting  of  bar  steel  was 
first  practically  carried  out  by  Mr.  Hunts- 
man, of  AtterclifTe,  near  Sheffield,  whose 
son  yet  carries  on  its  manufacture,  for  which 
he  enjoys  a  very  high  celebrity,  by  making 
use  of  the  best  materials,  and  insisting  upon 
the  most  careful  manipulation  of  his  steel 
in  every  process.  The  manufacture  of  oast 
steel  is  in  itself  a  very  simple  process.  Bar 
steel  is  broken  into  small  pieces,  which  are 
put  into  a  crucible,  and  are  melted  in  a 
furnace  about  18  inches  square  and  3  feet 
deep.  The  crucible  ia  placed  on  a  stand 
8  inches  thick,  which  is  placed  on  the  ^rate- 
bars  of  the  furnace.    Coke  is  used  a«  fuid. 


and  an  intense  heat  is  obtained  }ff  bavivg  « 
chimney  about  40  ^eet  high.  Altbougli  % 
yery  inteqse  white  heat  is  obtained,  jet  it 
requires  3|  hours  to  perfectly  melt  301bs.  of 
bar  steel.  When  the  ateel  ia  completely 
fluid,  the  crucible  is  drawn  from  the  fur- 
nace, and  the  steel  is  poured  into  n  cast-iron 
mould.  The  result  is,  an  ingot  of  sCmI, 
which  is  subsequently  heated  #ad  kan^ 
meredi,  or  rolled,  according  to.th^  wnot  of 
the  mannfaoturerst  AHhough  I  stated  that 
the  melting  of  cast- steel  is  a  simple  pfocess* 
yet,  on  tl^e  othe^  hand^  the  Boannlacture  of 
cast  steel  suitable  for  tho  ran'oiif  von/f  of 
those  who  consume  it  reqnires  an  extanaive 
knowledge;  a  person  who  is  capable  of  sue- 
oessfuUy  conducting  a  manufactory,  must 
make  himself  master  of  the  treatiMBt,  to 
which  the  stc'cl  in  manufactures  will  be  sab- 
mitted  by  every  person  who  oonsninM  ii* 
Cast  steel  is  not  only  made  of  msny  degreet 
of  hardness,  but  it  is  also  made  of  diflfereiit 
qualities;  a  steel  maker  has,  thersforo,  t« 
combine  a  very  intimate  knowledge  of  the 
exact  intrinsic  quality  of  the  iron  be  uses, 
or  ^bat  produced  by  «  mixture  of  two  or 
three  kinds  together ;  he  hat  to  seenre  «t 
complete  and  at  equal  a  degree  of  carbonisi- 
tion  as  possible,  which  ean  only  be  attained 
by  possessing  a  perfeet  praetieal  end  theo- 
retical knowledge  of  tbe  proeess  of  convert- 
ing ;  he  has  to  know  that  the  steel  be  uses  it 
equal  in  hardness,  in  which,  without  mueh 
practice  he  may  easily  be  deceived ;  be  mtst 
give  his  pwn  instruction  for  its  being  eare- 
fully  nielted,  and  be  must  examine  ita  free- 
ture  by  breaking  off  the  end  of  each  ingoW 
and  exercise  his  judgment  wbetket  or  not 
proper  care  has  been  taken ;  besidea  aU  this 
knowledge  and  care,  a  steel  maker  baa  to 
adapt  the  capabiliiUs  of  his  steel  to  tbe 
wantt  and  requirementt  of  the  oonsumer. 
There  are  a  vast  variety  of  defeela  in  atovl 
as  usually  manufaotured ;  but  there  are  a 
far  greater  number  of  instances  in  wbieb 
steel  is  not  adapted  for  the  manu£Mtvre  of 
the  article  for  which  it  was  expressly  made. 
Caat  steel  may  be  manufaotured  for  platting^ 
boring*  or  turning  tools  j  its  defects  nay 
boi  that  the  tools  when  made  erack  in  the 
process  of  hardening,  or  that  the  tool  wbilal 
exceedingly  strong  in  one  part,  will  be  fonnd 
in  anotiier  part  utterly  useless. 


ON  A  KEW  ^^ANUFACrVHB  OP 
CO^TPOCJND  METALLIC  ROD» 
AND  BARS. 


A  paper  on  the  above  subieot  waa  recently 
read  at  tbe  Institution  ef  Meebanical  Bngt^ 
neers,  Birminriiam,  by  Mr.  E.  J.  Payne,  off 
that  plaee.  The  following  ia  an  abstfaot 
of  the  author's  lemarks  i 

At  a  time  like  tba  preaent,  when  tiM  higli 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  A  NEW  MANUFACTUBK  OF  COMPOUND  METALLIC  RODS  AND.  BARS.   487 


price  of  iron  Ss  of  such  importance  to  the 
consuiners  of  rods  and  bars,  descriptioos  of 
iron  very  extensively  employed  in  many  of 
the  lUple  trades  of  this  neighbourhood, 
there  may  be  some  interest  attached  to  the 
results  of  some  experiments  lately  made 
with  the  view  of  producing  an  economical 
sobitltiite  for  solid  iron  rods  and  bars,  such 
as  are  ipainly  employed  ia.the  manufacture 
of  fences,  railing,  hurdles,  metallic  bed. 
steads,  and  many  other  i)uri)oses. 

The  specimens  exhibited,  though  some, 
what  crude,  serre  to  elucidate  the  principle 
of  ^be  process. 

They  are  small  sai^ples  cut  from  lengths 
of  rods  and  bars  rolled  in  the  followiQg 
njanner: — Two  skelps  of  iron,  A  A,  of  $he 
requisite  weight,  previously  ascertained,  are 
placed  together  to  form  a  cyli^ider ;  and  two 
si.tnilaf  skelps,  BB,  bu^  of  a  sof^iewbat 
larger  size,  are  Uid  round  this  cylinder  ii^ 
suc^  a  manner  m  to  \)rei}L  or  cross  the 
jpMits,  as  shown  in  fig.  I,  The  whole  l^  then 

Fig.  1. 


bound  together  with  iron  hoops  or  strong 
wire,  and  a  short  piece  of  solid  metal  driven 
into  one  end  of  this  cylinder,  which  is  then 
filled  with  sand,  earth,  or  ashes,  and  well 
and  tightly  rammed  and  dried,  after  which 
the  open  end  is  plugged  in  the  same  way  as 
the  opposite  one  had  been. 

The  billet  thus  charged  is  put  in  the  ftir- 
nace,  and  when  a(  a  sufficient  ^eat  is  re- 
ipoved  to  the  rolls,  and  rolled  out  precisely 
as  splid  irop,  the  sand  core  bein^  reduced  i^n 
very  nearly  the  same  proportion  as  the  iron. 
The  exactnesf  of  this  proportion  depends 
entirely  upon  the  thorough  ramming  of  the 
core  in  the  billet ;  for  if  the  sand  be  loose, 
it  follows  ^hat  by  the  compression  of  the 
core  in  rolling,  the  iron  makes  up  the  defi- 
ciency in  ^iaraeter,  and  a  shorter  length  of 
rod  than  the  billet  was  calculated  to  mal^e 
is  the  result  Some  of  the  specimens  show 
this  result  clearly.  The  area  of  sand  in 
one  of  the  billets  &hown,  was  one  of  iron  to 
one  of  sand,  or  half  sand,  but  after  rolling 
and  reducing  it,  it  was  found  to  have  as- 
sumed the  proportion  of  one  and  a  half  iron 
to  one  of  sand,  or  only  two-fifihs  sand. 

It  will  be  perceived  by  the  specimens, 
that  the  sand  durin|;  the  process  has  become, 
hy  the  beat  and  great  pressure,  a  semi- 
Titreous  body  of  exceeding  hardness,  so  close 


in  its  texture  as  to  bear  a  polish ;  and  this 
appears  to  add  (in  conjunciion  with  the 
tubular  form  of  the  metallic  portion  of  the 
rod)  very  great  additional  strength; — for 
upon  testing  one  of  the  specimens  ^bout 
fiVe-eighths  of  an  inch  in  diameter  against  il 
length  of  solid  iron  rod  of  the  same  diam^e- 
ter,  by  placing  both  upon  benches,  and 
suspending  weights  fropi  the  oeiitr^,  thg 
compound  rod  was  found  to  sustain  without 
deflection  a  weight  that  nearly  doubled  up 
the  solid  rod. 

Some  of  the  rods  produced  have  been 
made  from  billed  turned  jup  into  a  cylinder 
from  a  fiat  skelp  in  gun-barrel  rolls,  and 
oujB  from  the  hreech  end  pf  a  twisted  gun- 
barrel ;  this  was  of  course  done  merely  as 
an  experiment,  as  i)t  appeared  to  be  the 
worst  de^criptiop  of  tube  for  the  purpose ; 
tlie  core,  however,  proved  as  soijnd  a$  any 
of  the  resL  Generally  speaking,  the  form 
of  billet  first  described  appears  to  be  the 
best,  and  it  is  certainly  the  least  expensive. 

Thus  far  the  manufiacture  has  been  de- 
scribed of  round  rods.  For  square  rods  and 
flat  bars,  the  same  description  of  billet  is 
employed,  varying  only  in  section;  thus, 
for  a  square  rod,  a  billet  of  the  section 
shown  in  fig.  2,  composed  of  two  akelps  of 

Fig.  2. 


a  y  form  will  be  used ;  and  for  a  flat  bar, 

the  section  in  fig.  9,  made  of  skelps  of  ungU 

iron  would  be  employed,  the  operation  of 

Fig.  8. 


rolling  being  identical  with  that  now  in  use 
for  solid  iron. 

It  now  remains  to  show  the  results  at- 
tained by  these  experiments,  as  to  the  sav. 
ing  of  cost  in  the  manufactured  rod.  The 
most  complete  estimate  in  the  possession  of 
the  writer  is  one  furnished  from  the  works 
in  South  Wales,  where  the  greater  portion 
of  these  experiments  have  been  made,  whicli 
is  the  following : 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


488 


CAPTAIN  NORTON'S  REGENT  INVENTIONS. 


Assuming  the  present  price  of  the  rolled  skelps  of  the  sections  shown,  to  be 
i,    t.    d. 
9  10    0  per  ton/ 
HH  2  10    0   J  P^^  ^^"'  ^^*^  ^^  making,  ramming,  and  plugging  the  billets,  includiog 

I  cost  of  sand, 

add  10    0  per  ton  for  contingencies  and  waste. 

^18    0    0  Total   cost  of  working    up  one    ton  of  iron   into    a    length   equivalent 


to  that  which  would  be  produced  from 
two  tons  of  solid  iron;  giving  the  price 
of  the  rods  or  bars  containing  half  sand, 
6/.  10«.  per  ton  measurement,  or  a  saving 
of  about  8(.  for  the  same  length  of  rod  or 
bar.  But  it  should  be  remembered  that 
these  experiments  have  been  confined  to  the 
production  of  rods  not  exceeding  one  inch 
in  diameter,  and  that  as  the  diameter  of  the 
rod  increases,  a  considerably  greater  pro- 
portion of  sand  than  one-half  can  be  intro- 
duced :  consequently,  a  ton  of  iron  may  be 
made  to  produce  more  than  two  tons  mea- 
surement  of  the  larger  rods  or  bars.  This 
estimate  of  the  saving  on  an'average  of  all 
marketable  sixes,  would  therefore  be  rather 
within  the  mark  than  otherwise. 

Certain  samples  of  railway  rails  upon  the 
table  were  also  rolled  at  the  Cwm  Avon 
Works  in  South  Wales,  with  a  view  of  test- 
ing the  applicability  of  the  invention  to  effect 
a  saving  of  metal  in  this  branch  of  manufac- 
ture. Also  certain  piles  were  made  in  the  usual 
manner,  with  upper  and  lower  plates  of  No. 
2  iron,  the  remainder  being  puddled  bars, 
and  having  a  hollow  in  the  centre,  for  the 
reception  of  the  core ;  the  sand  was  in  this 
case  first  rammed  in  a  core  box,  made  of 
plate  iron,  \  inch  thick.  In  one  of  these 
piles  the  core  was  \\  inches,  the  other,  Z\ 


inches  square,  but  the  ends  were  left  un- 
plugged ;  the  result  of  the  rolling  showed 
that  the  sand  assumed  very  much  the  form 
of  the  rail,  but  from  the  omission  of  the 
plugging,  the  area  of  the  section  of  sand  in 
the  rails  is  not  nearly  so  great  in  propor- 
tion as  that  of  the  one  introduced  in  the 
pile. 

Some  samples  of  small  copper  tubes, 
made  on  the  same  principle  as  the  iron  rods, 
are  also  shown  among  the  specimena,  the 
only  difiference  in  their  manufacture  being, 
that  the  billets  were  in  this  case  drawn  cold ; 
consequently,  the  sand,  not  being  vitrified, 
was  readily  removed  afterwards  from  the 
bar,  leaving  it  an  open  tube ;  but  these  may 
be  more  easily  made  by  charging  the  billets 
(the  cylinders  for  which  are  cast  as  shown 
by  the  specimen  exhibited)  either  with  pure 
silica  or  plaster  of  Paris,  neither  of  wnich 
will  vitrify,  and  then  rolling  them  hot  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  iron  rods.  This  kind 
of  core  undergoing  no  change  by  the  action 
of  the  fire,  may  be  bored  .out  with  ease. 

Further  experiments  are  now  being  made, 
with  the  endeavour  to  produce  rods  having 
a  mere  skin  of  iron  on  the  strong  core,  the 
result  of  which  the  writer  will  be  happy  to 
communicate  on  a  future  occasion. 


CAPTAIN    NORTON'S    RECENT  INVENTIONS. 


On  Friday  last,  at  the  United  Service  In- 
stitution, the  Honourable  Captain  Murray, 
R.N.,  in  the  chair.  Captain  Norton  ex- 
plained the  nature  of  his  recent  inventions, 
exhibiting  models,  the  more  dearly  to 
illustrate  them.  The  following  is  a  sum- 
mary, with  which  we  have  been  furnished, 
of  the  inventions  brought  before  the  Insti- 
tution. 

1.  Fog-alarm  signal,  to  be  placed  on  the 
rails.  This  model  is  merely  stuffed  with 
paper:  the  unfilled  varnished  waterproof 
papers  show  the  stages  of  formation.  It  is 
evident  that  it  cannot  ruMt  or  become  damp^ 
neither  is  thern  anything  to  f,y  and  cause 
injury. 

2.  Whistling  bolt,  to  be  shot  by  the 
guard  of  a  train,  high  over  the  head  of  the 
engine-driver,  or  on  one  side  of  him.  The 
cartridge  is  attached  to  the  inner  end  of  the 
bolt,  and  is  fired  without  previous  opening. 


8.  Fire-ball  bolt  The  quick-match  is 
placed  between  the  shaft  and  the  ball ;  the 
latter  of  course  can  be  made  to  produce 
either  fire  or  flame. 

4.  Explosive  percussion-bolt  signaL  The 
igniter  is  the  iMt  inserted;  and  the  bolt 
falling  on  grass  or  soft  clay,  is  sure  to  ex- 
plode by  the  fracture  and  consequent  fric- 
tion of  the  glass-tube  igniter. 

5.  Elastic  expanding  sabot.  Ita  base  is 
fortified  by  a  circular  piece  of  sole,  or  stout 
leather,  glued  on  with  gutta  percha,  or  other 
cement.  With  this  sabot  inm  shot  may  be 
fired  from  a  rifie,  or  other  gun,  without 
injury  to  the  rifie  or  bore  of  the  gun. 

6.  Cartridge^that  does  not  require  to  be 
opened  previous  to  or  in  the  act  of  loading ; 
it  can  be  drawn  when  required  eniire,  with- 
out losing  any  portion  of  the  powder,  and 
is  peculiarly  well  adapted  to  Sharp's 
breech-loading  rifie,  as  it  doei  not  require 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PALHEB'S  PATENl!  PBOPELLEB. 


489 


to  be  cut  by  the  action  of  tbe  closing  lever, 
as  his  present  cartridge  does. 

7.  Implement  for  firing  cannon,  without 
a  vent  or  touch-hole.  It  is  easily  fitted  on 
at  the  mouth  of  the  gun,  and  the  firing  of 
the  gun  cannot  derange  it. 

8.  Shot  or  shell,  made  of  pressed  clay, 
artificial  stone,  or  glass,  for  artillery.  It 
will  be  efficient  against  all  but  stone  walls ; 
the  application  of  the  elastic  sabot  cushiom 
it  in  its  passage  through  the  gun,  and  pre- 
vents the  palpitations  that  might  otherwise 
fracture  it 

9.  Frictions]  exploding  signal,  that  may 
be  thrown  from  the  hand,  and  caused  to  ex- 

?lode  at  the  end  of  a  cord  high  in  the  air. 
t  can  be  used  to  warn  a  train /o//btMn^,  not 
to  run  into  a  train  brought  to  a  stand  by  an 
accident,  as  in  the  melancholy  case  near 
Straffen. 

10.  Glsss-tube  igniter.  When  charged 
with  percussion-powder,  or  lucifer  compo- 
sition, the  ends  are  closed  with  cork,  glued 
with  liquid  glue. 

11.  Sabot,  made  of  pressed  leather,  so 
as  to  fit  on  the  lower  end  of  an  elongated 
shot  or  spherical  ball. 

12.  Improved  cordage,  so  as  to  give 
greater  strength  to  the  strands  forming  the 
rope,  cord,  or  band  ;  the  strands  are  ce- 
mented together  by  a  solution  of  gutU 
percha,  with  a  slight  or  no  twist. 

15.  Rifle  arrow,  or  bolt,  adapted  to 
Sharp's  American  breech-loading  rifle. 
This  has  been  shot  to  the  distance  of  nine 
hundred  yards;  the  cartridge  may  be  at- 
tached to  it,  so  as  to  lie  in  the  barrel  with- 
out  cutting  ofiTtht  end  and  tpiUing  some  of 
the  powder  over  the  jointure  of  the  breech, . 
as  is  tbe  result  with  Mr.  Sharpe's  cartridge, 
which  is  attached  to  his  shot.  This  bolt  is 
peculiarly  eflScient  for  vertical  fire,  to 
dislodge  an  enemy  from  behind  strong 
buildings,  ramparts,  or  other  cover. 

14.  A  shell,  with  a  frictionsl  igniting 
cord  attached  close  to  its  short  fuse,  to  roll 
down  a  glacis  or  other  sloping  ground,  and 
explode  among  assailing  troops  at  the  end 
of  the  cord  by  the  strain  of  the  momentum. 

\5.  A  9qfe  means  for  forming  percussion 
shells  for  cannon.  This  shell  may  be  let 
&I1,  point  foremost  f  from  the  topmast  on  the 
deck  of  a  man-of-war,  and  it  will  not  ex- 
plode ;  but  if  afterwards,  without  any  alter- 
ation, it  is  allowed  to  fall  flrom  the  same 
height  into  a  tub  of  sand  or  cl|iy,  it  will 
explode :  the  reason  is,  that  the  percussion 
appliance  being  below  the  orifice  in  the 
shell,  it  is  not  pressed  upon  in  the  first 
instance,  but  in  the  second  is. 

16.  A  brass  tube,  to  demonstrate  the 
principle  of  his  improved  cartridge.  This 
is  done  by  putting  a  little  gun.cotton  into 
a   small  piece    of  tough    paper,  inch    as 


cartridge  paper,  and  then  inser^g  the 
paper  into  the  tube,  keeping  the  cotton- 
charged  end  of  the  paper  about  the  eighth 
of  an  inch  anart  from  the  end  of  the 
tube,  then  applying  a  heated  poker  to  the 
cotton-end  of  the  tube,  but  without  coming 
in  contact  with  the  paper,  when  the  gun- 
cotton  will  explode  without  bursting  or  soil- 
ing the  paper. 

17..Rifle  fire-shot,  or  spinster.  This  shot, 
of  the  cylindro-conoidai  form,  and  weighing 
about  two  ounces  and  a  quarter,  was  shot  to 
the  distance  of  eighteen  hundred  yards,  from 
a  rifle  of  the  eleven  calibre,  the  charge  of 
sporting  powder,  about  five  drachms,  and 
the  elevation  about  thirty  degrees,  so  as  to 
give  the  longest  range. 

18.  A  model  of  the  form  of  the  shot  that 
should  be  used  from  a  two -groove  rifle  can- 
non. It  is  the  same  which  is  described  by 
a  diagram,  No.  12,  in  his  pamphlet  on 
"  Projectiles;"  the  punch  formed  head  only 
to  be  made  conoidal. 

19.  A  case  representing  his  improved 
manner  of  forming  drains  in  land,  by 
round  well-burnt  clay-balls,  about  four 
inches  in  diameter.  These,  as  they  can 
only  touch  one  another  at  the  points,  will 
allow  a  free  passage  for  percolating  of  the 
water. 

20.  A  fuse-case,  turned  from  artificial 
wood,  made  by  hydraulic  pressure  from 
prepared  saw- dust. 

21.  Concussion 'i\xw  for  shells  of  the 
largest  size.  A  select  committee  of  Artil- 
lery officers,  at  Woolwich,  about  nine  years 
ago,  reported  qfficiaUy,  that  it  was  "  simple, 
safe,  and  efficacious,  being  well  adapted  for 
horizontal-fire  at  high  velocities." — See  fig. 
7,  in  his  pamphlet  on  "  Projectiles.** 

22.  An  instrument  for  compressing  sa- 
bots made  of  leather,  cork,  tow,  or  other 
matter,  into  the  required  form. 

The  whole  of  these  models  will  be  per- 
manently exhibited  at  the  Crystal  Palace, 
the  Polytechnic  Institution,  and  the  Pan- 
opticon. 

PALMER'S  PATENT  PROPELLER. 
Mr.  Palmer,  uf  Southampton,  patented 
on  the  11th  of  September  last,  an  invention 
which,  according  to  his  speciflcation,  **  con- 
sists in  so  constructing  the  frames  to  which 
propellers  are  attached,  that  the  blades  or 
propellers,  or  any  of  them,  may  be  removed 
without  difficulty,  and  also  offers  facilities 
for  applying  more  or  less  blades  or  propel- 
lers  as  required."  "  For  this  purpose," 
continues  the  specification,  "the  radial 
stays  are  formed  with  grooves,  or  grooves 
are  applied  to  them,  and  the  blades  or  pro- 
pellers being  formed  of  a  portion  of  a  circle, 
are  attached  by  sliding  into  these  radial 
grooves,  and  fastened  therein  by  bolts  or 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


490 


MB.  J.  SCOTT  RUSSELt  OK  SttIP  CONSTRUCTION. 


rivers." — See  Mech,  Mag.  for   M>rch    ^l, 
(No.  I65l\  p.  m. 

Fig.    1    U   a   front  yle^  pf  a  j)ropeIlejr, 
arrange^  a^cordiijg  ,lo  this  ipyentipp.     q,  q, 

Fig.  1. 


are  four  anns,  which  are  attached  to  an 
inner  boss,  b,  and  c,  c,  are  four  other  arms 
which  are  attached  to  the  boss,  d.  At  the 
centres  of  the  bosses,  b  and  <^,  there  are 
square  holes,  through  which  the  square  ends 
of  the  hollow  axis,  e,  pass,  so  as  to  connect 
the  parts  together ;  the  propeller  shaft  passes 
through  the  hollow  axis,  and  is  keyed  or 
otherwise  fastened  thereto,  g,  g,  are  curved 
stays  between  the  arms,  a,  <r,  and  A,  A,  are 
similar  stays  between  the  arms,  c,  e;  t,  t,  are 
the  four  propelling  blades,  which  the  in- 
ventor prefers  to  set  on  the  shaft  at  an  angle 
of  4d  degrees,  at  which  angle  the  arms,  a,  a, 
and  c,  Cf  are  also  set  on  t)ie  bosses,  b  and  d. 
The  blades,  t,  t,  are  supported  between  the 
bars,  k,  hf  these  bars  are  connected  at  one 
end  to  the  arms,  a,  a,  and  at  the  other  end 
to  the  curved  stays,  /i,  h;  between  the  arms, 
c,  c,  /,  /,  are  cross-bars  or  stays  between  the 
arms,  a,  a,  c,  c.     Fig.  2  is  a  section  through 


one  of  the  arms,  a,  showing  the  manner  in 
which  the  blades,  t,  t,  slide  in  grooves  in 
the  said  arms,  s<>  that  they  can  easily  be 
removed  when  required  for  sailing,  or  when 
it  is  desired  to  use  only  two  blades  ;  m,  is 
^  bolt  by  which  the  blade  is  fixed  in  the 
arm. 


In  writing  to  tjie  Hampshire  44P^^Her 
respecting  this  propeUer  Mr.  Palmer  ^Jb  : 

''  With  ^11  due  respept  to  iparine  en- 
gineers^ I  am  desirous  of  calling  your  par- 
ticular attention  to  this  inyentipu,  which 
will  work  in  the  placp  of  ordinary  screws. 
It  is  of  jin  extremely  simple  constryction, 
be^ng  fornied  by  placing  two  li^ht  wheelp 
at  the  desired  distance  apart,  between  which 
their  plates,  forming  portlops  of  thp  pirple 
of  tbe  desired  size  pf  the  propeller,  slide 
into  position,  and  which  take  the  water 
lichen  revplving  at  an  angle  of  45  degrees, 

"  The^c  propellers  possess  far  more  pro- 
pelling power  and  mechanical  strength  ih^si^ 
»ny  oth^r  in  use  of  the  same  diameter,  an4 
are  consequently  well  suited  for  vessels  of 
light  dr^ft;  the  rings  prevent  the  possi- 
bility of  their  getting  foul  of  any  st^nkep 
rope  or  chain  from  any  yesse)  in  a  crowded 
river.  In  appearance  they  much  r^^emblf 
a  first-rate  smoke-jack  v'lt^  four  bl^es,  and 
will  readily  revolve  in  a  slight  ciirrent  of 
water  (or  ^r)^  which  is  of  great  importance 
to  the  sailing  of  the'ships  when  not  required 
as  a  propeller. 

"  The  size  of  the  propeller  is  tp  he  governed 
by  the  tonn^e  pf  the  veQse)  »n4  the  actt^ 
working  horse-power  of  the  steam  engine; 
the  same  described  figure  ^yits  «11  speeds 
and  all  powers  of  the  steam  eugii^p.  That 
you  may  more  clearly  perceive  the  advan- 
tages to  be  gained  by  this  simple  inveptioii, 
I  give  you  the  result  of  a  day's  work  with  a 
common  screw,  and  also  of  a  day's  work 
with  fi  propeller  of  the  same  diameter. 

"  Average  of  runt  from  pter  to  pUr  with  m 
screw  steam  boat, 

"  Three-fan  casting,  a  common  screw,  2S 
minutes,  179  revolutions  per  minute. 

"  Four-blade  propeller,  same  diameter, 
17  minutes,  108  revolutions  per  minute. 

"  (Same  weights  on  the  safety-valves  in 
both  instances.^ 

"  The  four-olade  propeller  appeared  to 
reduce  the  work  in  the  engine-room  to  a 
considerable  extent ;  that  is,  in  firing,  feed- 
ing the  boiler,  and  oiling  the  machinery, 
&c." 

MR.  J.  SCOTT  RUSSELL  ON  SHIP 
CONSTRUCTION. 
During  a  discussion  which  took  place  at 
the  Society  of  Arts,  on  Wednesday,  the  16th 
iust.,  after  the  reading  of  a  paper  ^y  Mr. 
Charles  Alhcrton,  chief  engineer  of  Wool- 
wich Dockyard,  on  3team  Ship  Capability, 
Mr.  J.  Scott  Russell  made  some  very  mi- 
poTtant  observations,  to  the  iiccuracy  of 
which,  with  respect  both  to  the  mercantile 
^nd  royal  services,  we  can  ourselves  hear 
unqualil^ed  testimony. — Investigation^  qf 
this  nature,  he  said,  were  of  the  utmost  im- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


HB.  J.  B0014  fttrSSBtJC.  OR  Sfl»  GOKSTBITOTtON. 


491 


portance,  because  many  migbt  fancy  it  wai 
the  ship  builder  who  controlled  the  design 
of  a  ship,  but  practically  it  was  not  so,  but 
the  owner  of  the  ship  who  dictated  her  form. 
A  builder    was    generally   trammelled  by 
conditions    and    limitations,  that  left  him 
little  choice,  except  to  suit  the  preconceired 
notions  of  his  customers;   and  therefore, 
unless  the  general  public  were  enlightened, 
unless  shipowners  were  enlightened,  unless 
they  took  an  interest  in  a  good  ship,  in  a 
handsome  ship,  with  a  good  set  of  engines 
in  her,  and  became  critics  of  ship-building, 
they  would  not  hare  that  stimulus  applied 
to  the  owners  of  ships  which  was  the  sole 
means  of  permitting  the  builders,  or,  if  they 
liked  it,  of  compelling  the  builders,  to  obtain 
the  best  possible   results.     Therefore  such 
discussions  as  this  were  highly  important. 
He  believed  it  was  the  want  of  a  general  dif. 
fusion  of  knowledge  on  this  subject  that  led 
to  such  dreadful  blunders,  not  in  the  Royal 
Navy  alone,  but  wherever  a  number  of  peo. 
pie  had  to  do  something  for  which  no  one 
was  responsible.     He  would  make  one  ob-. 
servation  in  reply  to  the  practical  remarks 
which  had  fallen  from  the  noble  chairman 
(the  Earl  of  Hardwicke)  at  the  beginning  of 
the  meeting.      He  was  sure  the  meeting 
would  duly  appreciate  the  spirit  in  which 
those  remarks  were  made ;  because,  many  of 
them  being  practical  men,  and  all  of  tliem 
patriotic  English  men,    there  wns    at    this 
moment  no  conviction  which  weighed  more 
deeply  upon  their  minds  than  this — Here  are 
our  practical  men  qf  btuiness  earnestly  long- 
ing  to  do  something  for  the  assistance  of  the 
country  in  its  present  difficulties ,  and  we  could 
not  do  it  for  want  qf  an  organization  which 
would  enable  us  to  give  the  government  the 
entire  benefit  qf  all  our  resources  and  our  best 
services.    They  all  longed  to' see  some  prac 
tical  way  in  which  some  good  could  be  done, 
in  order  to  turn  all  the  mechanical  powers 
of  England  into  the  service  of  the  govern- 
ment at  this  moment ;  and  if  that  were  done, 
it  would  sweep  away  the  resistance  of  any 
other  country  to  us.     But  here  was  the  dif- 
ficulty, and  he  was  afraid  his  lordship  could 
not  help  them  out  of  it.  There  were  no  peo- 
ple who  knew  better  than  the  servants  of  the 
government  this  fact— that  they  could  not, 
even  when  servants  of  the  government,  get 
the  proper  scope  for  their  energy  and  talents; 
and  the  reason  was  this — '*the  want  ot 

PERSONAL   RE8P0NB1BILITT."      ThcrC   WerC 

many  eminent  men  present,  of  high  official 
standing  in  the  government,  and  he  believed 
he  gave  expression  to  their  private  senti- 
ments on  this  subject  He  would  venture  to 
say,  if  the  capable  men  in  the  service  of  the 
government  were  placed  in  their  positions 
with  their  hands  so  free  and  unfettered  that 
each  man  were  permitted  to  do  that  which 


he  kDe#  he  was  most  capable  of  doing  for 
the  service  of  the  government,  in  the  man- 
ner which  he  knew  to  be  most  effective  for 
the  public  service,  and  were  charged  with 
the  entire  and  personal  responsibility  of  his 
own  work,   a  rapid  practical  amelioration 
would  take  place  in  the  execution  of  public 
business.     The  construction  of  a  steam, 
ship  for  the  government,  if  it  were  the  sole 
work  of  one  man,  whose  name  was  openly 
attached  to  it  as  solely  responsible  for  its 
success,  would  run  a  very  fair  chance  of 
success ;  but  wherever  such  works  were  done 
by  boards  instead  of  by  individuals,  the  diffi. 
cultles  in  the  way  of  success  were  nearly 
insuperable,  because  personal  responsibility 
was  at  an  end.     Instead  of  this,  it  was  "  an 
office*'  that  did  the  work,  and  not  the  indi- 
vidual.   Out  came  the  office  plan — the  office 
plan  was  built.     If  it  succeeded,  there  were 
twenty  people  ready  to  claim  the  authorship 
of  it,  but  if  it  failed  pity  the  poor  gentleman 
who  originally  drew  it !     For  success  in 
steam  navigration,  the  name  of  one  individual 
should  be  identified  with  each  ship,  as  per- 
sonally responsible  for  her,  from  the  laying 
of  the  keel  to  her  final  repose  in  the  breaker's 
yard,  and  with  personal  responsibility  you 
Would  have  good  ships.     If  it  were  possible 
for  the  government  of  this  country  to  make 
one  individual  publicly  reaponsible  for  the 
success  of  every  separate  piece  of  work  done, 
to  attach  the  name  of  one  individual  who  really 
had  the  doing  of  that  thing  to  his  work  in  so 
unmistakable  a  manner  that  he  should  have 
all  the  credit  and  all  the  discredit  of  doing 
that  thing  well  or  ill, — if  it  were  possible  that 
each  working  head  of  every  department,  down 
to  the  lowest,  were  personally  responsible  for 
all  those  below  him,  and  these  in  turn  respon- 
sible only  to  those  immediately  over  them, 
then  public  works  might  be  managed  much 
in  the  same  way  as  private  works  were  con- 
ducted,  and  with  equally  good  results.     He 
feared,  however,  that  our  system  of  parlia- 
mentary government  was  hardly  compatible 
with  such  a  system  of  extensive  personal  re- 
sponsibility. These  remarks,  perhaps  some- 
what foreign  to  the  subject,  were  what  he 
could  offer  in  reply  to  the  wish  expressed  by 
the  noble  chairman,  that  the  services  of  such 
societies  of  men  as  the  present  might  be 
rendered  available  to  the  assistance  of  cer- 
tain departments  of  government     He  beg- 
ged to  assure  his  lordship  of  the  earnest 
desire  of  every  man  in  that  meeting  to  place 
any  talents  or  powers  he  might  possess  at 
the  disposal  of  government,  for  the  great 
purpose  of  the  defence  of  the  honour  of  the 
country  in  which,  probably,  most  of  them 
felt  even  a  deeper  interest  at  this  moment 
than  in  any  of  their  private  undertakings. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


492 


Clifford's  patent  method  of  lowebing  ships'  boats. 


CLIFFORD'S  PATENT  METHOD  OF 
LOWERING  SHIPS'  BOATS. 

Mr.  Clifford,  the  patentee  of  certain 
improvements  in  apparatus  for  lowering 
boats  evenly,  for  preventing  their  filling 
with  water,  and  for  releasing  them  effec 
tually  from  the  vessel  to  which  they  belong 
in  times  of  emergency,  which  were  de- 
scribed, Mechanics*  Magazine,  vol.  lix.,  p. 
334,  has  recently  written  to  the  Times  as 
follows:— "In  the  winter  of  1851  the  Par- 
liamentary  committee  appointed  to  inquire 
into  the  cause  of  the  loss  of  the  Amasconf  re- 
ported, among  other  results  of  their  investi- 
gations, that  '  the  means  of  lowering  boats 
evenly  and  of  readily  disengaging  the 
tackles,  together  with  plugs,  which  are  self- 
acting,  are  desiderata  wanting  throughout 
the  naval  service,'  and  they  go  on  to  say, 
'  that  it  may  be  expected  some  useful  means 
of  supplying  these  defects  will  be  devised.' 
But  tne  spring  of  1855  shows  everything  the 
same.  The  Duke  of  Wellington,  Her  Ma- 
jesty's  line-of-battle  ship,  steams  out  of 
Portsmouth  or  Spithead  on  her  maiden  trial 
trip,  well  found  in  every  appliance  for  the 
destruction  of  the  human  species  that  naval 
skill  can  prompt,  but  a  man  falls  overboard 
from  her  yards,  and  before  a  boat  can  be 
lowered  he  is  gone.  The  emigrant  ship 
John  founders,  and  her  boatswain  '  considers 
it  lucky  thai  her  boats  have  been  smashed, 
as  otherwise  all  persons  on  board  would  in 
all  probability  have  been  drowned.'  The 
boats  were  useless  ;  and  why  ?  The  plain 
answer  is,  that  as  they  seldom  can  be  low- 
ered  without  accident  when  a  vessel  is 
going  through  the  water,  the  sailor  has 
learnt  to  look  on  them  as  worse  than  use- 
less, especially  if  affrighted  passengers  are 
to  be  their  occupants  during  the  process. 
He  m^kes  a  pigsty  of  them,  and  well  he 
may,  for  had  he  not  they  would  only  be  his 
coffin  when  he  trusted  to  them  for  his  salva- 
tion. Your  own  records  of  the  loss  of  the 
Amazon,  the  Birkenhead^  or  Victoria  will 
bear  me  out  in  this.  In  each  of  these  in- 
stances the  ships  were  well  supplied  with 
boats,  but  how  many  of  them  reached  the 
water  safely  ?  Of  the  Amazon,  two  (of  the 
smallest) ;  of  the  Birkenhead,  the  saine 
number;  and  of  the  Victoria,  but  one!  — 
the  two  latter  vessels  striking  within  a  short 
distance  of  the  shore,  and  in  a  calm.  Not 
less  than  600  people  perished,  because  the 
boats  could  not  be  properly  lowered  and  in 
sufficient  time,  by  the  loss  of  these  three 
ships.  Now,  have  any  means  been  taken  to 
remedy  this  national  disgrace  to  our  nauti- 
cal  skill  beyond  the  timely  urgings  of  your 
powerful  appeals?  Boats  mav  be  carried 
till  the  ship's  deck  is  covered  with  them  ; 
but  to  what  purpose,  if  the  signal  for  lower. 


ing  is  the  signal  for  accident  T  Three  years' 
careful  consideration  of  the  subject,  and 
practical  experiment,  have  enabled  me  to 
overcome  the  evils  hitherto  looked  upon  as 
insurmountable,  and  the  report  of  a  number 
of  nautical  and  scientific  men,  which  I  en- 
close, leaves  me  little  to  say  in  its  behalt 
By  my  plan  one  man  only  in  the  boat,  with- 
out any  other  assistance  whatever,  bjr  simply 
paying  off  a  rope,  unlashes  and  frees  the 
boat  from  the  ship's  gripes,  lowers  her 
levelly  into  the  water,  and  entirely  diaen- 
gages  her  at  will,  whatever  her  weight  or 
the  number  of  her  crew ;  and  it  is  impossi- 
ble for  her  to  cant  or  turn  over  in  her  de- 
scent, or  for  a  rope  to  tangle  or  catch  in  its 
passage  through  the  block  which  I  use.  So 
simple  and  effectual  is  the  system,  that  I 
now  unhesitatingly  challenge  any  six  sailors 
by  the  present  systetn  of  blocks,  tackles, 
and  hooks  to  a  trial  against  me — sl  lands- 
man, singlehanded — to  lower  and  entirely 
free  from  the  ship  a  boat  laden  with  any 
freight  varying  in  weight  from  10  cwt  to 
four  tons,  either  from  davits,  or  from  a 
single  yard  or  spar,  and  from  any  height, 
with  a  vessel  going  at  any  speed.  There 
are  others  who  have  plans  and  inventions 
besides  myself,  but  let  all  these  be  subjected 
to  the  practical  test  I  call  for.  Let  emula- 
tion stimulate  to  further  exertion,  and  ex- 
periment and  success  must  follow.  The 
sailor  may  then,  knowing  that  he  has  a  cer- 
tain means  of  escape  from  his  ship  when  she 
will  no  longer  hold  together,  stay  by  her  to 
the  last,  and  not,  as  in  the  case  of  the  Jokm, 
leave  her  at  the  first  chance,  when  alone 
there  is  a  probability  of  his  doing  so  in 
safety.  The  harrowing  recitals  of  ship- 
wrecks will  then  lose  some  of  their  horrors, 
and  rescued  humanity  will  turn  to  you  as 
the  advocate  that  pleaded  its  helpless 
cause." 

As  Mr.  Clifford  does  not,  in  the  above 
important  letter,  describe  the  details  of  his 
invention,  we  subjoin  the  following  descrip- 
tion, which  we  have  already  published,  as 
above  stated,  and  which  is  taken  from  his 
specification  filed  at  the  office  of  the  Com- 
missioners of  Patents. 

"  In  this  invention  a  barrel  is  placed 
under  one  of  the  seats,  having  two  holes 
therein.  Three  ropes  are  employed  ;  one  of 
which,  being  passed  through  the  barrel  and 
firmly  securea  therein,  is  wound  round  it 
The  other  two  ropes  are  fixed  to  the  ordi- 
nary davits  or  apparatus  at  the  ship's  side; 
they  pass  respectively  through  two  blocks 
(each  having  three  sheaves,  which  may  or 
may  not  rotate  on  axes),  and  then  enter 
one  hole  in  the  barrel  in  opposite  diree- 
tions ;  they  are  otherwise  left  unfastened. 
The  two  blocks  are  fixed  to  diagonal  ropes, 
which  are  inside,  fast  on  either  tide  of  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THE  BOILEB  EXPLOSION  AT  0BAW8HAW  BOOTH. 


493 


boat.  By  this  arrangement,  when  the  first 
rope  it  pulled  the  barrel  rotates  and  winds 
up  the  other  two  ropes  to  any  required  ele- 
vation. Tlie  first  rope  is  then  made  fast  to 
hitcb-pins,  or  otherwise,  in  the  boat  The 
lowering  is  effected  by  paying  off  the  first- 
mentiooed  rope,  thus  allowing  the  barrel  to 
rotate;  and  as  soon  as  the  boat  has  de- 
scended and  moTed  to  a  distance  equal  to 
the  length  of  the  two  ropes,  they  will  be 
drawn  out  of  the  holes  and  through  the 
blocks,  and  the  boat  will  be  free." 

THE    WHITTINGTON    CLUB    AND 
METROPOLITAN  ATHENiEUM. 

Tub  recent  destruction  by  fire  of  the  pre- 
mises occupied  by  the  above  Institution  has, 
we  very  much  regret  to  find,  so  far  jeopar- 
dised  its  existence,  that  aH  earnest  effort 
must  be  made  by  its  friends  and  supporters 
in  order  to  save  it  from  dissolution. 

The  sum  for  which  the  building  was 
insured,  when  destroyed,  falls  i^S.OOO  short 
of  that  which  is  necessary  for  i*^  re-erec- 
tion;  and  as  the  surrender  of  the  lease 
held  by  the  Club  would  be  attended  by 
numerous  disadvantages,  and  probably  lead 
to  the  immediate  dispersion  of  its  mem. 
hers,  the  Committee  have  determined 
that  an  endeavour  shall  be  made  to  raise 
the  sum  required  for  completing  the  re- 
building and  decoration  of  the  premises  in 
Arundel-street.  They  have  accordingly 
called  upon  the  members  and  the  public 
for  a  Building  Fund  Loan,  to  be  raised  in 
3,000  shares  of  £1  each,  to  be  paid  in 
instalments  at  the  rate  of  two  shillings  per 
share,  per  month.  Shares  may  be  obtained 
on  application  at  the  Office  of  the  Club, 
210,  Strand. 

We  sincerely  commend  the  matter  to  the 
attention  of  our  readers,  as  we  should 
greatly  deplore  the  extinction  of  so  useful 
and  valuable  an  Institution  as  the  Whit- 
tington  Club,  which  offers  to  the  young 
men  of  London  advantages  nowhere  else  to 
be  obtained. 

THE  BOILER  EXPLOSION  AT 
CRAWSHAW  BOOTH. 
To  the  Editor  rf  the  Mecktmics*  Magazine, 
Sir, — We  have  now  before  us  the  evidence 
on   the   cause   of  the   boiler   explosion,  at 
Crawshaw    Booth,  near   Rawtenstall;    and 
also  two  reports,  one  from  Mr.  Roberta,  the 
other  from  Mr.  Longridge,  the   chief  in- 
spector of  boilers  for  Uie  Association.  Judg- 
ing  from  the  evidence  of  the  various  wit- 
nesses examined,    it  would    appear,    that 
previous  to  the  day  on  which  the  explosion 
occurred,  all  possible  care  was  exercised  in 
the  working  of  the  boiler,  no  extreme  pres- 


sure having  been  used.    On  the  day  of  ex- 
plosion, however,  the  engine  tenter  placed 
an  extra  weight  upon  the  safety  valve  lever; 
it  is  not  clearly  proved  for  what  purpose, 
nor  to  what  ettent  the  boiler  became  loaded 
thereby.     No  doubt  the  engineer   was  in 
ignorance  as  to  the  effect  it  would  produce ; 
nevertheless,  such  conduct  cannot  be  too 
severely  censured.    No  additional  weight 
ought  to  be  added  to  any  boiler,  without 
first  consulting  an  engineer  fully  competent 
to  say  whether  the  boiler  would  bear  such 
extra  strain.  -  Mr.  Roberts  says,  in  his  re- 
port, that  the  explosion  took  place  in  con- 
sequence of  a  rupture   in   the  right-hand 
furnace  tube,  or .  nue,  there  being  two  such 
furnace  fines,  3  feet  3  inches  diameter,  and 
three  eighths  of  an  inch  thick,  extending 
from  one  end  of  the  boiler  to  the  other,  the 
same  being  27  feet  long  and  8  feet  6  inches 
in  diameter.    He  also  says  that  the  material 
was  of  fair  average  quality,  and  the  work- 
manship good;    the   boiler   was  also  well 
stayed.     In  his  calculations  he  goes  on  to 
prove' that  the  boiler  was  capable  of  sustain- 
ing a  pressure  of  100*  lbs.  on  the  square 
inch,  and  that  he  would  have  no  hesitation 
in  sitting  upon  it,  while  a  pressure  of  60  lbs. 
was  used.     Now,  Sir,  with  this  evidence  be- 
fore us,  and  the  want  of  proof  as  to  the  extra 
weight  used  by  the  engineer,  does  it  not 
appear  an  extraordinary  case?     Taking  it 
for  granted  that  the  engineman  added  double 
the  weight,    still    this  was  not  over  Mr. 
Roberts's  calculated  estimate  as  to  the  sus- 
taining power ;  we  must,  therefore,  come  to 
the  conclusion  that  the  depression  in  the 
fine  aforesaid  was  sufficient  to  destroy  the 
strength  of  it,  in  the  absence  of  any  correct 
data  to  determine  what  pressure  such  a  tube 
would  really  bear.    A  gn^at  deal  has  been 
said  and  written,  from  time  to  time,  about 
the  most  correct  form  for  such  fines  or  fur- 
nace tubes  ;  and  all  are  now  aware  that  the 
(perfect)  circular  form  is  the  best  adapted  to 
resist  pressure :   but  let  me  ask,  are  there 
any  such  f!ues  or  tubes  made  in  the  ordinary 
manner,  when  the  plates  overlap  each  other 
for  the  rivet  joint  ?    If  they  cannot  be  made 
in  a  perfect  form,  a  due  allowance  ought  to 
be  made  for  such.     How  very  rarely  do  we 
hear  of  a  locomotive  fire-box  giving  way, 
and  yet  who  will  say  it  is  the  best  of  all 
forms? 

We  will  now  turn  to  Mr.  Longridge's  re- 
port on  the  matter,  and  see  what  his  views 
are.  He  says,  "  From  the  manager's  evi- 
dence, it  would  appear  that  there  was  abun- 
dance of  water  in  the  boiler."  Again  he 
says,  "  Without,  however,  supposing  any 
deficiency  of  water,  there  appears  to  me  to 
be  quite  sufficient  cause  for  the  accident  in 
the  great  height  of  the  external  fines,  and 
the  incrustation  on  the  plates ;  for  it  is  evi- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


4M 


SMECmCAfftOlf B  OF  PAtEHTft  BECEimT  FUBD. 


dent  that  the  heat  in  the  upper  part  of  these 
flues,  which  are  se  much  (16  inches)  above 
the  centre  of  the  boiler,  would  be  conducted 
to  the  Mteam  instead  of  the  water."     Now, 
let  us  examine  how  far  this  statement  would 
bear  upon  facts.     In  the  first  place,  we  wili 
allow  the  flue  to  have  been  18  inches  abo?e 
the  centre  of  the  boiler ;  but  this  does  not 
prove  that  it  was  the  same  height  above  the 
surfiice  of  the  water  in  the  boiler.     Again, 
the  heat  and  products  of  combustion  having 
passed  along  the  whole  length  of  the  boiler 
(27  feet)  through  the  tubes  and  round  the 
ends,    would     not    produce    any    sensible 
change  in  the  temperature  of  the  steam.  We 
will  suppose  the  temperature  of  the  steam,  at 
a  pressure  of  42  lbs.  on  the  square  inch,  to 
be  about  272* ;  it  would  then  require  this 
temperature   to  be  increased  to  400^   to 
agree  with  Mr.  Longridge's  views ;  and  this 
difference  to  be  produced  by  the  action  of 
the  heat  in  the  side  flues,  which  Is  not  pos. 
sible.     We  will  refer  again  to  the  report, 
when  he  says,  "  While  the  engine  is  at  rest, 
the  valves  being  all  closed,  there  would  be 
little  circulation    in   the   water;    and  the 
steam  (as  stated  above)  would  be  gradually 
raised  to  a  high  temperature,  or,  as  it  is 
technically  called,  'surcharged'  steam,  with- 
out indicating  any  excess  of  pressure ;  but 
lmraedia.tely   on   starting  the  engine,   the 
pressure  on  the  surface  o{  the  water  being 
reduced,  violent  ebullition  would  take  place, 
and  the  water  being  thrown  up,  being  coi). 
verted  into  ordinary  steam,  would  be  ab. 
sorbed."     Now,  unfortunately  for  this  nice 
theory  (which  is  not  a  new  one),  it  is  not 
supported  by  experiment  on  the  nature  and 
properties  of  steam.    *'  Steam,*'  of  course, 
may  be  what  is  termed  "  surcharged ;"  but 
it  must,   at  the   same  time,   be  generated 
in  one   vessel    and  surcharged  in   a  sepa- 
rate vessel;  or,  in  other  words,   it  cannot 
be    "surcharged,"    and  yet    be  in    con- 
tact with  the  water.      I  have  no  need  to 
mention  any  authorities  upon  this  point,  for 
I  believe  it  is  a  recognised  law,  so  far  as 
our  exnerience  extends  at  present;  but  per- 
haps Mr.  Longridge's  view  is  the  dawn  of  a 
new  *'  era"  in  this  respect.    It  appears  that 
the  explosion  did  not  take  place  until  the 
engine  had  been  started  two  hours ;  but  the 
above  gentleman  accounts  for  this  in  the 
following  ingenious  manner: — The  violent 
ebullition  or  the  water  may  have  removed 
some  of  the  scale  from  the  flues,  and  allowed 
the  water  to  come  in  contact  with  the  hot 
plates  to  produce  the  above  result.     Now, 
m  this  case,  the  "  scale"  upon  the  flue  must 
have  been  very  thick,  which  would  hardly 
appear  to  be  possible,  seeing  the  boiler  had 
been  cleaned  (although  not  well)  only  a  few 
weeks  before ;  and  I  presume  the  ordinary 
fresh  water  was  used,  which  does  not  pro- 


duce lo  much  sediment  u  "  tea- water."    I 

could  pursue  this  subject  much  further, 
were  I  not  apprehensive  of  filling  up  too 
much  of  your  space.  I  will,  therefore,  only 
remark,  that  1  consider  Mr.  Longridge's 
views  in  connection  with  this  subject  to  be 
rather  dangerous,  and  I  still  think  the  true 
cause  of  the  accident,  as  I  said  before,  to  be 
in  the  depression  of  the  flue,  the  pressure 
being  sufficient  to  cause  its  rupture.  It  is 
of  little  use  on  occasions  such  as  the  above 
to  conceive  any  nice  theory,  and  produce  it 
If  we  use  high-pressure  steam,  let  us  rather 
understand  its  true  nature  and  propertiei, 
and  use  Che  best  and  strongest  forma  to  re- 
sist it,  combined  with  the  best  materials  and 
workmanship. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Engineer. 
Ifanchester,  May  14,  1855. 


SPECIFICATIONS    OF    PATENTS 
KECENTLY  FILED. 

*»*  The  Final  Specifications  of  Noa. 
2202,  2203  have  recently  been  filed,  the 
Lord  Chancellor  having  ordered  an  exten- 
sion  of  the  time  allowed  for  filing  them. 
The  inventions  for  which  these  patents  have 
been  granted  have  already  been  described  in 
our  pages :  No.  2202  (as  No.  590),  on  page 
357  of  our  last,  and  No.  2203  (as  No.  1398), 
on  page  43  oi  our  present  volume.  The 
delay  in  the  filing  of  these  specifications 
arose  out  of  the  following  circumstances: 
Mr.  Monzani,  the  applicant  in  the  cases  of 
Nos.  590  and  1398,  died  afier  obuining  his 
Letters  Patent,  but  before  filing  his  Final 
Specifications,  which  the  Act  declares  shall 
be  under  the  hand  of  the  peraon  to  whom 
the  Letters  Patent  are  granted.  In  these 
circumstances  the  applicanrs  widow  and 
administratrix  was  advised  to  apply  for  new 
Letters  Patent,  and  it  was  respecting  the 
granting  of  these  that  a  question  arove  which 
occasioned  delay.  Tliey  have,  however,  been 
granted,  and  the  Final  Specifications,  as  we 
have  said,  filed. 

SavoURi,  Jean  Pibrre,  of  Catharine, 
street.  Strand,  Middlesex,  and  Rue  de  la 
Sauuerie,  Paris,  France.  4a  improved  gold 
coin  detector,  applicable  also  for  weighing 
postal  communications.  Patent  dated  October 
28,1854.    (No.  2298.) 

This  invention  consists  in  having  one  gauge 
for  the  weight  and  another  for  the  size  of 
gold  coins,  both  acting  simultaneously  dur. 
ing  the  detecting  operation. 

Blare,  Charles,  of  Sl  Leonard's,  Sus- 
sex, painter.  A  method  of  preventing  or  US'. 
setting  the  injurious  fffeets  arising  from  eol" 
lisions  at  sea,  and  on  other  navigable  waters. 
Patent  dated  October  28,  1654.   (No.  2299.) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


8FECIFICATI0N8  OF  PATEHTS  BECENTLT  PlLEB. 


495 


nU  inTeotion  eensists  in  fitting  to  the 
bow  of  a  ship  or  other  fessel  a  false  bow, 
buffer,  or  striking.plate,  attached  to  the  end 
of  a  rod  or  rods  working  through  stuffing- 
boxes  in  the  bow,  and  connected  to  suitable 
springs. 

Vauthibr,  Claude  Francois,  engineer, 
of  Dgon,  French  Empire.  Certain  improve^ 
ments  in  blowing-machiies.  Patent  dated 
October  28,  1854.    (No.  2800.) 

This  inrention  consists  in  constructing 
blowing-n^chines  in  the  following  manner: 
— ^The  inventor  takes  a  ojlin4pcal  metallic 
vessel  having  an  aperture  in  the  centre  of 
both  its  top  and  bottom  covers.  Through 
the  aperture  in  the  top  cover  a  solid  piston, 
rod  passes,  while  a  hollow  piston-rod  works 
in  the  opening  in  the  bottom  cover,  through 
which  the  air  is  ejected.  In  both  covers, 
neajT  their  edges,  are  annular  orifices  pro- 
vided with  valves  of  India-rubber,  p^utta 
percha,  or  other  suitable  material,  which 
open  inwards,  and  are  intended  for  the  ad- 
mission of  air  or  other  fluid  into  the  ma- 
chine.  In  the  cylindrical  vessel  is  a  piston 
consisting  of  two  plates,  the  upper  of  which 
is  fixed  on  to  the  solid  piston-rod  which 
passes  through  the  upper  cover,  while  the 
lower  plate  is  in  a  single  piece  with  the 
hollow  piston-rod  which  works  through  the 
bottom  cover,  and  through  which  the  air 
or  other  fluid  is  ejected.  Both  plates 
have  openings  through  which  the  fluid 
passes  into  the  piston  from  the  cylinder. 
Inside  the  piston,  and  over  these  openings, 
are  caps  or  valves  of  vulcanized  India-rub- 
ber  or  other  suitable  material,  so  placed  and 
adjusted  as  to  close  the  openings  in  the  top 
and  bottom  plates.  These  valves  open  in- 
wards, and  at  each  stroke  of  the  piston  the 
air  or  other  fluid  is  drawn  into  the  cylinder, 
and  forcibly  expelled  through  the  hollow 
pi«ton-rod.  The  machine  is  worked  by 
steam  or  any  other  suitable  motive  agent. 

Brooman,  Richard  Archibald,  of  166, 
Fleet-street,  London,  patent-agent.  /»i- 
provementt  in  centrifugal  nachtneSf  and  in 
driving  the  same.  (A  communication.)  Pa- 
tent dated  October  28,  1854.     (No.  2301.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  the 
adaptation  of  certain  rollers  or  cylinders  to 
the  drums  of  centrifugal  machines. 

Magos,  Oliver,  of  Bourton,  Dorset, 
ironfounder.  Jmprooementt  in  portable  steam 
engines.  Patent  dated  October  SO,  1854. 
(No.  2802.) 

This  invention  relates,  first,  to  boilers  and 
furnaces,  and  consists — 1.  In  a  mode  of 
i<)rming  the  furnace-fines,  and  of  arranging 
them  within  the  boiler  so  as  to  strengthen 
it  and  increase  the  amount  of  heating  sur- 
face. 2.  In  the  use  of  and  application  to 
the  fire-box  of  tubes  or  other  water  spaces,  i 
the  upper  ends  of  which  are  attached  to  the 


;  orown  of  the  fire-box,  and  the  lower  ends  to 
any  other  part  of  it.  3.  In  the  use,  and 
application  to  the  boilers  of  portable  engines 
of  hollow  trusses  or  arches  for  the  purpose 
of  strengthening  the  top  of  the  fire-box^  in- 
stead of  solid  stays.  The  invention  relates, 
in  the  second  plac^,  to  the  arrangement  of 
the  remaining  portions  of  tl^e  engine,  and 
consists — 1.  In  placing  the  cylinder  and 
feed-pipes  in  the  chimney.  2.  In  supplying 
a  fly-wheel  at  each  side  of  the  boiler.  3.  In 
the  employment  of  a  certain  contrivance  for 
adjusting  the  steam  slide.  4.  In  placing 
the  cylinder  in  such  a  position  that  it  is 
made  to  form  the  upper  part  of  the  boiler. 

LiLiE,  GusTAVE  HermanN|  of  Amelis- 
villas,  De  Beauvoir-grove,  Kingsland,  Mid- 
dlesex. A  new  materitU  for  the  mant{fac' 
ture  of  paper.  Patent  dated  October  80, 
1854.    (No.  2308.) 

This  invention  consists  in  employing  the 
thistle  plant  for  the  manufacture  of  paper. 

Wainwrioht,  John,  of  Birkenhead, 
Chester,  surgeon-dentist.  Improvements  in 
fitting  up  shops,  qffices,  and  other  like  places, 
and  shop-fronts.  Patent  dated  October  SO, 
1354.     (No.  2304.) 

Claims. — 1.  The  employment  of  panels, 
pillars,  and  pilasters  of  glass  in  fitUng  up 
the  interior  of  shops,  offices,  and  other  like 
places  for  the  purpose  of  exhibiting  show- 
cards.  2.  The  employment  of  double  panels 
of  glass  in  fitting  up  shop-fronts  and  doors 
for  the  above  purpose.  3.  The  employment 
of  double  panels  of  glass  in  fitting  up  the 
interior  of  shops,  offices,  and  other  like 
|)  laces  for  the  same  purpose. 

Haddan,  John  Coope,  of  Chelsea,  Mid- 
dlesex, civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  pro^ 
jectiles,  and  in  machinery  for  manufacturing 
the  same.  Patent  dated  October  30,  1854. 
(No.  2305.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  making 
rockets  and  projectiles  composed  of  shells 
having  rockets  within  them,  (in  eiiher'Case 
intended  to  be  discharged  from  rified  can- 
non,  and  ignited  or  fired  when  in  or  at  a 
distance  from  the  cannon)  with  a  plug  or 
mandril  which  fits  into  the  space  in  the 
powder  or  composition  of  the  rocket  to  pre- 
serve it  from  being  disturbed  when  the 
piece  is  discharged,  tliis  plug  or  mandril 
being  so  arranged  as  to  leave  the  projectile 
at  the  momeiil,  or  immediately  before,  the 
firing  of  the  projectile.  2.  In  constructing 
hollow  projectiles  with  internal  projections 
which  strengthen  them.  3.  In  certain  im- 
provements in  projectiles  which  are  to  be 
used  with  wads. 

Chapuis,  Pierre  Bcnoit,  of  Place  des 
Repenlirs  Guillotiere,  Lyons,  France. 
An  improvement  in  the  harness  used  fcr 
weaving.  (Partly  a  communication.)  Patent 
dated  October  SO,  1854.    (No.  2306.) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


496 


8PE0IPIGATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BECENTLT  FILED. 


Claim, — So  arranging  the  harness  of 
looms  that  it  may  be  extended  and  con- 
tracted to  render  it  suitable  for  weaving 
fabrics  containing  different  numbers  of 
warp- threads  to  the  inch. 

Newall,  Robert  Stirling,  of  Gates- 
head.  Improvements  in  electric  telegraphs, 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  Oc- 
tober 30,  1854.     (No.  2308.) 

This  invention  has  for  its  object  the  so 
constructing  electric  telegraphs  that  a  single 
line-wire  and  the  earth  may  be  employed  as 
a  means  of  communicating  simultaneously 
in  opposite  directions  between  the  stations. 
"In  its  application  to  Morse's, apparatus," 
says  the  patentee,  "  the  only  alteration  re- 
quired  is  in  the  relay,  in  which  the  helices 
of  the  electro-magnets  are  formed  of  two 
separate  fine  copper  silk-covered  wires  of 
equal  size  and  length,  and  coiled  the  same 
number  of  times  round  the  electro-magnets, 
but  in  opposite  directions." 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fields,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  axle^ 
bojc'js,  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
October  30,  1854.     (No.  2309.) 

These  improvements,  which  relate  to  the 
axle-boxes  of  ordinary  carriages,  consist  in 
forming  an  internal  rim  or  annular  projec- 
tion in  the  axle-box  near  the  outer  end, 
whereby  a  larger  bearing  or  frictional  sur- 
face  is  presented  to  the  holding  or  retaining 
nut 

Tyerman,  Thomas  Frederick,  of  Wey- 
mouth-street,  Portland-place,  Middlesex, 
architect  and  surveyor.  Improvements  in 
preparing  hoop-iron  and  such-like  metal  SW' 
faces  used  for  bondings  in  buildings  and 
structures.  Patent  dated  October  31,  1854'. 
(No.  2310.) 

Claim. — Preparing  and  treating  hoop- 
iron,  &c.,  in  such  manner  as  to  produce 
"  notched,  or  jagged,  or  roughened,  or  ser- 
rated edges,  and  roughened,  or  rasp-like,  or 
spikey,  or  perforated,  or  undulating  sur- 
faces." 

Reid,  William,  of  University- street. 
Improvements  f»  the  manufacture  of  galvanic 
batteries.  Patent  dated  October  31,  1854. 
(No.  2311.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  forming  a 
trough  divided  into  several  divisions  by  par- 
titions, of  one  piece  of  glass,  by  moulding 
the  same  by  pressure  in  moulds;  and  in 
protecting  such  troughs  from  injury  by 
casing  them  on  the  outside  with  gutta 
percha,  wood,  coir-matting,  or  other  tough 
material. 

Prosser,  Thomas,  of  New  York,  United 
States,  now  of  Birkenhead,  Chester,  mer- 
chant  and  civil  engineer.  Improvements  in 
condensers  of  steam  engines  and  parts  eon. 
nected  therewith.  Patent  dated  October  31, 
1.S54.     (No.  2314.) 


*'  My  condensing  apparatus  eontitis,*' 
says  the  inventor,  "  of  a  hollow  slab  or 
chamber  communicating  by  means  of  an- 
nular spaces  with  a  like  chamber  above  it, 
such  annular  spaces  being  formed  by  meana 
of  tubes,  one  within  the  other,  the  inner 
ones  passing  quite  through  both  chambers 
while  the  outer  ones  merely  enter  into  both 
of  them.** 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincolu's- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Impraot- 
ments  in  lithographic  printing-presses,  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  October  31, 
1854.     (No.  2815.) 

This  invention  relates  to  an  improved 
construction  and  arrangement  of  litho- 
graphic presses,  such  presses  being,  in  the 
present  case,  worked  continuously  and 
driven  by  power  in  place  of  manual  labour. 
Craio,  Archibald,  of  Paisley,  Renfrew, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture 
of  railway  wheels.  Patent  dated  October 
31,  1854.    (No.  2816.) 

Claims. — 1.  A  mode  of  bending  the  spoke 
bars  of  railway  wheels,  by  means  of  swiveU 
ling  and  sliding  blocks  arranged  to  com- 
press the  bar  against  a  mould-piece,  the 
compressing  action  being  given  to  the 
swivelling  blocks,  either  by  traversing  them 
upon  a  frame  between  fixed  resisting  pul- 
leys, by  causing  traversing  pulleys  to  set 
upon  them,  they  being  jointed  upon  a 
fixed  frame,  by  connecting  them  directly  or 
otherwise  to  revolving  cranks,  or  by  turn. 
ing  them  in  upon  the  bar  by  hand  by  means 
of  levers.  2.  A  mode  of  welding  wheel 
tyres  by  means  of  rollers  made  to  roll  back- 
ward  and  forward  upon  the  part  of  the  tyre 
to  be  welded,  such  rollers  being  carried  in 
a  frame  to  which  an  oscillatory  motion  is 
communicated,  or  being  placed  in  a  fixed 
frame  and  having  a  reciprocatory  partial 
rotation  given  to  them  whilst  the  tyre  reci- 
procates between  them. 

Blackburn,  Bewicke,  of  Clapham- 
coinmon,  Surrey.  Improvements  in  the  sm- 
nt^acture  <if  pipe^.  Patent  dated  October 
31,  1854.     (No.  2317.) 

This  invention  consists  in  manufacturing 
pipes  by  binding  small  pieces  of  wood  to. 
gether  (overlapping  and  breaking  joint  with 
each  other)  in  a  cylindrical  form,  and 
cementing  them  with,  and  completely  imbed- 
ding them  in  asphalte  or  other  suitable 
I    cement. 

Osborne,  Thomas,  of  Leicester,  engi- 
neer, and  William  Eldred,  of  the  same 
place,  railway  contractor.  Improvements  in 
apparatus  for  retarding  and  stopping  railway 
carriages.  Patent  dated  October  31,  1854. 
(No.  2318.) 

This  invention  consists  in  fixing  on  the 
axles  of  the  carriages  sliding  cones  or 
drums  to  which  are  attached  the  ends  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPEOIFICATIOHS  OF  PATENTS  REOENTLY  FILSB. 


497 


cords  to  the  other  end  of  each  of  which  is 
fixed  another  cord  that  passes  round  the 
hreaks  which  are  formed  in  two  parts,  each 
partly  embracing  an  axle  of  the  carriage, 
and  these  parts  are  suspended  on  hinges  or 
joints,  and  kept  apart  by  springs  in  such 
manner  that  they  will  not  come  into  action 
and  bind  on  the  axle  till  the  drum  is  put  in 
motion,  and  one  of  the  cords  thereon  wound 
up. 

Braoshaw,  James,  and  William  Brad- 
8UAW,  of  Blackburn,  Lancaster,  watch- 
makers. Improvemenis  in  time-piece*.  Pa- 
tent dated  November  1,  1854.    (No.  2320.) 

Instead  of  using  the  ordinary  compound 
spring  holder  or  detent  spring  witn  one 
part  strong  and  another  very  weak,  fixing  it 
firmly  to  the  stud  in  the  potence  plate,  the 
inventors  use  a  simple  lever  and  cause  it  to 
vibrate  upon  a  •tafi'in  suitable  bearings. 

Rae,  James,  of  Alpha-road,  New- cross, 
Kent,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  tit  ma- 
chinery  or  apparatus  for  assisting  in  propelling 
vessels.  Patent  dated  November  1,  1854. 
(No.  2321.) 

This  invention  consists  in  certain  means 
of  supporting  the  screw  propeller  *'  in  such 
manner  that  it  shall  at  all  times  be  main- 
tained in  its  proper  horizontal  position,  and 
that  the  after  end  of  the  shaft  will  be  en- 
tirely independent  of  the  rudder  post,  so 
tliat  any  shock  or  damage  sustained  by  the 
rudder  or  rudder  post  will  have  no  effect 
upon  the  propeller  shaft,  screw,  or  bear, 
ings." 

Newton,  Alfred  Vincent,  of  Chan- 
cery-Iane,  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughts, 
man.  An  impromd  method  of  forging  or 
swaging  railroad  carriage  and  other  wheels. 
(A  communication.)  Patent  dated  No- 
vember 1,  1854.    (No.  2323.) 

"  This  invention  consists  in  swaging  or 
hammering  the  block  of  heated  metal  into 
the  form  required  within  a  die-box  or  anvil 
of  the  reversed  form  of  one  face  of  the 
wheel,  the  rim  or  tread,  and  one  face  of  the 
flanch,  by  means  of  a  hammer  of  the  re- 
versed form  of  the  opposite  face,  rim,  and 
flanch  of  the  wheel,  when  the  said  hammer 
or  anvil  is  made  to  rotate  with  an  inter- 
mittent motion  between  the  blows  of  the 
hammer." 

Francis,  Joseph,  of  New  York,  United 
States  of  America.  The  manufacture  qf 
wagons,  caissonSf  and  other  vehicles,  ttppU^ 
cable  to  transport  military  and  other  stores 
on  land  and  water.  Patent  dated  November 
1,1854.    (No.  2325.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing 
wagon  bodies,  military  caissons,  &c.,  of  cor. 
rugated  wrought  metal. 

Harorovb,  Charles,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
anneaiing  east-iron  or  in  rending  east-iron 


malleable.    Patent  dated  November  2, 1854. 
(No.  2827.) 

Claims.— 1.  The  use  of  a  series  of  ovens 
or  chambers  made  of  fire  clay  or  brick  for 
annealing  articles  of  cast-iron  as  described. 
2.  The  recovery  of  peroxide  of  iron  or  iron 
ore  that  has  been  used  for  annealing  iron,  so 
as  to  render  it  fit  to  be  used  again  by  any  of 
several  described  processes. 

Walmsley,  Henrt,  and  John  Day, 
both  of  Failsworth,  near  Manohesttr,  Lan- 
caster. Improvements  in  looms.  Patent  dated 
November  3, 1854.    (No.  2329.) 

The  improvements  relate  to  the  picking 
apparatus,  and  instead  of  the  usual  picking 
spindles,  springs,  or  picking  bands,  the  in- 
ventors use  an  angular  lever,  which  is 
thrown  into  motion  by  the  tappet  shaft,  and 
is  brought  to  bear  directly  on  the  horizontal 
or  lower  limb  upon  the  picking  stick  socket, 
and  is  thereby  moved.  They  also  use  a 
double- sided  or  jawed  swivel  carrying  the 
picking  stick  socket,  which  swivel  works 
upon  a  cast-iron  stud  bolted  to  the  loom, 
and  is  therefore  independent  of  the  swing 
rail. 

Topp,  Nathaniel,  of  Farn worth,  Lan- 
caster,  spinner,  John  Holt,  of  the  same 
place,  spinner,  and  John  Partington,  of 
the  same  place,  mechanic.  Improvements  in 
hand  mules  for  spinning.  Patent  dated  No- 
vember 3,  1854.     (No.  2332.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  a  method 
of  applying  and  bringing  into  action  a 
break,  so  as  to  check  the  motion  of  the  ma- 
chine when  the  carriage  arrives  towards  the 
end  of  the  stretch.  2.  In  a  method  of  faci- 
litating  the  backing  off  by  the  agency  of  a 
spring,  compressed  during  the  running  out 
of  the  carriage  by  a  revolving  shaft 
'  Moineau,  Isidore  Alexandre,  clerk, 
and  Jean  Gustave  Lemasson,  professor  of 
natural  history,  of  Paris.  Improvements  in 
elastic  mattresses  and  seats.  Patent  dated 
November  3,  1854.    (No.  2333.) 

Claim. — The  use  and  application  of  fiat 
steel  springs  or  spring  blades  in  making 
elastic  mattresses  and  bolsters. 

Alexandre,  Edouard,  organ-builder, 
of  Paris.  Improvements  in  organ  -  pianos. 
Patent  dated  November  3,  1854.  (No. 
2334.) 

The  inventor  combines  in  one  instrument 
the  mechanism  of  an  organ  and  a  piano  in- 
dependently of  each  other,  and  furnishes  it 
with  a  peculiar  arrangement  of  reed-stops. 

Atherton,  James,  of  Preston,  Lancas- 
ter,, machine -maker,  and  John  Kinlock,  of 
the  same  place,  manager.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  preparing  and 
sixing  or  dressing  yams  or  threads.  Patent 
dated  November  3,  1854.    (No.  2335.) 

Claims. — 1.  A  mode  of  arranging  and 
working  "tape- sizing  machines,"  wherein 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


498 


SWtCIFICATIOXS   OF  PATENTS  KEOENTLY    FILED. 


the  unsized  warp  beainft,  the  squeezing  rol- 
lers, the  rotatory  brushes,  and  the  traction 
rollers  In  front  of  the  drying  cylinders  are 
actuated  by  gearing  or  directly.  2.  A  mode 
of  actuating  the  unsized  warp  beams  by 
means  of  gearing  or  direct  mechanical  con- 
nections in  such  manner  that  the  ends  of  the 
yarn  shall  all  oome  off  the  entire  series  of 
beams  at  or  about  the  tame  instant  of  time. 
3.  The  Use  of  a  frietional  clutch  ot  connect- 
ing arrangement  for  the  purpose  of  winding 
the  yarn  or  warp  from  **  tape-sising  ma- 
chines" on  to  ifie  weaver's  beams.  4.  A 
mode  of  winding  the  yarn  or  warp  fVom 
"  tape-sizing  machines  "  on  to  the  weaver's 
beam  by  the  agency  of  a  flrictional  driving 
roller  or  pulley,  havinff  the  same  surface 
Telocity  as  the  unsized  warp  beams,  and 
aoting  upon  the  surface  of  thfe  warp  as  it  is 
wound  upon  the  beam.  d.  The  use  in  con  nee 
tion  with  the  warping  mill  of  an  indicating 
apparftCns  for  the  purpose  of  denoting  the 
length  of  warp  yarn  delivered.  6.  A  mode 
of  warping  yarns,  or  of  beaming  them  upon 
the  weaver's  beam,  wherein  an  indicating 
apparatus  for  denoting  the  length  of  warp 
yarn  is  connected  and  driven  by  the  mea- 
anriiig[  roller  of  the  warping  mill.  7.  The 
use  in  warping  or  beaming  machinery  of  a 
stop-finger  worked  from  the  measuring  rol- 
ler  of  the  warping  mill,  for  the  purpose  of 
actuating  the  stop-rod  or  lever  of  the  driv- 
ing action. 

SCHAEFFER,  WxLLIAM  ChARLES  THEO- 
DORE, Of  Stanhope,  terrace,  Hyde-park  Gar- 
dens,  analytical  chemist  Improvements  in 
treating  the  waste  wash-waters  of  woollen  and 
other  mills.  Patent  dated  November  3, 1854. 
(No.  2SS6.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  to  obtain 
the  fatty  and  oiTy  matters  contained  in  wash- 
waters  of  woollen  and  other  mills,  and  it 
consists  in  treating  such  wash-waters  with 
acetic  acid,  tartar,  and  urine. 

Baxter,  George  Lee,  of  Sneinton  Her- 
mitage, Sneinton,  Nottingham,  dyer.  Im- 
provements in  reaping  machines.  Patent  dated 
November  4,  1854.    (No,  2837.) 

These  improvements  consist  principally 
in  the  emplo^nent  of  a  circular  saw  (simi- 
lar to  those  ordinarily  employed  for  sawing 
timber)  mounted  in  an  horizontal  posi- 
tion,  and  caused  to  revolve  swiftly  as  the 
machine  progresses  by  accelerating  gearing 
connected  to  one  of  the  running  wneels. 

Adcock,  Joh^,  of  Marlborough  -  road, 
Dalston,  Middlesex,  cigar  -  manufacturer. 
t*he  novel  application  of  the  stem  or  stalk  of 
the  tobaccO'leqf  to  various  useful  purposes. 
Patent  dated  November  4,  1854.  (No. 
2338.) 

Claim, — "  Converting  or  manufacturing 
the  stalks  or  stems  of  the  tobacco- plant  into 
a  tissue  or  fabric,  and  applying  the  same  to 


the  purposes  for  which  ordinary  leaf-tobaee^ 
has  hitherto  been  employed.'* 

Betteley,  Joseph,  of  Liverpool,  anehor- 
manufacturer.  Improvements  in  the  eon- 
struetion  and  mantrfacture  of  iron  knees^  and 
the  application  thereqffor  ships*  fastenings. 
Patent  dated  November  9,  1854.  (No. 
2348.) 

This  invention  consists  in  manufaeturing 
knees  of  rolled  iron  of  peculiar  sectional 
forms  in  place  of  forging  them  solid  as 
heretofore. 

Ensor,  Frederic  Raxmford,  of  the 
Park,  Nottingham.  Improvements  in  bobbin 
net  or  twist  lace  machinery.  Patent  dated 
November  6,  1854.     (No.  2844.) 

This  invention  is  applicable  when  Jae- 
quard  or  other  pattern  surfaces  move  the 
several  warp  bars  simply  to  and  fro  and  the 
real  position  of  the  warp  threadf  is  go- 
verned by  what  is  called  a  split  bar  or  other 
similar  spa<iinjg;  instrument  and  the  in- 
ventor employs  certain  fixed  and  movable 
stops  which  control  die  warp  threads  at 
every  passage  or  swin^  of  the  earriage  to 
and  fro. 

Wallace,  James,  junior,  of  Glasgow, 
Lanark,  North  Britain,  manufacturer.  Im- 
provements in  zineographic  and  Hthograpkie 
printing.  Patent  dated  November  0, 1854. 
(No.  2345.) 

Cl(dms.—l.  The  general  arrangement  and 
construction  of  zineographic  and  lithogral 
phic  printing  apparatus  as  deseribed.  2. 
A  mode  of  making  the  printing  roller  of 
zineographic  cylinder  printing  machines 
of  solid  metal,  the  centre  of  the  roller 
being  of  cast  Iron  or  other  metal  wliilst  the 
outer  portion  is  o?  zinc,  but  of  auch  a 
thickness  as  not  to  be  affected  hj  the  work- 
ing pressure.  8.  A  mode  of^moistening 
the  surface  of  zineographic  printing  rollers 
by  means  of  a  saturated  roller  and  a  pad, 
the  fonner  applying  moisture  to  the  roller, 
and  the  latter  subsequently  taking  away  the 
superfluous  moisture.  4.  A  mode  of  gran- 
ulatinp^  or  preparing  the  surface  of  cm  co- 
graphic  printing  rollers  by  means  of  a  rub- 
bing surfoce  supplied  witn  emery  or  other 
powder  and  made  to  traverse  from  end  to 
end  of  the  roller  whilst  the  latter  is  made  to 
rotate,  the  two  bejng  connected  by  suitable 
gearing  and  actuated  together. 

ChildSi  William,  the  younger,  of 
Brighton,  Sussex,  manufacturer.  4n  im- 
provement in  the  manufacture  of  pipes  and 
tubes.  Patent  dated  November  o,  1854. 
(No.  2846  ) 

C^afm.— The  mode  of  manufacturing  me- 
tal pipes  and  tubes  by  employing  riobons 
or  strips  of  metal  tapered  or  chamfered  at 
the  edges  so  as  to  make  a  scarf  joint  when 
brought  together;  and  forming  the  pipes 
or  tubes  by  winding  the  ribbons  or  stnpa 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PROVISIONAL  8PE43FIOATI0M8  HOT  FROOEEDED  WITH. 


499 


fj^iralljr  Topad  a  cjlinder  or  nundrll^  tbe 
edges  being  welded  as  quicl^ly  as  they  are 
brought  togetlier,  or  as  fast  as  the  pipe  of 
tube  is  formed,  in  the  manner  described. 

Lanolois,  Louis  Napolbon,  of  Paris, 
merchant.  Imprwements  in  the  fonttruetittn 
qf,  sttam.boats.  Patont  dated  November  7> 
1854.     (No.  2350.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  employ  a  pecu- 
liar form  of  paddle-wbeel  in  a  SMee  hol- 
lowed oat  in  the  stern  of  the  vessel. 
•*  Hpao,  J&DWARP,  of  Cbarlflis.street,  Gates-i 
head,  Durham,  engineer.  JptpiwientsnU  in 
shot  and  shelL  Patent  dated  November  7, 
1854.    (No.  2352.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  spiral 
grooves  on  the  head  or  fore  psrt  of  a  shot 
or  shell  so  as  to  give  it  a  rotary  motion 
when  fired  from  a  gun  with  a  cylindrioai 
barrel,  and  in  forming  the  after  end  of  it 
hollow  80  as  to  gain  a  preponderance  of 
weight  at  the  fore  part. 

How,  Andrew  Peddie,  of  Mark-lane, 
London,  engineer,  yfn  improved  machine 
fer  cutting  metal  rods  and  bars.  Patent 
dated  November  7,  1854.     (No<  2353.) 

Claim, — An  improved  machine  for  cut- 
ting metal  rods  and  bars  in  which  the  cut- 
ting is  eflfeoted  by  a  cutter  ox  die  placed 
eccentrically  in  a  disc  or  plate,  and  bronght 
down  and  eaused  to  ao(  i^ainst  a  fixed 
edge  or  die  by  hand  or  other  power. 
^    

PROYISIONAL  8PBCIFI0ATI0NS   NOT   PRO- 
OBKDBD  WrTB. 

Adcock,  Henry,  of  London^  oivil  en. 
gineer.  Jmpropentenis  in  strengthening  east" 
ings  qf  iron  and  other  vutals.  Applieation 
dated  October  28,  1854.    (No.  2294.) 

This  invention  consists  in  iutrodueing 
into  cast-iron  and  other  metalsf  rods  or 
strips  of  wrought  iron  arranged  longi- 
tudinally and  transversely  across  the  moulds 
prior  to  pouring  into  them  the  liquid  metal. 

MuMBY,  Oboroe,  of  Hunter,  street, 
Brunswick-square,  Middlesex,  mechanical 
draughtsman.  Improvements  in  reservoir 
penholders,  and  ether  writing  apparatus, 
Applioation  dated  October  28,  1854.  (No« 
2296.) 

Theie  improvements  mainly  oonsist  in 
tlie  us^  of  a  tube  which,  by  means  of  an 
elastic  or  other  material,  is  made  to  fit 
accurately  to  the  lower  end  of  a  quill,  or  of 
a  metal  or  elastic  tube,  for  the  purpose  of 
directing  the  flow  of  ink  to  the  pen. 

Vorster,  CffABLEif,  of  CoIognc,  in 
Prussia,  manufticturer.  Improvements  in  the 
mannfaetitre  qf  ribbons.  Application  dated 
October  41,  1854.    (No.  2313.) 

Instead  of  manul'aotiiring  the  textile 
fabrlei  intended  for  ribbons  of  a  breadth 
which  the  ribbons  are  ultimately  to  have, 
the  intf  ntor  uses  wov«n  fabrici  or  Ml  in  the 


piece,  or  of  the  eellective  brctdtht  of  many 
ribbons,  and  prints  them,  afterwards  cutting 
tbein  into  strips. 

RoBB,  Jambs  Birsch,  of  Boston,  United 
States  of  America,  counsellor-at-law.  Jm- 
prevements  in  brakes  or  retardtag  apparaisu. 
Application  dated  November  1,  1854.  (No. 
2322.) 

.  Tire  inyentor  omploys  as  bralea  »  niunber 
of  frietion  pulleys,  of  about  ono-tbird  the 
diameter  of  the  running  wheels,  memited  on 
transver^  rods  running  aoross  the  under- 
side of  the  carriage-framing  near  the  sarfiioo 
of  the  rails. 

Brinton,  Hbnry,  junior,  of  Kidder- 
minster, earpet  mamifaetnrer,  and  Richard 
Smith,  weaver,  of  the  same  place.  Jm^ 
pravements  in  the  manufacture  ef  carpets, 
hearth-rugs,  and  other  Uke  fabrics.  Appli- 
cation dated  November  1,  1854.  (No.  2124.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  use  of  two 
or  more  beams  of  warp,  one  of  which  re- 
volves  faster  than  the  other,  the  object  being 
to  form  a  double  back  and  bring  up  a  top 
shuts. 

Obdob,  Jorni  of  Wellington  -  street, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  maehinerp  cr 
apparatus  for  grinding.  (A  communieation.) 
Applioation  dated  Nov.  2, 1854.  (No.  2826.) 

The  patentee  proposes  to  drive  two  grind- 
stones by  means  of  an  arrangement  of  fly- 
wheels furnished  with  handles,  toothed- 
wheels,  and  trundles,  he, 

Dewey,  Loring  D.,  of  New  York, 
United  States  of  America,  now  resident  in 
London.  Protection  against  Jtre  in  vessels  or 
buildings  by  putting  out  the  jtre  ivithout  per* 
sonal  aid,  or  udth  very  little,  and  against  in^ 
cendiary  or  fraudulent  fires  and  ravages  qf 
verteta.  He  is  the  true  inventor  of  it  in  part, 
and  proprietor  of  the  tvhele.  Application 
dated  November  2,  1854.    (No.  2828.) 

This  invention  consists  in  so  "  applying 
certain  materials,  mineral  and  vegetable, 
combined  in  appropriate  construction,  that 
an  ami-combnstive  gas  will  be  generated  in 
burning,  or  water  discharged,  or  both,  to 
stop  and  put  out  the  fire,  though  no  agent 
is  present  but  the  fire  itself." 

Parsons,  Perceval  Moses,  of  Duke- 
street,  Adelphi,  Middlesex.  Certain  im- 
provements in  railway-carriage  axle-bearings. 
Application  dated  November  3,  1854.  (No. 
2330.) 

This  invention  consists  in  making  axle- 
bearings  of  hard  woods. 

Maurice,  Claude  Laurent  Victor, 
civil  engineer,  of  St  Etienne,  Loire,  in  the 
French  empire.  Certain  improvements  in 
carbonizing  coal,  and  in  apparatus  to  be  em» 
ployed  therein.  Application  dated  November 
3,1854.    (No.  2331.) 

The  inventor  carbonises  the  coal  in  a 
coke  oten  hafing  an  aperture  ot  fiae  on  thf 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


500 


top.  In  the  brickwork  of  this  oven  he  con- 
Btructfl  a  series  of  ioclined  passages,  which 
enter  the  oven  above  t}ie  surface  of  the 
charge  of  coal,  and  are  directed  upwards 
towards  the  aperture  in  the  top  These 
passages  coicmaiiicdte  with  a  flue  or  flues, 
running  round  the  oven,  by  which  air  is 
admitted. 

Wright,  William  John,  of  Redcross. 
street,  Gripplegate,  London,  snuff  and  to- 
bacco manufacturer.  The  novel  aippUcatwn 
ef  the  item  or  staik  qf  the  tobacco  lerf.  Ap- 
plication dated  November  i*,  1854.  (No. 
2389.) 

This  invention  consists  in  manufacturing 
t  .le  stalks  or  stems  into  an  imitation  of  or- 
dinary smoking  tobacco. 

BoRDiBR,  Utppolite,  banker,  of  Or- 
leans, France.  Making  alcohol  or  spirit 
from  different  plants  and  vegetable  productions 
ef  a/arinaceous  nature.  Application  dated 
Novembei  (J,  1864.     (No.  2340.) 

The  substances  ou  which  the  inventor 
proposes  to  operate  are  principally  couch 
grass,  potatoes,  Jerusalem  artichokes,  8cc., 
**  and  generally  all  kinds  of  vegetables  con- 
taining  feoula."  '*  These  substances,"  says 
he,  "  are  reduced  to  the  state  of  flour,  and 
are  mixed  with  water  varying  in  quantity 
according  to  the  quantity  of  vegetable  mois- 
ture they  contain,  or  according  as  it  is 
wished  to  obtain  a  higher  cr  lower  degree 
of  development  of  saccharine  matter.  Into 
the  prepared  liquid  I  pour  sulphuric  acid  in 
proper  proportions,  and  I  introduce  a  jet  of 
vapour  to  dissolve  the  fecula  or  flour,  and 
then  add  a  quantity  of  lime  or  chalk  to  ab- 
sorb or  neutralise  the  acid.  I  then  distil  in 
the  usual  manner." 

CoLLit,  William,  of  Barnes,  Surrey, 
brewer.  Jln  improvement  in  brewing.  Af)pli- 
cation  dated  November  6, 1854.  (No.  2341.) 

The  inventor  **  steeps  or  infuses  the  hops 
in  the  wort  at  a  temperature  of  about  196*" 
Fahr.,  for  about  three  quarters  of  an  hour, 
and  then  boils  such  infusion  in  the  wort  in 
which  the  hops  have  been  so  steeped  or  in- 
fused for  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  instead 
of  boiling  the  hops  and  wort  together  for 
two  hours." 

Shaw,  John,  of  Dukinfield,  Chester, 
machine-maker.  Improvementt  in  guns  and 
fire-arms.  Application  dated  November  6, 
1854.     (No.  2342.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  cast  two  barrels 
together,  united  at  the  breach,  the  bore  of 
the  two  barrels  joining  at  the  charge,  so  that 
when  the  gun  is  fired  it  will  discharge  two 
separate  shots  at  the  same  time;  and  in 
order  to  make  the  shots  more  destructive, 
he  proposes  to  unite  them  by  a  strong  chain 
of  any  required  length. 

Farjon,  Loots  Alexandre,  mechanic, 
of  Paris,  French  Empire.     An  improved  sys- 


PROVIBIONAL  PB0TECTI0N8. 


tern  qf  joining  pipes,  tubes,  and  conduits  in 
general  Application  dated  November  6, 
1854.    (No.  2347.) 

This  invention  consists  in  joining  the 
ends  of  pipes,  etc.,  together  by  means  of  a  elip 
which  takes  into  a  rim  or  collar  on  one  pipe 
and  into  an  inclined  ring  on  the  other,  an 
elastic  washer  being  interposed  between  the 
two  pipes. 

Packman,  Frank  James  Wilsok,  of 
Puckeridge,  Herts,  doctor  of  medicine.  J 
method  qf  compressing  air  in  air-guns,  and  an 
improved  mr-gun.  Application  dated  No- 
vember 6,  1854.    (No.  2348.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  adapt- 
ing a  revolving  breach  to  air-gun^ 

Worts,  James  King,  senior,  James 
Worts,  junior,  both  of  Colchester,  Essex, 
and  Isaac  Page,  of  Langham,  in  the  same 
county.  Obtaining  and  applying  motire 
power.  Application  dated  November  7, 
1854.    (No.  2849.) 

The  inventors  •'  propose  to  use  a  weighted 
lever  or  pendulum,  which  being  set  in  mo- 
tion by  hand  or  other  power,  will,  by  its 
power  of  gravity  (the  movement  being  kept 
up  by  hand  or  other  mechanical  means), 
continue  to  swing.  The  upper  end  or  pan 
of  the  said  lever  or  pendulum  is  attached  to 
cranks"  ! 

Hartoo,  Carl  Samuel  Heinrich,  of 
i   Islington,  Middlesex,  merchant,      /mprwr- 
>    ments  in  fire-arms  and    m  cartridges.     (A 
communication.)     Application    dated   No- 
vember 7,  1854.    (No.  2351.) 

The  inventor  constructs  fire-arms  with 
the  breech  fixed  but  with  the  barrels  capable 
of  sliding  forward  and  turning  on  a  pin,  so 
that  their  open  ends  may  be  raised  suffi- 
ciently above  the  breech  to  admit  of  the  in- 
troduction  of  the  cartridges,  which  are 
pushed  up  to  a  slight  shoulder  in  the  bar- 
rels. The  barrels  are  moved  by  means  of 
an  arm  carrying  an  eccentric  pin  or  crank, 
the  motion  of  which  cocks  the  gun  at  the 
same  time.  The  cartridge  is  fixed  by  means 
of  a  needle  which  is  forced  by  means  of  a 
hammer,  or  lever  and  spring,  through  the 
powder,  and  strikes  an  explosive  composition 
contained  in  the  cartridge. 

•«*  The  documents  of  Not.  2307  and 
2374  are  with  the  Law  Officers  under  ob- 
jection. 

PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 
Dated  ApHl  23,  1855. 

902.  Alexandre  Balan,  of  Paris,  Pranee.  en- 
gineer. Improvements  in  traotporting  pasteng et* 
and  goods. 

904.  Joseph  Wiiffht,  of  Sunex-terrace,  Isling- 
ton, machinUt,  and  Edward  Brimble,  of  Cheap- 
tide,  warebouaeman.  Improvements  in  the  maso. 
facture  of  stays  or  corsets,  and  in  the  maana  or 
method  of  fsstening  the  same, 
ti  908.   Alfred  Jenkin,  of  Zell  •  on  -  the  -  MoaelW. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOVISIOMAL  PROTECTIONS. 


501 


PninU,  engineer.  Improvementt  In  furnaces  for 
the  reduction  and  ealeination  of  lead  and  copper 
oree. 

908.  William  Ooesage,  of  Widnet,  Lancaster, 
ehemist.  Improvements  in  the  manufactore  of 
certain  kinds  of  soap. 

Dated  Apnl  SO,  1865. 

964.  Robert  Burns,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster,  en- 
gineer.   Improvements  in  propelling  vessels. 

966.  John  Wallwortb  and  Daniel  Taylor,  of 
Manchester,  Lancaster.  An  improved  stand  pipe 
for  hydrants. 

968.  Archibald  Buchanan,  of  Catrlne,  Ayr, 
manufacturer,  and  James  Barclay,  of  the  same 
place,  manager.  Improvements  in  beetling  or 
finishing  textile  fabiies. 

970.  rterre  D^pierre,  merchant,  of  Rue  de  Seine,    | 
Paris,  France.    Improvements  in  dyeing,  part  of 
which  Improvements  is  applicable  to  the  manufac- 
ture of  ink.    A  communication. 

Dated  May  I»  1855. 

971.  James  Torbitt,  of  Belfast,  Antrim,  Ireland, 
wine  merchant.  Improvements  in  the  treatment 
and  preservation  of  a  constituent  part  of  the 


972.  Thomas  Hunt,  of  the  London  and  North 
'Wettern  Railway  Engine  Works,  Crewe,  Chester, 
civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  the  permanent 
ways  of  railways. 

973.  Will-.am  Easfcic>  of  Gloucester,  railway  con- 
tractor. Improvement!!  in  machinery  or  apparatus 
for  stopping  or  retarding  railway  trains. 

975.  William  Hartley,  of  Bury,  Lancaster,  engi- 
neer. Improvements  in  safety-valves,  and  in  ap- 
paratus connected  therewith,  applicable  also  to 
regulating  the  flow  of  steam  for  other  purposes. 

976.  Jame«  Edward  Boyd,  of  Hither-green, 
Lewisham,  Kent,  gentleman.  A  ship's  course  in- 
dicator or  exhibitor,  for  the  purpose  of  exhibiting 
to  the  helmsman  and  others,  in  a  legible  manner, 
the  course  which  a  ship  is  to  steer,  as  well  as  for 
certain  improvements  in  ships'  compai»se8. 

977.  George  Fisher,  of  Cardiff,  Glamorgan,  engi- 
neer.   An  Improved  buffer  for  railway  carriages. 

978.  Lemuel  Wellman  Wright,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  engineer.  -  Certain  improvements  in 
locks. 

979.  William  Banks,  meet  anic,  Henry  Hamp- 
son,  bleacher,  and  John  Banks,  boiler -maker,  of 
Bolton-le-Moors,  Lancaster.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  bleaching  yarns  or 
thread,  either  in  the  cop  or  hank. 

980.  Robert  Adcock,  of  Wolverhampton.  Stafford, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  the  purifying  pro- 
cesses of  alcoholic  liquids.    A  communication. 

981.  William  Herosley,  of  Melbourne,  near 
Derby.    Improvements  in  cutting  warp  fabrics. 

Dated  May  2,  1855. 

98S.  Thomas  Lambert,  of  Harrington-Square, 
Middlesex,  pianoforte  manufacturer.  Improve- 
ments in  pianofortes. 

984.  Frederick  William  Harrold,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  merchant.  An  improvement  or  im- 
provements in  the  manufacture  of  the  frames  of 
slates  used  for  writing  on.    A  communication. 

985.  Samuel  William  Cam  pain,  of  Deeping  Pens, 
Lincoln,  farmer.  Improved  machinery  for  filling 
com  and  other  sacks. 

986.  Henry  Lee,  the  younger,  of  Lambeth,  Sur- 
rey, contractor,  and  John  Gilbert,  of  Hackney- 
road,  Middlesex,  engineer.  CerUin  machinery  for 
mixing  the  substances  used  in  the  formation  of 
concrete  and  other  like  substances. 

987.  Thomas  Ridcway  dridson,  of  Bolton-le- 
Moors,  Lancaster,  bleacher.  Improvements  in 
preparing,  beetling,  or  finishing  textile  fabrics. 

988.  Marie  AmMitf  Charles  Mellier,  of  Rue  de 
Seine,  St.  Germain,  Paris.  An  improvement  in 
the  manufaetnre  of  paper. 


Dated  May  3,  1855. 

989.  William  Basford,  of  Penclawdd,  Glamor- 
ganshire, engineer.  Improvements  in  purifying 
coal  gas  and  for  obtaining  a  residium  thereft-om 
which  may  be  used  as  a  pigment  or  colour,  or  for 
other  usefSil  purposes. 

090.  John  Burgess,  junior,  of  Birmingham, 
Wsrwick,  manufacturer.  A  new  or  Improved 
comb. 

991.  William  Rowett,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
merchant.  Improvements  in  fitting,  handing, 
and  reefing  vessels'  sails. 

992.  John  Piatt,  of  Oldham,  Lancaster,  mecha- 
nical engineer,  and  James  Taylor,  of  Hollinwood, 
overlooker.   Improvements  in  looms  for  weaving. 

Dated  May  4,  1855. 

993.  Thomas  Horton,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick, 
manulhcturer.  An  improvement  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  charcoal  and  pyrollgneous  aeid. 

994.  Fielding  Fletcher,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, manufacturer  of  water-closets  and  genersl 
plumbers* work.  Certain  improvements  in  water- 
closetc 

995.  William  Henry  Marks,  of  London,  gentle- 
man.   Signalling  the  approach  of  vessels  at  sea. 

996.  Rodolphe  Thiers,  of  Lyons,  France.  A 
machine  for  manufacturing  stretchers  of  umbrellas 
and  parasols. 

998.  Joseph  Lacassagne  and  Rodolphe  Thiers,  of 
Lyons,  France.  An  electro  metric  regulator  for 
electric  telegraphing,  lighting,  and  electro-motive 
purposes. 

999.  John  Hamilton,  Junior,  of  James-street, 
Liverpool.  Improvements  in  the  construction  of 
iron  girders. 

1000.  Daniel  Dalton,  of  Chester,  Ironmaster. 
Improvements  in  furnaces  for  the  smelting  iron 
ore  and  iron  stone,  and  other  stones  and  ores. 

1001.  JohnTrotman,of  Comhill.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture  of  screw  and  other  submerged 
propellers. 

Dated  May  5,  1855. 

1002.  Robert  Midgley,  of  Salierieemill,  Halifax. 
York,  and  George  Collier,  of  Halifax.  Improve- 
ments in  preparing  yams  for  weaving  and  other 
purposes. 

1004.  Alexander  Brandon,  of  Parii,  France, 
gentleman.  Improvements  in  heating  and  waim- 
ing  apparatus. 

1006.  Matthew  Butcher,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, manufacturer,  and  Thomas  Henry  Newey, 
of  Birmingham,  machinist.  Improvements  in 
forge  hammers. 

1008  Henri  Guiktave  Adricn  Pecoul,  civil  en- 
gineer, of  Ruede  rEehiquler,  Paris.  A  new  mode 
of  generating  power  In  steam-engines. 

Dated  Mqy  7,  1855. 

1010.  James  Pearson,  of  Pyle-bouse,  Totter- 
down,  near  Bristol,  Somerset,  civil  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  the  method  of  fastening  tyres  on 
wheels. 

1012.  Daniel  Fox  well,  of  Manchester.  Lancas- 
ter, card  manufacturer.  Improvements  in  machi- 
nery or  apparatus  for  making  wire  cards,  and  in 
the  manufacture  thereof. 

1014.  Ebeneser  Tyxack,  of  Abbey  Dale  Work% 
SheCheld.    An  improvement  in  seytbes. 

1016.  Johnson  Hands,  of  Epsom,  Surrey.  Im- 
provements in  boiler  and  other  furnaces  and  flues. 

1018.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Llncoln's-inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  paper  and  cardboard.  A  com- 
munication from  Francis  Joseph  B6rendorf,  of 
Paris,  France,  mechanician. 

1020.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Llncoln's-lnn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
the  consumption  or  prevention  of  smoke.  A  com- 
munication from  Etienne  Bourgeois,  of  Rheims, 
Praaee,  card  manufacturer. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


503 


Noncsd  OF  nrfBHXioK  xo  pftocKfiD. 


1022.  Jainea  Lewis,  of  Holborn,  London,  manu- 
facturer of  refinod  toapi.    An  Improved  soap. 


ImprovemenU  in  car- 


PATENT8  APPLIED  FOB.  WITH  COMPLETE 
9PBCIVICATI0N9. 

1061.  Nehemiah  B rough,  of  Birmingbftm,  War- 
wiek,  maehlirist.  Improvementa  M  slide  buckles. 
May  II,  1855. 

1066.  David  Caddiek,  of  the  Ebbw  Vale  Iron 
Works,  Monmetitb,  mason.  Impferementi  in 
pvddling  funrao^.    May  11.  IS5>. 

1C67.  Arthur  Warner,  of  New  Broad  -  street, 
L«ndoa.  iMyrovements  in  eombMnff  sbceti  of 
cepper,  or  ite  alloye,  with  lead,  tin,  sine,  nickel, 
fl«M,  tilTer,  pfartftnum,  er  atteyt  emttaiatafr  theee 
metals,  or  some  of  th^m,  with  or  without  the 
addition  of  copper,  anthnony,  bUmutb,  arsenic, 
manfranese,  «r  mercury.    May  19, 18S5. 

1068.  Adam  Guild,  ef  Manebe«ter,  lAneatter, 
engineer.  ImjMroTetteats  ttt  tbe  process  of  bowlt- 
ing .    May  IS,  1S95. 


NOTICES  OF  INTENTION  TO 

PROCEED. 

(From  ihe  **  London  Oaasettt,"  May  22nd, 

1955.) 

63.  William  Thomaa Henley.  Improvements  in 
steam  boilers  or  ^nerators,  and  in  iqiparatue  in 
connection  therewith. 

68.  Louis  Pierre  Lebugeur  and  Michel  ITttinrer. 
Improvements  applical^  to  machinery  for  prhit- 
Ing  fabrics. 

76.  James  Wood.  An  Improved  prooeee  for  let- 
tering and  ornamenting  glaaa,  which  the  invetttor 
terms  "  hyalotypy." 

83.  Francois  Victor  Ooyard.  Certain  tmprore- 
ments  in  the  electro-telegraphic  eommunteatlons. 

94.  John  Graham.  Improvemente  in  fixing  cer- 
tain colours  In  or  upon  yams  and  textile  fabrics. 

104.  Henry  Mortlock  Ommaney.  An  improve- 
ment in  the  manufacture  of  shot,  shells,  hollow 
shot,  and  other  projectiles. 

106.  George  Riley.  An  Improved  false  bottom 
for  brewers',  distillers',  and  vinegar-makers^  mash- 
tubs. 

107.  Edward  Haynes,  Jun.  A  smoke- consuming 
f  urn  ace. 

109.  Urbain  Charles  Choisnet  and  Charles  Emile 
Giajola.    Improvements  in  moderateur  lamps. 

115.  Jonathan  Saunders.  Au  improvement  in 
the  manufacture  of  axles  and  shafting. 

118.  George  William  Garrood.  An  improved 
apparatus  to  be  used  in  conjunction  with  wind- 
lasses on  ships,  cranes  on  land,  and  with  other 
machinery  for  raising  or  lowering  weights  for 
the  purpose  of  guiding  and  controlhng  the  action 
thert-of. 

123.  David  Davidson.  Improved  apparatus  for 
pointing  ordnance  and  restoring  the  aim  of  the 
piece  either  by  day  or  night  when  it  is  once  ob- 
tained. 

133.  Evan  Leigh.  Certain  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  preparing  cotton  and  other 
fibrous  substances  for  spinning. 

142.  Charles  Frederick  Stansbury.  Improve- 
meiits  in  the  construction  and  operation  of  self- 
acting  rAil way-breaks.  A  communicAtion  trom 
James  J  McComb,  of  New  Orleana,  United  States 
of  America. 

1 58.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  BelUord.  Im- 
provements in  paddle-wheels  for  propelling  vessels 
in  water.  A  communication  from  John  Upham 
Wallis,  of  Dansville,  United  States  of  America. 

161.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
the  construction  of  seats  and  similar  articles  of 
furniture.  A  communication  (^om  Plerxe  Scholtus, 
of  Paris,  France,  piano  manufacturer. 

164.  Henry  Carr.  Certain  improvements  la  rail- 
way crossings. 


173.  Frederic  Prince, 
tridges  for  fire-armi.  .  . 

192.  John  Henry  Johnson,  im^rdvemenft  W 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  preparing  cotton  and 
ftmllar  fibrous  materiaTt.  A  eommutneitioo  from 
ChaiHfes  Leyherr,  of  Laval,  France,  s^fnner. 

217.  John  Doddridge  Huttphreys.  Ite^rore- 
ments  in  steam  engintel 

242.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellfbrd.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  fo^  forging^ntttt  Aad 
washers.  A  coiniAunicatlbn  ttoA  CharDsl  0. 
Wateron,  of  America. 

294.  Alfred  f^incent  l^ewfdtt.  In  itepfOfW  dtftt- 
struction  of  spur.    A  communication. 

453.  Thomas  Sadl«tr.  An  impro^^ejt  Apparatus 
and  method  of  Manufacturing  charcoal,  wMeh  <9tt 
dso  be  applied  to  cooking  ana  other  p^rfrosei. 

490.  Richard  Van  Valkenburgli  da  Gufnoii.  Im- 
provements in  anchors'. 

494.  William  Hyde.  Improttfff  maxtttd  UDft-fOte- 
serving  apparatus. 

539.  William  Smith.  Safety  h<rfteoa.  A  com- 
munication. 

622.  Thomas  Mara  Fell  and  FraaeU  Squire.  Im- 
provements in  balance  levers  and  ap^iratus  for 
weighing  and  modifications  tHereof  for  the  purpoie 
of  detecting  base  coin.  

794.  Charles  Blunt  and  Joseph  Johi)  WiUiatt 
Watson.  Improvements  in  the  co'mposidon  of  artt- 
flcial  fuel,  with  the  machinery  employed  in  Che 
manufacture  thereof. 

799.  Jean  Vincent  Marie  Dopter.  GataSn  fin- 
provements  in  printing  fabrics. 

800.  £ugbne  Pasquier.  An  improved  maeliine 
to  be  used  for  drying  wool  and  other  fthrous  ma  - 
terlals. 

812.  William  Terry.  ImprovemenU'  appeitam- 
ing  to  breech-loading  fire-arm^. 

830.  Gustave  Iren^  Seulfort.  An  improvemeBt 
in  screw-wrenches. 

831.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontainemoreao. 
Improvements  in  the  production  uf  a  felted  tiwue, 
applicable  to  replacing  leather  in  the  manufactui* 
of  cards.    A  communication. 

859.  Frederick  Russell.  Improvementa  in  haag- 
ing  window-sashes. 

885.  Horatio  Allen.  Improvementi  in  the  valves 
of  steam  and  other  engines. 

893.  Henri  Schoofs.  Improvementa  in  making, 
fixing,  or  attaching  artificial  teeth,  gums,  and 
palates. 

906.  Alfred  Jenkin.  Improvementa  in  fumaeee 
for  the  reduction  and  calcination  of  lead  and  cop- 
per ores. 

908.  WUliam  Gossage.  ImprovemenU  In  (he 
manufacture  of  certain  kinds  ot  soap. 

911.  William  Westley  Richards.  An  improve- 
ment or  improvements  in  repeating  or  revolving 
fire-arms. 

912.  Josiah  Horsfall.  Machinery  for  mitreing 
moulded  and  other  sashea. 

945.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford.  A 
new  combination  of  slide  valve?  and  ports  for  the 
induction  and  eduction  of  steam  and  other  elastic 
Auid,  in  steam  enginee  or  other  enginea  of  aiaaiiar 
character.    A  communication. 

946.  William  Shears.  An  improvemeut  in  casas 
or  magaaines  for  gunpowder  or  other  explosive 
preparations  or  compounds. 

951.  Thomaa  Page.  Improvements  in  ordmanee. 

954.  Morris  Lyons.  An  improved  eaaiBtl  fear 
coating  metals  and  bricks, 

968.  Archibald  Buchanan.  Improvements  in 
beetling  or  finishing  textile  fabrics. 

971.  James  Torbitt.  Improvemente  in  thetrea*- 
ment  and  preservation  of  a  oonstituent  pait  of  the 
potato. 

972.  Thomas  Hunt.    Improvements  In  the  pe*- 
I    manent  ways  of  railways. 

I  984.  Frederick  Wiliiam  Harreld.  An  improve- 
ment or  improvements  in  the  maaaAic|ui«  of  the 

•  flrames  of  sla:e8  used  for  writing  on.  A  --inmwnni 
cation. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


UST  OF  DEStGMa  VOA  ABTMUS  OW  nTiUW  BEOISTEKEfi. 


508 


987.  ThoinuRidgwayBrfdson.  Irtrp^otemtKfg 
in  preparinff.  bMtKaf ,  or  inishing  textile  flibfriof. 

M19-  James  Pearson.  Improvemeola  in  th% 
netbod  of  tetenine  tirea  on  wheels. 

lOlS.  Daniel  Foawell.  Irnvroresiontt  is  ma- 
ehiaery  or  apparatus  for  makiog  vire  cards,  and 
ia  the  flsanuracture  thereof. 

1067.  Arthur  Warner.  Improvements  in  eom> 
hiaittc  shttte  of  copper,  or  its  alloys,  with  lead, 
tin,  line,  niekol,  gold.  silTer.  plattevm,  oi  atleya 
eoBtainiag  these  meUla,  or  soiae  of  them,  with  or 
vilhoat  tbt  addition  of  ooppor,  VBttttony^  Wamvlh, 
arwnlc,  atwBgaiiose,  or  mercwy. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  the  ^rirtthig 
of  ft  Patent  to  any  of  tlie  parties  in  the 
above  List,  wh*  have  given  notiee  of  ihoir 
infention  to  pnfcttS,  within  twenty  •»  ono 
days  from  the  date  of  the  QaxttU  in  wTiioh 
the  notiee  appeara,  by  leaving  at  the  Com* 
mioaiOBefs' -office  pafticulaM  in  writing  of 
the  objection  to  the  applicatioiu 

WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 
SeaUdMay  18,  1855. 
2451.  Henry  Diaper. 
S453.  Pierre  Alexandre  Dulaurens  and 

Marie  Anatole  Laubry. 
2461.  Edmund  Hunt. 
2463.  Jean  Baptiate  Bagary. 
2478.  Charles  Criclcroay. 
2491.  Richard  Roberts. 
2503.  Thomas  Restell. 
2505.  Alfred  Vincent  Newloa. 
2508.  Thomas     Knight     and     Stephen 

Kniffht. 
2519.  John  Mason  and  Leonard  JB^aberry. 
2530.  Thomaa  Restell. 
2537.  Longin  Gantert. 
2546.  Robert  Shaw. 
2551.  Jamea  Porritt. 
2555.  Cromwell  Fleetwood  Yarle/. 
2585.  John  Thom. 
2604.  William  Grindley  Craig. 


29<^5.  IsoadDodds. 

2643.  LvkeTafner. 

2665.  Thomas  H*rt.' 

2668.  John  Henry  Johnaon. 

2701.  Lonis   Jooeph  YrM^rie  HaigM- 

ritte. 
2742.  Gerd  Jacol  Bensen. 
1855. 

85.  Christopher  Turner. 
101.  John  Greenwood. 
213.  Atiguste  Leopold  Lenoir. 
869.  Charles  Roper  Mead. 
393.  Robert  M'Connell. 
431.  Alexander  Theophilua  Blakely 
529.  James  Bnllough. 
591.  William  Hill. 
639.  John  Scott  Russell. 

Sealed  May  22,  1855. 
24«4.  Richard  Terrett 
2472.  Edmund  Raborn,  Matthew  Robin- 
son^ and  John  Kendriok. 
2476.  Stephen  Shaw. 

2483.  Riley  CunHffe. 

2484.  Robert  Willan  and  Daniel  Mills. 
2492.  Thomas  Greenshields. 

2506.  Charies  Peterson. 

2509.  John  Abraham. 

2556.  John  Henry  Johnson. 

2576.  Samuel  Heseltine. 

2593.  Edward  Maniere. 

2615.  Joaeph   Mayer  and    John    David 

Khid. 
2642.  Arthur  Lyon. 
2649.  John  Sykes. 
2655.  Robert  Lueas  Chanee. 
1855. 

35.  John  Henry  Johnson. 

327.  Richard  Shirley  Harris. 

448.  Henry  Penney. 

617.  Alexander  Robert  Terry. 


Date  of 
Registra- 
tion. 
April  M 

Iffay    4 

9 

\t 
15 
SI 


Apr.  ill 
May  3 


8 
14 


SI 


LIST  OF  DESIGNS  FOR  ARTICLES  OF  UTILITY  REGISTERED. 
No.  in 
the  Re- 
gister.      Proprletoi ft' Names.  Addresses.  Subject  of  Design. 

3710  J.  Southgate Watling-street Camp  Bedstead. 

3711  O.  Epltanx  and  L.  Stead  ....  Pall  Mall Freesing  Appanrtus. 

S7IS      Alexis  Soyer  Scutari Tea  Pot. 

3713  W.  S.  Adams  and  Sons Haymarket  Coffee  MIR. 

3714  0.  Rowland  Higher  Tranmere  Shirt  Collar. 

3715  W.  Langdon Duke  street Saddle. 

3719      O.  W.  Reynolds  Birmingham Stajr  Fastener. 

3717  C.  Butllnger  :....  Selsey Self  Setting  Rat  Trap. 

3718  Rev.  J.  Barrow Bakewell Smoke  Preventor. 

3719  0.  Wilkins Guildford  Sharp  Key  for  Piano4hrte. 

3720  H.  Doulton Lambeth    Water-eloaet  basin. 

37St     W.  Graham Noblc>street »  Braee^ends. 

VaOTlSIOMAL  aSOISTRATIOXS. 

dS7  W.  Langdon *....  Duke-street Saddle. 

658  W.  KiDghome Great  Charlotte-street  Railway  bottle. 

659  8.  R.  English  Birmingham    „ Blind  pulley. 

M%  A.Lambert  Argyle-square 4....  WhIst-marker. 

661  O.  H.  Indall Bartholomew-lane Hand  signaMump. 

66S  H.  C.  Tuoker  Ringwoed Casement-fiMtenv. 

663  H.  Rodd St.  Jaroea-stroet Qaick  flUer. 

f64  H.  Bnek Bnmlev Steneh-trap. 

665  J.  Cuxson  and  C.  F.  Lneaa.  BbiffnaH Fire-escape. 

666  O.  Forth Chelsea Anti-pressure  hat. 

887  I.  W.  C.  Wf«n......o Tettenham-oourl-road  Folding  bedsteads 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


504 


NOTICES  TO  GORBBSPOMBENTS. 
NOTICES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


A  Journeyman  BlaeknnUk  writes  u  followg :— 
"  Sir,— The  aeeompanying  flgu^  repretentu  a  eom- 

Jonnd  lyphon  placed  in  a  cTliiidrical  reMel  partly 
lied  with  water.    Now  aa  far  aa  my  knowledge  of 
hydraulic*  extends,  I  am  led  to  think,  when  the 


filled)  the  pressure  at «,  tending  to  faret  the  water 
ftom  the  leg.  <f ,  to  the  leg,  e,  is  equal  to  the  atmo- 
spheric pressure,  minus  the  weight  of  the  eolumn  of 
fluid  in  the  leg.  d;  that  the  downward  pressure  in 
the  leg,  e,  at  the  level  of  the  water  in  thoTessel,  is 
that  pressure  at  c  plus  the  weight  of  the  column  of 
water  in  e ;  i.e.  (since  the  column  in  c  is  of  tbo 
same  weight  as  that  in  d),  the  downward  pressure 
at  c  is  equal  to  the  atmospheric  pressure :  and  that 


the  upward  pressure  in  i,  at  the  lerel  of  the  water, 
J  Mual  to  the  downward  pressure  in  e  at  the  samfO 
'fevei ;  i.e.,  as  we  haye  Just  seen,  it  b  equal  to  the 


u.. 


air  is  exhausted  flrom  the  end,  a,  of  the  syphon, 
the  water  should  rise  in  d,  and  then  descend 
through  e ;  it  will  then  have  a  tendency  to  ascend 
in  b  to  the  height  it  stands  in  c ;  but  as  6  is  not  as 
high  as  c,  it  must  discharge  itself  through  a  with 
a  force  proportional  to  the  difference  of  the  heights 
of  the  legs,  6  and  c,  and  thus  we  should  get  a 
continuous  flow  of  the  water  through  the  syphon, 
or,  in  other  words,  *  perpetual  motion.'  Such  I 
find  is  not  the  case.  If  some  of  your  enlightened 
readers  will  point  out  the  cause  they  will  much 
oblige  me." 

If  our  correspondent  considers  the  subject  more 
carefully,  he  will  discover  that  (the  syphon  being 

CONTENTS  OF 
Bennett's  Patent  Machinenr  for  Beating  Qold, 
Silver,  and  other  Metal  Leaf— (wi/A  engrav- 

ingi)  481 

On  the  Manufacture  of  Steel—ieomeluded  from 

page  462)  482 

On  a  New  Manufacture  of  Compound  Metallic 

Rods  and  Bars— (wi/A  emfravingt) 486 

Captain  Norton's  Recent  Inventions  488 

Palmer's  Patent  Propeller— <ip<f A  engrovingt)  489 

Mr.  J.  Scott  Russell  on  Ship  Construction 490 

Clifford's  Patent  Method  of  Lowering  Boats...  492 
The    Whittington     Club    and    MetropoliUn 

Athenaeum  493 

The  Boiler  Explosion  at  Crawshaw  Booth 493 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed : 

Snvouri Coin  Detector ^  494 

Blake Reducing-the  Shock  of 

Collisions  at  Sea 494 

Vauthier Blowing-machines 495 

Brooman   Centrifugal  Machines..  495 

Maggs    PorUble  Steam  Engines  495 

Lilie   Paper 495 

Wainwright Fitting  up  Ships,  &c....  495 

Haddan Projectile* 495 

Chapuis Weavers*  Harness 495 

Newall  Electric  Telegraphs   ...496 

Johnson m... Axle-boxes  496 

Tyerman    Iron  Bondings 496 

Reid   M  ...Galvanic  Batteries    ...  496 

Prosser  Condensers  496 

Johnson ^ Lithographic  Presses...  496 

Craig  Railway  Wheels 496 

Blackburn Pipes 496 

Osborne  &  Eldred  Railway  Brakes 496 

Bradshaw Time-pieces 497 

Rae Propelling 497 

Newton Forging  Wheels 497 

Francis  Wagons,  ftc ^ 497 

Hargrove  Annealing  Cast4ron  ...  497 

Walmsley  ft  Day  ...Looms    497 

Topp,    Holt,    and 

Partington    ......Hand-mules 497 


atmospheric  preesme.  The  pressure  at  /,  tending 
to  force  the  water  out  at  o,  is  therefiore  eonal  to  the 
atmospheric  pressure,  minus  the  weight  of  the 
eolumn  of  fluid  in  ft;  and  the  preesure  at  /  tend- 
ing to  force  the  water  down  the  leg,  b,  is  mani- 
festly the  atmospheric  pressure,  minus  the  weight 
of  the  fluid  in  the  leg,  a ;  and,  this  latter  pressure 
being  greater  than  the  former,  the  fluid  doee  not. 
of  course,  run  out  at  a,  but  is  foreed  back  into  the 
vessel. 

/.  Hope. — Water  bearings  have  been  fluently 
tried,  and  are  found  to  answer  for  but  few  pur- 
poses. 

John  5iifuofi.— We  are  not  able  to  answer  your 
questions. 

/.  H.  DiekMon  writes:  *'I  should  feel  greatly 
obliged  if  from  amongst  your  numerous  corre- 
spondents you  could  procure  me  a  receipt  for  a 
non-absorbent  varnish  adapted  for  soft  woods." 

H.  Hayes. — A  succinct  account  of  the  Bude  light 
is  given  in  Dr.  Ure's  "  Dictionary  of  Art«.'*  We 
are  obliged  for  the  hint  respecting  the  Magasine 
wrappers. 

THIS  NUMBER. 

Moineau  ft  Lemaa- 

son  Elastic  Mattressea 497 

Alexandre.. «... Organ-Pianos  497 

AthertonftKtnloek.Dressing  Yams  497 

Sehaeffer  Waste  Wash-waters  ...  499 

Baxter  Reaping  Machines 49S 

Adcock  Tobacco-leaf  Stalk 498 

Betteley Iron  Knees  498 

Ensor Bobbin  Net 498 

Wallace Zincographic   and   Li- 
thographic Printing    498 

Childs Pipes  and  Tubes 498 

Langlois .....Steam  Boato 499 

Hogg Shot  and  Shell 499 

How   Cutting  Metal  Rods  ...  499 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with  : 

Adcock Metal  Castings 499 

Mumby Penholders  499 

Vor.ter  Ribbons 499 

Robb  Railway  Brakes 499 

Brinton  ft  Smith... Carpets,  ftc 499 

Gedge....» Grinding  Apparatus  ...  499 

Dewey  Extinguishing  Fires  ...  499 

Parsons Axle-bearings 499 

Maurice Carbonising  Coal 499 

Wright  Tobacco-leafstalk 508 

Bordier Alcohol «...  800 

Collis Brewing 500 

Shaw Fire-arms 500 

Faijon   Joining  Pipes 500 

.   Psckmsn Air-guns :...  f 

Worts, Worts,&PageMot{ve  Power. .tTi.J 

Hartog  Fire-arms,  ftc r^ 

Provisional  Protections ;»/.. 

Patents  Applied  for  with  Complete  Specificar 

tions « 'SOt 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed ».  501 

list  of  Sealed  PatenU 503 

List  of  Designs  for  Articlea  of  Utility  Regis- 
tered   ^....^ „ SOS 

List  of  Provisional  Registrations 503 

Notices  to  Correspoodenu «.«...... ^  504 


LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  PublUhefl  by  Rlohard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  188,  FleoC-etieet, 
In  the  City  of  London.—Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Oallgnani,  Rue  Vivienne  Paris;  Mason  and  Co., 
Dublin ;  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.  .Hamburg. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1660.]  SATURDAY,   JUNE  2,  1855.  [stS^^Ja^Ji. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  166,  Fleet-street. 


CLAYTON  AND  HARKOP'S  PATENT  IMPROVEMENTS  IN  ORNA- 
MENTING WOOD. 


VOL.  LXII. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


506 

CLAYTON  Aifri  bAllk8p»3  ?ATENf  ikl^AevSjfENi^  IN  OENA. 
MENTING  WOOD. 

Mr.  T.  Clayton,  of  Oldham,  and  Mr.  R.  Harrop,  of  Lowside,  near  Oldham,  patented, 
on  the  26th  September,  1844,  An  i^vedtion  #hich  am)lied  "  to,  the  production  or  transferring 
of  the  ^ftrions  elaborate  and  beautiful  grains  or  markings  of  the  choice  woods,  as  mahoganj, 
rosewood,  oak,  &c.,  on  to  or  upon  the  surface  of  commoner  or  cheaper  wood,  as  deal  or 
pine.  A  considerable  Advantage  is  obtained/',  saj  thej.  \*hj  our  process  over  the  present 
methdA  tit  producing  bgn^^k  by  ^abtin^,  graining,  knd  VarnisHing,  aft  the  ohbiceftt  grain 
may  be  multiplied  on  a  surface  or  habelHhJ  df  htiAU  or  cheap  wood  to  a  great  extent  with 
extreme  speed,  and  repainting  will  be  rendered  unneoesaary,  owing  to  the  durability  of  the 
produced  by  this  inyention." 

In  order  to  produce  their  artificial  gruning,  they  employ  heated  rollers  (or  flat  diea,  if 
preferred),  having  the  device  or  pattern  of  uie  graining  engraved  upon  the  surface,  these 
rollers  being  passed  over  and  upon  the  surface  of  the  comnlon  wood  on  which  the  design  is 
to  be  transferred.  The  deeper  indentations  of  the  roller  do  ndt  necessarily  press  upon  the 
wood,  the  more  elevated  projectionft  forming  the  pattetn  first  coming  in  coniaet  with  it, 
causing  a  slightljr  charred  or  scotbhfed  surface. 

Their  improverhents  telate  als^  to  ihe  machinery  or  appai>lbii  ttalU  Iti  bbnilfeetidtt  #it!l 
flat  dies  (or  rollers^  if  prererrfed);  for  t^e  prbductioii  of  scroll-t^br^i  B^tfteri;  HiA  bth^ 
devices  and  designs.  Tnh  dies  at-6  tiUbed  at  bnfe  eiid  of  ^  long  b^  dt  block  of  iron,  with 
deitigns  engraved  upon  t^e  JQice  bf  them.  Dhe  ^nd  of  thiii  IroA  Dft^ — the  opposite  to  that 
which  carries  the  diei— is  p}ibed  in  k  JPiliriiAce  ^6  thit  the  JieAl  Rtky  be  conducted  fh>m  the 
furhdce  through  th4  bar  to  m%  die,  iilB  by  iH^ans  o^  tbe  Int^^ning  space  of  the  bar,  the 
die  Hii^  always  be  kep!  at.i  li'earH^  iitilibrth  hbat  i  ^  d^reising  the  hot  die,  the  design  is 
transt^^tel!  to  the  wood  to,A  i^ef|tie'd  iibdH^  f^liicn  ma^  Bb  at  once  removed,  and  the  opera^ 
tioH  cbiiiihiibusly  repeated.  By  tmi  thetiil  Ibpropriately.tinted  borders  are  formed  for  the 
reprbi'entations  produced  l^|ne  im^Hl^^a  process  of  graining,  and  by  the  combination  of 
the  Iwo  many  beautiful  varretves  of  ornament^Ubn  upon  wood,  in  imitation  of  inlaid  work, 
&c.,  may  be  effected. 

In  the  engraving  on  the  Afbceding  page  is  illustrated  one  method  which  the  inventors 
prefer  of  heating  the  large  bngraved  top  cylinders  of  rollers;  but  the  same  end  may  be 
obtained  by  simply  adapUif|  k  gas  tubing  with  teverfi  jets,  so  that  it  may  at  will  be  passed 
in  or  out  of  the  engravea  jlv8iving  cylinder  or  rolllr.  The  heating  by  gas  is  especially 
preferable  where  small  ifBU^^  ^  employed,  whethit  for  transferring,  graining,  or  orna- 
menting borders.  It  IHil  wk  evident  that  different  siilbs  of  rollers  will  be  required,  the  size 
being  regulated  accordi\)|^  lb  thb  width  of  the  desi^  Jbnder  operation.  Fig.  1  represents  a 
front  elevation  of  these  imbi-ovements,  thi  tipper  and  engraved  roller,  as  well  as  the  furnace, 
beinj^  partly  shown  in  secllbn,  to  render  mbre  distinct  the  method  by  which  the  top  roller 
revolves  rbQtid  the  statibnarf  flttmbie.  f\i.  2  exhibits  a  side  eleVatibfi.  a,  a  represent  the 
fraiiiiHg  dnd  sUndArds  Sitbporttlig  thI  Hmiii  j[)&i-b  6\  thte  mafehinet^  K  apparatus ;  6  is  the 
to^  oi-  eU|^l>aved rolier;  sua  e  ifte  lower. of  pre^l'elr  fQitbf,  ^upporteJ  l)r  and  in  connection 
with  the  cbuntfetOdiinb)B  mn,  i;  ^  \i  th&  ebiinbtb^lihce  Weight,  ^tM\  may  he  regulated 
or  shifted  ttn  tfi^Jfe^et,  A:  according  ^b  ttib  tJVesStitfe  desired  to  be  gl^lfe  ^om  the  lower  roDer 
or  c^lindei*,  c.  .WheH  iwe  dberatioO  ^i  Im^t^sslnj^  the  w bod  Ani  Ihiisferring  the  design 
from  thb  top  rdtl^^  i§  dbstred  to  be  piill  iti^  t^ti  (Sti|^posthg  thb  ehgHVed  roller  suffieiendy 
heated  to  imprbM  Wis  ^sigh),  the  atbhd^ti^  piUti  the  piece  of  ^rMi  tinder  operation  be- 
tween thb  top  aiid  bbttbhi  rBlIer^,  aft  !hd!c&t\!)i  t)y  the  dotted  Hne^,  filr.  2,  the  lower  roller 
yielding  in  prob'6(libH  lb  the.ihickriel^  bf  thb  jiibce  bf  wood.    Thl^  Hblrator  then  turns  the 


handle,  /,  giviBf  WbtibH  lb  the  bevil  jJeAri^jf,  jt  and  h,  whence  it  ii  Ifihsmitted  through  the 
wonn,/,  ind  wbfrti-wheel;  JK  tb  the  u^bet  or  feffgraved  roller,  And  bj  fteans  of  the  irregular 
surface  of  ihe  bbj^'ei^  Irolt'e^,  c,  causes  the  j^iecb  bf  Wood  to  bAss  betwB^ft  the  rollers  simulta* 
neously  wllh   thte  iiAttiteSsirtji  of  thijifesi#n  upon  it;      When   thtS  Pollers    or  cylinders 


are  heated  with  ^bi  this  RirnAce  cjriih^ir  thi^  Be  entttfeljr  'itl^enSfed  f!th.  After  the'  design 
is  ibipreased  u^bti  m  UU,  it.is  only  ne'c|Ssar3r  t6  Uttkj^t  it  H|hti^  ^ft  tub  it  down  with  fine 
land  br  gtAsi  pdj^'et;  M'ei\  the  wood  is  fit  Mr  varnishing^  ^hich  coffifSllbs  the  process. 


ON  THE  ELECTRO-CH^iticAL  Dfei>dSiTION  df  MfetALS. 

BY  ALEXANbBR  wAtT.^ 


Having  been  for  many  years  practically 
engaged  in  the  arts  of  electro-plating  and 

•  FroM  ttA  Cktfikitt, 


gilding,  on  a  very  extensive  scale,  daring 
which  period  many  thousand  ounces  of  the 
piecioiis  metals  have  been  deposited  by  me 
from  their  various  solutions,  and  having  paid 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  BLEOTRO-GHEMZCJUL  DEPOSITION  OF  KBTALS. 


507 


greit  attention  to  the  subject  of  electro- 
deposition  generally,  I  have,  in  common 
with  others,  met  with  many  difficulties, which 
careful  experiment  and  perseverance  have 
overcome,  t  take  the  present  opporttmity 
of  laying  before  the  readers  of  The  Chemist 
the  results  of  my  own  practical  experience, 
in  the  )»ope  tliat  they  may  prove  useful  to 
t^ose  who  pursue  the  study  of  electro- depo- 
sition for  amusement  or  profit; 

As  I  have,  t  believe,  been  more  successful 
in  my  operations  than  many  of  my  fellow- 
labourers,  I  wUl  carefully  describe  those 
processes  whici»  I  nave  found  to  answer 
best,  f^om  tKeir  ce^ntyi  economy,  ana 
aimplicity,  and  paas  in  review  the  processes 
usually  employed  oy  others,  explaining  the 
causes  of  failure  and  disappointment  so  fre- 
quently accompanying  their  adoption. 

To  render  myself  m  intelligible  to  the 
working  electro-plater  as  to  the  scientific, 
reader,  I  will  ^lly  explain  the  meaning  of 
any  technical  terms  which  may  necessarily 
occur  in  the  way,  so  that  he  may  not  fall 
into  blunders,  already  too  cqmmon  amoog 
practical  electro>platers«  and  even  among 
those  who  have  written  on  these  arts — I 
allude  to  the  confusion  of  the  poiitive  with 
the  negatwe  polet,  the  arutde  with  the  catkodtf 
quMtuy  with  intentiiif,  electricity,  &c,  &o. 

In  depositing  metals  from  their  soltttioni« 
many  fortns  of  the  galvanic  battery  are  em* 
ployed.  .  Among  those  most  commonly  in 
use  are  Danieil'i^  Smee's,  Wollaston's,  and 
Bunsen's.  The  first  of  thesoi  DanielPs  bat- 
tery, has  been  almost  abandodedi  princi- 
pally, I  think,  because  it  has  seldom  been 
properly  applied:  the  seoond»  Smee's  bat- 
tery, although  very  extravagant  and  uncer- 
tain in  its  action,  is  still  much  employed, 
owing  to  the  great  inientit$f  of  the  current  it 
produces  (a  quality  of  but  little  seiviee  to 
the  electro-plater  when  the  qmaniilff  is  defi- 
cient); the  third,  WoUatton'S  battery,  by 
far  superior  to  the  latter,  as  it  yields  a  grtet 
quantity  of  electricity  of  considerable  ten- 
sion, is  still  frequently  employedi  or,  at  all 
events,  modifications  of  it,  whieh  are  fitted 
up  with  but  little  trouble  and  expense ;  whilst 
Bunsen's  battery,  in  consequence  of  its  ex- 
pensiveness  in  use,  is  seldom  employed  by 
experienced  electro-platers  i  in  lact,  it  is  in 
everv  respect  inappUeable  to  the  pnrpoete 
of  electro-plating  and  gilding,  whether  tho 
art  00  practised  fbr  recreation  or  gain. 

It  must  be  heme  in  nihd  that^  in  olrdcfr 
to  ensure  a  perfectly  Imooth,  equal,  and 
regular  deposit  on  a  metAllio  s«r(«ep}  the 
battery  to  be  employed  for  the  purpoce 
ahould  yield,  ft  eofuitkrabk  ^uanHty  ef  eird- 
tridly  ^  student  intentUf  to  work  mih  oe- 
thity  and  advantage,  A  battery  eonStrmoted 
with  a  large  siuiaee  of  positive  and  negative 
elements  will  yield  •  oArmt  of  suek  ncMt 


intensity  jthat,  when  employed  for  the  pur. 
poses  of  electro-deposition,  the  deposit  takes 
place  very  slowly,  whilst  a  battery,  consist- 
ing of  a  great  number  of .  small  plates  or 
cells,  would  not  only  deposit  the  metal  in  a 
graqular  or  even  pulverulent  form,  but 
would  actually  decompose  the  solution  it- 
self. Consequently,  in  ordep  to  obtain  a 
good  deposit  of  any  metal,  a  battery  shoula 
be  employed  whose  positive  and  nef^alive 
elements  are  in  sucn  relative  proportion  aa 
to  yield  a  current  of  quanti^  electricity  of 
sufficient  intensity  to  enable  that  quanti^r  to 
work  well.  » •  •   • 

The  battery  which  I  have  fquqd  mqst  con* 
stent  and  oeruin  in  its  action  I  shall  describe 
further  on.         .        . 

Faraday  employs  the  terms  anode\  aneke^ 
trade  or  poHtive  electrode,  for  the  positive 
pole  of  the  battery, — that  whicl^  prOcee4s 
from  the.  copper  element  in  a  Daniell's  oellt 
and.  eathodei  aatkeketrode^  or  iMgo/iee  cfeo- 
trede,  for  the  neg.ative  pole,^that  which 
proceeds  from  the  siue  element  of  a  paniell's 
ceiU  Professor  Danifll,  however,  oljeeting 
to  the  terms  anode  and  coIAmAs,  pr<wosf  d  the 
adoption  of  zineode  and  ptatinodf  to  distin- 
guish the  positive  and  negative  poles )  but, 
at  the  elemeiiu  of  a  b&ttery  are  not  neeva- 
sarily  composed  of  line  or  platinum,  and 
as»  independently  of  the  great  weight  which 
must  always  attach  to  any  system  propounded 
by  Mr.  Faraday,  it  would  be  absurd  to  speak 
of  iroikodee^  leudodei,  kUnmthedee,  dr  earbon^ 
odee^  when  describing  the  poles  of  a  battery 
with  an  element  of  iron,  I^d|  bismuth,  or 
carbon,  I  prefer  adopting  Faraday's  aonlen- 
clatnre. 

The  cathode,  or  negative  pole,  is  the  wire 
whieh  issuee  f^om  the  xinc  plate  or  bar  of  a 
battery,  and  it  is  this  wire  or  polei  pr  any 
metollic  surface  which  may  be  atUehed  to 
it,  which  reeetves  the  deposit  in  the  bath. 

The  onodBj  or  positive  pole^  is  that  wire 
which  is  attached  to  the  copper  cylinder  ot 
plate  Of  a  battery,  and  to  this  wire  Or  poie  ie 
suspended,  in  elose  contact^  the  sheet  or 
plate  of  metal  which  is  destined  to  re-Supply 
the  solution  with  the  amount  of  metal  which 
it  loses  by  the  deposition  which  takes  placO 
oh  the  cathode  or  article  to  be  coated. 

Professor  Faraday  denominates  the  solu- 
tion,  whether  it  be  of  silver,  gold,  copper,  or 
any  other  metal  from  which  a  deposit  ie  to 
be  obtained,  the  eteetrotyte* 

QmanHty  electricity,  aa  I  have  idready 
obeetvcti,  is  that  kind  of  curtcnt  which  is 
produeed  when  the  battery  is  formed  Of  large 
swrfacee  of  the  metallic  element ;  it  is  this 
species  of  electricity  which  is  most  useAil 
for  the  purposes  of  electro* deposition. 

**  Hxperibnee  ^rovee  that,  in  gederal,  th« 
adherence  of  the  oxides  anS  of  the  m«talk 
gdld^  sUveti  evpperi  and  lead  ek  dwtahf  is 
«  a2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


508 


ON  THB  ELE0TR0-0HE1CI0AX  DEPOSITION  OF  METALS. 


M  the  intensity  of  the  current  if 
fees,  within  certain  well-known  limits,  and 
as  the  solution  is  less  concentrated.*' — Bee- 
qmenl.  The  Chbmiit,  1843,  vol.  iv.,  p.  400. 

Inientitif  may  he  given  to  the  quantity 
already  existing  in  a  series  of  cells  or  plates, 
hy  increasing  their  numher,  thus, — hy  at- 
taching the  wire  proceeding  from  the  posi- 
tive pole  of  one  cell  to  the  negative  pole  of 
anotner,  and  go  on,  until  a  compound  bat- 
tery is  formed  of  alternate  pairs.  A  battery 
thns  constructed  is  well  adapted  to  the  pur- 
poses of  electro -chemical  decomposition,  or 
eUetroUMttHon,  the  electric  light,  the  giving 
of  shocks,  and  other  powerful  effects  of 
electricity ;  but,  unless  carefully  applied,  it 
would  be  highly  injurious  if  devoted  to  elec- 
tro-metallurgical operations. 

An  intensity  current  seldom  lasts  longer 
than  a  few  hours,  unless  fresh  exciting  fluids 
be  applied  to  the  elements  with  which  it  is 
produced  ;  but  a  quantity  current  may  con- 
tinue to  be  developed  from  a  consunt  bat- 
tery for  months :  I  have  known  a  consUnt 
battery  continue  in  action  for  twelve  months 
voitkoui  any  additum  whatever,  at  the  end  of 
which  period  it  still  gave  considerable  evi- 
dences of  electrical  action. 

The  Battery.^Tht  battery  which  I  would 
most  strongly  recommend  to  the  attention 
of  the  electro-plater  and  gilder,  and  of  those 
who  desire  to  deposit  metals  by  electricity, 
generally,  consists  of  a  cylindrical  stone 
jar,  capable  of  holding  about  four  gallons ; 
inside  this  jar  is  fitted  a  cylinder  of  sheet 
copper  (this  may  be  l-64th  of  an  inch  in 
thiokness.)  A  strip  of  the  copper  cylinder 
about  half  an  inch  broad  is  cut  off  to  within 
one  inch,  so  as  to  form  the  negative  elec- 
trode ;  my  motive  in  doing  this  is  to  ensure 
a  perfect  connection  between  the  negative 
pole  and  the  cylinder,  and  to  save  the  trou- 
ble of  soldering.  A  circular  piece  of  wood 
forms  a  covering  to  the  jar ;  in  the  centre  of 
this  cover,  a  hole  about  two  inches  in  dia- 
meter is  bored,  to  which  an  ox-gullet  or 
weazand  is  fastened,  extending  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  jar,  the  lower  end  of  which  is 
carefully  tied  with  a  piece  of  thick  twine. 
A  sine  bar  is  cast,  with  a  long,  and  tolerably 
thick  copper  wire  in  it,  one  end  of  which 
has  been  previously  coiled  into  a  helix,  so 
as  to  form  a  spring,  to  prevent  the  breaking 
off  the  wire  at  its  junction  with  the  zinc  bar. 
The  ox-gullet  is  now  nearly  filled  with  a 
concentrated  solution  of  common  salt,  to 
which  a  few  drops  of  hydrochloric  acid  have 
been  added,  and  the  zinc  bar  immersed  in 
it,  but  not  allowed  to  touch  the  bottom  of 
the  gullet,  which  it  may  be  prevented  from 
doing  by  attaching  a  piece  of  wood  across 
the  zinc  bar,  to  suspend  it  from  the  cover  of 
the  battery.  The  jar  is  nearly  filled  with 
water  acidulated  with  two  pounds  of  sul- 
phuzie  acid  and  one  ounce  of  nitrio  acid, 
and  the  battery  is  ready  for  use. 


In  the  above  form  of  battery  several  ad- 
vantages present  themselves ;  its  action  is 
constant,  there  is  but  little  local  action,  and 
consequently  but  little  waste ;  its  current  is 
regular,  and  is  very  economical  in  its  con- 
struction and  inexpensive  in  use. 

A  compound  battery  thus  constructed 
will  give  most  powerful  effecta  when  a  num- 
ber of  cells  is  used,  and  it  will  continue  to 
give  these  effects  for  a  greater  length  of 
time  than  any  battery  with  which  I  am  ae- 
quainted. 

In  a  single  cell  of  this  battery,  a  great 
quantity  of  electricity  is  disengaged  of  aufiS- 
cient  intensity  for  small  operations,  for 
gilding  and  so  forth.  When  it  is  desired  ta 
deposit  a  considerable  quantity  of  metal  in 
a  given  time,  several  of  these  cells,  alter- 
nated— ^that  is,  having  the  zinc  wire  of  one 
cell  united  to  the  copper  cylinder  of  the 
next,  and  so  on,  may  be  employed,  by  which 
arrangement  a  vast  amount  of  metal  may  be 
deposited  in  a  short  time,  when  the  aohition 
is  in  good  working  condition. 

In  working  with  a  Smee's  battery  in  the 
large  way,  Uie  rapid  consumption  of  the 
zino  plates,  the  fUrious  local  action  and 
offensive  evolution  of  hydrogen  gas,  and  the 
trouble  and  expense  of  amalgamating  the 
plates,  are  among  the  many  disadvantages 
which  this  battery  exhibits  to  the  practical 
electro-metallurgist;  added  to  which,  the 
current  which  proceeds  from  it  is  fax  too 
intense  and  fluctuating  to  enable  us  to  ob. 
tain  a  smooth  and  regular  deposit.  Bui  for 
many  experimental  purposes  this  is  one  of 
the  most  convenient  and  ingenious  batteries 
known,  and  Mr.  Smee  deserves  the  highest 
credit  for  its  introduction,  as  its  great  popu- 
larity will  testify. 

Wollaston's  battery,  were  it  not  for  the 
trouble  and  difficulty  of  replacing  the  zinc 
plates  when  they  are  consumed,  aud  the 
constant  application  of  exciting  material 
which  it  requires,  would  be  admirably  suited 
to  electro-metallurgical  operations. 

Some  electro-platers  have  employed  mag- 
neto-^lectricity  for  the  deposition  of  metals^ 
but  not,  I  think,  with  much  success,  owing^ 
no  doubt,  to  the  fact  that  a  current  of  mag. 
neto-electricity  would  be  liable  to  interrupt 
tion,  or  a  want  of  continuity.  The  action 
of  revolving  armatures  must  necessarily  be 
I  interrupted,  owing  to  the  making  and  break- 
I  ing  of  contact.  I  maintain  that,  in  order  to 
obtain  a  fair  deposit,  the  current  of  elec- 
tricity applied  muei  be  cmtinnous. 

My  brother,  Mr.  Charles  Watt,  has  pa- 
tented  a  thermo-electrical  battery  which, 
when  complete,  bids  fair  to  eclipse  all  other 
batteries  for  electro-metallurgical  purpose^ 
as  it  will  possess  all  the  advantages  of  eon. 
stancy,  uniformity,  and  economy,  being,  ii^ 
fact,  almost  costless  in  its  action. 
(To  be  comUmed,) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OK  nCCONGBUOUS  SOLOTIORB. 


509 


ON  INCONGRUOUS  SOLUTIONS. 

BT  JAME8  COCKLB,   M.A.,  r.R.A.8.,   F.C.P.I., 
ETC. 

I  am  induced  by  an  allusion  (Bie^  Mag., 
YoL  iTiiL,  p.  Z\^,)  to  me,  that  has  only 
lately  come  under  my  notice,  to  present,  in 
what  I  deem  a  logical  form,  some  specula- 
tions  upon  which  I  entered  nearly  eight 
years  ago  in  this  Journal.    They  may  not 
enable  us  to  dispense  with  trials  of  results, 
but  theywiU  not  be  without  vaiue  if^  in 
many  cases,  they  inform  us  wkieh  we  m^y 
try  wiUi  the  greatest  probability  of  auceess. 
In  regions  of  knowledge  that  have  under- 
gone such  inquiry  as  the  theory  of  equa- 
tions, it  might^  but  a  few  years  since,  have 
appeared  hopeless  to  find  new  fields  of  dis- 
covery.    It  seemed  as  if  all  that  remained 
to  be  done  was  to  follow  the  mighty  traces 
left  by  such  investigators  as  Bezout,  Euler, 
Lagrange,  and  Vandermonde.    Yet  one  re- 
sult, the  dassling  herald  of  others  not  less 
important  that  soon  followed  it,  lay  in  the 
very  pathway  of  research,  and  it  is  surpris- 
ing tnat  it  should  have  escaped  detection. 
The  transformation  of  the  general  equation 
of  the  fifth  degree    to  a  trinomial  form 
may  be  made  to  follow  from  the  reduction 
of  that  of  quadratic  surfaces,  and  this  last 
question  was  raised  when  Pacent,  John  Ber- 
noulli, and  Glairaut  introduced  a  third  co- 
ordinate into  the  geometry  of  Descartes. 
But,  notwithstanding  that  Tschimhausen 
had  furnished  materials  for  the  application 
of  this  reduction  to  the  general  theory  of 
equations,  it  was  reserved  for  Mr.  Jerrard 
to  effect  this  transformation  by  his  own 
peculiar  analysis,  and  to  arrive  at  that  ex- 
tension   of    the    indeterminate    principle 
which  has  given  a  new  vitality  to  algebra. 
Although  the  transformation  was  otherwise 
arrived  at  in  the  first  instance,  a  consider- 
able improvemeut  Is  imported  into  its  pro- 
cesses by  means  of  the  reduction  of  the 
equation  of  quadratic  surfaces.   It  is,  per- 
haps, best  deduced  by  means  of  my  "  Me- 
thod of  Vanishing  Oroups."  * 

The  indifference  with  which,  at  one  time, 
improvements  in  finite  algebra  were  re- 
garded, although  it  may  serve  to  explain 
the  oversight  above  adverted  to,  does  not 
need  such  an  example  to  indicate  its  exist- 
ence. Bezoutf  notices  this  apathy,  and 
attributes  it  to  the  ardour  with  which  the 

*  Some  appUcations  of  the  method  of  ranish- 
ing  gronpa  to  the  theory  of  rar&ces  will  he  found 
in  my  "  Chapters  on  Analytleal  Geometry,"  pub- 
lished in  volt.  zlT.,  xlvi..  xlvii.,  and  zlvili.  of  the 
MechvHietr  Magazine,  I  would  direct  the  atten- 
tion of  the  reader  to  the  "Supplementary  Chap- 
ter "  at  pp.  )02.S,  and  to  the  «  EnaU  "  at  p.  110  of 
the  Tolame  laat-nentioned.  See  atio  the  Math*- 
sMlMaikTeL  iUp.  178,  note  t,  and  p.  140. 

t  ''  Tikterle  Ote^rale  des  Bqnattons  Alg«- 
Mques."    (Paris,  1779.)    FieflMs,  pp.  L-IL 


infinitesimal  analysis  was  pursued,  and  to 
the  consequent  diversion  of  the  course  of 
inquiry  from  the  former  channel.  Poinsot* 
ascribes  the  neglect  of  algebra  to  the  same 
cause.  The  attention  wmch  the  improve- 
ments of  Horner  in  one  branch  of  the 
theory  of  equations,  and  of  Mr.  Jerrard  in 
another,  has  lately  received  is,  even  when 
considered  by  itself,  a  sign  that  there  is  no 
further  ground  for  tiio  reproach. 

From  the  doubts  and  errors  which  cloud 
over  hunwn  conceptions,  even  the  mathe- 
matical sciences  eigoy  no  immunity.  The 
quadrature  and  rectification  of  the  circle, 
the  trieection  of  an  angle,  the  duplication 
of  the  cube,  the  sign  of  the  product  of 
unreal  quantities,  the  doctrine  of  such 
quantities,  of  incommensurables,  of  sero, 
of  infinity,  of  vanishing  fractions,  of  limits 
and  of  series,  the  true  expression  for  a  loga- 
rithm, the  theory  of  functional  equations, 
the  irreducible  case  in  cubics,  the  possi- 
bility of  solving  equations  of  the  fifth 
degree,  the  foreign  factors  of  elimina- 
tion, and  the  incongruous  results  of  solu- 
tion, afford  so  many  illustrations  of  this 
fact 

In  my  Noies  and  Soraf  I  have  endea- 
voured to  clear  up  some  of  the  dificulties 
which  encircle  the  question  of  incongruous 
results.  And  the  Rev.  Robert  Harley  and 
Mr.  T.  T.  Wilkinson  have  since  pursued 
the  same  path|  of  research.  The  principle 
invoked  should  be  subjected  to  the  test  of 
experience;  a  test  that  cannot  be  always 
dispensed  with,  even  in  mathematical  dis. 
cussions.  It  was  by  a  phytieal  experiment 
(weighing)  that  the  area  of  the  cycloid  was 
first,  suggestively  at  least,  ascerUined. 
The  rigorous  methods  of  Hargreave  and 
Tchebycheff§  for  determining  the  number 
of  primes  within  given  limits  were  preceded 
by  the  partially  empirical  formula  of  Le- 

•  See  tho  oommenoement  of  his  "  Analyse,"  pre  • 
fixed  to  (the  third  edition  oO  Lagrange's  great 
work  OQ  Equations,  (Paris,  1816). 

t  The  tenth  Hora  {Meek,  Mag.  vol.  xliz.,  pp. 


555-9)  contains  a  history  of  the  subject  of  impos- 
sible equations.    On  the  authority  of  Mr.  Wilkln- 
I,  whose  extensive  research  In  periodical  matbe- 


matieal  literature  is  well  known.  I  may  here  add 
that  MM.  Terquem  and  Ollain  hare  entered  upon 
the  discussion.  Mr.  Wilkinson's  references  are  to 
the"Nouvelle8  Annates  de  Matheraatiques  "  for 
January,  1M4,  and  to  tome  iv.,  pp.  520-524.  I 
hare  not  as  yet  seen  their  Investigations. 

t  My  own  investigations  on  this  subject  com- 
mence at  p.  491  of  vol.  xlvi.  of  the  Meek.  Mag.,  to 
which  Journal  I  con.municated  various  researches 
of  Mr.  Harley  (see  vols.  1.,  llv.,  and  Ivl.)  Mr.  Har- 
ley has  continued  the  discussion  in  the  Manches- 
ter "  Memoirs,"  (vol.  ix.,  pp.  107—235).  and  Mr. 
WUkinson  in  the  Meek.  Mag„{Yo\.  Ivl.,  pp.  46S-4.) 
Mr.  Flnlay  has  also  followed  up  the  subject. 
(See  the  Bfanchester  "  Memoirs,'*  pp.  250-42  of 
vol.  ix.,  Second  Series.) 

{  See  PhU.  Mag.  forOetoher,  1854,  (ser.  Iv.,  vol. 
vltL),  p.  114,  el  §eq. ;  Lion  vine's  "Journal,"  tome 


vlti.),p.  114,el««o.; 
xviL,  pp.  806--8MI. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


510 


SCIKNGft  AHOHa  XBA  EHOINEESS. 


gendre.  The  reyerse  process,  an  appeal  to 
examples,  will  aid  us  in  deciding  whether  to 
adopt,  reject^  or  modii^  the  following  pro- 
positions : 

1.  The  square  root  of  a  squared  nega- 
tive  nnmher  is  the  negative  numher  itself. 
The  positive  reot  is  in  general  incongruous. 

2.  When  from  a  squared  negatiye  num- 
ber^we  subtraot  a  positive  number  less  than 
the  square,  the  square  root  of  the  difierenee 
is  aegatiye,  and  its  positive  value,  in*  gene- 
ral, inooDgruous.f 

9.  In  adding  or  subtrsoting  ^uaatitiet  of 
the  form} 

K  + !)»  +  *(- 1)«,<(  +  1)*  +  K  (-!)•, 

the  result  must  be  represented  by 

(r+0(+l)» +  {«  +  «.)  (-!)•, 
and  the  precesling  propeaiiioni)  if  possible, 
applied  to  it  The  same  remarki  mmhtHB 
mutmndisi  appliet  whatever  epetatlens  he 
perrornied  on  emptwtiens  of  the  above 
form. 
Lei  tkere  be  given 

or  «"  +  2(-«)jt=:-6a| 

^ow,  in  virtue  of  prop.  2,  we  a£irm  that, 
if  a  be  greater  than  b, 

and  that  the  other  value  (obtainable  by  ^tS- 
flxihg  the  positive  sign  to  the  radical;  is 
incongruous  to  the  proolem  which  gives  ris6 
to  the  given  quiidratic,  although  valid  as  ati 
analytical  solution  of  that  equation. 

Let  us  now  consider  the  following  |}roi)o- 
sitions,  which  are  the  complements  of  1.  and 
2.  respectively. 

4.  The  square  root  of  a  squared  positive 
number  is  the  positive  number  itself.  The 
negative  root  is,  in  general,  incoHgtuous. 

d.  When  from  a  squared  positive  number 
we  subtraet  a  positive  number  less  than  the 
square,  the  square  root  of  the  difl^rence  i« 
positive,  and  its  negative  VAlue,  in  general, 
incongruous.} 

Thus,  if  we  put  the  given  qnadntic  under 
the  form 

•  Kot  iiWVersally.  See  Ueeh.  Had.,  vol.  IIM., 
p.  517. 

t  Fof  fexatoplcB,  kee  ifech,  KTag,,  vol.  iilvl.,  pp. 
491.J,  51B ;  vol.  xlvil.,  pp.  18,  14,  fte. 

X  See  Mech,Mag.,ro\,  Xlvl..  b.  491 ;  tol.  xlii., 
p.  519;  Phil.  ifap.  tot  June,  ifeS,  (set  Iv.,  vol. 

}  See  Meeh.  Mag.,  vol.  xlvii.,  pj».  18, 14,  whete, 
by  obBerTlog  tbe  methoil  of  the  present  paper,  we 
may  ezBtbitthe  congrulty  and  incongrui^r  of  the 
results  With  kbmewhat  greater  blsariiegs. 


we  find 


(-«)«+2«(-..)«-6«, 


or  -«+«i=v'«*(+0*— *■• 

Now,  in  vinue  of  prop.  5,  ire  alBriH  that, 

if  a  be  ^reatef  than  ^,  tne  posMoe  ttlu*  of 

the  riidlfeal  \»  to  hH  talteii.    W«  itt  ibtts 

cofidtiotej  to  the  «tt«  "cdtigraoiii'*  Mflfl. 

tiott  ai  thttt  at  whidh  wd  h^Ve  *lr«My  Afs 

rived. 

I  shall  kppiy  these  ftinfripWs  to  i  t>i^ 

bletn  in  menstffatlon  proposeo  at  f).  926  «nd 

solved  At  p.  417  of  fol.  xHv.  of  th6  JfedU- 

niti*  Mngtixtne.    The  two  solutlollii  (bf  Mr. 

A.  Cdlvitt,  Md  "  Cchturfoft  •')  a^ee. 

Adoptitig  thd  notation  of  the  gifted  "  C«ti> 

turfofa,'*  who  points  Out  Ah  erfof  In  bi]By*« 

resiilt,  w«  have 

lS004-(5d-x)»=76  *-234. 

or         (^«)s+178(-«}s«-4304| 

wfaeii0«, 

-4+g&s=v^921(+l)*-*3at' 
and  «Sb89^62*d4M09Sai6-6<4 
nenrly.  The  mh&  f  iilutf  of  :r  ( 161  *W  Metity) 
though  real  Add  positive,  lb  ifteoligtiioils  tB 
the  itrobieitlj  and  tejeftted  i  pHoH  bf  ob- 
setting  thtf  ftffeetions  of  tht  sylbbols  ein. 
pleyed; 

4,  Pump-eonri,  Temple,  lifay  It,  I855i 


SCIfiNCB  AMOND  THfi  fi!rOf - 

Tfifi    BbtLEk    teXPLOStbk    At    CHAlVftfiAV 
BbOTti.    * 

Tut  recent  etploiion  of  a  boiler  at  CfftW. 
shaw  Booth  has  ^iven  iise  to  much  discna- 
sioh,  the  ^ep(»rts  of  thfe  englfoeerfe  appointed 
to  examine  the  circumstances  conneeted 
with  it  diffbriiig  widely  OH  severti  itfipoHaat 
pftiAM.  Our  cotfespotldent,  «« Engineer,** 
drew  attention  to  the  stibject  ita  Out  Ust 
Number,  and  lis  the  questions  tindet  dift. 
cussion  ate  of  donsiderable  intereit  to  ft 
great  portion  of  bnir  feaders.  we  hoW  Uf 
befbre  them  the  following  kddltiotial  facta 
derived  from  the  AfantfUsier  Weetcty  Adber. 
tfser,  Hi  which  tho  repotts  of  Mf.  Roberts  kni. 
Mt.  Lbngfidge  have  appeared. 

Dh  the  report  Of  Mr.  Longtidge,  KetenL 
Holcroft  and  Hoyle,  of  Ctoss-street,  in  thlt 
city,  engineers,  aay  • 

'^Mr.  Longtidge  finds  BufBcient  eaaw  Tot 
Oie  explosion,  without  supposing  an/  deft, 
ciency  of  water  in  the  boilec^  '  in  the  height 
of  the  external  ilue«^  and  the  Hiefustatiaai 
on  the  plates,  l^or  it  is  bvtdent,'  he  sayai 
*  thi|t  the  lieat  in  the  upper  part  of  tbe  ilQe% 
which  are  so  mneh  above  the  oefitt«  «»f  tbe 
boiler,  would  becondUeted  by  th6  p1al6i  to  the 
upper  part  of  the  beiler,  imd  tkm  be  i 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


dO^HRvB  AJxOIfQr  x&S  91T€rBVEBBfli 


Sil 


mltted  to  tiif  Bteam  Instead  of  to  Ae  w^ter.' 
The  effect  of  such  an  action  Mr.  Longridee 
conceives  would  be  to  'surcharge'  the 
steam,  or,  as  he  himself  explains  it,  to  'in. 
crease  the  temperature,  without  increasing 
its  pressure.*  «ow,  in  this  point  we  join 
issue  with  Mr.  Longridge.  denyine  the  pos- 
sibility of  such  an  action  taking  place.  For 
admitting,  merely  for  the  sake  of  argument, 
thai  the  heat  were  thus  transmitted  tq  the 
steam,  while  it  still  remains  in  contact  with 
the  water,  by  the  natural  tendency  of  all 
bodies  to  an  eauilibrium  of  temperature,  a 
balance  of  temperature  would  be  speedily 
restored  and  maintained ;  for  if  the  steam 
were  of  a  temperature  higher  than  that  of 
the  water*  with  which  it  was  held  in  contact, 
tlifs  )ieat  would  be  imparted  to  the  water^ 
causing  an  increased  generation  of  stean), 
apd  conseauently  an  increase  of  pressure. 
In  Qne,  as  long  as  steaip  remains  in  contact 
with  the  water  fVom  which  it  is,  or  has  been 

fenerated,  no  increase  qf  temperature  cai^ 
e  imparted,  either  in  the  water  or  the  steam, 
without  producing  increased  generation  qf 
the  steam  and  increased  pressure,  ^t  is 
true,  ther^  is  such  a  thing  as  '  surcharging' 
steam,  but  it  can  only  be  done  in  e^  separate 
vessel)  where  the  steam  is  i)0  longer  in  con- 
tact  with  water ;  and  there  every  additional 
degree  pf  heat  imparted  to  the  steam 
causes  af)  equivalent  expansion  of  the  bulk 
of  the  who)e|  and  consequently  an  ipcrease 
pf  pressi^re;  so  that  to  saturate  steam  with 
}ieat  Js  in^possible,  while  it  is  in  contact 
with  watef ;  or,  lender  any  circumstances,  to 
|i4d  h^ftt  to  steam,  without  increasing  its 
^fes9Hre,  is  likeirise  iippossible. 

"  We  cpuld  quote  nuqierqus  scientific  au- 
thorities in  support  of  the  theory  we  hav^ 
adduced,  at  Dalfooi  Ga^  Lussac,  Bfowne, 
4nd  others ;  but  we  content  ourselves  with 
the  fil]qwjng  extrjjcts  from  Turner's  *  Ele- 
ments qf  Chemistry,'  edited  by  Liehig. 
Specif iDg  pf  the  expansion  of  yapours  by  the 
ab^rptloq  of  heat,  he  says :— '  This  laif 
only  holds  ftf  vapours  when  separated  from 
the  liquids  that  y^eld  them,  ff  liquid  bi^ 
present,  heat  not  only  expands  the  vapour, 
but  increases  its  volume  by  the  addition  of 
a  MW  qumtiljr  vf  ▼UPPVr-'  Again ;  Mr. 
Longridge,  in  fttpppF^  of  his  hypothesis, 
im^gjues  Qiich  a  quautity  pf  wate^r  to  be 
tpp^n  ipto  the  hoiler  as  to  re4uce  the  tep^- 

Serait^re  of  the  whole  yoluin^,  thus  causing 
le  ncale  to  coi^tract,  an4  separating  from 
^0  sidej»  pf  the  boiler,  ^o  admit  the  water  to 
the  si)perheate4  plates.  How,  the  feed  cat) 
oply  iowei:  the  temperature  of  the  water  with 
Yvbich  it  U  iinqaediately  in  contact ;  and  wie 
think  thaf  '^  M^.  Longridge  will  calculate, 
as  we  have  done,  the  quantity  of  water  that 
woul4  he  required  to  cqol  down  the  whole 
yolume  of  water,  only  one  or  two  degrees — 


ignoring  a1toge|;her  the  fiet,  that  while  the 
water  is  being  pumped  in,  heat  is  still  heing 
Imparted  to  the  whole  mass — ^he  will  agree 
witn  us,  that  such  a  supposition  is  scarcely 
tenable.  Once  ipore ;  Mr.  {iongridge  fin<n 
eyidence,  in  die  streaks  and  splashes  of  mud 
on  the  sides  and  ends  of  the  boiler,  of  the 
severe  strains  to  which  the  boiler  had  been 
subjected,  from  such  causes  as  he  adduces. 
Now,  having  examined  some  hundreds  of 
steam  boilers  of  all  Ipnds,  we  can  bear  wit- 
ness to  the  fact,  that  when  a  boiler  is  or  has 
been  at  work,  the  whole  of  the  inqer  surfac9 
above  the  water  line  is  perfectly  free  from 
either  fcale  of  mud ;  but  that  when,  as  in 
the  present  instance,  'hy  the  breaking  of  the 
steam  pipe  any  outlet  is  suddenly  presente4 
to  the' imprisoned  vapour,  both  steam  and 
water  rush  out  by  the  opening,  carrying  with 
them  whatever  dirt  or  mud  mere  may  be  In 
the  boiler.  This,  we  think,  would  satisfac- 
torily account  for  the  streams  and  splashes 
mentioned  by  Mr.  Longridge." 

Upon  the  same  report  ^u.  Roberts^  ^*^t 
fays : — 

"The  first  point  on  which  Mr.  Longridge 
treats  is  the  increased  strength  that  mi^nt 
have  been  ^iven  to  the  boiler  had  attention 
been  paid  to  crossing  the  joints  of  the  plate? ; 
to  which  I  would  remark,  that  however  ad- 
vantageous it  may  be  in  other  ca^es  to  crosfi 
the  joiotS|  it  would  not  in  the  present  in- 
stance have  prevented  the  explosion,  but 
would^  in  all  probability^  as  Mr.  Longridge 
subsequently  pbserves,  have  limited  the 
exteift  of  the  fracti^re.  I  have  noticed  the 
fact  of  the  flue  haying  passed  over  the  boiler, 
nqt  under,  as  stated  by  ^r.  Longri4ge, 
merely  for  the  information  of  those  persons 
who  take  au  jnterest  ifi  such  matters ;  the 
circumstance,  if  it  have  any  bearing  on  tjie 
matter,  is  in  favour  of  Mr.  I^ongridge's 
theory  of  surcharged  steam.  A  little  reiiec- 
tiou  wijl,  J  have  no  doubt,  convince  Mr* 
Longridge  that  he  is  n^iftaken  in  supposing 
that  'had  the  fraction  taken  place  on  the 
upper  instead  of  the  lower  side,  It  is  evident 
the  boiler  would  ha?e  been  thrown  upwards,' 
&c.,  as  its  tendency  would  be  precisely  the 
reverse.  I  had  no  idea  qf  steam  heing  '  sur- 
chafged'  whilst  resting  on  a  large  sheet  of 
water  in  ^  s^te  of  ebullition^  as  no  doub^ 
that  in  the  boiler  was  i^t  the  time  of  th|B  ac- 
cident, the  engine  it  supplied  with  steaii) 
being  in  fnU  operation;  nor,  as  he  supposes, 
that  that  surcnarge  pould  haye  been  pro- 
duced by  the  resiaue  of  heat  contained  ip 
the  products  of  copobustion  ii)  their  passage 
from  the  furnaces  immediately  under  and  fo 
contact  with  ^he  water  on  which  the  sur- 
charged steism  tha^  had  bee|i  'raised  to  a 
high  temperature  without  indicating  aQj 
excess  of  prpssure'  rested." 

Mr.  Roberts  then  says  he  considers  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


512 


BYBB^fl  PATENT  VDUHTUBX  OAflTOBS* 


latter  part  of  Mr.  Longiidge's  report   to 
contain  the  foUowing  falucies : 

"First, — In  supposing  that  the  heated 
gases  after  passing  through  six  or  seven 
yards  of  iron  flue  surrounded  hy  water 
should  retain  heat  enough  to  produce  any 
material  effect  on  the  steam  in  the  hoiler  in 
which  the  water  was  two  or  three  inches 
ahove  the  top  of  the  flue ;  secondly,  that 
steam  may  he  *  surohaiged '  whilst  in  free 
commanication  with  water;  thirdly,  that 
the  temperature  of  confined  steam  can  he  in- 
creased without  increasing  its  pressure. 
Nor  can  I  understand  how,  if  there  was  '  no 
deficiency  of  water  in  the  hoiler '  (and  it  is 
in  evidence  that  there  were  18  or  19  inches 
ahove  the  internal  flues,  and  Mr.  L.  says 
'the  top  of  this  external  flue  appears  to 
have  heen  about  16  inches  above  the  top  of 
the  internal  flues')*  Any  amount  of  heat 
likely  to  be  passing  through  the  external 
flue,  after  havmg  travelled  six  or  seven  yards 
in  contact  with  iron  flues  (surrounded  by 
water),  could  commanicate  heat  enough 
through  the  water  to  raise  the  temperature 
of  the  plates  forming  the  top  of  the  boiler 
sufficiently  to  produce  the  'spheroidal' 
state  in  the  water  which  requires  a  tempera, 
ture  equal  to  that  of  red-hot  iron  to  pn^uce 
it ;  in  short,  it  requires  a  higher  tempera- 
ture to  produce  that  state  in  water  than  to 
throw  off  the  scale  from  the  boiler ;  conse- 
quently, so  long  as  steam  remained  in  Uie 
boiler  it  would  keep  down  the  temperature 
of  the  plates  below  that  necessary  to  pro- 
duce the  '  spheroidal '  efiect" 

In  reply  to  Messrs.  Holcroft  and  Hoyle 
and  to  Mr.  Roberts,  Mr.  Longridge  says : 

"  Messrs.  Holcroft  and  Hoyle  assert  that 
'  if  heat  be  transmitted  to  the  steam,  while 
it  remains  in  contact  with  water,  a  balance 
of  temperature  would  be  speedily  restored 
and  maintained.'  And  further,  that,  'as 
long  as  steam  remains  in  contact  with  the 
water  from  which  it  is,  or  has  been,  gene- 
rated, no  increase  of  temperature  can  be  im- 
parted either  to  the  water  or  the  steam 
without  producing  increased  generation  of 
steam  and  increased  pressure.' 

"  Now,  it  is  a  fact  well  known  to  most  en- 
ginemen,  that  in  flrst  getting  up  the  steam 
in  a  boiler  with  internal  flues,  the  water  in 
the  lower  part  is  often  quite  cool,  while  in 
the  upper  part  there  is  steam  of  considerable 
pressure.  This  arises  from  want  of  circula- 
tion in  the  lower  part  of  the  boiler,  water 
being  a  bad  conductor  of  heat  downwards. 
For  the  same  reason,  L  e.  the  slow  conduct- 
ing power  of  water,  steam  in  the  upper  part 
of  a  boiler  may  be  rapidly  raised  to  a  higher 
temperature,  by  heat  transmitted  through 
the  plates,  without  materially  increasing  the 
temperature  of  the  water  below  the  surface. 
There  undoubtedly  wiU  be  evaporation  from 


the  water,  owing  to  the  higher  temperature 
of  the  auperincumbent  steam,  but  uis  eva- 
poration will  be  slow  and  small  in  aoiount, 
BO  that  a '  balance  of  temperature  will '  not 
'  be  speedily  restored.' 

"  It  appears  to  me  quite  evident  that  the 
temperature  of  the  steam  in  eontaet  with 
water  may  be  increased  much  more  rapidly 
than  the  vapour  required  for  its  saturation 
or  maximum  denuty  can  be  supptied  to  it. 
If  then  this  steam  have  not  its  equivalent 
of  watery  vapour,  its  density  or  pressnre 
cannot  be  such  as  the  temperature  would  In- 
dicate for  ordinary  steam.  For  each  degree 
of  temperature  there  must  be  a  certain 
quantity  of  vapour  required  to  prodace 
maximum  density  or  pressure,  but  if  this  be 
supplied  in  excess,  partial  condensation 
must  ensue  and  the  pressure  be  reduced. 
Thi^  seems  to  me  to  account  fi>r  explosions 
not  being  more  frequent  in  boilers,  which, 
from  the  great  height  of  the  external  flues, 
must  often  contain  'surcharged  or  super- 
heated'  steam,  the  increase  of  pressure 
being  dependent  on  the  proportion  in  whieh 
the  vapour  is  supplied. 

"  It  may,  perhaps  be  necessary  to  observe, 
that  all  I  have  said  refers  to  a  boUer  pre- 
vious to  the  engine  being  started ;  but  to  a 
certain  extent  the  same  procees  of  'sor- 
charging'  the  steam  will  conttnue  while 
the  engine  is  at  work,  more  especially  when, 
as  in  the  present  instance,  the  plates  are 
covered  in  tne  inside  with  a  thick  incrusta^ 
tion  of  scale,  a  had  conductor  of  heat.  In 
such  cases  the  temperature  of  the  plates  is 
increased  (sometimes  even  to  redness),  and  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  heat  most  be 
conducted  by  the  adjoining  plates  to  the 
upper  part  of  the  boiler,  and,  dierefore,  to 
the  steam. 

"  With  regard  to  water  in  the  '  spheroidal' 
state,  Mr.  Roberts  is  entirely  in  error, 
imagining  that  this  can  only  occur  when  the 
plates  are  at  a  red  heat;  for  it  has  been 
proved  by  experiment  that  a  npheroid  of 
water  may  be  produced  on  metal  at  a  tem- 
perature of  360®  or  about  600«  below  that 
usually  assigned  to  red  heat." 


HYDE'S  PATENT  FURNITURE 
CASTORS. 

Mr.  Htdb,  of  Sheffield,  patented  on  the5th 
November,  1853,  an  improvement  in  furni- 
ture castors,  which  applies  solely  to  that  class 
of  castors  ordinarily  termed  "  ball  castors," 
and  consists  in  a  certain  novel  method  of 
mounting  the  ball  in  the  fhime  of  the  castor, 
in  order  to  reduce  the  friction  upon  it,  "  by 
placing  rollers,  or  friction  wheels,  or  castors 
of  the  ordinsry  kind  in  or  on  any  part  of  the 
frame  directed  to  the  centre  of  the  ball,  and 
thus  to  enable  the  ball  to  move  or  roll  with 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


HTMt'B  PATEMT  rUBMIXtlBE  OASIOBB. 


513 


perfect  freedom  and  ease  in  every  direc- 
tion." The  globe  or  ball  maybe  formed 
either  of  metal,  glass,  earthenware,  hard 
wood,  i?ory,  leather,  gutta  percha,  or  of  any 
other  suitable  material ;  and  above  it,  either 
immediately  over  its  centre  or  a  little  from 
it,  the  inventor  places  an  ordinary  castor, 
furnished  with  one,  two,  or  more  pullies, 
bearing  upon  the  ball  or  globe,  and  support- 
ing the  frame  or  socket  of  the  castor  that  is 
attached  to  the  leg  or  foot  of  the  article  of 
furniture  to  which  the  castor  is  to  be  ap- 
plied. The  frame  may  either  be  constructed 
in  the  form  of  a  socket,  or  in  any  other 
form,  or  with  claws  or  arms  entirely  discon- 
nected from  each  other,  or  connected  to  each 
other  by  means  of  a  ring  or  belt  "  In  the 
socket  of  the  castor,  or  upon  the  claws  or 
arms,  or  upon  springs  connected  thereto," 
savs  Mr.  Hyde,  **  are  mounted  small  friction 
rollers  or  pullies  placed  in  contact  with  and 
immediately  or  not  immediately  opposite  to 
the  horizontal  diameter  of  the  ball  or  globe, 
but  may  be  a  little  above  or  a  little  below, 
or  so  fixed  as  to  run  or  meet  in  contact 
upon  any  part  of  the  ball  or  globe."  The 
ends  of  the  arms  or  claws  are  furnished  with 
points  slightly  inclining  towards  the  cj^tre 
of  the  ball  or  globe,  and  extending  just 
sufficiently  below  its  horizontal  diameter  to 
prevent  it  from  falling  out  of  its  place  upon 
the  castor  being  raised.  Or  the  same  end 
may  be  attained  by  attaching  to  the  arms  or 
claws  a  ring  of  metal  or  other  suitable  ma- 
terial of  rather  smaller  dimensions  than  the 
diameter  of  the  ball  or  globe.  The  parti- 
cular form  of  the  frame  may  be  varied  to 
almost  any  extent  so  long  as  the  peculiar 
feature  or  principle  of  the  invention  is  re- 
tained, viz.,  "  the  method  above  described 
of  mounting  the  ball  or  globe,  by  so  plac- 
ing friction  rollers  or  wheels  or  castors  in 
any  place,  in  arms,  cups,  or  else  so  as  to 
strike  immediately,  or  not  exactly  immedi- 
ately, as  the  case  may  be,  toward  the  centre 
of  the  ball,  so  as  to  allow  perfect  freedom  of 
action  in  all  directions." 

Fig.  1  represents  one  method  of  applving 
the  invention,  a  is  the  ball  or  globe,  which 
may  be  of  glass,  earthenware,  metal,  or  any 
other  suitable  material.  6  is  an  ordinary 
castor  bearing  upon  the  same,  and  support- 
ing the  frame,  c.  d  isa.  helical  spring  ap- 
plied between  the  pin  of  the  castor,  6,  and 
the  frame,  c  (this  spring  may  be  placed  in 
the  rim  or  belt  of  frame  e),  in  order  to  give 
additional  freedom  and  elasticity,  ee  are 
arms,  which  may  be  of  any  number,  in 
which  the  friction  pullies,//,  are  mounted. 
These  pullies  bear  against  the  sides  of  the 
ball  or  globe,  a,  and  may  either  be  mounted 
directly  in  Uie  arms,  « e,  as  shown  in  the 
figure,  or  in  springs  connected  thereto. 
h  h  are  clips  which  are  attached  to  the  ends 


of  the  brackets  or  arms,  e  e,  by  means  of  the 

pins  which  form  the  axes  of  the   friction 

pullies  or  rollers,  //,     These  clips  extend 

Kg.l. 


below  the  largest  diameter  of  the  ball,  a,  and 

prevent  it  from  falling  out  when  the  castor 

IS  raised.    The  castor  is  screwed,  by  means 

Fig.  2. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


514 


ATLA1!9nO  ffDB-MAltlllB  DBUBG&m. 


of  the  tfarefidi  ^g^  |t)to  a  socket,  apd  is  at- 
tached b^  it  to  tj)^  article  of  furniture. 

Fig.  2  represents  another  form  of  con- 
struction, in  which  Ch«  small  castorj  b,  above 
the  ball,  is  furnished  with  friction  pulUeSi 
kk,  running  upon  the  outer  side  of  the 
frame,  c,  which  may  be  flat,  round,  or  be- 
yilled  on  their  edges. 


SPECIAL  MUSEUMS  FOR  THE 
WORKING  CLASSES. 

In  the  month  of  July,  1852,  a  prelimi- 
nary memorandun^  vas  read  before  the 
Council  of  the  Society  of  Art«?  '^^  which  the 
author,  Mr.  f.  Twining,  Jun.,  set  forth  the 
advantages  which  the  vprkipg  classes  might 
derive  from  a  collection  of  specimens,  mo- 
dels, diagrtmsf  &c.,  illustrative  of  the  sue- 
cessful  applications  of  modern  science  and 
ingenuity  tp  the  improvement  of  their  con- 
dition in  their  dwellings,  furniture,  and 
household  utepsils,  their  food  an4  plowing, 
their  i^d^6triftl  pursuits,  and  their  intellec- 
tual development;  in  shortt  of  everything 
which  might  epable  them  to  promote  the 
health  and  comfort  of  tbemselres  and  their 
families. 

Since  that  period  Mr.  Twining  has  pur- 
sued the  project  then  announced^  and  has 
received  great  encouragement,  not  only 
from  the  Society  of  Arts  and  pfher  influen- 
tial bodies  in  this  country,  but  also  from 
the  Emperor  of  th«  Fyench,  who  sought  to 
engraft  (he  plai>  upon  the  Exposition  Vni- 
tfertelh  now  Ppeu  m  Paris,  by  favouring  a 
proposition  of  Hr.  TwiplRg^*  fcr  holding  an 
exhibitiop  of  lir^plpf  for  PPpulsr  use  as  a 
department  pf  the  j^xpatilm^  Owing  to 
official  dpUy«,  »n4  tg  thp  ppplfMtr  difficulU 
ies  which  atM^pt)  ^>  tl^F  tttempt  to  improve 
the  conoi^ipp  pf  ^  worthing  classes  in 
France,  89  n^uph  tiiifP  ^4S  l)eep  lost  that  it 
is  now  quite  impossiMe  fpUy  to  pary  out  the 
original  intentions  pf  the  Frepph  Govern- 
ment ;  but  the  piscpsfions  which  have  taken 
place  have  been  very  favourable  to  the  de- 
velopment of  the  plan  in  all  its  bearings, 
and  the  warks  of  approbation  with  which  it 
has  been  hoaopred  ip  high  quarters,  have 
induced  the  autho|r  to  bring  the  subject 
again  ^pfpfp  (hP  CoWpU  pf  the  Society  of 
Arts  in  a  mor§  plf  borate  memorandum. 

It  is  contemplated  tjiat  in  every  country 
where  m  e^ntest  desire  exists  fpr  the  im- 
provempnt  pf  die  domestic  and  sanitary  con- 
dition  of  the  industrial  population,  steps  be 
takeo  by  Committees  already  existing  for 
benevolent  purposes,  or  to  be  specially  con- 
stituted, for  gradually  forming,  with  reci- 
procal assistance,  collections  of  the  nature 
above  referred  to,  and  that  the  international 
agreement  required  for  the  purpose  be  con- 
certed by  practical  economists    from    the 


^ever^l  countries  as^emble^  fbr  t!|)p  purpose 
^t  Paris. 

T{ie  month  of  July  having  been  fixed 
upon  fbr  copfbrences  of  a  kindred  nature, 
c6nvet|ed  by  the  Paris  Society  of  Philan- 
thropic Economy,*  whic)i  has  obtained  from 
the  Government  the  most  satisfactory  as- 
surances of  supportj  tl^at  montli  will  natu. 
rally  be  the  time  pf  meeting  for  the  pi^ rpose 
above  mentioped;  and,  considering  the 
shortpess  of  the  remsinfn^  interval  ^  re- 
gards the  more  distant  countries,  afid  seeing 
noi;;r  desirable  it  is  that  all  of  them  be  fill iy 
represented,  it  is  hoped  the  announcement 
made  i|i  \\\e  roemoran^un)  will^  in  the  ab. 
se^ice  pf  a  more  direct  ipvltation,  be  suffi- 
cient to  induce  the  presence  pf  practical 
friends  pf  th^  working  classes,  and  delegates 
of  benevplept  societies  froip  alf  p/|rt8  pf  the 
wprl^. 

Op  arriving  at  Par!^,  further  information 
m^y  be  applied  Yoj  at  the  Secr€tq,fiqt-Qtn§- 
ro^l  de  Iq  bommit^ion  Imp/riqU. 
•  y^p  sipcerejy  trust  that  this  i|)qvemexit 
wliicli,  ii)  our  judgfnent,  promises  greater 
and  pfiore  yalui^ble  praptical  fesplts  tha^ 
^n^  other  project  p|  ft  similar  charaptey 
V^id)  has  receptly  beep  brppght  forward, 
will  he  t^ken'ijp  witji  promptqeps  and  vj^o^r 
by  all  Mrhq  ^fP  jp  a  positipp  to  further  it 

^  uflers  of  cp-operatiop,  imd  ^\  ptjier 
con^piijnlp^tipns  jrelative  tp  |hp  proposed 
EcQUDinjc  Mus^uqti,  ^^  dso  demand^  pf 
popie$  pf  th^  last  mep^pr^ndu^  for  distfibu- 
tipn,  ^q4  addressps  pf  societies  ^nd  indivi- 
duals \n  this  ppuntry  or  ^hfo^d  to  f  honi  it 
flight  be  ^esirahle'^at  it  sbpul4  be  sent* 
should  hp  fji^epted  to  P.  I-e  ^eyp  Fpster,  Esq^, 
Secretary,  §ppie^y  pf  Art*,  Adeljjhi,  J^opV 
4oo. 

ATlfAUTIC  SpB-MARIirp  TSLfir 

TjjE  )^t  pe^vs  fron^  ^urppp  \ffo\ight,  ^ 
)nte|)igei)pe  that  afi  tleptric  tp|egr«pl»  lin^ 
had  been  completed  from  Bal^l^v^  to  hfm- 
dpo,  api)  ^^t  hQ^d  34g)4p  sepf  to  aod  re- 
ceived zneasages  d«ily  frpna  Eng{^d.  Tj^it 
is  ai^  important  txi^^ippl)  pf  modern  pn- 
gipppfipgpptprprise  i^pd  skill  vhich  deseiTiii 
our  adpiixatipn.  ^pgUsh  t£)pgr«ph  fyfir 
glpepf^  deserve  great  crpdit  for  the  bpldnpf^ 
#pd  enterpri«c  thpy  )»ave  e^^hihited  w  laying 
down  so  many  pce^n  lipec  |:n  a  (fw  f9^f§ 
^ppre,  upless  pur  tel^grfph  engineers  mofp 
>  littlp  fastM  than  they  h#KP  doqp,  ire  mp 
afrai4  th^  Jphp  Qwll  will  t#ke  «pp»ie  of  Oir 
f^ph  put  of  their  cpU^rs,  by  buiMiftg  pn 
ocpaqtpjpgraph  whipb  W'U  *mitp  QUf  cQ^fktxy 

*  BocikU  d'Economle  Charitable.  President, 
Iff.  la  Vldomta  de  Melun;  Secretary,  M.  Alexis 
0k#vsller.     OBog,  Roe  de  areaell«-8alpt-efr- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OK  THB  PBOTEpqmil  fg  1^  QKim^  WHIW^  <>'  BHZPS« 


5W 


in  ^iffppo,  U  Ff»  rep(u-te^,  $)bUmed  gc»ntf 
from  the  jSqnpecor  of  |^uss|fi  w^  the  Kings 
of  t)enipMk  ^d  Sveden,  (9  rui^  telegrap|| 
\\U^9  thirqugh  thei;  dqmi^ioas,  u  p»r$  of  an 
oce^n  line  ))etiree)i  Europo  ana  our  conti- 
nent/all  of  which  grants,  w^  appf^)iend,  wil) 
be  pf  p9  use  whatever,  unless  sooi^thmg  )>e 
donp  gi^ickly  tp  mak?  usq  of  fhgfo  1*  fo^  m- 


surpdiy  pnolp  ^obn  bav  tbe  f»4x«nUg^  9f 
ro))tp  upoi  Jcelapd  ^  NewfomidlanQ)  fnd 
wp  fatjipi:  tbink  be  w^U  npt  ifpgleq^  it.  mTq 
are  f  peop)^  f»niou9  for  acting  w^l^  otberi 
are  talking.  Look  out,  Amenqan  telcgr^ipb 
epgin^ery,  \hft  ^pbn  Bull  49^*  ^9t  s(eal 
away  Piir  goqa  name  bj  tbe  couytrpptiof^  of 
t^p'  firs^  ^tUn^fc  ppean  telPg^l^P)>  Hft9-— 
Scientific  ^n|^rsca|l. 

[Wi^b  refprepcp  to  tbe  iorpg<)ipg  P^ra- 
gr^pbVe  may  remfrk  tba^  tbe  lurmif^s  qf 
pur  contemDort^fy  are  iipt  without  fo»n4v 
tion,  for  f^  ihf  Conycrsa^iope  pf  tbs  Preff- 
4ent  of  tbq  Institutiop  pf  Civil  ^pgii^eer*, 
hsl^  on  Tuf$i(|»y  fast,  we  afV  eYbiWt«<l 
4  submarinp  eUctpcfJ  P0R4lfS^°F»  P'^" 
poped  fs  peculiarly  suijabje  to  t|ip  pro- 
ject of  tb^  Atlifntjfi  Tplegrapti  Pppjpanj, 
^nfclf  ^^  $n4  bas  rec^nUy  l^jeen  proKi*ion< 

Jlly  registered  in  tliis  ppuptry.  !J:bii  con- 
pctor  4»ffeW  ^piirely  from  ail  ptber  »ub- 
q^arine  rop^s  yi^b  vbicb  «e  fre  acquainted, 
cqmbinin^  considerably  incre«ipQ4  9on4np- 
Ability  yifb  sifcn  a  diiuinutiOft  in  weight 
f))a^  ^e  pntire  liiie  ^opa  Engjimp  tp  Ame- 
fica  ipfy  )>e  oopyeniently  carried  W  099 
yfiwpl,  IPrbjJe  itf  s^e^^gtlj  bearf  a  yery  |p^oh 
greater  prppprtion  to  its  veigbt  tbfm  is  titp 
case  witn  ropes  of  the  common  cpi^struption. 
A*  tft.9  ooa^pf  pon^truoting  ao4  Uyin^  down 
spch  ^  l)pp  pf  telegraph  opipmunication 
would  |)e  but  ^mall  wh^p  compared  with  the 
expanse  necesjiary  for  sp  gigiintic  4P  undex^ 
takipg  ^  the  jayiijg  4oW»  of  9ne  of  the  or- 
dinary systems,  we  bpp9  and  expect  to  bear 
thf^  the  above  company  is  making  progress 
in  the  carrying  out  of  its  plans.] 


TEMPERING  OF  STEEL. 

Ih  tbe  disottsaion  on  Mr.  Sanderson's 
paper,  "  Qn  the  If  ^u^ptufp  of  Stee|»"  an 
inquiry  wa«  paade  as  to  the  kind  pf  steel 
pujfable  fpr  p^rtipujar  V^cle^  af^4  h^y  ^^^ 
quality  poigh^  be  teste4*  Tj^ia  gaye  ri^e  to 
|)ie  repoark  that  the  ten^per^i^g  of  fteel  4e- 
pended  on  tbe  skill  apd  experi^x^pp  of  the 
workm^.  Mf.  fifr»"y  Scriirpppr,  pf  jiiver- 
ppol,  hag,  bo]reyer>  obtaineu  from  fL  clever 
yorkpi^^l^  tf^p  i9l)o|r|pg  mep[ioran4«  on  tbo 
subject : — 

"  I  received  your  letter  inqufring  .what 
itepl  Wfa  ke9t  for  different  kinds  of  iB^u^ 
iactures.  I  ahotf Id  af  y  oj^t-meel,  if  it  pan 
be  »ppAi^d;  iQ^i^  fhw  %  h»^#f,  ot 


any  kind  flf  pdgp  tftql  that  p^pnp^  U  yell 
madp  of  fiifUstppi.  ^^f  tfio^per  to  be  a^ 
foUqws;— 

I*  Isf.  For  bociflg  cylin4ers,  tunjipg  rolU, 
or  apy  }arge  p^t  WP9»  1?^  H  l>e  w  bv^  w» 
watey  wijl  (pf ke  it,  ?pip4w  «io>  tp  l^pat  it 
more  tp^  |  cbprry  red. 

flp«wa. 
¥a)^r* 

pale  |tr*w  fiolour   .    .    .    .  ^q 

M-  SwH  tftftii  for  4ittp,  ^b^9  pf 


qwtpryfiliov 

**•  J99l8  fpr  ▼9o4.  a  shf4e  darfcer 
^rti*  TftfilP  fiJlf  'ftrfiW  taps,  &p,,  fti\\ 

MuH  stTJHi  poloiir 


tf3 


fitb.  Spr  batpbf  M»  phippin|j  pbiKlfft 

...  ^broi»  yp)lpv wn 

7tb*  for  sn^iU  npapri,  fcp.,  yrflp^, 
•ligbtly  ting»4  i«rith  pprpi«  •  53fl 

8th.  For  shears,  light  pHrp(«     •    •  {i9Q 

Otb-  Fpr  i»ringf»  aifprdai  ^fr,  4ark  * 

_,  „PHryl«- ««o 

}fltb.  £or  ffi»e  f»fr9,  d#gg«rp,  ^p., 

4§rk  bl^«  ' <I7P 

}Ub<  for  hfp4  m4  Bit  »#wf,  4(p., 

pale  Ifliip m 

?fTb§  tpmppr  grpitJy  4«p«n4a  9n  tbn 

q»*ntity  of  parbpn  tbat  i»  in  tbp  elffgi— 
tbia  tb«  prfptical  p)an  fppp  gp4i  p^,  im)4 
he  tempore  or  4r»y»  dowo  |»i9  topi  ^pppjd- 
ingly.r'— ^MfTfui^  rf  ike  iMety  4  4rU» 

ON  THE  PROTSCTJQtf  Qf  ^THS 
CQP9i^&  SHKAXHINa   QF  SmPS. 

Sf  R, — I  be^  to  siibmit  a  few  remarks  on 
th6  protection  of  copper  slieVthihg',  cbnsisf- 
ing  chiefty  pf '  e^^tjractB  from'  the  "  Philoso- 
phical Transactions  *'*  of  I'^iS— 24,  prielimi- 
nary  to* a  proposed  method.*  eiyien  below,  of 
applyi'bg  the  protector's  winch  were  sug- 
gested By  Sir  ^,  13avy,  in"  consequence  of 
the  experiments  in k'de  by  liim! 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 
•  '"'''*    •  ''"N.  B. 

?^p  ^ntipp  of  tbe  Jloyal  Sopjefy  having 
bepp'  directed  ^p  tli^  f?pio  depfy  of  copper 
^heatbing,  ^4  tjie  uncertainty  pf  tb^  tipae 
of  its  duratipn,  by  tbe  Cpmi^issioners  of  the 
itf^vy  Board,  a  pommitiee  was  appointed  in 
tbp  year  1^23  to  c.9nBi4er  the  qifes^on,  wben 
^ir  pufnphrpy  Q^vy  insthufea  a  great  nupn- 
her  of  pjperipaepts,  an4  pubU^he4  a  report, 
from  which  tbf  ipl<9wii^g  re^tffts  ^r®  9Z- 
ttriioled;— 

/,'  1%  has  been  generally  sppppsed  t^  aea- 
jratpy  has  UttJe  pr  no  aption  upon  pure  cop- 
per ;  ^n4  t^at  tb^  rapi4  decay  of  the  copper 
pn  p#rta^«  rfiipp  J^M  pwii^g  to  its  inypurUy." 

A  QHWbor  9^  exporimopts  op  pure  tnd 
fttoy^d  oopppr,  and  on  specimena  supplied 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


516 


ALLAV^S  SlN6ZiS«0£LL  BATTEBT. 


by  the  Navy  Board,  ^hich  Bad  been  remark- 
able for  their  durability  or  rapid  decay, 
made  him  come  to  the  conclusion  that  pure 
copper  was  acted  upon  eren  more  rapidly 
than  impure,  and  "  that  the  changes  under- 
gone must  have  depended  upon 'other  causes 
than  the  absolute  quality  of  the  metal." 

The  next  conclusion  was,  that  the  cause 
of  decay  was  the  absorption  of  the  oxygen 
contained  in  the  atmospheric  particles  me- 
chanically mixed  with  the  water. 

To  prevent  this,  Sir  Humphrey  availed 
himself  of  a  principle  laid  down  by  him 
some  years  before,  and  by  which  he  disco- 
vered the  base  of  several  of  the  alkalies,  viz., 
that  "  substances  will  only  combine  chemi- 
cally when  they  are  In  different  electrical 
states,  and  tiiat  by  bringing  u  body  natu- 
rally  positive  artificially  into  a  negative 
state,  its  usual  powers  of  combination  are 
altogether  destroyed," 

"  Conper  is  a  metal  only  weakly  positive 
in  the  electro-chemical  scale,  and,  according 
to  my  ideas,  it  could  only  act  upon  sea- water 
when  in  a  positive  state,  and  consequently, 
if  it  could  be  rendered  slightly  negative,  the 
corroding  action  of  sea-water  upon  it  would 
be  null ;  and  whatever  might  be  the  differ- 
ences of  the  kind  of  copper  sheathing,  and 
their  electrical  action  upon  each  otheTf  still 
every  effect  of  chemical  action  must  be  pre- 
vented if  the  whole  surface  were  rendered 
negative.  This  could  be  done  by  the  contact 
in  sea-water  of  any  metal  higher  in  the 
electro-chemical  scale." 
Tin,  zinc,  and  iion  were  accordingly  tried. 


and 
says 


"  on  trying  ^^^^  part  of  tin,  I  found," 
Sir  Humphrey,  "  the  effect  of  iu  pre- 
venting  the  corrosion  of  the  copper  perfectly 
decisive."  "When  iron  was  used,  a  deep 
orange  precipitate  was  formed;  but  after 
many  weeks,  not  the  smallest  portion  of 
copper  was  found  in  the  water."  "  A  piece 
of  zinc  as  large  as  a  pea,  or  the  point  of  a 
small  iron  nail,  were  found  fully  adequate  to 
preserve  forty  or  fifty  square  inches  of  cop- 
per ;  and  this  wherever  it  was  placed,  whether 
at  tiie  top,  middle,  or  bottom  of  the  sheet,, 
and  whether  the  copper  was  straight  or 
bent  or  made  into  coils;  and  where 
the  connection  between  different  pieces  of 
copper  was  completed  by  wires,  or  thin  fila- 
menu  of  \he  fortieth  or  fiftieth  of  an  inch 
in  diameter,  the  effect  was  the  same ;  every 
side,  every  surface,  every  particle  of  the 
copper  remained  bright  whilst  the  iron  or 
the  zinc  was  slowly  corroded." 

A  piece  of  copper  and  a  piece  of  zinc 
soldered  together  at  one  of  their  extremi- 
ties,  were  made  to  form  an  arc  in  two  dif- 
ferent vessels  of  sea  water;  and  the  two 
portions  of  water  were  connected  together 
by  a  small  mass  of  tow  moistened  in  the 
same  water ;  the  effect  of  the  preservation 


of  the  copper  took  place  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  if  they  had  been  in  the  same  vesaeL 

Notwithstanding  the  seeming  conclnaive- 
ness  of  these  experiments,  the  protectors 
were  found  to  be  ineffectual  in  preserving 
the  bottom  of  the  ship,  and  have  therefore 
been  discontinued. 

The  causes  of  failure  seem  to  have  been, 
from  all  I  can  gather,  first,  that  the  protec- 
tors were  soon  completely  oxidized,  and  their 
infiuence  destroyed ;  and  before  the  vessel 
could  be  docked  to  have  them  replaced,  the 
corrosion  of  the  copper  had  taken  place  to 
a  considerable  extent. 

Secondly.  The  corroded  surfaces  of  the 
protectors  became  nuclei  for  the  deposition 
of  earthy  particles,  and  the  formation  of 
a  bed  for  sea-weed  and  shell-fish. 

If  this  explanation  be  the  correct  one,  suc- 
cess might  be  ensured,  if  the  protectors  were 
placed  inside  the  vessel,  and  a  commmai- 
cation  made  between  them  and  the  sheathing. 
Let  the  inside  of  the  ship  be  coppered  for  a 
fQ.w  feet  at  the  height  of  the  load-water  line, 
so  that  a  copper  tube,  five  or  six  inches  in 
diameter,  may  be  put  through  the  bottom, 
just  below  the  water  line,  and  have  flanges 
to  turn  over  on  the  copper  surfaces  within 
and  without,  to  connect  them.  If  we  then 
place  the  protector  on  the  inside  surface,  so 
as  always  to  be  below  the  water  level  in  the 
water-tight  casing  round  the  mouth  of  the 
tube,  the  zinc  will  be  as  really  in  connection 
with  the  outside  surface  as  if  it  were  placed 
on  one  of  the  outside  sheets,  the  water  in 
the  tube  completing  the  circuit  in  the  same 
way  as  the  tow  did  in  Sir  Humphrey's  last 
experiment. 

There  is,  of  course,  no  necessity  for  the 
copper  sheeting  inside  if  the  communica- 
tion between  the  zinc  within  and  the  cop- 
per without  is  made  by  one  of  the  bolts 
through  the  bottom :  it  is  only  made  in  this 
form  to  make  the  principle  more  apparent. 

N.  B. 

ALLAN'S  SINGLE-CELL  BAT- 
TERY. 
To  the  Editor  rfihe  Mtekamc^  Magatimt. 
Sir, — I  have  observed  a  good  deal  lately 
in  your  columns  upon  the  interesting  sub- 
ject of  the  construction  and  combinations  of 
galvanic  batteries,  and  great  stress  seenoa  to 
be  laid  on  the  advantages  of  single  over 
double-fluid  batteries,  for  many  obvious 
reasons.  Following  up  the  subject,  I  beg 
to  bring  under  the  observation  of  your 
readers  a  plan  of  construction  which  may 
be  termed  the  single-cell  battery,  which,  I 
think,  may  be  found  very  useful  for  many 
varying  purposes.  The  positive  and  nega- 
tive plates  are  bent  (or  cast  for  the  purpose) 
in  a  zig-zag  form,  as  shown  in  the  aceom- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OK  TCBULIB  BOnJDtS. 


517 


panyincr   diagram,  which  is  a  plan    of  a 
Bingle-cell  battery  thus  constructed. 


In  this  manner  a  battery  may  be  con- 
structed to  produce,  along  with  quantity,  a 
sufficient  amount  of  intAisity  for  many 
clectro.magnetio  and  other  effects,  not  other- 
wise attainable  in  a  single  cell. 

This  arrangement,  when  applied  to  a  con- 
stant battery  formed  on  the  principles  of  my 
patent  of  October,  1852,  will  give,  where 
quantity  with  intensity  is  required,  great 
constancy  and  steadiness  of  action  in  a 
single  fluid,  and  with  but  one  cell. 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

Thomas  Allan. 

May  30,  1855. 

P.S.  As  an  experiment  as  to  constancy, 
I  have  had  a  battery  in  action  working  -a 
small  electro-magnetio  engine,  without 
stopping,  for  ten  days  and  nights  conse- 
cutively before  the  force  began  sensibly  to 
diminish. 

FENTON'S  PATENT  SAFETY- 
VALVES. 

To  the  Editor  rf  the  Meehmtics'  Magazine. 

Sir, — I  have  but  just  received  your 
monthly  part  for  April,  wherein  I  observe 
your  report  of  the  proceedings  of  a  meeting 
of  "mechanical  engineers"  at  their  In- 
stitution in  this  town.  So  far  as  relates  to 
the  safety-valves,  recently  patented  by  Mr. 
Fenton,  of  Low-moor,  Yorkshire,  a  very 
high  opinion  was  expressed  by  Mr.  W. 
Fair  bairn,  and  other  eminent  engineers 
present,  as  to  their  merits;  **the  double 
ffakfe,  in  fact,  being  partieultarly  simple  and 
complete!  both  the  valves  being  locked,  in 
effect,  but  stiUfree  to  move  and  blow  off," 

You  also,  in  your  description  of  this  in- 
vention (December  2,  1854),  say  it  '*  is  cal- 
culated to  put  an  end  to  boiler  ejcplosioms  for 
the  future,  so  far  at  least  as  a  sqfety'Valoe, 
perfect  in  its  action,  can  conduce  to  such  a 
result**  And  again  :  "/<  cannot  possibly 
be  obstructed  in  its  action,  either  accidentally 
or  designedly,** 

You  will,  I  trust,  pardon  me  if  I  en- 
deavour to  point  out  what  I  conceive  to  be 
an  error  into  which  you,  Mr.  Fairbsim,  and 
others  have  fallen  in  this  respect.  It  is 
true,  that  should  the  spring-balance  be 
screwed  down,  or  the  lever  at  that  end  be 
weighted,  to  resist  a  greater  pressure  than 
the  volute-spring,  the  volute  would  then 
become  compressed  in  consequence  of  the 
valve  nearer  to  the  spring-balanoe  acting 


as  a  fulcrum,  and  steam  would  blow  off  at 
the  other  valve ;  similarly,  should  the  volute- 
spring  be  screwed  down,  or  weighted  to 
excess,  then  steam  would  immediately  blow 
off  at  the  spring-balance  valve.  This,  I 
think,  is  clear  to  all;  but  if  the  spring- 
balance  and  the  volute-spring  both  be 
screwed  down,  it  would  require  a  greater 
pressure  to  lift  the  valves ;  or  should  either 
valve  be  screwed  down,  and  the  lever 
weighted  at  the  other  end,  or  should  the 
lever  be  weighted  at  a  point  midway  be- 
tween the  two  valves,  a  similar  result  would 
be  attained  Indeed,  by  passing  a  cord, 
chain,  or  other  flexible  material  round  the 
lever  at  this  point,  and  firmly  attaching  the 
ends  to  any  part  of  the  boiler  below  it, 
keeping  the  cord  or  chain  strained  tightly, 
it  would  be  impossible  for  the  steam  to  blow 
off  at  all. 

About  two  years  since  a  patent  was  ob- 
tained by  a  Mr.  Humphries,  of  Brighton, 
for  a  single  valve,  acting  similarly  to  the 
double  valve  of  Mr.  Fenton's,  and  having 
precisely  the  same  defects. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c.,       B.  Hunt. 

Biimingham,  May  25th,  1855. 

[It  is  only  necessary  for  us  to  state,  in 
referenoe  to  the  above  letter  of  our  corre- 
spondent: L  That  the  volute-spring  em- 
ployed  in  Mr.  Fenton's  valves  is  locked  up 
by  means  of  a  padlock,  and  until  this  is 
removed  the  sprmff  cannot  be  screwed  down 
or  weighted.  2.  That  a  brass  or  copper 
dome  cover  is  placed 'over  the  valve  as  usual ; 
and  unless  this  is  removed,  no  cord  or  chain 
can  be  passed  over  the  lever  at  the  point 
suggested ;  at  any  other  point  it  would  be 
useless. 

Of  course,  if  arrangements  are  to  be  made 
on  the  boiler  for  the  purpose  of  fastening 
down  the  valve,  it  is  obvious  that  either 
this  or  any  other  conceivable  valve  may  be 
rendered  inoperative.  The  single  valve  re- 
ferred  to  is  not  spherical,  and  consequently 
is  liable  to  stick  or  lock  itself.] 


ON  TUBULAR  BOILERS. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Mechanics*  Magazine. 

Sir, — Mr.  Mushet  having  in  your  last 
Number  again  referred  to  the  statement  in 
my  treatise  on  combustion,  and  the  supposed 
advocacy  by  Mr.  Craddock  of  the  ordinary 
tubular  boilers,  I  hsve  examined  the  pub- 
lished "  Description  of  Craddock's  pstent 
universal  condensing  steam  engine,"  for 
the  purpose  of  ascertaining;  how  far  I  had 
mistaken  his  views t  for  intentional  mis- 
representation I  utterly  disclaim.  The  facts 
are  as  follows : 

In  the  second  of  Mr.  Craddock's  pub- 
lished lectures  I  found  the  following  pas- 
sage.     *'The    objections    brought   against 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


518 

tiibwiar  boilen  art  ai  fcUom:  lAMWtfta 

priming,  or  the  steam  passing  off  to  the 
ingine  mixed  with  water ;  irregalarity  in  the 
pressure  of  the  steam  for'theuse  of  the  engine, 
from  ttie  small  quantity  of  water  such  boilers 
generally  contain ;  liability  of  the  tubes  to 
become  furred  up  by  deposit;  greater  com- 
plexity, with  greater  Ori|;inal  cost,  and 
{greater  liability  of  derangement,  together 
irith  their  becoming  short  of  water  from  the 
small  quantity  they  are  at  any  time  capable 
of  holding.  I  have  been  thus  particular  in 
enumerating  all  the  obfectimu  that  I  have 
been  able  to  collect,  as  being  brought 
against  tubular  boilers.' < 

These  remarks  manifestly  appear  directed 
to  tl)e  general  class  of  tubular  boilers,  rather 
than  td  that  specific  arrangement  of  tubes 
which  forms  the  characteristic  of  Mr.  Grad. 
dock's  own  system.  Under  the  impression 
that  Mr.  Graddock  was  speaking  of  the  or- 
dinary tubular  boilers,  'and  to  which  the 
objections  he  has  detailed  so  directly  apply, 
I  made  the  following  obserVations  i  "'Now 
these  objections  are  chiefly  of  a  mechanical 
nature,  while  those  which  are  orerlooked 
have  reference  to  other,  and  more  important 
influences  on  combustion  and  its  processes. 
To  Mr.  Graddock' s  enumerations  of  ol^o- 
tions  may  then  be  added  the  following,  vis.; 

1.  Forcing  the  products  of  combustion 
(carbonic  acid,  nitrogen,  and  steam,)  into  the 
narrow  orifices  of  the  tubes,  and  thiis  pro- 
duping  the  most  unnatural  mixtures  with 
the  flame,  from  which,  in  the  order  of 
nature,  they  had  just  separated  themselves. 

2.  Dividing  the  flame  into  numerous 
small  portions,  thus  lowering  and  attemiat- 
ing  its  temperature  before  the  process  of 
eombustion  could  have  been  completed. 

3.  Shortening  the  flame  and  diminishing 
its  radiating  power,  by  the  conversion  of 
the  carbon  of  the  flame  into  the  form  of 
soot. 

4.  Practically  reducing  the  available  sur- 
face,  by  con$ning  it  to  thai  portion  of  the 
tubes  through  which  the  products  of  com- 
bustion pfss. 

5.  Impecling  the  ascent  of  the  steam  not 
only  from  thS  surface  of  the  tubes,  but 
from  that  of  tlie  flues  and  furnaces  under 
them. 

6.  Obstructing  the  ctroulalion  of  the 
water  by  the  narrow  and  intricate  courses 
round  the  tubes. 

7.  Shortening  the  run  or  distance  from 
the  furnace  to  the  up-table,  where  they  be- 
come useless  or  dangerous. 

8.  Increasing  the  already  too  rapid  eur- 
rent  of  those  products. 

9.  Diminishing  the  available  time  whieh 
the  processes  of  combustion,  and  the  trans- 
miaaion  of  heat  absolutel  v  require. 

10.  Praetierily  oonflnuig  the  generttion 


of  the  ite«m  to  the  |iifi»«Q«l,  tpi  lh^  lllti«- 
surface  in  connection  with  them. 

The  omission  of  these  serious  objections 
are  tiie  more  remarkable,  as  Mr.  Graddock 
has  himself  justly  observed,  that  "Time 
being  one  of  the  elements  of  first  import- 
ance," &c. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  same  lecture  Mr. 
Graddock  had  stated  that  "  The  most  ob- 
vious  way  to  produce  perfect  combustion,  or 
to  prevetit  smoke,  is  to  supply  the  air  that 
is  ^eouired  to  p|-dduce  the  Combustion  of  tlie 
carbdn,  or  glowing  coke  remaining  •  after 
the  gases  are  dissipkted,  at  the  bottort'  of  the 
gratfe,  whilst  the  air  required  for  the  com- 
bustion  of  the  carburetted  hydrogen  should 
be  supplied  in  such  a 'manner  as'to  come 
into  due  admixture  with  it  before  it  i$ 
cooled  down  below  the  temperature  of  ig- 
nition." 

Gommentine  on  this  passage,  I  added, 
"  Here  is'  a  ttue  summary  of  what  is  re- 
qtiirefl  t^s  to  air  fnd  temperature;  yet  0ie 
direct  effect  of  the  tubes,  wltH  their  sm;|ll 
orifices,  is  to 'cool  down  the  jjas  below  tHat 
temperature.^'  Ag;am,"pn  tHe  same  point, 
I '  ORseryed,  "  The  cpuditions  of  pferfect 
combustion  are  here  clearly  pointed  out: 
yet  so  far  from  the  t||bular  system,  whicH 
he  a4vpcate9,  loping  in  t^aeq^i^ep  with 
these  conditions,  n.  \p  ip  ^trect  opposition 
in  all  that  regards  quantity  of  air,  time, 
place,  apd  temperatuf%." 

Qn  thf  publica^on  pf  ipjr  {refttia?  Mr. 
Mi)»h9t  obserFedi  (h^t  in  th($  \>oi\pjF  ipVented 
l^y  Mr.  Graddock  the  tube§  if  ere  i^ed.  ftO^ 
for  the  sonveyance  of  the  i^mp  &i>d  pr^ 
duota  Q$  poipbu^ipn,  but  of  tl^p  w^tef  ^hict^ 
wM  ^ithin  (h«  tubet,  while  t)»e  lyeft  was  on 
their  outside.  Havipg  siq^e  exainined  ^r. 
Craddock's  drawing^,  I  fin4  ^^fih  i«  the  iact. 
Jt  was  therefore  i»aiiif<9?tly  unjust  tp  ch#fge 
bis  peculiar  system  wit)^  olgections  whiph 
.were  only  appUpable  (p  th«  prdfoaiy  pl^  pf 
tubular  boil|»r«. 

Mr.  Musbet  if  CDcr^ot  in  aaf  ipg  U  wa#  ^ 
error  or  oversight  on  my  paxt  to  ipfer  that 
Mr-  Craddock  advocated  the  ordinary  t4h 
hular  boilers,  wbils,  m  fact*  he  was  \^it 
referring  po  his  own  p^puliar  tubular  fyft^fo* 
On  looking,  boweyer,  to  ^he  passages  in 
Mr.  C^addook's  work,  I  ^hink  Mr.  U^9k^t 
will  admit  that  they  v^re  likely  tR  lf^4  * 
general  reader,  who  was  not  e^ffpinipg  the 
properties  of  the  steam  engine,  bi^t  the 
chemical  processes  of  combustion,  to  fup- 
pose  that  he  was  referring  to  t^e  iirdinafy 
tubular  boifevi  and  the  more  ^  as  he  bad  pot 
previously  |made  any  allufioja  to  his  i>wn 
peculiar  applioation  of  the  tubep. 

In  Mr.  Muahet's  last  letter  be  reoom- 
mends  that  t  should  "  gq  ftnd  see  wh^t  vas 
so  incorrectly  described*" 

On  Mr.  Ora4dook.'s  peculiar  mswti»M  I 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


sraoznoAiiMfB  ov  pjMum 


sie 


faftve  oflbied  no  opinion ;  were  I  indeed  to 
do  BO,  it  would  rather  be  in  approTal  of  hit 
system  of  condensation,  ooupled  as  it  is 
with  the  supplying  the  boiierii  with  firesh  or 
distilled  water.  On  another  occasion  I 
■hall  hare  no  difficulty  in  stating  what 
appears  to  me  objectionable  in  its  applioa^ 
tfcn  to  steam  Jnavigationi  wbateyer  tti'ay  be 
fti  merits  on  land. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  fto., 

0.  W.  Williams. 

m     -■ 


PROPELLBR. 
To  the  EMtor  rf  the  Mechanic^  Magaihie, 
giE, — Cannot  Mr.  Palmer  give  us  more 
pjirticulaff  of  t))e  trial  of  his  screw  than  what 
appearea  in  your  last  nuipber  ?  It  seems  to 
l^e  a  rule,  In  publishing  experiments  of  this 
n^turpf  to  give  all  the  particulars  apparently 
)D  favouf  of  the  iniproTement,  but  to  with- 
}iold  some  pa^tici^Iari  without  which  the 
public  cannot  pofsibly  judge  whether  there 
pe  any  improvement  or  not.  This  mo^e  of 
proceeding  is  ipji^rious  to  the  parties  them- 
selves, hut  it  Is  much  ino]re  injurious  to  othe{r 
fcaliy  iperj^orious  injproyemeBts,  Ifj.  Pal- 
mer does  npj;  tell  i^s  what  was  t'he  pitch  of 
(he  comi^ipf}  sc^ew  tried  against  his ;  othef 
nartici^lars  regar4jn^  it  are  also  wanting, 
ifeither  does  h^  tell  us  the  power  developed 
l^y  ^he  engines ;  for  the  statement  that  tlipre 
jffiB  the  saqve  ]pa4  on  the  safjety- valve  during 
bpto  trials,  oppveys  no  idea  of  the  power 
e^eite^*  |(  is  stated  that  the  trial  way 
"fpm  piej:  to  pier;"  does,  then,  the  time 
mentioned  ipclude  in  each  case  the  starting 
fjfom  a  state  oj  rest?  Mr.  Palmer's  account 
of  the  ipattef  is  too  good  to  be  true ;  for  the 
pifjTerence  between  IJ  and  23  minutes  |s 
about  30  per  cpnt.,  and  it  is  scarcely  to  be 
exp^pted  that  the  con^moi^  screyr  can  be 
h^/itep  hy  ^^  much*  It  seems  probab)e 
th#t  (he  particular  common  screw  tried 
against  Mr.P^hp^r'swas  an  inefficient  one; 
jfm  J  think  a  cqpf^n^on  screw  could  be  made 
Jp  pqifial,  pr  pe4  Mr.  tajmer's.  Son^iething 
jery  sjfnilar  to  M^  P^lpier's  has  been  tri.ed 
before',  and  failed ;  ana  what  trifliojK  diiier. 
fncei  exist  }fi  Mr.  Pal^jer's  modincations, 
*ire  pprtaiftly  Jjpt  such  as  to  warrant  our 
relief  in  its  not  only  equalling  the  common 
i^pref  y  h}4  beating  it  to  t^p  extent  of  30  per 
cent. 

Jbesf  lineff  arp  prompted  by  my  interest 
ip  (fcrew  propulsion.  an.a  will,  I  hope,  find  a 
pUce  ip  jfmr  periodical. 

1  f^xn,  Sir,  your#,  3cc., 

Helix. 


t 


fiiPECrPipATIONS    OP   PATE!fTS 
'ftpCENTI^y  FI^Efi. 

WoooHousB,  William  Hbnrt,  of  Par- 
liament-streetf  Westminster,  civil  engineer. 
An  improved  meter- for  water  tmd  other  liquids. 
Patent  dated  November  7,  18«4.  (No. 
2S<4.) 

Ckdm, — The  eonstruction  of  an  improved 
meter  for  water  and  other  liquids  by  com- 
bining with  a  cylindrical  case,  closed  at 
both  ends,  and  provided  with  suitable  inlet 
and  outlet  passages,  a  measuring  wheel 
revolving  within  » the  case  and  having 
chambers  or  buckets  at  its  periphery  fitfed 
with  pistons  which  are  moved  towalrds '  the 
centre  of  the  wheel  by  the  pressure  of  the 
entering  water  or  other  liquid,  so  as  to 
admit  of  the  chambers  or  buckets  beltig 
filled  ;in  succession  as  the  wheel  revojyes, 
and  are  then  forced  out  to  the  periphery  of 
the  wheet  as  the  chambers  or  buckets  are 
successively  discharged  of  their  contents, 
by  the  pressure  of  air  compressed  in  a 
reservoir  comipunicating  with  or  situated  at 
the  centre  of  the  wheel ; — also  the  use  of 
springs  for  the  purpose  of  forcing  out  the 
pistons  instead  of  employing  air  pressure'; 
and  the  use  of  flexible  diaphragms  fitted  to 
the  chambers  or  buckets  instead  of  pistons. 

Simons,  Edward,'  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, manufacturer.  Aneyfor  improved  can* 
dies  tick.  Patent  dated  November  7,  1654. 
(No.  2356.) 

The  inventor  despribes  a  candlestick  in 
which  the  rising  of  the  spring  on  which  the 
candle  rests  is  made,  afler  the  lapse  of  any 
desired  time,  to  extinguish  the  candle^  ring 
a  bell,  or  sound  any  other  alarum. 

Metc  alfe^Tho^  Ae,  of  High-street,Cam- 
den-town,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improve- 
menti  in  the  construction  of  portahle  earriages, 
chairs,  and  other  vehicles  for  sitting  or  reclin- 
ing upon.  Patent  dated  November  7,  1854. 
(No.  2357.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  con- 
structing vehicles  with  a  cross  framing 
jointed  together  by  means  of  pins,  studs,  or 
pivots,  such  framniff,  when  extepded,  being 
held  in  a  ^iven  position  by  means  of  a  flexi- 
ble or  otner  body,  or  b^  a  band  or  strap 
extending  from  otie  rod  or  lever  o^  the  prose 
framine  to  the  pther. 

Bird,  John,  of  Chance's  Firebrick-works, 
near  Dudley.  Improvements  in  reverberatoru 
furnaces.  Patent'  dated  Noyepnber  7,  1$54. 
(No.  23^8.) 

This  invention  consists  in  combining  the 
use  of  closed  ash-pits  with  the  use  ox  two 
sets  of  fire-bars,  one  set  beine  horizontal 
or  only  slightly  inclined,  and  tne  other  con- 
siderably ioclined,  by  which  means  the  fuel 
on  the  nre-l)ars  is  id  ofie^  a  more  extensive 
surface  for  the  passage  of  air  from  the  closed 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


520 


sraomcATiONs  of  patents  BBOBNTLY  nLBD. 


luh-pit  than  if  only  one  set  of  iire-ban  were 
employed,  and  the  air  is  to  be  as  highly 
heated  as  possible  before  it  enters  the  ash- 
pit. 

Bearomore,  Wii,liam,  of  the  Stowage, 
Deptfordi  Kent,  engineer.  Jn  improvement 
in  the  bearings  qf  the  axle*  of  railway  car^ 
riagee  and  locomotive  engines.  Patent  dated 
November  7,  1854.    (No.  2359.) 

This  invention  consists  in  constructing 
the  bearings  of  the  axles  of  railway  carriages 
and  locomotive  engines  of  wood,  and  in  ar- 
ranging the  apparatus  connected  therewith 
in  such  manner  that  a  supply  of  water  may 
be  kept  to  the  wood  bearings. 

Blaikie,  John,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
machinist.  Improvement*  in  the  mam{fati- 
ture  qf  driving-beltSf  straps,  and  bands  for 
machinery.  Patent  dated  NovAnber  7,  1854. 
(No.  23«0.) 

This  invention  consists  in  a  mode  of 
reducing  a  driving-belt,  strap,  or  band  to  a 
uniform  thickness  by  driving  it  between  a 
cutting-edge  and  a  guide-roller  or  gauge- 
piece,  at  a  suitable  distance  asunder ;  and 
in  a  mode  of  tapering  the  end  of  it  by  pass- 
ing it  between  a  cutting-edge  and  a  guide- 
roller,  or  guide  gauge-piece,  one  of  which  is 
made  to  gradually  approach  the  other  as  the 
belt  is  drawn  between  them. 

Davis,  George,  of  Southampton,  Hamp- 
shire,  plumber.  Improvements  in  taps  or 
cocks.  Patent  dated  November  8,  1854. 
(No.  2861.) 

Claim. — A  combination  of  parts  by  which 
a  valve  is  opened  and  closed  by  a  lever 
resting  upon  a  vibrating  fiilsrum,  such 
valve  being  constructed  so  as  to  prevent  the 
sudden  closing  of  the  tap. 

Glukman,  Leone,  of  Sackville-street, 
Dublin,  professor  of  natural  philosophy. 
Improvements  in  effecting  electric  communica- 
tions in  railway  trains.  Patent  dated  No. 
vember  8,  1854.    (No.  2362.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  construc- 
tion of  certain  compound  hooks  and  eyes,  or 
couplings,  for  connecting  the  different  parts 
of  a  metallic  circuit  through  which  electri- 
city of  low  tension  is  to  pass. 

Stead,  William,  William  Spence,  and 
Samuel  Wood,  of  Bradford,  York.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  for  preparing  and 
combing  wool  and  other  fibrous  materials. 
Patent  dated  November  8, 1854.  (No.  2363.) 

This  invention  applies  to  that  class  of 
preparing  and  combing  machines  known  as 
**  Preller's  Cylinder  or  Wheel  Machines  ** 
and  consists  chiefly  of  certain  mechanism  to 
be  applied  to  the  cylinder  or  "swift"  in 
order  to  impart  the  requisite  motion  to  it 

Whitehead,  James,  of  Patricroft,  Lan- 
caster, spinner.  Certain  improvements  in 
self-acting  mules.  .  Patent  dated  November 
8,  1854.     (No.  2364.) 


This  invention  consists  in  certain  im- 
proved combinations  of  machinery  a^U- 
cable  to  those  self-acting  mules  in  which  a 
radial  arm  forms  part  of  the  winding-on 
motion,  by  means  of  which  improTements 
the  strap  or  chain  usually  employed  for 
giving  motion  to  the  screw  of  the  radial  arm 
is  dispensed  with,  and  a  positiTe  modon 
(varying  in  amount  according  to  the  shape 
of  cop  required)  is  given  to  the  screw  at 
every  vibration  of  the  radial  arm  until  the 
bottom  of  the  cop  is  completed. 

Siemens,  Charles  William,  of  John- 
street,  Adelphi,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer. 
Improvements  in  electric  telegraphs.  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  November 
8,  1854.    (No.  2366.) 

Claims. — 1.  Certain  described  modes  of 
constructing  electric  telegraphs  which  are 
capable  of  transmitting  signals  simultane- 
ously in  contrary  directions  by  means  of  the 
same  line  wire.  2.  Constructing  transmit- 
ting  instruments  or  "peckers"  of  two 
electro-magnets,  the  iron  cores  of  one  or 
both  of  which  are  movable  within  their 
fixed  coils  of  wire.  3.  A  certain  described 
mode  of  mounting  and  adjusting  the  abut- 
ments for  regulating  the  motion  of  the 
electro-magnets  or  armatures  of  transmit- 
ting instruments  and  other  telegraphic  ap- 
paratus. 4.  Preparing  strips  of  paper  or 
other  suitable  material  for  effecting  the 
transmission  of  signals  or  messages  by 
electro-magnetic  telegraphs,  by  perforating 
the  same  with  various  combinations  of 
single  holes  and  double  holes,  in  lieu  of 
combinations  of  short  and  elongated  holes, 
whereby  the  retarding  efifect  of  the  residuary 
magnetism  is  diminished  or  rendered  uni- 
form. 5.  Constructing  machinery  for  per- 
forating  paper  or  other  suitable  material  for 
telegraphic  purposes  with  two  punches  so 
arranged  that  one  or  both  may  be  simulta- 
neously depressed,  combined  with  suitable 
machinery  for  advancing  the  paper. 

McDonald,  Allan,  of  Alexandria,  Dom- 
barten,  foreman  printer,  and  Alexander 
McIntosh,  of  Alexandria  aforesaid,  mecha- 
nical engineer.  Improvements  in  maekinery 
for  stretching  and  smoothing  chth  or  woven 
fabrics  preparatory  to  or  in  the  course  qf  being 
printed.  Patent  dated  November  8,  1854. 
(No.  2867.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  application 
to  any  machine  for  printing  woven  fabrics 
of  a  self-acting  tenter  for  stretching  and 
smoothing  the  cloth  before  it  is  printed,  or 
while  it  is  in  the  act  of  being  {printed,  "  in 
which  such  stretching  or  smoothing  is  per- 
formed by  the  action  of  pulleys  placed  at 
the  ends  of  a  drum,  or  of  an  assemblage  of 
drums,  and  rotating  on  the  same  shsit  with 
the  drums,  but  round  axes  of  rotation  ob- 
lique to  that  shaft." 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECXFIGATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BEGENTLT  FILED. 


521 


Newton,  William  Edward,  of  Chmn- 
oery-lane,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  An 
impromd  mode  qf  eotutrueting  iowt.  (A  com- 
munication.  Patent  dated  November  8, 
1854.    (No.  2868.) 

Claim, — Constructinff  sawt  in  such  man- 
ner that  each  tooth  shall  project  beyond  the 
next  one  below  or  behind  it  a  diatance  equal 
to  the  depth  it  is  intended  to  cat,  each  tooth 
baring  its  forward  edge  or  sole  parallel  to 
the  edges  or  soles  of  the  other  teeth. 

Chambroy,  £dme  AUOX7BTIN,  of  Paris, 
France,  manufacturer.  Improvements  in  the 
junction  rf  theet-mttiA  pipes,  and  apparatus 
employed  therewith.  Patent  dated  November 
8,  1854.    (No.  2370.) 

Claims, — 1.  The  covering  or  lapping  of 
metal  pipes  with  paper  steeped  in  bitumen 
or  other  material  of  a  like  nature  for  the 
purpose  of  protecting  the  same  from  tl:e 
action  of  heat  and  cold.  2.  The  application 
and  use  of  ring^  of  cardboard,  caoutchouc, 
'gutta  percha,  or  meul,  cast  or  otherwise 
secured  on  to  the  ends  of  metal  pipes  for  the 
purpose  of  forming  an  efiective  jtinction,  &c. 

Cranbtoun,  Charles  Dalrtmple,  of 
Elgin,  Moray,  gentleman.  Improvements 
in  coupling  and  uncoupling  railway  carriages 
and  rotting  stock.  Patent  dated  November 
8,  1854.    (No.  2872.) 

This  invention  comprises  a  mode  of  coup- 
ling and  uncoupling  railway  carriages  and 
rolling  stock  by  means  of  a  lever  shaft,  ac- 
tuated from  the  side  of  the  carriage  or  wag- 
on, and  arranged  to  lift  the  engaging  links 
on  or  off  the  books  of  the  adjoining  carriage 
or  wagon ;  a  mode  of  tightenmg  up  or  slack- 
ening off  the  drawlinks  of  railway  carriages 
and  rolling  stock  by  means  of  a  transverse 
shaft,  actuated  from  the  side  of  the  carriage 
or  wagon,  and  connected  to  the  drawlink 
by  worm-wheel  and  screw  or  other  suitable 
gearing ;  and  the  use  in  the  coupling  and 
uncoupling  gear  of  railway  carriages  and 
rolling  stock  of  jointed  engaging  chain  links, 
fitted  with  back  stop  joints,  so  as  to  be  rigid 
in  one  direction  and  flexible  in  the  other. 

Pretsch,  Paul,  of  Sydenham,  Surrey, 
photographer.  Improvements  tn  produdng 
copper t  and  plates  for  printing.  Patent  dated 
November  9,  1854.    (No.  2373.) 

This  invention  ''  consists  in  adapting  the 
photographic  process  to  the  purpose  of  ob- 
taining either  a  raised  or  a  sunk  design  on 
glass  or  other  suitable  material  covered  with 
glutinous  substances  mixed  with  photogra- 
phic materials,  which  aforesaid  design  can 
then  be  copied  by  the  electrotype  process, 
or  by  other  means  for  producing  plates  suit- 
able for  printing  purposes,  or  can  be  applied 
for  producing  moulds  applicable  for  obtain- 
ing plates." 

Ferrier,  David,  of  Edinburgh,  Mid- 
lothian, Scotland,  bookseller.   Improvements 


in  fadUiating  a  reference  to  hooks.  Patent 
dated  November  9,  1854.    (No.  2375.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  on  the 
edge  of  a  book,  without  cutting  or  indenting 
it,  an  index  to  its  contents  which  is  invi- 
sible, or  not  conspicuous,  when  the  book  is 
dosed,  but  which  comes  into  view  when  the 
edges  of  the  leaves  are  slightly  spread. 

PoRRo,  Ion  ACE,  late  colonel  of  engineers 
in  the  kingdom  of  Sardinia,  director  of  the 
Optical  Technomatieal  Institute  of  Paris. 
Certain  applications  rf  total  or  parHtU  rtffiec 
tion  of  light  on  transparent  surfaces  either 
alone  or  combined  with  the  reaction.  Patent 
dated  November  9,  1854.    (No.  2377.) 

Claims, — **  1.  The  combined  use  of  the  re- 
fraction and  reflection  of  light  emitted  from 
transparent  bodies.  2.  The  mixed  employ- 
ment of  the  artiflcial  light  and  of  the  light 
transmitted  by  objects  reflected  and  re- 
fracted on  the  transparent  surface  of  achro- 
matic objectives  and  other  glasses,  and  on 
the  surface  of  transparent  liquids."  ! 

Beret,  John,  Richard  Berry,  and 
Thomas  Berry,  the  younger,  all  of  Roch- 
dale, Lancaster,  machinisu,  and  Thomas 
RoYDS,  of  Salford,  in  the  same  county, 
manager.  Certeun  improvements  in  machinery 
for  spinning,  commonly  known  as  mules.  Pa- 
tent dated  November  9,  1854.    (No.  2379.) 

The  inventors  employ  a  method  of  driv- 
ing the  drawing  rollers  during  the  **  run  in  " 
of  the  carriage  by  connecting  the  front 
drawing  rollers  with  the  back  shaft,  or 
mangle  wheel  shaft  (as  the  case  may  be),  by 
a  train  of  toothed  wheels,  so  that  motion 
may  be  commimicated  to  the  former  from 
the  latter  through  such  train  of  wheels,  and 
the  front  drawing  rollers  are  thereby  made 
to  revolve  one  or  more  times  during  the 
"  run  in  "  of  the  carriage. 

Bousfibld,  Gborob  Tomlinson,  of 
Sussex-place,  Loughborough-road,  Brixton, 
Surrey.  Improvements  in  machinery  for  tum~ 
ing  prismatic  forms,  (A  communication.) 
Patent  dated  November  9,  1854.  (No.  2380.) 

"  This  invention  consists  of  an  automatic 
combination  of  a  cylinder  of  rotating  cutters, 
mechanism  for  causing  the  same  alternately 
to  approach  the  block  and  recede  therefrom, 
and  a  suitable  device  for  the  purpose  of 
turning  the  block  a  portion  of  a  revolution 
after  each  cut,  the  operations  all  succeeding 
each  other  in  the  proper  order  without  re- 
quiring the  hand  of  the  operative  except  to 
take  out  the  finished  article  and  put  in  a 
new  block.'* 

Tunkb,  David,  of  Aecrington,  Lancaster, 
watch  and  dock-maker.  Improvements  in 
watches,  clocks,  chronometers,  time-pieces,  and 
aU  other  instruments  for  the  measurement  rf 
time.  Patent  dated.  November  9,  1854. 
(No.  2381.) 

Claim. — '*  The  entire  use  of  the  worm  or 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


522 


fflNBOIFIOATIOKfl  OF  PATENTS  RSOBim?   RLBB. 


•pinl  for  the  purpoMof  propagating  motion 
from  one  wheel  to  another  in  all  clocks, 
watohei  and  time-piaoes,  or  in  all  instru- 
nenU  made  and  used  for  the  meaaare- 
ment  of  time.  Also  to  make  ny  time* 
piecei  to  beat  from  axty  to  two  hundred 
beata,  or  more  or  ieea  per  minntCi  aa  the 
nature  of  t)ie  time-pieee  may  require.'' 

Hakmam,  Hbnuy  William,  of  the  Dock- 
yard, Northfleet,  Kent,  civil  engineer,  /m- 
frovemenit  m  wmdltuaea,  eapttatUf  wab», 
eratie9f  and  Qiher  maekmi  or  apparatmt  far 
ndting,  bfMn'ng,  er  wtmring  AM«y  hodU$. 
Patent  dated  tfotember  9, 18«»«.  (No.  SMS.) 

Thia  invention  conaista  in  the  oonstruo. 
tion  of  windlaeaea,  oapaUns,  craba,  oranes, 
&o.,  with  barrria  having  oonieal  aurfeeei 
eapable  of  being  brought  into  more  or  leM 
filoae  eoataet,  ao  aa  to  regulate  die  motion 
of  the  same,  and  theiyby  to  regulate  or 
wholly  arreat  the  motion  of  the  cable  or  rope 
employed. 

Smith,  Fhk^brick,  of  York-street,  Lam- 
beth, Surrey,  oven-builder.  An  improved 
eetutruetion  rf  moiv  -  eonmming  furnace. 
Patent  dated  NovemberO,  1864.  (Sro.2388.) 

The  inventor  employs  fire-bars  which  de- 
crease in  breadth  aa  tbey  approaoh  the  door, 
in  ordev  to  ineteaae  the  draught  near  the 
dooi.  He  causes  currents  of  air  to  enter 
aide  flues  in  the  walls  of  the  fUrnaee  from 
the  aah-pit,  that  In  passing  upwards  to  a 
horisontal  |lue  th^  may  beobme  heated, 
and  then  make  their  escape  at  a  horisontal 
opening  formed  in  and  extending  across 
the  roof  of  the  ftirnace.  At  the  sides  of  this 
opening  are  eheeks  which  project  down- 
wards into  the  iurnaoe  for  the  purpose  of 
guiding  the  descending  current  in  a  vertical 
direction,  or  nearly  so,  on  to  the  flame  and 
heated  gases  as theypass  towards  the  bridge. 
Theae  eheeks,  by  oaring  an  obstruction  to 
the  forward  progreaa  of  the  gases  of  com- 
bustion,  are  also  intended  to  assist  in  de- 
fleeting  them  into  the  bright  coals  near  V^p 
bridge. 

Rota,  Oeoeob,  of  Falcon-square,  Xion- 
don,  merchant  Improvements  dppUeabk  to 
th$  maumfaetwre  rfartielet  of  which  caoutchouc 
forms  a  eompcngnt  part.  (A  communication.) 
Patent  dated  November  9, 1854.  (No.  2384.) 

Ctelm.-^*'  An  improved  process  of  vulca- 
liiaing  India-rubber,  or  rubber  once  vul- 
eaniced,  compounded  with  other  articles, 
which  procesi  consists  in  heating  and  curing 
the  materials  whilst  under  pressure,  i^nd  in 
indurating  the  product  by  the  introduction 
of  water  iiito  th^  press  in  place  of  the  steam 
used  Ibr  heating  the  pressing  surfaces.*' 

KiVBK,  JamsS|  gardener,  of  Keir,  ne^r 
Dumblane,  Perthshire,  Scotland.  T^  appH. 
cation  of  a  new  material  to  the  mant{facture  of 
papcTt  ond  also  qf  textile  fabrics.  Patent 
dated  November  10,  1854.    (No.  2885.) 


This  invention  conaista  in  the  appliMtioii 
M  of  the  hollyhock  plant,''  or  planU  oooa- 
prehended  under  die  natural  order  H  Mai- 
vacssa,*'  to  the  obtainment  of  fibnoa  mate- 
rials  to  be  used  for  the  mano&ctnre  of  fsifm 
and  textile  materials, 

LavsBL,  EQW4n]>,  of  Ene  de  Gi^tvy, 
Paris,  Praaoe,  civil  engineer,  ^^hnpnmmessu 
in  obtaiming  is^ktions  er  SMtrmctsfrom  Mvtowa 
oubstsmees.  Patent  dated  November  10, 
1854.    (No.  2987.) 

Claim.— ObUinteg  inflitiont  or  extracts 
from  varioue  otber  substaneea  by  canaing 
watev  09  other  liquid  to  aaeend  by  hydro*? 
static  pressure  through  the  maaa  of  matefiai 
to  be  operated  upon,  and  after  properiy  ma* 
aerating  the  same,  to  carry  off  the  useful 
extractive  matter  from  ^e  upper  patt  of  the 
macerating  vessel. 

LipiME,  BuGBifE  Ahtoimb,  chemist  of 
Madrid,  Spain.  Certain  powders  and  eoUy^ 
rium  for  4iwring  the  diseases  sfthe  eyes  spl^ik. 
out  the  use  of  surgical  eperationSt  to  wkiek 
invention  he  has  given  the  n&me  of  '*  Lipin^s 
OphtiUdmoiogieal  Powders  and  CoUtfHum.*' 
Patent  dated  ^November'  10,  185f.  (Kou 
OSM.) 

The  inventor  deaoribes  a  variety  of  pow- 
ders composed  mainly  of  sngar  eandy,  ex- 
tract of  opium,  extract  of  belladonna, 
acetate  of  lead,  strychnine,  ftc,  and  gives 
directions  for  Qie  preparation  of  the  same 
and  their  application  to  various  afibctions  of 
the  eyes,  his  object  being  to  remove  aneh 
diseases  without 'having  recourse  to  surreal 
operations. 

WiTTBOFF,  Henrt,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
eaater,  merchant  Certain  improvements  in 
the  construction  qf  boats,  ships,  or  naoiMble 
vessels,  and  in  the  means  qf  obviating  or  A'mi. 
nishing  the  dangers  attending  accidents  to  thf 
same.  Patent  dated  Novepiber  10,  1854. 
(No.  2892.) 

ClaimS'—l*  Making  the  bulkjieada  which 
divide  the  water-tight  compartments  of  ves- 
sels,  double  ,*  that  is  to  say,  each  composed 
of  two  distinct  partitions  enclosing  an  in- 
terveninff  space.  2.  Increasing  the  resisting 
power  of  8i)ch  bulkheads  by  stays  binding 
them  together  at  various  points.  8.  Pilling 
the  interstitial  cavities  between  the  external 
side*  of  such  double  bulkheads  with  a  su)>. 
stance  calculated  to  obstruct  or  prevent  th^ 
transition  of  heat  and  also  to  increase  the 
power  of  the  bujlchead  to  sustain  the  pres- 
sure of  watef.  4.  The  application  of  pipes 
and  pumps  for  the  purpose  of  introducmg 
water  Into  the  Interstitial  cavities  pf  such 
bulkheads.  5.  l*he  application  of  a  liuiqg 
or  casing  to  the  outer  shell  of  the  vessel  en- 
closing  an  interposed  material  which  repela 
water,  or  in  some  cases  a  heavy  inaterial  to 
serve  as  ballast.  6.  The  use  of  cork  as  a 
material  for  filling  any  of  the  interstitial 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PROYXSZONAL  BPfiCmOATlOKB  KOT  PBOOEEDBD  WETH; 


523 


Bpaeea  or  caTities  before  mentioned.  7.  The 
application  of  any  of  the  aforesaid  improve- 
mentfl  separately,  or  of  any  two  or  more 
thereof  in  combination. 

Wain,  John,  of  Greenacres-moor,  Old- 
ham, Lancaster,  mechanic.  Jmprovementt  in 
certain  maehinei  /or  spinning  mnd  doubling 
cotton  and  othtrfibrwu  tub*tanc§s  ^  the  kinds 
eommonty  known  as  mules  and  twiners.  Pa- 
tei^t  dated  No?embcr  10,  1854   (No.  2398.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  self-acting 
mules  and  twiners  patented  by  R.  Lakins 
and  W.  tfi  Rhodes,  OcL  13,  l8id,  and  con. 
■ists — 1.  tn  causing  one  half  of  the  catch 
or  clutoh-boz  used  by  them  for  making  the 
changes  in  the  action  of  the  mule  to  be  con- 
nected with  and  to  act  upon  the  cams  used 
for  making  those  changes  direct,  and  with- 
out the  intervention  or  use  of  the  eccentric 
and  other  meebanical  agents  combined 
therewith  and  described  by  them.  2.  In  an 
improved  arrangement  fer  putting  the  catch- 
box  in  gear.  3.  In  causing  the  baoking-off 
friction- cones  t9  be  brought  into  eontaot 
more  gradually. 

RiiAMEL,  Eugene,  of  Gerrard  -  street, 
Sohoy  Middlesex,  wholesale  periiimer*  Im- 
provemenis  in  combining  matters  to  be  em" 
phyed  in  coating  fabrics  and  kaihp;  and/or 
other  uses  in  subsiitution  of  India-rubber, 
(A  commuiiioation*)  Patent  dated  Nevem- 
her  10,  1854    (No.  2394.) 

The  intentor  says,  *'  there  it  to  ha  melted 
in  rain  or  in  distilled  water  a  quantity  of 
aiun^  and  sulphate  of  iron«  and  then  soap 
^made  of  seal  oil  and  potash  by  preferenee) 
is  added*.  The  mixture  k  allowed  to  cool 
and  is  then  washed  well  with  pure  water. 
The  mixture  is  heated  and  evaporated 
briskly  to  a  pasty  state ;  linseed  oil,  which 
has  been  boiled  or  thickened  separately, 
whilst  still  hot  is  mixed  there with»  and  theft 
•oue  raw  et  unbailed  linseed  oil  is  added." 

Kloen,  William,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wieky  commeroiri  traveller.  A  new  or  fm- 
firo^d  meihed  ef  ornamenting  and  attaching 
lahels,  tardst  window  and  other  bills.  Patent 
dated  November  1 1<  1854    (No.  ftdOS.) 

This  inventieii  consists  in  ornamefttieg 
and  atuching  labels^  cards,  and  window  and 
other  billsi  by  connecting  metallie  fraoMS  and 
ornaments  te  them,  the  said  frames  being 
perforated  ai  suitable  ^keea  when  it  is  de- 
aired  to  atteeh  the  eards,  &e*,  (e  any  ebjeec 
by  nailing  them  or  sewing  them  upon  it. 

FoNtaiRBllOaEAVi  PbTBH  ArMAMD  liB- 

COMTE  »B,  of  South-etreet,  LoMioB«  Im* 
provemenis  in /irt^mgines^  (A  eommumoi^ 
tlOB.)  Patent  dated  November  11,  1854 
(No.  8399.) 

The  patentee  deeeribcB  a  tre-englne  ftif* 
Bished  With  coneeotnc  eylindere,  the  piston 
working  within  the  inner  one,  and  the  spaee 
between  the  twe  being  ueed  ee  «i  air-veeeeL 


FiTZMAURicE,  the  Hon.  William  Ed- 
ward, of  Hamilton-lodge,  Kensington,  gore, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  hulUts,  shells^ 
and  other  projectiles.  Patent  dated  Novem- 
ber IS,  1854    (No.  2400.) 

The  improved  bullet  or  shot  is  made  cylin- 
drical at  the  eides,  and  tapers  o£f  to  the  point, 
having  two  or  more  (aces  extending  from  the 
shoulder  to  the  point  set  at  an  angle  to  the 
direct  line  of  flight,  the  pressure  of  the 
atmosphere  upon  these  faces  communicating 
a  rotatory  or  ipiral  motion  to  the  prq|ecttle. 

GOBSBT,  AnTOINB  &DOUARD  BaiSBARTt 

of  Montmirail,  Marne,  Franee.  Anew  kind 
rf  stamping-press.  Patent  dateti  November 
13,1854    (No.  2401.) 

This  press  is  for  printing  with  ink  of  any 
colour,  and  performs  the  double  operation  of 
inking  and  stamping  by  the  reciprocating 
motion  of  a  lever. 

Armbtrono,  JosbpHi  of  the  Normanten 
Station,  Wakefield,  York*  Certain  trnprooc" 
meats  in  ehaire  and  crossings /or  the  permanent 
wag  rf  railways.  Patent  dated  November 
13,  1854    (No.  2402.) 

This  intention  consisti  mainly  in  caatinf 
certain  chairs,  a  bed  plate,  and  a  bearing 
pieee  on  which  the  flangea  ef  the  wheel  run 
in  one  pieee  of  metaU 

Abadibi  Ibhaeii  Isaac,  ef  Paris,  France^ 
gentleman.'  Certain  improvements  in  the  mode 
qf  working  eertw  propeUers.  Patent  dated 
November  13,  1854    (No.  8403.) 

Thie  invention  cOnsiota  in  **  steering  ves- 
sels in  any  diieetien  required^  by  raeana  ef  B 
serew  or  other  stem  proeelieh  so  mennted 
sBd  adapted  to  the  driving  ihaA  as  to  be 
capable  of  being  moved  into  a  line  at  an 
angle  to  the  line  of  the  keel<" 

Piooub^  Adolphb,  ihatter-marineri  of 
Marseilles,  France.  A  new  vr  iaoferoved  «yt» 
tern  ef  marine  iog,  to  bo  called  '*  emmding 
log:*  Patent  dated  November  14^  1854 
(No.  8406.) 

The  obicel  ef  this  invention  is  the  cott^ 
strnetien  ef  aa  inatrumeet  which  Bugr  b« 
Hied  both  i9t  measnring  the  dietances  tra* 
veiled  over  by  vessels  ot  ships  of  any  de- 
seriptioa,  and  also  far  sonndiBgy  witiiout 
stoppiBg  the  ship'e  pregee«,  ee  heevhig  to< 


provisional  specifications  not  pro- 
ceeded WITH. 

Baxter,  Frederick,  of  Sneinton,  Not- 
tingham, ailk  tiirowster.  A  compound  $full 
to  be  used  #•  a  destructive  prigectile  to  be 
discharged  from  the  mouth  ef  cannnon  or/irom 
mortars.  Application  dated  NovemiNHr  7, 
1854    (No.  2355.) 

The  inventor  eonatruots  a  eomponnd 
ahell  that  is  discharoed  at  two  teparete  pe- 
riods,  the  first  discharge  lighting  a  fuse 
which  predttcoi  the  eecond. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


52i 


PBOVISIONAL  8PEGXFIGATION8  NOT  PBOGEEDED  WiTtf . 


Gray,  John,  of  Edinburgh,  Midlothian, 
Scotland,  newspaper  proprietor.  Improve- 
ntents  in  ventilating  hats.  Application  dated 
November  8,  1854.    (No.  2866.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  hat  a  kind  of  chamber  or 
air  passage  all  round,  into  which  the  air 
from  the  inside  of  the  hat  may  pass,  and  out 
of  which  it  may  escape  througfli  a  series  of 
perforations  round  the  circumference  of  the 
hat 

Dalobtt,  Alexander,  of  Florence-road, 
Deptford,  Kent,  engineer.  Impravementt  in 
steam  boilers.  Application  dated  November 
8,  1854.    (No.  2S69.) 

These  improvements,  as  applied  to  boilers 
of  locomotive  engines,  **  consist  in  the  em- 
ployment of  a  series  of  tubes  which  are 
situated  in  the  water-space  between  the 
inner  and  outer  casing  of  the  fire-box,  and 
forming  a  communication  between  the  lower 
portion  and  top  of  the  same." 

Bartholomew,  Gboroe,  of  Linlithgow, 
North  Britain,  edge-tool  maker.  Improve- 
wunts  in  hoots  and  shoes,  and  other  coverings 
for  the  feet.  Application  dated  November 
8,1854.    (No.  2371.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  a  thin 
wedge-shaped  or  inclined  face  pieoe  of  me- 
tid  is  attaened  to  the  face  of  Uie  thin  sole 
portion,  so  as  to  project  clear  of  the  sole  or 
neel,  and  act  as  the  internal  wedge-holder 
of  a  movable  wearing  piece. 

Palling,  Francis,  of  Lambeth,  Surrey. 
Improvements  in  the  means  qfprweniimg  horses 
running  away  upon  taking  fright,  or  other 
causes.  Application  dated  November  9, 
1854.    (No.  2876.) 

This  invention  is  applicable  both  to  car- 
riage and  saddle  horses,  and  consists  of  a 
curb  or  check,  by  means  of  which  the  action 
of  the  legs  of  a  horse  may  be  limited  to  any 
desirable  extent 

Shaw,  Stephen,  of  Plaistow  Marshes, 

Essex,  boiler-maker.    An  improved  template 

for  marking  positions  and  sizes  in  plates  or 

metaL      Application    dated    November  9, 

1854.    (No.  2878.) 

This  improved  template  is  made  of  a  sheet 
of  zinc  or  other  suitable  material  perforated 
with  small  holes.  At  each  end  of  the  per- 
forated plate  the  inventor  fastens  a  strip  of 
hoop  iron,  in  order  to  increase  the  strength 
of  the  template  and  give  it  the  necessary 
degree  of  stiffness. 

Wioointon,  William  Lawrence,  of 
Bamet,  Hertfordshire.  An  apparatus  for 
cookingf  hetUingf  and  ventilating^  appUct^le 
to  dwelling-houses,  ^c.  Application  dated 
November  10,  1854.    (No.  2886.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  stove  consisting 
of  a  large  oven  and  a  smaller  one,  with  a 
small  copper  between  them,  having  a  rail 
to  which  kettles,  &c.,  may  be  hung,  and  a 


flat  cover  fitted  to  the  top  of  the  boiler,  with 
a  pipe  to  carry  off  the  steam.  The  front 
portion  of  the  cover  is  to  be  movable,  and 
have  a  square  of  plate-elaas  inserted  in  it  to 
enable  persons  to  see  the  operations  within. 
The  stove  is  furnished  with  two  sets  of  ban, 
one  a  few  inches  above  the  other,  the  lower 
being  used  for  coals,  and  the  upper  for 
coke. 

Jeares,  William,  of  Great  Roaaell- 
street,  Middlesex,  engineer.  An  improved 
mode  of  heating  and  veuOlatittg  by  gas.  Ap- 
plication dated  November  10,  1854.  (No. 
2888.) 

The  inventor  provides  a  metal  pipe,  to 
which  he  attaches  a  series  of  parallel  metal 
plates  set  at  any  reauired  distance  apart. 
To  this  pipe  is  applied  a  gas-burner  for 
imparting  to  it  heat  which  is  taken  up  by, 
and  distributed  'over  the  series  of  plates. 
This  apparatus  is  enclosed  in  a  case  which 
is  open  at  top  and  bottom  for  the  passage 
of  air,  which,  by  coming  in  contact  with 
the  heated,  plates,  will  become  heated, 
and  in  that  state  escapes  into  the  ^>art- 
ment 

Turner,  Edward  William  Kemblb, 
of  Praed-street,  Paddington,  Middlesex. 
Improvements  in  separaHng  liquids  or  JImids 
from  tubetanees  or  matters,  parts  of  wJUrA 
improvemente  are  also  applieabte  to  other 
purposes  where  the  air-pump  has  been  hitherto 
employed.  Application  dated  November 
10th,  1854.    (No.  2889.) 

This  invention  consists  of  an  extension 
of  the  principle  described  in  former  letters 
patent,  granted  to  the  inventor,  dated  Janu- 
ary  81,  1854.  See  Mech.  Mag.,  vol.  61,  p. 
184. 

Ellen,  Samuel,  of  Wick-eottage,  Hack- 
ney, Middlesex.  An  improved  machine  for 
washing  clothes  and  similar  articles,  AppU- 
cation  dated  November  10,  1854.  (No. 
2891.) 

The  inventor  uses  two  vessels,  one  within 
the  other,  the  bottom  part  of  the  interior 
one  being  made  of  angular  bars.  Within 
this  vessel  is  fitted,  and  made  to  work  up 
and  down,  a  framework  of  bars  correspond, 
ing  to  the  bottom  of  the  vessel.  The  clothes 
or  other  articles  to  be  washed  are  plaoed 
between  these  two  sets  of  bars,  and  are 
pressed  and  squeezed  by  the  same  movement 
which  causes  the  upper  framework  to  rise 
and  fall. 

Ransoms,  Frederick,  of  Ipswich.  An 
improvement  in  preparing  oxides  and  earbo- 
natee  if  lead  or  zinc,  and  carbonate  or  eui- 
phate  of  barytes,  to  render  the  same  suitahte 
for  painting  or  coating  surfaces.  Application 
dated  November  10,  1854.    (No.  2895.) 

"  This  invention  consists  in  grinding  and 
mixing  oxides  and  carbonates  of  lead  or 
sine,  and  carbonate  or  sulphate  cf  baiytce 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOYISIONAL  FBOTBCtlOKS. 


525 


with  soluble  silica,  which  compound  will  be 
found  Tory  valuable  for  coating  or  painting 
oter  surfaces." 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

DaUd  January  19,  1855. 

148.  Pettr  Annand  Leoomte  d«  Footalnemo- 
raan,  of  Soatb-Hnet,  London.  ImpioToments  In 
oMalniBgeleetrO'motivepovor.  AeommnnkatioB. 

Dated  April  18,  1855. 
MO.  Henry  Barrey,  of  Denbigh-itrMt,  Pimlloo, 
Middlotex,  gantleman.    The  appUoatlon  of  cork 
la  all  ttt- forms  In  the  mannflrtiire  of  beds,  mat- 
tresses, eushions,  and  seats. 

Dated  April  25,  1855. 

919.  Henry  Cockcroft,  Of  Hssllngden,  Lancaster, 
stationer.    A  self-registering  letter-hoz. 

Dated  May  2,  1855. 

982.  John  Seott  Lillle,  Companion  Order  of  the 
Bath,  of  South-street,  M iddleiex.  Improvements 
in  tonti  or  other  moTsble  habitations. 

DaUd  May  5,  1855. 

lOOS.  /oseph  Beaumont,  of  EUand,  Halifax, 
York,  miller.  Improvements  in  treating  wheat 
meal  obtained  in  the  maaulheture  of  flour. 

1005.  James  HiU  Dickson,  of  Botherhlthe, 
Surrey,  flax  manufseturer  and  flax  machinist. 
ImproToments  in  mschinery  for  scutching  and 
heokling  flax,  hemp,  and  other  Togetable  flbree. 

1007.  Samuel  Roberts,  of  Hufl,  smith.  Im- 
provements in  stesm-enginofl. 

Dated  May  7,  1855. 

1009.  Robert  Broadbent,  of  Btaleybridge,  Ches- 
ter, machine  maker,  and  Squire  Farron  and  Ben- 
jamin Orundy,  of  Ashton,  Lancaster,  en^eers. 
Certain  improvemenU  In  steam-engines. 

1011.  Henri  Marquis  do  Balestrino,  of  Genoa. 
Improvemente  in  obtaining  motive  power  by  the 
aid  of  explosive  gases.    A  communication. 

lOlS.  Enoch  Price,  of  Bute  Docks,  Cardiif.  Im- 
provements in  dsy-light  reflectors. 

1015.  Robert  Clsrk,  of  Oallowgate,  Glasgow. 
Improvements  In  obtaining  elastic  flnish  to  piece 
goods. 

1017.  Thomas  Baaley,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 
cotton-spinner.  Improvements  in  the  construc- 
tion and  arrangement  of  creels  used  in  machines 
for  winding,  reeling,  and  doubling  flbrous  yams 
or  threads. 

1019.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's4nn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
hair  and  other  pins,  used  as  dress  or  ornament  f)u- 
tenings.  A  communication  Item  Eugene  Bourdon, 
of  Paris,  France,  mechanical  engineer. 

1021.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  LincolnVinn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
eocks  and  valves.  A  communication  flrom  Nicho- 
las Laferett  and  Francois  Eugene  BoudevUle,  of 
Rhelms,  Frsnce,  braasfounden. 

Dated  May  8,  1855. 
10S8.  William  BurU  Wilton,  of  Lowestoft,  Suf- 
folk, engineer.     Improvements  in  fUmaces  for 
steam  engines. 

1024.  Charles  Claude  Etienne  Mini6,  of  Paris, 
France.     Improvements  in  muskets  or  portable 

1025.  Joseph  Hughes,  of  White  Hall  MUls,  Cha- 
pel-en-le-Frith,  Derby,  paper-manuCseturer.  Im- 
provements in  the  manufiusture  of  paper. 

1026.  Daniel  FoxweU,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 


card-manuflseturer.     Improvements  in   sewing- 
machines. 

1027.  Thomas  Taylor  Lingard,.  of  Manchester, 
Lancaster,  engineer.  Certain  improvements  in 
presses,  which  ImprovemenU  aie  also  applicable  to 
raising  heavy  bodies. 

1028.  Richard  Needham,  of  HolUnwood,  Lan- 
caster, engineer.  An  Improved  apparatus  applica- 
ble to  steam  boilers,  for  the  purpose  of  economising 
ftiel,  and  also  assisting  In  the  generation  of  steam. 

1029.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Llncoln's-inn- 
flelds.  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  appsiatus  for  the  manufseture  of 
paper  tubes  to  he  employed  In  connection  with 
spuming  •  maehlnery.  A  eommunicatlon  flrom 
Jseques  Motsch,  of  Cemay,  Fraaee,  lithographer. 

1080.  John  Allin  WUllams,  of  Bsydon,  Wilts, 
fhrmer.  Improvements  in  maehlnery  or  apparatus 
for  driving  or  actuating  ploughs  and  other  imple- 
ments employed  in  working  and  cultivating  land. 

1081.  James  Bowron,  of  the  Tyne  and  Tees  Glass 
Works,  South  Shields.  An  improvement  in  the 
manufhcture  of  glass  tiles. 

1082.  Benjamin  Hallewell,  of  Leeds,  York,  wtaie- 
merchant.  Improvements  in  drying  grain  which 
has  not  been  subiected  to  the  process  of  malting. 

1088.  Alfred  ▼Inoent  Newton,  of  Chancery-lane, 
Middlesex,  meohanieal  draughtsman.  An  im- 
proved construction  of  air  engine.  A  communi- 
cation. 

1084.  Jules  Joseph  Imbs,  merchant,  of  Brumath, 
French  Empire.  Certain  improvements  in  manu- 
£wturing  csrtridges  or  cases  for  containing  charges 
for  flre-arms     A  communication. 

1085.  Thomas  Williams,  of  Red  Lion -street, 
Clerkenwell,  Middlesex,  tool-manufacturer,  and 
John  Hobson  Fuller,  of  New  Brentford,  Middle- 
sex, gentleman.  Improvements  in  wrenches, 
pliers,  and  spanners. 

Dated  May  9,  IS56. 

1086.  Robert  Kansow  Bowley,  of  Charing-eross  • 
Middlesex,  bootmaker.  Improvements  in  boots 
and  shoes,  and  other  eoverinas  for  the  human  foot* 

1087.  John  Oedge,'  of  Wellington-street  Southi 
Middlesex.  An  apparatus  for  cleansing  rooms  or 
other  spaces.  A  communication  firom  J.  N.  Tru- 
chelut,  of  B^sanffon,  Franoe. 

1088.  John  Gedge,  of  Wellington-street  South, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  the  manulheture  of 
woven  or  textile  fabrics.  A  communication  flrom 
J.  B.  N.  Coap6.  of  St.  Quentln,  Prance. 

1089.  John  Oedge,  of  Wellington-street  South, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  cases  for  spectacles 
and  similar  articles.  A  communication  f^om  J.  B. 
S6or6tant.  of  Lavaux,  France. 

1040.  Edward  Cockey,  Henry  Cockey,  and  Fran- 
cis Christopher  Cockey,  of  the  Frome  Iron  Foun- 
dry, Somerset,  engineers.  Improvements  in  clod- 
crushers  and  land-rollers. 

1041.  John  Mayo  Worrall,  of  Salford,  Lancaster, 
dyer  and  finisher.  Certain  improvements  In  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  cutting  piled  goods  or 
fabrics. 

1042.  John  Mayo  Worrall,  of  Salford,  Lancaster, 
dyer  and  finisher.  Certain  improvements  in  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  cutting  piled  goods  or 
fabrics. 

1048.  Richard  Shiers  Markindale.  of  Salford, 
Lancaster,  worsted  spinner.  An  improved  method 
of  removing  wool  Item  sheepskins  and  other  pel- 
try. 

1044.  Duncan  Morrison,  of  Bordesley  Works, 
Bbmingham,  Warwick.  Improvements  in  the 
manufseture  of  metallic  bedsteads,  sofas,  and 
other  articles  to  sit  or  recline  on. 

1045.  George  Taylor,  of  Liverpool,  Lancaster, 
merchant.  Improvements  in  steam  engine  go- 
vernors.   A  communication. 

1047.  Cullen  Whipple,  of  the  United  States  of 
Ameriea.    Prepexing  and  combing  wool. 

1048.  Samuel  Orainieher,  of  Zoflngen,  Switaer- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


5fid 


PBOyiBieNAXi  PBOZBOZEONS. 


Und.  Certain  iiQpToyementt  In  the  eon>trucUpn 
of  pump*,  parts  or  ^hieh  improvements  are  uso 
•ppUuble  .to  steam  eurinps.  A  communication 
firom  Henry  Tongue,  of  Natchez,  MississippL 


Dattd  Map  10,  1865. 

1049.  C^iletMertens,  of  Gheel,  jbclgium.  tm- 
p;:ovementft,ln  breaking  and  sculching  Hax,  nempj 
and  oth      '*'  ''         *'     --^     *^     *^« 


emp, 


. „ .^        .   icmpj 

nbrous  matteis,  and  in  the  ttiachiuerf 
the    • 


1050.  Johp^^lUaih  tewU,  of  dranby-rbacl,  Man- 
chester,, manu£acturer  of  lightning^  conduclon. 
Impcovements  in  lifhtiiinff  conducton.       , 

10^ L  Edwi^  A.  rorbu^^,  of  Ashlandf^  Matsa? 
9husett8,  United  States  bf  Ainerioa,  An  unprored 
mKhinflJor  sewing  leather,  cloth,  fee.     .        .  ^ 

109^.  Williani  Scott,  of  Birmingham,  Wanfick, 
fun-maker,  and  Alfred  Powell,  of  the  same  place, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  apparatiu  or  macbi* 
nery  to  be  employed  for  the  purpose  ox  rifling  and 
draw-bodng  gun-barrelf  and  ordnance.  . , 

1053.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chaneery-lanei 
Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman.  An.  Iqu 
proved  mode  of  preparing  colours  for  prioiinf  and 
•taining.fabrics,    A  communication.  ,    ... 

10A4.  .Matthew  jQlen,  of  Worship-street,  Mid- 
dle«ez,  Duihler.  An  improved  valve,  oartic.ularly 
•pplioable  for  regulating  the  supply  of  air  to  fur- 
naces, aud  fire  plMCs.  .  e    :  • 

1055.  Edward  Eastwood,  of  Long  Eaton,  verbg, 
engineer.    Improvements  In  eert^  parts  ot  rail- 

1056.  Frederick  William  Norton,  ot  Edinburglit 
North  Britain,  manufacturer.  Improvements  ki 
the  manufacture  or  prodttctioti  of  figured  pile  no- 
rica.  .... 

lOSf.  John  Harris,  of  Woodsldtt  near  Darling| 
ton,  civil  engineer,  and  Thomas  Summcfson.  of 
West  Auckland,  near  Darlington,  ironfounder. 
An  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of  iron  rail- 
way wneels. 

1058.  Charles  Jared  Hunt,  pf  the  Willows,  Mit- 
cham,  fiurr'ey.  Improvement^  Ih  iixi  thd  other 
hooks.  ,  .X      .  t    * 

batedUayii.ihSS, 

1059;  Joseph  Hallfcm,  of  Sheffield,  Yoi1t|  nwdls- 
nittuActtareri  Md  John  Blee,  of  Manchester,  Ufe- 
chinist.  Improvements  lA  the  eonstruetloil  df 
rowell  ot  toothed  eylltiders  for  S6lf-hctitag  telnples 
and  other  purpbses. 

1060.  Edward  Humphries,  of  PerthOfe,  Wntes- 
ter,  machinist,  and  Thomas  Humphries,  bf  thfr 
sttme  plate,  machinist.  Improtetnents  in  mtehine 
riddles  for  sepcrating  straw  ftoili  grain,  and  fot 
other  similar  purposes. 

1062.  John  Henry  Johnsort)  Of  Llnooln's-lntl- 
Oeldi,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  ImproTements  in 
the  mannfacture  of  stilphurte  acid.  A  eommunl- 
cation  ftoih  Jenn  Fhingois  Persot,  of  Parts,  Franco, 
chemist. 

1D6S.  Cdnstintlnb  Hehdeivon,  of  ToAiell-pftrk, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  Imprnvements  in  the  eon« 
stractitttt  dnd  arrangement  of  looks. 

1064.  Joseph  Pascall,  Of  Chislehunt,  Kent,  mft- 
nnfhetdm,  and  Oeorge  Fry,  of  Le.e,  itt  the  same 
eotintt,  lAt-dener.  Improvettients  Ih  blaoehtng, 
Ibrcfnf ,  and  propagating  gftrdtoti-pdts. 

1065.  James  Steele,  of  Greenock,  lienf^ew,  sugat 
reflnef.  IftprOtettients  in  HReting  tho  drtinage 
ofitaohldedsngar. 

Dated  Map  12,  1885. 

.  1069.  Fredftiek  Qeorgo  Sandns,  of  Uw  Patent 
Architectural  Pottery,  Poole,  Dorset.  tmproTO- 
ants  in  brick,  pipe  and  tilo  machines. 

1070.  George  Robinson,  of  Manchester,  Lancas- 
ter, maehJne-bioker.    An  improved  invalid's  bed> 

1071.  John  Herdman,  of  Belfast,  Antrim,  Iro: 
land.  Improvements  In  tbe  manufacture  of 
irrottgbt-iron  plates,  adapted  for  ship  building  and 
other  purposes  foi  which  strength  and  lightness 
•rentvlred. 


107S.  William  Bridges  Adams,  of  Adam-street, 
Aaelphi,  Middlesex,  engineer.  ImproTements  ts 
ihiB  construction  and  propulsion  of  tessels  fbr  dn^K 
gation,  moTed  by  internal  power. 

1074.  George  Whyait,  of  Openshaw,  Lancaster, 
dyer.  Certain  improvements  in  machinery  or  ap- 
paratus for  cutting  piled  goods  or  fisbrica. 

1075.  John  Henij  Linsey.  of  Col«aiAn-|dMet. 
London,  accontli-book  makkf.  C^niln  imProTe- 
ments  in  account-books  and  other  large  books. 

1076.  Pet^t  AhdlAd  I«e8ihte  M  Fontaln( 


remii  of  Sonlh-atroot(  LonBdn:  lolprDVattentn  in 
machtnoir  9k  boring  or  ptrfordttag  sNm  wtA  otbm 
materials.    A  ••  Am«qfe«tioii. 

1077.  Florent  Joseph  Pieton,  manafacturer,  of 
Wlgnehies,  FrellOh  B&biHh  eerllillttsproTeoiciits 
in^nitttng-maehinery. . 

1078.  WUltam  Diay,  of  Swan-lane,  Londvn,  •aSr 
cnltural-Unplement  makor.  ImprovemenU  in  ifio 
manufacture  of  fi^mes  for  all  kinds  of  structarea, 
together  with  the  means  of  fastening  the  same 
when  necessary,  part  of  which  Is  applicable  to  the 
manuAtctttre  of  screws  and  bolts. 

1079.  Francois  Albhonse  Theronldfr,  of  Pnee 
Venddme,  Paris,  shipowher.  Itnpiciveaiwtti  M 
preserving  animsil  substances.    A  communieatian. 

1060.  Thomai  tttckbtt,  Of  Wttllng  Works,  Stocy 
itrstfbrd.  trnprovemenu  In  the  aMstmetioB  of 
ptessiiFB^nniges. 

1081.  John  Dupta,  «f  Plymonth.  fmpiwrcMsbli 
in  the  construction  of  ovens.    Ac 


DaUd  May  14,  1855. 

108S.  John  Higgins,  of  didhaisi  tancaaUf, 
gineer.    Improyements  in  steam  boilers  and  a| 


ratns  connected  therewith^      .  i.      .  a 

1083.  WUUam  Robertson,  of  Kdinboiih,  Seot- 
land,  irotifounder.  Improvements  In  tbe  treMment 
offuel,  and  its  use  for  hea^i^gpurposea. 

1084.  James  Pettigrue,  of  Dnfmcree,  Walimeath. 
gentleman,  and  Dorset-street,  Dublla.  ImproTe- 
ments in  propelling  vessels. 

1085.  Robert  HeConnel,  of  fttft*gow,  Lanark, 
ironfounder.  ImprovemenU  in  beams  or  gtadcrs 
for  building  or  structural  purposes.  .  ^ 

1086.*  Robert  Morrison*  of  Neweast]e-upo»-Tya% 
engineer.    Improvcaienu  in  stoam  ongiaaa. 

1087.  Jamed  Buchanan,  of  Glasgow.  Lanark, 
gentleman.  Improvements  in  th^  mnno£aetore  of 
heddles  or  hoidds  for  weaving.    Partly  a  comaa- 


1088.  Thomas  Charles.  Eastwood  and  Themes 
Whitler.  of  Bradford,  York*  overlookara.  Im- 
provements in  preparing  and  combing  wool  wmA 
other  fibrous  substances. 

1089.  John  Mason,  machinist,  Samuel  Thotntoa, 
machinist,  and  Leonard  Kaoerry,  mannger,  oC 
Rochdsie,  Lancaster.  Improvements  in  maclitnecy 
or  apparatus  for  preparing  cotton  and  other  fthrans 
substances  for  spinning  yams  or  threads*  and  far 
finishink  or  polishing  such  yams  or  thvnds. .. 

1096.  Alexander  Robertson*  of  Sheffield,  Yoiki 
stove<grate  manuCsetnrer.  Improvemnnta  in  Iks 
construction  of  stoves  and  firegrates. 

1091.  Robert  Stirling  Newall,  of  Gateshead.  la* 
provements  in  apparatus  emplt^sd  in  Inyins  down 
submarine  electric  telegraph  wires.  . 

1991.  Alfred  Charles  Gacratt,  of  Maaaaehaactt% 
United  States  of  America.  FaeitttaUng  ihe  work  of 


lubricating  the  axles  or  beadnga  of  earringe  i  ^ 

1093.  Levi  Lewis  Hill,  of  Westhill,  New  York, 
United  States  Of  Amftrion.    ItfpnvemenU  In  sU- 

1094.  John  LfckJnann,  o^  Itamburg^  An  Ih^ 
provement  in  the  manufiutore  of  sheet  iron.  JL 
communication. 

1095.  George  Tomlinson  fiousfield,  of  Sussex- 
place,  Brixton,  Surrey.  An  improvement  in  burn- 
ing hydro-carbons  in  lamps.    A  communication. 

iyated  May  16,  1855. 

1094.  Peter  bhristie^  of  Greenoc^  6cotUn4.  An 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Noneas  «r  iirasiraidM  n>  hmceei). 


Mr 


hnproTed  tent  or  )rat  fbr  loldlen  In  the  fleU*  emi- 
gnuiU,  toorlBts,  and  other  persons  requiring  a 
portable  dwelUos* 

1098.  WllUatn  Fa«c6tt,  John  Lamb,  and  FAncit 
Beet  Fawcett,  of  KidderxAintter*  WorcoBter,  carpet 
manofecturere.  Improvements  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  carpeU  and  other  slmilte  fabrics,  and  in 
machinery  and  apparatus  to  bis  tlsed  therein; 

PATENT  AtPtlEU  FOR  WlTlt  COMPtSTE 
SPECIFICATION; 
ItOtf.  Rieliard  Peters,  4f  Vnlon-street,  Borough, 
Surrey,  engineer.  ImproTemeats  In  steam-engines. 
May  16,  1855. 

NOTICES  OF  INTENTION  TO 
PROCEED. 

(fVofti  fJI«  **Ltfta<m  dazet'te,"  kaff  19th, 
18ff5.) 

126.  James  Higgtns,  sad  Thomas  SbhoflMdWhit- 
irorth.  Improvementl  in  moulding  for  casting 
shot,  shells,  and  othex  articles. 

127.  Edward  HaU.  XomroTements  Iq  coinbining 
metallic  wires  with  textile  materials  or  fabrics  for 
forming  ••  wire  ribbon." 

143.  Stanislaus  Joseph  Patil.  lUprovemenU  In 
machinery  for  embossing. 

148.  Peter  Armand  Jjeeomto  de  Fontaine- 
moreau.  Improvemeilcs  In  obtalillng  electro< 
motlYe  power.    A  communication. 

162.  John  Oedge.    Improvements  in  laminating 

SBtals,  either  In  relief  or  bas  relief.    A  communi- 
tion  fVom  Ifessrs.  Tbohiel  ftMvs,  of  Saint  Cba- 
tflond,  France. 

168.  Francois  Arstee  Vssnier.  Certain  im- 
provements in  fire-places. 

172.  John  Coates.    ImproTcments  in  railways. 

180.  Sir  James  Caleb  Anderson.  Improvements 
in  steering  ships.       ,, 

200.  Joseph  Leese,  jtin.  Certain  improveibents 
in  the  process  of  printing  Mnbbei  an'ii  6tbet  tez- 
flle  fkbries. 

,  205.  Robert  Malftt.  ImproTemeAts  fn  thV  ma- 
nufactut%  of  hollow  shot  and  shells,  and  similar 
hollow  b6dres  or 'c'a9t-ir'on,or  other  east  metils. 

264.  AuKuste  Edouard  toradottx  Bellford,  An 
improved  inVehtion  for  eonstmetlng  hulls  of  ves- 
sels. A  communication  from  Virgil  Putnam 
Corhett,  6f  Corbelrs-vlllefcNew  York. 

271.  Joseph  Gibbons.  An  ImproremeAt  fn  fix- 
ing the  spindles  of  door-locks  to  their  knobs. 

S31.  Auguste  Valley.  An  Improved  machinery 
for  the  preparation  of  nal,  hemp,  and  other  textile 
materials. 

S85.  John  Reniy  Johnson.  Improvements  In 
governors  or  regulators  for  steam  engines  or  other 
prime  movers.  A'communicatlon  from  Hippolyte 
Jbdmond  Branplie,  mecTianiclan,  and  Charles  Coste, 
merchant,  of  Paris,  Frauce. 
,  386.  Frederic  Prince.  ImpMVemtats  U  fire- 
arms and  ordnance. 

480.  Charles  ^les.  nh^'rovementt  in  Apparatus 
for  cutting,  burnishing,  a^d  p6ttshlhg  cylindrical 
surfaces  of  metal,  knd  other  substances. 

481.  Charles  lies,  traprovenkents  Ui  th»  manu- 
facture of  tubes,  knobs,  and  handles  of  doors, 
rollers  of  castors,  and  reeU  for  eottotl  4nd  thread. 

.732.  Charles  Crewp^  and  Henry  Ofloi^ge  Gray. 
Improvements  in  preparing  and  nilng  tteottbliaing 
•or  disinfecting  compounds. 

737.  Prap^oiae  Theodore  Botti.  Ttnprovements 
•in^  the  method  and  apparatus  for  beer  brewing. 

818.  Joseph  Revell.  Certain  inip|-ovements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  propellUig  VeaseU. 

824.  Jules  Denoua).  Certain  iin))rovcd  IJueaos 
-torenv eloping  medicinal  preparations  with  sotVlDie 
substanci^s. 

870.  William  Jones.  Imptoyemeiits  In  pllnting 
calico  and  oiher  fabrics. 

913.  Jany  Hunter,  and  GegiyB  Hunter,   fm*  - 
pj^v^AdHtM  In  %ioii€MWtlllis  il0MmldvlT« 


917.  Charles  Plazsi  Smyth.  Improyementa  In 
astronomici^  and  geodetieal  instruments. 

031.  Auguste  Edouard  toradoux  fieili^rd.  Im- 
provements in  seaMs  or  macnines  for  ireighing.  A 
communication. 

979.  William  Banks,  Henry  Hampson,  and  John 
Banks.  Improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus 
for  bleaching  yams  or  threads,  cither  In  the  cop  or 
hank.  , 

1002.  Robert  Midglev^  and  George  Collier.  Im- 
provemenU  in  preparing  yhhife  for  ^^vlAg  hnd 
other  j»nrposM,  i  > 

1009.  J(wpn   Beaumont.      Improvements  in 


t^Atihg  wWt  meal  Obttlned  ill  the  manufacture 
of  flour. 

1006.  Matthew  Bntehar,  and.  T|uMha«  Hmry 
Newey.    Impn^vementa  in  forge  ni^BUDers. 

1009.  Robert  Broadbent.  Squire  Farrott,  and 
Benjamin  Grundy.  Certiiih  tmprovementa  in 
steam  engines. 

1014.  Ebeneaer  Tysack.  An  Improvement  in 
scythes. 

1026.  Daniel  Foxwell.  tmprDvemtontI  in  sewing- 
machines. 

1041.  John  Mayo  Worrall.  Gertaih  inipil)v»- 
menu  in  machinery  or  apparatus  for  cutting  piled 
goods  or  fabrics. 

1042.  John  Mayo  Worrall.  Certain  improte- 
ments  in  machinery  or  apparatoa  for  cutting  pUed 
goods  or  fabrics.. 

1047.  Cullen  Whlpplr.  Preparlhg  and  tombing 
wool. 

1048.  Samuel .  Orainicher.  Certain  ^prove- 
ments  in  the  construction  of  pump>f  purts  of 
which  improvements  are  alsp  applicable  to  Meam 
engines.  A  bommunicAtlon  from  fienty  Toi^gue, 
of  Natches,  Mississippi. 

1057.  John  Harris  and  Thomas  Summers«n.  An 
improvement  in  the  manufacture  of  Iron  railway 
wheels. 

1062.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
the  uaatiDicttlre  of  sulphuric  acid.  A  communi- 
cation prom  Jean  Frans<ns  Persos,  of  Paris,  Franeo, 
chemist. 

1068.  Constantln'e  Deuderson.  Improvements 
In.the  construction  and  arrangement  of  locks. 

1064.  Joseph  Pascall  and  George  Fry.  Improve- 
ments   in  blanching,  forcing,    and  propagating 

,  1065.  James  Steele,  improvements  In  elTeoting 
the  drainage  of  mquld^  sugar. 

1066.  pavid  Caddick.  Improvements  in  pdd- 
dl^ng  furnaces.      .  • .     k  • 

.  )Q93,  William  Robertson.  Improvements  in 
the  treatment  of  f^el,  and  its  use  for  heating  pur- 
poses.      l»  w.    / 

.  1085.  Robert  McConnel.  Improvements  In 
beams  or  girders  for  building  or  structural  pnr- 
poses«    I..  -  ,1     • 

1086.  Robert  Morrison.  Improvements  In  steam 
engines.    ...  ..... 

1087.  James  Buchanan.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  heddles  or  healds  for  weaving. 
Partly  a  communication* 

1092..  Alfred  Charles  Garratt.  Facilitating  the 
work  of  lubricating  the  axles  or  bearings  of  car- 
riage-wheels^     «,  ,.       i 

1095.  George  Tomlinspn  Bousfield.  An  im- 
provement in  burning  hyoro-carbons  in  lamps.  A 
communication.  .  v    • 

1106.  Richard  Peters,  fanprovements  in  steam 
engines.  ^. 

WkEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 
SeaUd  May  25,  \Ub. 
2499.  Felix  belabour.  , 

2^24.  Ellia  Rowland  and  James  Rowland. 
166t,  Dani%l  Coliet. 
2559.  John  Wkrhnrat. 
2567.  Chriitopher   Hodgson  and  James 
WhiUey  Stead, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


528 


WEEKLY  UST  OF  PATENTS. 


1855. 

129.  Constant  Jouffroy  Dumery. 
230.  George  William  Henri. 

581.  William  Lister. 

582.  Henry  Bach. 
655.  William  Brown. 

Sealed  May  29,  1855. 
2543.  Edward  Dowling. 
2572.  Ferdinand  Cellier  Blumenthal  and 
Maximilian  Louis  Joseph  Choi- 
let. 
2599.  Francois  Jacquot 
2620.  Peter  Aimand  Leeomte  de  Fon- 

tainemoreau. 
2672.  Jean  Baptiste  Falguidre. 
2675.  Joseph  Gorton  Briggs. 
2677.  Joseph  Tucker. 
2714.  John  Francis  Porter. 
2725.  James  Dundas. 
2749.  Henry  Widnell. 
1855. 

18.  John  Henry  Johnson. 
206.  John  Henry  Johnson. 
215.  William  Polkinhorn. 
222.  John  Henry  Johnson. 
302.  Frederick  Ransome. 
362.  John  Bobb  and  Laurence  Hill. 
430.  William  Campion. 
584.  Samuel  Cunliffe  Lister. 
588.  Samuel  Cunliffe  Lister. 


548. 
584. 
616. 

632. 
638. 
640. 
644. 
662. 


668. 
680. 
690. 
712. 
714. 

724. 

734. 
746. 
752. 

762. 
790. 


and 


David  Hunter  Brandon. 

Robert  Moore  Butt 

Richard     Edward     Hodges 
Charles  Murray. 

John  Morrison. 

Charles  Caruefl. 

George  Whyatt. 

Charles  Frederick  Behn. 

George  Allam  Barrett,  William 
Exally  and  Charles  James  An- 
drews. 

Francis  Crossley. 

George  Leonard  Tumey. 

Thomas  M'Low. 

Joseph  Morgan. 

Edward  Vansittart  Neale  and 
Thomas  Dawson. 

George  Furgusson  Wilson  and 
George  Payne. 

Richard  Peyton. 

Jacob  Maas  and  James  Adams. 

Chistopher    Nickels     and    Ja 
Hobson. 

Denny  Lane. 

Louisa  Monzani. 


The  above  PatenU  all  bear  date  as  of  tbe 
day  on  which  Prorisional  Protection  was 
granted  for  the  several  inventions  men* 
tinned  above. 


CONTENTS  OF 
Clayton  and  Harrop't  Patent  ImproTcmentt  in 

Ornamenting  Wood  {with  engraHnffs) ff05 

On  the  Electro-Chemical  Deposition  of  Metals. 

By  Alexander  Watt  506 

On    Inoongraous   Solutions.    By  J.  Cockle, 

•    M.A 509 

Science  among  the  Engineers :— The  Boiler 

Explosion  at  Crawshaw  Booth  510 

Hyde^s  Patent  Furniture  Castors  {with  engrav- 

ingt) 512 

Special  Museums  for  the  Working  Classes 514 

Atlantic  Sub-marine  Telegraph 514 

Tempering  of  Steel 515 

On  the  Protection  of  the  Copper  Sheeting  of 

Ships 515 

AUan^s  Single-cell  Battery  {wUh  on  engraving)  516 

Fenton's  Patent  Safely  Valves  517 

On  Tubular  Boilers 517 

Palmer's  Smoke-jack  Screw  Propeller.. 519 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed : 

Woodhoute  Water  Meters 510 

Simons  Candlesticks 519 

Metcalfe.... PorUble  Carriages 510 

Bird  Reverberatory  Furnaces  5 19 

Beardmore Axle  Bearings 520 

Blakie  Driving  Belts  520 

Davis Taps  and  Cocks 520 

Olukman  Railway  Signals 520 

Stead,  Spenoe,  and 

Wood Fibrous  Materials 520 

Whitehead Self-acting  Mules  520 

Siemens Electric  Telegraphs  ....  520 

McDonald     and 

Mcintosh  Printed  Fabrics  520 

Newton Saws 521 

Chameroy Jointing  Pipes 521 

Cranstoun Coupling  Railway  Car- 
riages   521 

Pretsch Plates  for  Printing 521 

Marking  Books  ..........  521 


THIS  NUMBER. 

Porro Reflecting  Light ^  SSI 

Berry,  Berry,  Berry , 

and  Royds Mules........................  521 

Bousfleld Turning  Prisms .........  5Sl 

Tunks Time-pieces...............  SSI 

Harman Windlasses,  Cranes,  ftc.  5SS 

Smith Furnaces 5SS 

Ross Caoutchoue SSS 

Niven  Paper,  &c ^  5St 

Loysel  ..Obtaining  Inftisioas....  SSS 

Lupine Opthalmological    Pow- 
ders  SIS 

Wltthoir. Ships  and  Boats Stt 

Wain Fibrous  Substances......  SO 

Rimmel  Substitutes  for  India- 
rubber 5SS 

Klocn  Labels  and  Cards 5SS 

Fontalnemoreau  ...Fire-engines 5S3 

Fitzmaurlce Bullets  and  ShoU  5S3 

Gobert Stamping  Press 5SS 

Armstrong  Permanent  Way 523 

Abadle Screw  Propellera ...  523 

Pdooul Sounding  Logs 5S3 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with : 

Baxter Compound  Shells  .......  583 

Gray Ventilating  Hats 514 

Dalgety Steam  Boilers  ...........  594 

Bartholomew Boots  and  Shoes  ...m....  5S4 

Palling Curb  for  Horses  .. .  5t4 

Shaw  Template  5S4 

Wigginton Cookins  Apparatus 5M 

Jeakes  Heating  by  Gas 9S4 

Turner Separating  Fluids  ......  524 

Ellen Washing  Machinery  ...  514 

Ransome .....Oxides  and  Carbonatea  5S4 

Provisional  Protections 525 

Patent  applied  for  with  Complete  Spedflca- 

tion    « ...M Sit 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed... «...„.... — ....  5S7 
list  of  Sealed  Patents 527 


LONDON:  Edited,  Prtated,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-etraet, 
in  the  City  of  London.-^old  by  A.  and  W.  r  "  -       —  -  ^    .       — 

Dublin ;  w.  C.  Campbell  and  Co,  tHanburf . 


r  Jtionara  Areninaia  jtrooman,  oi  jno.  loo,  rmn-wmct^ 
.  Oallgnanl,  Rue  Tivienne   Paris;   Mason    and  Co., 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


'^tc\m(s'  P»0ajrae. 


No.  1661.]  SATURDAY,  JTJNB  9,  1856. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  IM,  Flaat-itzMt. 


r    PriM  8d. 

Is 


L8tamp«d  4d.     f 


BIDEN'S  PATENT  IMPROVEMENTS  IN  FURNACES. 
Fig.  1.  Fig.  6. 


Fig.  2. 


Fig.  5. 


Fig». 


Fig.  4. 


TOL.  LXIL 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


580 
bid£IM  JfAfdKIc  m?Iioy£aCEK!rfc  iK  ttilk^ACt^. 

(Patent  dated  December  2,  1854.) 

Mr.  J.  BiDBN,  of  OoBpoft,  hM  pihteoM  *»  inTeotioB  whivh  ooasUts  in  admitliag  •  rap* 
ply  ftf  Mv  tv  thi  sides  and  liottom  of  the  ash-pits  of  furnaces,  in  addition  to  tbe  ordinary 
supply,  and  which  is  applicable  to  furnaces  generally,  the  arrangements  being  modified  to 
suit  any  partiewltr  c9ietnM«iop  of  ^xiract^  **  Tin  Miiief  of  otrryiag  «•»  «if  invention/' 
says  the  patentee  in  his  specification,  ''  is  as  follows: — The  furn«ee  is  made  sufficiently 
long  from  the  front  to  the  back  to  admit  of  the  red  hot  fuel  occupying  the  back  half  of  the 
fire-bars  and  the  fresh  or  nnbumt  fuel  the  front  half  of  the  Af»^Mi«  The  ash-pit  is  sup- 
plied  with  a  sufficient  quantity  of  air  to  produce  complete  MmbMNon  by  free  admiasion 
in  front,  and  by  an  opening  or  openings  in  the  side  or  the  t»Atioia  of  the  ash-pit,  which 
opening  or  openings  is  or  are  supplied  wilh  sir  ihm  M  Hunt,  or  tb«  ftUU^  i*  Um  tack  of 
the  fanOBBB  by  mi  ctr  liue  or  fiues.  The  tlf  Mff  tM  hf  ^«  slbrMftM  6p^hrAg  or  «p«iiiig« 
k  4lf*tttc4  onwards  f^rai  tiie  f^ont  tt  Wbkk  H  ent«r*  towards  the  end  of  the  ach-pit,  eitbw 
If  itf<Mtffii>g  or  eonttniatiftg  tk%  6f«fti«f  »  ipenings  so  at  to  direot  tht  air  to  Uie  rMiiiired 
ftkil,  w  by  i  flMtol  hibt  m  tabHt  at  a  defloeiiiig  plato  9t  ^iMM.  Py«?ltlM  to  i 
iMWiftt  tiM  ikf  thnt  itipplto4  to  pail  onward  fyftn  Hm  tM  Af  tfto  mk*f^  Itto  dto  I 
Iftg  im  to  the  •himMy»  either  throvf h  the  fift^birtf  Of  tliro«fb  or  bohM  IN  bridge,  of 
Ibrotgh  an  opening  beyond  the  fire-bars,  ukl  betweoii  tb«B  tsd  tko  VrMfO.  It  wtH  ki 
fiftOfally  advisable  to  adapt  a  tnbe  or  tub«lh  it  o  tfotooitof  ptoto  «r  plitoii  to  llto  OfOtttof 
Off  opoiifogt  tbroDgb  wbiofc  air  lo  itipplied  to  tbo  MH-plli  oa  M»$  wwttoaait  im  orlof 
to  prof tnt  any  dust  or  aahH  ftom  tnlerint  into  Iho  ait  !«•  «  Igaa  mH  fkmlkf  abatmaW 
in|llwadmMo»orair.*' 

fig.  1  reproMUta  an  aaliftary  aylMrical  boiler,  iHtb  Mr*  Mitm*B  awaafawawl  tbt  atafte 
ting  tba  air  to  tbe  fifirnaoo  i^^iod  to  it  A  A  ia  Ibo  bailot  lat  hi  fha  brlab#orkt  Bt  C  la 
the  Airnace,  and  D  the  fire-bars.  £  is  the  aah-pit  whioh  it  open  at  front  for  f^M  adniaaioB 
of  air  to  the  furnace.  F  is  an  air-pipe  which  is  open  to  the  external  ataoapkere  and  con- 
Teys  the  air  into  the  furnace  below  the  fire-bars.  The  position  of  this  air-pipe  ie  before  Um 
beck  half  of  Uie  fire-bars,  and  it  la  lo  plaeed  aa  to  direct  Uio  air  towarda  tbo  ifO-Vfidya,  fai 
ordet  to  oeuae  a  avrreat  of  air  to  Bftit  witk  tbo  g^s  aN  ^noto  of  aoiwbwatfoa  at  dMi 
MH|  M  aa  to  tomro  a  Mora  yarfoot  and  firaa  aontumffton  ol  tbam.  A  apaoOi  O,  fo  M 
betveeii  tha  end  of  the  fire-Vara  and  the  bridge  to  admit  of  a  *ao  paaaafo  ft  lira  ilr,  Fif.  % 
tepraaante  a  ieetional  plan  of  a  Oorntib  boUer,  to  which  the  rtr  to  Iba  tfttUm  to  aiaaitiad 
fNMi|lilbasfdeaofthaboltor,  A  A  ia  fba  boHfr  i  B,  Aa  fo#naeo  i  0,  ttto  ina^  Dlim 
flia  air  |^iaaagea,tMaha9ahtoYiA«d  at  lbaa»ito  abown,  I*  afrtar  to  daiail  Iba  all  to#aa4a 
file  back  end  of  the  fomaco.  fiifh  ^  rapaaaanto  a  lon^odiml  aaaHon,  a«d  !§•  4  S  •raaa 
section  of  a  similar  Cornish  boiler,  in  which  the  air  la  admitted  from  the  bottom  and 
through,  tha  iir-tubes,  DD.  Fig.  6  is  a  section  of  a  marine  boiler,  in  which  the  air  is 
caused  to  pass  through  the  openings,  DDi  end  by  meeni  of  the  defieoitog  l^oto^  I^i  tta 
air  is  oanaed  to  impinge  upon  the  baok  of  Uto  fofMfO,  and  liffa  to  nnlto  Mb  Iba  pfadnKa 
«f  aamWition.  Pig.  6  represents  a  oraaa  aaation  of  a  aat  of  fomaooa  for  aaarino  bmlaffa  t 
A  A  la  Iba  aab-pia  I  B  Bare  fire- barat  0  C,  air-tubaa  or  paiaagaa  i  P  D,  dalaathig  platae 
to  baa|^  Iba  air  paaMgta  free  froia  aahao.  tta  aida  aiK|aiaiiM  io  tat  Htnlia  Hay  ptaiaaa 
togptoitoa.  BBara  water  spaaaib  tba  faitanior  anppHaa  Iba  atr-|nai^ii  #Wi  air  OtfOH|i> 
n  abaanal  or  a^anoala  made  batwean  tba  bottom  ^  tbo  foTnaeas  and  tba  atokef  a  ioor,  tba 
atr  batlMf  fiatroduoad  into  these  chann^  from  aonie  aa«toa  othne  ikan  that  wbtob  ia  wenaHy 
1»fktf1f(i  tof  MVftyiniP  the  aah^pit 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


K£W  SOLUTION  OF  A  CUBIC  BdUATIOlT. 

Let  «»-f4|»*«+8y«+r=0.., (1) 

Asiume  Hx+p^k)^ {x+p^l/zzO ••••.4 i4.  (2) 

or  «»+Sp«i+3  (p«-*0 *-H^^«jaf+*^t*4.|)ssO, 

by  expanding  and  dividing  by  oifefficient  of  «>• 
Equating  to(l)we  bare 

or                 «=a,         (Jlr+0«-^2(pa-c)=0,         if  p*^^t=&,         Pq^fSi:2&, 
ak,  alue  the  looia^t  y» ^2 {pa^c)y+cfl=G  , «••  (3}. 

From  (2),  /*  (*+p-*)-a**  (*+l*--l)-0, 1viM»t«  «**!** 

and  diTiding  by  coefficient  of  x, 

•|»-Hai)'a+(aA)^a",  since  it{»a» 
ak,aiut  known  from  (S). 

Tbe  tingle  aBiamption  bet*  made,  tbongh  BMmmtHf  ai^itoMj^  appatrt  im  fi?«  ^t 
method  a  slight  advantage  of«r  CAtdan's,  which  requirw  twvt 

W.  ftoTBBkHill. 


ON  lUfcTH-BORINO  MACHIKfiRY. 


A  paper  descriptive  of  the  viri»as  modes 
of  eartfa-boHng  for  tbe  sinking  «r  wells  and 
other  ifanilar  purposes,  was  read  on  the  even- 
ing of  Wednesday,  May  30,  at  tbe  Society 
of  Arts,  by  Mr.  Colin  Mather.  After  de- 
scribing tbe  ordinary  boring  apparatus, 
alluding  to  the  absence  of  satisfliotory  in- 
formatloA  respecting  the  plan  brooght  be- 
fore the  British  Association  by  Mr.  Vignoles 
— and  {>olnting  out  the  peonliarities  of  the 
system  adopted  by  MM.  Degons^  in  the 
boring  of  a  well  at  Highga|)e|  tbe  author 
proceeded,  as  follows,  to  aeseribe  the 
method  anployed  by  himsetf  and  Mr. 
PlaCt. 

Tbe  oonstruction  of  the  borhig-head 
and  sh41*|Nirap,  and  tbe  mode  of  acquiring 
the  pM'euesive  motion,  constitute  the  chief 
novellies  of  the  system  and  machine.  The 
couptKeyHnder  engine,  with  the  reversing 
or  Imlt  iMflioB,  is  used  for  winding  and  low. 
ering  apparatus,  but  an  ordhHwy  winding 
engine,  Amilar  to  those  used  In  eollieries, 
may  be  lipplied. 

T%e  InMng.bead  consists  tf  a  wtought- 
iron  hkr,  %bout  eiffht  feet  long;  on  Ae  lower 
part  '^  Aieh  is  fitted  a  blodl  ef  east-iron, 
in  wbM  the  chisels  or  cuciwrs  are  firmly 
secoTMl.  Above  the  chisels  t»  iron  easting 
is  fixed  to  the  bar,  by  whidi  tbe  boring- 
bead  is  kept  steady  and  perpendicular  in  the 
hole.  A  mechanical  arrangement  ie  pro- 
vided, by  which  the  boring^head  is  com- 
■pMed  tb  move  tomid  a  pun  of  a  revolution 


at  each  stroke.  The  loop  or  link  by  whicti 
the  boring  apparatus  is  attached  to  Uie  rope 
is  secured  to  a  loose  casting  on  tlie  wrought* 
iron  bar,  with  liberty  to  move  up  and  down 
about  six  inches.  A  part  of  this  easting  is 
of  square  section,  but  twisted  about  one- 
fourtn  of  the  circumference.  This  twisted 
part  moves  through  a  socket  of  oorreapond- 
ing  form  On  the  upper  part  of  a  boiCt  in 
which  is  placed  a  series  of  ratchets  and 
catches,  by  which  the  rotary  motion  is  pro- 
duced. Two  objects  are  hwe  aceemplished 
^one,  the  rotary  motion  given  to  the  boring- 
head  ;  tbe  other,  a  facility  for  the  rope  to  de- 
scend after  the  boring-bead  has  struck,  and 
so  prevent  any  slack  taking  plaoe»  which 
would  cause  the  rope  to  dangle«against  the 
side  of  the  hole,  and  become  seriously  in- 
jured by  ehafiog. 

The  shell  -  pump  ia  a  cylinder  of  cast* 
iron,  to  the  top  of  which  is  attaehed  a 
wrougbt-iron  guide.  The  cylinder  is  fitted 
with  a  backet  similar  to  that  of  a  common 
lifting  pump,  with  an  India-rubber  valve» 
At  the  bottom  ef  the  cylinder  is  a  olaek, 
which  also  acta  on  the  same  principle  aa 
that  in  a  common  Uftiog-piin»p,  but  it  ia 
slightly  modified  to  suit  the  pariieular  par* 
pose  to  which  it  is  here  applied.  The  bot- 
tom clack  ia  not  faatened  ID  the  oylinder, 
but  works  in  a  frame  attaehed  to  a  rod  wMch 
passes  through  the  buoket*  and  through  a 
wrought-iroa  guide  at  the  (n^  of  the  efJin* 
der,  and  is  kept  in  its  place  by  a  cotter, 
nn2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


532 


ON  EAJBTH-BOBINa  MAOHIHERT. 


which  pas«at  through  •  proper  slot  at  the 
top  of  the  rod.  The  pump-rod,  or  that  by  i 
which  the  bucket  is  worked,  is  made  of  a 
forked  form,  for  the  twofold  purpose  of  al- 
lowing the  rod  to  which  the  bottom  clack  is 
attached  to  pass  through  the  bucket,  and 
also  to  serve  as  the  link  or  loop  by  which 
the  whole  is  suspended. 

The  wrought  -  iron  guide  is  secured  to 
the  top  of  the  cylinder,  and  prevents  the 
bucket  from  being  drawn  out  when  the  whole 
ia  so  suspended.  The  bottom  clack  also  is 
so  arranged  that  it  is  at  liberty  to  rise  about 
six  inches  from  its  seating,  so  as  to  allow 
large  fragments  of  rock,  or  other  material, 
to  have  free  access  to  the  interior  of  the  cy- 
linder when  a  partial  vacuum  is  formed 
there  by  the  up-stroke  of  the  pump. 

The  percussive  motion   is  produced  by 
means  of  a  steam  cylinder,  which  is  fitted 
with  a  piston  of  15  inches  diameter,  having 
a  rod  of  oast -iron  7  inches  square  branch-   i 
ing  off  to  a  fork  in  which  is  a  pulley  of 
about  three  feet  in  diameter,  of  sufficient 
breadth  for  the  rope  to  pass  over,  and  with   , 
fianges  to  keep  it  in  its  place.     As  the  bor-    ^ 
ing-bead  and  piston  will  both  fall  by  their 
own  weight  when  the  steam  is  shut  off,  and   I 
the  exhaust  valve  opened,  the  steam  is  ad-   i 
mitted  only  at  the  bottom  of  the  cylinder  ;   | 
the  .exhaust-port  is  a  few  inches  higher  than   j 
the  steam-port,  so  that  there  is  always  an    I 
elastic  cusnion  of  steam  of  that  thickness   | 
for  the  piston  to  fall  upon. 

The  valves  are  opened  and  shut  by  a  self- 
acting  motion  derived  from  the  action  of  the 
piston  itself,  and  as  it  is  of  course  necessary 
that  motion  should  be  given  to  it  before 
such  a  result  can  ensue,  a  small  jet  of  steam 
is  allowed  to  be  constantly  blowing  into  the 
bottom  of  the  cjlinder;  this  causes  the 
piston  to  move  slowly  at  first,  so  as  to  take 
up  the  rope,  and  allow  it  to  receive  the 
Iveight  of  the  boring- rod  by  dep^rees,  and 
without  a  jerk.  An  arm  which  is  attached 
to  the  piston-rod  then  comes  in  contact  with 
a  cam,  which  opens  the  steani. valve,  and  the 
piston  movBs  quickly  to  the  top  of  the 
stroke.  Another  cam,  worked  by  the  same 
arm,  then  shuts  off  the  steam,  and  the  ex- 
haust-valve is  opened  by  a  corresponding 
arrangement  on  the  other  side  of  the  piston- 
rod.  By  moving  the  cams  the  length  of  the 
stroke  can  be  varied  at  the  will  of  the  opera- 
tor, according  to  the  material  to  be  bored 
through.  The  fall  of  the  boring-head  and 
piston  can  also  be  regulated  by  a  weighted 
valve  on  the  exhaust-pipe,  so  as  to  descend 
slowly  or  quickly,  as  may  be  required. 

The  general  arrangement  of  the  new 
machine  may  be  described  as  follows : 

The  winding  drum  is  10  feet  in  dia- 
meter, and  is  capable  of  holding  3,000  feet 
of  rope,  4|  inches  broad  and  half  an  inch 


thick ;  from  the  drum  the  rope  paaaet  under 
a  guide  pulley,  through  a  clam  and  oTer  the 


BORING  HEAD.         SHELL  PUMP. 

pulley  which  is  supported  on  the  fork  ead 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  EABTH-BOBING  IU.OHINEBT. 


533 


of  the  piston-rod,  and  so  to  the  end  which 
receives  the  boring. head,  which  being 
hooked  on  and  lowered  to  the  bottom,  the 
rope  is  gripped  by  the  clam.  A  small  jet 
of  steam  is  then  tamed  on,  causing  the 
piston  to  rise  slowly  until  the  arm  moves 
the  cam,,  and  gives  the  full  charge  of  steam ; 
an  accelerated  motion  is  then  given  to  the 

Eiston,  raising  the  boring-head  the  required 
eight,  when  the  steam  is  shut  off,  and  the 
exhaust  opened  in  the  way  described,  thus 
Meeting  one  stroke  of  the  boring-head  as 
regulated  by  a  back  pressure  valve  in  Ihe 
exhaust  pipe.  The  exhaust-port  is  six 
inches  from  the  bottom  of  the  cylinder; 
when  the  piston  descends  to  this  point  it 
rests  on  a  cushion  of  steam,  which  prevents 
any  concussion.  To  increase  the  lift  of  the 
boring-head  or  compensate  for  the  elasticity 
of  the  rope,  which  is  found  to  be  one  inch 
in  100  feet,  it  is  simply  necessary  to  raise 
the  cams  on  the  cam  shaft  whilst  the  per. 
cussive  motion  is  in  operation.  The  clam 
which  grips  the  rope  is  fixed  to  a  slide  and 
screw,  by  which  means  the  rope  can  be 
given  out  as  required.  When  this  operation 
is  completed,  and  the  strata  cut  up  by  a 
si&ceession  of  strokes  thus  effected,  the 
steam  is  shut  off  from  the  percussive  cylin- 
der, the  rope  unc1ampe<l,  the  winding  engine 
put  in  motion,  and  the  boring-head  brought 
up  and  slung  from  an  overhead  suspension- 
bar  by  a  book  fitted  with  a  roller  to  traverse 
the  bar.  The  ihelUpump  is  then  lowered, 
the  dibrit  pumped  into  it,  by  lowering  and 
raising  the  bucket  about  three  times,  which 
the  reversing  motion  of  the  winding  engine 
readily  admits  of;  it  is  then  brought  to  the 
surface  and  emptied  by  the  following  very 
simple  arrangement.  At  a  point  in  the  ru&- 
pension-bar  a  hook  is  fixed  perpendicularly 
over  a  small  table  in  the  waste  tank,  which 
table  is  raised  and  lowered  by  a  screw.   The 

Sump  being  suspended  from  the  hook  hangs 
irectly  over  the  table,  which  is  then  raised 
by  the  screw  till  it  receives  the  weight  of 
t£e  pump.  A  cotter,  which  keeps  the  clack 
in  its  place,  is  then  knocked  out,  and  the 
table  screwed  down.  The  bottom  clack  and 
the  frame  descending  with  it,  the  contents 
of  the  pump  are  washed  out  by  the  rush  of 
water  contained  in  the  pump  cylinder.  The 
table  is  again  raised  by  the  screw,  and  the 
elack  resumes  its  proper  position ;  the  cotter 
is  then  driven  into  the  slot,  and  the  pamp  is 
again  ready  to  be  lowered  into  the  hole  mm 
before.  It  is  generally  necessary  for  the 
pump  to  descend  three  times  in  order  to  re- 
move all  the  dibris  broken  up  by  the  boring- 
head  at  one  operation. 

The  following  facts  obtained  from  the 
use  of  the  machine  in  boring  in  the  new  red 
sand  stone  at  Manchester,  will  show  its  ac- 
tual performaaoe,  and  enable  us  to  compare 


it  with  the  other  systems  mentioned  in  this 
paper.  The  boring-head  is  lowered  at  the 
rate  of  600  feet  a  minute ;  the  percussive 
motion  is  performed  at  the  rate  of  84  blo^s 
a  minute,  and  being  continued  for  ten  mi- 
nutes,  the  cutters  in  that  time  penetrate 
ftt>m  5  to  6  inches ;  it  is  then  wound  up  at 
300  feet  a  minute.  The  shell-pump  is  then 
lowered  at  the  rate  of  500  feet  a  minute,  the 
pumping  continued  for  one  minute  and  a 
half,  and  being  charged,  the  pump  is  wound 
up  at  800  feet  a  minute.  It  is  then  emptied 
and  the  operation  repeated,  which  can  be 
accomplished  three  times  in  ten  minutes,  at 
a  depth  of  200  feet.  The  whole  of  one  opera, 
tion,  resulting  in  the  deepening  of  the  hole 
5  to  6  inches,  and  cleansing  it  of  dSbrh 
ready  for  the  cutters  or  boring-head  being 
again  introduced,  is  seen  to  occupy  an  in- 
terval of  twenty  miontes  only.  The  value 
of  these  facts  will  be  best  shown  by  comparing 
them  with  the  results  by  the  old  method. 

At  Highgate  the  boring  has  occupied 
two  years  in  attaining  a  depth  of  680  feet 
from  the  bottom  of  a  well  500  feet  deep  from 
the  surface.  Their  progress  at  present  is  at 
the  rate  of  6  inches  per  week,  working 
night  and  day.  At  Warwick,  thirteen 
months  were  occupied  in  boring  400  feet 
through  red  marl.  At  Saltaire,  two  yearn 
in  going  80  yards. 

One  well-known  defect  of  the  old  me- 
thod of  boring  consists  in  the  *  buckling ' 
and  dangling  of  the  rods,  which  has  the 
effect  of  enlarging  the  hole  in  some  in- 
stances to  a  diameter  of  four  feet  where  soft 
strata  intervene.  This  arises  frt>m  the  buck- 
ling  and  dangling  of  the  rods  causing  them 
to  strike  against  the  sides  of  the  hole,  and 
breaking  off  portions  of  earth  which  f>ill  to 
the  bottom,  thus  considerably  increasing 
the  quantity  of  dArit  to  be  brought  up  by 
the  shell,  and  occupying  an  immense  time 
in  getting  out  the  d^brU  which  has  merely 
fallen  from  the  side,  without  increasing  the 
depth  of  the  hole.  This  is  a  serious  defect 
where  geological  purposes  are  to  be  served 
by  the  boring,  because  the  earth  from  the 
side  filing  to  the  bottom  of  the  hole  mixes 
with  that  which  is  cut  up  by  the  chisel, 
and  thus  prevents  an  accurate  knowledge 
being  obtained  of  the  strata  which  the 
boring  has  penetrated.  It  must  be  re- 
marked also  that  the  defect  of  buckling  is 
to  crystallise  the  iron,  deteriorating  its  qua- 
lity, and  thereby  causing  those  frequent 
breakages  which  retard  progress,  and  add  so 
materially  to  the  expense  of  this  system  of 
boring.  The  process  of  crystallisation  being 
beyond  the  observation  of  the  workmen,  the 
result  is  scarcely  if  ever  known  till  the 
breaking  of  the  rods  reveals  it.  To  remedy 
this  difficulty,  and  obviate  the  effects  of 
buckling,  it  haa  been  found  neoeaaary  to 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


6U 


ON  £ABTH-BOBI!la  iti-OHtNEBY. 


put  down  iron  tulwt  into  the  bore-kols. 
Aa  Uie  first  length  of  theto  tubes  can 
scarceljr  l>e  got  to  a  depth  of  more  than  200 
feet,  on  acooant  of  the  great  external  fric 
tion,  it  is  necessarr,  when  the  tube  hai  to 
be  carried  to  a  further  depth,  to  put  d»wn  a 
second  and  a  third  isogth  of  tube,  and  jm 
each  length  must  ••me  to  the  surfoss«  the 
diameter  of  the  bore-hols  is  rer/  materially 
diminished.  It  will  easily  be  se«n  that  when 
the  bore-hole  is  required  to  be  of  SMisidero 
able  depth,  this  diminution  of  its  diametev 
will  at  length  so  contrs^t  ths  hole  as  to  rea- 
der the  supply  of  water  oomparativcly 
limited,  and  in  fact  to  threaten  the  design 
with  actual  failure  after  a  vast  outlay  has 
been  incurred.  These  ineonvenienees,  so 
serious  in  character,  are  all  obviated  by  the 
new  method  of  boring.  No  rods  are  used, 
and  as  the  rope  which  is  substituted  for 
them  seldom  comos  in  oontaet  with  the  sides 
of  the  hole  so  as  to  disturb  the  strati^  tubing 
will  rsrely  be  required.  Indeed,  it  wiU  only 
be  necessary  swen  the  particular  straui 
through  which  the  hole  pasact  happens  lo  be 
▼exy  fluid,  and  e? en  then  it  will  not  always 
be  wanted.  The  great  power  of  pumping 
and  the  facility  olf  winding  possessed  by 
this  new  machine  would  enable  it  to  exhaust 
any  ordinary  quicksand  whieh  might  And  its 
way  into  the  hole.  The  pnm()ing  proeess 
could  be  earrisd  on  at  a  depth  of  600  feet  at 
the  rate  of  a  oart-load  per  hour.  It  is  pes- 
sible  with  Uie  inaproned  maebibe  to  deaibie 
the  hole  so  affeatually  that  not  a  loose  nn* 
tiole  remains  at  ihe  bottDnn  This  will  at 
ones  be  seen  from  the  fact  that  the  pomp 
has  sufficient  power  to  draw  in  masses  of 
rook  -or  other  snbstanoes  of  from  three  to 
four  pounds  weight  This  eirenmstanee 
renders  the  maehine  partldtilarly  uastfol  in 
geologieal  researches,  inasmueh  as  the  low- 
est strata  are  brought  np  in  a  state  of  the 
greatest  possible  eompactneae  and  purity, 
notwithstanding  any  adminture  of  earth 
from  the  sidee,  or  of  that  which  the  shell 
has  been  unable  to  bring  up  in  the  prefiows 
operatioai 

Seme  of  the  more  important  pnUio 
uses  to  whieh  the  new  maehine  eon  be  ap- 
plied may  now  be  briefly  enumerated. 

Sanitary  questions  deserredly  oecnpy 
at  the  ptesent  time  a  large  share  of  public 
attention*  Water,  as  is  weU  known,  ie  the 
ehief  agent  in  sanitary  reform*  It  k  necev- 
saiy  for  flushing  sewers,  for  snppiyrng  baths 
and  washheuses,  as  well  as  far  meeting  the 
dosseslio  wants  of  all  elaeaes  of  the  eoni- 
munity«  The  importanee  el  oleanlineBs 
esnnet  be  everratedi  ss  a  means  of  promot- 
ing  the  general  health,  Md  it  impeeas  the 


teoeasity  for  a  «nek  mnn  e«fri«M  supply 
of  pore  water  Chan  Is  as  yet  wnjoyed  hi  most 
towns.    Many  small  towns  which  are  so  si- 


tuated that  ihey  cannot  oommand  a  lapply 
of  water  from  natural  sources,  are  prevented 
from  obtaining  it  by  boring,  on  aecount  of 
the  great  expense,  and  still  more  the  vexa- 
tious uncertainty  of  the  process.  The  eer- 
poratien  of  Manchester  hsve  expended  up- 
wards of  a  million  sterling  in  supplying  that 
oity  and  its  neighbonrhood  with  water,  and 
they  sail  it  to  the  eorpoiation  of  Sal  ford  at 
the  rate  of  threepenoe  per  thousand  galioos. 
It  is  eonfidantly  believed  that  by  the  new 
method  of  boring  an  abundant  supply  of 
wster  could  be  prooured  en  the  spot  at  half 
that  priee.  Thus,  in  a  sanitary  point  of 
view,  the  new  maehine  is  of  the  utnaest  va- 
lu«^  sinoe  it  enables  us  to  proeui e  a  miiah 
greater  supply  of  water  il  far  leea  time*  and 
from  depths  whieh  wore  all  but  iftaoeeaaible 
on  the  old  metiied  ef  bsrinipi  For  exainplei 
the  work  at  Highgate^  whieh  has  oc«s^pied 
two  years^  denld  have  been  done  in  thuty^ 
three  days.  That  at  Warwiek,  whieh  has 
occupied  thirteen  months,  eon&d  have  httm 
done  in  twenty  daya«  lliat  at  Sakaire  te 
supply  the  worh  pe^le  with  diinhinst  waisi; 
whieh  has  ocoupied  two  ^eara,  oMud  have 
been  done  In  twenty-nine  days* 

It  must  be  home  in  mittd  thnt  wMer  is 
seldom  sought  by  the  tedione  and  t 
process  of  boring  till  U  is  urgently  ^ 
The  eld  method  therefore,  not  only  oeen- 
sione  a  vastly  increased  outlay,  bwt  alee  in* 
valves  an  amount  of  ptivatioti  whieh  in 
many  eases  is  a  mailsr  of  sesiene  iaporU 


In  oonelnsion,  another 
mi^  be  noticed  to  which  this  invention  ns^ 
be  applied,  namely,  the  ventilation  nf  bmm% 
with  a  view  ef  preventing  the  dreeaUU  ex- 
pleaiene  mhiiA  are  unhappily  too  fieqnenli 
These  explosions  most  freqitently  eriee  from 
the  ignition  of  the  gases  or  fowl  air  ae- 
suroiuatsd  in  the  gidleries,  or  eld  werkiiqj^ 
end  in  large  cavities  whieh  have  been  par- 
titioned  o£  The  remedy  in  tfiene  eaesa 
would  be  to  bore  desan  frwm  the  suefree  and 
perforate  these  parts  «f  thn  naine  «t  ^ifierent 
places,  so  as  te  adssii  a  eeiwint  wf  fmsh  nir 
mto  the  parts  where  the  4bnl  ear  ha4  lean- 
mulated.  On  the  eld  inetliod  ef  horbig  this 
object  ie  impraetieeblei  shsee,  in  nMitina  te 
the  expense^  the  4aanieter  of  tlm  hole  wllhin 
leaoh  of  the  old  eysttm  ii  qsiite  inmiflHlenl 
for  the  pwrpeee  Mqaii^d.  The  impewved 
plan  now  ptopeeed  is  net  only  (ae  hne  boM 
ahown)  nnoh  mnre  evonomieal,  but  H  is 
capable  of  boring  holes  of  ampin  iHiaiiinlens 
to  be  adapted  as  slra4hnfts  in  the  wny  jme. 
posed.  A  diameter  of  thMS  feet  han  mm 
suggested  abdl«,  Mit  the  laMit  pnwtienble 
limit  Is  mpiich  beyiMid  this.  Ineteadl  off  pes^ 
tftioniDg  off  the  iriwllllg  shaft,  Mid  tfMinanu 
ing  it  below  wMh  i  inMiipllntftetf  i^ntm  ef 
passages  for  return  currents,  it  would  be 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OK  THE  EIEGTRO-GHEMICAL  DEPOSITION  OF  METALS. 


found  in  practice  much  more  useful  to  bore 
■•▼eral  holes,  of  «  moderate  diameter,  at 
.the  end  of  the  workings.  On  this  plan 
the  air  would  hare  only  half  the  distanee  to 
travel,  and  the  aseending  shaft  would  not 
require  to  bt  kept  at  nearly  so  high  a  tem- 
perature, or,  if  kept  at  the  same  tempera- 
ture«  Uie  ventilation  of  the  mine  would 
become  so  much  the  aiors  eflbctlve  and 
complete. 
It  is  hoped  tl)at  the  facts  eonttlned  in 


sas 

this  paper  will  sufficient!]^  prove  the  vast 
Buperic  rity  of  the  new  mediod  of  boring 
herein  described,  and  the  great  advantage 
whieh  will  accrue  to  the  community  from 
its  general  adoption.  Relying  upon  these 
facts  it  is  presumed  by  the  inventor  th^t 
the  improvements  he  has  introduced  will 
constitute  a  new  era  in  the  art  of  earth- 
lioring,  and  in  ^e  various  important  objects 
to  which  it  is  and  i^Asy  be  applied* 


ON  7H&  SI«|&QT^-GH£MJCAL  PBPOSITXON  OF  MSX^LS. 

BY   ALEZANPBR   WATT. 
(Oonhnued  finnt  pagt  508^ 


Tbbiie  are  other  circumstances  besides 
the  power  of  the  battery,  which  affect  the 
nature  of  the  deposit  or  the  speed  with  which 
it  is  obtained.  The  solution,  or  ^kctrolyte, 
may  be  what  is  teriped  a  good  or  a  bad  con- 
ductor, according  to  the  amount  of  metal  or 
the  proportion  of  the  solvent  existing  in  it ; 
or  the  extent  of  surface  of  anode  or  positive 
electrode  immersed  in  the  solution  wnile  de- 
position is  taking  place.  If  the  solution  be 
poor  in  metal,  &c.,  and  the  surface  of  anode 
exposed  to  the  article  which  is  to  receive 
the  deposit  be  smaller  than  i^  required,  the 
operatipn  will  go  on  slowly ;  whilst)  on  the 
other  hand,  a  superabundance  of  metal  ^nd 
the  solvent  being  in  the  solution,  and  the 
surfkce  of  anode  exposed  bein^  considerable, 
the  deposit  may  take  place  so  rapidly  tli^t 
it  will  be  thrown  off  the  cathoae  in  the  form 
of  a  powder,  or  myriads  of  minute  granule^, 

Aeain,  the  speed  with  which  the  deposit  is 
obtained  depends  upon  the  temperature  of 
the  solution.  When  the  solution  i^  rfused 
to  the  temperature  of  60"  C.  (140"  J".)  de- 
position takes  place  yery  rapidly;  indeed, 
in  order  to  brioff  the  solution  to  a  s.trength 
which  will  enable  you  to  use  it  Ho^  without 
fear  of  granular  deposition  mid  other  icQper- 
fections,  nearly  Tonej  cent,  of  wat^r  mus( 
be  added  to  it,  and  the  surface  of  ^OQde  im- 
mersed be  diminished. 

In  ej^cessively  cold  vreather,  I  h^ve  fre- 
quently found  a  silyer  solution  coTered  with 
Ice  of  considerable  thicknens,  and,  conse- 
quenily.  the  deposition  ha§  take^  plaee  more 
slowly  than  was  de«lred.  lu  tliis  ^tste  thQ 
deposit  was  much  harder  apd  les«  ipcUned 
to  be  "  rough,"  than  when  the  solution  wm 
of  a  higher  tem^Vf^turQ.  {  would  at  all 
iiine^  prefer  w()rking  the  silver  solution  at 
as  low  a  temperature  as  possible,  as  I  thinlc 
the  deposit,  under  such  circumstances,  is  in 
mtmif  f9«P«cta  of  a  fupfMrMW  quality. 

Motion  will  also  materially  affcpt  fdfCtro- 
deposition.  If  the  solution  be  too  strong ; 
if  the  surface  of  the  anode  exposed  be  exces- 
sive i  if  the  sQlution  b«  of  |9q  high  ^  t^i^r 
perature ;  if  t^  bj^t^j:/  Jjft  (09  Bom vf»ls  W 


if  any  one  of  these  circumstances  give  rise 
to  a  pulverulent  or  granular  deposit,  or 
cause  the  meta}  to  "  strip,"  or  peel  off  the 
article  on  which  it  Is  deposited  ;  by  V^^piAl^ 
the  negative  electrode  and  the  article  at- 
tached  to  it  in  coostant  and  rapid  motion 
until  the  required  coating  is  obtained,  a  per. 
fectly  smooth^  uniform  and  tenacious  de- 
posit will  be  secured,  though  the  circum- 
stances referred  to  be  ever  so  unfavourable. 
For  example,  if  ypu  attach  an  article  to  the 
negative  electrode  and  place  it  in  the  gild- 
ing bath,  and  if  after  a  few  seconds,  you 
observe  that  the  gold  is  deposited  of  a  dull 
brpwn  colour,  by  veiv  brisxly  agitating  thQ 
article  in  the  solution,  it  will  instantly 
becoqie  bp^ht  and  pf  a  ^ood  ^e-go}4 
colox^r. 

There  are  circitpistances  pnder  which  nq 
deposition  whatever  will  take  plac^.  The 
following  occurrence  wUl  illustrate  Si  curious 
phenomenon  whivh  ppoi^rre^  to  ipv  brpther 
and  ip^s^lf  soipe  years  ago.  We  had  \>eej\ 
pitting  ]arge  qu^Dtiti^s  of  apopna  and  fprk^ 
iq  an  ajpartiinept.  for  several  years,  during 
which  time  our  operations  )iftd  been  mpsi 
highly  successful,  and  we  had  been  much 
praised  for  the  quality  of  our  deposit  One 
d%y  my  brother  found,  to  hiq  gres^t  apnoyafiee, 
that  no  deposit  whatever  would  take  place 
on  any  article  innmers^d  in  the  solution, 
Something  was  wrong.  Entirely  new  b^u 
teries  were  applied,  but  with  no  better  suc- 
cess ;  fresh  solutions  were  made,  but.  stiU 
no  deposition  of  silver  too]u  place.  The  bat- 
teriea  and  solutions  werq  nei^t  insulated 
from  contact  with  the  ground,  as  we  thought 
it  probable  the  cucrept  wM  heing  conducted 
»way  4omc  how  or  other«  and  yet  x^o  favour- 
able  change  occurred*  Thu9  mattery  went 
on  for  pearly  a  fortuight^-sll  hands  were 
idle ;  the  workpeppU  ei^oyed  a  kind  of  ex^ 
tended  (faster  hoUoAytor  were  looping  somo^ 
thing  favpurable  would  '*tun)  up,*'  from 
day  to  day.  At  \^at,  bavins  tried  every  ex* 
pe41ent  that  suggested  itself  ta  QV^  alnqost 
diatrapted  aeq^^  H  occqrre^  to  paq  that  if 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


536 


ON  THB  ELEGTBO-CHEHICAL  DEPOSITION  OF  METALS. 


another  apartmwt  we  might  meet  with  bet- 
ter sueoess.  The  experiment  was  tried,  and 
it  suceeeded.  Once  more  we  could  obaerve 
the  beautiful  deposit  of  silver  upon  the 
metallic  surfaces,  and  all  went  on  welL 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  cause  of  this 
inaction,  some  time  afterwards,  the  opera- 
tions  were  carried  on  in  the  same  apartment 
with  perfect  facility. 

In  practising  the  art  of  electro-deposition 
it  is  necessary  to  observe  the  strictest  clean- 
liness, and  to  be  careful  not  to  allow  the  so- 
lutions  in  any  way  to  be  mixed  with  each 
other. 

It  will  be  necessary  to  have  various  kinds 
of  solutions  of  certain  strengths,  in  order  to 
deposit  one  metal  upon  another  with  tena- 
city and  firmness.  The  same  solution  will 
not  do  well  for  all  metals.  It  is  the  neglect 
of  this  fact  which  causes  many  failures,  and 
many  solutions  to  be  spoilt.  A  solution 
which  will  allow  a  good  deposit  of  silrer  to 
take  place  on  copper  or  brass,  will  not  be 
applicable  to  steel,  as  the  silver  would  in- 
stantly blister  or  peel  off  the  latter.  Again, 
a  solution  which  would  deposit  a  faultless 
coating  of  copper  on  iron  would  deposit  a 
very  bad  coating  on  zinc. 

To  those  who  are  unacquainted  with 
science,  I  may  observe  that  they  need  not 
be  deterred  from  the  study  of  these  arts  by 
any  apparent  abstruseness  which  may,  at 
first  sight,  surround  it  In  the  present  por- 
tion of  my  article  I  have  been  under  the 
necessity  of  entering  chiefly  into  scientific 
considerations:  in  the  next,  I  shall  com- 
mence the  details  of  the  various  processes  of 
electro-deposition,  which  I  will  endeavour 
to  render  as  simple  as  possible,  in  order  that 
they  may  be  fully  understood  even  by  those 
who  now  enter  upon  the  study  of  this  sub- 
ject for  the  first  time. 


Many  valuable  improvements  and  addi- 
tions  have  been  made  by  the  various  mani- 

Sulators  in  this  beautiful  art ;  one  of  the 
rst  of  which  was  Mr.  Murray's  application 
of  plumbago  (carburet  of  iron),  as  a  coating 
for  surfaces  which  were  non-conductors  of 
electricity.  This  important  discovery  at 
once  rendered  the  art  of  electrotype  simple 
and  practicable. 

Electrotypes  were  originally  produced  in 
a  cell,  which  formed  at  the  same  time  the 
battery  and  the  decomposition  bath,  thus : — 
A  Jar  was  charged  with  a  concentrated  solu- 
tion of  sulphate  of  copper  (''blue  stone"  or 
"  blue  vitriol").  A  porous  cell,  a  bladder, 
or  a  glass  tube  having  one  end  covered  with 
a  piece  of  bladder,  was  placed  in  this  solu- 
tion, and  a  piece  of  sine  with  a  copper  wire 
attached  waa  placed  in  this  cell,  which  waa 
then  filled  with  dilate  sulphuric  acid  or  salt 


and  water ;  the  object  to  be  copied,  being 
previously  prepared,  was  sospended  to  the 
end  of  this  wire  and  immersed  in  the  copper 
solution.  This  was  termed  the  '*  single  cell " 
arrangement;  it  is  even  now  frequently  used 
by  electro-metallurgists  in  some  of  their 
operations. 

Subsequently,  experimentalists  applied  a 
separate  battery  for  the  purpose  of  deposit- 
ing copper  firom  its  solution,  and  it  was 
found  that  operations  on  a  large  scale  could 
thus  be  carried  on  with  considerable  speed 
and  with  other  adrantages.  Mr.  Mason  has 
the  credit  of  being  the  first  who  applied 
a  separate  battery  to  the  production  of  elec- 
trotypes. 

When  a  separate  battery  is  used,  it  is 
necessary  to  attach  the  mould  to  be  copied 
to  the  negative  electrode, — ^the  wire  proceed- 
ing from  the  fine  of  the  battery,  and  a  piece 
of  sheet  copper  is  attached  to  the  positive 
electrode, — the  wire  issuing  from  the  copper 
of  the  battery.  In  this  arrangement  the 
objuct  to  receive  the  deposit  constitutes  the 
cathode  and  the  copper  plate  the  anode. 

Copper  Solutions, — The  solation  for  elec- 
trotyping  by  means  of  the  **  single  cell "  ar- 
rangement, should  be  composed  of  a  nearly 
saturated  solution  of  sulphate  of  copper, 
with  two  ounces  of  concentrated  snlphuric 
acid  added  to  the  gallon  of  saturated  solu- 
tion i  one  drachm  of  arsenious  acid  (white 
oxide  of  arsenic)  may  be  also  added  to  im- 
prove  the  character  of  the  deposit,  but  this 
is  not  indispensable.  A  little  chloride  of 
tin  may  be  substituted  for  the  arsenic 

The  sulphate  of  eopper  may  be  dissolved 
in  boiling  distilled  or  rain  water,  and  al. 
lowed  to  cool,  the  sulphuric  acid  being 
added  when  the  solution  is  quite  cold. 

Sulphate  of  copper  is  frequently  adulte- 
rated with  sulphate  of  iron  ("copperas"  or 
"green  vitriol"),  therefore  it  is  necessary 
to  obtain  the  article  at  a  respectable  esta- 
blishment; in  fact  it  is  advisable  always 
to  procure  substances  required  for  experi- 
ment, or  even  for  more  extensive  operatioDS, 
where  their  purity  can  be  depended  upon. 
If  every  one  adopted  this  principle,  those 
who  vend  impure  materials  would  aoon  be 
compelled  to  follow  the  example  of  their 
more  honest  competitors,  and  to  sell  pore 
articles,  however  little  in  accordance  with 
their  wishes. 

The  solution  required  for  depositing  cop- 
per  with  a  separate  batteiy  is  composed 
of— 

Sulphate  of  eopper  ...  1  pound. 
Sulphuric  acid  ....  1  pound. 
Water      ....    (about)  1  gallon. 

to  which  may  be  added  a  small  quantity  of 
arsenious  acid  or  chloride  of  tin. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  THE  SUP  OV  SOBSW  FBOnOXBBB. 


537 


ON  THE  SLIP  OF  SCREW  PRO- 
PELLERS. 

In  1648,  M.  Bourgois,  Engineer  de  Yais- 
■eau,  at  the  OoTerninent  Manufactory  of 
Indret,  in^  France,  made  t  number  of  ezpe- 
rimenta  with  screw  propellers  of  different 
forms  and  dimensions.  In  consequence  of 
bis  hating  been  sopplied  with  manual  force 
only,  he  was  not,  it  appears,  enabled  to  em. 
brace  the  whole  of  the  circamstances  attend- 
ing  the  use  of  the  screw,  but  was  obliged  to 
address  himself  entirely  to  the  question  of 
Blip.  The  results  of  his  experiments  have 
been  made  the  subject  of  an  interesting 
paper  by  Mr.  B.  F.  Isherwood,  Chief  En- 
gineer, United  States  Navy,  who»e  remarks 
are  in  course  of  publication  in  the  Jommai 
rf  the  FrankUn  Inttituie,  After  an  elabo- 
rate  examination  of  the  data  furnished  in 
the  report  of  Bourgois,  Mr.  Isherwood 
eoiisiders  the  experiments  discussed  esta- 
blifh  the  following  conclusions  with  regard 
to  "  the  laws  regulating  the  slip  of  the  screw 
in  function  of  its  form  and  dimensions.'' 

1.  With  regard  to  the  i^/luence  exerted  on 
the  slip  by  the  cutting  out  qf  the  inner  part 
rf  the  bladee.  That  a  cutting  out  of  the 
inner  portion  of  the  blades,  by  the  passage 
of  a  cylinder  having  the  same  axis  with  the 
Borew  and  a  diameter  equal  to  half  the  dia- 
meter of  the  screw,  increased  the  slip  one- 
seventh ;  that  is  to  say,  if  the  slip  before  the 
cutting  out  was  28  per  centum,  it  would  be 


32  per  centum  after  the  cutting  out.  Also, 
that  a  further  cutting  out  of  the  inner  por- 
tion  of  the  blades,  by  the  passage  of  a  cy- 
linder of  coincident  axis  and  of  a  diameter 
equal  to  three-fourths  the  diameter  of  the 
screw,  increased  the  slip  two-fiflhs  ;  that  is 
to  say,  if  the  slip  of  the  full  threaded  screw 
before  the  cutting  out  was  28  per  centum,  it 
would  be  89  per  centum  after  the  cutting 
out. 

2.  fVith  regard  to  the  it^lnenee  exerted  on 
the  tUp  by  employing  leu  than  one  eonvolu- 
tion  qfthe  thread,  or  byfiraeliemng  the  pitch. 
That  supposing  the  original  screw  to  con- 
sist of  one  convolution  of  the  thread  di- 
vided into  several  blades,  the  effect  upon  the 
slip  is  the  same  for  equal  fractionments  of 
the  pitch,  whether  that  fractionment  be 
effected  by  the  omission  of  blades,  presery. 
ing  the  same  length  of  screw,  or  by  the 
diminution  of  the  length  of  the  screw,  pre- 
serving the  same  number  of  blades,  viz., 
that  an  increase  of  slip  follows  each  decrease 
of  screw  surface ;  that  this  increase  of  slip 
follows  no  regular  ratio  of  the  decrease  of 
surface  of  the  screw,  but  is  large  for  small 
fractions  of  the  pitch,  becoming  gradually 
very  small  for  large  fractions  of  the  pitch ; 
t>:at  the  mean  of  the  experiments  deter- 
mines the  following  for  the  ratio  of  the  in- 
crease of  slip  in  the  case  whf  re  the  original 
one  con? oluiion  of  the  thread  was  decreased 
successively  by  one- seventh  at  a  time,  vis. : 


Fractions  used  of 
the  pitch. 

Ratio  of  the  increase 
of  the  slips. 

Relative  slips,  supposing  the  slip 

with  one  convolution  of  the  thread 

to  be  80  per  centum. 

7-7  or  1000 
6-7  or  0-887 
5-7  or  0-714 
4-7  or  0-871 
8-7  or  0-429 
2-7  or  0-286 
1-7  or  0148 

1-0000 
10024 
1-0869 
10777 
1-1492 
1-2626 
1*4468 

80-000 
80072 
81-107 
82-881 
84-476 
87-878 
48-889 

That  within  the  limits  of  one  convolution  of 
the  thread  and  with  the  same  screw,  halving 
the  same  surface  either  by  reducing  the 
length  one  half  or  by  omitting  one-half  the 
number  of  blades,  increases  the  slip  in  the 
same  ratio,  and  this  ratio  is  constsnt,  be  the 
absolute  amounts  of  surface  what  they  may ; 
and  that  the  ratio  of  this  increase  of  slip 
for  such  a  reduction  of  one-half  the  surface 
is  1-161  or  two  thirteenths:  for  instance,  if 
using  «i«-8evenths  of  one  convolution  give 
a  slip  of  80  per  centum,  then  using  tJ^eC' 
sevenths  of  the  same  convolution  will  give 
a  slip  of  (1*181  x30s=)  84^  per  centum  ;  if 
using  tapo-serenths  of  one  convolution  give 


a  slip  of  89  per  centum,  then  using  ons- 
seventh  of  the  same  convolution  will  give  a 
slip  of  (1*151  x89»)  48  per  centum,  and 
so  on. 

3.  With  regard  to  the  h^fhenee  exerted  on 
the  $lip  by  employing  an  obUqne  generatrix. 
That  the  employment  of  a  straight  line  for 
generatrix,  having  its  inner  end  tangent  to 
an  inner  cylinder  of  the  same  axis  as  the 
screw,  so  that  it  made  angles  of  100°  and 
80®,  with  a  plane  passing  longitudinally 
through  the  axis,  exerted  no  sensible  in- 
fluence on  the  slip  of  the  screw  ;  and  as  a 
curved  generatrix  is  only  an  oblique  gene- 
ratrix with  a  constantly  varying  degree  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


S3&i    MOFEBSOB  OALLAlfft  ^^TPUT  JK^WW^^  W  ftAJVAOTO  BATTKBIES. 

are  in  the  X*W^  of  |M  •quvet  of  tlie 


obliauity,  it  follows  t^at  x^o  sensible  inflyi^ 
ence  on  the  slip  would  be  exerted  hj  |l 
curved  generatrix. 

4.  With  regard  to  the  in^Utence  exerted  os 
the  slip  by  employing  «|  curved  directrit  or 
expanding  pitch-  That  the  emnloyment  of  a 
curved  directrix  ifith  such  a  aegree  of  cur- 
vature that  the  Ungents  at  the  extxenaitiea 
of  the  blade  made  angles  of  8**  with  the  ' 
chord,  decreased  the  slip  of  the  screw  one- 
sixth  I  that  is  Uf  say,  ^  a  screw  vitU  a 
straight  d^rectrijj  or  uniform  pitch  g»ve  % 
slip  of  ZO  per  centum,  then  the  same  screw 
but  with  a  curved  directrix  whose  meaa 
pitch  equalled  the  pitch  of  the  straight  di- 
reQtriXi  would  give  a  slip  of  25  ^er  centum  \ 
the  curvature  of  the  directrix  being  as  above 
described  and  the  slip  being  calculated  for 
the  mean  pitch. 

St.  With  regard  to  the  ii^uenee  exerted  on 
the  $Up  by  the  division  qf  th^  tame  pro^Uing 
turface  into  a  vutre  or  lete  number  qf  blades. 
That  the  ^lip  of  the  same  area  of  the  same 
propelling  8\irf4ce  remains  unaltered,  whe- 
ther that  surface  be  arranged  in  one  bl^d^ 
or  many. 

6.  With  regar4  to  the  trepidations  <ff  th^ 
seretfi.  That  when  the  propelling  surface  ic^ 
arranged  in  om  blade,  the  trepidatiqns  are 
very  8tro%g:  when  arri^ged  in  two  b^^des^ 
Ught  i  whe«  arranged  in  three  bladea.  nearly 
inseni^ikle^  apd  wl)ieA  19  /o«r  ^Udee  W^  e^- 

'  7.  With  regard  to  the  influence  exerted  on 
the  sUp  by  the  greater  or  less  rotary  speed  qf 
ihe4mii49Pref(^  Tbat^esti^offlM  Mine  screw 
rqmMRf  4  40D»^w»t  9i  «U  mtmsy  velooities,  the 
speed  of  tUe  ^^%  Vf  ioff  ii^  tWft  direct  ratio  of 
the  number  of  revolutions  made  by  the  screw 
in  a  given  time. 

8.  With  regard  to  the  it^uence  exerted  on 
the  slip  by  surrqimding  the  periphery  qf  the 
9crew  with  a  thit  pietallie  drum  qf  the  tame 
length  as  the  screuii/astened  to  the  blades  and 
turning  with  them.  That  the  application  of 
auch  a  drum  prodacegno  effect  on  the  slip. 

9.  With  regard  to  the  ir\fiuence  exerted  on 
the  slip  by  arranging  the  blades  checkerwise. 
That  the  arrangement  of  the  blades  chec« 
kerwise,  which  is  done  by  taking  half  the 
number  of  the  b^des,  moving  them  back 
fheir  length,  and  positionipg  tbem  so  that 
the  rear  blades  intersect  the  spaces  between 
the  front  blades,  ifhich  arrangement  causes 
the  screw  to  be  of  double  length  In  the  direc- 
tion of  the  axis,  exerts  no  influeBoe  on  the 
slip  of  the  screw. 

i(y.  With  regard  to  th»  infuence  exerted 
on  the  tUp  by  the  length  rf  the  pitch.  That 
the  slips  of  otherwise  equal  screws  are  in 
the  direct  ratio  of  the  phches ;  that  is  to 
say,  doubling  the  pitch  doubles  the  slip. 

11.  With  regara  to  the  ii^uenee  exerted  on 
the  tUp  hy  ihfi  iength  qf  the  diameter  <f  ^he 


tcreidf 

screws  are  i 

diameters ;  that  U  to  say.  b^lf  ing  ^  4u- 

meter  Inci^easeii  the  slip  ibut  tloi^s. 

PR0FE5S0R    oal;.4.n*s    PATBTTT 

BATTERIES. 

[The  following  is  ao  exwet  cqdj  qC  the 
vpecifics^tion  of  Fiofesaor  C«llan's  kiat 
ptVtent  for  improTement^  in  gahvue  haW 
teries  ^d  exciting  amenta,] 

Ht  invention  Qf  <4n(ipr9VQmeiit«  in  ex- 
citing  agents  used  'm  gf\v9xdo  batt«rie%  and 
Ut  tho  construction  oi  g^^aaiQ  batteries/' 
consists^  in  ^hc  firs^  pUcfit  Iq  the  owe  of  nm 
eSKoitiug  4genta  £or  toe  positive  and  neg«« 
tive  elemental  or  for  tha  nejiative  element 
oply.  eC  nearly  all  g^lvamc  batterie«  m 
whip  a  zinc  la  the  pesitive  «n4  «i|Qthec  metal 
Qr  carbon  is  th9  o«gUiTe  element 

These  ixew  fsoiling  agei^ts  are  the  ia^ 
lowing;— Utt  yi^dilitcjf  mwiatw  *oi4, 
vh&th^i:  used  ti<v^  or  ivith  eiilphiuie  ov 
certain  othec  fuiids,  such  as  sy'^%^M>Qa 
manganic;  ae^d}  &o«  Mly^  tf  itrUtic  or 
lUlphuric  acid,  a;  bQtl^  iQgetber,  mixed  witb 
any  qu4nti^  of  wateir  qf  any  ki^d,  ]|¥of  i4ed 
that  quantity  he  lefa  than  five  or  aq;  ^im/t^ 
the  quaaUty  of  the  acid  or  ^^441  that  iat^ 
i«r,  |eM  than  fiye  timofi  <|f  «wa  W^WS 
and  less  than  six  times  for  others.  The 
batteries  in  which  the  quantity  of  watev 
should  be  less  than  4ve  time^  that  of  the 
acid  pr  acids  ave  those  }o  whioh  platina, 
copper,  silver,  carbon,  or  a  platinized  metal 
is  the  negative  element}  and  the  batteriee 
in  which  the  quantity  of  water  should  he 
lea9  itian  six  times  that  qC  Vhe.  ((oid  or  acids 
are  those  in  which  irox^  qr  G^t-wqn  ia  the 
ne^atite  element, 

I  would  here  remark,  that  tpx  exciting  the 
i;lnc  or  positive  elemenfi  I  4a  not  use  the 
mi;(ture  composed  of  ten  parts  Qf  s^lpharie 
a,cld»  end  fourteen  parti  qi  lAunaXie  acid 
diluted  with  twenty  parts  of  water.  I  would 
also  remark,  that  if  the  negative  oleaaent 
be  excited  by  any  of  the  above.mentioDe4 
fluids,  and  the  positive  element  by  a  4ifier- 
ent  fluid,  the  element^  mqst  l^e  separated 
by  a,  porous  diaphragm. 

Mv  invention  oonsis^i  se^ndly^  in  Dsin^ 
cast-iron  cells  (that  is,  ctst-iroA  ress^U 
which  will  hold  the  exciting  fluid],  made  in 
such  a  way  that  both  sides  of  the  xinc  plates 
within  them  wUl  act,  and  tlvat  the  distance 
between  the  xinc  and  iron,  or  between  the 
greater  part  of  their  respective  surfaces, 
will  not  exceed  a  quarter  or  fivovsixteenths 
of  an  inch,  unless  the  surface  of  the  sine 
plates  exceed  thix^-sU  aqi^^joe  inehea  i  also 
in  coverij^p  the  pact  qf  tlU  icoo  QX  sin^, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


vm^*u  P4Twr  mxmc^^JxcB. 


m 


whiph  \\u%  litUe  pr  op  effect  in  pTo^wging 
the  galvapic  current,  wjih  a  substance  on 
which  the  exciting  fluid  wil]  not  act,  or  will 
aot  hut  slightly,  ^nd  thus  preventing  or 
diipinishing  the  action  of  th«  flviid  on  thftt 
pf  the  iron  or  ^jing.  Th§  c^st-iron  p^lls  pr 
Tessels  which  hold  the  exciting  4\ii(l  Bhoui4 
be  so  narrowj  ?xoept  at  the  upper  part,  that 
when  the  i;ipc  plates  are  nlacea  in  the 
middle  qf  th§|iP  the  distance  hetwaci^  either 
sid^  of  the  pipe  plate  and  the  si^e  of  the 
pa^t-iroi)  pell  paareat  to  it  may  pot  exceed 
a  quarter  of  an  lnch«  By  this  arrangeipei^t 
each  fide  of  the  «inc  plate?  will  be  opposite 
and  contiguous  to  au  equal  or  not  v^ry 
unequal  svjrfacq  qf  papt-ifon. 

The  upper  part  of  th»  celU  «ho)Ud  h© 
wider  than  the  lower  part,  in  order  that  they 
may  contain  a  aufficff^nt  quantity  of  the 
exeitiag  fluid.  la  ordor  to  give  aa  id«a  of 
the  proportien  af  the  width  of  tb«  upper  and 
lower  part  of  thp  aall  I  woulii  remark,  that 
fox  fthout  thp  length  of  mt  jpoh  from  the 
ji«p  U^e  width  of  tha  e«U  pney  b«  about  an 
'\fk9k  gr^^tar  than  ^  thi  lower  part.  «v> 
Burning  the  cells  to  be  about  four  or  five 
inches  high  ;  but  if  the  cel)9  bf  Vflfff^  than 
six  inches  high,  the  widened  part  may 
extend  further  from  the  top  of  t^e  same.     I 


4q  not,  howeveri  confine  myself  to  tbe»e 
ei^act  proportions. 

In  order  to  prevent  or  dimipish  the  action 
of  the  fluid  on  that  part  of  the  iron  or  zinc 
which  \^fi^  little  or  po  cfleet  ip  producing 
the  galvaaie  current,  I  oover  it  with  a  «ub- 
atanoe  on  which  the  eliciting  tui4  will  not 
aot,  qr  will  act  hut  little,  HUch  as  yrood, 
Yulqani?;ed  Ipdia-rubber,  or  other  subatftOQ^ 
calculated  tq  produpe  e  similar  e&ect. 

Having  thwi  de»crihfid  the  nature  of  n\y 
iuTention.  and  in  what  pnanner  the  sapop  la 
to  he  perfovmed,  I  would  have  it  understqoa 
that  what  I  Qlaiu)  <^  of  my  invention  is, 

First*  Tbe  uae  of  the  es^citiog  agents 
deacrihe4  un4er  the  ^r^t  hea^  of  my  inve^« 
tiqn. 

Secondly,  The  u^e  of  the  cast-iron  oel)9 
of  the  form  described,  so  a«  to  cqff^t^ine  the 
means  pf  hQldiu|  a  «u|&cient  quantity  of  the 
exciting  ^Hid  with  the  action  of  ^otb  aidea 
of  the  :5inc,  and  with  contiguity  qif  (be  4uf» 
facea  of  the  aide^  of  the  oella  to  the  9Uri«t9ef 
of  the  zinc  plates. 

And  lastly.  The  protection  of  that  part  of 
the  cast-iron  which  has  little  or  no  effect  in 
pyoduo^qg  the  galf  wlc  ePKOBt,  by  eotvering 
it  with  e  substaope  QQ  wbieh  the  axeiting 
fluid  will  nqt  ^Pt  at  all,  9^  will  apt  ^Ht  little. 


PBILB*t  PATENT 
T^i  ae  e«nip«nyhig    engravings    repre- 
sent    an     iaaaMved    Tiftinr-jack,   patented 
April  tl,  1851,  by  l|r.  J.J.  Peile,  of  White- 


LIFTINQ.JACK. 

haven,  which  la  intendecl  to  be  mainly 
•mployad  ia  atapliag  tioabar  in  the  holds  of 
veaiela.    Fig.  1  fepfeaeata  a  froat,  and  £9. 

Fig.  2, 


2  a  side  Tiew  of  fhe  apparatus.  A  is  a 
vertical  iron  bar,  provided  with  broad 
ratchet- teeth,  a,  a,  on  opposite  sides,  which 
teeth  have  their  hqfi?ipntal  faofa  upperBioit. 
Over  thia  W,  A>  which  i«  groqved  at  iti 
edgea,  alidea  a  f^ani^e,  B,  which  cavrlea  at  ita 
lower  eo4  a  shoe,  G,  for  in^f  ting  below  the 
log  to  h^  U(^4t  aud  forming  a  rest  or  au|h 
pprt  fox  It,    J^ted  ta  thia  j^a^ni,  «t  ahftut 


ti>t  middk  of  iU  length,  ii  a  roekin^- 
irame>  I>,  wbieh  raaka  aa  atnd-pias,  fi,  aiid 
•anbraeaa  iht  ven»aal  bat,  A.  TTiis  frama^ 
P,  eMVies  two  eliahs  ot  eatcbea.  9,  F,  whiah 
take  raapae^Tfily  iata  the  vaiehei-taeth  oa 
the  fkppoaha  sides  of  the  vevtioal  bav,  A,  and 
are  held  ia  contact  with  that  bar  by  means 
of  their  weighted  arms,  G,  G.  The  rocking- 
frame,  P,  is  fwovidad  at  one  aide  with  lugs, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


540 


bright's  bboistebbd  pahat.lft.  compasses. 


H,  to  receive  the  end  of  a  orow-bar  or  leveri 
I,  for  the  purpose  of  actuating  the  rocking- 
frame.  As  this  frame  is  rocked,  the  clicks, 
F,  will  be  alternately  lifted,  the  one  rising 
to  the  next  tooth  in  the  rack  with  which  it 
is  in  contact,  while  the  other  forms  a  ful- 
crum for  the  upward  movement  of  the 
frame.  By  this  means  the  frame,  B,  will  be 
eaused  to  slide  up  the  bar.  A,  and  two  jacks 
of  this  construction  being  applied  to  oppo- 
site ends  of  the  log  to  be  raised,  and  ope- 
rated simultaneously,  the  log  which  bears 
upon  the  shoes  or  supports,  C,  of  the  sliding 
frames  of  the  jacks  will  be  readily  lifted. 
When  the  log  has  been  raised  to  the  re- 

Suired  height,  it  is  slidden  off  its  supports, 
I,  on  to  the  pile  of  timber,  and  the  sliding, 
frame  of  each  jack  is  then  lowered  to  take 
up  another  log.  The  lowering  of  the 
sliding. ft'ame  is  effected  by  pressing  the 
weighted  ends  of  the  clicks  inwards,  whereby 
the  clicks  will  be  disengaged  fit>m  the 
ratchet-teeth,  and  the  frame  will  slide  down 
by  its  own  weight 


HANCOCK'S  VULCANIZED  INDIA. 
RUBBER  PATENT:— LAW  CASE. 

COURT  OF   CHANCBRT,   LINCOLM't   INN, 
JUNE  2. 

The  Queen  v.  Hemcoek  and  Othere, 
Brfore  the  Lord  ChanoeUor. 

This  was  a  petition  on  the  common  law 
aide  of  the  court,  by  the  defendanta,  seeking 
either  to  quash,  supersede,  or  recall  a  writ  of 
scire  faeUu  which  had  issued  against  the 
petitioners.  The  writ  had  been  obtained  by 
parties  for  the  purpose  of  annulling  letters 
patent,  granted  some  twelve  years  ago  to 
the  defendants,  for  an  invention  respecting 
the  manufacture  of  caoutchouc,  or  vulcan- 
ixed  india-rubber;  and  the  proceedings 
under  it  were  very  similar  to  an  ordinary 
action  at  law,  except  that  the  Attorn ey- 
Oeneral's  name  was  used  as  prosecutor. 
The  only  Questions  raised  by  the  petition  for 
the  consideration  of  this  Court  were — 1, 
as  to  the  form  of  the  writ;  and  2,  whether 
the  Lord  Chancellor  should  determine  the 
issue  raised  by  the  writ,  or,  under  the  Com- 
mon  Law  Procedure  Amendment  Act,  send 
it  to  be  tried  at  oommon  law. 

Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Karslake  (both  of  the 
common  law  bar),  and  Mr.  E.  k.  Karslake, 
for  the  petitioners,  the  patentees,  urged 
that  the  writ  was  informal,  inasmuch  as  it 
introduced  into  the  record  suggestions  in 
the  nature  of  evidence,  which  was  wrong  in 
itself,  and  raised  an  immaterial  issue.  His 
Lordship  waa  not  prevented  from  exercis- 
ing his  jurisdiction  by  the  Common  Law 
Prooedure  Act. 

Mr.  Rolt,  with  whom  were  Mr.  Hind- 


march  and  Mr.  Maerory,  of  the  eommoo 
law  bar,  on  the  other  side  contended  that, 
although  the  writ  was  analagous  to  a  deela> 
ration  at  law,  it  had  not  riolated  any  of  die 
rules  of  pleading,  and  that  the  proper  step 
for  the  defendants  to  have  taken  was  a 
special  demurrer. 

The  Lord  Chancellor  declined  to  inter- 
fere,  as  he  was  of  opinion  that  the  S9th 
section  of  the  Common  Law  Procedure  Act 
was  intended  expressly  to  reach  snch  cases 
as  the  present,  and,  therefore,  the  proper 
course  for  the  petitioners  waa  to  try  the 
question  at  common  law.  His  Lordship  at 
the  same  time  said  that  he  would  express 
no  opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of  the  form 
in  which  the  writ  had  been  framed. 


BRIOHT'S  REGISTERED  PARAL- 
LEL COMPASSES. 
(Reflitered  June  1.  lUS.) 
The  accompanying  engraying  represents 
a  side  view  of  a  parallel  compass,  oapable  of 
easy  and  accurate  adjustment,  and  not  liable 


to  slip  or  shift  while  being  ased»  which  lias 
just  been  registered  by  Mr.  C.  T.  Bright,  of 
Liverpool.  A  is  the  stationary  leg,  which 
carries  at  right  angles  to  it  the  beam  or  bar, 
B,  which  is  slotted  out  Tertioally  and  longi- 
tadinally  for  the  reception  of  Uie  movable 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BAWSOH'S  IBITHMBTZO. 


541 


leg,  C.  Thia  leg  is  free  to  be  shifted  alonff 
the  bar,  B,  by  means  of  the  screw,  D,  which 
is  tapped  through  the  upper  part  of  the  leg, 
C,  and  is  turned  by  the  thumb -screw,  £,  so 
as  to  cause  the  leg  to  travel  along  the  bar. 
Upon  the  side  of  the  bar  is  engraved  a  scale, 
F,  by  which  the  extent  of  the  traverse  of  the 
movable  leg,  C,  can  be  regulated,  and  mea- 
surements made. 


SUBSTITUTE  FOR  RAGS  IN 
PAPER-MAKING. 

Wb  have  absuined  from  all  mention  of 
this  process,  for  which  a  patent  was  granted 
to  Messrs.  Charles  Watt  and  Hugh  Bur- 
gess in  August,  1853,  until  the  experiments 
made  with  the  view  of  testing  its  merits, 
and  bringing  it  to  absolute  perfection,  had 
arrived  at  such  a  point  as  would  enable  us 
to  say  that  the  process  had  succeeded  com- 
pletely. 

These  experiments  have  been  performed 
on  a  very  extensive  scale  in  the  United 
States  and  in  this  country,  and  the  result  is 
that  pulp  for  paper  can  be  produced,  of 
first  rate  quality,  at  a  cost  which  will  cause 
it  to  beoome  a  most  economical  substitute 
for  rags. 

The  paper  difficulty  may  now  be  regarded 
as  at  an  end,  since  the  supply  of  wood  is 
constant,  and  so  large  as  to  render  it  cer- 
tain that  no  deficiency  in  the  supply  of  the 
material  for  paper  can  again  arise. 

The  process  consists  in  first  boiling  the 
wood  in  caustic  soda  ley,  in  order  to  remove 
the  resinous  matter,  and  then  washing  to 
remove  the  alkali ;  the  wood  is  next  treated 
with  chlorine  gaa,  or  an  oxygenous  com- 
pound of  chlorine  in  a  suiuble  apparatus, 
and  washed  to  free  it  from  the  hydlroohlorio 
acid  formed ;  it  is  now  treated  with  a  small 
quantity  of  caustic  soda,  which  converts  it 
instantly,  into  pulp,  which  has  only  to  be 
washed  and  bleached,  when  it  will  merely 
require  to  be  beaten  for  an  hour  or  an  hour 
and  a  half  in  the  ordinary  beating- engine, 
and  made  into  paper. 

This  process  occupies  only  a  few  hours ; 
in  fiict,  a  piece  of  wood  may  be  converted 
into  paper  and  printed  upon  within  24 
hours. 

In  a  few  days  from  the  period  at  which 
we  are  writing,  this  process  will  be  exhibited 
in  operation  at  the  temporary  manufactory, 
in  the  presence  of  a  great  number  of  persons 
interested  in  the  supply  of  a  material  for 
paper.  After  this,  steps  will  be  taken  to 
carry  out  the  process  on  a  large  scale,  by 
the  formation  of  a  company.  Such  of  our 
-  readers  as  may  desire  further  information 
may  obtain  it  by  applying  to    us. — Tkt 


article,  nor  in  the  specification  of  the 
patent  of  Messrs.  Watt  and  Burgess,  what 
arrangement  of  apparatus  they  propose  to 
adopt  for  reducing  the  wood  to  pulp.  J 


[We  are  not  informed  in  the  foregoing 


Bserei$eM  in  Jriihmetie  fortheUteqf  Sehoob, 
Jrtixtau,  and  oihers  who  hawe  to  patt  an 
Bxammatian,  either  for  FromoHon  or  to 
obtain  a  Siiuaiion.  By  Robert  Rawsom, 
Head  Master  of  the  Dockyard  School, 
Portsmouth,  Honorary  Member  of  the 
Manchester  Literary  and  Philosophical 
Society.  London :  Whittaker  and  Co., 
Ave  Maria-lane.    1855. 

Antweri  to  the  above  Exercises, 

Wb  entirely  concur  with  Mr.  Rawson  in 
believing  that  teachers  and  studenU  stand 
in  need  of  a  series  of  original,  well,  selected, 
and  well-arranged  questions  illustrative  of 
the  rules  of  arithmetic ;  and  we  are  not  dis- 
posed to  find  fault  with  that  gentleman  for 
aiming,  as  he  does  in  the  work  before  us,  to 
supplv  them  with  what  they  require. 

"  The  questions,"  says  the  author  in  his 
preface,  '*  consisting  of  nearly  three  thou, 
sand,  are  entirely  new,  and  are  arranged  in 
convenient  sections,  with  a  view  to  facilitate 
the  labour  of  the  teacher  as  well  as  the 
student,  who  will  be  able  to  accomplish,  at 
least,  one  section  for  every  lesson.  Instead 
of  giving  an  appendix  of  miscellaneous 
questions  at  the  end  of  the  book,  in  imita- 
tion  of  several  useful  works  on  arithmetic, 
I  have  adopted  a  different  plan,  which  I 
conceive  is  attended  with  considerable  ad- 
vantage,  and  from  which  I  have  derived 
great  assistance  in  my  own  experience.  The 
plan  to  which  I  refer  is  this  ;  the  examples 
are  arranged  in  sections,  and  each  section 
contains  a  question  from  each  rule,  forming 
something  like  an  examination  paper  for 
candidates  either  for  new  situations  or  pro- 
motion." 

We  do  not  think  he  has  adhered  in  the 
composition  of  his  work  to  the  plan  here 
laid  down  ;  if  he  has  we  are  unable  to  dis- 
cover what  is  meant  by  the  words  **  the  ex- 
amples are  arranged  in  sections,  and  each 
section  contains  a  question  from  each 
rule."  But  we  observe,  with  pleasure,  that 
Mr.  Rawson  has  departed  in  a  great  measure 
from  the  old  stereotyped  questions  to  be 
fbund  in  inmost  all  previous  school  arith- 
metics, and  introduced  others  of  a  new 
class,  which  afford  much  better  tests  of  the 
knowledge  of  a  student 

Of  course  one  of  the  prineipal  require- 
ments  in  works  like  these,  is  that  the  an- 
swers given  shall  be  accurate,  otherwise  the 
Eupil  necessarily  becomes  perplexed  and 
indered.  We  do  not  feel  called  upon,  of 
course,  to  work  out  three  thousand  problema 
before  noticing  such  a  production ;  but  it  is 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


m 


Qm*Mom»t 


itaqces,  Ve  h^YQ  dQik«  sq,  ax^^  n$xe\  ta 
4ud  thftt  error«  dq  exist  m  th«  hqq\f  prising 
chie£y  fropf^  w^nt  of  efficient  oorrectioq  it; 
passing  through  the  press.  For  example, 
we  turned  to  page  IIS,  where  several  sola. 
tim*  «re  wof%e4  »!  ftaU  itnsi^  In  tbd  fim 
the  <M|i««llii0  i«  wcMApW<9,  »a4  i  »ig«  of 
»dditio«  aupplifs  tlie  pl«M  of  a  «igH  af  wul- 
tipU«»iif»,  I»  tli9  thixd  (iMf •  IH)  ft  7  is 
l«ft  aUmdinft  vbUh  tbould  ^Mf  VeM  Q«n- 
«eUe4  and  tM  deofmilMtgirs  «C  Iwo  «f  the 
tr«iitMm«  tve  [^koed  •f«iQ|t  tb»  fAgnt  of 
muUijaitatiftft.  Tkese  UiUi  nfttters»  ttoigh 
▼ery  unimportant  to  «  prMtiffid  arithmfti- 
oian,  will  prove  confounding  to  t7r98.  and  ^ 
it  happens,  the  examples  in  which  they  oc- 
cur are  particularly  intended  Ibr  *'  aapiring 
artisans''  who  instruct  themselves, 

Mr.  RawsoQ  has  injudiciously,  we  th?nk| 
written  a  long  and  rambling  prefkce  to  this 
little  treatise,  launchhig  fbttn  Ipto  the  sub- 
ject  of  education,  foretelling  that  "  many  ol 
the  sons  of  workmen  will  have  induced,  by  a 
liberal  education  in  yovith,  the  seeds  of  a 
power  which  can  oqTy  fractif;^^  bloom,  and 
ripen  into  fruit  by  means  of  a  higlfer  and 
more  extended  study  in  the  fields  of  pur6 
and  mixed  science.^'  In  order  th^t  any 
"power,"  the  seeds  of  which  any  son^  qf 
workmen  may  have  "induced,"  may  be 
helped  to  **  fructify,  hloom^  and  ripeii  Into 
fruit,"  the  author  submits  a  fbw  ren^arks 
with  respect  to  the  subjects  of  study,  and 
books  to  be  obtained.  These  remarks, 
if  they  were  appropriate,  would  be  wortl\ 
but  little,  ipaimycl^  as  tl^e  author,  in- 
stead of  mentioning  one,  of  fwp,  suHable 
books  on  each  branch  pf  tclence^  which 
migHt  have  been  of  some  service  to  stu- 
dents unassIstQd  by  teachers,  enumerate^ 
qearty  the  whole  of  the  papular  works 
published  on  ^ach  cla&j  pf  suoiect^.  The 
presence  of  the  pre&ce  will,  however,  be 
s^  hipdra^cQ  to  90  one.  aqd  the  Wf^k 
itself  has  merits  whic^  induce  iis  tq  reconn- 
mend  It  44  a  valuable  aid  to  students  o( 
arithnxetic;  especially  to  such  as  are  jtiik-: 
out  the  v«  Qf*  teacher, 


owl  ApflML  H  on  Jm^nmd  Stftiem  ^ 
Working  and  f^HI&Hng  (ha}  Mhne^, 
By  Josztn  MahloRj  Sen.,  01d!\?im, 
}«Qnd4>Ql  Q*  4wBa|tietl»  f«tei9f^t^.«Qw. 

This  lyprk  appear?  to  bft  tie  prqduotiou 
of  a  practical  mun,  whose  accjuaintanqe  vitJti 
the  siit^ect  upon  whick  he  wcjt^  hft§  e^- 
ten4e4,pve^r  &  ftunvb^  of  yews.    Jt  i*  vnt* 


ten  wi^i  m^ch  mdoq^,  sad  pontons  iiimi;^ 

8t;ggestipns  which  deserve  the  at^ntlqn  of 
coafmasttiTs  an4  others  connected  with  W^ 
operationi  of  fining  fpT  99^9- 

The  prinoipi^i  fefttui-e  of  the  book  eon- 
sists  in  Its  ^dTOcacy  of  4  patent  ventilating 
^stjin  Tyhich  tj>9  ftUihQT  ^a>  introduced, 
and    w^ich    possesses  coasiderabie   merit, 

"The  improvement  consist^  {n  fixing  within 
the  shaft,  and  extending  from  the  top  to  the 
bottom  of  the  mine,  s  tube  or  tubes,  con- 
struqliid  ^  ^po^  pr  ci|rt-inri|,  m^A  air- 
tight at  the  ^i4n  >  t^f  tnofs  ^osy  be  either 
l^uar^  or  circular'  Within  these  tc^bes, 
oages  are  entplqyed,  to  contain  the  wagona 
and  men,  In  the  to|^  or  croif  q  of  the  page 
are  placed  t^o  pf  mor^  ya^ves  opeplng  in<r 
wargs,  and  *t  tl^e  dflges  or  sides  of  the  to|^ 
4re  placed  two  or  mpre  Uteral  valves,  sq 
filled'  that  tl^ey  may  be  pressed  outward^ 
and  ^^g^in^t  the  ipper  side^  of  the  tube  by 
the  pressure  of  the  air  contained  in  it  daring 
the  des9ent  of  the  c§ge;  the  tw^  valves  aX 
tfie  top  being  pressed  upwards  and  closed 
b^  similar  pressure,  Whep  thf  cage  19 
ascending,  the  v<|lves  at  the  top  wUbdraw 
theniseives  froifi  t^e  sides  of  the  tu|^e ;  all 
fription  bett^een  the  ci^e  and  the  ^de^  of 
tile  tube  being  removed  during  the  asceijt, 
At  the  bottpni  of  the  tube  va  a  do^r  mov^lg 
ift  groQves,  opening  upwards,  Vy  which  the 
cpinmunicatlon  between  the  tube  and  t^q 
m^po  is  CfL^ried  qn  *,  this  dP^r  be^pg  qlosed 
during  the  accent  apd  descent  of  the  cage, 
A^ove  OT  near  this  door  is  ^j^ed  ap  injection 
valve,  to  supply  the  tpbe  vi^  ^ir  ^t  t^ 
time  gf  ascendipf  or  winding  up,  s^ft^d  (( 
l»e  required  j  and  f  par  ^  OQltpw  Qf  t!\^ 
tube  alsp  ia  placed  ao  ipj[ectio«  Wve,  hjy 
whicl^  the  air  qontain^d  m  tite  tuVa  U 
driven  iu^o  the  pxi^ea  ^  peaua  pf  t^e  <?- 
scent  of  the  eage.  Qqnnepted  vith  thia 
valve,  an4  fixed  between  it  and  the  iuaide.  qf 
the  tubg,  is  fix^  1^  safety  y^lv^  (opened  an 4 
shut  bjr  a  rqd  or  oth^r  aqituble  meana  cqm- 
Wunicatfpg  with  tUe  tpp  of  the  shafl)»  whicji 

is  ^ut  wl^ile  the  men  9re  aaccpdwn  or  de-: 

scending,  thereby  preventing  tbp  air  in  th^ 
tub?  f5on\  eacuping  \  and  iu  the  eyept  pf  the 
tope  hre:i^kiivg,  when  the  a9ge  should  b|  de- 
scending, at  A  high  velocity,  ther^  would  b^ 
no  falling  with  violence,  if  this  valve  were  ahuU 

"  The  ajr  ej^pelkd  frqm  the  tuba,  *t  «%ch 
deac9n(  ^i  tha  cage,  niU  b«  x^  additiqo  ta 
the  qidinvyyentitatiou,  which  will  be  goin^ 
on  at  all  Uwea  as  usu^l."  ^Pw  ^^^') 

"  Tkejrq  may,  find  doubtless  wUl  be,  aa 
qTuegtien  tQ  tSi^  pHn/*  says  tb£  inventor, 
^'on  the  ground  of  the  expense  ^  but  eiea 
admitting  tM«,  what  ia  the  value  oC  aucb  fVA 
objectioo  ooiwjMa^d  ^ith  the  low  of  lifq 
*S4  FQP^''^»  i."  ^*  ?^^"^  ^^  ^^  eiplosiqn  I 

"  However  anxious  I  feel  on  the  aut^C^t) 
yqt  I  49  not  ajut^atq  its  beiug  adopied 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BF«(3Fi(!Aa$!»a  9v  £4bTK<Ts  itBff^NViv  mm> 


m 


fxcept  in  i^ew  eoncenia,  where  I  e^rnestl^ 
plead  for  a  dispassionate  eonsi deration  of 
ih^  subject,  before  deciding  against  It 

**  I  fee],  besides,  that  the  fact  of  bringing 
out  this  plan  without  an^  other  recooi' 
mendation  than  its  own  merits,  may  be 
against  it  I  am  willing,  however,  to  takq 
the  risk  of  this^  ii\  the  assurance  that  there 
are  some  anirlted  and  enterprising  indi- 
Tlduals  in  tlie  trade,  who  will  look  at  it 
apart  from  the  prejudice  of  great  nan^s^ 
wealth,  or  Influence.  It  will  be  a  aolace  to 
me,  if  my  fellow-creatures  are  thereby 
spared  any  amount  of  suffering  pr  dis- 
trcRs." 

Mr.  Marlor  funPilshea  his  testimony  in 
confirmation  of  the  necessity  which  exista 
for  enlarged  effort  in  pl(|cln^  education 
within  the  reach  of  ^  class  which,  perhaps 
more  than  any  other  body  of  British  work- 
men, was,  till  recently,  unvisi^ed  by  the 
improving  influences  of  culture,  and  pleada 
the  cause  of  the  xniwx  with  mucl;  earnest- 
nesau 

"  1 01^,  from  my  own  experience,*'  says  hC| 
"  assure  the  youths  and  young  mep  nho  may 
read  thfae  remarks,  that  there  was  no  infor- 
roattoQ  and  advice  such  as  I  h^ve  here  ^iven, 
when  I  was  young.  Jberuletheo  was*  with  the 
gepers^Uty  of  colliers,  especially  the  young 
mep,  to  WQfk  like  alavf^s  ibr  four  or  Ave 
4^8  ip  the  latter  part  of  the  week,  imd  whep 
they  had  received  their  wages  on  the  Satur- 
day night,  the  alehouse  w«8  the  pUce  of 
naeeting  to  divide  the  wages,  where  many 
got  drunk,  and  continued  ip  this  state  on 
tlie  Supday ;  and  probably  op  Tuesday  qx 
"W^dnesdiv^f  in  the  following  week  thev  would 
be  found  creeping  again  to  their  work.  The 
begipRipg  of  the  week  havipg  thus  beep  Igst, 
the  week's  work  must  be  made  up  by  extr^ 
working  apd  Ung  hours ;  everything  must 
give  way  to  them— on  they  must  go }  v^  i( 
tlie  leUi  atoppAge  to  their  progress  was  oc- 
O^sioped  by  anything,  whether  it  could  be 
prevented  or  not,  paths  and  curses  were 
leaped  upon  everything  and  everybody; 
(pd  when  Saturday  iiight  returned,  the  same 
round  of  drunkenness,  swearing,  and  per- 
haps fightipg,  h9£an  as  beibre.  This  is  a 
true  atatemqnt  of  wbat  a  collier's  life  was, 
with  the  grei^t  majority  of  them,  thirty  or 
forty  y«ar9  ago ;  ao<l  \  f«ar  it  is  tho  same 
evep  now  with  many,  although  perhaps  yot 
to  th«  sftne  extent  as  formerly* 

"  X^i  uowever.  the  hoys  apd  youpg  map 
who  are  to  be  tl\e  future  mipers  of  the 
country,  were  educated  aa  X  have  ventured 
to  svggest.  I  have  po  doubt  but  that  ip  a 
few  y^ars  this  ^pmy  picture  of  the  copdi* 
ti«Q  of  coal  miners  would  be  reversed»  and 
call  for  a  very  different  statement  inde^dy 
one  whic)i  it  wopld  be  pi^asiog  to  describe 
%Ad  gr)P^tv(|ing  U>  koow.-thaA  geperal  U^r 


telligenoe  ^d  common  ciYili^  had  begun 
to  form  the  true  character  of  the  British 
ooal  miner ;  apd  this,  }  poust  cherish  thf 
hope,  will  ultimately  be  the  c^^se.*' 


9PBCIFI0ATION8    OF   PATBNTS 

KtRKUp,  Lancelot,  of  Orchard-8treet« 
Newcastle-on-Tyne,  mechapicaUengineer. 
Impropemerkti  ti(  anmls.  Patent  dated  No- 
vember H,  1854.    (No.  2408.) 

Claim, — The  system  or  mode  of  forming 
anvils  by  forging  Uiem  in  one  entire  piece 
without  any  welding,  an4  afterwards  ^ase- 
hardening  the  fame. 

Pearson,  S^¥UE(«,  of  '^oolwich,  Kent» 
epgine-smith.  Jn  imprtwement  in  tb4  manum 
facture  qf  gun-barreU,  pipf*x  and  tubes.  Pa- 
tent dated  Noyfiiphpr  11  1854,  (ITo. 
2412.) 

This  imp'ovepient  consists  in  formipg 
barrels  ana  pipes  of  two  V-shaped  strips  <? 
metal  )|vhich  are  wound  spiraliy  round  9^ 
centre,  the  ba%e  of  the  V  in  one  strip  beipg 
placed  pearest  the  centre,  while  the  apex  or 
narrow  part  of  the  upper  T-shaped  piece  is 
placed  dowpward  or  nearest  the  centre« 
whereby  the  spsoes  between  the  flrst  strip 
will  be  filled  up,  and  tbe  whole  be  ready 
for  being  rolled  and  welded. 

MEEVif  ]piERR6  Joseph,  of  Paris, 
Francci  epgineer*  A  mm  or  improved  ffnn4 
instrument,  (A  cocpmunication.)  Patent 
daied  November  14,  1854.     (No.  241».) 

The  patentee  describes  ap  instrumept  the 
principal  feature  of  which  consists  in  the 
employment  of  ^wo  reservoirs  of  compressed 
air  in  such  pianaer  that  by  coptrolHng  tbe 
flow  from  these  reservoirs  the  performer  i^ 
enabled  to  effect  peculiar  variations  ip  the 
strength  aud  fulness  of  the  tones  produced. 

Boox^CY,  0EOROE,  of  l^verhard- street 
East.  I^ondop,  Improvements  in  revolving 
camum.  ?atept  dated  November  14, 185|. 
(No,  2414.) 

In  t)ie  arrani^ejpent  desqribed  Vy  tl|e  ip. 
veptor,  there  ]»  a  fi^^ed  vertical  axis  on 
which  several  combined  shiirt  barrels  move, 
and  a  fixed  barrel  mounted  op  a  suitable 
carriage.  The  copibiped  short  barrels  have 
fixed  op  them  a  toothed  wheel,  whicp  is  put 
ip  motion  t)y  a  Dipion,  so  as  readily  to  bring 
the  short  barrels  apccesaively  into  positioa 
to  he  diachaxged  througK  the  iixed  barrel, 
and  the  series  of  short  barrels  is  locked  in 
position  by  a  clog  qr  bolt  whep  one  is 
about  to  be  fired, 

GH^VRQiii  Jf^AN  Ma»iis,  of  Paris,  France, 
civil  engipeer,  t^p^  Oiiaj^i,es  Victor  Pre* 
PEmg.  PE  i<^oifi,^T,  of  the  bmpa  pl»Qe»  lat^ 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC  


544 


BFEOmOATIONB  OF  PATKMTS  BBOEMTLT   FILED. 


a  'ihip-owner,  but  now  out  of  buiineia. 
Improvements  in  machinery  for  manrfactmring 
textile  fahrice.  Patent  dated  Noyember  14, 
1854.    (No.  2415.) 

Thii  invention  consiits  of  a  combination 
of  machineiy  or  apparatus  for  weaving  a 
cloth  or  fabric  made  with  two  or  more  warps 
(one  of  which  is  called  the  fixed  or  founda- 
tion warp,  and  the  other  or  others  the  float- 
ing warp  or  warps)  the  floating  warp  threads 
being  used  to  form  an  external  facing  to 
one  side  of  the  fabric,  covering  the  foun- 
dation warp  threads  more  or  less  as  the 
fabric  may  be  more  or  less  closely  woven. 

Davies,  David,  of  Wigmore-street,  Ca- 
vendish* square,  Middlesex,  coach-maker. 
An  imiirooement  in  roUer-bUnde.  Patent 
dated  November  15,  1854.    (No.  2416.) 

This  improvement  consists  in  making 
roller-blinds  curvilinear  in  form,  so  as  to  be 
applicable  to  the  circular  windows  of 
houses,  earriaffen,  &c. 

Brooman,  Richard  Arcutbald,  of  166, 
Fleet-street,  London,  patent  agent.  /»- 
provemenie  in  the  manrfaeture  of  thread  from 
gntta  percha,  and  similar  gums,  in  gilding, 
silvering,  and  ornamenting  the  same  before 
and  after  being  manufactured  into  fabrics, 
and  in  machinery  and  apparatus  employed 
therein.  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
November  15,  1854.    (No.  2418.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  strands 
or  threads  of  gutu  percha,  caoutchouc,  and 
other  similar  gums  either  around  a  thread 
of  silk,  cotton,  or  other  material,  or  not. 
One  method  adopted  consists  in  surrounding 
a  long  thread  with  a  shorter  strip  of  gutta 
percha  cut  from  a  thin  sheet,  and,  after  rais- 
ing the  strip  to  a  suiuble  temperature, 
spreading  it  out  along  the  thread  either  by 
hand  or  with  a  draw-plate.  Another  method 
consists  in  placing  a  reel  of  thread  in  a  close 
box  containing  gutta  percha  of  a  suitable 
temperature  and  drawing  the  thread  out  of 
an  aperture,  a  coating  of  g^tta  percha  being 
forced  out  with  it  by  means  oi  pneumatic  or 
hydraulic  pressure.  A  third  method  consists 
in  employing  an  apparatus  described,  for 
the  same  purpose.  Either  of  these  methods 
may  be  modified  for  making  threads  of 
gutu  percha  alone,  the  linen  or  other  in- 
ternal threads  being  omitted.  The  inventor 
also  prepares  threads  suitable  for  the  manu- 
faoture  of  a  waterproof  or  semi-waterproof 
cloth  by  laying  down  upon  a  table  a  series 
of  rows  of  threads  and  coating  them  with 
caoutchouc  or  gutta  percha,  in  the  same 
manner  as  if  a  fabric  were  being  coated.  He 
allows  the  threads  to  dry,  and  when  dry  se- 
parates them,  and  winds  them  upon  suitable 
reeltt  or  bobbins.  These  threads  being  used 
in  weaving  for  the  warp,  and  ordinary  un- 
prepared threads  for  the  weft,  or  frice-versd, 
a  semi-waterproof  &brio  will    be    formed 


particularly  adapted  for  garments,  at  it  will 
to  a  great  extent  keep  out  wet,  yet  allow  of 
the  passage  of  perspiration  from  the  body. 
To  make  drawn  threads  of  gutta  percha 
without  core,  the  inventor  makes  use  of  a 
metal  box  traversed  by  tubes  similar  to  a 
tubular  boiler,  and  this  box  is  heated  by 
water,  air,  or  steam.  Rods  or  pieces  of 
gutta  percha  are  passed  through  Uie  tubes 
in  the  box  and  are  received  upon  a  cylinder 
which  is  made  to  dip  into  cold  water,  firom 
which  the  threads  are  wound  upon  another 
cylinder  which,  being  of  larger  diameter,  or 
revolving  at  greater  speed,  draws  out  the 
thread  to  the  fineness  required.  In  order  to 
obtdn  fine  strips  of  gutta  percha,  in  addl- 
tion  to  such  as  may  be  produced  by  other 
means,  thin  sheets  of  gutta  percha  are  rolled 
upon  a  cylinder,  which  is  withdrawn  when 
the  roll  is  sufficiently  large,  and  stripa  are 
sliced  off  the  roll  by  scissors,  knives,  or  ro- 
tary cutters.  In  order  to  gild  or  silver  the 
threads  or  fabrics  of  gutta  perofaa,  instead  of 
employing  small  sheets  of  gold  or  silver  lea^ 
the  inventor  causes  gold  or  silver  leaf  to  be 
wound  with  sheets  of  paper  as  usual  between 
each  layer  into  a  roll  of  any  desired  length ; 
and  for  the  purpose  of 'gilding  or  silvering 
gutta  percha  after  being  softened  by  heat,  it 
is  first  formed  into  a  roll  and  both  the  gutta 
percha  roll  and  the  gold  or  silver  leaf  roll 
are  simultaneously  unrolled  against  each 
other. 

Bramwell,  Frederick  Joseph,  of  New 
Bridge-street,  Black  friars.  Improvements  im 
steam  engines  and  steam  hammers.  Patent 
dated  November  15,  1854.    (No.  2420.) 

A  full  description  of  this  invention  will 
be  given  hereafter. 

Newton,  Alfred  Vincent,  of  Chan- 
oery-lane,  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughts- 
man.  An  improved  mode  qf  mans^aetmring 
soluble  silicates.  (A  communication.)  Patent 
dated  November  15, 1854.    (No.  2421.) 

Claim.  —  The  employment  of  powdered 
slag  from  furnaces  and  felspar,  and  exposing 
the  same  in  heaps  with  lime,  and  soda,  and 
water  for  a  sufficient  time  to  effect  the 
formation  of  the  soluble  silicates. 

Buchanan,  Jambs,  of  Olasgow,  Lanark, 
gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  mattufaehire 
qf  heddks  or  healds  for  weaving.  Patent 
dated  November  15, 1854.    (No.  2423.) 

This  invention  relates  to  certain  ma- 
chinery for  making  a  new  or  improved  de- 
scription of  heddles  or  healds  patented  by 
J.  Berrie  and  D.  Anderson,  and  consists  of 
various  modifications  whereby  the  original 
machinery  is  rendered  more  fully  available 
for  the  manufacture  of  heddles  or  healds, 
and  of  other  improved  details  wholly 
new. 

Inoall,  Oeorge  Hbnrt,  of  Throgmor. 
ton-street,  London,  gentleman.  An  imprvmd 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPEOmOATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BEOEMTLT  FILED. 


545 


method  qf  cmmmmieation  between  pastert^en 
and  gnarde,  4%,  for  the  prevention  rf  loss  rf 
1^  and  accidents  on  railtoays.  Patent  dated 
November  16,  1854.    (No.  2424.) 

The  inventor  claims  a  described  system 
of  visible  signals  that  are  used  in  conjunc- 
tion with  whistles  sounded  by  compressed 
air. 

Knowlbs,  Peter,  of  Bolton-le- Moors, 
Lancaster,  foreman,  and  Edward  Kirby, 
of  the  same  place,  traveller.  Improvements 
in  machinery  for  opening,  cleaming,  and  pre- 
paring cotton,  and  other  Jtbrous  materials. 
Patent  dated  November  16,  1854.  (No. 
2425.) 

Clams,—!,  The  application  of  toothed 
plates  to  the  arms  of  Hardacre's  patent 
beaters. — 2.  Constracting  the  blades  of  the 
arms  of  Hardacre's  patent  beaters  with  two 
working  edges. — 8.  The  application  of  re- 
volving or  stationary  combs  or  brushes  to 
the  draw  boxes  of  carding  engines. — 4.  The 
application  of  revolving  or  stationary  combs 
or  brushes,  to  the  drawing  rollers  of  draw- 
ing frames  or  other  machines  used  in  pre- 
paring cotton  and  other  fibrous  materials. 

Wilson,  Robert,  of  Birmingham,  War. 
wick,  manufacturer.  A  new  or  improved 
ornamental  material  or  fabric.  Patent  dated 
November  16.  1864.    (No.  2426.) 

Claim, — **  A  new  or  improved  ornamental 
fabric  produced  by  ruling  tartan  plaid  or 
chequered  designs  upon  leather,  woven  and 
fislted  fabrics,  parchment  and  vellum." 

Henton,  Samuel,  saddler,  Lambeth, 
Surrey.  An  improved  saddle.  Patent  dated 
November  16,  1854.    (No.  2429.) 

This  invention  consists  in  forming  an 
elastic  foundation  or  saddle-tree  of  leather 
or  other  suitable  elastic  material,  and  fitting 
the  same  with  steel  springs,  and  in  using 
the  said  elastic  foundation  in  place  of  the 
common  wood  saddle-tree  now  in  general 
use. 

Platt,  John,  of  Oldham,  Lancaster,  me- 
chanical engineer.  Improvements  in  machi- 
nery or  apparatus  for  making  bricks.  Patent 
dated  November  16, 1854.    (No.  2481.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  machines 
patented  by  Mr.  McHenry,  July  20,  1852, 
and  others  in  which  a  roller  presses  the  ma- 
terial into  moulds,  from  which  it  is  expelled 
by  pistons,  and  consists — 1.  In  the  applica- 
tion to  the  moulds  of  loose  bottoms  capable 
of  being  raised  and  pushed  off  with  the 
pressed  bricks,  such  loose  parts  being  flat 
for  producing  solid  bricks,  and  provided  with 
projections  for  forming  hollow  ditto.  2.  In 
constructing  the  pistons  forming  the  bottoms 
of  the  moulds  with  projecting  parts  which 
form  hollows  extending  to  the  outside  of  the 
bricks,  at  one  or  at  both  ends.  8.  Certain 
modes  of  supporting  a  fixed  cone,  and  con- 
structing pistons  to  su:  round  it. 


Hann,  William,  of  Hetton  Fence 
Houses,  Durham.  Improvements  in  propel- 
ling vessels.  Patent  dated  November  16, 
1854.    (No.  2432.)     - 

The  inventor  proposes  to  drive  screw- 
propellers  by  means  of  the  wind  acting  upon 
vanes  placed  upon  a  vertical  shaft  which  is 
geared  to  the  shaft  of  the  propeller. 

Low,  William,  of  Lloft  Wen,  near 
Wrexham,  Denbigh.  Improvements  in  venti- 
lating mines.  Patent  dated  November  16 
1854.    (No.  2488.) 

This  invention  consists  in  imparting  the 
requisite  heat  to  the  air  in  a  shaft  of  a  mine 
"by  the  employment  of  steam  in  pipes  or 
other  forme  of  apparatus  capable  of  effecting 
extensive  heating  surfaces  to  the  passing 
air,  and  it  is  preferred  that  the  steam  boiler 
used  for  supplying  the  steam  should  be  the 
ordinary  one  which  works  the  steam  en- 
gine." 

Wilson,  Joseph,  of  Hopton,  York,  ma- 
nufacturer. Improvements  in  the  manufacture 
qf  printed  warp  fabrics.  Patent  dated  No- 
vember 17,  1854.    (No.  2485.) 

Claims. — 1.  A  mode  of  working  in  the 
loom  printed  surface  warps  for  the  manufac- 
ture  or  production  of  pile  or  loop  fabrics,  as 
described.  2.  A  mode  of  producing  figured 
loop  or  pile  fabrics,  wherein  the  printed 
surface  warp  thereof  is  in  two  or  more 
divisions,  actuated  separately  and  in  suc- 
cession. 3.  A  mode  of  working  printed 
surface  :nrarps  into  loop  or  pile  fabrics, 
wherein  the  printed  warp  is  arawn  or  en. 
tered  through  two  or  more  heddles  worked 
in  succession.  4.  The  manufacture  of 
figured  loop  or  pile  fabrics  from  printed 
surface  warps  separated  and  actuated  as 
described.  5.  A  mode  of  manufacturing 
figured  loop  or  pile  fabrics,  wherein  printed 
surface  wurps  are  divided  and  alternated 
through  two  or  more  heddles  so  as  to  give 
each  heddle,  and  the  section  of  printed  sur- 
face warp  passed  through  that  heddle,  a 
separate  and  independent  action. 

HiooiNS,  James,  of  Salford,  Lancaster 
machine-maker,  and  Thomas  Schofielp 
Whitworth,  of  the  same  place,  manager. 
Improvemena  in  apparatus  for  moulding,  for 
casting  shot,  shells,  and  other  articles.  Pa- 
tent dated  November  17,  1854.   (No.  2487.) 

Claims. — 1.  The  use  of  circular  mould- 
boxes  provided  with  similarly- formed  re- 
cesses and  projections  on  their  peripheries, 
the  two  fitting  into  each  other.  2.  The  em- 
ployment of  a  plate  or  diaphragm  carrying 
the  pattern  in  combination  with  a  circular 
box  or  boxes  capable  of  being  adapted  to  it 
by  means  of  recesses  or  projections  coincid- 
ing with  the  periphery  or  peripheries  of  the 
box  or  boxes. 

Macadam,  John,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
doctor  of  medicine.     Improvements  in  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


546 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATElfrS  BECEKTLY  FILED. 


preparation  or  sixeing  qf  paper ,  or  the  majifi' 
rials  wed  in  the  manvfacture  thereqf.  Patent 
dated  November  17,  1854.     (No.  J440.) 

These  improvements  are  applicable  to 
the  manufacture  of  such  kinds  of  paper  as 
are  partially  or  totally  *'  rosin-sized  "  and 
*'  machine*made,"  and  they  consist  in  the 
partial  or  total  substitution  of  aqueous 
solutions  Qf  the  uncombined  aolds,  or  of 
aqueous  solutions  of  jingle  sulphates,  or  of 
other  binary  compounds,  for  ^e  alum  usualljr 
employed. 

AspREY,  Charles,  of  New  Bond-street, 
Middlesex,  dressing-case,  dispatch.box,  and 
writing-case  manufacturer.  Improvements 
in  handles,  particularly  avplicable  to  dressing' 
cases,  dispatch-hoxe^t  wrtling'Cases,  and  other 
similar  articles.  Patent  dated  November 
17,  1854.    (No.  2441.) 

Claim  — Fdtming  handles  of  two  parts  or 
flaps,  one  opposite  to  the  other,  which, 
when  not  required  for  uc«  are  folded  down 
into  hollows  pr  channels  made  for  tlieir 
reception  and  lie  Aush  with  the  part  to 
which  they  are  fitted :  also,  thy  adaptation 
to  the  flaps  of  springs  which,  on  being  libe- 
rated, canse  them  to  fly  up  side  by  side, 
and  offer  a  large  and  qomfortal^l^  hgld  for 
the  hand, 

BousFiELD,  Oeqrop  Tqmlinson,  qf 
Sussex-place,  Xoughborougn-road,  Brjxton. 
Improvements  ii)  preventit^^  incrustation  in 
steam  boiler*.  (A  oompiunica^ion.)  Patent 
dated  Norembcy  17,  1854.    (No.  2442.) 

Claims. — 1.  "  Sep^yating  impuritie*  from 
water  previous  lo  the  same  being  passed  into 
a  boiler  bv  the  use  pf  the  required  degree  of 
heat  cfiusing  the  impurities  io  ^a.^d  water  to 
deposit  pn  stones,  twigs,  or  any  suitable 
material  with  which  said  vva^er  is  brought  i* 
contact"  2n  **  The  ^se  of  horsedung  {nvfi, 
monia),  charcoal,  or  ptlier  sviitable  sub- 
stance,  whicji,  combining  with  th^  soluble 
substanp^s  in  the  w^ter,  renders  \\fxn  ipso- 
luble,  sQ  that  they  will  deposit  previous  to 
being  passed  to  the  boiler."  3.  Certi^ip 
apparati^  for  parrying  the  foregoing  ar- 
rapgaments  into  eflect. 

Ramsboti^am,  Hei^rv  Robert,  of  ^radt 
ford,  Yori;,  wpnte^-spinner,  and  Wi(.i,iam 
Brown,  qf  tl^e  same  place,  n\t!cl^apic.  Itt^y 
prostemenU  in  cffvbit^  u>9ol,  Q^itfn^  ^ofii,  cfr- 
tain  descfipti^fa  qf  hair,  qmd  otltex  fibrous 
tubstwm^  P^tef^t  dftfp4  Npfpmbe?  J9, 
1854,    (No.  2446.) 

Th«  Ipventor  pUi»^»  the  U9e  of  app%ratua 
in  whioh  the  flbrot  are  fed  op  tp  the  teeth 
of  the  receiving  ffomb  thrpygj)  »crew  gill 
combi,  the  teeth  of  which  joint  iq  a  dU^Pr 
tion  transvarse  or  ohliqw  to  that  p(  the 
receiving  comb. 

Belmbr,  Edouard,  of  Macclesfield- 
street,  City-road,  Middlesex,  engineer.  A 
new  mamjaet9kn  qf  apparatus  for  warming 


rooms  and  worfcshops.  Patent  dated  No- 
yember  18,  1854.    (No.  9449.) 

This  invention  consists  in  tKe  use  ef  one 
or  more  plates  of  suitable  metal,  mad^ 
somewhat  in  the  shape  of  a  saueer,  fiisteaed 
together  as  described,  and  placed  oyer  an 
Argand  or  other  gas  burner. 

Draper,  Henrt,  of  St  Mioliael*8- tar- 
race,  Pimlico,  gentleman.  The  applieatmm 
of  a  nem  material  to  the  man^acture  of  paper ^ 
Patent  date^  November  9),  1864.  (No. 
2451.)  ^ 

CMr^. — The  f^pHea^oR  of  the  eoeoa-nat 
kernel  to  the  manufacture  of  papeir. 

Keefe,  Richard,  of  Nock-mills,  qear 
Trim,  Ireland,  miller.  Improioements  hs 
dressing  flour.'  Patent  dated  Nqvember  20, 
1854.    rNo.  2452.) 

The  inventor  employs  a  vibrating  silk 
machine  or  sieve  in  ^hich  a  finer  silk  is 
employed  than  has  been  used  heretofore. 

X)ULAURENB,    PlERRE  AlBXANPRI,    a]l4 

Marie  Anatole  Laubrt,  of  Parfs, 
France.  CertaXn  improvements  tn  glove  fix- 
ings  and  fastenings,  Pateqt  dated  Noyem* 
her  20,  1854.    (No.  2453.) 

Claim. — The  method  of  fast^lng  gloves 
by  means  of  a  metallic  eyelet  into  whick 
enters  a  metallic  button. 

Callan,  Nicholas,  of  Mi^ooth  CoU 
lege,  iCildare,  Ireland,  professor^  Improper 
ment$  in  exciting  agents  ingaJvanic  haiteries, 
qnd  in  the  construction  qf  gahanie  batteries. 
Patent  dat^d  November  21,  1854.  (No. 
2^55.) 

ThU  speplficatlon  1(  ^iven  at  length  oa 
page  538  qf  thi«  number. 

KNiqHTy  Richard,  of  Charterhooae- 
square.  improvements  %r^  apparatus  for  tesl^ 
ing  irvi  qf  to  its  capacitif  for  receiving  wag- 
Holism,  <m4  0  magnetic  apparatus.  Patent 
elated  ^Qvepiber  21, 1854.    (No.  2457.) 

This  invention  consists* — 1.  In  construct- 
ing an  apparatus  for  supporting  bars  of  iron 
in  the  iQ^petic  meridian  iq  ordef  to  |est 
their  capacity  for  receiving  m.agnetism.  ^ 
In  placmg  gq\\i  of  wire  op  8\}itable  frames^ 
and  thaq  on  the  mi^g^'ets,  instead  of  polling 
it  round  the  piece  oT  so|\  iron  as  heretofore. 
Witl)  this  arrangement  "  th^  soft  iron  is 
alone  levolveq  In  the  preypnce  pf  tb^  pole« 
of  the  paagnet," 

|lusi;Ei.i.f  F|sx«  of  Massachusetts,  Unite4 
States  of  Anaefica.  A  new  an4  usiful  ma- 
chine for  mawii^  grass.  Patent  date4  l^o- 
leipher  24,  1844.    (No.  2458.) 

XhU  inveptiot)  n^ainly  eonsists  in  pl|icips 
the  axis  of  thq  secondary  supporting.whe« 
of  n)pwing  machines  at  the  side  of  and  pot 
ia  a  line  with  that  of  the  primary  wh^l, 
and  ip  cli^posing  the  secondary  wheel  at  Uit 
back  or  or  the  aide  of  the  driving  shaft, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PtLGnsiO^At  B^EClFiOA¥lO)TS  NOT  PBOOE£I)£t)~  WITH. 


647 


»MriiioirAii  krmownekttowu  mot  mO^. 

tEtbtO  Wfttf. 

tfESKETH,  RoBH&T,  of  Wimpole-strect, 
Middlesex,  architect.  Improvements  i»  ap- 
paratuB  for  supplying  Juei^  to  £raie*,  stoves, 
and  fire-places.  Application  datecl  Novem- 
ber 11,1^5*.    {ITqjW.)^ 

This  invention  js  appirca1>le  to  ^ates^ 
8tov68,  and  fire-places  where  the  fuel  is  sup- 
plied  upwards  from  a  chamber,  and  consists 
in  employing  a  flap  or  plate  placed  on  an 
axis,  ancTmade  capable  of  ^ttlng  and  mov- 
ing in  a  noliow  chamber  of  a  ouryed  seotion 
raising  up  the  fuel  as  it  moves. 

TuoiisoN,  James,  of  Dollar,  Clackman- 
nan, North  Britain.  An  improvement  t«  oft- 
taining  motive  power  when  fluids  or  liquids  are 
used*  Application  dated  November  11, 
1854.    {No«2dd8.) 

The  invention  is  applicable  to  Barker* s 
mill  and  other  similar  instruments,  and  the 
inventor  says,  **  t  have  disoovered  a  peculiar 
law  of  fluids  which  is  common  to  aeriform 
and  other  fluids,  by  which  the  acting  prea- 
flure  of  the  fluid  at  the  feeding  end  of  the 
machinery  may  be  that  which  is  kept  up  at 
the  source,  and  yet  that  the  delivery  end  of 
the  machinery  shall  only  void  the  fluid  at  « 
•omparatively  alow  rate  consequent  on  itf 
having  to  pass  through  a  very  extended  pipe 
•r  passage  between  the  feed  end  and  the  de- 
livery end  of  the  machinery  i  "  and  his  in- 
vention  consists  in  the  praotieal  application 
of  the  above  disoovery ! 

Caddivk,  David,  of  the  Ebbw-vale  Iloa* 
workfl,  Monmouth,  mwtmL  ImproeemmUs  fo 
puddkng  fumaees*  Application  dated  STo- 
vember  ia»  1864.    (No.  2404.) 

The  imp«eved  furnaees  are  eaeh  oon^ 
strooted  with  *  wrought  Iron  plate  oH  eaoh 
back  and  firant  side,  extending  from  top  te 
bottom  and  iirom  end  to  end  of  the  fttrnaes, 
and  having  suitable  openings.  The  *'  tool 
boshes  '*  have  flues  ibrmed  lo  then  leediof 
into  upright  flues  formed  m  theangleein 
the  chimney,  by  which  the  steaai  generated 
(by  the  hot  toola  being  put  into  the  winter  in 
the  "  toel  bdihes  ")  passes  awAy  outside  of 
the  lining  ef  tke  chimBey#  and  thus  tends 
to  keep  it  c6el.  A  flue  ii  made  at  iSbm  back 
mie  ef  Ibe  furnace  leading  to  the  flue*  out- 
side of  the  alMrf^  through  whieh  flue  a  rush 
ef  air  paiees  and  mtxes  with  the  ileara  fsan 
the  **  tool  boshea»"  and  this  aids  in  keeping 
tin  parts  eaol. 

LvedN,  Jmik  Hiw»tHO,  of  Old  Kent- 
KHUl,  Sttfiey,  ei^^eer.  /inpfowsinviv  in 
hremka  for  raitmmf»t  msd  Mker  Mk9  pmrpaeee. 
ApplieatioB  daled  Newmber  14^  liMb 
(No.  2405.) 

TJHe  kivMHioB  swriirtB  id  s  peculiar 
k[)^eirtMiff4n'tfBgeai#>i  spWA  tlif  teeeoriat 
proposes  to  employ  for  actuating  railway 


breads  imd  cranes,  and  for  other  like  pur- 
poses. 

HowARTH,  ^AMEs,  of  Poplar,  Middlesex, 
steward.  An  improvement  in  hoots,  shoes,  and 
other  coverings  for  the  feet.  Application 
dated  November  14,  1854.    (No.  2407.} 

This  invention  consists  in  the  introduc- 
tion of  sheets  or  plates  of  any  flexible  metal, 
or  metallic  alloy,  between  the  leathers  of 
wnich  the  soles  or  bottoms  of  boots,  shoes^ 
&c#»  are  made^  the  object  being  io  arrest 
the  passage  of  moisture  from  the  exterior  to 
the  interior  of  them. 

TuBNBULL,  Alexander,  of  Mancliester- 
square,  Middlesex,  doctor  of  medicine,  at 
present  in  Boston,  Massaehusetts,  United 
States  ef  America.  An  improved  saw,  J^ja- 
plication  dated  November  14, 1854.  (1^ 
2409.) 

The  inventor  so  constructs  tbe  teeth  of 
tlie  Improved  saw  that  each  tooth  shall  eut 
its  way  clean  through  the  wood  by  acting  as 
a  mortising  chisel,  and  standing  in  advance 
of  the  one  next  behind  it 

Law,  Henry,  civil  engineer,  of  Essex- 
street,  Strand,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in 
guns,  and  in  the  prqfecUles  to  be  fired  there- 
from,  Aipplipation  dated  November  14, 
1854.    (No.  2410.) 

This  invention  comprises  several  features^ 
but  eensiets  primarily  in  so  enclosing  and 
confining  the  gunpowder  in  a  chamber, 
either  formed  within  or  attached  to  the  body 
of  the  shot  or  other  projectiles,  as  to  insure 
tbe  expleeioa  ef  the  whole  of  the  powder, 
ftheAbamber  being  of  sufficient  strength  to 
detain  the  prqlectile  within  the  gun  until 
the  elaetie  feiee  of  the  vapour  shall  have 
reaehed  atfy  desired  limit. 

PeaeoMei  Pbao^vaIi  Moses,  of  Duke- 
street,  Adelphi,  Middlesex.  Improvements 
in  prafaeUkit  Appiteatien  dated  November 
14,1854i    4No.  a41K> 

The  kiveifetot  eeflretraotspMfectiles  in  such 
msrnner  ihal  e  retelory  motion  on  their  axis 
io  impacted  t«  them  by  the  escape  of  the 
gaseous  products  of  a  charge  contained 
within  them-,  or  of  a  part  of  the  gaseous  pro- 
ducts of  the  ohaf^  of  ihb  pieee  £rom  which 
they  are  discharged^  tbwugh  sulubly  ar*- 
ranged  passages  and  aperturee  in  them. 

Warmer,  Abthu r,  of  New  Broad-street, 
Londoir,  merekant.  Impr.ovemeH$e  in  eom- 
bining  sheets  of  tupper  or  its  aihps  with  lead. 
Me,  »nc,  mohelf  geidt  Jiletr,  plMinum,  or 
aUofS  eoniaitring  Hkeee  mettdsf  or  same  ^f  them, 
evsik  or  wUhmtt  the  oddHiau  rf  eap^r,  anH- 
meny,  biemmth,  areenia,  maiagamese,  or  mer- 
cury. Application  dated  N«vettibtf  15, 18f4. 
(Ko.  24170 

Thie  inwntion  oeashrte  in  eombiiung 
sheets  of  copper  or  its  alloys  with  sheets  df 
the  dther  meteto  mentioned  by  flushing  or 
coating  one  surface  of  a  sheet  of  popper  or 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


548 


PROVISIONAL  SPECIFICATIO:ffl  NOT  PSOGEEDED  WiM. 


iti  alloys  with  suitable  solder,  and  then 
causing  that  surface  to  adhere  to  a  sheet  of 
one  or  other  of  the  other  metals  mentioned, 
by  means  of  heat  applied  through  the  copper 
sheet,  aided  by  pressure. 

Meriwether,  William  Hunter,  of 
Coma,  Texas,  Unite<)  States  of  America. 
An  imprommmU  m  the  manufacturt  of 
roughUircm  pottt  or  upright*  for  fence*  and 
hmrdie*.  Application  dated  Norember  15, 
1854.    (No.  2419.) 

Mr.  Meriwether  says,  "This  inrention 
consists  in  rolling  iron  suitable  for  making 
hurdles  or  other  iron  fencing  by  causing  the 
posts  or  uprights  to  be  rolled  with  inclined 
sides  in  place  of  parallel  sides,  for  which 
purpose  I  use  rollers  grooved.*' 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln* s-inn- 
flelds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.    Jmprevement* 


in  air^pittol**  (A  communication.)  Appli- 
cation dated  November  15,  1854.  (No. 
2422.) 


This  invention  relates  to  ordinary  air- 
pistols  used  as  toys  for  children,  and  con- 
sists in  so  arranging  their  parts  as  to  admit 
of  their  being  discharged  by  one  hand,  and 
in  constructing  them  with  two  barrels  so  aa 
to  discbarge  from  both  simultaneously. 

BbLLFORD,  AuOUSTR    EDOC7ARD    LoRA- 

Doux,  of  Castle-Street,  [London.  Improve- 
ment* in  tilk'Winding  moKhinery.  (A  com- 
munication.) Application  dated  November 
16.1854.    (No.  2427.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  the  wind- 
ing of  the  silk  suple  from  the  cocoon  on  the 
reel  in  such  manner  that  the  sueoettive  coils 
only  come  in  contact  when  the  preceding 
ones  have  already  dried,  so  as  to  prevent  the 
silk  staple  from  being  stuck  together  by  the 
glutinous  matter  developed  by  the  heat  of 
the  bath  in  which  the  cocoons  are  immersed 
while  they  are  wound  off. 

FONTAINEMORBAU,  PSTBR  ARMAND  Le- 

coMTE  DE,  of  South-Street,  London.  Im- 
provement* in  obtaining  ahdhol,  tUeohoUe,  and 
acetou*  product*.  (A  communication.)  Ap- 
plication dated  November  16,  1854.  (No. 
2428.) 

This  invention  oonsists  in  collecting  the 
vapours  arising  from  ovens  during  the 
baking  of  bread  or  other  fermented  nrioa- 
ceous  substances  by  means  of  a  shield  pro- 
Tided  with  a  pipe  communicating  at  one 
end  with  the  inside  of  the  oven,  and  at  the 
other  end  with  a  condenser. 

Dat,  William  Charles,  military  equip- 
age  manufacturer,  of  the  Strand,  Middlesex. 
An  improved  eonetruction  qf  portable  camp- 
bed.  Application  dated  November  16, 
1854.    (No.  2480.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  to  provide 
a  camp-bed  which  may  be  used  without  a 
bedstead,  and  not  require  to  be  packed  in  a 
valise  to  protect  it  from  damp  while  being 


transported  from  one  place  to  another,  by 
applying  to  the  underside  of  a  mattrsss  a 
waterproof  material,  which  is  of  sufficient 
size  to  cover  the  under  surface  of  the  mat- 
trass  and  turn  over  to  form  a  counterpane 
or  quilt 

Bellamy,  John,  of  Upper-etreet,  Isling- 
ton.  luurovement*  in  graimng  and  tuutaiing 
marblet  fancy,  a$ut  other  wood*.  Application 
dated  November  17,  1854.    (No.  2436.) 

The  inventor  stains  the  panel  or  other 
surface  with  a  colour  made  to  imitate  the 
natural  wood,  laying  it  on  with  a  sash-tool, 
and  the  lights  or  veins  are  taken  out  by 
passing  over  the  surface  a  cylinder  made  to 
imitate  the  veining  and  natural  appearanee 
of  the  wood,  as  described  in  the  specification 
of  a  patent  of  £.  Barber,  enrolled  April  11, 
1846. 

Castblain,  Leon,  of  St  James's-plaee, 
Hampstead-road,  Middlesex,  chemist  A 
new  manufacture  rf pulp  for  making  paper  and 
millboard.  Application  dated  November  17, 
1854.     (No.  2488.) 

This  invention  consists  in  reducing  hay, 
straw,  or  similar  fibrous  materials  into  short 
pieces,  and  subjecting  them  to  a  solution  of 
lime,  soda,  potass,  pearlash,  or  chloride  of 
sodium,  at  a  suitable  temperature,  and  also 
to  sulphuric,  muriatic,  or  hydrochloric  acid. 
The  fibrous  material  is  then  to  be  further 
reduced  by  apparatus  suitable  for  cutting  or 
pulping,  and  afterwards  pressed  and  treated 
with  chloride  of  lime  and  water. 

KsNNEDr,  Thomas,  of  Kilmarnock,  Ayr, 
gun -manufacturer.  Improvement*  in  *hot  or 
profeetile*.  Application  dated  November 
17,  1854.    (No.  2489.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  with  "ey- 
lindro.conoi£d  "  shot,  tlie  cylindrical  por- 
tion forming  the  after  part  of  the  projectile 
is  made  hollow,  for  the  purpose  of  receiviBg 
a  series  of  movable  feather  pieces  which  are 
arranged  to  be  pressed  through  or  into  lon- 
gitudinal slots  in  the  cylindrical  portion  of 
the  projectile  by  a  piece  of  caoutchouc  or 
other  elastic  material,  also  contained  in  the 
hollow  of  the  projectile. 

Gaunt,  Richard,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, stamper  and  piercer.  A  new  or  im- 
proved dre**-fa*tening.  Application  dated 
November  17,  1854.    (No.  2445.) 

This  invention  consists  of  a  modificatton 
of  the  common  fastening,  in  which  the  but- 
ton or  stud  is  passed  through  a  slot  in  ita 
seat,  and  th^  receives  a  half  turn. 

Luff,  Henry  James,  of  Thanet-place, 
Temple-bar,  Middlesex,  engraver.  Improve- 
ment* in  the  mode  ef  attacking  hoetiU  bodies, 
al*o  applicable  to  the  obtainment  of  plan*  rf 
fort*,  S[c.  Application  dated  November  18, 
1854.    (No.  2447.) 

The  inventor  nropoees  to  employ  balloona 
for  bearing  combuatible  and  ej^lodve  mi»- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PBOVntONAL  PBOXBOnOMS. 


549 


silei  over  the  works  of  an  enemy,  then  dis- 
engaging them,  and  for  taking  photographs 
of  an  enemy's  position. 

Calaro,  ThAodule  Francois,  msohi- 
nist,  of  Paris,  France.  Certain  impraoementt 
in  bedstiodt.  Application  dated  November 
18,1854.    (No.  2448.) 

These  improrements  consist  in  surround- 
ing or  enclosing  the  space  between  the  bed 
and  tester-bed  top  9r  crown  with  perforated 
metallic  sheeta,  wire  gaoie,  or  similar  ma- 
terial,  so  as  to  form  a  kind  of  cage,  by  which 
the  sleeper  is  protected  from  obnoxious  in. 
fluences,  such  as  currents  of  air,  stings  of 
insects,  &c. 

Gumming,  John,  of  Glasgow,  Lanark, 
pattern  designer.  Improvements  in  looms 
for  wetanng.  Application  dated  NoTcmber 
20,  1864.    (No.  2460.) 

This  invention  relates  to  a  series  of  con- 
trivances more  particularly  applicable  for 
weaving  in  a  circle,  or  continuously,  by 
means  of  shuttles  travelling  round  warps 
arranged  in  a  circle,  the  same  arrangements 
being  capable  of  such  modification  as  will 
render  them  suitable  for  weaving  with  a 
reciprocating  shuttle,  the  line  of  traverse  of 
the  shuttle  heing  either  partially  circular  or 
rectilinear. 

Adams,  William  Bridges,  of  Adam- 
■treet,  Westminster,  engineer.  Improoements 
in  ffrofectiles,  prtjfeetUe  weapons^  and  their 
oppnrtenanees.  Application  dated  November 
20,1854.    (No.  2454.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  construct, 
ing  certain  tapering  projectiles  to  be  fired 
from  barrels  with  smooth  bores,  such  pro. 
jectiles  being  formed  with  either  external 
or  internal  feathers  which  are  to  insure  ac 
curacy  of  flight,  and  a  spiral  motion  if  ne. 
oessary,  and  being  of  lengths  at  least  greater 
than  their  diameters,  and  in  some  oases  as 
much  as  four,  six,  or  more  times  as  long. 
These  projectiles  are  to  be  liighly  polished. 
2.  In  constructing  papier  maehi  wads  to  be 
used  with  the  projectiles  before  described. 
8.  In  forming  cannon  of  an  internal  cylin. 
der  of  wrought  metal  covered  with  an  outer 
cylinder  of  oast  metal,  the  two  being  com. 
bined,  as  ikr  as  possible,  by  means  of  che. 
mical  fluxes.  4.  In  certain  improvements 
in  breech-loading  guns.  5.  In  motmting 
guns  upon  the  ball-and-socket  principle. 
6.  In  affixing  iron  shields  to  breecb-loading 
guns  in  order  to  shelter  the  gunners.  7.  In 
adapting  caoutchouc  springs  to  field  artiU 
lery.  8.  In  forming  the  wheels  of  field 
artillery  with  elastic  spokes.  9.  In  con. 
structing  practice  targets  made  to  run  up 
and  down  hill,  &c.  10.  In  making  the  ram. 
rod  of  a  musket  serve  as  a  bayonet 

Craig,  Thomas,  and  Alfred  Daniels, 
both  of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  warehouse- 
men.   Imprevemtnis  m  the  mode  or  method  tf 


eommunieating  signale  on  r^masfs,    Appli. 
oation    dated   Noyember  21,   1854.    (N^o 
I   2466.) 

The  inventors  propose  to  fix  electro- 
magnetic apparatus  on  railway  lines  at  any 
required  distances  so  that  any  train  pass- 
ing will  act  upon  the  apparatus  by  means  of 
a  projecting  bar. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 
Dated  May  \5,n5S. 

1097.  Robert  Jobson,  of  Holly-hall  Works,  near 
Dudley,  Stallbrd.  ironfonnder,  and  John  Jobaon, 
of  LItchnreh  Works,  near  Derby,  ironfounder. 
ImproTeroents  in  the  nuaafaoture  of  moulds  for 
esstinff  metali . 

lOM.  0«o^e  Tomllnion  Boosfleld,  of  Sussex- 
place,  Brixton,  Surrey.  Improvements  in  the  ma- 
nofiietare  of  wrought  nails.    A  commnnioatlon. 

Dated  May  16,  1866. 
1100.  George  Saxon,  of  Openshaw,  near  Man- 
chester, engineer.    Improvements  in  the  construc- 
tion of  safety-plugs  for  steam  boilers,  and  in  valves 
for  steam  engines. 

1103.  Thomas  Riehardson,  of  Leeds,  York,  dry- 
salter  and  mannfactuiing  chemist.  Improvements 
in  dyeing  cloth. 

II  OS.  Alphonse  Rdn6  Le  Ifire  de  Normandy, 
analytical  chemist,  of  Judd -street,  Brunswick- 
square,  Middlesex.  Certain  improvements  in  con- 
verting fatty  and  oily  substanoes  into  teity  and 
oily  acids,  and  into  soap. 

1104.  Edward  Pellew  Plenty  and  William  Pain, 
of  Newbury,  Berkshire,  a-^rieultural -implement 
manufaetarers  and  copartners.  An  improvement 
in  ploughs. 

1105.  Charles  William  Siemens,  at  John-street, 
Adelphi,  Middlesex,  civil  engineer.  Improve, 
ments  in  eooling  and  in  fteesing  watet  and  other 
bodies. 

1107.  Robert  Jamieson,  of  Ashton-nnder-Lyne, 
Lancaster,  machinist.  An  improved  muchine,  or 
improvements  in  machinery  or  apparatus,  for  form- 
ing or  forging  ihe  burrs  or  nuts  for  screw. bolts; 
applirable  also  to  forming,  forging,  or  completing 
blanlu  for  bolts  and  pieces  of  metal  for  other  pur- 
poses. 

1 108.  Robert  Yeseyand  Edmund  Yesey,  of  Bath, 
Somerset,  coach-builders.  Certain  improvements  in 
carriage-steps. 

Uu9.  John  Henderson  Porter,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick,  engineer.  Improvements  In  coupling- 
blocks  for  trusses  employed  In  roofs  and  other 
structures  generally. 

nil.  Robert  Murdoch,  of  Cran-hiU,  Glasgow, 
Lanark,  surveyor.  Improvements  in  ajplcultural 
apparatus  for  sowing  seeds,  and  for  depositing 
manure. 

1113.  Wharton  Rye,  of  Miles  Platting,  near 
Manchester,  Lancaster,  ironfounder.  An  Improved 
railway  wheel,  which  may  also  be  employed  for 
other  similar  purposes. 

Dated  May  17,  1866. 
HIS.   Thomas  Dawson,  of  King's  Arms-yard, 
London,  engineer.     Improvements  in  cases  for 
containing  pen,  ink,  and  Htsmps. 

1114.  Alexandre  MaximiHen  Mennet,  merchant, 
of  Paris,  French  Empire.  Certain  improvements 
in  ornamenting  textile  and  other  fabrics. 

lllft.  Jean  Ouillaume  Butt  and  Jean  Alfred 
Martin,  of  Paris,  Franoe.  A  new  system  of  rotary 
steam  engines. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


550 


NOTICES  OF  INTENTION  TO  PBOOEBD. 


1114.  WBUiim  J^brntm,  of  ttaootn'Klnii-flelds, 
lUddles^t,  ciyil  engineer.  Improvementt  in  the 
manufacture,  treatment,  and  application  Of  Otl^, 
re«ln«tti«  and  gMbmy  wttttneOt  MkA  toapt.  A 
eommunlcatiiMi  • 

1117.  Frederick  Delaconrt  Birth,  oC  Birmtnc- 
haft),  Warwick,  manuflicturer.  Improveinenti  In 
the  maiivftteluM  of  teik-tta^t,  plttote-fhuMt,  aftd 
other  eimilar  articlee  from  papier  ■ichi» 

1118.  James  Rae,  of  Alpha- road,  New-croas, 
Kent,  engineer.  Improveroepts  in  warming  rail- 
way passenger  carriages   and  compartments   In 

YSUOlS. 


steam  1 


Dated  May  1%  1855. 


1120.  Benoit  Theodore  War6e,  of  Paris,  France. 
A  new  «r  iaiproved  aypantiis  for  thar^ottin^  ym- 
cils. 

list.  Jviius  JcA«7s,  of  KiBfOMIi,  SttRor*  ^^ 
provements  In  san-Uiads  or  solar  oeiooiM. 

1124.  John  Gumming,  of  Olaiigow,  Laaarkt  pat* 
tem-dositaoA  iMpxovoMoata  ill  looms  Hr  mvm- 
Ing. 

Dated  May  21,  185^. 

1126.  Rohoit  lohn  Sitilitofl  tad  Edmund 
Charles  Davey,  of  HoUand-stroot,  Blaokfrters*«xtad, 
Southwark»  Iron  plato  workon  and  stOTO  man«- 
faetvrero.  Improvomonts  In  tho  Oonstrliotlon  of 
warming  and  other  etoves  for  goaeratlag  and 
radiating  heat,  and  also  for  oeonomisinf  combus- 
tion thoroin  and  attention  tkersto. 

1128.  Peter  Boyd  Eassle,  of  Glouoostor,  oivil 
enfinoor.    A  oedorial  or  radial  eliptograph. 

IIM.  Boajamln  Niehotls,  of  Bost-strtot,  Old 
Kent'ioad,  Sumy,  ImproTOments  in  th*  maau- 
Iboiurs  oad  ooastractlon  of  kattoas. 

1132.  Samuel  Stocker,  of  Btifhton,  «ttssek» 
ongiMeor*  ImproTenoati  la  ttlKklnory  and  ap- 
paratttt  Osr  skapiag  of  motals,  and  alio  ia  lUch 
mocal  goods  mode  f^m  ohoots,  platoi,  or  tatos, 
and  also  for  other  partR  connected  therewith,  and 
for  taishiag  the  tomo  whoa  loft  by  tho  tnaehine 
or  apparatus. 

1114  ThooMs  Pinott,  of  MrmiBghaiii,  Wai^ 
wick,  manufacturer.  An  improTement  ot  Im- 
pro^omeiitB  in  tolescopio  ffos>holdoit. 

IIM.  William  lotopli  Curtis,  of  Hardingo^reot, 
Isllngtoa,  Middlosok,  engineer.  Improvomeats  ia 
aerostation  or  aotonattties  and  the  mechanism 
eoaneeted  therewith,  whhih  ItaproTements  may 
bo  readofod  sttboonrioat  to  purpooet  of  aaviga- 
tion. 

1188.  Loafs  PrMMe  Isidon  Rayonitin,  mer- 
chant, oad  Charles  Chatel,  designer,  of  Paris, 
France.  ImproToments  in  the  manufketaro  of 
blinds,  seroons,  reflectors,  oad  other  artieles  of  a 
similar  nature. 

1 140.  Antoino  Fldoils  Cossuf,  of  Cagllarl,  Sar- 
dinia. Improvements  bi  treating  oUi  and  fktty 
ntattefs. 

1142.  /omph  Lotttt  Rey«ad  Adolpho  Oalbott, 
of  Marseilles,  France.  A  composition  to  preservO 
wood  and  iron,  called  a  submarine  and  preiOTTlng 
eoatlng. 

tl44.  Alekander  Henry  Metithi,  of  Man«ho«tor, 
Lancaster,  merehaat.  Certain  improvements  la 
the  manufacture  of  wadding,  and  ia  the  ma- 
chinery or  spparatus  connected  therewith. 

1146.  John  Mahon  Mncton,  of  Somers-placo 
West,  8t.  Pancras.  Middlesex,  actuary.  ImproTO- 
tnentt  in  sister-hooks  and  thimbles  for  ships*  and 
boats'  riggings,  such  improvements  or  parts  thereof 
being  applicable  also  to  other  purposes  where 
hooWs  are  required. 

1148.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Luico1n's4nn- 
Aelds.  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
signals  for  nautical  purposes.  A  eommunication 
nrom  Henry  J.  Rogers,  of  Baltlmoio.  MarylaiuL 
United  Sutes  of  America. 

1150.  AU^d  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chaacory-laae, 
MIddloMx,  moohanical  dxaof  htaman.    Improvo- 


moats  in  tho  eoBoiraotlao  af  waldboo.   ▲  oom* 
municalion. 


^ATEltTS  APPLIED  FOE  WITH  COIl^tBTE 
SPEClFXCltlONS. 

.  U74»  Silas  toihrd  Potaam,  of  llasiMboaitts. 
Vnited  dtatof  of  America.  A  now  or  Impcovcd 
fbrging-mtehine.    MsV  M.  1855. 

ins.  Bimubl  Bd»ttf  EbWto>»  ^  ▼liillit,  9«l« 
tod  States  or  AaMitoOk   Cottoln  now  anA  i     ^  ' 


iaif roveraents  in  txe-anns.    Partiy  a  oomma 

t\on  n-om  George  Leonard,  of  the  Uaitod  States. 

MayM.Tus. 

I  irr.  TheoSor  Eoif  fh  qflgtuhilh,  if  WMa« 
nau,  SUosia.  A  now  machino  for  tUilaf  lMid« 
May  24,  1855. 

1114.  Augtiftc  isdouard  Ldtidout  Mifbfd,  of 
BsiOk-stf%et,  LtHldoa.  Certain  llh^tera«hti  hi 
oid&anoOk  Mbd  la  oartildgoo  Ihoitfor.  A  oasam*- 
nication  fh>m  Charles  Piodorick  Brown*  of  Wai^ 
ren.  Ehode  Island,  UiUtod  Btatot  of  Amoriri 
Mky  2S,  llS5. 


Imaro^ 
a£l&.a 


ITO» 

and 


NOTICES  XSt  tOTlfiWtOll  TO 
PRO0££D. 

1B55.) 

188.  Angusths  Edward  Schmersahl.    Im] 
ments  in  the  manufacture  of  sulphuxie 
fai  apt>ahitus  Ibr  e4Kotln|(  tho  lamb. 

I«r.  Bamott  SamooU  ImproTomoati  hi  tla 
maauflKture  of  kailo-haadloa,  ambjellaaad  stick* 
handles,  door-knobs,  artlclef  of  lumituto,  and 
other  articles,  having  the  appeanuuft  And  tMMti^ 
rency  of  solid  tortoiseshell. 

IM.  WttlSam  Booleo.  ImfPWSfti  ha  terw 
trldges. 

204.  George  Searby.  lihph>venlenta  In  the  flia- 
nttfkfctnto  bf  b(«tt  ahd  shoes,  also  ap|)lteablo  to 
other  otticles  made  of  ot  partly  fbraod  of  loathoc 

840,  John  Franols  Portor.  iMCovwmrnIt  is 
the  manufacture  of  bricks,  and  other  artidea  of 
clay  or  brick  earth. 

I4«.  Aloithder  PtIttMb  IfeayMtbdrtHto  11  Im- 
arms,    A  coauannleatlon. 

251.  Jules  Castel  and  Fioderie  Maoricheau 
Beaupri.  A  new  system  of  burner  lor  lampa 
called  the  pyropneumatic  burner. 

256.  Roben  Jaaios  Maryon.  Impiuiomoat  or 
ijaproTemonta  in  the  oonstnietlon  of  aod  omaa^ 
factnre  of  bullets,  or  shot,  or  |>ra|ectileo. 

265.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Imnrovetnehb  fh 
the  manufacture  or  oonstroetion  of  stoam  hoileto 
or  generators,  aad  ia  the  appllcatioa  of  molorlalo 
to  such  manufacture.  A  communleatioa  f^om 
Jackson,  Brothers,  Petin,  Gaudet,  and  Company, 
of  Rive  de  Gier,  FKttice,  Engineers. 

S6r.  Petor  Armand  Looomto  do  PoatoiataK- 
reaa.  An  improved  mode  of  proaerviaf  ra&twof 
and  other  tickets.    A  communication. 

285.  Peter  Armand  Lecomto  de  Pontainemo- 
reau.  An  Improvement  In  tho  mode  of  ai>ply1nfr» 
as  motive  power,  boatod  air  oomtalaod  with  tho 
vapour  of  ether  or  of  any  other  liquid  easily  vapo- 
rized.   A  communication. 

298.  Adolphe  Giratd.  Oertalh  impfOYomeBta  la 
extinguishing  flnrt. 

809.  Robert  Jamet  Moiyon.  IdipioTomoiit  or 
Improvements  In  the  construction  of  and  maauflse- 
ture  of  ordnance,  part  or  section  of  his  said  inven- 
tion he  applies  for  Improvement  Ih  tho  coaftlfattton 
of  fln4Ums  of  ovoty  cimo. 

817.  W|lUam  Balk.  Impovomeata  la  machlaoiy 
fbr  crushmg  grain  and  other  suostanc^. 

355.  Samuel  Barlow  Wright.  ImprovomoBlt  In 
the  mannfiiptpro  of  onoaustie  tiiei. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WtsStt  tt&f  6»  tXiKHia. 


tti 


971.  Joshiu  Kidd.  Improvementi  Ifi  ttkWbhlnirf 
mA  •pftthm  Ibr  MWlaf  mA  stlMiteg  eloth  and 

404.  John  Edmund  Gardner.    ImproYtllktntt  lA 

pwtakla  oMking-ap^tMtoi  lad  In  iOeUng-Uilipk. 

4M.  WailMn  AnoMid  OllbVfe.     Ata  lttfr«T«« 

■iMf ,  to  wbloh  he  ffftee  tht  hUM  df  "  SftMUlID* 

lln«.''   A  MtaimuDtMitiAii. 

520.  Henry  Gilbert.    Improvementi  in  httrdMi. 

561.  John  Gracie.    ln]rtOf«lMiit«i«  #<rod^ltti- 

ing  machinet. 

5S7.  Willtttll  HbndJiy.  IttprOTttaetifl  in  pre- 
piitat,  Ateisff,  «ud  stindMg  tM  yitt\§w^  kttai  of 
pMteb^.  ffnytaltei  of  bl«tfkl«iA,  Mtfatr  Ws^thtf 
or  w&frmk,  mi4  wMi  at  wftMui  etlMt  llia)ertil«| 
tn  pslithiiitfv  UtNioating,  aM  to*  otiitef  ^ttrp«bM| 
and  in  otherwise  preparing  the  lame  Mr  ult. 

647.  Jamca  Willii.  Improvementi  in  certain 
parts  of  tin  ftaiun  nd  ftirnttntv  of  antit^Uu  ind 
paraaolt. 

678.  John  Shaw,  LtfWU  Hafrof),  and  James  Yield- 
ing. Improvements  in  machin«|rftt  litiiisinf  ilMl 
doubling^ootton  and  other  fibrous  materials. 

748.  Henry  Rlchardfori  Fanshawe  and  J6hii 
Amerleus  FmshftWo.  Oartato  ittpMTeMenia  in 
the  manufacture  of  waterproof  fabrics  of  the  toI- 
MhlMd,  tniphatfiedi  6f  cured  ftlsss. 

796.  Lipoid  Oudiy  and  Alphoue  Oudiy.  Cer- 
tain improveitients  In  preserving  wood,  metal,  and 
other  substances. 

841.  PhUippeAmddte  Dery.  ImproTeroents  In 
tbe  frames  of  swing  looking-glasses.  A  eommn- 
nieation. 

877.  John  Charles  Pearce.  Improvements  in 
■laking  the  Joints  of  pipea  and  other  arttelaa. 

1083.  Alfred  Vinoant  Mewton.  An  imnrtved 
•onstruction  of  air-engine.    A  communication. 

1044.  Duncan  Morrison.  Improvemattts  in  the 
manufacture  of  metallio  bedsteads,  sofasi  airt  other 
articles  to  sit  or  reeline  wn. 
1046.  George  Taylor.  ImprqTements  in  st8am- 
(ine  governors*  A  oommunicatlon. 
OCO.  Edward  Humphries  and  ThMMi  Bnm- 
fbries.  ImprovBjnents  In  machlna>riddles  for 
■eparating  straw  fr«n  gmhi,  and  for  otbar  aimllar 
yvposes. 

)071  Wniiaas  Bridges  Adamt.  ImproTtments 
in  the  construction  and  propulsion  of  vessels  for 
navigation,  moved  by  internal  power. 

1074.  George  Whyait*  Certain  improveoients 
in  machinery  ox  appaiatua  for  euttlng  piled  goods 
or  fabrics. 

1079.  Frangoia  Alpboaao  Theroulde.  Imptove- 
ments  In  preserving  animal  substaneea.  A  com- 
munication. 

1080.  Thomae  Bicketl.  Improvomenta  in  tbe 
eonstruction  of  preiinm-gaugea. 

1090.  Alexander  Robertson.  Improvemettts  in 
tbe  constructipn  of  stoves  and  fire-grates. 

1094.  John  Laokmann*  An  improvement  In  the 
manufacture  of  sheet  Iron.    A  communication. 

1009.  George  Tomllnson  Bonsfiald*  Improve- 
ments in  the  manoTaalnro  of  wrought  aalla.  A 
oommunieatioa. 

1103.  Alphonse  Rent  la  Mire  de  Kermandv. 
Certain  improvements  in  converting  Ibtty  and  oily 
substances  iate  fatty  and  oily  acids,  and  Into  soap. 

1140.  Antoine  Fidelia  Cossua.  Improfemenu 
in  treating  oils  and  fatty  matters. 

1142.  Joseph  Louis  Rey  and  Adolnbe  Onibert. 
A  composition  to  preaervO  wood  and  iron,  called  a 
submarine  and  pmserviag  coaling. 

1150.  Alfred  Vincent  Nowton«  lAiprovomanti 
in  the  eonstruction  of  waiohea.  A  oommanioa- 
tion. 

1 1 74.  Silas  Safibrd  Pntnam.  A  sow  or  InftO^oi 
foqting-machine. 

1175.  Samuel  Edwin  Robtalna*  Oartain  aow  and 
nseful  improvements  in  fire-arms.  Partly  a  com- 
munication firom  George  Leonard,  of  the  United 


aagin 
10C( 


WBgKIiT  IiIST  OF  FATRRTI. 

SemM  Jmme  1|  i%66. 

8579.  Oearge  Aubur/  aadl  William  EU 

ehard  BHd^s. 
2601.  ChaifUi  Tbompaoti  Duihtlfl, 
8606.  OuateTO  Iranfo  Saulforl^ 
Bitr.  #ibei  (BmlUi. 

mi. 

l4d.  Bamael  tadaoa. 

468.  John  Conoy. 

620.  Jonathan  Musgrave. 

7tft«  William  £d^d»a  Newton. 

SeaM  Jun$  5,  W6. 

9588«  Jama  Hlggioi^ 

9507.  William  Davia, 

2608.  Francia  Pula. 

2611.  Richard  Larkin. 

2616.  Ctiarles  Frederick  Stanabury. 

2629.  John  Court,  Jun. 

2632.  Llewellyn  William  Eyana  and 

Jamea  McBryde. 
2648.  Peter  Jo6l  LiVMy    cttd  WilUara 

WailfL 
266a»  Malthaw  Ourling  FrMod  and  WiU 

liam  Browning. 
2667.  James  CiiliniDghai)&. 
2673.  John  Avary. 
2T28«  Thomu  Boylt; 

1855. 

8.  Jooeph  SoffuiA. 
10.  Claude  Jaies  Flnekeo. 
51 «  Edward  Haves. 
114«  Jamea  Loe  Nortvn. 
246.  Isaac  Jecka. 
882.  George  itebpel. 
896.  Walter  Neilson. 
408.  Victor  Joseph  Lehet,  Jean  Four- 
niol,  and  Jaan  Baptiste  Remyon. 
570.  William  Oaltoway  and  John  Oal. 

lowayi 
590.  Joseph  Mitchell. 

677.  Charles  Goodyear. 

678.  John  Oetty. 

696.  Marie  Jeanne    ThMs«  GHIIot  and 

Cecile  CeUstine  Beauvais. 
760.  Joaoph  Bratier. 
802.  Btotme  Pergusieii  W!lioii,  Omirad 

Abben  Hanson,  atid  James  John 

Wallia. 
804.  Oeorgo    Ferguaaon    Wilsoft     and 

George  Payne. 
822.  fhomaa  Hill. 

The  above  Patdhfs  all  bear  date  as  of  the 
day  on  which  ProTisional  Protection  waa 
nanted  for  the  several  inveBfioos  men- 
tMMd  above. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


552 


NOTEOBS  TO  COBBESPQHBXim. 
NOTICES  TO  C0ERE8P0KDBKT8. 


A  Contkua  Hmier.'-Vre  rabmltted  your  que«- 
tion  to  A  Mntleman  well  skilled  tn  tho  Art  of  eloe- 
tro-ehMDiml  depotltioii,  and  have  reeoived  firom 
him  the  following  rvply :— "  I  amineUned  to  think 
that  eleetro-depMitlon,  generally,  U  bnt  tUffktly 
inilaeneed  by  light.  In  some  eaaea,  hovoTer,  its 
aetton  beeomes  more  manifest ;  as,  for  example, 
when  solutions  are  prepared  with  hmsolphite 
of  soda  or  the  salts  of  Iodine  and  bromine;  these 
are  readOy  aflTected  by  light,  and  eonseqiiently 
(the  solution  being  therebylmpaired)  electn>.depo- 
dtion  proeeeds  more  slowly  and  less  uniformly. 

"  In  depositing  snTerlkomiU  solution,  theMlo«r 
of  the  deposit  U  much  Influeneed  by  light— more 
espedally  when  the  solutions  are  prepared  with 
any  of  the  salts  referred  to:  but  the  light  H»PMrs 


to  alfieet  the  colour  of  the  dapotit  alter  It  has 
-not  while  It  is 


removed  from  the  bath,~no 
in  the  liquid. 

*<  I  have  always  found  that  eleetn^depoaltien 
takes  plaoe  fully  as  well  at  night  or  In  a  dark 
m>artmettt  as  during  the  day-tlnM,  and  from  this  I 
conclude  that  light  doea  not  tevonr  eleetzo-dspo- 
sitlon." 

/.  B.— It  is  not  yot  published. 

NOTICE  TO  SUB8CRIBSB8. 
Asthesale  of  Back  Nnmben  is  atteiided  vMi 
considerable  trauble,  the  Proprietor  of  the  JTe- 
dboiiies'  JTaMstos  flnds  It  neeeesnry  to  ehaigo 
do«*/«  price  fur  aU  that  have  been  published  Bon 
-than  two  ] 


MESSRS.  ROBfiRTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 

VndartakA  ilw  Pnenxtttlon  of  Paltnti 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  the  tranuotioii  geiienlly  of  all 

business  relating  to  PaTBNTB.    CosU  of  Provisional  Proteetion — £10  10a. 

Praetioal  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  graUs  on  applicadon 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  "Meehanics*  Magasine  and 

Patent  Office,' *  166,  Fleet-street,  London. 


CONTENT 

Nfiw  Sfklutlon  of  n  Cnbio  Eouation 

SOP 

529 
SSI 

631 

5SS 
637 

6S8 
689 

640 

540 
641 

641 

642 

543 
543 
543 

543 

543 
544 
544 

644 
544 
644 
544 

545 

645 
545 
545 
645 
.  545 
545 

.  545 
545 

THIS  NUMBER. 

Asprey  ...Handles — . 

Bonsfleld Preventing  Incmatatloi 

in  Boilers 

Ramsbotham    and 

Brown   Combing  Wool.  te.  .. 

Belmer Warming  Rooms    ..... 

Draper   Paper..... 

Keefe Dressing  Flour   .. ...  ... 

Dulaursns  fr  Lau- 

bry ..Olove  Fixings 

Csllaa Oalvanie  Batteiiee    .. 

Knight  Testing  iron ...... 

Provlsionsl  Spsdflcattons  not  Proceodad  with 

S4< 

IS 

ft4« 

On  Earthboring  Machinery— (iPiM  tngrav 
Wf) 

64« 

On  the  Electro-Chemical   Deposition  of 
MeUls.    By  Alexander  Watt 

On  the  Slip  of  Screw  Propellers 

Prof'-ssor  Callan's  l*atent  Improvemsuts  in 
OaWanic  Batteries ~ 

Peile's  Patent  LUling  Swek^wHk  *n^avimg$) 

Hancock's  Vulcsniaed  India  Rubber  Patent: 
—Law  Cssft  .......•..•.....•..».••.•••••••••«••••••••••• 

Bright's  Registered  Parallel  Compas»-(wU» 

540 
Md 
646 

64S 
54« 
946 
546 

flnhatltute  for  R-av*  In  Psner  Makinc 

547 

Exercises  in  Arithmetic.    With  Key.    By  R. 

Raw»oii.— (Review)  

Cosl  Mininir  Investigated  In  its  Principles. 

By  J.  Marlow,  Sen.— (Review)  

Specifleations  of  Patents  recently  PUed : 

Thomson  ...... .......MotiTS  Power  ........... 

Caddick Puddlins  Furnaces.... 

647 
647 

L>»on...T...^........ ..Breaks 

647 

Howarth ...BooU  and  shoes  ....... 

Tumbull Saws 

Law  ..M*. Ounsand  Projectiles  ... 

547 
547 
547 

Klrknn  ..— Anvils 

Psrsons Projectiles  « 

Warner Combining  Metals  .... 

Meriwether  ^......Iron  Posts  

547 

PaarBiin                    Gun  Barrels....... 

647 

Meens Wind  Instruments ...... 

646 

Bodley  .....Revolving  Cannon 

Chevron  and   Do 
Roolet  Textile  Pahrlcs  ......... 

Johnson Air  Pistols 

Bellford Winding  8Uk  

Day Camp-Bed 

Bellamy Graining  Woods 

646 

.  6« 
•46 

Daviss  Roller  Blinds  

.  546 

Brooman  Ontu  Peicha  Threads 

'RMmwAll  StAun  Enrlnea    

546 
646 

Newton Soluble  Silicates 

Buchanan  — Heddles 

Ingall      Railway  Signals 

Kennedy  Shot   ..... 

Gaunt.... .....Dress  Fastening  — ... 

Luff  ...............Warfare 

Cumroing Looms    ...  . . 

.546 

.  5«6 

.  516 

646 

549 

Knowies  fr  Kirbj  Fibrous  Substances   .. 
Wilson       ...M...M.Ornamental  Fabrics  .. 

Adams ., Pke^nms  ft  ProJedUei 

Crsigand  Daniels  Railway  Signals 

Patents  appUed  for  with  Complete  Speclflea 

Notices  oMniention  to  ProMed."^^ 

LUt  of  Sealed  Patmts 

1  646 

Piatt  Bricks    

519 

Hann Propelling 

Low VeiitUstlng  Mines  

Wilson  Printed  Fabrics  

Higglns  and  Whit- 
worth Csstinc  Shot 

.  549 

.  550 
.  550 
.  551 

552 

LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Arehihald  Biooman,  of  No.  106,  ReeS-etieot. 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Qalignanl,  Rue  ViTienne,  Paris;  Mason  and  Co., 
DnhUns  W.C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamtaif. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1662.1  SATURDAY,  JUNE  16, 1855.  f^.^"  "i 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  166,  Fleet-itreet. 


FAIKBAIRN'S  PATENT  SLIVER-WINDING  MACHINE. 


bo 


VOL.  LXII. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


554 


FAIRPAIRN'S  PATENT  SLIVEJUWINDING  MACHINE. 

The  engravings  on  the  preceding  page  represent  a  machine  patented  Augnst  28,  1854, 
by  Mr.  P.  Fairbairn,  of  Leeds,  the  object  of  which  is  to  wind  slivers  of  fibrous  materials 
into  laps  for  the  purpose  of  being  placed  behind  the  feed-rollers  of  succeeding  machine&i 
Fig.  1  is  a  side  elevation,  and  fig.  2  an  end  elevation,  nartly  in  section.  A,  A  is  the 
framework  of  the  machine ;  B,  B  are  fast  and  loose  belt-pulleys  mounted  apon  the  driTiDg. 
shaft,  C,  which  is  carried  in  suitable  bearings  in  the  framework,  A,  A ;  D  is  a  spur  pinion 
keyed  upon  the  driving- shaft,  C,  and  takicig  into  the  spur-wheel,  £,  keyed  upon  tlie 
shaft,  F,  which  also  carries  the  winding- on  drum,  G.  This  shaft,  F,  is  mounted  in 
suitable  bearings  in  the  forked  lever,  ^.  The  driving-shaft,  C,  also  acts  as  a  fulcrum  for 
this  lever.  A  preponderating  v[e^h^,  1^'^  'U  fixed  on  the  other  end  of  the  lever,  H,  to 
enable  it  to  bear  up  the  drum,  G,'i|ii  ^ontac^  ^ith  the  bobbin  on  which  the  fibrous  material 
is  to  be  lapped.  M  is  a  spur-w^eel  keyeci  to  the  driving-shaft,  C,  an^  taking  Into  an 
intermediate  wheel,  m,  which  takes  into  another  spur-i^l^eel,  N.  This  wheel,  N,  has  one 
side  truly  turned  so  as  to  correspond  with  the  friction-pU^e«  f«  whic\^  is  kejed  upon  a 
shaft,  O.  Between  the  friction-plate  anq  th^  8pui:-wVee]^  jDS[,  ^  4^  washer,  made  of  leather, 
^It,  or  other  suitable  material;  the  spi^r-whe^l'  N,  is looi^e  \ipoii'the  s^a(t,  O,  and  pressed 
against  the  friction- plate,  P,  by  mean^  (p^  a  spiral  spring,^Q.  %  a^Q.^  r^re  two  disc  plates 
mounted  upon  their  tespective  shafts,  pi  and  T>  and^i^ovi^e^  ^&a  recesses  into  which  the 
^bbbin,  S,  is  fitted.  U  is  a  pawl  whicj|i  ^ops  Qito  a  groove  m  the  jk^^^  T,  and  therebj 
holds  the  shaft  in  position  ;  but  yrhen  raided  it  permits  of  the  plate,  r,  ^f.VDg  drawn  back  tar 
the  purpose  of  putting  in  at^^  iakin^'  qi\^\  the  bobbin,  S. 

It  will  be  seen  that  wheT\  rotary  laot^ion  is  g;i,Yen  to.  tk^  ^iviog-i^^f^  C,  the  train  of 
spur-wheels,  M,  m,  and  N,  wiU  actua^jje  the  dlsc-p\ate,  B.  and  r,  by  means  of  the  friction- 
plate,  P,  and  thereby  cauae  the  bobbin  to  rotate  in  contact  with  the  i^jjuiling-on  drum,  G, 
put  at  a  superior  surface  speed.  SUyers  of  ubrous  material  being  ^o^  supplied  to  the 
machine  in  the  usual  manner,  they  aire'  voui^'4  UP?.i^  thf  Vsl^V.^W  '  k^^  '^^  ^^^  diameter 
olf  the  lap  increases,  the  druni^  G,  will  be  forcea '^own,  sSj^  iSk  prei|:|ure  of  the  dium 
upon  the  lap  will,  to  a  certain  degree,  overcome  the  power  communicg^ted  to  the  friction, 
plate,  P,  and  cause  that  plate  to  slipover  the  surface  of  the  wheel^Tli*  W  which  means  the 
speed  of  rotation  of  the  lap  wUl  ^  regulated,  and  the  slivers  will  be  tigk^Q^  wound  upon  the 
bobbin.  ■   •  . .  n 


ON  TEA^T^,  I^ND  SOME  OF  ITS  USES. 


While  it  is  a  most  important  ay^d  satis- 
factory  circumstance  that  the  coal-mines  of 
this  country  manifest  no  symptoms" ^^  ex- 
haustion, notwithstanding  the  enorm'9US  de- 


terized  by  a  nearly  homogeneous  structure } 
but  the  later  and  more  superficial  deposits 
present  a  less  decomposed  and  compacted 
character,  and  have  the  general  appearance 


glands  continually  made  upon  them  \f^  \he  of  an  entangled  and  felted  structure,  coro- 
vaned  and  extensive  fuel-consuming  pr^-  posed  of  partially  decomposed  moss  and 
jesses  o.rtbis  and  other  countries,  it  is  n^Vec-  grass,  and  not  unfrequently  shrubs  and 
theless  a  WeasTn^  {iic.^  (j^iat,  in  the  deposits  trees ;  the  moss  and  grass  have  the  appear- 
of  peat  witt  wliicb  many  pbnions  oMbe  -        .     -       .  .       . 

United  Kingdom  abound,  we  are  furnished 
with  a  material  trom  which  may  be  obtainedf 
an  excellent  fuel^  )ess  costly,  but  not  less 
abundant  than  coal  itself.  The  attention  o^ 
many  scientific '  persons  has  recenlW  beerj 
turned  to  these  deposits,  and  the  results  of 
their  investigation^  are  now  accessible*  to 
all.  •  '  '    ** 

"  Peat  is  vegetable  matter  undergoing 
partial  decompos^lon,  and  probably  its  for- 
mation commenced  at  a  very  remote  period 
of  the  world's  history.  It  19.  found  in  natu- 
ral basins,  formed  ^y  the  inequalities  of  t^e 
earth's  surface,  wherein  the  water  is  dammed 
up  and  prevented  firom  flowing  into  adjacent 
streams  and  Tivei;s.''"^n  these  lakes  vegeta- 
ble matter  has  accum\ilatjed,  ani  is  under- 
going varioua  changes,  ah^'  filial  decompu- 
aitlotL, '  In  t'he  earlier  deposits  it  is  charac- 


The  ent;ii;e  iijiass;  botbi  oC  the  niore  com- 
pact  and,' ^"be  *less  "solid  peat,  U  c'oinposed 
ehie^y  <pf  ligneous  matter;  and  naaj  be  con- 
sidered '^s  Hfl^alagous  tp  wbodjr  fibre;  i^ 
quali^,  lo^fX^ri  Js  fte^^ently  aflfected  bj 
the  sj^ecial  ^^cunistanced  of  locaU'tv.'  ^h^ 
^est  bai^ples^^  have  met  wl^h  hafe  ^n- 
.rr^.i  •jfi._''j_.'_j   ^    '^^OtpJ^^e^  cent 


tjaided,  "^jjen^dijiil^d,  abou^  VOj 
of  car'bon,  Vui  othei;  samples  wef^'  contami- 
nated wit*^  ^^y.^^  matters  to  'tbe  extent  of 
5  to  10  pe^'cen^  '^l^e  average" impurities 
may  be  takeri  at:  ^  to  5  per  cent,  and  we 
have  found  soyae  ^amples  o{  peat  charcoal 
yielding  9^  ]^er  cent,  of  £uel.^*» 

*  Mr.  W.  Longmaid,  in  a  lecture  before  the 
Society  of  Arts,  January,  1850. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  PEAT  AND  SOME  OF  ITS  USES.  555 

Ovennan,  in  his  celebrated  work,  "  On  the  Manu&ctare  of  Iron,"  gives  an  analysis  of 
relative  valnes  of  fuel,  which  he  states  to  be  of  European  origin,  and  as  they  have  been 

mostly  drawn  up  by  Berthier,  they  may  be  relied  upon  a«  correct.  From  these  tables  we 
copy  as  under,  in  order  to  show  the  value  of  peat  or  turf  fuel  as  a  heating  agent : 

Oak,  air-dxied 31  per  cent 

Beach,  birch,  and  pine 81  ^   „ 

VAI.U6  OP  CHAflCOAL. 

Poplar,  maple  ash,  average 68  per  cent 

Charcoal  from  other  species  difiers  but  slightly. 

VALVE  OF  TURF. 

Frenc)i  ipecimena  18  to  34,  average    26  pw  cent. 

German      „         26  to  43       , H      „ 

Irish  „         28to62       „  ^Si      „ 

VALUE   OF  TURF   CHARCOAL. 

French  specimen,  ifi  to  58,  average 49  per  cent 

German i . .  Q^      „ 

Irish , ,..,.,;.,...  84  21-26tjis. 

▼ALVB   OF   STONE  COAL. 

Newcastle    ^  •  • 70  per  cent 

France,  Grande  Crofx  ' ,  J . . . . ." 67       „ 

Spain,  Asturian • . .' 59       ., 

France,  St  Etienne    .  i . . .' I  $7       „ 

Cherry  coftl,  Derbyshire    ..*.'. 61       „* 

Cannel  coal,  6lasgow    , , .' .  1 . , , J  .*.,...........' .  56      ,; 

„  Lancashire    .. ..  11....  .1 .. ..  I.  i. .. '. 53      „ 

German   •••••. ^ 48      „ 

Austria     i. .  I  ^. ....  .1 ............;...:... ;:«-4S       T$ 

The  following  Table  may  also  be  relied  upon : 


SpecieiofFaeL 

Pounds  of  Lead 

reduced  by 

l«  Fuel.' 

Pounds  of  Winter 
which  1"  Fuel  can 
heat  from M<»-2ir. 

Pounds  of  Wate^ 

wblch  Iff  Fuer  can 

evaporate  from  212^. 

Obsurexs. 

Oakwood 

Fir 

pine 

12*M 
14W 
13-70 
177 

isa 

80-38 
28-28 

2880 
82  8Q 
81-0 
42'T 

S:* 

74-48 

84-96 
69-88 

5-27 
6*11 
5-77 
11-5 
'5-2 
6-4 
1888 
10-2^ 
ISO 
12-20 

Berthier. 
Wruker. 

drtfflthi! 

Berthier. 

Ditto. 

PhllUps. 

bltto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Peat  firom  Lough  Alien 
French  Peat 

Ditto 

VeUhCoali 

Scotch  Coale 

Newcastle  

Lancashire 

Among  the  various  persons  who  haT9 
Recently  obtained  advantageous  results  in 
the  preparation  of  peat  for  the  store  and 
furnace  are  Messrs.  Gwynne  and  Co.,  of 
Essex  Wharf,  Strand,  who  have  publicly 
ofiered  to  contract  to  put  up  the  necesaary 
machinery  to  m<i^ke  from  one  ton  to  fifty  tons 
of  solidified  peat  per  hour,  «t  a  cost  no(  ex- 
ceeding a  few  of  (he  gojd  -  crushing  ma- 
chines, and  who,  indeed,  offered  to  one  of 
the  members  of  the  Government  to  convert 
the  Dartmoor  bog  into  an  ^ceUen(  fuel  at 
the  rate  of  fiAy  tons  per  hout,  €or  use  in  the 
small  stove«  s^t  lastvioWc  to  the  troops  in 
the  Crimea.  According  to  on^  of  the  pa- 
tents of  Messrs.  Gwvnne,  **  the  peftt^  af  dug 
iroza  the  hog,  U  thxojvn  into  «  sf iim  of 


cages,  placed  in  a  large  centrifugal  machine, 
and  deprived  of  so  much  of  the  moisture  aa 
to  make  it  ready  for  the  mill,  where  it  is 
ground  to  a  powder,  passed  thence  through 
a  aeries  of  cylinders,  revolving  in  a  heated 
chamber,  when  the  remaining  moisture  is 
evaporated,  and  the  powder  heated  to  the 
proper  degree  for  compression ;  from  vhenoe 
it  is  carried,  from  the  last  cylinder,  by  two 
pockets,  to  the  cotxypressing  uhles,  which 
having  passed  through,  the  solidified  peat  is 
ready  ior  use."  According  to  apother  of 
thedr  patents^  '*  the  peat,  for  its  ordinary 
preparation  for  oonversion  into  fuel,  is  taken 
AS  it  is  at  present  found,  in  the  natural  vet 
and  spongy  state;  in  that  oondition  the 
blocks  or  portions,  as  they  are  out  from  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


556 


ON  PEAT  AND  SOME  OF  ITS  USES. 


bog»  are  subjected  to  the  action  of  a  series 
of  pressing  rollers,  and  are  by  that  operation 
relieved  of  a  considerable  quantity  of  the 
water  they  contain,  and  they  are  thus  passed 
through  successive  sets  of  pressing  rollers 
until  the  moisture  is  sufficiently  pressed  out 
of  them,  or  the  moisture  may  be  removed 
by  any  other  arrangement  or  process  most 
convenient.  The  culcs  or  slabs  of  partially- 
dried  peat  thus  produced  are  then  passed 
between  cylinders  revolving  in  opposite  di- 
rections, or  one  revolving  and  the  other 
stationary,  and  having  at  equal  disunces 
along  their  outer  surfaces  projections  about 
equal  to  the  thickness  of  the  slabs  of  peat ; 
the  result  of  this  operation  is,  the  reducdon 
of  the  slabs  or  blocks  into  pieces  of  a  con- 
venient form  or  size  for  ordinary  use,  or  for 
further  preparatory  treatment  Such  por- 
tions of  the  peat  are  then  subjected  to  any 
of  the  ordinary  and  known  modes  of  desic- 
cation, or  it  is  from  that  state  converted  into 
charcoal,  and  is  then  ready  for  use  or  fur- 
ther  treatment" 

The  Mining  Journal  gives  the  following 
account  of  the  processes  now  adopted  by 
Messrs.  Gwynne  and  Co. : 

"  The  rationale  of  the  process  of  prepar- 
ing turf,  and  rendering  it  a  pure  fuel,  fit  for 
the  most  delicate  metallurgical  operations, 
was,  under  the  original  patent,  to  air-dry 
the  turf,  by  which  it  lost  40  per  cent  of  its 
hygrometric  moisture;  but  the  patentees 
have  since  still  further  simplified  and  eco- 
nomised the  process,  by  which  the  peat  can 
now  be  taken  firom  the  bog,  instantly  ope- 
rated on  in  the  drying  cylinders,  passed  to 
the  compressing  machine,  and  turned  out  a 
perfected  fuel  of  great  specific  gravity  in 
the  form  of  a  brick,  by  one  continuous  and 
rapid  process.  A.8  the  foreign  patents  are 
not,  however,  yet  matured,  we  canoot  make 
public  this  part  of  the  arrangement,  and  in 
describing  the  modus  operandif  we  must  on 
this  occasion  take  the  turf  as  air- dried.  By 
means  of  a  chain  of  endless  buckets,  com- 
monly called  a  'Jacob's  ladder/  it  is  raised 
and  poured  into  a  hopper,  placed  over  a 
series  of  cylinders  heated  by  steam,  from 
which  it  emerges  a  perfectly  dry  impalpable 
powder.  The  heat  being  properly  regulated. 
It  enters  the  hopper  of  the  oompressing  en- 
gine  at  a  temperature  of  180°,  at  which  the 
tarry  properties  of  the  turf  are  just  suffi- 
ciently developed  to  form  a  powerfully 
cementing  compound,  and  the  brick  of 
compressed  tur^  when  cold,  is  a  dense  and 
solid  body,  with  a  higher  specific  gravity 
than,  and  possessing  all  the  good  qualities 
of,  coal,  with  none  of  its  impurities  or 
defects,  and  containing  many  useful  pro- 
perties, which  the  best  mineral  carbonaceous 
fuel  does  not  possess. 

"  The  compressing  machine  under  notice 
forms  a  brick  of  one  pound  in  weight ;  but, 


although  such  sizes  will  be  found  useful  for 
many  purposes,  it  is  proposed  iu  practice  to 
employ  a  much  more  powerful  apparatus, 
capable  of  compressing  masses  of  41ba. 
each,  about  the  size  of  a  common  brick,  and 
half  its  specific  gravity.  The  fuel  is  per. 
fectly  homogeneous,  withstands  the  abrasive 
and  destructive  operation  of  the  blast  better 
than  coal  or  coke ;  and  we  believe  that  when 
properly  appreciated  and  brought  into  use, 
not  only  for  metallurgical  but  steam-ca- 
gine,  domestic,  and  numerous  other  pur-  I 
poses,  it  will  be  found  the  most  eflTective  and 
the  most  economic  fuel  yet  known.  To  lead  i 
to  a  proper  understanding  of  this  sabjeet,  it  ' 
must  be  borne  in  mind  that  dry  peat  is  the 
great  object  sought;  the  large, quantity  of 
water  held  by  it  in  its  natural  state,  and  iu 
hygrometric  character,  or  power  of  absorb- 
ing  moisture  from  the  atmosphere,  havf 
hitherto  been  the  chief  obstacles  to  sne> 
cessful  results  in  its  preparation.  After 
apparently  the  most  perfect  air-dry iug,  and 
feeling  without  moisture  to  the  touch,  peat 
as  now  prepared  contains  from  one-fourth 
to  one-third  of  its  weight  of  water,  greatly 
depreciating  its  calorific  powers.  Bj  the 
processes  patented  by  Messrs.  Gwynne,  this 
adulterating  agent  is  entirely  got  rid  of;  and 
the  really  useful  portion  of  the  peat,  with  all 
its  carbonaceous,  bituminous,  and  saliae 
properties,  in  a  state  fit  for  perfect  oombos- 
tion,  is  preserved  Inuot"  i 

Specimens  of  the  patent  solidified  peat 
fuel  of  Messrs.  Gwynne  have  been  submitted 
to  Dr.  Letheby,  who  makes  the  following 
statements  respecting  it : 

Its  specific  gravity  is  as  high  as  1-140, 
and  its  structure  is  exceeding  hard  and  dense. 

The  actual  stowage  weight  of  one  cnbic 
foot  of  the  material  in  7r24lb.  ayoirdupoitr 
that  of  Newcastie  coal  being  about  49-69Ib. 

100  parts  of  the  peat  contain  9  of  hygro- 
scopic moisture;  they  yield  55  of  ToUtlk     ^, 
matter,  much  of  which  is  condenaibU*,  and 
36  of  charcoal. 

The  charcoal  contains  3*8  of  ash. 

The  avoirdupois  pound,  or  7,000  grains 
of  the  peat  were  submitted  to  distillation  ia 
an  iron  retort,  and  the  volatile  prodnets 
were  conducted  through  a  red  -  hot  iron 
tube,  in  the  hope  that  the  parafilne,  Sk^  of 
the  tar  would  be  decomposed  and  converted 
into  a  gaseous  hydro- carbon  of  hij^h  illumi- 
nating power, — the  results  were  2,520  graias 
of  charcoal,  1,320  of  ammoniacal  liquor,  96& 
of  thick  tar,  and  2,800  of  combustible  gax 
— the  gas  occupied  the  bulk  of  6*25  cubic 
feet,  and  when  burnt  at  the  rate  of  fiw 
oubic  feet  an  hour,  from  an  argand  borav 
with  fifteen  holes  and  a  seven  inch  chimne;* 
it  gave  a  light  equal  to  that  of  seven  spern 
candles,  each  burning  at  the  rate  of  120 
grains  per  hour. 

100  parts  of  the  peat  therefore  ftimish — 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  PEAT  AND  SOME  OF  ITS  USES. 


557 


PorouB  oharooal 86*00 

Ammoniacal  liquor    ....  18*86 

Thick  tar  ooDtaining  paraffine .  5*14 
Gas   having    an    illuminating 

power  of  7  candles.      .    .    .  40*00 


10000 
He  considers  that  these  results  are  highly 
satislactory,  for  they  indicate  that  a  large 
per  centage  of  Yalnable  producU  may  he 
obtained  from  peat. 

The  amount  of  gas  is  very  considerable 
(a  ton  of  the  material  furnishing  as  much 
as  14,000  cubic  feet  of  gas),  and  although 
the  illuminating  power  is  not  very  high, 
yet,  from  the  fact  that  much  of  the  tar  and 
paraffine  had  actualW  been  rendered  gaseous 
oy  their  passage  through  a  red-hot  tube, 

#  there  is  every  prospect  that  they  might  be 
still  further  decomposed  and  converted  into 
gases  of  high  illuminatiQg  power.  The  gas, 
when  purified  by  passing  through  an  uka- 
line  mixture  was  found  to  be  entirely  free 
from  sulphur,  and  in  this  respect  it  has 
great  advantages  over  coal  gas,  for  the  pro- 
ducts  of  iu  combustion  are  wholly  harm- 
less  in  respect  of  their  action  on  irforganic 
matter,  such  as  books,  drapery,  and  other 
perishable  fabrics ;  in  ita  use  as  fuel,  there 
18  no  opaque  smoke  eroWed,  no  sulphurous 
acid  is  set  free,  the  heat  is  quickly  raised 

*  and  quickly  diffused,  and  the  ashes  never 
clinker  so  as  to  choke  the  bars  of  the  fur- 
nace, and  the  peat  does  not  contain  any 
metallic  sulphuret  or  other  substance  that 
is  likely  to  produce  spontaneous  combus- 
tion.  In  short,  it  fulfils  most  of  the  condi- 
tions which  are  mentioned  by  Dr.  Lyon 
Playfair  and  Sir  H.  De  La  Beche  in  their 
report  as  to  the  requisites  for  a  good  fuel 

These  statements,  proceeding  from  Dr. 
Letheby,  prove  conclusively  that  we  have 
now  placed  at  our  disposal  means  by  which 
the  extensive  bogs  with  which  Ireland  in 
particular  abounds,  may  be  converted  into 
fuel  of  a  superior  quality,  possessing  many 
peculiar  and  advantageous  properties,  espe- 
cially when  considered  as  a  heating  agent, 
for  if  Irish  peat,  containing  from  25  to  83^ 
per  cent,  of  water,  gave  such  results  as  are 
sUted  above  by  Griffiths,  the  calorific  value 
of  Gwynoe's  patent  solidified  peat  must  be 
considerably  greater  than  any  fuel  that  we 
are  acquainted  with,  as  it  appears  that  peat 
charcoal  stands  first  in  heating  qualities, 
being  superior  to  wood  charcoal  or  coke. 

One  object  to  which  Messrs.  Gwynne  and 
Go.  Apply  their  prepared  peat  is  a  new  me- 
thod of  reducing  ores.  In  carrying  out  this 
method,  the  peat  fuel  having  been  properly 
prepared  and  pulverised,  is  combined  with 
other  substances,  as  lime,  manganese,  &c, 
and  in  sueh  quantities,  as  upon  the  usnal 
estimates  or  testing  experiments  to  deter- 
mine  with  precision    the  proper  working 


character  of  the  furnace-charge  it  may  be 
found  expedient  to  adopt,  and  upon  which 
they  adjust  and  determine  the  character  and 
quantities  of  these  corrective  materials  best 
suited  for  a  favourable  result.  All  the  ne- 
cessary substances  being  pulyerized  and 
prepared,  the  patentees  ti^e  of  the  ore  itself 
the  quantity  intended  to  operate  upon,  and 
to  which  the  materials  have  been  adjusted, 
and  reduce  it  also  to  a  comminuted  state. 
The  ingredients  are  then  thoroughly  mixed, 
the  moisture  evaporated,  and  the  mass 
formed  by  powerful  compression  into  globu- 
lar lumps  of  convenient  size,  which  being 
piled  up  in  the  furnace,  admit  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  air  to  play  through  the  inter- 
stices, thus  affording  the  necessary  oxygen 
to  the  carbonaceous  portion  of  the  charge. 

"  These  processes,"  says  the  Mining  Jour^ 
nal  in  noticing  the  invention,  **  it  will  be 
seen,  vary  much  from  the  present  methods 
adopted  in  smelting  metallic  ores,  are  based 
on  scientific  principles,  and  evince  much 
ingenuity.  Instead  of  layer  over  layer  of 
fuel,  ore,  and  fiux,  the  patentees  intimately 
mix  and  consolidate  the  whole  in  blocks, 
and  the  fuel  being  free  from  all  impurities, 
and  the  fluxes  and  correctives  being  inti- 
mately blended  with  the  pulverizeif  ore,  the 
metal  is  at  once  reduced  and  run  off  in  a 
pure  state.  In  the  manufacture  of  steel 
particularly,  the  various  qualities  of  which 
depend  on  the  proportion  of  carbon  com- 
bined with  the  metid,  the  patentees  are  en- 
abled to  supply  with  unerring  certainty  any 
particular  quality,  known  by  experiment  to 
contain  a  certain  portion  of  carbon;  and 
thus  the  engineer  or  workman  may  al- 
ways depend  on  obtaining,  if  required,  the 
same  description  as  previously  supplied  for 
any  particular  manufacture.  From  the  ex- 
periments already  made,  results  can  be  pro- 
duced in  much  less  than  half  the  time  at 
present  required ;  and  it  is  expected  eventu- 
ally in  practice  it  will  not  exceed  one  quar- 
ter, reducing  the  cost  of  the  best  steel  to 
one-third  of  the  present  price,  with  a  cor. 
responding  saving  in  time,  and  reduction  in 
price,  in  all  other  metals." 

As  it  will  be  interesting  to  our  readers  to 
have  before  them  a  statement  of  the  peat  re- 
sources of  these  kingdoms,  we  subjoin  the 
following  information  given  in  a  letter  pre- 
pared  by  Messrs.  Gwynne  and  Co. 

In  1809,  a  parliamentary  warrant  was 
issued,  appointing  certain  commissioners  to 
inquire  into  the  nature  and  extent  of  the 
several  bogs  in  Ireland,  and  the  possibility 
of  draining  and  reclaiming  them.  The  said 
commissioners  made  the  required  investiga- 
tion, and  communicated  to  the  House  of 
Commons  the  results  of  their  several  ii\- 
quiries,  together  with  the  evidence  on  which 
the  results  were  founded,  in  a  series  of  four 
reports. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


558 


ON  THS  BOOVINO  OB  GQVEBING  OF  BESEBYOIBB. 


Th«  first  report  was  made  on  a  district 
containing  86,430  English  acres;  the  se- 
cond report,  on  238,538;  the  third,  on 
474,808 ;  and  the  fourth,  on  305,012  Ene- 
lish  acres,  all  of  which  had  been  minutely 
•urveyed  and  levelled.  These  four  reports 
included  twenty-five  local  reports,  contain- 
ing the  opinions  of  ten  different  engineers. 
In  addition  to  1,049,588  English  acres  sur- 
veyed  by  authority  of  the  commission,  there 
were  1,816,642  acres  subjected  only  to  their 
partial  examination,  making  the  total  aggre* 
gate  amount  of  bog  lands  in  Ireland  to  be 
^ot  less  than  2,866,230  acres;  but  this 
amount  does  not  contain  all  the  bogs  of  Ire- 
land — to  our  own  knowledge,  a  gentleman  of 
our  acquaintance  holds  firom  800  to  1000  acres 
of  splendid  mountain  bog  not  noticed  by  the 
commissioners,  and  there  may  be  thousands 
of  acres  elsewhere  used  as  mountain  pas- 
ture ;  we  feel,  therefore,  justified  in  taking 
the  aggregate  amount  at  8,000,000  ^eres 
of  bog. 

We  next  require  to  know  the  average 
depth  of  these  bogs,  and  for  this  purpose  we 
will  make  use  of  the  report  presented  to  the 
House  of  Commons,  in  1851,  by  Sir  Robert 
Kane,  Director  of  the  Museum  of  Irish  In- 
dustry. *  A  description  is  given  in  that  re- 
port of  27  specimens  of  peat,  taken  from 
various  bogs  in  Ireland,  with  the  names  of 
the  localities  from  whence  obtained,  the 
average  depth  of  bog,  and  number  of  acres ; 
and  we  believe  we  are  correct  in  stating  that 
the  average  depth  was  21}  feet,  representing 
236,590  acres — some  of  the  bogs  were  80 
and  40  feet  deep.  From  the  report  of  the 
commissioners  of  1809,  we  select  120,000 
acres,  with  an  average  depth  of  23  feet ;  and 
178,000  acres,  at  an  average  depth  of  18^ 
feet :  taking  an  average  of  the  whole 
would  give  19|  feet.  A  period  of  upwards 
of  40  years  has  elapsed  since  Mr.  Griffith, 
one  of  the  commissioners,  furnished  his  ap- 
pendix to  the  fourth  report,  wherein  he 
states  that  he  **  had  an  opportunity  of  ob- 
serving during  20  years  the  growth  of  n  bog, 
which  amounted  to  two  inches  per  year.*' 
He  informs  us  that  "  he  was  enabled  clearly 
to  observe  this  fact  from  a  turf  bank  having 
been  cut  into  the  place  where  the  lake  for- 
merly was ;  and  from  the  variety  in  the  co- 
lour and  texture,  he  calculated  the  annual 
growth  of  the  moss  with  nearly  as  much 
accuracy  as  the  age  of  a  Scotch  fir  tree  may 
be  determined,  by  observing  the  number  of 


concentric  rings  when   tli«   itrai   h   cut 
across." 

In  the  course  of  the  exaaiination  inati- 
tuted  by  the  commission,  it  was  asceitained 
that  by  far  the  larger  portion  of  thet«  bogs 
had  been  unclaimed  and  uncultivated  since 
the  time  of  their  formation ;  and  now,  after 
pearly  half  a  century,  they  are  itill  m  the 
same  state,  but  improving  in  depth  and 
quality,  if  we  are  to  credit  Mk.  Orifitk's 
report 

From  the  8,000,000  acres  with  an  amrage 
depth  of  19|  feet,  let  us,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  solidified  peat,  take  2,000,000  acres 
with  (say)  an  average  depth  of  only  12^  feet: 
100  square  yards,  12|  feet  deep=180  cubic 
yards  of  air-dried  peat,  weighing  about  72 
tons. '  This  is  equal  to  8718  cubic  yards,  or 
8486  tons  per  English  acre:  2,000,000 x  • 
8486  =  6,972,000,000  tons  of  air  dried 
peat 

As  we  find,  howaver,  that  air-dried  peat 
contains  from  20  to  30  per  cent  of  mois- 
ture, which  is  to  be  got  rid  of  before 
being  solidified,  we  will  deduct  from  the 
6,972,000,000  tons  (say)  one-third,  or  S^ 
per  cent,  for  moisture.  This  will  giye  us 
2,324,000,000  tons  of  water,  leaving  us  still 
4,648,000,000  tons  of  solidified  peat  By 
making  use  of  the  present  wasteful  means 
of  manufactfiring  iron,  we  will  allow  3  tons 
of  solidified  peat  to  1  ton  of  bar-iron — that 
is,  2  tons  for  smelting  the  ore,  and  I  ton 
for  the  refining,  which  would  rive  us 
1,549,883,333  tons  of  bar-iron ^althongfa 
we  feel  assured  that  1|  ton  of  best  solidified 
peat  only  would  be  necessary  by  our  new 
patent  process,  which  would  increase  the 
production  of  iron  in  an  equal  ratio; 
but,  as  we  stated  that  we  believed  we 
could  show  that,  for  500  years  to  come, 
this  country  would  not  require  to  draw 
her  supplies  of  the  finer  quality  of  iron 
from  either  her  colonies  or  foreign  coun- 
tries, we  will  take  the  1,549,833,888  tons, 
and  divide  by  500  years ;  and  we  find 
the  result  to  be  8,098,666  tons. 

We  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  cor- 
rectly the  amount  of  acres  of  bog  lands  in 
England,  Scotland,  and  Wales.  It  may 
amount  to  an  equal  quantity  as  Ireland ; 
but,  taking  it  at  the  one-half,  have  our  iron- 
masters  any  cause  to  fear  a  want  of  fuel,  and 
that  of  the  very  best  description,  for  centu- 
ries to  come  ? 


ON  THE  ROOFING  OR  COVERING  OF  RESERVOIRS; 

ACCIDENT    AT    THE    RBSBRV4>IR8     OF  TUB    SOUTH   LAMBETH  WATERWORKS. 


A  recent  an^  very  proper  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment has  compelled,  watei;  9ompanies,  in 
and  around  the  metropolis,  to  cover  in  their 


reservoirs,  so  as  to  protect  (he  water  firom 
the  impurities  with  which  the  atmosphere  of 
London  becomes  more  or  less  impregnated. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THE  STAHDARD  OF  MEASUBE; 


559 


In  eonformit^  with  thift  Aet,  the  Soath 
Lambeth  Company  bontracted  for  the  eorer- 
ing  in  of  their  reserToirs  at  Brixton,  fdur  in 
number,  which  oocupj  an  area  of  nearly 
four  icres,  and  are  22  feet  deep,  700  feet 
longTi  And  200  feet  broad;  the  water  bein^ 
aupplied  from  Thames  Ditton.  The  tp^cieft 
of  cofering  erected  was  composed  of  a  serieli 
of  massive  bricked  arehesi  each  about  SO 
feet  wide,  stretching;  across  the  entire  width 
of  the  reserroir^  and  20  feet  in  height,  the 
surface  6i  the  arches  being  eovered  with  a 
layer  of  clay  2  ibet  thick.  Since  the  closing 
in  of  thie  first  reserroir,  gangs  of  labourers 
have  been  teng&ged,  day  and  night,  in  eom- 
pleting  the  work  below,  striking  the  centres 
froni  the  arches,  and  rehioring  the  scaffold- 
ing,  stages,  ftc. 

It  is  statbd  that  a  eonsidei'able  number  of 
the  centries,  on  which  the  arches  had  been 
turhed,  had  heed  removed,  and  no  appear- 
ance of  danger  was  observable,  when,  on  a 
recent  occasion;  with  scarcely  any  warning, 
twelve  or  fourteen  of  the  Arches  j^ave  way, 
and  fell  ttt  the  bottom  of  the  reservoir  with 
a  loud  crash,  btxrytng  beneath  them  the  un- 
fortunate men  who  were  at  work  below; 
several  labourers  who  were  engaged  on  the 
top  (lining  with  the  mass.  The  shock  oc- 
casion^d  by  the  fall  alarmed  the  wholfe 
ni^ighbourhood,  and  almost  every  person 
livihg  in  the  vicinity  repaired  to  the  hpot  to 
render  aid.  Several  of  the  men  who  fell  in 
with  the  vaulting  managed  to  exttieate 
themselves    without    assistance.      Othets, 


however,  were  found  in  an  upright  positiori^ 
hemmed  in  amongst  the  ruins,  where  they 
remained  some  time  ere  they  eould  be  re- 
leased. As  may  be  supposed;  prompt  mea- 
sures werfe  taken  to  extricate  the  unfbrtu- 
nat^  crbatnrfts  who  were  buried  beneath  the 
potiderous  mass,  but  though  nearly  200  la. 
bourers  were  i^ngi^ed  in  the  task;  it  was  not 
until  close  upon  eldven  o'clock  that  the 
whole  of  the  sufferers  were  got  out  Four 
of  them  had  beeii  crushed  to  deAth.  Seven 
others  were  found  sadly  injured. 

The  juty  wliieh  sat  updn  the  bodies  of  the 
deceased  workmen  returned  a  verdict  to  the 
efibct  thflt,  the  tiAuse  of  the  foil  of  the  arches 
arose  fl-om  the  faot  of  the  centres  being  re- 
moved before  the  wheeling  and  placing  of 
the  eiirth  had  been  completed,  and  suggiested 
that  an  increased  thickness  should  in  future 
be  given  to  the  brickwork. 

We  attach  but  little  importance  to  this 
verdict  In  our  opinion,  the  massive  ah d 
heavy  roofing  above  described  is  not  at  all 
Ufebessary  for  the  efibctual  closing-in  of 
water  Vesenroit^.  A  much  ttiore  appropriate 
aystem  of  roofing,  for  such  purposes,  is 
unquestionably  thai  patented  by  Mr.  J. 
BrAithwaite,  civil  engineer,  on  the  10th  of 
June,  last  year,  which  consists  ih  construct- 
ing suspension  roofs  and  coverings,  in  which 
all  central  or  ihternal  shafts  or  supports  are 
dispensed  with,  the  end  piers  or  abutments 
being  formed  of  a  strength  sufficient  to  sus- 
tain the  weight  of  the  whole; 

The  accompanying  engrAving  reprekentA 


an  outliiife  of  A  reservoir,  roofed  upoh  this 
prirtciple,  with  a  covering  of  sheet  or  cor- 
rugated iron.  A  A  are  the  piers  or  abut- 
ments, and  B  the  chains,  which  are  carried 
over  saddles  on  the  top  of  the  piers,  and  the 
ends  of  which  are  built  into  masonry,  or 
otherwise  secured,  so  as  to  prevent  any 
lateral  strain  on  the  piers.  C  is  the  roof  or 
covering,  suspended  and  supported  from  the 
chains,  B,  by  rods  or  links,  D  D.  J£  is  the 
reservoir.    If  thought    necessary    or    de- 


sirable, mooring-chains,  made  fast  at  va- 
rious parts  to  the  interior  of  the  roof,  and  at 
the  other  end  to  blocks  of  stone  bedded  in 
the  floor  of  the  reservoir,  or  to  other  moor- 
ings,  may  be  introduced,  to  prevent  the 
action  of  the  wind  from  lifting  the  roof. 

Tlie  cost  of  a  suspension  roof,  constructea 
as  above  described,  would  certainly  be  much 
less  than  that  of  the  brick  structures  at 
Brixton,  and  would  fully  answer  every  pur- 
pose for  which  the  latter  were  designed. 


THE  STANDARD  OF  MEASURE. 


A  reii^arkable  and  highly  interesting  in- 
quiry has  been  conducted  for  the  last  few 
days  before  a  select  committee  of  the  House 
of  Lords,  that  haA  been  sitting  to  consider 
the  proVisiotts  of  a  bill  which  has  already 


passed  the  Lower  House,  and  is  entitled 
'*  An  Act  for  Legalizing  and  Preserving  the 
restored  Standards  of  Weights  and  Mea- 
sures." The  following  excellent  remarks 
upon   the  subject,  which  appeared  in  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


560 


TBE  STAMBABD  OF  MSASUSE. 


Times  of  Monday  last,  claim  a  place  in  our 


•Xe 


be  inquiry  related  apeoifically  to  the 
standard  of  measure ;  but  before  explain  in? 
the  exact  question  at  issue  it  may  be  as  well 
to  recall  the  circumstances  under  which  it 
has  arisen.  It  will  be  remembered  that  the 
old  standards  were  lost  in  the  fire  which  de- 
stroyed  the  former  Houses  of  Parliament, 
and  that  in  consequence,  so  fiur  back  as  the 
11th  May,  1838,  a  Royal  Commission  was 
appointed  to  consider  the  steps  to  be  taken 
for  their  restoration.  This  commission  con- 
sisted of  a  number  of  scientific  men,  in- 
eluding,  among  others,  the  Astronomer 
Royal.  By  them  it  was  decided  to  adopt  as 
a  standard  of  measure  a  standard  yard,  the 
dimensions  of  which  are  determined  by 
measuring  with  the  aid  of  microscopes  the 
distance  between  two  points,  indicated  by 
lines  traced  on  a  bar  of  gun  metaL  Ac- 
cordingly, the  bill  now  before  the  House  of 
Lords  contains  a  minute  description  of  this 
standard  yard,  which,  in  compliance  with 
the  recommendation  of  the  Royal  Commis- 
sion, the  OoTernment  proposes  to  legalize. 
It  turns  out,  however,  that  while  our  philo- 
sophers and  men  of  science  were  engaged 
in  determining  in  their  own  way  the  most 
perfect  means  for  securing  accuracy  of  mea- 
surement, Mr.  Whitworth,  of  Manchester, 
has,  for  practical  objects  of  great  import- 
ance to  the  nation  at  large,  as  well  as  to 
himself  individually,  been  directing  his  at- 
tention to  the  same  subject  He  wanted  a 
measuring  machine  as  perfect  as  he  could 
make  it,  in  order  to  secure  increased  accu- 
racy in  his  system  of  gauges  and  generally 
in  the  workmanship  of  those  tools  for  the 
manufacture  of  which  he  enjoys  so  deserved 
a  celebrity.  In  order  that  the  importance 
of  such  a  measuring  machine  may  be  fully 
appreciated,  it  may  be  well  to  refer  to  the 
illustration  afforded  by  the  Baltic  fleet  The 
Admiralty,  in  the  construction  of  their  ma- 
rine engines,  have  always  wisely  insisted 
upon  the  use  of  Whitworth*  s  registered 
gauges  ;  so  that  if  a  screw  or  plug  or  fast- 
ening  of  any  kind  gives  way,  a  substitute  of 
the  same  register,  and  therefore  certain  to 
fit,  can  at  once  be  produced.  Hence  it  fol- 
lows that  one  not  very  large  floating  niecha- 
nic's  shop  is  quite  sufficient  to  meet  all  the 
emergencies  of  the  service  in  the  way  of 
damaged  machinery  for  the  whole  of  that 
mighty  steam  armada  now  facing  the  bat- 
teries of  Cronstadt.  Such  a  result  would 
be  utterly  unattainable  but  for  that  extra- 
ordinary nicety  in  determining  sizes  to 
which  Mr.  Whitworth  has  attained.  It  may 
be  recollected  that  at  the  Exhibition  of 
1851  Mr.Whitworth  showed  a  machine  which 
measured  to  the  millionth  part  of  an  inch, 
and  which  enabled  any  one  to  calculate  the 


expansion  caused  in  a  bar  of  iron  «  yard 
long  by  touching  it  lightly  for  a  Dioonent 
with  the  finger  tip.    The  same  arrangement 
is  now  adopted  by  him  for  the  production  of 
standards  of  measure,  the  principle  being 
that  the  standard  is  obtained  by  meaaoring 
the  distance  between  the  perfectly  flat  ends 
of  a  solid  bar  having  true  anrlacea  on  its 
sides  and  ends.  His  test  is  that  of  the  toaeh, 
and  by  it  he  can  correct  errors  in  dimen- 
sions up  to  the  millionth  of  an  ineh,  whereas 
the  plan  of  the  Royal  Conunissioners,  de- 
pending on  the  sight,  aided  by  the  micro- 
scope,   can    only    correct   errors    to    the 
60,000th  of  an  inch.    The  most  poverfnl 
microscope  that  bas  yet  been  made  cannot 
enable  tlie  eye  to  distinguish  more  than 
60,000  lineal  divisions  in  an  inch,  and  in 
order  to  reach  this  degree  of  accuracy,  the 
object  glass  must  be  so  near  as  greatly  to 
interfere  with  the  practical  utility  of  the 
standard.    But  with  end  measurement  an 
accuracy  carried  to  a  point  twenty  times  aa 
great  can  be  combined  with  a  perfect  faci. 
lity  of  application  to  all  the  purposes  for 
which  such  a  standard  is  desirable.    Again, 
after  devoting  so  much  time  and  expending 
so    much    labour    on    constructing     their 
standard  of  line  measure,  the  commissioners 
have  not  succeeded  in  producing  two  alike 
when  measured  at  a  like  temperature^  and 
this  will  be  understood  when  it  is  remem- 
bered that  a  line  once  traced  on  the  bar 
cannot  be  altered,  and  that  the  only  means 
of  correcting  it  if  wrong  is  to  change  the 
temperature,  so  that  the  metal  may  expand 
or  contract,  until  an  approximation  to  ac- 
curacy is  attained.    Hence  in  the  bill,  a 
separate  temperature  is  provided  for  each 
copy.    On  the  other  hand,  the  standards 
of  end  measure  can  be  copied  to  any  requi- 
site extent,  and  any  difference  not  smaller 
than  the  millionth  of  an  inch  will  be  readily 
detected.     By  taking   care    to    make   the 
copy  slightly'  too  long,  ite  errors  in  excess 
may  be  gradually  removed  by  repeated  correc- 
tions, each  of  which  may  be  measured  until  a 
complete /ac  simile  is  obtained.   But  further, 
in  mechanics  especially,  where  extreme  de- 
licacy  of  fitting  and  the  production  of  aocu* 
rate  duplicates  are  of  the  greatest  import- 
ance, standards  for  the  foot  and  inch  are 
even  more  necessary  than  those  for    the 
yard.     For  the  supply  of  these  the  plan  of 
the  Royal  Commission  made  no  provision ; 
whereas  Mr.  Whitworth  is  able  to  produce 
them  in  the  same  perfection  as  the  yard 
standard.     Finally,  it  affords  a  simple  me- 
thod of  contrasting  the  merits  of  the  two 
systems  to  state  that  in  line  measurement 
d^e  eye  has  only  to  pass  over  the  distance 
actually  measured,  and  when  that  is  very 
small  the  limited  power  of  the  sight,  aided 
even  by  the  microscope,  in  distinguishing 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


THE  BOTAL  OB8EBVATOBT. 


561 


difference,  operate!  as  a  great  oheok ;  whereas 
in  the  apparatus  employed  in  en^  measur- 
ing, the  eye  hsa  to  travel  oTer  a  distance 
of  about  40  inches  to  trace  the  variation  of 
a  thousandth  of  an  inch.  From  all  these 
considerations  it  is  obvious — and  the  result 
is  a  highly  instructive  one — that  a  private 
manufacturer,  pursuing  steadily  that  course 
of  experiment  on  which  he  well  knows  the 
success  of  his  business  to  depend,  has  been 
enabled  completely  to  distance  the  effiirts 
of  a  body  of  highly  scientific  men,  consti- 
tuted expressly  for  the  purpose,  and  work- 
ing at  it  with  no  small  expenditure  of  the 
public  money  during  a  period  of  sixteen 
years.  Yet  so  oddly  are  such  matters  ma- 
naged in  this  country,  that  the  bill  for  legal- 
izing the  standards  of  weights  and  measures 
had  passed  the  House  of  Commons,  and  was 
halfway  through  the  House  of  Lords,  before 
Mr.  Whitworth's  invention,  publicly  exhi. 
bited  in  1851,  recognized  by  the  Admiralty 
and  the  Board  of  Ordnsnce,  and  generally 
accepted  by  all  the  leading  machinists  of 
the  kingdom,  was  brought  before  the  notice 
of  the  Legislature.  Thanks,  however,  to 
the  select  committee  of  the  House  of  Lords, 
and  to  the  personal  interest  taken  in  the 
subject  by  Lord  Hardinge,  Earl  Granville, 
and  other  peers,  the  blunder  which  was 
well-nigh  being  committed  will  now,  we 
trust,  for  all  practical  purposes,  be  avoided. 
Mr.  Whitwonh  was  examined  before  the 
committee  yesterday  and  on  Wednesday. 
He  produced  and  explained  his  measuring 
machine,  and  so  satisfactory  has  his  evi- 
dence been,  that  we  understand  the  com- 
mittee  have  come  to  the  decision  of  recom- 
mending that  his  standard  yard  measure, 
constructed  of  the  same  length  as  that  of 
the  Royal  Commission,  be  legalised  as  the 
"  secondary  standard,"  for  comparison  with 
local  standards  of  measure  throughout  the 
country,  and  that  his  standard  foot  and  inch 
have  the  same  sanction  attached  to  them. 
No  doubt  this  will  now  be  effected  by  an 
amendment  in  the  present  bill,  for  if  left  to 
a  new  measure,  or  to  an  order  in  Council, 
there  is  no  telling  when  it  may  be  carried 
out  To  those  who  have  paid  any  attention 
to  the  state  of  industry  in  England,  it  is 
unnecessary  to  point  out  the  immense  ad- 
vantage which  we  possess  in  the  extraordi- 
nary  finish  which,  in  mechanics  especially, 
we  impart  to  our  workmanship.  This  arises 
from  the  attention  which  has  been  paid  to 
two  objects— one  the  formation  of  a  true 
plane,  the  other  the  power  of  measurement, 
carried  to  a  point  as  near  as  possible  to  per. 
fection.  There  was  a  time  when  in  the  ma- 
chine shops  throughout  the  country  "  the 
big  inch,"  *'  the  middling  inch,"  and  *'  the 
little  inch"  were  all  recognized,  and  even 
still  there  are  important  branches  of  manu- 


fitetore  — fQoh  as,  for  example,  the  gun 
trade — in  which  the  gauges  used  hardly 
deserve  the  name.  To  legalize  therefore 
the  best  standards  of  measure  that  can  be 
obtained  is  a  matter  of  national  importance, 
and  we  rejoice  that  even  at  the  eleventh 
hour  steps  are  bein^  taken  to  avoid  in  this 
respect  a  serious  legislative  blunder. 


THE  ROYAL  OBSERVATORY. 

The  annual  visitation  of  the  Oreenwieh 
Observatory  was  held  on  Saturday  last 
Lord  Wrottesley,  as  President  of  the  Royal 
Society,  presided  at  the  Board  of  Visitors. 
The  various  buildings  and  instruments  were 
inspected ;  after  which  the  Astronomer 
Royal  laid  his  twentieth  Annual  Report 
before  the  Board.  Under  the  head  of 
"Orounds  and  Buildings,"  it  is  stated  that 
the  fire-proofroom,  so  necessary  for  the  safe 
custody  of  the  invaluable  papers  belonging 
to  the  Observatory,  is  expected  to  be  finished 
very  soon.  The  new  building,  for  the  reflex 
zenith-tube,  will  also  be  completed  in  the 
course  of  the  present  summer.  The  mag. 
nificent  transit-circle  is  in  perfect  order, 
and  continues  to  give  the  greatest  satisfac- 
tion.  At  the  recommendation  of  the  Royal 
Society,  a  full- sized  model  of  this  fine  in- 
strument, and  sectional  and  working  models, 
on  a  smaller  scale,  showing  its  internal  pecu- 
liarities, have  been  made  and  sent  to  the 
Paris  Exhibition. 

The  barrel-apparatus,  for  the  register  of 
transits  by  punctures  produced  by  galvanic 
communication,  has  been  in  constant  use 
without  suffering  injury,  except  in  the  parts 
exposed  to  continual  friction,  which  require 
occasional  attention.  The  method  of  giving 
the  time-second  signals  from  the  tranuu 
clock  is  foand  to  be  perfectly  successful. 
The  insulation  of  the  touch-apparatus  has 
sometimes  failed  in  very  damp  weather  •  but 
when  the  sky  has  cleared,  the  moistened 
gutia-percha  has  become  dry  so  speedily, 
that  very  few  transits  have  been  lost. 

With  respect  to  the  galvanic  magnet  ap. 
par.ttus,  for  dropping  the  time-signal  ball, 
the  Astronomer  Royal  observes,  that  '*  it 
has  been  found  desirable  to  guard  against 
the  risk  of  permanent  magnetism,  by  cans- 
ing  the  apparatus  itself  to  reverse  the  poles 
of  the  battery  at  every  drop  of  the  ball." 
IFhen  arrangements  were  originally  made 
for  exhibiting  the  London  ourrents  upon 
the  transit-clock  needle,  and  for  sending 
currents  to  and  through  London  by  the 
touch  apparatus  of  the  trannt-circle,  in  order 
to  avoid  disturbing  the  ground,  the  wires 
were  so  connected  by  turn.plates,  that  one 
of  the  wires  of  the  barrel-apparatus  was  used 
for  these  purposes ;  but,  with  the  increased 
facilities  now  possessed  for  laying  wires,  it  is 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


m 


ON  THE  ioSII^  Bii3oltbl:d  o»  9blaxor. 


iiitfend^d  to  mn  \Yie  Barrel.app&HtuI  ^\M 
ciitiHly  ihdtet)eriafeHl  bf Itie^thers,  prfeservin^- 
h'dw^ver,  the  power  i4f  connecting  the  lohcn 
iiJipaVatuswith  the  Lbndon  arid  fol-eien  wire's. 

The  lime-signal  ball  ai  beil  was  nirought 
iiiib  regular  use  at  th^  beginning  of  th)5 
pteserit  yeAr.  At  fii-st,  its  action  waS  inter- 
rupted, partly  by  dfetangfement  of  the  appa- 
ratus, and  by  the  freezing  of  the  sulphuric 
acid.  These  irregularities  were  corrected, 
and  ii  now  acts  (Bxlremely  well.  Tbe  ina- 
cblhfeVy  Vs  so  oon'trired  that  the  action  of  the 
ball  at  Dfeal  is  bonimunieatted,  by  signal,  to 
the  dbiervalbrjr,  atid  Ihe  entiire  apparatus 
wbtks  so  adniirably;  thiit  the  Astrononlfef 
Royal  his  no  hesitation  {fa  recommending 
its  eitensibn  to  government 

Anf  licalibh  has  aliready  been  niade  liy  thfe 
lattet  for  a  systeteatic  galvanic  regulatioii 
of  the  publfc  blocks  iindeir  their  cite,  and 
the  Astronoih^V  Royal  has  devised  a  plin 
of  bffecting  thib,  which  he  "  thinks  likely  lo 
proVe  the  beginning  of  a  vfeW  extensive  sys- 
tem of  clbct  reguUiion."  Mr.  Shepherd  is 
at  present  ehgaged  in  preparing  estimated 
of  the  expense. 

•  •  •  •  ^ 

During  the  past  year,  another  very  im- 
]i6rtant  astronomical  i^ork  has  been  per- 
formed, by  which  the  difference  of  longitude 
between  Paris  ahd  Greenwich  has  been  as- 
certained. The  ntimbet  of  days  consideted 
available  fbr  ltti)gitude,  in  consequence  of 
transits  of  stars  having  beien  observed  at 
both  'dbS^irvateries,  itds  12;  and  thie  num- 
ber of  signals  was  1,70S.  Very  great  care 
wds  taken  oh  both  sides  for  the  adjustment 
of  the  instrunifents.  The  i-esulting  difference 
of  longitude,  ^  20 "-03,  is  probably  very 
accurate.  It  is  less  hy  nearly  1"  of  time 
than  that  determined  in  1825  by  i-ocket  sig- 
nals undet  the  superintendence  of  Sir  John 
fleb'chel  and  Col.  Sabine.  The  time  occu- 
pied by  thb  passage  of  the  galvanic  current 
appeared  to  oe  one-twelfth  of  a  second. 

The  Astronomer  ftoyal  regrets  thai,  while 
theGreenwichastronorhical  observations  have 
assumed  such  a  shape  that  the  astronomer 
will  find  all  the  moving  bodies  of  the  solai: 
system  presented  in  the  dtmosl  extent  and 
accuraby,  the  same  assertion  cannot  be  ap- 
plied to  the  magnetical  and  meteorological 
obsbrvations  ; — not,  howevet,  frohi  any  de- 
fect in  the  instruments  or  observations; 
for,  under  the  able  superintendence  of  Mf. 
Glaisher,  these  have  acquired  an  extraor- 
dinary excelleh^S  and  precision,  particularly 
in  the  photographic  branch  of  registration, 
"fiut,**  to  lil^  the  words  of  the  Report, 
"after  having  obtained  the  immediate  re- 
sults of  observation  with  the  utmost  com- 
pleteness and  exactitude,  we  are  absolutely 
stopped  from  making  further  progress  by 
the  total  absence  of  even  empirical  theory." 


At  tee  ism  mk,  Chi  ^fdtti  aiid  ettimi 
d!  thb  obftbHitidhH  bBhtlHub  nh^Uered.  Fdt 
^b  thi-lee  magnetic  elbnieiitii,  and  for  the 
Mrbliifetei-  And  the  dry  arid  wet  thertnome- 
Ibrs,  eye  obsbi^atiohfe  are  inade  three  bt  four 
time^  ddlly;  ahd  thbse  servb  as  zero^  both 
in  tinle  And  In  iheasure  for  the  turves  formed 
b^  contintioiis  feelf-registi-itlbn  on  the  phtt- 
tographib  sheets.  Thus,  whenever  ant  ex- 
tendfed  view  of  thb  cosmical  causes  or  laws 
of  magnetisiri  ^tld  meteorology  shall  render 
an  accurate  dlscussioh  of  observations  of 
these  pbettoillena  ^tacticable,  those  made  at 
Greenwich  will  be  tbund  to  present  such 
matbridU  for  the  investigation  as  ean  scarcely 
be  obtained  at  any  bthet  obsferVatory. — 
Jthinaum, 


ON  THB  MINING  RESOURCES  OIP 
FRANCE. 

A  paper  oh  the  above  Subject  was  recently 
read  befdte  tbe  Statistical  Society,  by  H.  R. 
Lack,  Esq.  The  author  commenced  by 
showing  the  progreSs  inade  in  the  various 
branches  of  t'rench  mining  industry  in 
1852  as  cpmpared  with  that  of  1841.  He 
siate(),  t^at  besides  a  large  increase  in  the 
production  of  coal  and  iron,  which  formed 
the  chief  part  of  its  mineral  productions, 
a  considerably  increase  in  that  of  copper, 
silver,  an^  lead  hid  also  taken  place  of  late 
years,  ana  that  iVpori  the  whole  the  mining 
industry  of  the  country  was  assuming  a 
rilore  active  ^irit.  The  total  amount  of 
coal  raised  in  Fi'ance  in  ISil  was  3,410,200 
tons;  and  iii  the  year  1852,  4,816,350  tons. 
The  value  of  the  iron  and  steel  made  in 
1841  amounted. to  £5.671,582;  and  in  1851 
to  jgU,8&3,227.  The  copper  produced 
£11,147  in  1841,  and  £206,693  in  1852. 
The  silver,  £18,340  in  1841,  and  £54,160 
in  1852;  and  the  lead,  £12,5^9  in  1841, 
and  £41,446  in  1852.  The  quantity  of  iron 
pi-oduced  \n  France  was  fourfold  that  pro. 
duced  in  Kiissia,  and  the  quantity  produced 
in  Great  Britain  was  fourfold  that  produced 
in  France.  The  subject  was  also  considered 
in  relation  to  the  production  of  coal  and 
iron  in  the  principal  iron  manufacturing 
countries  of  the  continent  The  falling  off 
in  the  quantity  of  French  coal  used  for 
home  consumption,  and  the  increase  In  tbe 
Amount  of  foreign  coal  imported  (Iwo-thirdg 
of  which  was  from  Belgium  in  1^52),  was 
noticed  as  a  somewhat  remarkable  feature; 
and  it  stated,  that  since  the  reduction  of  the 
iniport  duties  iu  1853,  tlie  import  of  coal 
from  Great  Britain  haci  considerably  in. 
creased.  With  regard  to  the  production 
and  manufacture  of  iron,  it  appeared  that 
the  amount  of  iron  ore  raised  in  1852  waa 
less  than  in  1847 — a  fact  attributed  to  the 
revolution  of  1848 — which  deidt  a  severe 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  TB£  DESTBtrctlbk  bF  kuSSliK  ^OEtRESSES. 


563 


blow  to  tlie  mining  indastry  of  the  ooiintry. 
The  yalue  ot  the  country  and  steel  pianu- 
factures,  as  stated  above,  increased  very 
largely  in  1^02,  as  compared  with  1841.  It 
also  showed  that  the  late  reductions  in  ithe 
iron  duties  had  had  the  elTect  of  increasing 
the  injportation  of  that  article  iu  which 
G^eat  Britain  hadsliared,  and  finally  pointed 
out  the  successful  competition  of  Belgium 
with  this  country  of  late  years  in  furnish- 
inj<  France  with  coal,  and  pig  and  yarions 
kinds  of  manufictnring  iron. 

Wrought-iron  ordnance. 

Muci^  interest  was  excited  on  Monday  by 
the  appearance,  on  the  open  space  before 
the  War-office^  Whitehall,  of  a  beautiful 
nine-pounder  gui\,  of  ])olished  steel,  on  its 
c^rrUgl^,  with  limber  conlplete.  This  gun, 
wnich  in  the  course  of  the  day  was  minutely 
examined  by  Lord  Panmure,  and  by  many 
members  of  both  Houses  of  Parliament,  is 
of  malleable  or  wrought-iron,  invented  and 
manufactured  by  Mr.  Dundas,  of  Dundas 
Castle,  North  Britain.  Perhaps  it  would  be 
premature  to  describe  minutely  the  method 
of  construction  of  this  gun,  but  the  principle 
is  such  that  it  can  be  extended  to  cannon  of 
the  largest  calibre,  and  the  inventor  is  con- 
fident  that  he  can  construct  with  ease  and 
rapidity  guns  to  throw  shot  of  a  ton  weight, 
if  desired.  Great  additional  strength  is 
obtained  by  the  reed  of  the  iron  being  so 
disposed,  as  in  a  twisted  gun. barrel,  as  to 
resist  most  efiectually  the  bursting  power  of 
the  powder.  The  gtm  can  thus  be  made 
much  lighter  than  cast-lron  ordnance.  In. 
deed  this  wrought-iron  gun  is  10  cwL  lighter 
than  a  cast-iron  gun  of  the  same  calibre. 
Though  heaviet  thaii  a  brass  nine-pounder, 
it  is  considerably  longer,  by  which  a  greater 
range  is  attained.  The  great  difficulty  in 
making  wrought-iron  cannon  hitherto  has 
been  the  attempt  to  make  them  out  of  solid 
masses.  It  is  well  known  to  all  mechanics, 
that  nothing  is  more  rare  than  to  obtain 
heavy  forgings  perfectly  solid,  and  few  very 
large  shatu  or  cranks  can  be  produced 
without  a  flaw,  while  continued  hammering 
only  increases  the  evil.  In  Mr.  Dundas's 
gun  this  obstacle  has  been  overcome,  and 
the  perfect  strength  and  trustworthiness  of 
the  piece  has  been  proved  by  24  service 
charges  having  been  already  fired  from  it 
with  resulu  entirely  satisfactory.  As  re- 
gards cost  of  production,  taking  into  con- 
sideration the  greatly  diminished  weight  of 
metal  required  as  compared  with  cast-iron, 
the  wrought-iron  nine-pounder  gun  will 
hardly  exceed  in  cost  a  cast-iron  cannon  of 
iimilar  bore,  while  brass  ordnance  will  ex- 
ceed the  malleable  iron  in  expense  by  about 
four  times  the  cost  of  production.     On  the 


comparative  aurability  of  Uie  two  materials 
it  is  superfluous  to  say  a  word.  In  the 
ebiiTjie  of  Monday  eviening  the  gim  was,  by 
Lord  Panmure's  order,  conveyed  to  Wool- 
wich, under  the  charge  of  a  party  of  ArtiU 
lerymen.  At  Woolwich,  it  is  understood, 
the  gun  will  undergo  a  severe  ordeal  to  test 
its  efficiency. — Times,  June  15. 


ON  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  RUS- 
SIAN FORTRESSES. 
We  call  the  attention  oJT  our  readers  to  A 
letter  which  appeared  in  the  Morning  Ad- 
vertiser a  few  days  since,  ahd  in  which  the 
writer,  who  signs  hiniself  "  A  Satirist,  but 
one  not  too  bitter  for  the  times,'*  after  speak- 
ing at  length  upon  the  subject  of  Govern, 
ment  misrule,  and  paying  a  well-merited 
compliment  to  the  known  skill  and  bravery, 
the  recognized  public  services,  and  the  re- 
cent  arduous  efforts  of  the  Earl  of  Dun- 
donald  in  the  service  of  his  country,  pro- 
ceeds to  notice  the  invention  of  an  old  cor- 
respondent of  this  journal,  Mr.t^ham  Baggs, 
ana  to  detail  the  manner  in  which  his  papers, 
directed  to  the  same  object,  and  markea 
PRIVATE,  were  appropriated  by  the  Honour- 
able Board  of  Admiralty,  and  securely 
stacked  in  their  official  pigeon-holes.  Since 
the  publication  of  this  letter,  we  have  seen 
the  inventor,  and  have  obtained  from  him 
fut-iher  informalioii  as  to  his  views  and  in- 
tentions,  and  additional  details  as  to  the  past 
history  of  this  new  and  powerful  but  neg- 
lected engine  of  warfare.  Foiled  ih  his 
efforts  to  obtain  Goveriimental  support,  the 
inventor  hopes  to  effect  by  private  enterprise 
what  he  has  failed  in  accomplishing  through 
the  usually  recofrnized  purees  of  power  and 
advancement.  He  is  willing,  on  the  guaran- 
tee of  £20,000  eoneUtionaliy,  to  submit  his 
views  in  extenso  to  a  scientific  committee  of 
three  persons — the  one  a  civil  engineer, 
another  a  chemist,  and  the  third  a  professor 
of  natural  philosophy,  chosen  by  the  contri- 
butors.  and  approved  by  himself,  and  who 
have  none  of  them  any  inventions  or  ideas 
directed  to  the  same  object  The  £20,000 
to  be  expended,  not  in  experiments,  but  in 
the  realization  of  an  immediate  practical 
result,  whereby  not  only  will  the  strongholds 
of  barbarism  be  shaken  to  their  foundations, 
and  a  tolerable  stop  be  put  to  the  encroach- 
ments of  ilUacquired  power  over  human 
right,  but,  upon  a  rational  calculation,  no 
less  than  a  million  sterling  will  be  gained 
by  the  adventurers,  in  the  shape  of  ftirly. 
acquired  treasure,  within  six  months,  with 
the  consent  and  partial  assistance  of  Go- 
vernment,  of  course,  and  without — what 
then  ?  By  other  means,  perfectly  constitu- 
tional, and  not  violating,  in  the  remotest 
degree,  the  established  laws  of  the  realm. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


564 


TABLES  FOR  FACILITATING    ADDITION. 


We  hare  only  to  state,  in  addition,  that  any 
communications  from  capitalists  in  refer- 
ence to  the  above  subject,  and  directed  to 
the  inventor,  at  our  office,  will  meet  with 
prompt  attention. — Mining  Journal. 


PREPARATION  OF  OXYGEN  BY 
THE  DECOMPOSITION  OF  WATER. 

The  following  suggestion  of  a  mode  of 
preparing  oxygen  on  a  large  scale  is  pub- 
lished by  M.  D.  MuUer,  in  the  Comptes 
Rendus  of  April  16. 

Two  very  important  facts  served  as  a 
starting  point — 1.  An  aqueous  solution  of 
chlorine,  contained  in  a  glass  receiver,  is 
gradually  converted  into  hydrochloric  acid; 
the  oxygen  remains  free.  2.  In  all  circum- 
stances, the  chlorine  and  hydrogen  combine 
immediately  under  the  influence  of  heat 
There  is,  therefore,  nothing  more  natural 
than  to  turn  this  great  affinity  of  chlorine 
for  hydrogen  to  account,  in  order  to  de- 
compose steam  at  a  high  temperature. 
Under  the  influence  of  heat,  the  chlorine 
combines  with  the  hydrogen  of  the  steam, 
and  is  converted  into  hydrochloric  acid  in 
the  gaseous  state  ;  the  oxygen  remains 
free,  part  of  which  might  combine  with  the 
chlorine  and  form  perchloric  acid ;  but  the 
greater  part  remains  free,  mixed  with 
hydrochloric  acid  gas.  On  passing  the 
mixture  into  a  vessel  containing  water,  the 
gaseous  hydrochloric  acid  is  immediately 
dissolved,  and  the  oxygen  may  be  collected 
alone.  The  temperature  proper  for  this 
operation  is  about  120o  C.  (248o  F.) 

TABLES  FOR  FACILITATING  AD- 
DITION. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Mechanics'  Magazine. 
Sir, — Addition  may  well  be  called,  es. 
pecialty  since  the  invention  of  logarithms, 
the  fundamental  operation  of  practical  arith- 
metic ;  and  it  is  well  known,  that  to  make 
long  and  numerous  additions  by  the  com- 
mon method,  considerable  labour  and  atten- 
tion are  required,  which  do  not  even  lead  to 
results  80  trustworthy  as  not  to  require  what 
is  called  a  proof,  in  itself  as  tedious  as  the 
first  addition.  These  considerations  have 
induced  me  to  search  for  a  mechanical  way 
of  making  additions,  which  should  be  as 
simple  as  possible,  allow  great  rapidity  of 
operation,  give  results  perfectly  trustworthy, 
and,  of  course,  require  no  labour  of  the 
mind  for  its  application.  The  accompany- 
ing table.  No,  1,  is  the  result  of  my  efforts 
to  satisfy  all  those  conditions.  I  will  pro- 
ceed to  describe  it,  but  shall  abstain  fit>m 
further  oommenta  on  it,  as  it  is  only  by  its 
actual  use  that  its  mcriu,  if  it  has  any,  can 


be  tested.  I  must  yet  mention,  that  Pas. 
caps  arithmetical  machine  can  be  employed 
for  making  additions ;  but  that  this  machine 
was  not  devised  especially  for  making  addi- 
tions, and  is,  by  the  diversity  of  its  open- 
tions,  rather  a  display  of  wonderful  inge- 
nuity than  a  really  practical  instrument 

It  is  seen  by  inspection  of  Table  !,•  that 
points  are  arranged  on  it  in  sets  of  three, 
and  that  three    such    successive  sets  are 


IL 


/" 


l^A 


\1A  A 

2 


9\  1 


9J  1  2 

l'  2  3 

2  3  4 

3  4  5 


_   |g. 

I?sl  1 

9,1  1    2 

I    2 

3 

4 

5 

6 


9J 


2    3 
8    4 

4  5 

5  6 

6  7 

6  7_;8 

7  8|9 
8|9|1 


9|1    2 


4   5    6 

7    8|9 

5  6   7 

6  7   8 

7  8   9 

8|9|1 
9|1    2 

1  2   3 

2  3    4 

3  4   5 

4  5   6 

5  6    7 

6  7    8 

8|9    1 

9|1    2 

1  2   3 

2  8   4 

3  4   5 

1  2  3 

2  3  4 

3  4  5 

4  5  6 


4  5    6 

5  6    7 

6  7    8^ 

7  819 


7   8 


S|9 


9^1 1    2 
12    3 


1    2    3 

4    5    6 

7    8|9„ 

2   3    4 

5   6   7 

8|9J 

3    4    5 

6   7   8 

9»l 

4    5    6 

7    8  |9.     . 

5    6    7 

MM 

6    7    8 

9.1 

7   8|9, 

8|9,l 

9sl 


60 


again  distinguished  from  each  other.    Now, 

suppose  I  wish  to  add  together  any  digits, 

as  4,  9,  5,  6,  8,  3,  7,  1.    I  Uke  in  my  hand 

I   a  sharp  instniment,  say  a  pencil,  and  start 

*  We  have  been  compeUed  to  shorten  these 
Tables  considerably,  but  enoogh  of  them  is  riven 
to  exhibit  their  conftniction.— En.  M.lf. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  TUBULAB  BOILEBS  FOB  THE  EXPANSIVE  USE  OF  STEAM. 


565 


with  its  end  from  the  first  point  (which 
ii  opposite  the  fig:ure  9^).  Now  I  count 
four  points  in  descending  order.  For  that 
purpose,  I  descend  first  to  the  point  yerti- 
cftlly  under  the  first,  which  is  the  third  from 
it,  and  pass  to  the  next,  which  is  the  fourth 
from  it  The  second  given  digit  being  9, 
I  have  now  to  count  nine  points  from  the 
one  just  arrived  at,  which  is  done  at  once 
by  passing  to  the  point  which  has  the  same 
situation  relatively  to  the  next  of  the  rec- 
tangles  containing  nine  points,  in  which 
the  table  is  divided  by  cross-lines,  as  the 
one  I  leave  has  relatively  to  its  rectangle. 
The  third  digit  being  5,  I  must  now  count 
five  points  from  tbe  one  just  arrived  at, 
which  is  done  by  counting  three,  by  means 
of  a  vertical  motion  downwards  to  tlie  first 
point  met  with,  and  then  by  counting  two 
more.  The  fourth  digit  is  6 ;  I  therefore 
count  twice  three  in  the  above  manner  from 
tlie  point  I  leave,  or,  in  other  words,  pass  to 
the  second  point  vertically  below  it .  The 
fifth  digit  is  8 :  I  count  six  as  just  stated, 
and  then  two  more,  &c.  When  I  have  thus 
tsken  into  account  all  digits,  I  find  in  the 
column  of  numbers  at  the  left  hand,  the 
number  43  opposite  the  last  point  arrived 
at,  and  I  say  that  this  number  is  the  sum  of 
the  given  digits.  For,  since  there  is  one  and 
only  one  point  opposite  each  of  the  numbers 
of  the  series  from  1  to  100,  it  is  evident  that 
we  should  have  arrived  at  the  same  number, 
43,  if  we  had  counted  successively  in  de- 
scending order,  4,  9,  5,  &c.,  numbers  of 
that  series,  beginning  at  the  top;  and,  in 
tha«:  ca»e,  43  would  have  been  the  required 
sum  by  the  principle  of  addition  itself. 

If  we  have  to  add  a  long  series  of  digits, 
whose  sum  is  greater  than  108,  we  shall, 
when  arrived  at  one  of  the  points  of  the  laat 
rectangle,  mark  somewhere  aside  a  unit  of 
hundreds,  and  continue  to  use  the  Table 
from  the  point  of  the  first  rectangle  which 
has  the  same  figure  opposite  to  it  as  the 
inferior  point,  or,  if  this  latter  point  have 
100  opposite  to  it,  from  the  first  point  (op- 
posite 9o).  Should  we  arrive  several  times 
at  the  last  rectangle,  we  should  each  time 
mark  a  unit  of  hundreds,  and  should  take 
care  to  add  them  all  to  the  number  less 
than  100  at  last  found  in  the  column  at  the 
left. 

If  we  hare  to  make  a  common  addition 
of  any  numbers  greater  or  less  than  9,  we 
shall  add,  as  above,  each  column  of  digits. 
If  the  sum  of  such  a  column  be  less  Uian 
1,000,  we  shall  have  to  carry  a  nuniber 
<  100,  and  we  shall  do  this  by  beginning 
the  addition  of  the  next  column  to  the  left 
of  the  given  addition  from  the  point  oppo- 
site the  number  to  be  carried  over  on  the 
Table.  If  the  number  to  be  carried  over  be 
>  99,  we  shall  treat  iu  units  of  hundreds 


as  above.    Thus  tbe  whole  addition  can  be 
:   made. 

I  Should  a  person  read  the  digits  of  the 
I  proposed  addition  whilst  another  employs 
the  Table,  the  addition  would  be  performed 
with  a  rapidity  equal  to  that  of  simple  read- 
ing, and  with  an  almost  perfect  certainty  of 
accuracy. 

If  only  one  person  performs  the  addition, 
he  will  have  to  bring  the  Table  as  near  as 
possible  to  his  written  addition,  and  then  to 
read  four  or  five  digits  to  be  added,  at  a  time, 
to  avoid  passing  too  often  from  the  addition 
to  the  Table,  and  vice  versd. 

Table  II.  will  not  allow  as  great  a  rapi- 
dity  of  adding  as  Table  I.  To  add  the  digito, 
proposed  £bove  with  tliis  Table,  I  start  from 
the  figure  9,,  at  the  top,  descend  vertically 
to  4,  pass  horiiontally  to  9 ;  descend  again 
▼ertically  to  9,  then  to  the  first  5  I  meet, 
and  pass  horizontally  to  9,  and  so  on,  pass, 
ing  after  each  digit  thus  added,  horizontally 
to  9,  unless  this  digit  be  itself  9.  When 
arrived  thus  at  the  last  digit  to  be  added,  I 
find  the  required  sum  opposite  to  it  in  the 
column  on  the  right  It  is  not  necessary  to 
explain  this  Table  further,  as  most  of  what 
has  been  said  of  the  first  Table  can  be  ap- 
plied  to  this.  The  superior  and  inferior 
nines  have  indices,  in  order  that  when  ar- 
rived at  one  of  the  inferior  ones,  we  may 
immediately  resume  the  process  from  the 
superior  one  having  the  same  index,  after 
having,  of  course,  marked  a  unit  of  hun- 
dreds. 

The  second  Table  will,  perhaps,  offer 
a  little  more  convenience  than  the  first,  and 
will  certainly  give  perfectly  secure  results, 
when  the  far  greater  rapidity  attainable  with 
the  first  can  be  sacrificed. 

I  am.  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

C.  J.  Recoroon. 
Cambridge,  1855. 


ON  TUBULAR  BOILERS  FOR  THE 
EXPANSIVE  USE  OF  STEAM. 
To  the  Editor  qfthe  Mechanics*  Magaxine* 
Sir, — I  regret  I  had  not  time  last  week 
immediately  to  thank  Mr.  Williams,  in  your 
last  number,  for  his  candid  admission  of  the 
justice  of  my  criticism  on  the  passages  re- 
ferred to  in  his  work  on  combustion,  and 
of  the  injustice  done  to  Mr.  Craddock  by 
their  tenor.  Intentional  misrepresentation 
is,  I  conceive,  quite  out  of  the  question  where 
Mr.  Williams  is  concerned.  It  seemed  clear 
to  me  that,  entirely  annoyed  at  the  violation 
of  all  his  principles  by  the  introduction  of 
the  multitubular  boiler  to  the  raw  coal  of 
the  marine  service,  Mr.  Williams  was  quite 
preoccupied,  so  aa  not  to  think  for  a  mo- 
ment of  the  existence  of  the  opposite  kind 
of  tubular  boiler.  Warring  agamst  the  word 


Digiti 


zed  by  Google        


566 


SPiEGIFICATIONB  Ot  ikTBSTci  kSCfiKlX'^   taiEl); 


"tubular**  Wibi  ati  undivided  indignation, 
be  selected  four  or  five  passaffes  containing 
it,  hrom  the  "  Lectures,"  without  reference 
to  the  context  of  close  argiiment  wluch 
united  thetn,  an.d  its  whole  purpose  and  ob- 
ject But  for  this  prepossession -Mr.  Wil- 
liams, whoni  I  must  not  consent  to  level  to 
a  **  general  reader,"  would  have  plainly  per- 
ceived that  the  objections  themselves,  enu- 
merated by  Mr.  Craddock,  are  not  ouite  ap- 
plicable  to  the  present  marine  tubular  ;  and 
by  noticing  the  dale  of  the  work  (errone- 
ously quoted  as  lately  published),  it  would 
have  appeared  that  very  few,  if  indeed  any, 
of  that  sort  of  boilers  were  at  that  date  used 
at  sea.  .  t  readily  admit  there  i«  nothing 
extraordinary  in  overlooking  very  valuable 
parts  of  treatises.  There  is  a  most  im- 
portant part  of  Mr,  Williams's  own  treatise, 
the  explanation  of  currents  in  reference  to 
boiler  explosions ;  yet,  notwithstanding  the 
great  interest  and  discussion  at  present  on 
the  question  of  explosion,  I  have  not  seen 
the  least  notice  of  tnis  most  invaluable  por- 
tion of  the  work.  This,  it  woUld  seem, 
must  needs  be  the  fate  of  sound  treatises.  I 
could  name  half-a-dozen,  upon  important 
questions,  under  continual  controversy, 
which  are  like  diamond  drops  iTalling  into 
the  ocean  of  ephemeral  steam  printing,  un- 
noticed and  undiscemible  by  the  multitude, 
until  the  passing  food  has  left  them  high 
and  dry.  Few  care  for  deep  research  whilst 
they  can  read  day  by  day  the  elTorts  of  the 
finest  energies  devoted  to  the  demolition  ot 
trumpery  statesmen.  Truths  always  make 
slow  progress ;  it  is  much  more  generally 
agreeable  to  argue  and  debate  than  to  un- 
derstand and  do.  Tlie  motto  of  permanent 
writers  must  be  taken  in  that  line  of  our 
great  poet : 

"fit  audienee  And  though  few." 

The  refined  Fontenelle  long  since  told  us, 
in  his  "  Plurality  of  Worlds,"  which  has 
had  such  lumbering  imitators,  that  all  our 
science  is  nothing  but  a  me.ihs  to  remedy 
defective  senses ;  and  Dr.  Brown  elaborated 
the  idea  in  a  thick  octavo.  It  is  neither  to 
be  wished  nor  expected  that  ordinary  affairs 
should  be  conducted  with  microscopic  and 
telescopic  vision.  Administrators  of  large 
concerns  cannot  give  much  time  to  abstract 
principles ;  but  I  like  and  rather  expect  to 
see  thd  author  of  one  sound  tteatise  appre- 
ciating  the  merits  of  another. 

J  ohall  look  with  interest  for  Mr.  Wil. 
liams's  deitionstration,  that  a  saving  of 
weight,  space,  and  coals,  and  a  gain  of  fresh 
water  is  less  applicable  in  the  costly  position 
of  ft  ship  at  tea,  than  the  accomplishment  of 
th<»  same  items  upon  land.  It  is  a  fact 
which,  If  no  one  controverts,  must  be  held 
incontrovertible^  that  for  ten  years  past  we 
have  burned  and  are  burning  three  times  as 


much  eoal  iii  our  steam  ships  as  there  Is 
any  necessity  for,  ahd  that  in  the  face  of 
the  strong  assertions  of  all  public  writers, 
that  the  burning  ought  to  be  diminished, 
and  the  diminution  prove  a  public  benefac- 
tion. No  question,  then,  can  hardly  be  of 
greater  interest  than  the  explanation  of  an 
experienced  authority,  how  these  savings 
are  inapplicable.  There  is  a  steam  ship 
now  building,  to  carry  12,000  tons  of  coals 
and  5,d00  tons  of  goods.  Do  no  more  than 
merely  reverse  these  figures  for  the  same 
power,  would  not  that  be  putting  on  i  screw 
almost  as  valuable  as  that  which  the  en- 
gineers have  lately  been  so  nobly  remune- 
rating ?  To  those  who  feed  on  noble  senti- 
ments, and  live  by  triumph  over  their  oppo- 
sites,  not  many  events  are  more  gratifying 
than  to  see  the  public  services  of  private 
men  thus  munificently  recompensed ;  a 
sweet  contrast  to  **  the  spurns  that  patient 
merit  of  the  unworthy  taxes,"  and  the  more 
bitter  fang  of  ingratitude. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c., 

David  Mushet. 
P.S. — I  am  glad  to  see  Mr.  Nasmyth  is 
again  at  work  on  his  great  guns.  They  are 
volcanos  indeed.  Mr.  Nasmyth  is  an  en- 
thusiast in  volcanos ;  and  I  notice  Yesuvius 
has  lately  struck  the  chord  of  his  sympa- 
thies,  as  one  of  the  few  practical  men  who 
continue  to  uphold  the  wild  idea  thrown  oat 
by  Leibnits,  that  our  earth  was  originally  a 
molten  globule  ejected  from  the  sun, — a 
notion  entertained  (for  what  notions  vrill 
men  not  entertain  ?)  until  physical  science 
had  dismembered  the  ''  four  elements,"  and 
geological  research  destroyed  the  fiery 
dragon  of  the  "  primaries."  I  always  re- 
commend those  bitten  with  this  old  mania 
to  a  cool  walk  over  one  of  the  bridges,  in 
the  attitude  of  that  spirit 

"whose  looks  and  thoughts 

Were  always  downward  bent,  admiring  moie 
The  riches  of  heaven's  paTemeat— " 

and,  pondering  on  the  tesselated  structure  of 
each  atone  he  passes  over,  ask  himself  what 
resemblance  tlie  beautiful  aggregation  of 
crystals  seen  in  section  beneath  his  feet  bear 
to  any  slab  of  lava,  pumice-stone,  or  pozzo- 
lana  ever  hurled  by  Cyclops  out  of  Vulcan's 
smithy. 


SPECIFICATIONS    OF    PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Bkaslet,  William,  of  Smethwiek,  Suf. 
ford,  manufacturer.  ImprovemenU  U  tht 
mam^acture  <^  gun-harreU.  Patent  dated 
NoTcmber  21,  1854.    (No.  2459.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  an  im- 
proved  fofm  of  skelp  for  sketp-barrels.  2. 
In  rolling  iron  of  a  peculiar  section  to  b^ 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


fiPECktlCATiOJT^  OF  tltfc!ftS  liECEf«TLT  tTLEb. 


56t 


eihployed  in  the  formatibh  of  what  at-'6 
termed  the  lumps  to  be  forged  oh  tO  the 
bk-eech  of  the  barrel.  8.  In  Btralffhtening 
thia  description  of  barrel  by  employing  a 
aeries  of  rolls,  mounted  horizontally,  their 
nxek  forrhing  the  anslbs  of  an  equilateral 
tilarignlai",  similar  to  those  cnAployed  by  Uie 
inventbr  for  welding  t>Visted  gun-bartelb, 
and  de&cribed  iii  the  spe'ciflbition  of  his  pa- 
tent a^t^d  June  10,  1852. 

Tylgi^,  AtPkED,  6f  WaVwidl-tarte,  N^w- 
gAte-itrete^,  Londod.  Iihprwements  in  crinrn- 
ing-machinei.  Patettt  dated  Kovetabier  21, 
1854.    (Ko.  2465.) 

The  Ihventbr  claims  making  the  bearings 
of  iftHmping-hidcbines  o^  wood,  and  a  mode 
of  adjusting  them. 

Hunt,  Eo^tiND,  of  trlasgow,  Lanark, 
gientlehian.  Improvements  in  acreio  propel- 
lers,  and  in  ships  or  vessels.  Patent  dated 
Novembei-  41, 1854.    (No.  2461.) 

This  invention  relates  to  vAripus  improved 
mddifications  of  screw  or  oblique-bladed 
propeller^,  ihlended  tO  obtain  a  better  pro- 
pyl ihg  effect  than  has  hitherto  been  secured 
by  theads  of  propeller^  of  this  class,  and  to 
a  hiodd  or  Aibdes  df  cohstructing  shi^s  or 
▼easels  so  as  to  render  them  more  suitable 
for  screw  propulsion,  a  poriiori  of  these  im- 
provenients  being  also  applicable  to  paddle 
a'teathel's,  sailing  ships,  and  other  vessels. 
Wb  sH^l  probably  give  an  illustrated  de- 
scriptioii  of  this  invention  hereafter. 

Baoary,  Jean  Baptiste,  stockholder,  of 
Paris,  France.  Improvements  in  sawing 
apparatus.  Patent  dated  November  22, 1854. 
(No.  2463.) 

This  invention  relates  to  s«iws  used  for 
dividltig  whalebone,  horn,  &c.,  by  hand,  and 
comprises — 1.  The  use  of  a  piece  of  metal  or 
other  suitable  material  for  holding  down  the 
block  to  be  operated  upon,  this  piece  acting 
also  as  a  guide  for  keeping  the  saw.hlades  at 
a  constant  distance  apart.  2.  A  method  of 
shspehdihg  the  saw  fi-ame  between  friction- 
rollers  abled  upon  by  screws  on  one  side, 
and  slides  acted  upon  by  springs  oh  the  other. 

TERufcT,  Richard,  of  Hercules-build- 
iri^s,  Lambeth,  Surtey,  ihachinist.  Jn  im-. 
proved  machine  or  apparatus  for  cleaning 
knibes.  Patent  dated  November  22,  1854. 
(No.  2464.) 

The  principal  feature  of  this  invention 
consists  Ih  the  use  of  a  suitable  elastic  bed 
placed  between  the  wood  and  the  leather 
surface  which  acts  upon  the  knife,  so  as  to 
impart  increased  elasticity  to  the  latter  8ur> 
face. 

Johnson,  Jottu  Henry,  of  47.  Lin- 
colt\*8.  inn -fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman, 
Impfovements  in  (he  manufaclure  qf  piled 
goods,  and  in  the  madtinery  or  apparatus 
used  therein.  Patent  dated  November  22, 
1854.    (No.  2465.) 


This  inventiod  comprises  a  great  nun), 
ber  of  features:  ahiongst  them  a  novelty  in 
the  general  construction  and  arrangement 
ot"  looms  and  apparatus  connected  therewith 
for  weaving  double  ^iled  goods  or  fabrics^ 
— a  peculiar  construction  and  arrangement 
of  knife  (and  apparati^s  for  sharpening  the 
samej  employed  in  cutting  or  dividing  the 
double  fabric — ah  ihiproved  mode  of  work- 
ing the  siispehsiori  or  (rap  boards  in  the 
Jacquards  attached  to  looms  for  weaving 
flguted  pile  fabrics,  &c.,  &c. 

Johnson,  John  Henry,  of  Lincoln's- 
inn-fields,  Middlesex,  genileman.  Improve^ 
menls  in  the  prevention  or  removal  cf  in. 
cnutdium  "in  steam-boilers.  (A  conimuni- 
catioii.)  patent  dated  November  22,  1854. 
(No.  i2466.)      .. 

Claims. — 1.  The  use  of  the  refuse  scraps 
of  various  kinds  of  leather  or  raw  hides  for 
the  purpose  of  removing  and  preventing  the 
incirustation  in  steam-boilers.  2.  The  mode 
of  converting  strips  and  cuttings  of  leather 
oir  raw  bides  into  a  compact  mass  or  to  a 
powder  to  be  introduced  into  steam-boilers 
or  generators. 

Gibson,  Robert,  of  Hunslet,  Leeds, 
York,  engineer.  .  Certain  improvements  in 
machinery  for  carding  wooh  fiax$  cotton^  and 
other  fibrous  materials.  (A  communication.) 
Patent  dated  November  22,  1854.  (No. 
2467.J 

This  invention  relates— 1.  To  the  use  in 
carding  engines  of  a  series  of  small  cylin- 
ders in  the  place  of  the  ordinary  large  cy- 
linder or  swift  employed  in  carding  or 
scribbling  fibrous  materials,  which  small 
cylinders  are  so  arranged  that  the  delivery 
of  the  ifibrous  n\aterial  operated  upon  shall 
be  consecutive  from  one  cylinder  to  the 
other  until  it  reaches  the  doffing  roller.  2. 
To  the  adiptatioD  to  this  system  of  cylin- 
ders of  carriers  placed  beneath  them  so  as 
to  facilitate  the  working  of  the  material 
operated  upon,  by  detaching  the  loose  ^bre 
wliich  may  have  been  emitted  to  be  taken 
up  by  the  cylinder  next  it,  and  delivering  it 
or  lashing  it  upon  the  cylinder  which  should 
have  taken  it.  3.  To  tbe  adaptation  of 
workers  and  strippers,  or  workers  and  faney 
rollers  to  the  above-mentioned  system  of 
cylinders,  which  rollers  are  placed  aboTe  the 
cylinders,  and  will,  if  requisite,  carry  back 
the  material  under  operation  to  the  cylinder 
it  had  just  left  there  to  undergo  a  repetitien 
of  the  carding  operation. 

Vruel,  William  Aristides,  of  Macduff, 
Banff,  merchant.  Improvements  in  grinding 
or  pulverising  bones.  Patent  dated  Novem- 
ber 23,  1854.    (No.  2471.) 

C/aim.— The  substitution  of  grinding 
stones  by  means  of  which  bones  can  be  te- 
duced  to  a  powder  for  the  ordinary  iron- 
toothed  rollers  used  in  bone  mills. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


568 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS  BECENTLY  FILED. 


Eaborn,  Edmund  and  Matthew  Robin- 
SON,  engineers,  and  John  Kendeick,  ac- 
countant clerk,  all  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick. Ortosn  apparatuses  or  contrivances  for 
holding  hats  in  churches,  chapels^  and  other 
public  assemblies.  Patent  dated  November 
23,  1854.    (No.  2472.) 

Claim. — *<The  application  to  forms,  stalls, 
or  pews,  of  a  suitaole  means,  whereby  the 
male  occupants  of  such  seats  may  be  pro- 
vided with  a  rest  for  his  or  their  hats'* ! 

Crickmay,  Charles,  of  the  Lozells, 
Handsworth,  Stafford,  gun  manufacturer. 
Improvements  in  single  mid  repeating,  or  re- 
vobnng  fire-arms,  and  in  the  mode  rf attaching 
bayonets  to  breech-loading  fire-arms.  Patent 
dated  November  23,  1864.    (No.  2473.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  '*  In  connect- 
ing the  barrel  and  stock,  or  lock  part  of 
breech-loading  fire-arms,  by  a  stout  immo- 
veable pin,  or  bar,  on  which  the  breech 
revolves ;  and  at  the  base  or  back  of,  and 
around  such  pin,  where  it  unites  itself 
with  the  lock  or  stock,  are  two  or  more 
inclined  planes,  their  lines  of  inclination 
rising  towards  the  muzzle  of  the  gun;  and 
in  connection  with  these  inclined  planes  are 
counter  inclined  planes  attached  to  a  spring 
lever,  which,  working  on  the  pin  bar  or 
breech,  and  the  breech  or  counter  breech, 
being  placed  between  the  barrel  and  the 
spring  lever,  it  is  evident,  that  as  such  lever 
is  made  to  revolve  against  the  inclined 
planes,  that  the  breech  or  counter  breech  is 
forced  into  complete  contact  with  the  bar- 
rel, the  end  of  which,  being  a  frustum  of  a 
cone,  and  that  part  of  the  chamber,  or 
counter  breech,  in  contact  with  it  bein^ 
countersunk,  the  union  is  of  the  most  per- 
fect kind.  2.  In  forming  the  pin  or  bar  on 
which  the  breech  revolves,  in  such  a  way, 
that  I "  (the  inventor)  "  may  dispense  with 
the  base,  or  projecting  part  for  the  inclined 
planes ;  and  in  that  case  I  allow  such  pin  or 
bar  to  extend  long  enough  to  be  united  to 
the  part  that  carries  the  lock  and  stock,  by 
screwing  or  otherwise,  the  inclined  planes 
being  formed  on  that  part,  and  the  counter 
inclined  planes  attached  to  the  lever,  so  as 
to  be  applied  as  before  described.  3.  In 
applying  to  such  fire-arms  a  self-priming 
apparatus,  which  consists  of  a  hollow  cham- 
ber for  containing  percussion  caps  placed 
in  such  a  manner  that  as  the  nipple  comes 
before  an  aperture  in  such  chamber  a  cap 
is  placed  thereon  by  a  spring  or  other  suit- 
able means.  4.  In  attaching  bayonets  by 
a  hinge  joint  near  the  muzzle  of  breech- 
loading  fire-arms,  so  that  the  blade  thereof 
shall  lie  on  the  underside  of  the  barrel  when 
out  of  use,  but  which  will  instantly  fix  itself 
for  use  by  relieving  a  spring  or  detent" 

Collier,  Gboroe,  of  Halifax,  York. 
Improvements  in  the  manrfacture  rf  mohair' 


pbuh.  Patent  dated  November  23,  1854. 
(No.  2474.) 

Claim. — ^Tbe  employment  of  singed  yams 
as  the  warp  yams  in  the  mannCacture  of 
mohair-plush. 

Collier,  George,  of  Halifax,  York. 
Certain  improvements  in  the  mans^aetmre  ^ 
pile  fabrics  and  other  weatnngs.  Patent  da. 
ted  November  23,  1854.    (No.  2475.) 

Claims. — 1.  So  arranging  and  combining 
parts  of  looms  for  weaving  pile  fabrics,  by 
the  aid  of  pile  wires  laid  longitudinally  of 
the  fabric,  that  such  pile  wires  may  have 
given  to  them  a  reciprocating  motion  in  the 
direction  of  their  length,  in  order  that  the 
knife  edges  formed  on  or  afiixed  thereto 
may  eflfect  a  quicker  cutting-open  of  the 
pile  loops.  2.  A  mode  of  arranging,  eom- 
bining,  and  working  mechanieid  parts  as 
described,  for  the  purpose  of  conducting  the 
points  of  pile  wires  (used  transversely  of  the 
fabric)  as  they  are  withdrawn  from  the  fid>- 
ric  into  position  for  re-entering  the  open 
shed,  and  of  stopping  the  motions  of  the 
loom  when  a  wire  fails.  3.  Forming  reeds 
used  in  weaving  with  certain  of  the  dents 
fixed  at  one  end  only,  and  others  fixed  at 
both  ends  in  the  ordinary  way. 

Shaw,  Stephen,  of  Plaistow,  Essex.  An 
improved  mode  if  marking  metal  plates  fir 
riveting  or  bolting,  and  the  appUeatwan  ^  a 
new  material  as  a  template  for  recebmig  smeh 
marks.  Patent  dated  November  23,  1854. 
(No.  2476.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  em- 
ploying a  marker  composed  of  volcanized 
India-rubber,  and  a  colouring  material,  in 
marking  templates  and  transferring  the 
marks  made  upon  them  to  the  plates  to  be 
punched. 

DuvxYiER,  Henri  Jules,  and  Henri 
Chaudet,  both  of  Rue  de  la  Glaci^  Paris. 
Improvements  in  treating  gutta  pereha.  Pa- 
tent dated  November  23,  1854.  (No.  2479.) 

This  invention  "consists  in  treating  gutu 
pereha  with  one  or  more  of  the  following 
substances : — Chloride  of  sulphur,  bromide 
of  sulphur,  iodide  of  sulphur,  fluoride  of 
sulphur;  chloride  of  phosphorus,  bromide 
of  phosphorus,  iodide  of  phosphorus,  fluoride 
of  phosphorus,  sulphide  of  phosphorus; 
chloride  of  boron,  bromide  of  boron,  iodide 
of  boron,  fluoride  of  boron ;  chloride  of  si- 
lies,  bromide  of  silica,  iodide  of  silica,  flno. 
ride  of  silica ;  chloride  of  arsenic,  bromide 
of  arsenic,  iodide  of  arsenic,  fluoride  of 
arsenic  ;  and  the  bichlorides  of  tin  and 
antimony  of  these  substances." 

Carpenter,  Samuel  Alfred,  of  Bir- 
mingham,  Warwick,  manufacturer.  A  new 
or  improved  buckle  or  substitute  for  a  buckle. 
'A  communication.)    Patent  dated  Novem- 

sr  24,  1864.    (No.  2481.) 

Claim.--**  A  new  or  improved  buekle  or 


ber 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPECIFICATIONS  OF  PATENTS  RECENTLY  FILED* 


569 


substitute  for  a  buckle,  in  whiob  the  fasten- 
ing  of  straps,  bands,  or  belts  is  effected  by 
the  compression  or  wedging  of  the  same 
between  the  two  parts  of  which  the  said 
buckle  or  substitute  for  a  buckle  is  com> 
posed." 

CuNLiFPE,  Riley,  of  Accrington,  Lan- 
caster, surveyor.  Improvement  in  machinery 
or  apparatus  fir  making  or  mani^acturing 
hrieks  and  tiles,  or  other' similar  articles.  Pa- 
tent dated  November  24,  1854.  (No. 
2483.) 

This  invention  relates  to  the  manufacture 
of  bricks  and  tiles  by  means  of  a  machine 
in  which  the  pressure  is  communicated  di- 
rectly from  the  beam  of  a  steam  engine, 
from  the  piston-rod  of  a  steam  cylinder,  or 
by  means  of  a  crank  or  eccentric,  and  it 
consists,  says  the  inventor,  "  of  a  hopper 
into  which  I  put  the  olay,  from  whence  it 
passes  into  moulds  and  is  conveyed  under  a 
presser  by  means  of  a  ram  worked  by  levers 
and  connecting  rods." 

WiLLAM,  IU)BERT,  and  Daniel  Mills, 
of  Blackburn,  Lancaster,  machine-makers. 
Improvements  in  looms.  Patent  dated  No- 
vember 24,  1854.    (No.  2484.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  making 
the  shuttle-box  of  metal,  and  grooving  it  on 
each  side  so  that  a  small  carriage  may  slide 
to  and  fro  in  the  grooves  each  time  the  pick 
is  made.  Through  this  carriage  is  passed  a 
piece  of  leather  thong  or  similar  substance, 
so  as  to  form  a  loop  underneath  it,  and  as 
the  carriage  slides  in  the  grooves  above  the 
shuttle,  when  the  shuttle  enters  the  box  the 
point  of  it  passes  through  the  loop,  which 
then  presses  against  the  shoulder  or  thick 
part  of  the  shuttle,  and  acts  as  a  partial 
stopper  to  prevent  the  shuttle  rebounding. 
The  invention  consists— 2.  In  forming  on 
the  fly-wheel  and  break  projections  which 
come  in  contact,  causing  a  positive  stop, 
and  compelling  the  shuttle  to  remain  in  one 
box  when  the  loom  is  at  rest 

Hartley,  James,  of  Sunderland.  An 
improvement  in  the  manufacture  nf  perforated 
glass,'  Patent  dated  November  24,  1854. 
(No.  2485.) 

This  invention  consists  in  employing  a 
number  of  circular  mills  or  cutters  fixed  on 
an  axis  and  caused  to  rotate,  and  in  their 
rotation  to  bring  up  water  and  grit,  and  thus 
to  act  on  the  glass  as  it  is  gradually  pressed 
to  the  cntters  or  mills. 

£ley,  William,  of  Broad-street,  Golden- 
square,  Middlesex.  An  improvement  in  the 
manufacture  of  ball-cttrtridges.  Patent  dated 
November  24,  1854.    (No.  2487.) 

This  invention  consists  in  fixing  to  balls 
flexible  cases  to  contain  powder.  A  project- 
ing tang  is  formed  on  each  ball,  and  on  it  a 
paper  or  flexible  case  is  fixed  by  means  of  a 
perforated  disc  placed  on  the  tang  in  s^tch 


manner  as  to  shut  the  end  of  the  ease  be- 

tween  the  disc  and  the  ball,  and  the  tang  is 
then  subjected  to  pressure  which  upsets  its 
end  and  fixes  the  case  and  the  disc  to  the 
ball. 

Stirling,  John  Davie  Moeries,  of 
Blackgrange,  Clackmannan.  Improvements 
in  the  mamtfactwre  of  metallic  tubes.  Patent 
dated  November  24,  1854.    (No.  2-^8.) 

Having  formed  certain  hollow  ingots  and 
heated  them  to  the  requisite  degree  of  heat, 
the  inventor  proceeds  to  roll  or  extend  them 
by  means  of  grooved  rolls.  He  takes  a 
mandril  of  the  dimensions  corresponding 
to  the  internal  diameter  of  the  ingot  and 
passes  it  into  the  tube,  so  that  the  end  of 
the  mandril  shall  be  at  or  vdthin  the  end  of 
the  tube  to  allow  the  rolls  to  seize  the  tube, 
drawing  it  through  between  the  grooves  and 
thus  over  the  end  of  the  mandril. 

Bessemer,  Henry,  of  Old  St  Paucras- 
road,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  prqjec 
tileSf  and  in  guns  or  ordnance  used  for  dis^ 
charging  the  same.  Patent  dated  November 
24,1854.    (No.  2489.) 

Claims. — 1.  Oiving  a  rotary  motion  to 
projectiles  used  in  ordnance  of  various  kinds 
by  the  reactive  force  occasioned  by  the 
emission  of  a  part  of  the  exploded  charge 
of  powder  used  to  propel  the  said  projectile, 
the  gases  so  emitted  passing  through  tan- 
gentlal  apertures  formed  therein.  2.  Oiving 
a  rotary  motion  to  projectiles  used  in  ord- 
nance  of  various  Kinds  by  exploding  a 
charge  of  powder  within  them  simultane- 
ously with  tbe  explosion  of  the  usual  charge 
contained  in  the  piece  of  ordnance,  and  by 
causing  the  gases  produced  by  the  charge 
contained  in  the  projectile  to  escape  there- 
from  by  tangential  apertures.  3.  A  mode 
of  causing  the  exploded  powder  used  in 
ordnance  to  act  upon  a  larger  propelling 
surface  than  is  presented  by  the  projectile 
by  encasing  it  in  the  manner  described.  4. 
l^he  use  of  chambers  in  ordnance  used  to 
dischnrge  elongated  projectiles,  the  entrance 
to  such  chambers  being  equal  in  size  to  the 
bore  of  the  gun.  5.  The  making  of  ord- 
nance in  parts  or  sections,  which  parts  are 
held  together  by  bolts  passing  through  lugs 
and  flanges.  Also,  a  mode  described  of  in- 
suring the  proper  relative  position  of  such 
parts,  and  the  use  of  channels  or  spaces  for 
the  purpose  of  lessening  the  pressure  of  the 
exploded  powder  between  the  surfaces  of 
any  two  separate  parts  of  such  piece  of  ord- 
nance.  Also  the  construction  of  separate 
carriages  suitable  for  the  separate  parts  of 
which  a  gun  is  constructed.  6.  A  mode  of 
mounting  heavy  guna  formed  of  parts  or 
sections  on  rails  and  frames. 

Rue,  Thomas  de  la,  of  Bunhill-row. 
An  improvement  in  the  manufacture  qf  eompo- 
sitions  suitable  fir  printing^roUers,  printing' 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


570 


SPfeciFtCATlONS  bif  fkrt^^  JtfeCE^ttV  J'ILEU; 


(Alt,  andfikiihU  nioAm.  Pliefl(  dlt^a  m^ 
vfemb*t  24,  1854.    (No.  2490.) 

adtj».— Thii  kf  plicfttioH  6f  jSrlirbfeHtie  !ft 
the  m&faaf&cttir6  df  cOhipoSitiofih  Used  when 
making  printing-rollers,  printing-ink,  antt 
flexible  moulds. 

RofeERtft,  RicltAkb,  of  MancheSler,  eri- 
gineier.  Improvements  in  mdchti/tiry  for  ^re- 
paring  cottoh  qnd  other  jlbres  id  hi  spuh. 
Patent  d&tea  Nov^ttiber  iS,  1854.  (No. 
2491.) 

This  ihr^htion  cbiisisls— 1.  In  the  appli- 
cation of  §1  hovel  bombin&tion  of  me'chahism 
for  glviil^  Iti  imb^oved  Ikshibg  motioii  to 
gill  or  other  feeding  A^patatus  of  frameil 
fot  "laahliig*'  fibre  iftto  receiving  combs, 
bjr  which  the  fibte  i^  hfeld  whilst  the  lashing 
frame  retired  to  detach  tufls.  2.  In  ^h  ini- 
proyed  combihMioh  of  thechahikm  for  giv- 
ing the  ret^uisite  motion  to  ^*  lashing- 
firames,"  for  receding  fi-oth  receiving  cotnbs 
whilst  detaching  tiifu  f^om  the  l^ed.  3.  In 
the  application  of  &  comb  or  bru&h,  or  a 
presser  compounded  of  a  comb  ahd  brush, 
to  retain  the  tibre  in  rieceiving  cotaibi  whijit 
detaching  tufts  fVom  the  feed.  4.  In  the 
ettijploymenl  of  an  iibproved  reciprocating 
carriage  with  a  "  shoggihg  "  or  an  ordinary 
comb  (into  which  the  fibre  is  pressed  by  d 
brush  or  hipi)er),  by  means  of  which  the 
tufts  of  fibre  are  detabhed  froth  the  feeding 
apparatus  and  deposited  In  the  receiving- 
cotnb  withdut  the  intervention  of  a  poher- 
comb. 

GREEWSHiEtDS,  ThomA^,  of  Gcofge- 
sti-eet,  Derby.  impr^eTn^ts  in  treating 
cotton  iffosle  that  has  been  used  by  railw&tf 
companies  and  preparing  it  io  fte  iued  dgcuii. 
Patent  dated  November  25,  1864.  (No. 
2492.> 

This  invention  consistb  in  treating  cotton 
waste  with  a  solution  composed  of  white- 
ash,  quick  little,  and  water. 

BlundelLjWalte^,  of  New  Broad-streetj 
London,  surgeon-dentist.  An  improved  ap-^ 
pdratUsfor  tredting  or  preparing  dny  part  of 
the  human  body  requiring  to  be  surgically 
operated  npon^  for  the  purpose  of  totally  be- 
numbing the  sense  of  feeling  at  the  desired 
part  qfthe  human  body.  Patent  dated  No- 
vember 25,  1854.    (No.  2494.) 

This  invention  consists  in  an  improve- 
meiit  u^oh  the  apparatus  patented  August 
ll,  1854,*  by  the  mventor,  which  apparatus 
hah  the  effect  of  cooling  too  suddenly  the 
part  to  which  it  is  applied.  He  proposes 
therfefol-eby  the  present  invention  tb  remedy 
this  ohjection,',and  to  enable  the  fluid  cboled 
by  ice  ot  any  known  freeing  mixture  to  be 
applied  with  equal  eflect  in  most  eases  by 
the  use  and  employment  of  an  apparatus 
(termed  a  "  graduator  ")  so  contrived  and 

*  See  dtech.  Mdff.,  vol.  Ixi!.,  p.  2H. 


a|5Hl!%d  t^kt  tllb  tetti|(eHttife  of  th«  pan  is 
gi-Adh&lI^  decreased  from  blood  heat  or 
th'et'eabbut  Until  the  d&^ired  benmiibing 
effect  H  i)r6aabKd. 

HdLtA^ti,  JbitN  ditfbrt,  of  Wbolwieli, 
Kent,  engineer.  Improvements  in  large  and 
small  fire-arins,  <M  in  the  preparaiioh  if  their 
cK&yg'ei.  P&teHt  dated  November  29,  1854. 
(Nb.  i495;J 

i.  For  Siiikll  gHtis  the  inventor  takes 
smdl  iron  vrire  nhd  wiiids  it  round  a  centftf 
core  in  layers,  one  over  the  other,  forming 
right  ilhd  left  haUded  spirals.  These  are 
afterwards  cemented  or  braised  together  b^ 
brass  or  gun  metftl  Bo  its  to  form  bne  com- 
pact body.  In  the  ihanufkctare  of  cannons 
he  uses  rods  di*  bdrs  of  somewhat  larger 
si£e,  but  twisted  rbunQ  ihd  cemented  or 
br&ised  together,  dir  toi\^d,  as  in  the  ease  of 
gun  barrels.  2.  He  mikes  canikter  shot  in 
pieces  of  such  sha^e  tii&t  tHey  nearly  ot  en- 
tirely  fill  the  banister.  3.  He  forms  IheHl 
or  grenades  with  fragmehU  of  metil  &c.; 
pliiced  betweeh  ihe  |)bwder  and  case;  io  that 
on  the  explosibh  of  the  missile  each  of  these 
fragments  becomes  a  sepftrate  missile.  4. 
He  forms  shdt  with  spiral  headsj  and  witll 
steel  centres  wheii  the^  are  inUittded  for 
bleaching. 

GiLLOTT,  Joseph;  the  younger,  of  Bir- 
mingham, Warwick,  tnanufacturer,  and 
HENkt  GlLLOTt,  of  Birmingham,  tnanu- 
facturer. An  improvement  or  improoementi 
in[  metalWe  pens  and  netv  [or  improved  m«- 
chinery  for  the  inanuf^tn^e  df  mettflic  pen^. 
Patent  dated  Nbvembfet  27,  1854;  (No; 
2496.) 

Claims,—;!.  Hirdenih^  the  poinfi)  of  steel 
pens  by  hestine  thetii  in  a  flame,  whether 
urged  or  not  oy  a  blow  pipe,  and  aftet, 
wards  cooling  the  satHe  by  Simple  exposure 
to  the  air  by  directiiig  k  stream  of  air  upon 
them.  2.  Certain  new  or  imprbved  ma- 
chinery described,  ibr  effecting  the  Ibngi- 
tudinal  and  transveHe  gfindings  bf  me- 
tallic pens. 

PoNTAlNEMoAEAU,  Peter  ARSiAnn  Le- 
coMTE  DE,  of  South-Street,  London.  /«- 
provements  in  the  construction  qf  inksfandt. 
(A  communication).  Patent  dated  Novem- 
ber 27,  1854.    (No.  2497.) 

These  improvements  consist — 1.  In  es- 
tablishing, by  means  of  a  cock,  a  commu- 
nication oetween  the  interior  of  the  ink- 
stand and  the  atmosphere  throUgh  a  small 
channel  which  crosses  the  tube  to  which  is 
adapted  the  key  of  thfe  cock.  2.  In  adapting 
to  the  cdck  a  fi.ted  br  liiovbable  suckihg  ot 
forcing  pump,  consisting  of  a  small  hollbw 
ball  of  vulcanized  India-rubber  jterforkted 
with  holes. 

FoNTAlNfeliOREAtJ,  PETEli  ARMAAb  LE- 

coMTE  DE,  of  South-Street,  JLondbn.  tik^ 
provemenls  in  the  manufacturt  <f  t&tifi^hK 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


SrKCIiriOAXIONS  W  tXTVUXB  BECEini.T  HLEO. 


571 


iron  iiJUusieux  wheels  for  locwtoiives  or  rait- 
way  or  other  carriages.  (A  oonaniunication.) 
Patent  dated  No?ember  27,  1864.  (No. 
2498.) 

In  carrying  out  this  inyentioA  the  several 
parts  required  for  forming  a  wheel  are  first 
forged  separately,  then  set  together  in 
suitable  moulds,  and  then  subjects  to  ham- 
mering or  to  hydraulic  or  other  pressure. 

Delacour,  Felix,  of  Paris,  France. 
Improvements  in  fire-screens.  Patent  dated 
NoTemher  27, 1854.    (No.  2499.) 

The  inventor  forms  screens  of  an  in- 
combustible material  and  fits  them  to  the 
chimney-piece  or  fender,  as  nuy  seem  de- 
sirable, arranging  them  so  as  to  ibid  or  roll 
up  into  a  compaot  form. 

Clarke,  John,  of  Leicester,  meohanio. 
Improoemeuts  tn  the  namffaeture  ^  iooped 
fabrics.  Patent  dated  November  28, 1864. 
(No.  2602.) 

Claim, — A  mode  of  combining  mechan- 
ism, whereby  the  warp-threads  carried  by 
one  set  of  guides  ace  eaused  to  be  looped 
into  the  warp- threads  carried  by  an  oppo- 
site or  another  set  of  guides,  wi^out  the 
intervention  of  needles. 

Restell,  Thomas,  of  the  Strand,  WesU 
minster,  chronometer  maker.  ImprooewmUs 
m  umhrellaSf  parasols,  and  cases  or  covers,  and 
walking  stids.  Patent  dated  November  28, 
1854.    (No.  2603.) 

Claims, — 1.  The  constmetion  of  um- 
brellas and  parasols,  the  opening  of  which  is 
effected  by  the  pulling  down  of  the  runner 
or  slide.  2.  Several  methods  described  of 
combining  the  parts  of  wal|uDg-stiok  um- 
brellas. 8.  The  constsuction  of  walking, 
sticks,  and  of  the  oases  or  covers  of  walking- 
stick  umbrellas j  of  a  mixture  of  paper  and 
calico,  linen,  or  other  suitable  textile  fabric. 

Newton,  Alfred  Vincent,  of  Ohancery- 
lane,  Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman. 
Improvements  in  steam  boiler  and  other 
fiikmaces,  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
November  28,  1864.    (No.  2606.) 

Claim, — Certain  means  for  contracting 
the  passage  or  passages  by  which  the  flame 
and  gases'  of  combustion  escape  from  the 
fireplace  to  the  flues,  '>and  Ibr  dividing  or 
diverting  the  current  of  the  flame  and  gases 
at  that  part  of  the  furnace  and  thereby  per- 
mitting the  oxygen  of  the  air  or  steam  ad- 
mitted in  streams  to  the  furnace  to  com- 
bine intimately  with  the  gases  of  combustion, 
and  effect  the  consumption  of  the  smoke.'' 

Peterson,  Charles,  of  Low  Cliff  Ohale, 
Isle  of  Wight,  esquire.  The  appUeaiiom  ^f 
a  new  vegetable  substantie  to  the  manufiicture 
rf  textile  fabrics,  and  pulp  for  paper,  card' 
board,  papier  maehS,  and  similar  purposes. 
Patent  dated  November  29,  1864.  (No. 
260«.) 

This  inventiott  oonsists  in  the  use  of  Iho 


<<Sea  Tree  Mallow"  for  tl^e  purposes  de- 
scribed in  the  title. 

Knioht,  Thomas,  ^nd  Stephen 
Knight,  both  of  Southwark,  Surrey,  manu- 
facturer!. Improvements  in  apparatus  for 
keaUng  water  for  baths  and  other  purposes. 
P/atent  dated  November  29,  1864.  (No. 
2608.) 

Claim. — ^The  oonstruotio&  of  a  heating 
^paratus  composed  of  a  grate  and  »  boiler 
iUmished  with  suitable  tubes  and  passages, 
such  apparatus  being  capable  of  ready 
adaptation  to  an  ordinary  fire-plaoe  and 
chimney,  the  grate,  in  this  case,  answering 
the  purposes  ^  an  ordinary  fire-grate  when 
required. 

Abraham,  Johv,  of  Standfield,  Great 
Crosby,  near  Liverpool,  Lancaster,  gentle- 
man. Impronemenis  apjpUcable  to  draining. 
Patent  dated  November  29,  1864.  (No. 
2609.) 

Claims.'^l.  <*  The  forming  «nd  use  of  per- 
forations, holes,  grooves  or  openings  in  the 
sides  of  dirain^pipes  or  passages,  which  open- 
ings extend  upwards  fiiom  the  outer  to  the 
inner  sides  of  the  drain  in  an  angular  di- 
rection, through  which  the  liquid  rises  and 
percolates  into  the  drain."  2.  "  Extending 
the  ends  of  the  drain-pipes  or  passages  suf- 
ficiently above  the  surface  to  be  drained  to 
admit  of  their  being  readily  '  flushed'  wiUi 
water,  and  in  providing  tiie  heads  of  the 
pipes  or  passages  with  suitable  moveable 
covers." 

OowLAND,  Ororoe,  of  South  Castle- 
street,  Liverpool,  Lancaster,  chronometer 
and  nautical  instrument  maker.  Improve- 
mifnis  in  the  mariner's  compass.  Patent  dated 
November  29,  1864.    (No.  2610.) 

The  invention  relates  to  improvements  in 
oompaases  having  eards  of  spherical,  cylin- 
drical, or  other  similar  form,  with  thte  points 
marked  on  their  periphery  in  a  similar  man- 
ner to  those  described  in  the  specification  of 
a  former  patent  of  the  inventor,  dated  July 
16,  1863. 

Smtth,  Sydney,  of  Hyson,  green  Works, 
near  Nottingham.  Jn  improvement  in  gauges 
for  ascertaining  ihe  pressure  of  steam  and 
other  fluids.  Patent  dated  November  29, 
1864.    (No.  2612.) 

i^his  invention  ponsists  in  applying  a  flat 
Qoiled  spring  above  the  vulcanised  India- 
rubber  or  flexible  diaphragm  or  partition  of 
gauges  for  ascertaining  the  pressure  of  steam 
and  other  fluids,  <'by  which  combination 
when  the  flexible  diaphragm  or  partition  is 
pressed  on  and  rendered  convex  outwards  it 
will  press  the  flat  spring  also  into  a  convex 
form  outwards,  and  thus,  by  the  ordinary 
rack  bar,  give  motion  to  the  index  hand." 

Hyde,  John  Moore,  of  Bristol,  iron 
ship-bnilder.  Improvements  in  iron  steam 
sh^,  and  in  boilers  and  machinery  for  pro- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


572 


PROVISIONAL  SPEGIFIOATIONS  NOT  PBOCEEDED  WITH. 


petting  the  same.  Patent  dated  No? ember  29, 
1854.    (No.  2518.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  lu  fitting  to 
ships  a  one-bladed  propeller  so  disposed  that 
it  may  be  turned  up  about  its  axis,  when 
out  of  use,  so  as  to  fall  altogether  within  the 
surface  of  the  Tcsset.  2.  In  keeping  the  stem- 
posts  of  iron  vessels  short,  and  continuing 
the  after  one  up' by  means  of  a  lengthening 
piece  of  brass  or  other  metal  which  will  not 
affect  the  compass.  3.  The  construction  of 
the  steam  engine  boiler  to  be  used  in  con> 
nection  with  the  inventor's  improvements 
by  making  it  similar  to  the  ordinary  flue  or 
tubular  boiler,  but  divided  into  two  or  more 
horisontal  surfaces  of  water  within  the  same 
shell,  and  so  arranged  that  the  flues  or  tubes 
in  each  division  pass  through  each  bod]r  of 
water,  and  the  steam  spaces  of  each  division 
communicate  together.  Also  in  the  con- 
struction or  arrangement  of  the  engine  for 
propelling  the  ship,  an  intermediate  receirer 
being  introduced  between  the  cylinder  and 
condenser  to  collect  the  oil  and  tallow  usu- 
ally carried  by  the  steam  from  the  cylinders 
into  the  condensers  of  surface  condensing 
steam  engines. 

PROVISIONAL  SPECIFICATIONS   NOT   PRO- 
CBEDBD  WITH. 

Thomas,  William  Lynall,  of  Ander- 
ton,  Devon,  gentleman.  An  improvement  in 
prtffeciilee  tmd  in  gun^wade.  Application 
dated  November  21,  1854.    (No.  2462.) 

This  invention  has  for  its  object  the  af. 
fording  of  a  supply  of  air,  in  safe  and  pro- 
per quantity,  between  the  projectile  and  the 
powder  or  other  explosive  material  employed 
to  propel  the  projectile,  and  this  is  effected 
either  by  the  projectile  itself,  or  by  means 
of  a  wad  constructed  as  hereafter  explained. 
WheoT  by  means  of  the  projectile  itself,  the 
inventor  forms  an  air*chamber  in  the  back 
of  it  and  covers  over  the  bottom  or  that  end 
which  comes  nearest  the  powder  with  paper 
or  other  suitable  material;  and  when  by 
means  of  a  wad,  he  constructs  it  with  a 
conical  or  wedge-shaped  aperture  therein, 
the  apex  of  the  cone  or  top  of  the  wedge 
being  at  that  part  of  the  wad  which  is  placed 
farthest  from  the  powder  or  other  substance 
used  to  propel  the  projectile ;  the  base  or 
lower  part  of  the  wad  is  covered  with  paper 
or  other  suitable  material  of  sufficient 
strength  to  prevent  its  being  torn  away  in 
loading,  yet  weak  enough  to  yield  reaidily 
on  the  firing  of  the  powder. 

Gibson,  Charles,  of  Draycott,  Wilne, 
Derby,  gentleman,  improved  machinery  for 
manrfacturing  briekSf  tiies,  and  drtun^pes. 
Application  dated  November  22, 1854.  (No. 
2468.) 

•*  I  mount,"  says  the  inventor,  "  the 
moulds,  which  are  open  at  top  and  bottom, 


either  in  a  circular  or  a  rectangular  frame 
(preferring  to  arrange  them  in  pairs),  and  I 
cause  them  to  move  alternately  under  the 
hopper  or  clay  box  to  receive  the  clay  to  be 
moulded,  and  under  a  descending  piston  or 

5 lunger  by  which  the  moulded  articles  are 
ischarged  on  to  a  traversing  endless  band.*' 

Hurst,  William,  of  Salford,  Lancaster, 
engineer.  Improvement*  in  raiUoay  ekaire. 
Application  dated  November  28, 1854.  (No. 
2469.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  forming 
railway  chairs  by  rolling  iron  bars  of  a 
suitable  sectional  shape,  and  then  cutting 
them  into  short  lengths. 

Wrioht,  Jambs,  of  Alfred-place,  New- 
ington-causeway,  and  John  Walmslet,  of 
the  same  place.  Improoemenit  in  ike  earn- 
atruetion  and  adaptation  o/bedateadt.  Appli- 
cation dated  November  28, 1854.  (No.  2470.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  bedstead  which 
carries  a  washstand,  drawer,  &&,  and  which 
may  be  converted  into  a  table,  desk,  &c. 

Hbiller,  Jean  Baptiste,  manufac- 
turer,  of  Schelestadt,  French  Empire.  Cer- 
tain  improvement*  in  machinery  for  tkromimg 
or  tun*ting  cotton,  umd,  fiax,  *Uk,  and  other 
fibron*  avittance*.  Application  dated  No- 
vember  28. 1854.    (No.  2477.) 

This  invention  has  for  its  object  the 
throwing  or  twisting  of  cotton,  &c,  at  one 
operation,  by  means  of  certsin  improved 
machinery  in  which  two  or  more  reels  supply 
the  threads  which  unite  in  a  glass  tube  in> 
sorted  in  a  crossbar,  and  then  pass  into  a 
vessel  containing  gum-water,  whence  they 
proceed  through  a  grip  lined  with  cloth  that 
removes  any  excess  of  gummy  liquid,  and 
causes  them  to  adhere  to  each  other.  The 
threads  then  pass  over  rollers  or  cylinders 
of  different  diameters  and  are  wound  several 
times  round  them,  being  transformed  into 
a  twist  during  the  process. 

Rami£,  Charles  William,  of  Jersev, 
gentleman.  An  improvement  in  strop*  fir 
sharpening  razor*,  aurgieal  in*tmment*,  and 
other  Wee  article*.  Application  dated  No- 
vember 28,  1854.    (No.  2478.) 

This  invention  consists  in  adapting  the 
shape  of  razor  strops,  &c.,to  that  of  the  curve 
existing  between  tne  back  and  edge  of  the 
instrument 

CuLPiN,  Thomas,  of  Devonshire-terrace, 
Blackheath-road,  Greenwich,  Kent,  engi- 
neer.  Preventing  waate  <if  water,  to  be  called 
a  *e{f'Cloaing  cock  or  uHUle-water  preventer. 
Application  dated  November  24, 1854.  (No. 
2482.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  valve  which  b 
retained  in  a  closed  position  by  the  pres- 
sure of  the  water  coming  through  the  ser- 
vice -  pipe,  passing  a  certain  orifice,  and 
acting  agamst  a  piston,  the  amount  of  the 
pressure  depending  upon  the  extent  that  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PROVISIONAL  SPECIFICATI0N8  NOT  PROCEEDED  WITH. 


573 


area  of  the  piston  U  greater  than  that  of  the 
valTe. 

HoTAY,  Cypbikn  Marie  Tessie  du,  of 
Paris,  ohemiat  An  improvement  in  treating 
eoe^  to  obtain  back  the  fatty  or  oily  matters 
in  their  original  etate.  Application  dated 
November  24,  1854.    (No.  2486.) 

This  invention  is  applicable  to  soaps  ma- 
nufactured  of  tallow,  palm  oil,  and  cocoa- 
nut  oil,  and  consists  in  well  mixing  the 
same  with  hydrate  or  carbonate  of  lime,  and 
then  adding  a  solution  of  carbonate  Of  soda 
till  it  is  saturated.  The  soap  obuined  by 
the  above  process  is  washed  frequently  with 
cold  water  until  the  fatty  bodies  are  entirely 
separated;  these  are  then  taken  oat  and 
melted  in  water  as  usual. 

Henderson,  John,  of  Lasswade,  Mid- 
lothian, gentleman.  Improvements  in  the 
manrfactwre  rf  carpets.  Application  dated 
November  25,  1854.    (No.  2493.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  first  place 
in  the  application  of  the  fabric  about  to  be 
first  described  to  printed  or  particoloured 
warps,  and  in  the  second  place  in  the  manu- 
facture of  the  fabric  described  secondly. 
The  first  fabric  is  produced  by  dividing  the 
"printed"  surface- warp  into  two  or  more 
equal  parts,  which  work  each  in  a  separate 
leaf  of  heddles :  thus,  if  the  printed  siuface- 
warp  is  divided  into  two  parts  No.  1  thread 
is  inserted  in  No.  1  leaf  of  heddles  ;  No.  2 
thread  in  the  second  leaf;  No.  3  in  the  first ; 
No.  4  in  the  second;  and  so  on  over  the 
whole  breadth,  each  alternate  thread  being 
inserted  in  the  same  leaf  of  heddles.  In 
the  same  manner,  if  the  surface-warp  is 
divided  into  three  parts  there  must  be  three 
leaves  of  heddles,  the  first  thread  being 
inserted  in  No.  1  leaf;  the  second  in  No.  2 ; 
the  third  in  No.  3  ;  the  fourth  in  No.  1 ;  the 
fifth  in  No.  2 ;  the  sixth  in  No.  3 ;  and  so 
on,  so  that  there  must  be  just  as  many 
leaves  of  heddles  to  contain  the  surface- 
warp  as  there  are  parts  into  which  it  is 
divided.  Having  proceeded  thus  far,  the  first 
half,  third,  fourth,  or  whatever  part  the 
surface-warp  is  divided  into,  is  kept  raised, 
and  all  the  other  parts  of  it  lowered ;  the 
wire  is  then  inserted  and  the  first  part 
(which  was  kept  raised)  is  taken  down  over 
it  and  fixed  there  by  the  weft -shots  inter- 
secting the  binding  chain.  No.  2  part  of 
the  warp  is  then  raised  (all  other  parts 
being  kept  lowered)  and  undergoes  the  same 
process  as  the  first  part ;  and  so  on  till  all 
the  different  parts  of  the  warp  are  gone  over, 
when  the  firstpart  is  again  proceeded  with 
as  before.  The  production  of  the  second 
fabric  is  effected  in  the  same  manner  as 
regards  the  dividing  of  the  warp,  but  differs 
in  the  weaving  process. 

Levbt,  Charles,  of  Red  Lion-street, 
Holborn.    Improvements  in  weamng  hags  and 


tubular  fabrics.  Application  dated  Novem- 
ber 27,  1854.  (No.  2500.) 

This  invention  consists  in  simultaneously 
working  two  shuttles  when  weaving  bags  and 
other  tubular  fabrics.  For  this  purpose  the 
loom  is  constructed  and  the  harness  arranged 
in  such  manner  as  to  open  two  sheds  in  the 
two  warps  at  the  same  time,  and  the  two 
shuttles  are  simultaneously  thrown  through 
the  two  sheds  so  opened,  3ec. 

Crofts,  John,  of  Birmingham,  War. 
wick,  manufacturer,  and  William  Cart- 
wrioht,  of  Birmingham,  manufacturer.  A 
new  or  improved  eamum  and  projectile.  Ap- 
plication dated  November  27,  1854.  (No. 
2501.) 

This  improved  cannon  is  rifled,  and  the 
projectile  consists  of  an  iron  ball  the  sur- 
face of  which  is  covered  with  lead  or  other 
soft  metal  or  alloy  which,  on  the  discharge, 
engages  in  the  rifle  of  the  barrel  and  com- 
municates a  rotary  motion  to  the  projectile. 
In  the  position  usually  occupied  by  the 
touch-hole  the  cannon  has  a  longitudinal 
opening  into  the  bore,  through  which  the 
cartridge  is  dropped  in.  The  breech-piece 
is  then  screwed  forward,  and  the  cartridge 
is  thus  forced  into  the  bore,  and  the  bore 
closed.  The  cartridge  is  exploded  by  means 
of  a  needle  passing  through  the  breech. 

Staunton,  Thomas,  of  Vineyards,  Bath, 
Somerset,  gentleman.  Improvements  in  oh- 
taining  motive  power,  (A  communication.) 
Application  dated  November  28,  1854. 
(No.  2504.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  air  is  com- 
pressed  by  being  passed  through  several 
compressing  cylinders  fitted  with  pistons, 
whence  it  finally  passes  into  a  reservoir  from 
which  it  is  taken  as  required. 

Tavernibr,  John,  of  Paris,  France,  con- 
fectioner. A  new  edible  compound.  Appli- 
cation dated  November  29,  1854.  (No. 
2507.) 

"  I  take  by  preference,"  says  the  in- 
ventor, "  about  two-thirds  of  wheaten  fiour, 
and  about  one-third  of  sugar,  manna,  or 
honey,  or  of  a  mixture  of  thete  three  sac- 
charine  matters  together.  I  add  sufficient 
water  to  form  a  paste,  and  flavour  it  or  not, 
as  may  be  desired,  with  orange  flower  water 
or  other  essence  or  flavouring  material,  and 
then  bake  the  paste  in  an  oven  until  it  be- 
comes hard  and  assumes  the  colour  of  ship- 
biscuit,  so  that  it  may  readily  be  reduced  to 
a  powder,  into  which  state  I  reduce  it  by 
rasping,  pounding,  or  other  suitable  means. 
I  then  take  cacao,  and  bruise  and  pound  it 
by  any  oT  the  means  ordinarily  employed, 
and  add  thereto  while  being  ground  the 
farinaceous  saccharine  powder  first  de- 
scribed, in  the  proportion  of  Ave  parts  of 
powder  to  four  parts  cacao ;  but  the  proper- 
tion  may  vary  according  to  the  taste  of  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC  


574 


?BOV|8(0N4<i  PAOTBOnONS. 


consumer.  The  composition  m^y  hf  then 
formed  into  cakes  or  ^osves^  or  into 
powder." 

'  KgalYi  Jomf,  of  Oxford- street,  Mid4lar 
sex,  agricultural  implement  make^.  4^- 
f^oved  machinery  for  cutU^  up  turnips  and 
other  roots.  Application  dated  November 
29,1854.    (No.  251^.) 

In  this  improved  mac^iijie  a  disc-whe^ 
carrying  knives  i^  placed  before  the  gjrifice 
of  the  shut?;  the  pieces  as  they  iali  are 
cou^ucie^  into  a  masher,  which  consist  of 
i^  conical  case  pp^n  ^t  both  e^ds  and  fitted 
with  a  conical  co\re,  the  periphery  of  which 
is  formed  of  steel  plates,  ai^d  the  cutting 
edges  of  which  are  produced  by  knpcking 
up  from  the  back,  rows  of  pointed  teeth, 
the  spaces  of  one  row  beiog  oppositQ  the 
teeth  of  the  next  ac^oining. 

?ROYIS^ONAL  FiVQTfiCTiaiiS. 

Dated  May  22,  1855. 

1162.  John  Cruickahank,  of  Marcassie,  Elgln^ 
North  Britain,  farmer.  An  Improvefl  constrhc- 
tion  of  offensive  and  defenilve  equipmexLt  for 
cavalry. 

115i.  Homer  Holland,  of  Westfield,  Massachu- 
setts, United  States  of  America,  physician.  Im- 
provements in  the  method  of  treating  metallifer- 
ous Bulpbureta. 

1156.  Joseph  Morgao,  of  Mandjiester,  manu- 
facturer of  plaited  wicks.  An  improvement  in 
the  manufacture  of  platted  or  platted  wicks  used 
in  the  making  of  candles. 

Dated  May  23,  1855. 

1160.  Francis  Leesliing,  of  Busby,  near  (iUsgow, 
Lanarkshire,  chemist.  An  improved  method'  of 
preparing  or  treating  certain  oye-stuffii,  so  as  to 
obtain  greater  dyeing  power. 

1 162.  Thomas  M'Low,  of  Staples  Inn-huildings, 
Hoiborn,  London.  Certain  Improvements  in  pad- 
dle-wheels. 

1164.  William  Smith,  of  Salisbory-street,  Adel- 
phi,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  safety  appara- 
tus for  mine  shafts  and  other  hoists.  A  commu- 
nication from  M.  Nicholas  Joseph  Jacquet,  of 
Arras,  France. 

Dated  May  24,  1855. 

1166.  William  Smith,  of  Snow-hlll,  London, 
and  Nathaniel  Fortescue  Taylor,  of  Olouceater- 
terrace,  Park-wall,  Chelsea,  gas  engineers.  Im- 
provements in  meters  for  measuring  gas  and 
other  fluids. 

1166.  Auguste  Fr6dMc  Godfrid  Seegers,  leather 
printer,  of  Paris,  France.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  hangings  of  paper  and  of  textile 
fabrics. 

1170.  James  Park,  of  Bury,  Lancaster,  engineer. 
Improvements  in  machinery  for  mannfacturing 
paper  pulp. 

1172.  Charles  Rawlings,  of  Sherborne,  D.oiset. 
Improvements  in  writing  desks. 

1176.  Oliver  Rica  Chase,  of  Boston.  United 
States  of  America.  A  machine  for  making  con- 
fectioner's "  pipe,"  and  for  other  purposes. 

1178.  Thomas  M'Low,  of  Staples  Inn-buildingf, 
Hoiborn,  London.  Certain  improvements  in  pad- 
die- wheels. 

1 180.  George  Horroeks,  of  Pilkington;  Lancaster, 
shuttle  maker.    Certain  improvements  in  shuttles. 

Dated  May  26,  1855. 
Wit,  Tkomas  Miehael  areenhow,  of  Newcastto- 


upon-Tyne,  Northumtterland.  ImproTements  in 
constructing  and  protecting  the  bottoms  and 
sides  of  iron  ships. 

1184.  L6on  de  PaiiBnt^.  of  Eue  de  Bcatent, 
Faubourg  de  Schaerbeck.  Brussels,  Belgtum.  Im- 
Drovements  in  cutting'  or  sawing  wood.  A  com- 
munication. 

1186.  Edward  Aldridge,  of  Boston,  Lincoln,  ma- 
nager of  the  Boston  VaterworkS.  ImpEAvemcnta 
in  meters  for  measuring  the  flow  of  liquUis  and 
fluids,  w^ich  can  also  m  employed  for  obtiuning 
motive  power,  and  in  tsqps  for  regulating  the  flow 
of  liquids. 

1188.  John  Alien  and  William  AUen.  of  Walla- 
end,  n^ar  Newcastle-on-Tyne.  An  improvement 
in' applying  heat  to  alkaline  solutions,  and  to  dr]^- 
Ing  Snd  making  alkaline  salts. 

:   Dated  May  26,  1855. 

^190.  Bobeit  WUliarn  Waithman,  of  Benthvn 
House,  York,  and  Joseph  waithman,  of  Manchea- 
ter,  Lancaster.  Improvements  in  mach&erj  or 
apparatus  fbc  the  manuteeture  of  lint  oar  aiinilar 
substances. 

1194.  Robert  Madarei^,  o/ Glasgow,  ^^Aiark,  en- 
gineer. Improvements  in  flimaces,  and  in  Hofi 
consumption  or  prevention  of  smoke. 

1196.  J[ohn  AspioaU,  of  Fenehurch-etieet,  Lon- 
don, civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  nuchlnexy 
for  extracting  moi&ture  from  substances,  and  for 
separating  liq[uid  from  solid  bodies,  applicable  to 
the  refining  of  sugar,  drying  of  goods,  and  to  pur- 
poses Cor  which  centrifagal  machtnea  an  em- 
ployed.' 

1202.  Th6odore  Marie  Rabatt6  and  Jacqnea  Ret- 
tig,  of  Paris,  France.  Improved  machinery  for 
bruising,  graining,  or  currying  leather,  akina,  and 
hides. 

1204.  David  Methven,  of  Pembroke-cottage% 
Caledonian-road,  Islington.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  stoppers  for  bottles  and  other  ves- 
sels. 

1206.  Fransois  Theodore  Botta,  brewer,  of  Paris. 
France.  A  new  construction  of  fhmaces.  called 
mixed  furnaces,  participating  of  the  heating  by  the 
%olid  fiiel,  and  by  the  combustion  of  the  gaseous 
products. 

1208.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Essex-street,  Middlesex,  improved  machinery  to 
be  used  In  preparing  flax,  hemp,  and  other  flbrons 
maters.    A  communication. 

Dated  May  2S,  1855. 

1210.  Samuel  Rowlands,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
Wick,  saddler.  A  new  or  improved  instrument  or 
apparatus  to  be  used  for  purifying  or  otherwise 
treating  gas.    A  communication. 

1216.  Fr£d£ric  Do  Mori6s,  of  Montmartre,  near 
Paris,  France.  Improvements  in  obtaining  motive 
power. 

1220.  Thomas  Partridge  Salt,  of  Birminghaa, 
Warwick,  surgical  instrument-maker.  Improve- 
ments in  the  construction  of  artificial  legs. 

Dated  May  29,  1855. 

1224.  Jean  Baptiste  Acklin,  practical  engineer, 
of  Paris,  France.  Improvements  in  the  mode  of 
substituting  paper  to  pasteboards  in  Jacquard 
looms. 

1226.  Edward  John  Payne,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick.  Improvements  In  the  manuiactnre  of 
covered  thread.  A  communication  from  Christophe 
Emile  Duroonteil,  of  Paris. 

1228.  WUliam  Langshaw.  of  Baglej,  near  Bol- 
ton, Lancaster,  and  George  and  WUliam  Jelley,  of 
Leicester.  Improvements  In  machinery  for  mana- 
fiscturing  fancy  fabric  with  both  sides  alike. 

1220.  George  Rogers,  of  Alflned-plaoe  West, 
Brompton,  Middlesex.  Improvemeois  In  appara- 
tus for  retaining  and  drawing  olf  aerated  liquors. 
A  communication. 

\t3t.  John  Henij  Joknaon,  of  Linooln's-in»' 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WEEKLY  LIST  Of  P^XEMTS. 


675 


fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improrementi  in 
casting  metals.  A  communication  ftrom  Jackson 
Brothers,  Petin  Gaudet  and  Company,  of  Rire  de 
Gier,  France,  enfoneers. 

12S4.  Thomas  M';«ow,  of  Staples  Ina-buildlngs, 
Hoi  bom,  London.  Improvements  in  screw-pro- 
pellers* 

Dated  May  SO,  1855. 
1236.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chancery-lane, 
Middlesex,   mechanical   draughtsman.     An   im- 
proved calculating  apparatus. 


NOTICE  OP  APPLICATION  FOR  LEAYS  TO 
ENTER  DISCLAI&IER. 

A  petition  has  been  presented  to  tho  Attorney- 
General  for  leave  to  enter  a  disclaimer  to  part  of 
the  title  and  specification  of  a  patent  granted  to 
William  Leigh  Brook,  of  Meltham  Mills,  near 
Huddersfleld,  York,  cotton-spinner,  and  Charles 
Brook,  jun.,  of  the  same  place,  cotton-spinner. 
For  "  certain  improvements  in  preparing,  dressing, 
finishing,  and  winding  cotton  and  linen  yams  or 
threads."    Dated  November  25,  185S.'  '      ' 


NOTICES   OP  INTENTION   TO 
PROCEED. 

(From  ike  "London  Gazette,"  June  12th, 
1855.) 

253.  Frederick  Samson  Thomaa  and  William 
Evans  TiUey.  Improvements  in  plating  or  coating 
metala. 

269.  Ebeneaer  HartnaU.  Improvements  in  pre- 
serving animal  and  vegetable  substances  for  food. 

270.  John  Imray.  Improvements  in  meastiring 
instruments. 

272.  Pierre  Joseph  Carr6.  Improvements  In  or- 
namenting fabrics  with  metal  leaf. 

278.  Frederick  Gray.  An  improvement  or  im- 
provements in  candlesticks. 

281.  Peter  Smith.  Improvemente  in  machinery 
or  apparatus  for  printing  textile  fabrics  and  other 
surfaces. 

286.  WiUiam  Warbrick  and  John  Walker.  Cer- 
tain Improvements  in  machines  for  preparing,  spin- 
ning, doubling,  warping,  and  dressing  cotton, 
wool,  and  other  fibrous  substances. 

288.  George  Tomlinson  Bousfield.  Improve- 
ments in  steam  ploughlng-maehines.  A  commu- 
nication from  Obed  Hussey. 

289.  Edward  Davies.  An  improvement  in  the 
manufacture  of  an  oil  and  paraflln  Arom  a  material 
not  hitherto  used  for  such  purposes. 

296.  William  Hartfleld.  Making  book-covers  in 
tortoiseshell,  inlaid  or  not  with  pearl  or  Ivory,  and 
for  improvements  in  machinery  for  embossing, 
carving,  and  inlaying  book-covers  with  pearl  and 
ivory,  and  for  making  metal  Joints,  by  which  such 
botiks  may  be  widelv  opened,  the  said  improve- 
ments to  be  applicable  to  inlaying  pianofortes. 

322.  John  Rarosbottom.  Improvements  in  the 
construction  of  certain  metallic  pistons. 

378.  Benjamin  Goodfellow.  Improvements  in 
machinery  for  pumping,  which  improvements  are 
applicable  to  the  air-pumps  of  steam-engines  and 
to  otheii  purposes. 

445:  Henry  Constantino  Jennings.  An  improve- 
ment in  the  manufacture  of  soap. 

450.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman.  An  improve- 
ment in  rollers  used  In  spinning.  A  communlca^ 
tion. 

487.  Richard  Archibald  Brooman.  Improve- 
ments in  projectiles.  A  communication. 

492.  James  Wood.  Improvements  In  ornament- 
ing woven  fabrics  for  bookbinders  and  otbexs. 


517.  Alfired  Krupp.  Certain  improvements  in 
the  construction  of  railway-wheels. 

618.  William  Smith.  Improvements  iq  plough- 
ing or  trenching  and  subsoUing  land. 

963.  James  Marsh.  Improvements  in  the  con- 
struction of  pianofortes  for  rendering  them  more 
portable. 

964.  Robert  Bums.  Improvamanta  ^  propelling 
vessels. 

1088.  Thomaa  Charles  Eastwood  and  Thomas 
Whitley.  Improvements  in  preparing  and  comb- 
ing wool  and  other  fibrous  substances. 

1091.  Robert  Stirling  New^l.  Improvements  in 
apparatus  employed  In  laying  down  '  submarine 
electric  telegraph  wires. 

1160.  Francis  Leeshing.  An  improved  method 
of  preparing  or  treating  certain  dye-stufis,  so  as 
to  obtain  greater  dyeing  power. 

1177.  Theodor  Baron  vod  Gflgenheimb.  A  new 
naohine  for  tilling  land. 

1190.  Robert  Wiillam  Walthman  and  Joseph 
Watthman.  Improvements  in  machinery  or  appa- 
ratus for  the  manufacture  of  lint  or  similar  sub- 
stances. 

1236.  AlAred  Yincent  Newton.  An  Improved 
calculating  apparatus.    A  communication. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  pardea  in  the  above 
List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their  ioten- 
Ubu  to  proceed,  within  twenty-one  days  from 
the  date  of  the  Gaxetti  in  which  the  notice 
appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Commissioners*- 
office  particulars  in  writing  of  the  objection 
to  the  application. 


WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 

Sealed  June  8,  1855. 

2607.  William  Bemrose  the  younger,  and 

Henry  Howe  Bemrose. 
2612.  George  Henry  Bachboflher. 
2640.  William  Clark. 
1855. 

736.  William  Lund  and  William  Edward 
Hlpkins. 

SeaUd  June  12,  1855. 
2618.  Timothy  White. 
2621.  John  Louis  Jullion. 
2635.  William  Charles  Scott. 
2637.  Louis  Cornides. 
2644.  Francis  Archer  and  William  Papi- 

ncau. 
2657.  Juliana  Martin. 
2662.  William  Hartley. 
2669.  James  Pritchard. 
2674.  Frederick  Robert  Augustus  Glover. 

2691.  George  Bell  and  George   Charles 

Grimes. 

2692.  William  Bertram. 
2715.  George  Anderson. 

2721.  Charles  Edward  White  and  Francis 

Robinson. 
2729.  John  Lang  Dunn. 
2731.  John  Cornstock. 
2753.  Henry  Richardson  Fanshawe  and 

John  Americus  Fanshawe. 
2756.  Eugene  Mayeur. 
2762.  John  Henrjr  JohnvoD. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


576 


WEEKLY  LIST  OF  PATENTS. 


1855. 

5.  Stephen  Giles. 
8.  Henri  Louis  Dormoy. 
39.  John  Scott. 
74.  Robert  Oxland. 
110.  Henry  Adkins. 
153.  Matthew  Bolton  Rennie. 
179.  James  Webster. 
218.  John  Imray. 

288.  Jacques  Roux  Dalguey-Malavas. 
244.  Thomas  Ogden  Dixon. 
398.  William    Hartcliffe    and    Joseph 

Waterhouse. 
400.  John  Norton. 

711.  Manning    Prentice    and    Thomas 
Richnrdson. 


718.  Manning    Prentice   and    Thomas 

Richardson. 
718.  Charles  Whitley. 
738.  Robert  Stirling  Newall. 
789.  Henry  Chapman. 
761.  Charles  Goodyear. 

765.  Herbert  Mountford  Holmes. 

766.  Peter  Arrive. 
801.  Samuel  Holt 

803.  Philippe  Am^dee  Oevy. 
813.  Alexander  Cunningham. 
842.  Robert  Milligan. 
844.  Charles  CrapeleL 
874.  John  Atherton  and  William  Lan- 
caster. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOAIAN,  &  CO. 

VndwtRke  the  Proenratioa  of  ?!itoiits 

for  the  United  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  the  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents.    Costs  of  Provisional  Protection — £10  lOs^ 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  on  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  "Mechanics'  Magasine  and 

Patent  Office,"  166,  FleeUstreet,  London. 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


Falibaim't  Patent  Sltver-winding  Machine— 

(with  0»gramngt) 55S 

On  Peat  and  Some  of  its  Uses    554 

On  the  Roofing  or  Covering  of  Reservoirs : 

Accident  at  the  South  Lambeth  Waterworks  558 

The  Standard  of  Measure 659 

The  Royal  Observatory    561 

On  the  Mining  Resources  of  France 562 

Wrought  Iron  Ordnance 565 

On  the  Destruction  of  Russian  Fortresses 563 

Preparation  of  Oxygen  by  the  Decomposition 

of  Water   564 

Tables  for  Facilitating  Addition   .....564 

On  Tubular  Boilers  for  the  Expansive  Use  of 

Steam 566 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed  : 

Beasley Gun-barrels 566 

Tylor Crimpinf?  Machine 567 

Hunt Screw   Propellers  and 

Ships 567 

Bagaiy  Sawing  Apparatus 567 

Terret Knife  -  cleaning     Ma- 
chines      567 

Johnson Piled  Goods 567 

Johnson Steam-boiler  Incrusta- 
tions    567 

Gibson    Carding  Fibrous  Mate- 

rialR    567 

V6rel  Grinding  Bones 567 

Eabom  ft Kendrick.  Rests  for  HaU    568 

Crickmay  Fire-arms 568 

ColUer    Mohair  Plush  568 

CoUIer   Pile  Fabrics 568 

Shaw  Templates 568 

Duvivier  and 

Chaudet Guttapercha 568 

Carpenter Buckles 568 

Cunllfle Bricks  and  TUes 569 

WiUan    Looms    569 

Hartley Perforated  Glass 569 

Eley Ball-cartridges    ........  569 


569 


Stirling Metallic  Tubes 

Bessemer Guns  aud  Pn^ectfles...  S9» 

Delame Printing-rollers,  frc 569 

Roberts Fibrous  Substances  ....  S79 

Greenshields  Cotton  Waste  ...........  570 

Blundell Cooling-apparafciu  ......  570 

Holland Fire-arms 576 

GUlott  ft  Gillott  ...Metallie  Pens  . 570 

Fontainemoreau  ...Inkstands...... 576 

Fontainemoreau  ...Carriage-wheels 570 

Delacour  Fire-screens ...» «  571 

Clarke    Looped  Fabrics  .... 571 

Restell Umbrellas,  fte 571 

Newton ......Furnaces 571 

Peterson  Paper-pulp  ^. ...«,.  571 

Knight* ft  Knight. Heating-apparatus......  571 

Abra^m Draining 571 

Gowland ......Mariners*  Compasses...  571 

Smyth  Stoani  Gauges 571 

Hyde  Iron  Steam-ships  ......  571 

Provibional  Specifications  not  Prooeeded  with  : 

Thomas Prqjectiles    ...^ 571 

Gibson  Bricks  and  TUes 57? 

Hunt Railway  Chairs  ^  572 

Wright  ft  Walms- 

ley  Bedsteads 571 

HeiUer  Fibrous  Substances ....  571 

Ranii6  Rasor-strops ^  571 

Culpln  S«lf-«losing  Cock  571 

MoUy Soap -  573 

Henderson Carpets 575 

Levey Weaving  Bags ^  573 

Crofts    and    Cart- 
wright  Cannon  and  Projectiles  573 

Staunton   Motive  Power  ...........  673 

Tavemler  ............Edible  Compounds  ....  573 

Kealy Root-cutting  Machine.  574 

Provisional  Protections ».  574 

Notice  of  Application  for  leave  to  enter  Dis- 
claimer   575 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed.. «. 575 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 575 


LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-stx«eC. 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Oalignani,  Rue  Yivienne,  Paris ;  Mason  and  Co., 
'*"''""    W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg. 


Dublin : 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


No.  1668.]  SATURDAY,  JUNE  23, 1855.  [st^^Jdw. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman  ,166,  Fleet-ttreet. 

HARMAN'S  PATENT  WINDLASSES,  CAPSTANS,  ETC. 
Fig.  1. 


Pig.  2. 


Fig.  3.  Fig.  4.  Fig.fi. 


I 

TOL.  LXII.  ]>   D 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


57a 

HARM  AN' S  PATENT  WINDLASSES,  CAPSTANS,  BTC. 

Mr.  H.  W.  Harman,  of  the  Doekywd,  Ner^dMt,  whose  im-proTements  in  steam  engines 
were  described  at  page  59fi  of  o\m  <lst  tohtifle  (No.  HU),  ipateikted  on  the  9U»  of  Novesi. 
ber  last  an  invention  the  object  of  whicli  is  to  supply  a  more  safe  and  convenient  means 
tlian  those  at  present  employed  for  regulating  or  arresthig  the  motion  of  ships'  anchors  and 
other  heavy  bodies  attached  to  windlasses,  capstans,  crabs,  cranes,  and  other  maebines  far 
raising,  lowerfng,  or  moviog  hoavy  bodies.  For  this  purpose,  be  eonatcu»tB  the  windlass, 
capstan,  or  other  machine  with  a  bariel,  upon  which  the  cable  is  to  be  wound,  and  with 
certain  other  apparatus  connecting  the  barrel  with  the  pauls  and  gear,  which  may  be  of  the 
usual  construction.  The  barrel  is  so  made  aa  to  be  capable  of  revolving  with  the  cable 
or  rope  independently  of  the  spindle  and  gear,  and  without  raising  the  pauls,  so  as  to  allow 
the  cable  or  rope  to  run  freely  out;  or  it  may  be' so  brought  in  contiot  with  a  certain 
conical  surface  as  to  produce  friction,  which  will  retard  or  govern  its  speed,  so  as  to  check 
the  run  of  the  cable  or  rope,  or  it  may  be  so  clamped  or  fixed  to  the  spindle  and  g^ar  as  to 
revolve  with  them,  and  to  twist,  wind  up,  or  tighten  the  cable  or  rope.  The  meaas  by 
which  he  brings  the  barrel  into  close  contact  with,  the  conical  surface  is  of  two  kinds  :  tlte 
first  is  employed  when  the  spindle  of  the  windlass,  capstan,  or  machine  is  sofported  by 
bearingt  on  both  sides  of  the  barrel,  and  tb0  i^oond  when  it  is  supported  at  one  aide  of  the 
barrel  only. 

Fig.  1  of  the  engravings  on  the  precedan^  page  is  an  elevation  of  a  windlass  seen  from 
t}fe  ship's  bows,  wiUi  ibeae  inapirovements  applied  to  it;  %.  2  is  a  longitudinal  section  of  such 
pasts  of  the  same  as  lie  between  the  sup  porta  os  bearings  o6  tira  ^iadle ;  and  fig.  3  a 
transverse  section  through  the  metal  nut  &s  moving  the  baxxeU  The  windlass  is  supposed 
to  consist  of  two  parts  to  the  right  andj  If^ft  of  th^  Mntce  goat  and;  lies^ing,  M,  and  se  the 
construction  of  both  of  these  is  aimilkr,  it  vi\h  fffikt  ^  needful  to  desedy»e  that  to  the 
right  of  M.  B,  fig.  2,  is  the  spindle,  upon  vhit^h  is  securely  fixed  the  inner  barrel.  A,  of 
a  conical  shape,  and  made  of  iron  or  wopd^  aooording  to  the  strength  required.  C  is  the 
ouAvds  bans!  upon  which  the  cable  is  wound; »  the  inside  of  this  barrel  is  eonical,  and 
corresponds  with  the  outside  of  the  barrel,  A.  The  barrel,  C,  when  not  pressed  against  A, 
is  free  to  turn  either  way,  and  the  cable  w-oiind  upon  it  would  then  be  free  to  run  out 
without  any  motion  of  the  spindle  or  inner  barrel.  A,  or  other  gear.  The  spindle  between 
B  and  D,  is  screwed  so  as  to  receive  the  metal  nut,  E,  enclosed  in  the  iron  clutch,  F,  whieh 
is  made  in  two  pieces,  so  as  to  let  that  part  of  it  which  is  towards  C  take  into  the  bevilled 
collar,  G.  The  pieces  are  clamped  togethec  l^y  a  ring  enclosing  them,  and  are  pierced 
with  holes  to  admit  bars,  by  which  the  clutch»  F,  and  with  it  the  nut,  JB,  msjf  be  moved 
round  upon  the  spindle,  B,  and  thus  caused  to  move  the  barrel,  C,  by  means  of  the  collar, 
6,  to  one  side  or  other  along  the  spindle.  When  it  is  desired  to  hoist  or  wind  ^m  the  cable 
on  the  barrel,  C,  the  clutch,  F,  is  turned^  sa  as  to  move  the  barrel,  C,  towards  M^  until  the 
conical  surfaces  of  the  barrels,  A  andi<?^  aia.80  j^sssd  together  that  the  force  applied  to 
the  spindle,  B,  by  the  or.dinaig{  windlass  bars  or  od^i^  njachineiy,  sj^all  not  overo(tee.  the 
frictidn  between  the  two  barrels.  In  this  state  t^  barxel^  C,  will  move  with,  and  as  if  it  were 
a  pact  of^  the  barsel,  A.  Whea  it  is  deajred  to  al^lf  qA^ob  ht  go  tho  oabfe  on  the  beiceil  C, 
without  lifting  the  pauls  or  turning  t^o  ^indle  <^  othei^geaE  of  the  basrelv  A,  the  clotch, 
F,  is  moved  round,  so  fks  to  withdraw  the  TraijSBf,  C,  from  the  position  of  close  oontaet  with 
the  barrel.  A,  until  the  tension  of  the  cable  ovbsrcomes  the  friction  between  the  hf^rrels,  and 
the  bacrel,  C,  will  move  round  the  barreli  \  more  or  less  freely  as  the  nut,  B,  is  moved 
more  or  less  from  A.  If  it  be  desired  to  let  the  cable  mn  f^ely,  the  imt,  B,  ie  tmed 
until  tlte  clutch,  F,  acting  on  the  collaf,  C,  withdraws  the  barrel,  C,  from  pressing  on 
A  towards  M,  and  the  barrel,  C,  will  then  turn  freely  round  A,  and  the  cable  run  out  as 
desired. 

Fig.  4  is  an  elevation,  and  fig.  6  a  vertical  section,  of  a  capstan,  with  the  improvements 
applied  to  it.  A  is  the  spindle,  which  is  fixed  as  usual,  and  does  not  revolve.  B,  B  is  the 
naul  plat^,  consisting  of  a  circular  part  at  the  lower  end  of  the  capstan,  carrying  the  pauls, . 
I^da  cylindrical  part  embracing,  the  spindle  near  £,  E,  and  turning  upon  iL  C,  C,  the 
baczel  on  which  the  cable  is  wound*  The  interior  is  of  conical  shape,  as  shown  in  fig.  5, 
aa<i,  corresponds  with  the  exterior  of  the  conical  barrel,  B,  D,.  £,  Br,  which  is  insened 
het^iKeen  the  paui  piece  at  E  and  the  outer  barrel,  C.  The  bi^^,  C,  is  furnished  at  the  top 
witi^  holf;s  for  capstan  bars,  or  with  other  means  for  applying  power.  The  inner  conical 
harrtii  slides  vertically  up  and  down  that  part  of  the  paul  piece  &own  at  £,  which  is  made 
^lindrical'for  that  purpose  ;  but  the  barrel  cannot  turn  upon  tlie  pau)  piece,  being  eom- 
pelted  to  move  about  the  spindle  with  the  paul  piece  by  a  feathered  rih»  placed  lon^itudi- 
ifaljly  in  the  direction  of  the  spindle,  and  fittioflkand  moving  in  a  corresponding  groove  c«t 
in  the  interior  cylindrical  part  of  the  conical  barrel.    Tbie^  coBteei  barrel,  0|  &  OMk^  Ift 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  NATimB-psnmKa. 


570 


two  limilar  haWes,  to  as  to  enable  the  upper  part,  M,  M,  to  be  pasted  over  and  embrace 
the  clutch,  G,  which  is  screwed  to  receive  the  upper  part  of  the  spindle.  To  the  upper 
part  of  the  clutch,  G,  is  fixed  the  top-piece,  H,  furnished  with  holes  to  receive  bairv,  or 
other  suitable  oontrifances  for  turning  it  round.  This  top-pieee  turns  on  and  bears  upon 
upper  part  of  the  outside  barrel,  but  it  is  free  to  mo?e  independently. 
'  It  putting  the  various  parts  of  this  capstan  together,  the  pauUpieee,  B,  must  first  be 
put  upon  the  spindle,  then  a  nut,  N,  screwed  donu  to  bear  slightly  upon  the  upper  part 
of  the  paul-piece,  to  prevent  the  capstan  from  riaing  or  sliding  off  the  spindle.  The  outer 
barrel  is  then  put  on,  and  a  piece,  K,  is  screwed  into  a  tniuble  receptacle  iU  the  barrel,  C, 
and  projects  into  a  eorresponding  groove  in  the  paul-pieee,  so  as  to  prevent  the  outer  barrel 
from  rising  out  pf  its  proper  position.  The  two  halves  of  th^  inner  barrel  are  made  to 
embrace  the  clutch,  G,  and  screwed  together  by  bolts,  shown  at  £,'£,  and  the  barrel  may 
then  be  lowered  into  its  place  until  the  top  of  the  spindle  reaches  the  clutch,  when  the  top- 
piece,  H,  is  to  be  turned,  and  the  inner  barrel  will  descend,  until  its  outer  conical  surface 
comes  in  contact  with  tlie  inner  conical  surface  of  the  barrel,  C.  'When  it  is  desired  to 
use  the  capstan  for  winding  up  or  hoisting  the  cable  wound  upon  the  barrel,  C,  the  top- 
piece,  H,  must  be  turned  until  the  friction  between  the  barrels,  C  and  D,  is  sufficient  to 
cause  them  to  move  together,  and  the  whole  eapstan  moves  round  the  spindle,  brinf^tng 
into  action  the  pauls  and  other  gear.  When  it  is  desired  to  slaek  out  the  cable  without 
lifting  the  pauls,  the  capstan  bars  may  be  removed,  and  the  top*pieoe,  H,  turned,  and 
the  nut  moved  uptiards  on  A,  so  as  to  withdraw  the  clutch,  and  with  it  the  oonieal  inside 
barrel,  until  the  tension  of  the  cable  overeomes  the  friction  between  the  barrels,  when  the 
outer  barrel,  C,  will  rotate  about  the  inner  one,  and  slack  off  the  cable  at  a  rate  which  can 
be  regulated  by  the  amount  of  friction  caused  between  the  barrels.  When  it  Is  desired  to 
let  the  cable  run  freely,  the  top-piece,  H.  will  be  turned  until  the  conical  bar  is  so  far 
withdrawn  from  the  outside  barrel,  C,  as  that  the  friction  between  them  is  no  obstacle  to 
the  tree  rotation  of  the  outer  barrel 


ON  NATUREPKINTING. 


The  art  of  hature-printing  is  a  method  of 
producing  impressions  of  plants  and  other 
natural  objects  in  a  manner  so  trutlifhl  that 
only  a  close  inspection  reveals  the  fact  of 
their  being  copies.  So  distinctly  sensible 
to  the  touch  are  the  impressions,  that  it  is 
difiicnit  to  persuade  those  iltiacquainted 
with  the  manipulation  that  they  are  the  pro- 
duction of  the  printing-press.  The  process, 
in  its  application  to  the  reproduction  of 
botanical  subjects,  represents  the  size,  form, 
and  colour  of  the  plant,  and  all  its  most 
minute  details,  even  to  the  smallest  fibre  of 
the  roots.  We  have  been  for  some  time 
anxious  to  bring  a  comprehensive  ahd 
reliable  account  of  this  beautiful  art  be- 
fore  our  readers,  and  are  now  enabled  to  do 
so  by  publishing  the  following  paper,  which 
comprises  the  substance  of  an  admirable 
lecture  recently  delivered  at  the  Royal 
Institution  by  H.  Bradbury,  Esq.,  M.R.t., 
one  of  the  patentees  of  a  great  improvement 
in  the  art  in  this  country. 

The  distinguishing  feature  of  the  process, 
compared  with  other  modes  of  producing 
engraved  surfaces  for  printing  purposes, 
consists,  firstly,  in  impressing  natural  ob- 
«ects — such  as  plants,  mosses,  seaweeds, 
feathers,  and  embroideries — into  plates  of 
metal,  causing,  as  it  were,  the  objects  to 
engrave  themselves  by  pressure ;  and  se- 
condly, in  being  able  to  take  such  casts  or 
copies  of  the  impressed  plates  as  can  be 


printed  from  at  the  ordinary  copper-plate 
press. 

This  secures,  on  the  one  hand,  a  perfect 
representation  of  the  chaiacteristic  outline  of 
the  plant,  as  well  as  that  of  eome  of  the 
other  external  marks  by  which  a  plant  is 
known,  and  even  in  some  measure  its  struc- 
ture ;  as,  for  instance,  in  the  venation  of 
ferns,  and  the  leaves  of  fiowering  plants; 
and,  on  the  other,  affords  the  means  of  mul- 
tiplying  copies  in  a  quick  and  easy  manner, 
at  a  trifling  expense  compared  to  the  result 
obtained,  and  to  an  unlimited  extent. 

The  great  defect  of  all  pictorial  represen- 
tations of  botanical  figures  has  consisted  in 
the  inability  of  art  to  represent  faithfully 
those  minute  peculiarities  by  which  natural 
objects  are  often  best  distinguished.  Nature- 
prmting  has  therefore  come  to  the  aid  of 
this  branch  of  science  in  particular,  whilst 
its  future  development  promises  facilities 
for  copying  other  objects  of  nature,  the  re- 
production of  which  is  not  withih  the  pro- 
vince of  the  human  hand  to  execute  i  and 
even  were  it  possible,  it  would  involve  an 
amount  of  labour  scarcely  adequate  to  the 
results  obtained. 

Although  considered  for  some  years  past 
in  various  parts  of  Europe  as  a  new  art,  the 
idea  is  by  no  means  so  recent  as  is  sup- 
posed;  much  less  is  there  ground  for  the 
Austrians  to  ftSsert  their  exclusive  right  to 
the  priority  of  the  invention  merely  on 
dd2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


OK  NATCBE-PBUmNa. 


580 


account  of  the  first  application  of  the  pro- 
cess in  iu  TuUest  extent  in  the  Imperial 
Printing-office  at  Vienna. 

Councillor  Auer*  has  not  only  done  this, 
hut  he  has  claimed  for  nature-printing  a    ' 
poeition  to  which  it  has  no  right:  he  has    I 
compared  it  to  the  invention  of  writing  and 
tiie  art  of  printing ;  moreover,  he  has  placed 
it  on  an  equality  with  the  galvanoplastics  of   i 
Jacohi  and   Spencer,    and  the  diaguerreo-    i 
type  of  Daguerre.    Valuable  as  are  the  re-    , 
suits  of  nature-printing,  it    still    has    its    I 
defects ;  it  has  its  limits,  and  its  applications    i 
are  limited,  and  care  will  be  required  to    | 
confine  it  within  the  bounds   of  its  capa- 
bilities. 

That  an  establishment  so  renowned  for  its 
productions  as  that  at  Vienna,  unlimited  in 
its  command  of  the  resources  of  science  and 
mechanism,  should  have  been  the  first  to 
bring  any  invention  connected  with  printing 
to  a  i<ractical  state  of  perfection  is  not 
matter  to  create  surprise ;  but  that  it  should, 
in  the  most  unqualified  manner,  in  the 
name  and  on  the  authority  of  its  chief  di- 
rector, claim  all  the  honour  of  the  discovery, 
is  a  point  that  is  open  to  question,  and  in 
point  of  fact  is  questioned  by  several  private 
individuals,  who,  for  want  of  those  unlimited 
resources  and  opportunities  which  only 
government  establishments  are  able  to  com- 
mand, were  unable  to  crown  their  experi- 
ments with  practical  results. 

Nature-printing  is  nothing  more  than 
an  application  of  facts  worked  out  by  va. 
rious  persons,  iu  'different  countries,  under 
very  different  circumstances,  and  at  very 
different  periods;  and  by  tracing  out  its 
history,  and  detailing  the  earlier  experi- 
ments connected  with  it,  Mr.  Bradbury 
hoped  to  show  that  he  did  not  put  forward 
personally  any  claim  either  to  its  origin  or 
to  its  first  application  ;  but  that  he  spoke 
as  one  who,  having  perceived  its  value,  was 
desirous  to  render  it  an  available  auxiliary 
to  the  printing-press. 

Nature  herself,  in  her  mysterious  opera- 
tions, seems  to  have  given  the  first  hint 
upon  the  subject:  witness  the  impressions 
of  Ferns  so  beautifully  and  accurately  to  be 
seen  in  the  coal-formations. 

Experiments  to  print  direct  from  nature 
were  made  as  far  back  as  about  two  hundred 
and  fifty  years— it  is  certain  tiiat  the  present 
success  of  the  art  is  mainly  attributable  to 
the  general  advance  of  science,  and  the  per- 
fection to  which  it  has  been  brought  in  par- 
ticular instances. 

On  account  of  the  great  expense  attending 
the  production  of  woodcuts  of  plants  in 
early  times,  many  naturalists  suggested  the 

«  vide  "  Denkschrifken  der  KbIs.  Akademie, 
Wien  ;  Math.-Nat.  Claue."  Band  v.,  p.  107  (Ulus- 
trated  by  many  plates). 


possibility  of  making  direct  use  of  natnre 
herself  as  a  copyist  In  the  Book  of  Art,  of 
Alexis  Pedemontanas  (printed  in  the  year 
1572),  and  translated  into  German  by 
Wecker,  may  be  found  the  first  recorded 
hint  as  to  taking  impressions  of  plants. 

At  a  later  period — in  the  Journal  deo 
Foyages,  by  M.  de  Moncoys,  in  1650,  it  is 
mentioned  that  one  Welkenstein,  a  Dane, 
gave  instruction  in  making  impressions  of 
plants. 

The  process  adopted  to  produce  impres- 
sions of  plants  at  this  period,  consisted  in 
laying  out  flat  and  drying*  the  plants.  By 
holding  them  over  the  smoke  of  a  candle, 
or  an  oil  lamp,  they  became  blackened  in 
an  equal  manner  all  over;  and  by  being 
placed  between  two  soft  leaves  of  paper,  and 
by  being  rubbed  down  with  a  smoothing- 
bone,  the  soot  was  imparted  to  the  psper, 
and  the  impression  of  the  veins  and  fibres 
was  so  transferred. 

Llnnseus,  in  his  Philosophia  Bolamea^  re- 
lates that  in  America,  in  1707,  one  Hesael 
made  impressions  of  plants;  and  between 
1728  and  1757,  Professor  Kniphof,  at  Er- 
furt, who  refers  to  the  experiments  of  lieft- 
sel,  in  conjunction  with  the  bookseller 
Funke,  established  a. printing-office  for  the 
purpose.  He  produced  a  work  entitledT 
Herbarium  Fivum,  The  range  and  extent 
of  his  work,  twelve  folio  volumes,  and  con- 
taining  1200  plates,  corroborates  the  cuiions 
fact  of  a  printing-office  being  required. 
These  impressions  were  obtained  in  a  man- 
ner very  similar,  but  with  the  substitution 
of  printer's  ink  for  lamp-black,  and  flat 
pressure  for  the  smoothing^boue.  A  new 
feature  at  this  time  was  introduced — that  of 
colouring  the  impressions  by  hand,  accorcU 
ing  to  Nature — ^a  proceeding  which  though 
certainly  contributing  to  the  beauty  aud 
fidelity  of  the  effect,  yet  had  the  disadvan. 
tage  of  frequently  rendering  indistinct,  and 
even  sometimes  totally  obliterating,  the 
tender  structure  and  finer  veins  and  fibres. 
Many  persons  at  the  time  objected  to  the 
indistinctness  of  such  representations  and 
the  absence  of  the  parts  of  fructification  ; 
but  it  was  the  decided  opinion  of  Linnjeus, 
that  to  obtain  a  fac-simile  of  the  difference 
of  species  was  sufficient 

Seligmann,  an  engraver  at  Nuremberg^  is 
174<8  published  in  folio  plates  figures  eC 
several  leaves  he  had  reduced  to  skeletonsL 
As  he  thought  it  impossible  to  make  draw- 
ings sufficiently  correct,  he  took  impres- 
sions from  the  leaves  in  red  ink^  but  so 

»  Although  the  plants  were  dried  is  vrwry  rme, 
Mr.  Bradbury  stated,  that  it  was  by  no  mcsa»  ab- 
solutely necessary,  as  he  proved  by  the  siwple-ex- 
periment  of  applying  lamp-black  sr  printer's  ink 
to  a  firesh  leaf,  and  producing  a  soccMsfuI  I 
sion. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  NATURE-PBINTINa. 


581 


mention  is  made  of  the  means  lie  adopted. 
Of  the  greater  part  he  gave  two  figures,  one 
of  the  upper  and  another  of  the  lower  side,  j 
Even  at  this  early  period  the  idea  must  , 
have  excited  much  attention ;  for  it  i«  re-  I 
corded  that  Seligmann  had  announced  his 
intention  to  give  figures  of  natural  objects 
as  magnified  by  a  solar  microscope,  and  that 
two  were  to  have  been  published  every  month. 
But  he  died  soon  af^er,  and  a  law.suit  pre. 
vented  the  prosecution  of  his  work.  Two 
black  and  twenty-nine  red  plates  of  leaves 
had  been  already  completed,  and  were  pub- 
lished  with  eight  pages  of  text,  in  which  his 
coadjutor.  Crew,  speaks  of  the  physiology  of 
plants,  and  Seligmann  of  the  preparation  of 
leaf  skeletons.  The  leaves  represented  on 
the  plates  were  those  of  the  orange,  lemon, 
shaddock,  &c. 

In  the  year  1763  the  process  is  again 
referred  to  in  the  Gazette  Salutaire,  in  a 
short  article  upon  &Receite  pour  copier  toutes 
sortes  de  plantee  tur  papier. 

About  from  twenty-five  to  thirty  years 
later,  Hoppe  edited  his  Ectypa  Plantarum 
Ratisboneusiutn,  aud  also  his  Ectypa  PlantQ' 
rum  Selectaruntf  the  illustrations  in  which 
were  produced  in  a  manner  similar  to 
that  employed  by  Kniphof.  These  im- 
pressions were  found  also  to  be  durable, 
but  still  were  defective.  The  produc- 
tion  of  impressions  could  only  take  place 
very  slowly,  as  the  blacking  of  the  plants 
with  the  printer's  ball  required  much 
time.  Rude  as  the  process  was,  and  im* 
perfect  the  result,  it  was  nevertheless  found 
that  the  figures  thus  produced  were  far 
more  characteristic  than  any  which  artists 
could  produce.  The  fault  of  the  method 
consisted  iu  its  limited  application  and  in 
its  incompleteness.  Since  the  fragile  nature 
of  the  prepared  plant,  if  ever  so  carefully 
treated,  would  admit  of  but  very  few  copies 
being  taken,  and  where  any  great  number 
would  have  been  required,  many  plants  must 
have  been  prepared,  a  circumstance  which 
waa  in  itvelf  a  great  obstacle. 

In  the  year  1809  mention  is  made  in 
Pritzeil's  ''Thesaurus"  of  a  New  Method 
of  taking  Natural  Imprettumi  ^f  Plants;  and 
lastly,  in  refereuce  to  the  earlier  history  of 
the  subject,  the  attention  of  scientific  men 
was  called  to  an  article,  in  a  work  published 
by  Grazer,  in  1814,  on  a  New  Impression  qf 
Plants, 

Twenty  years  afterwards,  the  subject  had 
undergone  remarkable  change,  not  only  in 
the  mode  of  operation  to  be  pursued,  but 
also  in  the  result  produced, — which  consisted 
in  fixing  an  impression  of  the  prepared  plant 
in  a  plate  of  metal  by  pressure. 

It  appears,  on  the  authority  of  Professor 
Thiele,  that  Peter  Kyhl,  a  Danish  goldsmith 
and  engraver,  established  at  Copenhagen, 


applied  himself  for  a  length  of  time  to  the 
ornamentation  of  articles  in  silver  ware,  and 
the  means  he  adopted  were,  taking  copies  of 
flat  objects  of  nature  and  art  in  plates  of 
metal  by  means  of  two  steel  rollers. 

Various  productions  in  silver  of  this  pro- 
cess were  exposed  in  the  Exhibition  of  In- 
dustry held  at  Charlottenburgh,'in  May, 
1833.  In  a  manuscript,  written  by  this 
Danish  goldsmith,  entitled  The  Description 
(with  forty -six  plates)  rf  the  Method  to  Copy 
Flat  Objects  of  Nature  and  Art,  dated  1st 
May,  1833,  is  suggested  the  idea  of  apply- 
ing this  invention  to  the  advancement  of 
science  in  general.  The  plates  accompany- 
ing this  description  represented  printed 
copies  of  leaves,  of  linen  and  woven  stuffs, 
of  laces,  of  feathers  of  birds,  scales  of  fishes, 
and  even  of  serpent-skins. 

The  manuscript  contains  ample  and  clear 
instructions  to  carry  out  the  method,  aud  a 
few  extracts,  in  his  own  words,  of  the  lead- 
ing features  will  be,  perhaps,  interesting. 
He  thus  writes: — 

"  As  a  correct  copy  of  the  productions  of 
nature  and  art  must  be  of  great  importance, 
I  am  delighted  to  have  the  honour  of  sub- 
mitting to  the  friends  of  art  and  science  a 
method  I  have  discovered,  by  which  copies 
of  most  objects  can  be  taken,  impressed  into 
metal  plates,  and  which  enables  the  na- 
turalist and  botanist  to  get  representations 
of  leaves,  feathers,  scales,  &c.,  in  a  quick 
and  easy  way ;  and  these  copies  will  give  all 
the  natural  lineaments,  with  their  most 
raised  or  snnken  veins  and  fibres ;  more- 
over,  the  artist  can,  by  means  of  this  inven- 
tion, make  use  of  Nature's  real  peculiarities 
for  ornamental  compositions  and  produc- 
tions ;  and  the  merchant  can  get  patterns  of 
delicately  woven  or  figured  stuffs,  laces, 
tickens,  ribbon,  linen,  and  so  forth. 

"  To  fix  an  impression  into  a  plate  of 
copper,  zinc,  tin,  or  lead,  properly  prepared 
for  the  purpose,  a  rolling  machine  with  two 
polished  cylinders  of  steel  is  required  ;  if  a 
leaf  quite  dried  and  prepared,  is  placed  be- 
tween a  polished  steel  plate  half  an  inch 
thick  and  a  thoroughly  heated  lead  plate 
with  a  fine  surface,  and  these  two  plates 
with  the  leaf  between  be  run  speedily  be- 
tween  the  cylinders,  the  leaf  will  by  the 
pressure  yield  its  form  on  the  softer  lead 
plate,  precisely  as  it  is  shaped,  with  all  ita 
natural  raised  and  sunken  parts. 

**  I  tried  many  ways  to  fix  the  leaf  on  the 
plate  by  some  glutinous  matter,  but  it  filled 
the  delicate  pores  and  deep  parts  so  much 
as  to  render  the  copies  very  indistinct* 

"  The  printing  itself  of  the  leaf  into  the 
metal  requires  much  precaution,  especially 


"  Mr.  Bradbury  stated  that  he  had  hfanielf  tried 
this  method  without  success. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


583 


KOt^  MATSEMATICJfi. 


with  respect  to  pl^cin^  the  cylinders  exactly 

Sarftllel,  and  at  the  same  time  at  a  proper 
istatioe,  and  to  have  the  plate  to  he  stamped 
careflilly  barniahed  and  polished ;  besides, 
the  utmost  care  must  be  used,  as  particles  of 
dust  or  dirt  would  be  printed  together  with 
the  object  itself.  Moreover,  care  must  be 
taken  that  the  rolling  of  the  plates  is  ma- 
naged  well,  so  as  to  run  parallel,  without 
deviating  from  their  first  direction. 

**  Leaves  that  sre  to  be  printed  niust  first 
be  spread  upon  a  clean  sheet  of  pnper  and 
placed  upon  a  warm  oveh ;  a  second  sheet 
put  over  them  \t  to  be  strewn  with  sand,  and 
the  whole  left  to  dry  under  a  weight.  This 
done,  the  leases  are  taken  out  with  due  pre- 
caution, and  placed  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour 
into  water.  They  are.  dri&d  again  !n  the 
same  way,  and  this  manipulation  is  repeated 
four  or  five  times.  By  this  means  I  always 
found  that  the  leaved  gained  in  tenacity  and 
firmness,  tint  they  lo»t  all  their  nrtoisture, 
and  becaiite  more  fit  to  be  stamped.  Ob- 
jects, such  as  laces,  weavings,  figured  rib- 
bons, and  such  like,  can  be  printed  without 
any  preparation,  provided  they  be  spread 
flat  between  the  plates. 

*'  The  season  being  very  unfavourable 
for  gathering  good  strong  leaves,  I  had  to 
overcome  many  difficulties,  so  that  the 
copies  are  not  so  good  as  they  might  have 
been — for  I  have  observed  that  leaves  db- 
tained  from  green-hcuscs  do  not  yield  such 
distinct  prints  ai  those  that  grow  in  the 
open  air,  when  properly  developed."* 

It  would  appear  from  the  practical  hints 
here  given,  tlrat  Peter  Kyhl  was  no  novice 
at  the  process.  He  distinctly  points  out 
<rhat  he  conceives  to  be  its  value,  !»y  the 
subjects  that  he  tried  to  copy;  and  he  en- 
ters into  detail  on  the  precautions  to  be  ob- 
served in  the  operation  of  impressing  metal 
plates  so  as  to  injure  successful  impressions. 
His  manuscript  explains  that  he  had  expe- 
rimented with  copper,  zitrc,  tin,  and  lead 
plates.  Still  there  existed  obstacles  which 
prevented  him  from  making  a  practical  ap- 
plication of  his  invention.  In  the  case  of 
zinc,  tin,  and  copper,  the  plant,  from  the 
extreme  hardness  of  the  metals,  was  too 
much  distorted  and  crushed  ;  while  in  lead, 
thoug^h  the  impression  was  as  perfect  as 
could  be,  there  was  no  means  of  printing 
many  copies,  as  it  was  not  possible  after 

*  This  a11u»ion  to  the  want  of  tenacity  and 
flrmnesR  in  young,  And  especially  in  green-house 
plants,  is  quite  consistent  with  the  experiment 
made  at  the  present  lime.  Mr.  Bradbury  ntated, 
that  to  oh'ain  an  impresHon  at  all,  upon  a  plate 
of  metal,  of  a  plant,  it  was  indiapenvable  that  the 
plant  should  be  thoroughly  dried  and  free  from 
sap;  otherwise  the  plant  would  spread  in  all  di- 
rections, without  leaving  any  visible  indentation. 
Objects  such  as  lace,  and  figured  fabrics,  can  be 
impressed  witliout  any  preparation,  ^irovided  they 
be  spread  flat  between  the  plates. 


the  application  of  printer's  ink  to  retaiA 
the  polished  surface  that  had  been  im- 
parted to  the  lead  plate,  or  to  cleanse  it  so 
thoroughly  as  to  allow  the  printer  to  take 
impressions  free  from  dirty  stains.  This 
was  a  serious  obstacle,  which  was  not  com- 
pensated for,  even  by  the  peculiar  rich 
surface  of  the  parts  that  were  impressed, 
attribtitable  to  the  lead  being  more  granu- 
lar than  copper,  and  which  is  so  favour- 
able to  adding  density  or  body  of  colour, 
without  obliterating  the  tender  veins  and 
fibrei.  Peter  Kyhl  died  in  the  same  year 
that  he  made  known  his  invention.  At  his 
death,  hid  manuscripts  and  drawings  were 
deposited  in  tlie  archives  of  the  Imperial 
Academy  of  Copenhagen,  where  they  re- 
mained for  upwards  df  twenty  years :  and  it 
is  a  remarkable  fact,  that,  shortly  after  his 
death,  was  discovered  the  only  thing  want- 
ing to  render  the  process,  as  explained  by 
him,  at  once  available  for  practical  pur- 
poses. Had  Kyhl  livted  to  prosecute  his 
experiments,  he  blight  have  accomplished 
hiore  than  he  did  without  requiring  the  aid 
of  other  means.*  It  was  he  who  disco- 
vered how  to  take  impressions  in  metal 
plates,  by  using  steel -rollers. 

This  is  the  first  element  in  the  process  of 
Nature-printing.  It  fell  to  Dr.  Ferguson 
Branson,  of  Sheflleld,  to  suggest  the  second 
and  the  most  important. 

{To  he  continued.) 


^OTJE  MATHEMATICiE. 

(By  T.  T.  Wilkinson,  F.R.A.S.,  Member  of  th 
Manchester  Pliilosophical  Society,  of  the  His- 
toric Society  of  Lancashire  and  Cheshire,  &c.) 

NO.  v;i. 
(Cvntinued  from  page  275.) 
The  subject  of  I  th  possible  Equations  ap- 
pears  to  be  daily  growing  in  interest.     Mr. 
Cockle's    paper    on   "  Incongraons   Solu- 
tions," printed  in  a  hte  number,  contains  a 
series  of  references  to  papers  on  this  some- 
what novel  portion  of  algebraical  investiga- 
tion, from  which  we  may  gather  its  leading 
I    principles,  and  not  a  few  of  its  most  striking 
I    characteristics.      Particular  circumstances 
I    having    at     different    times    diverted    my 
!   thoughts  in  this  direction,   I  now  beg,  in 
I    deference  to  the  advice  of  a  valued  friend, 
I    to  offer  tho  following  to  the  consideration 
of  the  readers  of  this  Magazine.     Should 
the  notes  cont^iin  nothing  new,  they  may 
perhaps,  have  the  merit  of  placing  one  or 
two  old  truths  in  a  new  light. 

*  Kyhl,  as  it  wa.s,  had  ha  I  his  attention  di- 
rected, and  had  jur.cie  expiriiLCiits  to  overcome 
this  one  remaining  difficulty.  II i«  manuscript 
alito  contains  many  iiitereaiing  and  practical  re- 
mar  Ics  upon  other  yrocesaes  than  simply  Nature- 
Printing. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


NOTJB  HATHEHATIOA. 


S83 


Note  1.  In  all  researches  relating  to 
such  equations  we  must  carefully  guard 
af^ainst  introducing  ambiguities  into  the 
derived  equations.  Wlien  this  precaution 
is  neglected  we  are  sometimes  liable  to 
overlook  a  vigorous  symbolical  solution  of 
an  otherwise  Impossible  Equation.  Thus, 
if  it  were  required  to  find  the  roots  of  the 
equation  l  +  jy*™©,  we  hav^  +>/'=="•  If 
and  consequently  x=(— 1)*.  This  value 
of  X  evidently  verifies  the  original  equation, 
for +^/*=(-l),  andl+(-l)=l— 1=0; 
— but  if  we  had  lost  sight  of  the  mode  in 
which  the  vnlue  of  x  is  generated,  by  writ- 
ing the  derived  equation  thus,  j:=:l,  an  am- 
biguity would  have  been  introduced  and 
yerification  would  be  necessary  to^  prove 
that  4-1  is  the  root  qf  tho  pppgeneric 
equation  1— i^jt=0. 

2.  Similar  precautions  must  also  be 
taken  whenever  the  expressions  -4-0>  "0, 
-f-QO,  —op,  present  themselves  in  our  in- 
vestigations. The  equations  -^0=  —0  ; 
and  -^00  =  -  oo ,  may  be  true  as  to  abso- 
lute magnitudes  in  particular  cases;  but 
they  are  by  no  means  so  when  viewed  with 
regard  to  their  mode  of  generation.  Pro- 
fessor Martin  Ohm,  in  his  **  Mathematical 
Analysis  and  its  relation  to  a  Logical 
"System,"  insists  strongly  upon  such  ne- 
cessary distinctions,  and  even  lays  it  down 
as   a  general  rule  that  we  ought  "  never  to 

divide  by  zero,"  since  the  form  —  is  inadmissi- 
ble in  any  eahuJation.*^ 

8.  The  preceding  rules,  however,  must 
obviously  be  understood  of  relative  values 

only;— for  ^uch  expressions  as   —  s=— 

a— a  0, 
cannot  be  other  than  uniiu^  and  in  Euclid, 
B.  yi.,  Prop.  A,  when  D  w  at  v\finity,  we 
are  ifurnished  with  an  instance  where 


AC     Cd"*""    * 
— since  the  triangle  ABC  Is  then  known 
from  other  principles  to  be  isosceles. 

4.  The  subject  of  Impossible  Equations 
does  not  appear  to  have  escaped  \\\€  ohser- 
vatiou  of  the  continental  mathematicians ; 
for  the  January  number  of  the  Nouvelles 
Annates  de  Mathematiques,  for  1844,  con- 
tains a  request  that  the  equation 

should  be  resolved   and  discusied.    After 
proposing  the  question,  M.  Terquem  re- 


marks : — **  When  we  free,  a  given  equation 
from  radicals  the  rational  equation  thus 
obtained  contains  all  the  roots,  not  only  of 
the  equation  proposed,  but  also  of  all  the 
irrational  equations  which  it  is  possible  to 
form  by  taking  each  radical  with  all  its 
variations  of  algebraical  sign.  By  ope- 
rating  in   this   manner  with  the  equation 

-j-V^1+*4-'n/1— '=1.  we  derive  the  equa- 
tion ar'=:|;  of  which  the  roots  are  ±i*«/3. 
Neither  of  these  two  values,  however,  satisfy 
the  proposed  equation,  for  it  does  not 
admit  of  any  real  root  This  is  what  we 
propose  for  explanation." 

5.  Nearly  two  years  later  the  equation  was 
solved  by  M.  Gilain,  of  Brussels,  iptomej,v., 
pp.  520,  524,  of  the  same  work,  by  sliowmg 
that  it  did  not  admit  of  any  roots  either  real 
or  imaginary.  '*This  co|iclusion,"  he  re- 
marks, *'  may  astonish  certain  individuals, 
for  we  generally  believe  that  all  algebraical 
eqiij^tious  have  at  least  one  root  either  real 
or  imaginary ;  but  this  is  one  error  which  it 
is  of  importance  to  eradicate.*' 

6.  In  a  subsequent  portion  of  his  com- 
municatiqn,  M.  Gilain  observes,  that  we 
"ought  to  distinguish  carefully  between  a 
m/g^thevt<^tical  and  a  hypothetical  absurdity  in 
the  enunciation  of  a  problem.  The  equa- 
tion xhsz^a  indicates  merely  i^n  absurdity 
iu  the  hypothesis  ;  whilst  -f-  ^x=:  —  a  denotes 
in  addition  a  mathematical  absurdity,  since 
no.  algebraical  valHc  substitnt^d  for  jr  i«  able 
to  satisfy  this  equation."  A  reference  to  (1) 
will  ^how  that  the  symbolical  so.lution 
x=:(— a)>  has  h«re  been  overlooked  ;  which  is 
the  more  to  be  renparj^d  sinee  be  afterwards 
^4serts  that  "  the  solution  «— (-(i)«=a"  is 
only  applicable  to  the  equation  —  v^j:=-ra-" 

7.  M.  Terquew,  however,  disputes  the 
correctness  of  M.  Qilain's  conclusions,  and 
affirms  that  the  whole  af  l^is  difOvifisiQn 
"turns  upon  ii  niisunderstanding."  He 
argues  th«  incorrectness  of  the  detai^i  upon 
the  ground  that  V  the  sign  -|-  represents  an 
addition,  but  not  always  an  augmentation,** 
nor  is  ''algebraical  subtraction  synonymous 
with  diminution.  When  the  term  -|-«  is  met 
with  in  an  ^qu^tionwe  know  not  beforehand 
whether  this  -{-x  will  produce  ^n  augmenta- 
tion or  a  dimifMiion,  so  long  a«  x  if  positive 
or  negative ;  but  if  we  make  it  an  impera- 
tive condition  X^sX  thi»  terqi  shall  produce 
an  i^ngmentation,  the  question  p;iay  become 
impossible,  althougb  that  impossibility  may 
not  be  represeqted  by  an  imaginary  8ymbol. 
If,  for  example,  we  are  given  2-\-x=\^  we 
are  assured  by  Algebra  that  x=.  —1 ;  but  if 
vfe  maintain  that  x  shall  be  positive,  and 
th^t  +'  ^hall  produce  an  augmentatipn,  we 
meet  with  a  logical  impossibility,  for  2  can- 
not be  augmented  so  as  to  become  1.  It  is  tl^e 

same  in  the  equation  >/i+x  +  ^1— f=l. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


584 


SOOIETT  OF  ABT8,  MANUFACTURES  AlO)  COMHEBCE. 


Algebra  assures  us  that  jt=  +  W^ »  ^"* 
if  we  insist  that  +^r— ar  shall  produce  an 
augmentation,  the  question  is  impossible. 
When  we  abandon  this  algebraical  restriction 
the  question  becomes  impossible,  ^^5  j^  cor- 
responds  to  the  equation  2+2v^l — *»=!, 
and  2+2(— })sl  is  a  real  solution.  Thus 
every  equation  heu  a  root  either  real  or  ima- 
ginary,** 

8.  It  would  appear  from  the  above  that 
M.  Terquem  has  not  fully  met  the  argu- 
mont  of  M.  Oilain ;  for  he  has  obviously 
fallen  into  the  common  mistake  of  supposing 
that  some  of  the  roots  of  the  rational  equa- 
tion must  necessarily  be  identical  with  those 
of  every  irrational  equation  into  which  the 
former  may  be  decomposed.  As  M.  Gilain 
remarks,  "  an  equation  of  any  degree  what- 
ever does  not  possess  all  the  properties  of 
the  equation  of  a  superior  degree  of  which 
it  is  a  consequence,"  and  hence  "we  re- 
quire therefore  always  to  be  well  assured, 
when  we  deduce  the  latter  from  the  former, 
what  are  the  properties  of  the  second  which 
belong  also  to  the  Jirst,'* 

9.  We  are  obvipusly  not  at  liberty  to  con- 
sider any  given  surd  equation  and  itK  oorre- 
spending  group  of  congeners  as  simultaneous 
equations  ;  and  hence  it  appears  necessary 
for  us  to  restrict  the  meaning  of  the  sym- 
bols. When  we  have  given  any  equation  of 
the  form  X— a«0,  the  equation  mX—ma 
mO  is  also  true;  and  if  a=:0,  then  mX:=0 
must  also  express  a  correct  relation.  Hence 
if  Xsl-h-/*,  a=0,  and  m=l  — v^x;  the 
equation  (1  — «yx)  (l-f-v^x)=0  roust  hold 
good,  whatever  value  be  assigned  to  m. 
Consequently,  when  surd  equations  are 
cleared  of  fractions,  by  multiplying  by  one 
or  more  of  their  congeners,  it  does  not 
follow  that  we  must  suppose  these  con- 
geners severally  -»0. 

10.  This  also  follows  from  the  considera- 
tion  that  if  (l-^-s^x)  (1— v^x)=0,  when 
l-}-^x^O,  by  hypothesis,  we  have 

^         0 

where  the  zeros  are  not  absolute  but  re/a - 
tivef  and  consequently  the  left-hand  side, 
or  1 — v^x,  may  admit  of  every  variation  of 
value. 

11.  Hence  we  perceive  the  reasons  why 
the  rationalization  of  surd  equations  so 
frequently  brings  us  little  or  no  nearer  the 
object  of  our  search ;  for  instead  of  solving 
the  given  equation  per  *«,  we  are  required  to 
solve  a  compound  equation  formed  from  the 
product  of  the  surd  equation  with  one  or 
more  of  its  corresponding  group  of  con> 
geners,  each  factor  of  which  may  be 
equated  to  zero. 

12.  When    we    multiply    the    equation 


V'x+l  -|-v/x— 1=0,  by  either  of  iu  psr- 
tial  components  v^x+l  or  ^^x— 1,  as  it 
done  by  Mr.  Tebay,  we  virtually  assume, 
that  because  the  former  equation  is  equal 
to  zero,  the  latter  factors  are  also  equal  to 
the  same  quantity,  which  is  by  no  means  a 
necessary  consequence.     Yt  is  the  same  with 

the  equation  >/*"+  >/'4-l=0  ;  fi»  *h«n 
the  exclusion  of  foreign  factors  is  attended 
to  we  find  in  both  cases  <=  +  ao ,  as  I 
have  before  shown  in  a  former  number  of 
this  joumaL 

(To  be  continued.) 


SOCIETY  OF  ARTS,  MANUFAC- 
TURES AND  COMMERCE. 

The  general  meeting,  to  reedve  the 
report  of  the  council  of  the  above  soeieiy, 
relative  to  the  proceedings  of  the  past  year, 
and  the  auditors'  sutement  of  accounts, 
was  held  on  Wednesday,  the  IStli  insunr. 
Viscount  Ebringtou,  M.P.,  chairman  of 
council,  in  the  chair. 

The  council,  in  laying  before  the  mem- 
bers the  annual  report  of  their  proceedings, 
first  referred  to  the  educational  exhibitioo, 
which,  although  commenced  in  the  previ- 
ous  year,  and  due  to  the  labours  of  the 
former  council,  actually  took  place  since 
the  presentation  of  the  last  report. 

After  alluding  gratefully  to  the  gentle- 
men  who  lectured  at  St.  Martinis  Hall,  in 
connection  with  that  exhibition,  the  report 
proceeded  to  express  that  it  is  to  be  regret- 
ted that  no  pennanent  and  complete  record 
of  these  lectures  remains.  Abstracts  of 
nearly  all  were,  howerer,  publiahed  in  the 
journal  of  the  society ;  some  few  were  pub- 
lished separately  by  their  authors,  and  at 
the  request  of  the  council,  the  MSS.  of 
others  were  furnished  to  Messrs.  Routledge, 
who  undertook  their  publication  in  a  cheap 
form,  and  the  volume*  of  the  exhibition 
lectures  thus  published  forma  an  interesting 
and  valuable  contribution  to  our  educa- 
tional literature. 

After  a  general  review  of  the  papers  read 
during  the  past  session  at  the  evening  naeet- 
ings  of  the  society,  the  report  goes  on  to  say 
that  the  council  feel  that  the  meetings  of  the 
present  session  have  been  anpreciated  by  the 
members,  and  it  is,  therefore,  unnececsair, 
and  would  be  a  useless  task  on  their  part, 
to  endeavour  to  impress  upon  the  members 
that  which  is  already  acknowledged.  They 
have  great  satisfaction  in  announcing  that 


*  Lectures,  in  connection  with  the  Edaeatioaal 
Exhibition  of  the  Society  of  Arts,  Manulketures. 
and  Commerce.  London  :  O.  RonUedge  and  Co. 
Price  Is.  6d. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SOCIETY  OF  ABTS,  MANUFACTURES  AND  OOMMEBCE. 


585 


to  the  authors  of  five  of  the  papers  read 
during  the  present  year,  the  society's  silver 
medal  has  heen  awarded.  These  gentlemen 
are — Mr.  Charles  Atherton,  Col.  Arthur 
Cotton,  Mr.  J.  B.  Lawes,  Mr.  Charles  San- 
derson, and  Mr.  P.  L.  Slmmonds.  They 
have  also  determined  that  Dr.  Forhes 
Royle's  paper  "  On  Indian  Fibres  fit  for 
Textile  Fabrics,  or  for  Rope  and  Paper 
Making,' '  read  during  the  Ust  session, 
should  be  similarly^acknowledged. 

The  committee  on  industrial  pathology 
has  continued  its  labours,  and  its  first  re- 
port,  "  On  Trades  which  afi*ect  the  £ye8," 
has  alro^dy  been  printed  in  the  Journal.* 
The  committee  have  this  year  undertaken 
to  report  on  the  injuries  arising  out  of  dusty 
trades,  and  are  endeavouring  to  obtain  such 
information  on  this  division  of  their  subject, 
as  will  render  their  report  of  practical  value 
to  those  engaged  in  and  suffering  from  such 
occupations. 

The  council,  viewing  the  great  benefit  to 
arts  and  manufactures  likely  to  arise  from 
the  artizans  of  this  country  visiting  the 
Paris  Exhibition,  at  the  close  of  the  last 
session  called  the  attention  of  the  members 
of  the  society  and  of  the  institutions  in 
union  to  the  subject,  and  suggested  the 
formation  of  local  clubs  for  raising,  in 
weekly  or  monthly  subscriptions,  a  fund  to 
enable  the  workman  to  meet  the  expenses 
of  such  a  visit.  A  committee  of  correspond- 
ence was  appointed,  in  connection  with  this 
subject,  to  collect  and  publish  in  the  Jour- 
nal such  information  as  might  facilitate 
these  excursions  by  the  working  men.  An 
establishment  for  the  reception  and  accom- 
modation of  the  artizans  has  been  started  in 
Paris,  mainly,  it  is  believed,  in  consequence 
of  attention  having  been  called  to  the  sub. 
ject  by  the  exertions  and  correspondence  of 
the  committee.  Her  Majesty's  Govern- 
ment, too,  has  accorded  the  privilege  of 
*  passports  free  of  all  charge  to  artizans  pur- 

posing to  visit  Paris  this  summer.  The 
details  of  these  arrangements  have  already 
'  been  given  in  the  Journal,  and  the  council 
have  the  satisfaction  of  stating  that  the  cor- 
respondence  with  the  institutioits  shows  that 
I  clubs  have  been  formed,  and  that  many  of 

I         the   members  of  the  institutions  contem- 
(  plate  a  visit  to  the  Exposition  Universelle. 

I  The  great  valne  of  an  impioved  system 

I         of  international  oommercial  law  was  brought 
(         to  the  notice  of  the  council  by  a  number  of 
I         the  members  of  the  society  specially  and 
I         practically  conversant  with  the  anomalies 
at  present  existing,  and  the  impediment 
I         sucn  anomalies  present  to  the  free  course  of 
commercial  transactions.     On  a  requisition 
by  these  members   the   council   convened 
'  a  special  meeting  of  the  society  to  discuss 

r  •  See  Mech,  Mag.  for  Jan.  20, 18A5,  p.  56.  (No.  1«41 .) 


the  question.  The  committee  are  now  in 
correspondence  with  M.  Achille  Fould, 
Ministre  d'Etat,  urging  on  him  the  im- 
portance  of  taking  advantage  of  the  nume- 
rous distinguished  persons  who  will  visit 
Paris  during  this  summer  to  hold  a  con- 
gress there  for  the  discussion  of  this  sub- 
ject. 

It  is  not  inappropriate  here,  continues 
the  report,  to  allude  to  the  subject  of  li- 
mited liability  in  partnership — one  in  which 
the  society  has  taken  so  warm  an  interesL 
The  members  will  have  seen  with  pleasure 
that  Parliament  has  under  its  consideration 
bills  brought  in  by  Ministers  of  the  Crown 
for  amending  the  law  in  this  respect 

The  arrangement  between  the  Royal 
Commissioners  of  the  Great  Exhibition  of 
1851  and  the  council  in  relation  to  the 
formation  of  a  collection  of  raw  and  manu- 
factured animal  produce  as  the  first  step 
towards  the  establishment  of  a  general 
"  Trade  Museum,*'  expires  in  July  next. 
The  council  congratulate  the  members  on 
the  valuable  collection  which  has  been  got 
together,  and  which  is  now  exhibited  in  the 
model  room  of  the  society,  open  to  the  in- 
spection of  the  members  and  their  friends. 
The  collection  is  entirely  due  to  the  skill, 
zeal,  and  judgment  of  Professor  Solly,  to 
whom  its  formation  was  entrusted. 

The  premium  list  issued  by  the  council 
at  the  commencement  of  the  session  was 
carefully  revised,  and  subsequently  a  list  of 
special  prizes  was  published,*  for  two  of 
which  the  society  are  indebted  to  the  libe< 
rality  of  Benjamin  Oliveira,  Esq.,  M.P., 
who  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  council 
two  prizes  of  £25  each,  or  a  gold  medal  of 
equal  value,  for  such  subjects  as  the  coun- 
cil should  determine.   These  were  ofifered — 

'*  For  two  pounds  of  the  best  and  finest 
flax  thread,  spun  by  machinery  suitable  for 
lace-making." 

And  the  other — 

"  For  the  best  Essay  on  the  Means  of 
Preventing  the  Nuisance  of  Smoke  arising 
from  fires  and  furnaces." 

The  awards  for  these  two  prizes  are  still 
under  oonsideration. 

Another  of  the  special  prizes — ^viz.,  £5, 
to  which  the  society  added  its  medal — 

"  For  a  Composition  for  the  feeding 
rollers  used  in  printing  paper-hangings  by 
cylinder  machinery,  similar  in  consistency 
and  action  to  those  used  in  letter-press 
printing,  but  adapted  for  working  in  water- 
colours," 
is  due  to  Mr.  S.  M.  Hubert. 

The  important  position  which  the  mi. 
croscope  now  holds,  not  only  in  relation  to 
pure  but  to  applied  science,  and  its  great 
value  in  assisting  to  form  those  habits  of 

•  HeeMeekMag.  for  Feb.  10, 1855,  p.  ISO.  (No.l644. ) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


586 


ON  THE  ABBEAATXQH  OF  LXfilTB* 


observfttipn  which  it  is  the  objeot  of  all 
sound  education  to  impart,  induced  the 
council  to  believe  that  the  promoting  tha 
production  of  a  good  instrument  at  a  price 
which  should  render  it  more  readily  acces- 
sible to  the  many,  was  an  object  worthy  of 
the  society;  and,  accordingly,  under-  th^ 
advice  and  with  the  assistance  of  a  com* 
tnittee,  composed  of  Mr.  Busk,  F.R.S. ; 
Dr.  Carpenter,  F.R.S.;  Mr.  Jackson ;  Dr. 
Lankester,  F.K.S.;  Mr.  Quekett;  aiid  Mr, 
W.  W.  Saunders,  F.R.S.}  the  following 
prizes  were  offered : — 

'*  For  a  '  School '  Microscope,  to  be  sold 
to  the  public  at  a  price  not  exceeding 
lOs.  6d,"'—The  Society's  Medal 

**  For  a  Teacher's  or  Sti^denl's  Micro, 
scope,  to  be  sold  to  the  public  at  a  price 
not  exceeding  £S  3«."— Tie  Society' m  Medal 

The  council  undertook  to  purchase  100 
of  the  smaller,  and  50  of  tlie  larger  instru- 
meiits  for  which  the  medals  should  he 
awarded. 

The  members  will  be  glad  to  learn  that 
for  these  prizes  there  have  l.een  numerous 
competitors.  After,  most  careful  examina- 
tion  of  all  the  instruments  by  the  com- 
mittee, they  unanimously  reported  to  the 
council  that  the  instruments  sent  in  by 
Messrs.  Field  and  Co.,  of  Birmingham, 
fulfilled  all  the  conditions  required,  and  the 
council  have,  therefore,  awarded  to  that 
firm  the  medals  offered,  on  Messrs.  Field 
and  Co.  entering  into  the  necessary  under, 
takings  to  comply  with  the  requirements  of 
the  Prise  List  The  council  congratulate 
the  men^bers  on  this  result.  Those  mem- 
bers who  are  desirous  of  securing  any  of 
these  instruments,  which  will  shortly  be 
supplied  to  the  society  by  Messrs.  Field, 
at  a  discount  of  10  per  cent.,  should  at 
once  send  in  their  names  to  the  secretary. 

In  addition  to  the  papers  and  objects 
alluded  to  above,  for  which  medals  have 
been  awarded,  some  few  of  the  inventions 
which  have  been  sent  in  for  consideration 
by  the  society'a  committees  have  been 
deemed  worthy  of  reward ;  but  as  the  la- 
boura  of  the  committees  are  not  yet  com- 
pleted,  the  council  deem  it  right  to  with- 
hold the  publication  of  any  partial  list. 

The  Exhibition  of  Inventions  was  held 
this  year  in  April,  it  being  considered  that 
that  time  of  year  was  preferable  to  Decem- 
ber, the  period  at  which  it  has  hitherto  been 
held.  The  number  of  exhibitors  each  year 
continues  to  increase  ;  and  notwithstanding 
arrangements  were  this  vear  made  giving  a 
much  larger  space  for  exhibition,  it  must  be 
admitted  on  all  hands  that  the  society's 
model  room  does  not  afford  sufficient  room 
for  the  proper  display  of  the  articles  ex- 
hibited. 

7he  council  this  year   has  i^eyiyed   t^e 


series  of  picture  exhibitions  which  waa  com- 
menced  by  that  of  Mulready,  followed  by 
that  of  Etty.  The  present  collection  con- 
tains the  wbrks  of  the  late  J.  J.  Chalon, 
R.  A.,  with  a  selection  from  those  of  A.  K. 
Chalon,  R.A.,  portrait^ painter  in  water  co- 
lours to  Her  Majesty. 

The  g^eat  success  which  attended  tlic 
society's  Centenary  Festival  at  the  Crystal 
Palace  last  summer,  led  many  to  express 
the  hope  that  the  counofl  would  each  year 
give  the  members  and  their  friends  a  similar 
opportunity  of  meeting.  It  haa,  therefore, 
been  determined  that  the  one  hundred  aod 
first  anniversary  dinner  shall  be  held  at 
the  Crystal  Palace  on  Tuesday,  the  3rd  of 
July,  when  his  Grace,  th^  Dake  of  Argyll, 
F.R.S.,  has  ktpdly  consented  to  preside. 
The  following  gentlemen  have  already  un- 
dertaken to  act  as  vice-chairmen: — ^Vrs- 
GQunt  Ebripgton,  M.P.,  chairm«n  of  conn- 
cil ;  Professor  Owen,  F.R.S.,  aa  rapnaeni- 
ing  Science ;  f.  Crosaley,  Esq.,  M.P^  ai 
representing  Manufactures;  and  J.  M. 
Reiidel,  Esq.,  F.R.S.,  aa  representing  Me- 
chanics and  Engineering. 

The  union  of  institutions  continues  to 
increase  steadily.  Thirty-si^p  have  bees 
this  year  added  to  the  list,  and  the  union 
now  includes  368  institntiont,  omiitiBg 
those  that  have  declined,  and  thai  have 
ceased  to  exist 

The  financial  statement  of  the  aeeiety^ 
income  and  expenditure  and  balaneo-aheet 
is  given  and  deemed  satisfactory. 


ON  THP  ABERRATlQIf  QF  LIGHT. 

BY  THS  RET.  rEOFVSSOn  CHALL19, 
tf.A.,  f .K.8.,  F.R.A.S.* 

Toe  effect  of  the  aberration  of  light  w 
the  apparent  place  of  any  body  of  the  solar 
systeii^,  is  takei^  account  of  by  th^  astrw&o- 
mical  calculator  on  the  (blUiriog  principle: 
The  apparent  direction  of  the  body,  as  af. 
fecte^.  by  aberration,  ^s  its  real  direction  at 
the  instant  the  lieht  by  whiph  it  is  s«cb 
started  from  it.  l(iia  rule  is  epunciated  b.v 
Dr.  Yoimg  in  yol.  ii.  of  hia  "  Natural  Phi- 
losophy"  (p.  294),  \\\\,  i^  Aot  acc9mpeni«ii 
by  proof,  and  I  have  not  met  wii^i  j^ujf  praef 
of  it  elsewhere.  I^  order  to  proje  the  ni<< 
copijpletejy,  it  is  nece.siari  first  to  e^pUis 
the  cav^se  to  which  aberratioi^  i^  ^ue.  U 
vol.  iii.  (1852)  o^  tl^e  "  Pbilpsophif»l  Ma- 
gazine" (p.  53)^  I  Have  proposfL^  av  expU- 
natioQ  ot  aberration  whi^lji  may  be  bric^ 
stated  as  foUpws.  In  eyefy  dete^m^iiatioj 
of  the  apparent  place  of  a  ^^estial  object 
by  an  optical  ^pstruraent,  the  light  irou»  U* 
object  passes  actually  or  yirtually  thToagi 


*  Communicated  by  the  author  to  the  ^A^Ima- 
Vhical  MaffOMint, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


HUGHES  AND  DKNHAM'S  PATENT  MANUAL  PIANOFORTES. 


587 


two  polntt  rigidly  connected  with  the  in- 
strument. One  of  these  is  necessarily  the 
optical  centre  of  the  ohject-glass,  and  the 
other  is  a  point  in  the  field  of  view  of  the 
telescope,  which  we  may  suppose  to  he 
coincident  with  the  intersection  of  two 
wires.  Let,  at  the  instant  of  an  observa- 
tion,  O  be  the  position  of  the  first  point, 
end  W  that  of  the  other.  Then  the  in- 
strument gives  by  its  graduation  and  by 
a  note  of  time  the  direction  of  the  line 
joining  O  and  W  referred  to  certain  fixed 
directions.  If  the  transmission  of  light 
were  instantaneous,  this  direction  would 
coincide  with  the  path  of  the  light,  sup- 
posing the  path  to  be  rectilinear  in  the  short 
space  O  W.  But  if  light  occupies  a  sensi- 
ble time  in  passing  between  the  two  points, 
in  that  time  the  position  of  the  optical 
centre  of  the  object-glass  has  changed,  by 
reason  of  the  earth's  motion,  from  O'  to  O; 
so  that  O  and  W  being  simultaneous  posi- 
tions  of  the  direetion-potntSt  the  instrument 
gives  O  W  for  the  path  of  the  light,  the  real 
patii  being  O'W.  It  is  found  by  observa- 
tion that  the  difTerence  between  these  two 
directions  is  the  whole  amount  of  the  aber- 
ration  of  a  star.  This  general  explanation 
of  aberration  being  admitted,  tlie  following 
is  the  proof  of  the  rule  above  mentioned. 

Let  e  and  p  be  simultaneous  positions  of 
the  observer  and  the  object,  and  while  lisht 
is  travelling  from  p  to  the  observer,  let  The 
observer  be  carried  by  the  earth's  motion 
from  e  to  E.    Then,  leaving  out  of  conside- 


riiion  any  causes,  such  as  atmospheric  re- 
fraction, which  may  afi'ect  the  course  of  the 
ray  before  it  enters  the  telescope,  the  object 
is  seen  by  the  observer  when  at  £  by  a  ray 
uhich  has  described  the  path  pE.  Draw 
pQ  parallel  and  equal  to  fE,  and  join  EQ. 
Thus  by  reason  of  aberration  as  above  ex- 
plained, the  instrumental  direction  of  the 
object  is  EQ.  In  the  time  that  light  takes 
to  pass  from  p  to  £,  let  the  object  move 


from  p  to  P,  so  that  EP  is  its  real  direc- 
tion at  the  instant  of  observation.  Con- 
sequently the  angle  QBP  is  the  difference 
between  the  instrumental  and  the  real  di- 
rections. Draw  Qq  parallel  and  equal  to 
pP,  and  complete  the  parallelogram  QqVp, 
Now  the  earth  being  conceived  to  be  at  rest, 
the  apparent  angulftr  motion  of  the  body  in 
the  interval  of  the  transit  of  light  from  p  to 
E  is  the  angle  subtended  at  E  by  the  re- 
sultant QP  of  the  motion  Q^  of  the  body 
and  the  motion  Qp  equal  and  opposite 
to  that  of  the  earth,  viz.,  the  angle  QBP. 
Hence  EQ,  the  instrumental  direction  of 
the  body  a|  the  time  of  observation,  coin- 
cides with  Its  actual  direction  at  a  time  pre- 
ceding the  observation  by  the  interval  occu- 
pied by  tlie  passage  of  the  light  from  the 
body  to  the  observer.  This  result  esta- 
blishes the  rule  it  was  proposed  to  demon, 
strate. 

It  follows  from  this  theory,  that  the  in- 
strumental direction  of  a  terrestrial  object, 
whose  motion  in  space  is  parallel  and  equal 
to  that  of  the  observer,  coincides  with  the 
actual  direction ;  and  that  the  instrumental 
direction  of  a  fixed  object,  as  the  sun,  and 
of  an  oWect  having  a  fixed  direction,  as  a 
star,  differs  from  the  actual  direction  by  the 
whole  amount  of  instrumental  aberration. 
The  theory  also  shows  that  the  value  of  the 
constant  aberration  may  be  in  some  degree 
aflfected  by  the  retardation  which  the  light 
undergoes  in  that  part  of  its  course  between 
the  direction-pointi  O  and  W,  which  lies 
within  the  substance  of  the  object-glass,  or 
passes  through  other  glasses. 
Cambridge  Observatory,  May  11, 1855. 


HUGHES  AND  DEN  HAM'S  PATENT 
MANUAL  PIANOFORTES. 

On  Saturday  evening  last,  a  specimen  of 
these  novel  instruments  was  exhibited  at 
the  Royal  Polytechnic  Institution,  on 
which  occasion  a  descriptive  paper  was  read 
by  Mr.  Hughes,  the  inventor,  and  several 
pieces  were  nerformed  by  Mr.Reynolds,  the 
organist  of  St.  Bride's,  Fleet- street  The 
great  feature  of  the  invention  consists  in  a 
new  arrangement  o^  the  keys,  the  objects 
being  to  render  the  execution  of  difficult 
passages  much  more  easy,  and  to  enable 
the  performer  to  produce  effects  altogether 
surpassing  in  fulness  and  power  every, 
thing  attainable  on  the  ordinary  pianoforte. 
The  natural  scale,  arranged  on  the  common 
pianoforte  in  one  row  of  white  keys,  is  here 
arranged  in  two  rows :  the  first  row  being 
in  thirds— c,  e,  g,  b.  &c.,  while  \he  row  be- 
hind  it  contains  the  intermedia' e  notes 
likewise  in  thirds— d,  t,  a,  c,  &c.;  and 
ihere  is  a  third  row  of  black  keys  as  on  the 
ordinary    instrument.      Consequently   the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


588 


PHELPS'  PATENT  LABEL  DAMPER. 


key-board  is  only  one-half  the  ordinary 
length,  and  twice  the  number  of  notes  are 
brought  under  the  same  stretch  of  the  hand, 
without  any  diminution  of  the  width  of  the 
keys.  Considerable  ingenuity  has  been  dis- 
played  in  the  arrangement  of  the  black 
keys  just  mentioned.  It  is  evident,  that 
since  ten  of  these  have  to  be  comprised  in  a 
space  rather  less  than  that  occupied  by 
eight  of  the  white  keys  which  are  of  the 
ordinary  breadth,  some  contrivance  bad  to 
be  adopted  by  which  the  necessary  finger- 
space, — viz.,  that  occupied  by  one  white 
key — ^should  be  provided.  For  this  pur- 
pose the  inventor  has  reduced  the  breadth 
of  the  black  keys  in  such  manner  that  the 
space  between  the  alternate  ones  is  just  that 
which  is  required. 

The  performance,  by  Mr.  Reynolds,  of 
Mendelssohn's  Wedding  March,  a  Fantasia, 
*'  The  Standard  Bearer,"  and  the  Overture 
to  Zampa,  was  amply  sufficient  to  show  that 
the  new  instrument  puts  into  the  hands  of 
the  musician  the  means  of  producing  effects 
of  a  very  extraordinar'  and  striking  charac- 
ter, even  when  executing  existing  pieces. 
But  these  are  not  the  only  advantages  it 
possesses ;  for  it  is  evident  that,  with  the 
largely- increased  number  of  notes  under 
the  control  of  the  performer,  the  composer 
will  be  at  liberty  to  develop  ideas  and  feel- 
ings the  expression  of  wliich  has  hitherto 
lain  altogether  beyond  the  scope  of  the  ordi- 
nary pianoforte. 

In  expressing  our  admiration  of  the  qua- 
lities of  this  instrument,  we  have  not  con- 
fided exclusively  in  our  own  judgment,  be- 
cause persons  of  mechanical  avocations  are 
apt  to  be  distrusted  (and  probably  apt  to  be 
deceived  also)  in  matters  relating  to  the 
arts.  But  we  are  able  to  add  to  our  own 
testimony  the  fact  that,  after  the  conclusion 
of  Mr.  Reynolds'  performance,  very  high 
opinions  were  expressed  of  the  new  instru- 
ment by  Mr.  HuUah,  Mr.  Aguilar,  and 
other  persons  of  eminence  in  the  department 
of  music ;  and  a  distinguished  musical  critic 
says : — "  It  is  evident  that  this  arrangement 
must  have  many  advantages,  particularly  in 
the  execution  of  arpeggio  passages,  and  in 
the  production  of  much  fuller  and  more 
extended  harmony  than  is  practicable  on 
the  common  pianoforte." 

The  ease  and  facility  with  which  Mr. 
Reynolds  ran  through  the  various  scales, 
and  produced  the  tenth,  octave  fifth,  sixth, 
and  fifteenth,  at  the  request  of  the  gentle- 
men  present,  called  forth  the  admiration  of 
the  company,  and  both  demonstrated  the 
perfect  control  possessed  by  the  performer 
over  the  instrument,  and  indicated  what 
effects  may  be  expected  to  be  obtained  from 
it  by  means  of  only  ordinary  assiduity  in 
practising  it 

There  is  one  objection  to  the  new  instru- 


ment, and  this  arises  from  the  difierenee 
of  the  methods  of  fingering  required  in  these 
and  in  the  ordinary  instrumental  We  can- 
not, however,  believe  that  this  objection  will 
be  considered  of  sufficient  importance  to 
outweigh  the  numerous  advantages  associ- 
ated with  the  change. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  tlie  absolute 
difficulty  experienced  in  learning  the  im- 
proved instrument  will,  in  many  instances 
(as  in  the  case  of  young  ladies  with  small 
hands),  be  much  less  than  that  now  expe- 
rienced with  the  common  pianoforte,  while 
the  effects  produced  may  in  all  cases  be  very 
greatly  improved.  Other  advantages  are 
associated  with  the  improvement  in  the  key- 
board, including  the  attainment  of  increased 
portability,  the  new  instrument  occupying 
but  little  more  than  half  the  space  required 
for  others  of  equal  power.  Finally,  piano- 
fortes  of  the  new  method  of  construction  are 
manufactured  at  a  cost  twenty  per  cent,  less 
than  that  of  ordinary  ones.  It  should  be 
added,  that  the  improved  key-^oard  may  be 
applied,  at  a  small  expense,  to  existing  in. 
struments  of  all  descriptions. 


PHELPS'  PATENT  LABEL- 
DAMPER. 

Mr.  Phelfs,  of  Croydon,  has  patented  a 
very  compact  and  efficient  apparatus  to  be 
used  for  damping  stamps  and  labels  of  every 
description,  which  will  be  found  of  great 
service  in  offices,  shops,  railway  stations, 
&c.  It  consists  of  a  mahogany  or  other 
case,  provided  with  a  reservoir  of  liquid, 
which  is  connected  by  means  of  a  pipe  with 
a  case  carrying  a  sponge  or  other  suitable 
porous  substance,  the  communication  be- 
tween the  reservoir  and  case  being  opened 
or  closed  by  means  of  a  lever  which  acts 
upon  a  cock  placed  in  the  pipe.  It  is  also 
provided  with  a  roller,  which  can  be  brought 
down  upon  the  sponge,  if  required,  so  as  to 
keep  the  surface  of  the  stamp  or  label  in 
contact  with  it.  For  labels  such  as  those 
employed  by  chemists  and  shopkeepers  in 
general,  the  roller  will  be  found  very  useful, 
as  it  will  keep  the  label  in  contact  with  the 
sponge  along  its  whole  length,  while  small 
articles,  such  as  postage  and  receipt  stamps, 
will  not  need  the  roller,  which  may,  when 
these  only  are  being  used,  be  turned  back 
or  put  out  of  gear.  Or  the  case  containing 
the  sponge  may  be  prolonged  beyond  the 
roller,  and  the  stamps  damped  on  the  ex- 
tended portion. 

The  accompanying  engraving  represents 
a  longitudinal  section  of  such  an  apparatus, 
particularly  adapted  for  damping  labels  for 
shops,  railway  stations,  and  other  similar 
places.  A  A  is  a  box  or  stand,  on  the  top 
of  which  is  screwed  the  metal  plate  or  cover. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


knight's  patent  heating  apparatus. 


589 


B  ;  C  is  a  reservoir  for  containing  water  or 
other  damping  liquid.  This  reservoir  is 
secured  to  the  plate,  B,  at  D,  where  it  is 
also  in  communication  with   the  pipe,   £, 


which  is  continued  along  the  under  side  of 
the  plate,  and  secured  at  its  opposite  end  by 
the  screws,  a  a,  where  it  opens  into  the  trough 
or  box,  F.    This  box,  F,  is  cast  in  a  piece 


with  the  metal  plate,  and  contains  a  piece 
of  sponge  or  other  porous  substance,  which 
absorbs  the  water  from  the  reservoir,  C,  and 
is  thus  kept  constantly  moist  G  is  a  cock 
upon  the  pipe,  for  regelating  the  flow  of  the 
water  from  the  reservoir  to  the  sponge.  H 
is  a  lever  having  its  fulcrum  at  I,  in  the  side 
of  the  box.  The  opposite  end  of  the  lever 
projects  beyond  the  end  of  the  stand,  A, 
where  it  is  flattened  out  so  as  to  form  a 
thumb-piece  for  the  purpose  of  pressing 
down  the  lever,  a  slot  being  cut  in  this  end 
of  the  stand  to  admit  of  this  action.  J  is  a 
crank  upon  the  square  end  of  the  plug  of  the 
cock,  O,  the  other  end  being  provided  with 
a  stud  pin,  which  is  passed  through  a  slot, 
h  6,  in  the  lever,  H.  By  this  means,  when 
the  lever  is  depressed,  the  crank  is  drawn 
down,  the  cock  opened,  and  the  water  allowed 
to  flow  from  the  reservoir  to  the  sponge.  K 
is  a  rod  connected  by  the  link,  c,  to  the 
lever,  H,  and  passed  up  through  the  plate, 
B,  and  column,  L,  where  it  is  bent  round 
and  formed  into  the  fork,  M,  In  which  the 
spindle  of  the  roller,  N,  is  supported.    The 


column,  L,  is  hollow,  and  contains  a  helical 
spring,  O,  the  lower  end  of  which  presses 
against  the  bottom  of  the  column,  and  the 
upper  end  against  a  washer,  P,  secured  by 
the  pin,  d^  to  the  rod,  K.  The  action  of 
this  spring  is  to  keep  the  roller,  Tf ,  from  off 
the  sponge  when  not  required  for  use,  to 
sustain  the  lever,  H,  in  its  raised  position, 
and  to  keep  the  cock,  G,  closed. 

When  using  this  apparatus,  the  label  is 
placed  upon  the  sponge,  and  the  roller 
brought  down  upon  it  by  pressing  upon  the 
end  of  the  lever,  H ;  the  label  is  then  drawn 
across  the  sponge,  and  the  lower  surface 
thereby  thoroughly  damped,  the  roller  keep- 
ing all  parts  of  the  label  in  contact  with  the 
sponge.  Instead  of  water,  a  solution  of  gum 
or  other  adhesive  compound  may  be  sup- 
plied in  the  reservoir.  When  damping  post- 
age or  receipt  stamps  the  roller  would  not 
be  required,  the  trough,  F,  being  made,  as 
we  have  suggested,  sufficiently  long  for  that 
purpose.  A  recess  is  made  in  the  side  of 
the  box  for  holding  the  labels,  stamps,  and 
other  like  articles  required  for  use.* 


KNIGHT'S  patent  HEATING  APPARATUS. 


Messrs.  T.  and  S.  Knight,  of  Southwark, 
patented  on  the  29th  of  November,  1854, 
a  commodious  and  useful  apparatus  for 
heating  water  for  baths  and  other  purposes, 
composed  of  a  boiler  and  grate  which  may 
be  so  formed  that  they  may  be  readily 
fitted  in  an  ordinary  fire-place  and  chimney ; 


the  grate,  in  this  case,  answering  the  pur- 
poses of  an  ordinary  fire-grate  when  re- 
quired.   The  boiler  itself  consists  of  a  dou- 

*  A  specimen  of  this  apparatns  will  shortly  be 
exhibited  in  the  Gallery  of  Inventions  at  the  Crys- 
tal Palace. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


506 


WAIiLIS'S  AMESIOAir  VXimUf>WfLMB^P 


ble  four-shied  vessel,  the  inner  sides  of 
wkich  are  connected  by  tubes  through 
which  waler  circulates,  and  which  are 
placed  across  the  chimney  so  that  the  flaiile 
and  products  of  combustion  are  made  to 
pass  between  them  in  their  passage  into  the 
flue.  When  the  apparatus  is  applied  to  the 
Fig.  1. 


hsstiog  of  w|U«r  fpr  s  bath,  Ute  Insth  is  eon. 
nected  with  a  chsmber  at  the  upper  part  of 
the  boiler,  by  a  pipe  suitably  situated,  and 
the  boiler  is  fed  from  a  cistern,  with  which 
also  it  is  connected  by  pipes  suitably  dis> 
poFcd. 

The'aceompanying  engravings  represent 
Fig.  2.  Fig.  3. 


the  invention  as  applied  to  an  ordinary  fire- 
place and  chimney,  and  arranged  to  supply  a 
bath,  or  other  vessel,  with  heated  water.  Fig. 
1,  represents  a  vertical  transverse  section 
of  the  apparatus  taken  through  the  boiler. 
Fig.  2,  a  view  of  one  side  of  the  appara- 
tus, with  the  outside  plate  off.  Fig.  3,  a 
horizontal  section  taken  through  the  chani- 
bcr  at  the  top.  In  the  arrangement  here 
shown,  there  are  three  pipes,  a,  6,  e,  con- 
nected to  the  boiler.  The  first,  a,  situated 
at  tiie  bottom,  is  for  the  admission  of  water 
from  the  feed  cisteni,  and  just  over  the 
mouth  of  it  is  placed  a  curved  or  bent  plate, 
d,  the  object  of  which  is  to  cause  the  water 
to  pass  through  the  tubes  of  the  boiler  be- 
fore finding  its  exit.  The  qther  two  pipes, 
ft,  c,  are  fitted  to  the  upper  part  of  the 
boiler;  one,  c,  leading  up  to  the  cistern, 
and  being  connected  to  the  side  of  the 
boiler,  and  the  other,  b,  being  connected  to 


the  balli  br  6th«f  vea«ft  tti  which  the  water 
is  to  bo  supplieil.  Tnis  ))ipe,  6,  passes 
through  the  side  of  the  boiler,  and  is  con- 
nected with  the  boji  or  chaipberi  ^,  which 
forms  the  top  of  the  boileri  and  which  con- 
tains  a  divisiop  plate,/  through  the  centre, 
from  side  to  side»  so  that  water  is  drawn 
off  from  thai  half  only  of  the  chamber,  e, 
which  the  pipe*  b,  enters*  There  is  also  a 
stop  or  bent  plate,  ^i  plsced  near  the  top  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  boiler  to  ti^at  which 
the  pipes  enter,  which  stop  or  plate  is  for 
the  purpose  of  eausinf  the  water  to  pass 
over  the  fire  before  it  can  enter  that  ilivi- 
sion  qf  the  ehamher,  e,  from  which  the 
pipe,  b,  leads.  The  apertures  or  spapest  A, 
through  the  chamber,  e,  are  for  the  passage 
of  the  flame  and  products  of  comWstion 
after  they  have  passed  among  the  trans- 
verse tubes,  i,  t. 


WALLIS'S  AMJiRlCAN  PADDI.K-WHEEL. 


Figs.  1  and  2  of  the  accompanying  en- 
gravings  represent  respectively  a  front  and 
a  side  view  of  a  paddle-wheel,  which  has 
been  recently  patented,  in  America  and  other 
countries,  by  Mr.  J.  U.  Wallis,  and  of 
which  the  following  description  is  given  in 
a  recent  number  of  llie  Scientific  American. 
"  A  is  a  wheel  to  which  the  paddles,  B  B, 
are  attached.  The»e  paddles  may  be  of 
wood  or  metal ;  they  are  attached  by  one 
aide  only  to  the  side  of  the  wheel,  A,  and 
are  to  be  of  trapeziform  or  trapezoidal 
shape,  the  end  furthest  from  the  wheel  being 
wider  than  the  end  which  is  attached  there- 


to. They  are  oblique  to  the  plane  of  the 
vvheel,  atid  are  arranged  in  pairs,  one  oppo- 
site  another  on  opposite  sides  of  the  wheel, 
each  pair  presenting  the  form  of  the  letter 
V,  the  point  of  the  V  being  arranged  to 
enter  and  leave  the  water  first.  Their  at- 
tachment to  the  wheel  is  by  hinge  joints,  h  b. 
This  mode  of  attaelting  them  serves  a  double 
purpose,  viz.,  first,  it  allews  theif  obliquity 
to  be  varied  by  the  serewipg  in  and  out  of 
screws,  a  a,  against  the  heads  qr  points  of 
which  they  are  held  by  the  resistance  of  the 
water  when  in  operation  ;  and,  second,  it 
allows    their  positions   to  be  exactly  re- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


aAI.tEB7  OV  nTKN^OMB. 


591 


TerMd  when  the  direction  of  the  refolu- 

tipp  of  the  whftel  is  reversed.     The  screws, 

a  a,  are  screwed   iiitq  the  wheel  not  fmr 

Fig.  1. 


from  the  hinge  joints,  b  b,  and  two  sets 
ne  providedt  one  on  either  si(!e  of  the  hinge 
joints,  so  that  the  paddles  may  be  supported 
in  going  ahead  or  reversing.     The  paddles 

Fig.  2. 


are  always  broaght  to  their  own  proper 
position  by  the  resistance  .of  the  water,  so, 
as  soon  as  the  direction  of  the  revolution  of 
the  wheel  is  reversed,  the  paddles  are  re., 
versed  by  its  action.  In  fig.  1  the  direction 
of  the  supposed  revolution  of  the  wheel  as 
indicated  by  an  arrow. 

*'  The  action  of  the  paddles,*'  continues 
oui  contemporary,  "is  such  that  they  enter 
and  leave  the  water  nearly  edgewise,  and 
meet  with  but  little  resistance,  except  when 
t^ey  are  below  the  axis  of  the  wheel,  |nd 


moving  nearly  (lonzoatally,  at  whieh  time 
all  the  power  exerted  is  ef^ctive  in  propel- 
ling the  vessel.  The  attachment  of  the 
paddles  by  hinges,  and  supporting  them 
near  the  hinges,  gives  them  such  a  degree 
of  flexibility  or  elasticity  that  when  the  re. 
sistance  met  witl|  is  very  great,  they  will,  in 
some  measure,  relieve  the  engine  of  strain 
by^eing  drawn  towards  eaeh  other.  During 
last  montlh  the  steamboat  represented  made 
a  number  of  trips  on  the  Bast  River,  and 
created  no  small  stir  among  those  interested 
in  the  progress  of  steamboat  engineering. 
The  boat  is  32  feet  long,  6i  feet  beam,  and 
draws  16  inehes  water.  She  has  an  oscil- 
lating engine,  with  a  cylinder  of  5  inehes 
bore  an4  10-iqp))  strot^e,  canring  stean^  at 
120  }hs.  pre^siire.  Tl^e  ^amp  bpat,  with  ll^p 
old  coipmon  pa(|dle9,n)ade  an  average  speed 
of  ahou|  5  miles  per  hqur.  Wi|h  these  pe;v 
paddles,  carrying  fifieeq  passengers,  he^ 
speed  was  increased  tp.  about  ^  fniles  per 
hour.  It  was  remarked  thu^  nq  jar  vras  fei^ 
wl^en  t^^  buckets  eiUcr^d  the  water,  <\pd 
very  little  water-lift  was  observed.  ^Pftly 
and  smoothly  the  little  boat  glided  through 
the  water,  to  the  Relight  of  all  on  bot^rd." 


RAILWAY  ANQ  MAIitNP  SIQNAJ^S. 

A  very   useful    appliaation   qf   Captain 

Norton's  frictional  exploding  signal    wm 

?ractically  demonstrated  at  the  Polytechnic 
nstitution  pn  Saturday  last.  The  object  is 
to  £ie  the  alarm-signal  some  fifty  yards  in 
front  of  the  engine-driver,  l^his  is  effected 
by  the  pressure  of  the  engine  against  a  con- 
necting wire  or  cord  stretched  across  the 
rail  breast  high,  from  a  post  qr  rod  on  one 
side  of  the  line,  round  another  on  the  oppo- 
site side,  and  tied  to  the  iguiting-wire  of 
the  signal.  The  pressure  of  the  engine 
draws  the  cord  and  ilres  the  signal  in  fi-ont 
of  the  driver.  At  the  same  time  a  floating 
marine  danger-signal  was  alsq  exhibited. 
This  signal  is  in  the  form  of  a  buoy,  the 
covering  or  lid  projecting  about  two  inches 
beyond  the  body  of  the  buoy;  the  frictional- 
igniter  is  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  lid, 
and  on  the  ship  pressing  against  the  pro- 
jecting lid,  the  i${ niter  flres  the  charge,  the 
pressure  being  from  the  circumference  to 
the  centre  when  the  igniter  is  placed.  We 
may  Jtere  add,  that  all  Captain  Norton*8 
inventions  are  now  practically  exhibited  {a 
the  Rosherville- gardens,  near  Gravesend. 

GAH.KIIY  OF  INVENTIONS. 
The  directors  of  the  Crystal  Palace  Com- 
pany have  wisely  determined  to  appropriate 
a  portion  of  their  beautiful  building  to  the 
exhibition  of  inventions,  and  have  accord- 
ingly apportioned  the  gallery  of  the  priuoi  - 
pal  tsanacpt,  over  the  entrance  from  ihe 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


592 


SPECIFIGATIOHS  0¥  PATENTS  BEGEZTTLY  FILED. 


Norwood-road,  to  this  purpose.  Hence- 
forth, therefore,  inventors  have  at  their^dis- 
posal  a  means  of  bringing  their  productions 
before  the  public  eye,  free  of  charge.  AU 
though  we  are  not  sanguine  in  our  expec- 
tation of  very  beneficial  effects  proceeding 
from  this  arrangement,  especially  in  the 
case  of  really  valuable  inventions,  we  are 
aware  nevertheless,  that  it  is  one  which  will 
afibrd  many  persons  an  opportunity  of 
testing  the  value  of  their  ideas  and  opinions 
in  a  manner  much  to  their  own  satisfac- 
tion. 

GALVANIC  BATTERIES.— USE  OF 
ALUMINIUM. 
M.  HuLOT,  one  of  the  chiefs  in  the  elec 
trotypic  department  of  the  Mint,  has  dis- 
covered that  the  newly-discovered  metal, 
aluminium,  may  replace  platina  as  an  ele- 
ment of  the  galvanic  pile,  and  that  this 
metal  having  zinc  as  an  electro-negative  ele- 
ment, gives  rise  to  a  considerable  disengage- 
ment of  hydrogen  for  several  hours. — Intel- 
ligencer. 

SPECIFICATIONS    OF    PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

Pettitt,  Edwin,  of  Manchester,  Lan- 
caster. Improvements  in  machinery  for  draw' 
ing  cotton  and  other  yams.  Patent  dated 
November  30,  1854.     (No.  2518.) 

Claims. — 1.  Constructing  grip  flyers  of 
various  described  forms  or  arrangements. 
2.  Constructing  machinery  for  drawing 
yarns  by  the  application  of  grip  flyers  con- 
structed as  described,  in  combination  with  a 
back  or  first  pair,  and  a  front  or  second  pair 
of  rollers. 

Mason,  John,  of  Rochdale,  Lancaster, 
machinist,  and  Leonard  Kaberry,  of 
Rochdale,  manager.  Improvements  in  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  for  preparing,  spinning, 
and  doubling  cotton  and  oOter  fibrous  mate- 
rials. Patent  dated  November  30,  1854. 
(No.  2519.) 

This  invention  relates — 1.  To  teazers  or 
other  machines  for  opening  or  cleaning 
cotton,  wool,  and  other  fibrous  materials  in 
which  a  grating  is  employed,  and  consists  in 
cleaning  such  grating  by  the  action  of  tra- 
velling brushes,  scrapers,  or  other  such 
apparatus,  actuated  by  connection  with  any 
suitable  part  of  the  machine.  2.  To  the 
carding  engine,  and  consists  in  an  arrange- 
ment for  actuating  the  doffing  comb  where- 
by an  outside  crank  may  be  used  without 
exposing  the  driving  strap  thereof  to  the 
waste  material  or  dust.  3.  To  a  method  of 
adapting  brushes  of  certain  materials  to  the 
twi&ting-plate  or  guide  of  condenser  carding 
engines,  and  consists  in  forming  the  said 
brushes  cylindrical,  or  partly  cylindrical,  so 
that  the  cavities  for  their  reception  may  be 


eonstrueted  by  a  rotaiy  cutter.  4.  To  the 
"  centrifugal  flyers"  of  preparing  machinery, 
and  consists  in  turning  the  upper  end  of  the 
wire  downward  instead  of  upwards  as  now 
practised.  5.  To  the  cap  bars  of  preparing 
and  spinning  machinery,  and  consists  in 
certain  methods  of  constructing  and  fitting 
up  those  parts.  6.  To  machines  in  which 
bobbins  are  employed  on  both  sides  of  the 
machine,  the  spindles  of  which  are  required 
to  revolve  at  a  varying  speed  during  the 
raising  and  lowering  of  &e  bobbins,  and  con- 
sists in  causing  the  lift  to  take  place  simal- 
taneously  on  both  sides  of  the  frame.  7.  To 
machines  which  are  provided  with  fixed 
bearings  and  moveable  plates  for  lifting  the 
bobbins,  and  consists  in  so  varying  the 
speed  of  the  spindles  that  the  velocity  shall 
be  increased  as  the  bobbin  descends,  and 
vice  versd.  8.  To  machines  which,  as  abore 
mentioned,  are  adapted  for  driving  the 
spindles  at  a  var3ring  velocity,  and  constats 
in  the  adaptation  to  such  machine  of  a 
driving-shaft  situate  across  one  end  thereof^ 
and  provided  with  one  of  a  pair  of  conical 
pullies  or  friction  surfaces.  9.  To  slubbing 
and  roving  frames,  and  consists  in  a  method 
of  lifting  one  of  the  conical  pullies  in  order 
that  the  strap  may  be  shilled.  This  is  ac- 
complished by  employing  a  shaft  extending 
vertically  and  provided  with  a  handle  by 
which  it  may  be  turned.  This  shaft  acts 
directly  upon  the  conical  pulley,  for  which 
purpose  it  is  provided  with  an  inclined 
plane,  screw,  or  cam. 

Taylor,  William,  of  Howwood,  Pais- 
ley. Improvements  in  steam  boiler  and  other 
furnaces.  Patent  dated  November  30,  18^4. 
(No.  2520.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention,  a  small 
fireplace,  furnished  with  fire-bars,  called  the 
igniting  fireplace,  is  formed  at  the  front  end 
of  the  furnace ;  and  at  a  somewhat  higher 
level,  and  beyond  this  fireplace  is  the  bot- 
torn  of  the  furnace,  which  is  close,  and 
formed  by  preference  of  cast  iron.  Under 
this  bottom  there  is  a  space  for  the  passage 
of  air  from  the  back  to  the  front,  and  at  the 
fore  end  of  the  close  bottom  there  is  a  pas- 
sage behind  the  bridge  of  the  igniting  fire- 
place, which  bridge  inclines  backward,  so 
that  the  air  rising  from  below  the  close  bot- 
tom of  the  furnace  (where  it  has  become 
heated)  is  caused  to  sweep  over  the  fuel  laid 
upon  it.  Behind  this  first  furnace  similar 
close  bottom  furnaces  are  constructed,  as 
many  in  number  as  may  be  required. 

Sands,  John,  of  Austin-friars,  London. 
Improvements  in  the  mariners*  compass.  (A 
communication.)  Patent  dated  November 
30,  1854.    (No.  2521.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  applying 
a  series  of  magnets  around  the  basin  or 
frame  within  which  the  compass  card  is 
suspended,  for  the  purpose  of  counteracting 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


BPECIFIGATlOMrS  OF  PATENTS  RECENTLY  FILED. 


51'3 


local  attractions,  each  magnet  having  adapted 
to  it  means  of  readily  adjusting  its  position 
in  respect  to  the  axis  of  the  compass  card 
and  the  magnetic  needles  combined  there- 
with. It  is  preferred  that  each  compass  card 
should  have  two  magnetic  needles  fixed 
parallel  to  each  other. 

Le  MesurieRi  FREDERicKf  of  Guern- 
sey,  gentleman.  An  improvement  in  the  nut- 
nufaeture  of  ball  and  shot  cartridges.  Patent 
dated  November  30,  18^4.     (No.  252S.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  to  avoid 
the  necessity  of  biting  off  the  end  of  the 
cartridge,  for  which  purpose  when  a  ball- 
cartridge  has  been  filled  with  powder  a  thin 
piece  of  wood  is  introduced  into  and  ce- 
mented to  the  case  to  close  it,  and  when  the 
contents  are  to  be  emptied  into  the  barrel  of 
a  fire-arm,  by  pressing  the  edges  of  the 
wood  at  the  end  of  the  cartridge,  part  of  it 
will  be  broken  away  and  allow  the  powder  to 
flow  out  of  the  case. 

Rowland,  Ellis,  and  James  Rowland, 
of  Manchester,  Lancaster,  engineers.  Cer^ 
tain  improvements  in  metallic  pistons.  Patent 
dated  November  80,  1854.     (No.  2524.) 

Claim. — The  application  and  use  of  a  stop- 
piece  for  the  purpose  of  forming  steam. tight 
joints  at  the  junction  of  the  rings  of  pistons, 
having  on  its  face  two  indented  inclined 
planes  and  two  surfaces  (upper  and  lower)  for 
working  against  the  sides  of  the  cylinder,  as 
described. 

Whitworth,  Joseph,  of  Manchester, 
Lancaster,  engineer.  Improvements  in  can- 
nons,  gunSf  and  fire-arms.  Patent  dated  De- 
cember 1,  1854.     (No.  2525.) 

This  invention  consists  primarily  in  con- 
structing  cannons,  guns,  and  the  barrels  of 
fire-arms  in  separate  parts,  and  uniting 
together,  by  means  of  hoops  or  belts,  two  or 
more  segments  made  of  a  particular  shape, 
which,  when  so  united,  form  a  cannon  or 
other  piece  of  ordnance,  or  the  barrel  of  a 
fire-arm,  the  interior  of  which  may  be  rifled, 
not  by  boring  and  cutting  grooves  in  it  as 
in  the  ordinary  mode,  but  by  making  the 
interior  in  the  form  of  a  hollow  polygonal 
spiral  of  the  requisite  pitch  and  number  of 
threads.  We  shall  probably  publish  a  full 
description  of  this  invention  shortly. 

Brigos,  Edward,  of  Caatleton  Mills, 
near  Rochdale,  Lancaster,  manufacturer, 
and  William  Souter,  of  the  same  place, 
manager.  Improvements  in  machinery  and 
apparatus  for  gassing  yam  and  thread.  Pa- 
tent dated  December  1,  1854.  (No.  2526.) 
This  invention  consists  in  the  combina- 
tion and  arrangement  of  machinery  and  ap- 
paratus for  gassing  yarn  or  thread  in  the 
hank,  in  contradistinction  to  the  method 
commonly  practised  of  gassing  it  as  it  is 
unwound  from  one  bobbin  and  wound  on 
another. 


Bernard,  Julian,  of  Club-chambers, 
Regent-street,  Middlesex,  gentleman,  /m- 
provements  in  the  manufacture  of  boots,  shoes, 
or  other  protectors  for  the  feet  ^  and  in  the  ma- 
chinery or  apparatus  connected  therewith.  Pa- 
tent dated  December  1,  1854.     (No.  2528.) 

This  invention  relates — 1.  To  a  mode  of 
uniting  wooden  heels  and  soles  to  the  other 
parts  of  boots  and  shoes  by  first  cementing 
them,  and  then  subjecting  them  to  pressure. 
2.  To  a  mode  of  uniting  the  various  parta 
of  boots  and  shoes  together  in  vacuo.  3.  To 
a  mode  of  heating  the  cement  and  various 
parts  of  boots  and  shoes.  4.  To  a  novel 
kind  of  last.  5.  To  a  mode  of  uniting  the 
sole  or  soles  and  heels  to  the  other  parts  of 
boots  and  shoes.  6.  To  certain  apparatus 
for  carrying  the  invention  into  effect. 

Restell,  Thomas,  of  the  Strand,  West- 
minster,  chronometer  maker.  Improvements 
in  guns.  Patent  dated  December  1,  1854. 
(No.  2580.) 

This  invention  relates  to  breech- loading 
guns  and  consists  in  a  means  of  introducing 
the  charge  from  a  turning  breech,  and  of 
firing  the  same,  both  operations  being  per- 
formed by  pushing  and  pulling  the  trigger 
or  only  by  pulling  the  same.  The  inventor 
dispenses  with  the  ordinary  lock  and  sub- 
stitutes for  it  an  apparatus  which  works 
within  a  tube  which  may  form  a  continua- 
tion of  the  barrel  and  is  carried  on  behind 
the  breech,  mounting  in  the  tube  a  hammer 
for  exploding  the  cap.  The  cartridges  to 
be  employed  with  the  improved  gun  have  a 
cap  fitted  on  them  to  be  exploded  by  the 
hammer  inside  the  breech.  To  make  the 
gun  a  repeating  fire-arm,  the  inventor  places 
under  the  barrel  and  in  such  a  position  as 
to  be  coincident  with  the  breech  when  low- 
ered, a  chamber  containing  several  cart- 
ridges of  the  description  before  mentioned, 
which  are  brought  forward  in  succession  to 
enter  the  breech  by  the  action  of  a  coiled 
spring  against  a  piston  or  plug  capable  of 
traversing  from  end  to  end  of  the  chamber. 
A  locking  spring  is  fitted  to  the  chamber 
which  retains  the  cartridges  in  the  chamber 
except  when  acted  on  by  the  turning  breecli , 
and  it  then  allows  one  cartridge  to  pass  into 
the  breech  and  the  next  to  be  brought  up 
into  a  position  for  entering  the  breech  when 
the  looking  spring  is  again  acted  on.  When 
the  supply  of  cartridges  in  the  chamber  is 
exhausted  the  piston  is  pressed  back  and 
the  chamber  is  opened  to  admit  a  fresh 
supply. 

Iles,  Charles,  of  Peel  Works.  Birming- 
ham. Improvements  in  metal  bedsteads.  Pa- 
tent  dated  December  1,  1854.    (No.  2533.) 

This  invention  consists— 1.  In  coating 
the  posts  and  rails  of  metal  bedsteads  with 
plastic  cement,  or  other  material  in  a  plastic 
state,  for  the  purpose  of  increasing  their  size 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


594 


PROVISIONAL  SPECIFICATIONS  NOT  PBOOEEDEB 


and  facilitating  their  ornamentation.  2.  In 
connecting  the  laths  to  the  rails  by  means 
of  iit>tche8  and  corresponding  projections. 
3.  In  making  stretchers  so  that  one  part 
shall  slide  within  another,  and  be  extended 
or  shortened  by  means  of  eccentrics. 

Witty,  Robert  Christopher,  Torriano- 
avenue,  Camden-road-villaa,  Middlesex,  en- 
gineer. Improvements  in  iUuminaticn  by 
meant  of  arlifieial  light.  Patent  dated  De- 
cember 2,  1854.    (No.  2534.) 

This  invention  consists  in  placing  a  re. 
fleotor  with  several  reflecting  surfaces,  or 
a  set  of  reflectors,  within  a  flame  or  amongst 
several  flames,  or  within  a  series  of  jets  of 
flame  arranged  in  a  circle,  or  in  any  other 
convenient  position,  for  the  purpose  of  in- 
creasing the  illuminating  eflfect  of  the  light 
given  out  by  such  flame  or  flames  1 

BazAiNB,  Dominique,  of  Paris,  France, 
head  engineer  *'  des  Ponts  et  Chauss^es."  Jn 
improved  system  of  railway^  applicable  espe- 
cially on  common  roads.  Patent  dated  De- 
cember 2,  1854.     (No.  2536.) 

"  My  improved  rails,"  says  the  inventor, 
"are  made  of  rolled  iron  of  a  particular 
shape,  somewhat  resembling  the  common 
single  T-shaped  rail,  with  this  diflerence, 
that  the  widened  part  of  my  new  rail  is  pro. 
▼ided  with  a  wheel  rut  and  counter  rail  for 
the  passage  of  the  flange  at  the  rim  of  the 
wheels.  Such  rails  rest  on  cast  iron  chairs 
placed  at  suitable  distances."  He  describes 
several  forms  and  combinations. 

Gantert,  Longin,  dyer,  Glasfort-street, 
Glasgow.  Improvements  in  machinery  or  ap- 
paratus  for  dyeing  and  bleaching  of  yams  or 
threads.  Patent  dated  December  2,  1854. 
(No.  2537.) 

This  invention  consists — 1.  In  a  number 
of  improvements  on  the  yarn  tramping?  and 
squeezing  machine  invented  by  the  patentee. 
2.  In  a  yarn-washing  machine  through 
which  the  yam  travels  from  one  end  to  the 
other  whilst  the  water  flows  the  contrary 
way.  3.  In  a  mechanical  dye- boiler  for 
yams,  heated  by  steam  without  condensa. 
tion  in  the  dye-bath,  or  by  fire,  or  by  both 
at  the  same  time,  by  which  the  yam  is 
moved  continually  during  the  dyeing  pro. 
cess. 

BiDEN,  James,  of  Gosport,  Hants.  The 
prevention  of  smoke  from  furnaces.  Patent 
dated  December  2,  1854.     (No.  2538.) 

A  full  description  of  this  Invention  was 
given  in  our  number  for  June  9  last  (No. 
1661.) 

Bellford,  Augusts  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle- street,  London.  Improve- 
ments in  apparatus  for  the  manufacture  of 
combustible  gas,  (A  communication.)  Pa- 
tent dated  December  2,  1854.     (No.  2539.) 

Claim.1. — 1.  The  application  of  inverted 
covers,  dipping  into  hydraulic  lutes  or  cups, 


for  closing  the  moutha  of  retorts  or  qthec 
vessels  used  in  the  manufacture  of  corabus- 
tible  gas  by  the  decompoaition  of  water, 
steam,  or  aqueous  vapour.  2.  A  certaia 
described  combination  and  applioation  of  a 
boiler  and  apparatus  for  supplying  steam 
to  retorts  used  in  the  manufacture  of  eom« 
bustible  water.gas.  3.  The  application  of  a 
piston  or  hammer  to  retorts  or  other  close 
vessels  used  in  the  manufacture  of  combus. 
tible  water-gas,  for  the  purpose  of  moving 
and  agitating  their  contents,  &c. 


PROVISIOKAL   8PECIFICATI0ICS   NOT   PRO- 
CEBDED  WITH. 

Anderson,  Sir  James  Caleb,  of  Fer- 
moy,  Cork,  baronet  An  econowucal  raUtemy 
for  the  conveyance  t^  passengers,  goods,  atid 
letters.  Application  dated  November,  30, 
1854.     (No.  2514.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  tho  rails 
are  placed  in  a  closed  chamber,  and  to  work 
the  line,  high-pressure  engines  are  fixed  at 
such  distances  as  may  be  found  requisite. 
On  the  top  of  the  chamber  which  encloses 
the  raila  the  chimneys  of  the  engines  are  to 
be  placed.  The  exit  steam  of  each  engine 
is  to  be  permitted  to  escape  at  a  good  pres- 
sure into  its  chimney.  By  this  arrange- 
ment the  air  in  the  chamber  is  to  be  drawn 
up  the  chimney,  and  thus  a  strong  cur- 
rent of  air  caused,  which  current  is  to  set 
upon  the  rear  of  the  carriage  and  impel  it. 

Welch,  Edward,  of  George.street,  Port. 
man.square,  London,  gentleman.  /sipfmRs- 
ments  m  fire-places  and  Jbus,  and  apparatma 
connected  therewiik.  Application  dated  No- 
vember 30,  1854.     (No.  2515.) 

The  inventor  proposes  attaching  to  the 
sides  of  the  grate,  or  around  it,  a  wrought, 
iron  box  (with  or  without  a  ayphon),  or  a 
aeries  of  boxes,  into  which  may  be  admitted 
the  smoke  or  hot-air  from  the  fire,  or  hot 
water,  or  gas,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  the 
fire  in  warming  the  air  brought  into  con* 
tact  with  the  box  or  syphon. 

QuiQUAMDON,  Jean  Baptists  AndrA, 
mechanician,  of  Ambert,  French  Empire. 
Certain  improvements  in  nuauffacturing  corkt, 
and  in  the  mode  of  employing  their  residues  or 
wastes.  Application  dated  November  30, 
1854.    (No.  2517.) 

The  inventor  describes  a  method  of  mount- 
ing a  number  of  pieces  of  cork  in  the  same 
frame,  and  of  shaping  them,  ^wo  at  a  time, 
by  means  of  circular  revolving  rasps  and  cut- 
ters. He  mixes  the  cork  powder  obuined 
in  the  process  with  caoutchouc,  {[utta  per- 
cha,  resin,  tar,  boiled  leather,  papier  mache, 
kaolin,  felspar,  or  other  plastic  composition 
capable  of  being  moulded,  stamped  or  carved, 
and  manufactures  of  the  mixtures  thus  oh- 
tained  articles  of  decoration,  furniture, 
&c.     The  powder  may  also  be  used  for 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


^EOVISIOKAL  PBOTEGTIOKS. 


595 


fituf&ng  bedding  and  dolls,  and  for  similar 
purposes. 

Murray,  Charles,  of  Bignia  Cottage, 
Havile-street,  Camberwell.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  qf  ordnance ,  barrels  qf  fire- 
armSf  and  hollow  cylinders  of  iron.  AppH- 
caiion  dated  November  80,  1854.  (No, 
2522.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  construct  ord- 
nance,  &c.,  of  several  cylinders  of  metal 
placed  one  over  another  with  the  grain 
crossed.  For  this  purpose  the  iron  is  first 
to  be  rolled  into  slabs  tapering  towards  the 
edges,  the  tapering  being  from  the  middle 
of  each  slab  outwards  towards  both  edges, 
so  that  when  a  slab  is  bent  into  a  tubular 
form  the  bore  will  be  eccentric,  and  where 
the  weld  is  made  the  metal  will  be  thin, 
whilst  at  the  opposite  side  of  the  cylinder 
it  will  be  comparatitely  thick. 

Arrowsmith,  John,  of  Bilston,  Stafford, 
engineer.  4  vew  or  improved  method  of  con- 
slHictionf  applicable  to  forts,  floating  bat. 
terleSf  powder  magazines,  beams,  or  girders, 
and  other  structures,  wiiere  great  strength  is 
required.  Application  dated  December  1, 
1854.     (No.  2527.) 

The  inventor  constructs  metallic  bars  or 
plates  with  ribs  or  feathers,  and  others  with 
corresponding  grootes,  and  lays  them  upon 
one  another  alternately,  so  that  the  ribs  or 
feathers  in  the  one  occupy  the  grooves  in 
the  other.  The  bars  or  plates  thus  piled 
on  one  another  are  bound  together  by  trans- 
verse bars,  riveted  or  otherwise  fastened  to 
them. 

Wilson,  THOiifAS,  of  Moscow.road,  Bays- 
water,  Paddingtou,  Middlesex.  Preventing 
the  noise  in  omnibuses  and  other  carriages 
tranelling  on  common  roads,  streets,  and  rait' 
ways.  Application  dated  Diccembcr  1, 1854. 
(No.  2529.) 

This  invention  consists  in  the  introduc 
tion  of  India-rubber  blocks  between  the 
axletree  and  springs,  in  place  of  the 
wooden  blocks  now  in  use;  and  also  in  the 
prevention  of  the  noise  arising  from  the 
rattling  of  the  windows  by  lining  the  frames 
with  India-rubber. 

Cantllo,  AVilliam  Jaues,  of  Leices- 
ler.sqaare.  An  improvem^t  in  the  cunitruc- 
tion  qf  barrels  of  ordnance  and  srhall  arnts, 
and  in  balls  or  projectiles  used  therewith. 
Application  dated  December  1,  1854.  (No. 
2531.)  ^ 

This  invention  consists  in  fixing  in  a  slot 
or  opening  made  near  tiie  fore-end  or  muz- 
2\k  of  a  smooth  barrel  flu  inclined  projec- 
tion, in  such  manner  that  a  ball  or  projec- 
tile in  being  projected  from  such  a  barrel 
will,  just  before  passing  from  it,  be  eansed 
by  the  projection  to  rotate  on  its  axl4. 

Littleton,  Thomas,  of  Saltash,  Corn-  ' 
wall;  bachelor  of  medicine  and  Fellow  of  | 
the  Royill  College  of  Sur-eons  of  England.  | 


Improvements  in  separating  gases  from  sewage, 
and  other  waters,  for  the  manufacture  of  ma' 
nure,  and  for  tlie  supplying  qf  steam-engines. 
Application  dated  December  1,  1854.  (No. 
2532.) 

**  This  invention  consists  in  separating 
gases  from  water  in  which  the  same  are 
held  in  solution  by  subjecting  the  fluid  to 
the  action  of  a  vacuum,  the  vacuum  being 
produced  by  the  fall  of  water  from  a  cham- 
ber  which  is  situated  at  a  suffioient  height 
from  the  outfall  for  the  water  by  its  own 
gravity  to  descend  and  leave  a  vacuum  in 
the  chamber."  • 

Hess,  Richard,  of  Chapel-cottage,  HoU 
lo way-road,  Middlesex,  engineer.  An  im- 
proved voltaic  battery  for  medical  and 
philosophical  purposes.  Application  dated 
December  2,  1854.     (No.  2535.) 

This  improved  battery  is  composed  of  a 
number  of  compound  plates,  each  plate 
being  composed  of  two  plates  of  different 
metals  soldered  or  otherwise  brought  into 
close  contact  with  each  other,  one  metal 
being  negative  and  the  other  positive. 
Between  each  pair  of  compound  plates  ia 
interposed  a  plate  of  fibrous  or  absorbent 
substance,  as  paper,  wood,  felt,  &c.,  and  the 
whole  is  kept  together  by  a  rod  composed 
of  some  non-ab.sorbing  and  non-conducting 
substance,  passlntr  through  the  whole. 

Bellpord,  Auouste  Edouard  Lora- 
Doux,  of  Castle-slreet,  London.  Improve- 
menta  in  the  manufacture  of  paper  and  paste- 
board. (A  comnuinication.)  Application 
dated  December  2, 18:4.     (No.  2540.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  applying 
to  the  manufacture  of  paste  and  pasteboard 
the  down  or  cotton  gathered  from  thistles  of 
any  kind,  and  also  the  plants  known  as  the 
moss  and  lichen. 

•«•  The  documents  of  Nos.  2516  and 
2548  are  with  the  law  oiBcers  under  first 
reference. 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 

Dated  February  21,  1855. 
379.  Jalien  Aimaftle  Telle,  of  Pariti,  France.    A 
ijrstem  of  rsilways  to  be  used  in  the  Interior  of 
citifB  and  towns. 

Ddud  March  13,  1855. 

557.  £uR%ne  Bourseret,  tnechaniciail,  of  Paris, 
France.  Improvein  nt*  in  maehinesfor  inanofac- 
turinf ,  bolt«,  Hvetii,  and  other  «tmilar  articles. 

Dated  Match  22,  1855.  « 

C35.  James  Snowden,  of  Dartford,  Kent,  en- 
sfneer.  An  improvement  in  furnaces  and  other 
fire-places. 

Dated  March  26,  1855. 

667.  tteftry  Charles  Hill,  of  Parker  -  street, 
Kingbland,  'Middlesex.  Improvements  in  the 
manufacture  of  waterproof  flock  cloth  and  other 
fabclci). 

Dated  Aprils,  1855. 

745.  Louis  Comldes,  of  thfftilgaf-sqnarfc,  Chat- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


696 


PROVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. 


infi:>rro8s.  Certain  improvements  in  saturating 
and  coating  or  covering  leather,  paper,  and  textile 
fabrics.  60  as  to  render  the  same  on  the  coated  or 
covered  surfaces  thereof  impervious  to  water. 

Dated  April  13,  1855. 

817.  William  Weallens.of  Elswick  Villas  New. 
castle^on-Tyne,  mechanical  engineer,  and  George 
Arthur  Crow,  of  Forth-street,  Newcastle-on-Tyne, 
mechanical  engineer.  Improvements  in  marine 
steam-engines. 

Dated  AprU\9,\S55. 

865.  Thomas  Jackson,  of  Commercial  -  road, 
Plmlico,  Middlesex,  contractor  for  public  works. 
Improvements  in  signals  for  railway  trains. 

869.  Charles  M'llvaine  Congreve,  merchant,  of 
New  York,  United  Stafbs  of  America.  Improve- 
ments in  the  manufacture  of  iron  when  oxide 
iron  ores  are  used.  A  communication  from  Charles 
Congreve. 

Dated  May  12.  1855. 

1073.  James  Beckett,  of  Preston,  Lancaster, 
overlooker.  Improvements  in  machinery  for 
spinning  cotton  and  other  fibrous  substances, 
more  particularly  applicable  to  the  machines  ge- 
nerally known  by  the  name  of  Smith's  self-acting 
mules. 

Dated  May  IS,  1855. 

1121.  Charles  Claude  Etienne  Minli,  of  Paris. 
France.  Improvements  in  breech -loading  fire 
arms. 

1123.  Fdmund  Morewood  and  George  Rogers, 
or  Enfield.  Middlesex.  An  improvement  in  coat- 
ing wrought  iron. 

1125.  William  Henry  Dearing  Granville,  of 
Stokenchureh,  Oxford,  schoolmaster.  Improve- 
ments in  firearms,  and  cartridges  for  the  same. 

Dated  May  21,  1855. 

1127.  Walter  Henry  Tucker,  of  Fleet  -  street, 
London,  lock  manufacturer.  Improvements  in 
locks. 

1129.  Henry  Hough  Watson,  of  Little  Bolton, 
Lancaster,  analytical  chemist,  and  James  Oliver, 
of  Over  Hulton,  Isnd  agent.  Improvements  in 
the  manufacture  of  fuel, 

1131.  Paul  Pirmin  Didot,  chemist,  of  Paris, 
French  Empire.  An  improved  process  of  bleach- 
ing paper  pulp,  textile  fabrics,  and  other  sub- 
stances or  m.itters. 

IISS  Frederick  William  Mowbray,  of  Shipley, 
near  Leeds.  York,  engineer.  Improvements  in 
looms  for  weaving  carpets  and  other  pile  fabrics. 

1135.  Edwanl  Holmes  Bennett,  of  Birmingham, 
Warwick  manufacturer.  Improvements  in  roast- 
ing Jacks. 

1187.  Harry  Whitaker,  of  Buffalo.  New  York, 
United  States  of  America.  Improvements  in  the 
propulsion  of  steam  vessels  by  a  direct  applica- 
tion of  a  crank  outside  the  hull  to  side  screw  pro- 
Sellers,  such  application  being  combined  with  a 
igh  pressure  engine  also  outside  of  the  hull. 

1139.  Ignace  Joseph  Silbermann,  Jun.,  of  Paris, 
France.  Improvements  in  printing  on  any  kind 
of  surfaces. 

1141.  William  Longmaid,  of  Victoria  -  cottage, 
Stoke  Newington,  and  John  Longbottom,  of 
Leeds.  Improvements  in  heating  coppers,  pans, 
and  boilers. 

1143.  Thomas  George  Shaw,  of  Old  Broad-street, 
London,  wine  merchant.  An  improved  conductor 
to  be  used  in  the  decantation  of  wine  or  other 
liquids. 

1145.  William  MacNaught,  of  Manchester. 
Lancaster,  engineer.  Certain  improvements  In 
■team  boilers  or  generators. 

1147.  James  Shanks,  of  Arbroath,  Forfar,  ma- 
chinist.   ImprovelKients  in  mowing  machines. 

1149.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's -inn- 
fields,  Middleaex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
th«  process  olf  vulcanising  and  rendering   bard 


India-rubber  and  gutta  pereha,  and  in  the  appKea- 
tion  of  those  materials  when  hard  to  the  eonstmc- 
tion  of  parts  of  machinery  or  apparatus  employed 
in  the  preparation  and  manufacture  of  fibrous 
materials  and  textile  fabric  A  commanlea- 
tion. 

Dated  May  22,  1855. 

1151.  Henry  Emmanuel  Scott,  of  Brixton, 
Surrey,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  in  ships 
and  other  floating  vessels. 

HAS.  George  Collier,  of  Halifax,  York.  Im- 
provements in  loonis  for  weaving  earpeta  and 
other  fabrics. 

1155.  Thomas  Holt,  of  Blackburn,  and  John 
Sagar.  of  Cabin-end,  near  Blackburn,  Lancaster. 
Improvements  In  looms. 

Dated  May  23,  1855. 

1157.  Johan  Jacob  Meyer,  of  Rochdale,  Lancas- 
ter, cabinetmaker.  Improvements  la  machineiy 
or  apparatus  for  shaping  wood  and  other  materials. 

1159.  James  Eden,  of  Lytham,  Lancaster, 
bleacher.    An  improved  mode  of  drying  fSabrics. 

1 161.  David  L.  Davis,  of  Dedham,  Maaaaehn- 
setts.  United  States  of  America.  An  Impcoved 
method  of  applying  elastic  bearings  to  railroad 
chairs  and  rails. 

1163.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  Chaneery-laBe, 
Middlesex,  mechanical  draughtsman.  Certain 
improvements  in  bee-hives.    A  commantcatioD. 

1 165.  William  Smith,  of  Salisbury-street.  Adelphi, 
Middlesex.  A  safety  apparatus  for  steam-tMhlcfs. 
A  communication  from  M.  Adoiphe  Lethwillaee 
Pinel,  of  Rouen,  Prance. 

Dated  May  24,  1855. 

1167.  James  Atkinson  Longridge,  of  Neweaatk- 
upon-Tyne,  engineer.  Improvements  in  the  con- 
struction or  the  manufacture  of  guns  and  artlllefT. 
and  of  other  vessels  intended  to  resist  great  pres- 
sure. 

1169.  John  Mitchell,  of  Bury.  Laneaater,  roller 
and  spindle  maker,  and  James  Entwisle,  of  the 
same  place,  foreman.  Improvements  in.presacr 
flyers  for  roving  frames  snd  other  machines  of  the 
like  nature. 

1171.  Joihua  Hudson,  of  Lanrel-plaee.  Dalston. 
Middlesex,  and  George  Robert  Williams,  of  Staii- 
ley-street,  Chelsei,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in 
water  meters,  which  are  applicable  also  for  the 
mexsuremenc  of  other  fluids. 

1 1 73  George  Walker  Mulr.  of  Glasgow^ Lanark, 
and  Matthew  Gray,  of  Ronbill,  Dumbarton.  Scot- 
land, engineers.  Imt  rovements  in  admitting  and 
regulatiiKc  the  admission  of  air  to  ftimaces. 

1179.  Joseph  Addenbrooke,  of  Bartlett*s-paa- 
sage,  London,  envelope  maker.  Improvemrnts 
in  machinery  for  folding  envelopes. 

Dated  May  25,  1855. 

1181.  Edwin  Haseler,  of  Wolverhampton,  Staf- 
ford, artist.  An  improvement  or  imptOTements 
In  frames  for  pictures,  drawings,  engTaving^,  aitd 
other  simQtt  articles. 

1183.  Alexander  Melville,  of  Baker-atreel.  Porl- 
man-square,  Middlesex,  artist.  Improvemenu  in 
breech-loading  fire-arms,  and  In  projectiles  aard 
therewith. 

1185.  Joseph  Hippolyte  PouUain,  of  Paris. 
France.    A  new  or  improved  pen-holder. 

1187.  Henry  Henson  Henson,  of  Parliament- 
street,  Westminster,  engineer.  An  improTenwat 
in  the  manufacture  of  fabrics  suitable  for  gooda- 
wrappers,and  other  purposes  for  which  canras  lias 
been  or  may  be  employed. 

1189.  Augusta  Paillard  Jaccard,  of  Salnte  Croix, 
Switxerland,  watchmaker.  An  improved  inde- 
pendent centre  seconds  movement  for  watcfaca. 
A  communication. 

Dated  May  26,  1855. 

1191.  Frederick  Herbert  Maberly,  of  8townar> 
ket,  Sttllblk,  clerk.    Improvements  in  flre^aroBa. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PnOVISIOKAL  PROTEOnOKS. 


597 


119S.  John  L^uthner  Lorand,  of  William-itreet, 
Hampftead-Toad,  Middlesex.  An  improved  rail- 
way break. 

1193.  Thomas  Mather,  of  Preston,  Lancaster, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  the  construction  of 
pistons. 

1 197.  AlfV'ed  Isidore  Honor6  Parent,  mannfae- 
taier,  of  Paris,  French  Empire.  Certain  improve- 
ments  in  manufacturing  buttons,  nails,  and  me- 
tallic and  plattie  articles. 

1199.  Charles  Weightman  Harrison,  of  Wool- 
wich, Kent,  civil  engineer.  Improvements  In 
metal  ropes,  oables,  and  rods,  and  in  machinery 
for  manufketuring  the  same. 

1200.  Auguste  £douard  Loradoux  Bellford.  of 
Bssex-stieet,  London.  Improved  machinery  for 
making  envelopes.    A  communication. 

1201.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Bssex-street,  London.  A  new  apparatus,  for  regu- 
lating the  speed  of  steam  engines.  A  communi- 
cation. 

1203.  John  Avery,  of  Essex-street,  London. 
Improvements  in  apparatus  for  conveying  heavy 
weights  for  bridge  building  and  other  purposes. 
A  communication. 

1205.  Gottlieb  Neuflfor,  of  Finsbury  -  square, 
Middlesex,  gentleman.  An  improved  mode  of 
producing  patterns  upon  floorcloths  and  other  or- 
namental coverings  for  floors,  walls,  tables,  and 
other  surfaces. 

1207.  Thomas  'Waterhouse,  of  Claremont-place, 
SheflSeld,  York.  Improvements  in  the  means  of 
actuating  forge  and  other  hammers,  which  im- 
provements are  also  applicable  to  pile  driving  and 
other  like  purposes.    A  communication. 

Dated  May  28,  1855. 

1209.  Joseph  Bennett  Howell,  of  Sheflield,  York, 
steel  manufacturer.  A  new  or  improved  mode  or 
modes  of  consuming  more  effectually  the  gas  and 
gaseous  products  evolved  during  the  combustion 
of  fuel. 

1211.  Benjamin  Fullwood,  of  Kirbey  -  street. 
Poplar,  Middlesex,  manufacturing  chemist.  Im- 
provements in  the  purification  of  mineral,  vege- 
table, and  animal  matters  containing  oily,  bitu- 
minous, resinous,  ammonlacal  and  aqueous  quali- 
ties. 

121.3.  John  Morrison,  of  Arlington-square.  New 
North-road,  Middlesex.  A  new  mode  of  con- 
structing railways,  specially  intended  to  be  em- 
ployed for  the  transit  of  carriages  or  vehicles 
moved  or  propelled  by  human  power. 

1215.  Eugene  Michel  Roch,  of  Paris,  France. 
Improved  apparatus  for  reading  or  bringing  into 
sight  bills,  advertisements,  papers,  maps,  and 
similar  objects. 

1217.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford,  of 
Essex-street,  London.  Improvements  in  sewing 
machines.    (A  communication.) 

1219.  John  Whitehead.  Jun.,  and  Robert  Kay 
Whitehead,  of  Eiton,  near  Bury,  Lancaster, 
bleachers  and  dyer.:.  Improvements  in  finishing 
woven  fabrics. 

1221.  Henry  Grafton,  of  Rolls-buildings,  Fet- 
ter-lane, Middlesex.  Improvements  in  spparatus 
for  heatingand  cooking. 

1222.  Richard  Coleman,  of  Chelmsford,  Essex. 
Improvements  in  the  construction  of  land  rollers, 
and  in  Implements  for  ploughing  and  breaking  up 
or  scarifying  the  soil. 

Dated  May  29,  1855. 

1223.  Daniel  Dunn,  chocolate  mannfacturer,  of 
KinK's-road,  Pentonville,  Middlesex.  Improve- 
ments in  steam  boilers. 

1225.  Etienne  Jules  Lafond,  engineer,  and 
Count  Louis  Alfred  de  Chatauvillard,  of  Belleville, 
near  Paris,  France.  Improvements  in  the  pro- 
cesses of,  and  apparatus  for,  treating  mineral, 
animal,  and  vegetable  matters,  for  obtaining  oils, 
essences,  parafflne,  and  other  similar  products. 


1227.  EUis  Clowes,  of  King's-bench-walk,  Tem- 
ple, London,  gentleman.  An  improved  eonstruc- 
tion  of  spring  for  resisting  sudden  and  continu- 
ous pressure.    A  communication. 

1229.  Thomas  Vincent  Lee,  of  Prospect-cottage, 
Dnlwich,  Surrey,  civil  engineer.  Improvements 
in  generating  steam  in  marine  and  other  boilers. 

1281.  William  Arthur  Henry,  of  the  firm  of 
Marchington  Brothers,  of  Bruce  Works,  Bridge- 
street,  Sheflleld,  York,  machinists, .ftc.  Improve- 
ments in  vices,  and  in  the  mode  of  securing  the 
same  to  work-benches. 

1233.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
stamping  and  embossing  presses.  A  communica- 
tion Arom  Carl  Heinrich  Otto  Panger,  of  Oraefteth, 
Prussia. 

Dated  May  30,1855. 

1235.  Robert  Dean  Aked,  of  Matilda-street, 
Caledonian-road,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in 
the  construction  of  stands  for  supporting  crochet 
reels  when  in  use. 

Dated  May  31,  1855. 

1237.  Emanuel  Wharton,  of  William-street,  Bir- 
mingham, Warwick,  mechanical  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  ordnance  and  fire-arms. 

1238.  Emanuel  Wharton;  of  William-street,  Bir- 
mingham, Warwick,  mechanical  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  the  machinery  for  manufacturing 
metal  tubes. 

1239.  Emanuel  Wharton,  of  William-street,  Bir- 
mingham. Warwick,  mechanical  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  steam-engines. 

1240.  John  Louis  JuUion,  of  Combe  House, 
Tovil,  Kent,  analytical  chemist.  The  manufacture 
of  paper,  card,  and  millboard,  fh)m  certain  vege- 
table productions. 

1241.  James  Leetch,  of  Westminster,  Middlesex, 
gunmaker.  An  improved  construction  of  helmet 
or  head-dress. 

1242.  William  Rimington,  Junior,  of  the  firm  of 
Rimington  and  Son,  of  Sklpton,  Craven,  Yorkshire, 
whitesmiths  and  bellhangers.  A  new  spring  hinge 
for  swing  doors. 

1243.  Charles  Tennant  Dunlop,  of  Glasgow,  La- 
nark, chemist.  Improvements  in  the  manufiicture 
of  chlorine. 

1244.  Sir  John  William  Lubbock,  of  Mansion 
House-street,  London,  baronet.  An  improvement 
applicable  to  telescopes  and  other  similar  optical 
instrnments. 

1245.  Hermann  Sachs,  of  Newgate-street,  Lon- 
don, warehouseman.  An  improved  construction  of 
fountain  pen. 

l?46.  Samuel  BIckerton,  of  Oldham,  Lancaster. 
An  improved  oil  lubricator. 

1247.  Antoine  Bernard  Alfred  Baron  Espiard  de 
Colonge,  of  Paris,  France.  An  improved  diving 
apparatus. 

1248.  Robert  Ash  worth,  of  Rochdale,  Lancaster, 
engineer,  and  Samuel  Stott,  of  Rochdale,  Lancas- 
ter, cotton  spinner.  Certain  appendages  to  and 
improvements  In  machinery  for  preparing,  spin- 
ping,  doubling,  twisting,  and  winding  fibrous  sul»- 
stances. 

1249.  Thomas  Worsdell,  of  the  firm  of  Wors- 
dell  and  Evans,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick,  Engi- 
neer.   Improvements  in  lifting  jacks. 

1250.  Riehard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  166,  Fleet- 
street,  London,  patent  agent.  Improvements  in 
dyeing  cotton  threads,  yams,  and  twists.  A  com- 
munication flrom  Charles  Joseph  Eugene  Ab-der 
Halden,  of  Mulhouse,  Prance. 


Dated  June  1,  1855. 

1261.  Adrian  Jackson  and  Eli  Kershaw,  of  Man- 
chester, Lancaster,  power-loom  overlookers,  and 
Joseph  Roberts,  of  Failswortb,  near  Manchester, 
engineer.    Improvements  in  looms  for  weaving. 

1252.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontainemo- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


508^ 


NOTIOSS  OF  Df  TSirnON  TO  FBOCEED. 


nAu,  of  South-Mrtoet,  London.  CerUiti  improve- 
ments in  the  treatment  of  regetable  and  nnimai 
oils.    A  cinnmunicatioil. 

1253  Richard  Perton,  of  the  Bordesley  Works, 
Birmingham,  Warwick,  manufacturer  of  bedsteads, 
and  Alexander  SouthwoodStocker,  of  the  Poultiy, 
London,  manufacturer,  improvements  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  bedsteads. 

iS54.  ChMrlea  Isidore  Constant  Venant,  of 
Amiens,  Fratjce.  Improvements  ih  apparatus  fbr 
itMStlng  coS6e  and  other  substances. 

12A5.  John  Charles  Pellent.of  Ait-IanChapelle. 
Pruisia.  Improvenents  in  the  maiitifaoture  of 
iron  wheels. 

IS56.  Richard  Whytoek,  of  Edinburrh.  Im- 
provamente  In  eoldurinl^  yarns  or  threads  intended 
to  form  elements  of  various  loom  fabrics,  and  Ibr 
crochet  work  and  knitting. 

12.'>7.  HeQry  Spencer,  of  Rochdale,  Lancaster, 
manager.  Improvements  in  machinery  or  appa- 
ratus for  ti^isting  and  winding  spun  yarns  or 
threads. 

Dated  June  2,  1855. 

1258..  John  Boyd,  of  Ashbopking,  Suffolk,  gen- 

,         ■    •  i    jjj    letter-^ress   printing 


tleman!    ImprovemenU 
machines. 

1259.  Jobo  Lane,  of  Hvetpool,  Lancaster,  mer- 
chant, and  John  Taylor,  of  Birkenhead,  Chester, 
engineer.    An  improved  engine. 

12CU.  Jameii  Taylor  and  William  Smith,  of  Man- 
chekter,  Lancaster.  Improvements  in  the  chairs 
of  railways. 

1261.  Clement  Coe,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 
merchant.  Improvements  in  the  mode  or  method 
of  roanufacturinff  druggets,  bockings,  pilot  cloths, 
bUnkets,  or  similar  strong  materials.  A  commu- 
nication. 

1262.  Charles  Little,  of  Derby,  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  machmery  or  apparatus  for  the  ma- 
nufacture of  envelopes. 

1263.  Henry  Cartwright,  of  the  Dean,  Broseley, 
Salop,    An  improved  steam-cock 

1264.  Pransois  Celestin  Arnielln,  iunior,  mer- 
chant, of  Draguignan,  French  Empire.  Certain 
improvements  in  ploughs. 

I:i60.  James  Taylor  Dore,  o^  High-street,  South- 
ampton, draper.  An  improved  mode  of  construct- 
ing boxei.  or  cases  for  holding  needles,  buttons, 
and  other  wares. 

Dated  June  ^,  1855. 

12M.  Peter  August  in  Oodefroy,  of  King's  Mead- 
cotta«;es,  Islington.  Middlesex,  operative  chemist 
ill .  solvents.  Improvements  in  the  treatment  of 
gutta  percha. 

1272.  William  Eley,  of  Broad-strefet,  Golden- 
square,  Middlesex.  An  Improvement  in  the  manu- 
facture Of  detonating  caps  for  fire-arms. 

Dated  June  5,  1855. 

1278.  John  Gedge,  of  Wellington-streetl  South, 
Middlesex.  Improvements  in  securing  the  con- 
tents of  bottles  or  other  similar  vessels.  A  com- 
munication from  Mr.  Constant  Chevalier,  of  Paris, 
France. 

1280.  David  Newell  Brown  Coffin,  Junior,  of 
Massacbusetu,  United  States  of  Aroerioa.  A  new 
and  useful  improvement  in  self-closing  stop-cocks. 

1282.  Cyrus  Curtice,  of  Massachusetts,  United 
States  of  America.  A  new  and  improved  light 
alarm  or  burglar  annunciator  or  apparatus,  to  give 
alarm  when  a  burglarious  attempt  h  made  to  enter 
a  room  or  dwelling.  A  conmiunication  from  Ed- 
ward Brown  and  other  foreijtners. 

i2&4.  Ethan  Allen,  of  Massachusetts,  United 
s  States  of  America.  An  improved  breech-loading 
fire-arm. 

1286.  William  Edward  Newton,  of  Chaaeary- 
lane,  Middlesex^  civil  engineer.  Improved  ma- 
ehinsrj  for  rolling  bar  iron.    A  conunnleailon. 


Dated  June  %^  1S55. 

1288.  John  Oedgc,  of  Wellington-stx^ct  Sonth. 
Middlesex,  patent  igent.  Improvement*  1b  the 
means  of  preserving  grain.  A  commanieation  Drosn 
C.  J.  Delezenne,  of  Lille,  France. 

1290.  John  Fieldinz  and  William  Hopwood,  of 
Blackburn,  Lancaster,  power-loom  cloth  mann* 
facturers.    Improvements  in  looms. 

1292.  George  Hopper,  of  Hongfaton-le-Spting 
Irdn  Works,  Dotham.  engineer.  im|»roT«iiients 
in  rolling  and  shaping  metals. 

1 294.  James  Robertson,  of  Ardroaaaiii  Ayr.  engi- 
neer. Improvements  In  transmitting  metire  power 
in  certain  ciiaiiBataften  when  tmttaang  aetiaoj 
are  neeenaiy. 

1296.  John  Boveher,  of  Snrrey-TiUaa,  Caasker- 
well  New-road,  Surrey.  Improvementa  in  powder- 
flasks,  and  in  the  sights  and  raauoda  of  fin 


bated  June  7,  1855. 

1300.  John  Sancle,  of  Sptingileld,  Unlltbcow, 
chemist.  An  Improvement  in  Meaehlag  reaiBOus 
subttancet  (calop&ane)  fbr  the  ttaautectt&ro  of 
•soap. 

1302.  Thomas  Ogden,  of  Mdncheater,  Laneaater, 
cotton-tpinner.,  Certain  improvementi  id  machi- 
nery or  apparatut  fo^  spinning  cotton  and  ether 
fibrous  materials. 

1304.  John  Andrus  Reynolds,  of  Elraira,  New 
York,  United  States  of  Ameried,  doctor  of  medicine. 
Improved  hiachinery  fbr  discharging  toileya  of 
•hot. 

1300.  Charles  Constant  Joseph  Gtlffroy,  mer- 
chant, of  Lille,  Frtneh  Empire.  An  Improved 
smoke-consuming  apparatus. 


HEARINGS   OP  APPLtCATfONS  FOR  TSiO- 
LONOAtlON  OF  PATBNTS. 

The  indieial  committee  Of  the  Privy  CoqncU 
have  appointed  Friday,  June  82,  at  half-past  ten. 
A.K.,  fbr  hearing  the  petition  of  Frederic  John 
Reed,  of  Friday- street,  London,  solicitor.  Charles 
Foard,  of  the  Stock    Exchange,  London,  atoek- 

!    Jobber,  and  Thomas  Shepperson,  of  Dalwich-hlll. 

t  Surrey,  Esq.,  for  a  prolongation  of  the  several 
letters  patent  granted  to  John  Juckes,  of  Lewia- 
ham,  Kent,  gentleman,  for  '*  Imptovements  in 
hirnacei  or  fire-places,"  for  England,  dated  Sep- 
teiuber  4,  1841 ;  for  Scotland,  December  28,  1841 ; 
and  fbr  Ireland,  April  21,  1842. 

The  judicial  commltteei  of  the  Privy  CouncU 
have  alto  appointed  Friday,  June  SS,  at  half-past 
ten,  fbr  hearing  the  petition  of  Alphonte  Reni  le 
Mire  de  Normsndy,  of  Judd-street,  Middlesex, 
chemist,  {or  a  prolongation  of  the  patent  granted 
to  him  Sepiember  8,  1841.  for  "  Improvementa  in 
the  manufacture  of  soap." 


NOTICES   OF  INTENTION    TO 
PROCEED. 

{Fimn  the   **  London  Gaxettt,'*  June  19a, 
1855.) 

274.  Deane  John  Hoare.  Certain  Improvementa 
in  propelling  vessels. 

279.  Arthur  Warner.  Improtemellts  tn  eoaiin* 
or  combining  nheet  Iron  and  steel  with  sheet  lead, 
zinc,  tin,  copper,  or  allovs  of  puch  metals. 

307.  John  Lees  and  William  Heap.  A  new  or 
improved  machine  or  apparatns  for  omting  and 
straightening  bars  of  metal. 

308.  WilUnro  Beckett  Johnson.  Improvementa 
in  steam-boilers  and  enRlnes. 

314.  George  Henry  ingall.  Certata  tmprore- 
menta  in  telegraphic  commnnieatlon and  apparmtna 
eonneeted  therewith. 

8M.  Bobett  Kerr.     Oettate  hupimwota  ia 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


NOTICtS  OF  iSTEStlON  TO  rttOCBED. 


6«9 


Bg  loaf  lugar  for  um,  and  oerUlii  aq^sratus 
for  the  tame. 

333.  Oeorf^e  DaltoD.  ImproTemenU  in  reverbe- 
ratory  funiaces. 

342.  James  Leadbetter.  Improvement!  in  the 
mode  or  method  of  applying  breaks  to  railway  and 
other  carriages. 

344.  John  Mason  and  Samn«1  Thornton.  Im- 
provements in  finitMii^  or  polishing,  and  drying 
yarns  or  threa<1s. 

343.  Henry  Spencer.  Improvements  in  machi- 
nery for  preparing  and  spinning  cotton  and  other 
fibrous  BJibstances. 

346.  Christophe  Fransoit  De1abarre>  Improved 
apparstufl  to  be  oied  In  propelling  gases  and  forc- 
ing liquids. 

318.  Eugene  Carlets.  FrnproVeitimits  in  the  ma- 
nufacture of  paper-cloth  known  as  artificial  leather, 
and  in  coating  or  cohering  the  siuAice  thereof  with 
\  colouring  matter,  said  colouring  process  being  also 
adapted  to  the  eolouriig  or  staining  of  paper. 

854.  Robert  Blackburn  and  William  tuudi  Dun- 
can.   Improvements  in  bleaching. 

971.  Henry  Schottlander.  ImprovemenU  iM- or- 
nsmentinir  looking-glasses. 

373.  John  Harcourt  Brown.  Tmprov«ments  in 
the  construction  of  ball-cartrldget  for  ftuflHtating 
the  loadinir  and  lubrieattng  of  fire-arms. 

379.  JuHen-Almable  Telle.  A  system  of  railways 
to  be  used  in  the  interior  of  cities  and  towns. 

390.  Charles  Lotr.  Certain  improvements  in  the 
extraction  of  gold  from  its  ores. 

407.  Nathan  Thompson,  Junior.  Improvements 
in  constnicting  life-boats. 

415.  Hamilton  Martin  and  Joseph  Smethurst. 
Improvements  in  the  constmction  of  fenced  or 
catlings  for  shafts,  pulleys,  and  other  parts  ol  ma- 
ehlnery. 

41C.  Auguste  E^ouard  Loradoux  Bellford.  Cer- 
tain improvements  in  the  application  of  breaks  on 
railways  A  cpmmunioatlon  from  W.  Loughridge, 
of  Weverton,^ lilted  Stated. 

4S6.  J«mes  llrodie.  Improvements  in,  and  ap- 
plicable to,  tongs,  pliers,  vices,  and  other  holding 
instruments. 

446.  Thomas  Cook.     Improvements  In  working 

Sunkas  and  apparatus  for  agitating  air  in  churches, 
ospitals,  and  other  buildings. 

493.  Augiiiite  Edonard  l.oradoux  Bellford.  Cer- 
tain new  and  useful  improvements  in  the  oeciUat- 
ing  steam-engine.  A  communication  from  John 
Andrew  Reed,  of  New  York,  United  SUtea  of 
America. 

531.  James  Murdoch.  An  improved  method  of 
enlnrging  or  reducing  designs,  maps,  and  other 
similar  articles,  also  apparatus  or  machinery  to  be 
employed  in  the  name.    A  communication. 

545.  Auffuste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford.  Im- 
provements in  machinery  for  making  butt-hinges 
of  wrought  iron  or  ether  metal  complete  at  one 
operation.    A  communication. 

552.  John  Gilbert.  An  improved  pump  or  pump- 
ing apparatus. 

574.  Edmund  Johnson  Mitehell.  An  improve- 
ment in  rollers  employed  ih  the  washing  of  wool 
and  linen,  in  the  squeesing  of  sized  cotton  warps, 
and  other  like  purposes. 

635.  Jjimes  snowden.  An  improvement  in  fur- 
naces and  other  fire-places. 

664.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
machinery  or  apparatus  for  dressing  flax,  hemp, 
and  other  fibrous  materials.  A  communication 
from  Jean  Jacques  Alexandre  Lallier,  of  Evreux, 
and  Francois  Jules  VijjnAUd,  of  Paris,  France. 

779.  William  Tuer,  William  Hodgson,  Robert 
ilall,  and  Samuel  Hall.  Certain  improvements  in 
looms  fbr  weaving. 

785.  Samuel  Fielding  the. younger.  Improve- 
ments in  apparatus  for  oiling  or  lubricating  the 
pistons  of  steam-engines. 

836.  John  Cowley  and  Daniel  Peyton  Sullivan. 
Impnavementa  in  the  mamifaeture  of  paper. 

986.  Henry  Lee  the  younger,  and  John  Gilbert. 


Certain  machinery  for  mixing  the  svbetancet  nsed 
in  the  formation  of  concrete  and  other  like  sub- 
stances. 

1068.  Adam  GnUd.  Improvements  tn  tke  pro- 
cess of  bowklng. 

1097.  Robert  Jobson  and  John  Jobson.  Improve- 
ments In  the  manufacture  of  motitds  for  easting 
metals. 

K'SR.  William  FaWcett,  John  Lamb,  and  Francis 
Rest  Fawcett,  Improvements  in  the  manufacture 
of  carpets  and  other  similar  fabrics,  and  in  machi- 
nery afid  appnratuK  to  be  u^d  therein. 

1123.  Edmund  Morcwood  and  George  Rogers. 
An  improvement  in  coating  wrought  iron. 

1127.  Walter  Henry  Tueker.  Improvements  in 
lock^. 

1129.  Henry  Hough  Watson  and  James  Oliver. 
Improvements  ii  the  mannfaetoT^  of  fuel. 

1113.  Frederick  William  Mowhray.  Improve- 
ment* tn  kwoM  Ibf  weaving  carpets  and  other  pile 
fabrics. 

1141.  William  Loncrmaid  and  John  Lonpbottom. 
Imorovements  in  betting  coppers,  pans,  and 
boilers. 

1152.  John  Craickshank.  An  improved  con- 
struction of  offensive  and  defensive  equipment  for 
cavalry. 

1153.  George  Collier.  Improvements  in  looms 
fbr  weaving  carpets  and  other  fabrics. 

1159.  James  Eden.  An  improved  mode  of  dry- 
ing fabrics. 

1161.  Dnvid  L.  Davis.    An  improved  method  of 
applying  elastic  hearings  to  railroad  chairs  and 
I    rails. 

I       1162.  Th'tmas  McLow.     Certain  improvements 
in  pad«i-wbeela. 

1163.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  bee-hives.    A  communication. 

1178.  Thomas  McLow.  Certain  improvements 
in  paddle-wheels. 

1207.  Thomas  Waterhouse.  Improvements  in 
the  means  of  actuating  forge  and  other  hammers, 
which  improvements  are  also  applicable  to  pile- 
driving  and  other  like  purposee.  A  communica- 
tion. 

1214.  Auguste  Edouard  loradoux  Bellford.  Cer- 
tain improvements  in  ordnance  and  in  cartridge- 
therefor.  A  communication  from  Ch-irles  Frede» 
rick  Brown,  of  Warren,  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica. 

1223.  Daniel  Dunn.  Improvements  in  steam- 
boilers. 

1234.  Thomas  McLow.  Improvements  in  screw- 
propellers. 

1253.  Richar<l  Peyton  and  Alexander  South  wood 
Stocker.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
bedsteads. 

1256.  Richard  Whytock.  Improvements  in  co- 
louring yarns  or  threads  intended  to  form  elements 
of  various  loom  fkbrics,  and  for  crochet  work  and 
knitting. 

1260.  James  faylor  and  William  Smith.  Im- 
provements in  the  chairs  of  railways. 

1261.  Clement  Coe.  Improvements  in  the  mode 
or  method  of  manufacturing  drutrgets,  bockings, 
pilot-cloths,  blankets,  or  similar  strong  materials. 
A  comnlttnication. 

1262.  Charies  Little.  Improvements  in  machi- 
nery or  apparatus  for  the  manufacture  of  enve- 
lopes. 

1280.  David  Newell  Brown  Coffin,  Junior.  A 
new  and  useful  improvement  in  self-cloaing  stop- 
cocks. 

1282.  Cyrus  Curtice.  A  new  and  Improved  light- 
alarm  or  burglar  annunciator  or  apparatus,  to  give 
alarm  when  a  burglarious  attempt  i.s  made  to  enter 
a  room  or  dwellinir.  A  communication  ftom  Ed- 
ward Brotvn  and  other  fbreigners. 

1284.  Ethan  Allen.  An  improved  breecb-Ioad- 
Ing  fire-arm. 

1292.  George  Hopper  Improvements  in  rolling 
and  shaping  metals. 

1294.  Jaaies  EobtrtMm.  Improvements  in  trans- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


600 


WEEKLY  LtST  OP  PATENTS. 


mitting  motive  power  In   certoin   circumstalieef 
vUere  reventng  actions  are* necessary. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the  above 
List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their  inten- 
tion to  proceed,  within  twenty-one  days  from 
the  date  of  the  Gazette  in  which  the  notice 
appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Commissioners'- 
office  partioulars  in  writing  of  the-objection 
to  the  application. 


WEEKLY  LIST  OP  PATENTS. 
Sealed  June  15,  1855. 

2660.  Charles  Frederick  SUnsbury. 
2664.  Edwin  Whele. 

2680.  R.  D.  Huvgens. 

2681.  John  Paul. 
2693.  William  Greener. 


1855. 


80.  Louis  Dominique  Girard. 


i^  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fon- 
tainemoreau. 

95.  Gustav  Wamecke. 

96.  Joseph  Claudot. 
124.  Jamea  Webster. 

248.  Benjamin  Goodfellow. 

384.  John  Hyde  Pidoock. 

471.  Benjamin    Dickinson    and    John 

Platts; 
679.  Archibald  Turner. 
749.  Frederick  Joyce. 
769.  William  Bennett  Hays. 
888.  Alfred  Vincent  Newton. 

Sealed  June  19,  IS55. 

f 

2710.  Felix  Marie  Baudouin. 
2735.  Margaret  Williams. 
1855. 

lis.  James  Simkin. 

603.  Thomas  George  Shaw. 

637.  William  MacNaught. 


MESSRS.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  &  CO. 
Undertake  i&e  Proolization  «f  Patent! 

for  the  Unite'd  Kingdom  and  all  Foreign  Countries,  and  the  transaction  generally  of  all 

business  relating  to  Patents;    Coats  of  Provisional  Protection — £\Q  lOa. 

Practical  Instructions  to  Inventors  and  intending  Patentees  supplied  gratis  |n  application 

to  Messrs.  ROBERTSON,  BROOMAN,  and  Co.,  <<  Mechanics'  Magazine  and 

Patent  Office,"  166,  FleeUstreet,  London. 


CONTENTS  OP  THIS  NUMBER. 


narman's  Patent  Windlasiet,  Capstans,  &c.— 
{with  engravings) 577 

On  Nature  Printing 679 

Note  Mathemattcffi.     By  T.  T.   Wilkinaon, 
F.R.A.S.     No.Vir 58S 

Society  of  Arts,  ManufactureB,  and  Commerce  5B4 

On  the  Aberration  of  Light.   By  the  Kev.  Pro- 
fessor Cliallii,  F.R.S 5M 

'  Hughes  and  Denham's  Patent  Manual  Piano- 
fortes   687 

Plielps'  Patent  Label-damper — {wUh  on  engrav- 
ing)   588 

Knight's  Patent  Heating-apparatus— (ifiTA  en- 

W  graving*)  589 
allis's  American  Paddle-wheel— <flr<f  A  engrav' 


ings)  . 
"  lilwi 


Railway  and  Marine  Signals 591 

Gallery  of  Inventions  591 

OalTanic  Batteries. — Use  of  Aluminium 593 

Specifications  of  Patents  recently  Filed  : 

Pettitt  Drawing  Yarns 69S 

Mason  AcKaberry.. Fibrous  Materials 592 

Taylor  Furnaces  592 

Sands Mariners' Compass 592 

Le  Mesurier Cartridges 593 

Rowlands  Rowland.  Pistons 593 

Whitwortli  Fire-arms 593 


Briggs  &  Souter  ...Gassing  Yams 59S 

Bernard Boots  and  Shoes ...  593 

Restell Guns 593 

llep Metal  Bedsteads ..  593 

Wttty Artificial  Light 594 

Bazaine Railways 594 

Gant^rt Dyeing  Yarns 594 

Btdeo Furnaces  594 

Bellford ...Combustible G.it.........  594 

Provisional  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with : 

Anderson  Railways 594 

Welch Fireplaces 594 

Qulquandon Cork-cutting 594 

Murray  Ordnance,  ftc 583 

Arrowsmith Metallic  Bars 595 

Wilson Omnibuses  395 

Csntelo  Fire-arms  and  Prcifec- 

tiles  593 

Littleton Separating  Gates  fnm 

Water    595 

Hess Voltaic  Battery 595 

Bellford Paper  and  Pasteboard..  593 

Provisional  Protections 595 

Hearings  of  Applications  for  Prolongation  of 

Patenu 598 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed...^. ~ 598 

List  of  Sealed  Patents 600 


LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  Published  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  No.  166,  Fleet-street, 
in  the  City  of  London.— Sold  by  A.  and  W.  Oalignani,  Rue  Viv&enne,  Parla;  Mason  and  Co., 
Dublin  :  W.  C.  Campbell  and  Co.,  Hamburg, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


et|attics*  ^n^n^ht 


No.  1664.]  SATURDAY,  JUNE  30,  1855.  [sum^'a  «. 

Edited  by  R.  A.  Brooman,  160,  Fleet-street. 


PROFESSOR  TYNDALL'S  POLYMAGNET. 
Fig.  8. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


602 

PKQPESSOE  TYNDALL'S  POLYMAQNET.* 

Thb  polymag^et  was  devised  for  the  purpose  of  exhibiting  before  a  class  of  pupils  as 
many  as  possible  of  the  phmiomena  of  electro-magnetisin  and  diamagnetistn. 

The  instrument  consists  of  an  arrangement  of  two  horse^shoe  electro-magnets,  a  helix  of 
eovered  copper  wire  disposed  between  tbetn,  and  suitabU  means  of  suspension. 

A  section  of  one  of  the  eleetro^magnets  and  Us  surrounding  spirals  is  given,  in  &g,  1. 
ah,  ed  are  two  eylindrioal  cores  of  soft  iron»  which  are  unitsd  by  a  cross-piooe  of  the 
same  material,  ^.  Through  the  cross-piece  pass  the  strong  screws,  4[  and  A,  into  the  cores, 
and  by  them  the  ends,  b  and  J,  of  the  cores,  which  are  accurately  planed  so  as  to  ensure 
perfect  contact  with  the  cross-piece,  are  attache4  to  the  latter.  The  diameter  of  tlie  oorea 
IS  1*125  inch,  and  their  distance  apart  from  centre  to  centre,  4*85  inches  ;  the  cross-pieee, 
eft  is  drawn  in  proportion. 

Round  each  core  is  a  helix  of  copper  wire,  overspun  with  cotton,  which  was  afterwards 
saturated  with  shell-lac.  In  winding  the  helix,  two  iengtha  of  wire,  one  covered  with  red 
cotton  and  the  other  with  green,  were  laid  sidto  by  side,  and  coiled  as  a  single  wire.  The 
diameter  of  the  wire  is  0*1  of  nn  inch,  and  the  weight  of  it  which  surrounds  each  limb  of 
the  magnet  is  12  lbs.     For  all  four  limbs,  therefore,  a  weight  of  48  lbs  is  made  use  of. 

The  second  electro-magnet  is  in  every  respect  similar  to  the  one  just  described. 

Fig.  2  is  a  fVont  view  of  a  helix  of  covered  copper  wire,  intended  to  be  placed  between 
the  two  electro-magnets ;  it  has  an  internal  diameter,  a6,  of  1  inch ;  an  external  diameter, 
cd,  of  8  inches,  and  measures  along  its  axis  1*15  inch.  The  diameter  of  its  wire  is  0H)65  of 
an  inch,  and  its  weight  is  6  lbs  ;  it  is  wound  so  as  to  form  a  double  coil,  as  in  the  ease  of 
the  electro-magnets.  The  radial  strips,  and  central  and  sarrounding  ring  seen  in  the 
Agure,  are  of  brass,  and  hold  the  coils  of  the  helix  compactly  together. 

Fig.  3f  represents  a  stout  slab  of  mahogany  which  supports  the  apparatus,  ab,  ed  are 
hollows  cut  in  the  slab  to  receive  the  cross-pieces  of  tlie  two  electro-magnets ;  from  e  to/ 
the  slab  is  cut  quite  through,  the  cross-pieces  merely  resting  on  the  portions  between /and 
5, /and  d,  &c.  The  amall  apertures  at  jr,  s^  show  where  the  screws  enter  which  attach  the 
cross-piece  to  the  slab  of  wood.  The  centra]  aperture  at  g  shows  where  the  pin,  ^,  of  the 
helix,  fig.  2,  enters,  the  helix  thus  occupying  the  central  portion  of  the  board.  Right  and 
IcA  are  two  projections  for  the  reception  of  two  current  reversers,  which  will  be  described 
immediately.  There  are  apertures  for  the  reception  of  pins  projecting  from  a  glass  case 
intended  to  cover  the  whole  apparatus. 

When  the  magnets  and  central  helix  are  fixed  in  their  places  and  looked  down  upon,  their 
appearance  is  that  represented  in  fig.  4 ;  at  a  and  c  the  tops  of  the  cores  are  seen,  the 
movable  masses  of  soft  iron  which  belong  to  them  being  removed ;  the  two  ends  of  the 
other  electro-mapnet  bear  two  such  masses,  each  formed  from  a  parallelepiped  4*5  inches 
long,  2  inches  wide,  and  1*25  inch  high,  having  one  end  bevelled  off  so  as  to  render  it 
pointed,  the  other  end  being  suffered  to  remain  flat  The  distance  between  those  movable 
masses  may  be  varied,  or  the  body  to  be  examined  may  be  suspended  cither  between  tmffaees 
or  points,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  experiment  The  projections  of  the  current 
reversers  upon  the  horisontal  plane  are  seen  right  and  left 

Simplicity  and  efficiency  being  the  objects  aimed  at,  a  current  reverser  was  devised, 
which  fulfils  these  conditions.  A  front  view  of  the  instrument  is  given  in  fig.  5,  and  iu 
horizontal  projection  in  fig.  6.  Q  is  the  section  of  a  quadrant  of  wood,  which  is  capable 
of  being  turned  by  the  handle,  HP*,  ab  is  the  section  of  a  strip  of  brass  laid  on  the  peri- 
phery of  the  quadrant  j  «<  is  a  shorter  strip  similsrly  laid  on  ;  between  b  and  e  is  a  gap, 
formed  of  the  wood  of  the  quadrant  itself,  or  of  a  piece  of  ivory  or  glass  inlaid ;  t  and  ^  are 
two  brass  springs,t  which  are  shown  in  the  figure  to  rest  upon  the  strips  of  brass,  ab  and 
fid;  M,  M'  are  two  clamps  secured  to  the  wooden  pillars,  O  and  O',  by  screws,  S,  which 
pass  up  through  the  latter.  The  plan  below  corresponds  to  the  section  above.  From  b, 
fig.  6,  the  strip  of  brass  crosses  to  ^,  and  from  c  to  y,  both  being  insulated  from  each  other 
at  R.  Supposing,  then,  the  two  clamps,  M  and  L,  to  be  connected  with  the  two  poles  of  a 
galvanic  battery,  the  current  entering  at  M  would  flow  along  the  spring  «  to  b,  thence  to  e^, 
and  finally  along  the  spring,  f',  to  the  clamp,  L' :  in  like  manner  tne  current  entering  at  I« 
would  attain  the  clamp,  M^  In  this  position  of  things  the  handle  of  the  instrument  leans 
to  the  left,  aa  in  fig.  5.  If  the  current  is  to  be  interrupted,  this  is  secured  by  setting  the 
handle  vertical ;  for  when  the  handle  is  in  this  position,  the  spring,  /,  rests  upon  the  non. 
conducting  surface,  be,  and  the  circuit  Is  broken.  If  it  be  desired  to  send  the  current 
direct  from  L  to  L',  and  from  M  to  M',  this  is  accomplished  by  causing  the  handle  to  lean 
to  the  right ;  when  this  is  done,  both  the  springs,  a,  t',  rest  upon  the  self- same  strip  of 

•  From  the  PhiloMopkieal  Magaxit. 

t  PU«.  S  and  4  are  combined  in  the  aeoompanyhig  engravings,  the  parts  shown  In  the  Conner  beia> 
marked  by  ticked  lines  In  the  Utter.  Pigs.  5, 6, 7,  and  6«, are  reduced  in  sUe  from  the  origUuL—SiKM.M. 
X  Copper,  I  think,  would  be  better  than  brats. 

Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


PB0FE880B  TTltoALL'S  POLTMAQHST. 


608 


brass,  ab,  and  there  is  direct  metairid  communf cation  between  L  «nd  L ,  and  between  M 
and  M.  This  raverser  has  been  tested  practfoaHyt  and  fotind  Tery  coirvcnieiit.  It  is  tery 
similar  to  an  instrument  dcnrised  by  Prof.  Reusch,  bat  simpler  and  more  easily  eon- 
stmeted. 

Fig.  7  is  a  plan  of  the  top  of  the  glaae  oase  which  surrounds  the  polytnagnet.  At  C  a 
bras*  tube  is  cemented  to  the  glass,  which  ie'  here  perforated,  and  through  the  tube  A  rod 
passes,  famished  at  its  lower  extremity  with  a  hooh,  to  whioli  is  attached  a  suspending 

Fig.  2. 


Fig.  1. 


fibre,  ab  is  a  horizontal  brass  cylinder,  capable  of  being  turned  on  its  axis  by  the  milled 
head  at  a,  and  thus  coiling  a  suspending  fibre  around  a  groove  marked  at  d;  the  cylinder 
is  also  capable  of  sliding  right  and  left,  so  that  the  body  suspended  from  the  fibre  may  be 

Figs.  8  and  4. 


>"<' 


M- 


m 


^ 


moved  laterally,  and  the  amount  of  motion  measured  on  the  graduated  bar  above.*    e^b'  is 
another  horizontal  suspension  rod,  in  every  respect  similar  to  the  former. 

*  This  arrangement,  though  very  conTenieBt  for  private  xtsearoh,  is  not  necessary  for  leetun 
experiments.  a  k  2 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


804 


PAOVBflSOB  WaCDALL*B  VOlXUAJOaOBt. 


The  whole  instrumeiiti  siirrouoded  by  its  glue  caee,  ie  ehowu  fin  ^lepectife  m  fig.  & 
The  inegiieU  are  Tisibley  with  the  moteble  maeeBe  of  soft  iroQ  Teatiiigii{Km^eBi;  in  the 
centre  is  leen  thfi  helix  Bketched  in  fig.  2,  and  w«thi&  the-  keUz  a  biiBivth.  bar  Bii|^pMted  by 
aeveral  fibres  of  anspun  silk  attaehed  to  the  eeutral  rod  which- passes  tbrongb  the  top  of  the 
glass  oafle.  The  manner  of  suspensioD  of  the  bismuth  will  be  undentoodftom  the  ^ving, 
certain  practical  artifices  which  saggesi  themaelvea  when  the  tbrawmg  i»  altentirBlj  ie. 
spected,  being  introduced  to  ^Militate  the  placing  of  ike  axie  of  the  bar  alosg  the  asisof  the 
surrounding  belix.  The  current  rerersers  are  seen  wiibaut  the  case  i  two  opposite  sides  of 
the  latter  can  be  opened  by  the  handles^  A  and  U,  so  that  firee  and  easy  access  to  the  iaterior 
is  always  lecared. 

Ejspetimenis  is  be  made  with  ike  Polfeuigaet, 

1.  All  the  experiments  that  are  usually  msde  with  an  upright  eteclro-^magncft 

2.  The  rarious  portions  of  the  instrument  may  with  g^eat  facility  be  lifted  separsfely  out 
of  the  case.  One  of  the  electro- magnets  being  thus  remored,  a  rope  can -be  passed  tbrougll 
a  ring,  r,  Introduced  for  this  pucpose  into  the  eross-pioee,  fig.  1.  Adjacent  to  tbe  serews, 
g  aud  A,  two  plates  of  brass  are  seen  ;  these  are  attached  to  rtte  brass  reels  of  the  faeliees, 
and  by  passing  a  pin  through  the  holes  shown  in  the  figure,  the  heliees  are  presented  from 
falling  when  the  magnet  is  turned  upside  down.  Attaching  the  rope  to  n  book  in  the  ceil- 
ing, or  to  a  strong  ftame  made  for  the  purpose,  experiments  on  me  lifting  power  'of  the 
magnet  may  be  made. 

3.  While  one  of  the  magnets  is  suspended  as  last  described,  the  other,  whreh  is  of  exactly 
the  same  size,  can  be  brought  up  against  it,  the  free  ends  of  the  four  cores  beliig  thus  in 
contsct.  The  same  current  being  sent  through  both  magnets,  we  have  the  raotual  attrsc 
tton  of  two  electro-magnets  instead  of  the  attraction  of  an  electro-magnet  for  a  mass  of  soft 
iron,  as  supposed  in  the  lest  experiment.  The  arrangement  just  described  is,  indeed,  pre- 
cisely that  cfevised  by  M.  Pouillet  in  the  construction  of  a  powerfbl  electro -magnet  for  the 
faculty  of  sciences  at  Paris.  To  the  cross-piece  of  the  second  magnet  a  ring  h  alio 
attached,  from  which  weights  ean  be  suspended. 

4.  The  cross-pieces  may  be  removed  by  withdrawing  the  screws,  g  snd  h,  and  the  spirdi 
may  be  made  use  of  singly  with  their  corresponding  Imr-msgnets.  As  two  wires  surround 
each  coil,  one  of  them  may  be  used  to  exhibit  the  induced  currents  developed  by  the  other. 
The  phsenomena  of  the  extra-current  may  also  be  studied,  snd  the  remarkable  effect  pro- 
duced by  connecting  the  two  ends  of  one  of  the  wires,  or  the  spark  of  the  extra-eurrent  hi 
the  other,  may  be  exhibited. 

The  milled  head,  a,  fig.  7,  can  be  screwed  off,  and  the  rod,  ae,  pushed  downwards  into  the 
case;  the  helix  in  the  centre  can  also  be  readily  lifted  out  of  its  position,  and  remored 
from  the  glass  case.  We  will  suppose  this  done.  The  two  electro- magnets  alone  are  now 
within  the  case,  and  the  view  is  uninterrupted,  which  would  not  be  the  case  if  the  helix  had 
been  pennitted  to  remain. 

The  fibre  hanging  from  the  groove,  d,  fig.  7,  can  be  so  arranged  that  any  snbstanee 
attached  to  it  shall  hang  between  the  movable  masses  of  soft  iron  which  surmonnt  the 
electro-magnets,  and  the  same  arrangement  can  be  made  for  the  fibre  suspended  from  the 
groove,  d'. 

Fig.  6.  Fig.  8a.  Fig.  7. 


But  a  body  suspended  between  the  movable  masses  of  soft  Iron  would  b»  hidden  by  tbcse 
maases  from  the  audience,  and  hence  to  render  the  motions  of  the  body  visible,  the  foiled- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


sBorasfieB  ttmiiall's  voltxaghxt.  605 

ing  expcditnt  wt»  adopted  i«-Fig.  8«  represents  a  thin  index  of  ivory,  about  4  inches  long, 
and  ihaped  as  in  the  ignre ;  from  the  eentre  depends  the  stenn,  dc,  whieh  is  terminated  hy  a 
tongs-shaped  arrangemeot  which  ean  elasp  the  hody  to  be  submiited  to  experiment ;  to  Uie 
right  of  the  index  a  seotion  of  the  little  ivory  pliers,  by  a  plane  passing  through  the  stem  at 
right  aa^es  to  t  n,  is  given ;  the  stem  is  slit  up  to  a,  io>  as  to  alioir  of  the  pliers  being 
opened  to  reeeive  the  body  to  be  examined,  which  tiiey  then  clasp  in  rirtne  of  the  elasticity 
of  the  imy.  The  stem,  de,  is  of  such  a  leagth  that  when  the  body  is  in  the  oentre  of  the 
space  between  the  poles,  the  index,  I  n,  is  seen  above  then ;  aad  as  the  index  follows  all  the 
motions  of  the  body  underneath,  these  motions  are  reeogfnised  by  all  who  see  the  index. 

5.  If  an  ordinary  magnetic  bar,  sufficiently  feeble,  be  suspended  between  one  pair  of 
poles,  and  an  ordinary  diamagnetie  bar  between  the  other  pair,  on  sending  the  same  current 
round  both  magnets  the  index  of  the  former  tets  itself  parallel  to  the  polar  line,  while  the 
index  of  the  latter  seu  itself  perpendicular  to  the  polar  linCf  and  thus  the  pluenomena  of 
magnetism  and  diamagoetism  addrees  the  ^e  simultaneously. 

6.  In  the  same  way,  if  a  normal*  magnetic  bar  be  auspended  between  one  pair  of  poles, 
and  an  abnormal  magnetic  bar  between  the  other,  the  antithesis  of  their  deportment  may  be 
made  manifest.  The  same  antithesis  ia  exhibited  when  we  compare  a  normal  diamagnetie 
bar  with  an  abnormal  one. 

7.  Au4  when  between  one  pair  of  poles  is  suspended  a  normal  magnetic  bar,  and  between 
the  other  pair  an  abnormal  diamagnetie  one,  the  apparent  identity  of  deportment  of  both 
bars  is  rendered  evident  at  once.  The  same  identity  ia  shown  when  we  compare  the  abnor- 
mal magnetic  bar  with  the  normal  diamagnetie  one, 

8.  Causing  the  points  to  face  each  other,  instead  of  the  fiat  ends  of  the  poles,  and  observ- 
ing the  directions  given  in  the  paper  spoken  of,  the  curious  phoonomena  of  rotation  on  rais* 
ing  or  lowering  the  body  from  between  the  pointa,  first  observed  by  M.  PlJioker,  and 
explained  in  the  paper  referred  to,  may  be  exhibited*  v 

9.  To  show  thai  a  bar  of  bismuth,  suspended  within  a  helix  and  acted  upon  by  magnets, 
presents  phaenomena  exactly  analogous  to  those  of  soft  iron,  only  always  in  opposite  direc- 
tions, let  the  flat  helix  be  replaced  between  the  two  electro-maguets.  The  bar  of  bismuth 
used  in  experiments  wiih  the  instrument  now  described  is  6  inches  long  and  0*4  of  an  inch 
in  diameter.  Suspended  m>  as  to  swing  freely  within  the  helix,  its  ends  lie  between  the 
movable  masses  of  iron  which  rest  upon  the  electro-magnetic  cores*  Four  poles  are  thus 
brought  simultaneously  to  bear  upon  the  bar  of  bismuth,  and  ita  action  is  thereby  rendered 
both  prompt  and  energetic.  The  two  poles  to  the  right  of  the  bar  must  both  be  of  the  same 
name,  and  the  two  to  the  left  of  the  bar  of  the  opposite  quslity.  If  those  to  the  right  be 
both  north,  those  to  the  left  must  be  both  south,  and  viet  9tr*d,  On  sending  a  current 
from  ten  or  fifteen  cells  round  the  helix,  and  exeiting  the  magoeta  by  a  battery  of  four  or 
five  cells,  the  current  reversers  place  the  defiections  of  the  bar  entirely  under  the  experi- 
menter's control.  By  changing  the  direction  of  the  current  in  the  helix  by  means  of  its 
reverser,  a  change  of  deflection  ia  produced ;  the  same  is  efi*ected  if  the  polai^ty  of  the 
magnets  be  changed  by  the  reverser  which  belongs  to  them.  For  a  full  description  of  all 
these  phenomena,  I  must  refer  the  reader  to  the  paper  on  the  nature  of  the  diamagnetie 
force,  already  mentioned. 

10.  To  those  acquainted  with  what  has  been  done  of  late  years  in  diamagnetism,  nume- 
runs  other  experiments  will  suggest  themselves.  The  antithesis  of  two  isomorphous 
cnrstals,  one  magnetic  and  the  other  diamagnetie,  the  general  phaenomena  of  magnecrys- 
tallie  action,  and  the  analogous  efifeots  produced  by  pressure  may  all  be  exhibited.  ' 

By  placing  one  of  the  helices  of  the  electro -magnet  upon  the  other,  a  coil  of  double 
length  is  obtained,  and  two  such  coils  may  be  formed  from  the  four  which  we  have 
described.  For  the  additional  expense  of  the  iron  merely,  a  single  electro-magnet,  far 
more  powerful  than  either  of  the  otherb,  because  excited  by  twice  the  quantity  of  coil,  may 
be  obtained. 

I  think  ii  would  be  an  improvement  if  the  auspensions  were  independent  of  the  glass 
ease,  so  as  to  permit  of  the  entire  removal  of  the  latter.  The  best  way  of  showing  the 
deflection  of  the  bismuth  bar  within  the  central  helix  to  a  large  audience  is,  to  attach  a 
Ibng,  light  index  to  the  bar  itself,  and  permit  this  index  to  enter  a  French  shade  which  will 
protect  it  sufficiently  from  currents  of  air.  With  this  arrangement  the  motions  are  strikingly 
evident,  and  may  be  seen  by  hundreds  at  once.  The  instrument  above  deacribed  was  con- 
structed by  Mr.  Becker,  of  Newman-street,  and  its  cost  is  about  JS24.  It  was  not  my 
intention  originally  to  have  so  much  wire  round  the  electro-magnets  ;  and  the  effects  may 

•  For  the  exphmation  of  normal  and  abnormal  ban  see  a  memoir  "  On  the  Nature  of  the  Force  by 
which  bodtot  are  repelled  Arom  the  Poles  of  a  Magnet,'*  to  be  published  in  the  forthcomiiig  part  of  the 
PkUoiopkicat  Ttan9aeUon$, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


eoft 


Olf  HAfttlt^MKi'iltiAlS^. 


also  be  made  ixianlfest  with  a  smaller  eentral  eon.  I  btve  no  dtttbt  liMt  wiA  8  Ibik  ^  wire 
found  each  limb  of  the  eleetro.ynag^ets,  and  a  central  coil  weighib^  4  Iba.,  the  ex^crimaali 
might  be  exhibited  to  a  large  audience  with  perfect  distinctnees.  A  tenaible  dinriiratioii  of 
oott  would,  of  course,  accompany  this  diminution  of  material  and  labour, 


ON  NATURE-PRINTINO. 
(Concludsd  from  pags  5S2.) 


DuRiifO  the  next  twenty  years  nature- 
printing  was  but  indifferently  prosecuted  by 
various  persons  for  various  purposes.  Mr. 
Taylor,  of  Nottingham,  as  far  back  as  1842, 
printed  lace,  &c.,  specimens  of  which  were 
exhibited  at  the  Great  Exhibition  {  and  Mr. 
Twining,  of  Nottingham,  in  1847,  printed 
ferns,  grasses,  and  plants,  which  were  ex- 
hibited by  the  Botanical  Society  of  Lon- 
don.  He  adopted  the  same  plana  as  those 
used  by  Kniphof  and  Hoppe. 

In  1847,  also,  Br.  Fergnson  Branson 
commenced  a  series  of  experiments,  an  In- 
teresting paper  upon  which  was  read  before 
the  Society  of  Arts  in  1851,  and  therein  for 
the  first  time  was  suggested  the  application 
of  that  second  and  most  important  element 
in  nature- printing  which  is  now  its  essen- 
tial  foature— the  application  of  the  electro, 
type. 

"  I  beg  leave,"  says  he,  "  to  bring  before 
the  notice  of  the  Society  of  Arts  a  new  me- 
thod of  engraving  plates  for  printing  ferns, 
leaves,  seaweeds,  and  other  flat  plants.  .  . 
Having  taken  in  gutta-percha  some  impres- 
sions of  ferns,  the  singularly  beautiftil 
manner  in  which  the  exact  character  of  the 
plant  was  transferred  to  the  gum  suggested 
to  me  the  possibility  of  printing  Arom  the 
gutta-percha  itself,  so  as  to  produce  on 
paper  a  facsimile  of  the  plant.  That  expe- 
riment partially  succeeded,  and  curiously 
tested  the  elasticity  of  the  substance ;  for 
the  impression  remained  uninjured,  after 
being  subjected  to  the  great  pressure  of  a 
copper-plate  roller.  J  say  that  it  partially 
succeeded ;  for  the  printer  found  it  utterly 
impossible  so  thoroughly  to  cleanse  the  ink 
from  the  margin  around  the  impression,  as 
not  when  printed  to  leave  a  dirty  stain  on 
the  paper.  The  impressions  thus  produced 
were  very  accurate;  but  the  process  was 
valueless  as  regards  multiplication  of  the 
prints." 

It  then  occurred  to  Dr.  Branson  that  an 
electrotype  copy  would  obviate  the  difficulty. 

He  afterwards  stated  that  he  abandoned 
the  process  of  electrotyping  in  consequence 
of  his  finding  it  tedious,  troublesome,  and 
costly  to  produce  large  plates.  Having  oc- 
casion,  however,  to  get  an  article  cast  in 
brass,  he  was  astonished  at  the  beautiful 
manner  in  which  the  form  of  the  model  was 
reproduced  in  the  metal.  He  determined, 
therefore,  to  have  a  cast  taken  in  brass  from 


a  gtttta-percha  mould  of  Ibms,  and  was 
much  gratified  to  see  the  impre^saoa  ren- 
dered almost  as  miBntely  as  1^  tiw  ekelra- 
type  process ;  •  but,  however  «uri«ii8  Us 
individual  specimens,  the  proeesa  prodneed 
no  practical  resnlt 

In  1849,  Professor  Leydolt,  of  the  Im- 
perial Polyteehnio  Instttnto  at  Vienaa, 
availed  himself  of  the  vesomroes  of  the  Im- 
perial printing-office  to  carry  into  cxeenliion 
a  new  method  he  had  eoneeived  of  repw- 
venting  agatea  and  other  qoartzoae  minerals 
in  a  manner  trae  to  nature.  Prof^aaor  Ley- 
dolt  had  occupied  himself  for  aeonsiderabie 
period  in  examining  tiie  origin  and  eompo- 
sition  of  these  interesting  objeeta  in  g«to- 
logy.  In  the  course  of  hia  experiments  and 
investigations  he  had  oocasimi  to  eirpose 
them  to  the  action  of  flaorie  acid,  when  be 
found,  in  the  case  of  an  agate^  that  many  of 
the  concentric  soales  were  totally  nn- 
changed,  while  others,  to  a  great  extent,' 
decomposed  by  the  aoid,  appeared  aa  hol- 
lows between  the  unaltmd  soales.  It  oe- 
curred  to  Leydolt  that  the  surfaces  of  bodies 
thus  corroded  might  be  printed  from,  and 
copies  multiplied  with  the  greatest  ftusUity. 

The  simplest  mode  for  obtaimng  printed 
copies  is  to  take  an  impression  direct  from 
the  stone  itself.  The  surface  after  harlng 
been  etched  is  well  washed  with  dilate  hy- 
drochloric acid  and  dried;  then  earefiillj 
blaclcened  with  printer's  ink.  By  plsetng 
a  leaf  of  paperf  upon  it,  and  by  pressing  It 
down  upon  every  portion  of  the  etched  or 
corroded  surface  with  a  bnmisher,  an  im- 
pression  is  obtained,  repreaenting  ihe  exys. 
tallised  rhomboidal  quartx  frfaeX,  and  the 
weaker  parts  that  have  been  deoompeaed  by 
the  action  of  the  acid  vfkii0.  It  requires 
but  a  small  quantity  of  ink — and  partieolar 
care  must  be  exercised  in  the  rubbing  down 
of  the  impression.  This  mode  ta  good  as 
far  as  it  goes— bat  it  is  slow  and  nneettain 
—  incurring  a  certain  aroonnt  of  tisk, 
owing  to  the  brittle  nature  of  the  object ; 
and  the  effoct  produced  Is  not  altogether 
correct,  since  it  represents  those  portions 
black  that  should  be  white,  and  those  white 
that  should  be  black. 

*  Tlia  easting  in  bnaa  to  a  very  InHreittHg  ex- 
periment, but  Its  results  cannot  be  eompared  with 
the  production  of  the  electrotype. 

f  India  paper  and  ehalk  paper  are  the  beat 
adapted  for  the  purpose. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


w  If 4TinuHP9i««i«a. 


607 


TIm  atOM  it  not  mBeksatHy  ttrong  to  he 
•abfected  to  the  ootion  of  ft  printing-preM ; 
•n  exBot  fme-^imik  east,  therefore,  of  it 
must  be  obtained,  and  in  euoh  a  form  as 
oan  be  printed  from.  To  efieot  thia,  the 
surface  of  any  saoh  stone  (preriously  etched 
by  corroaion)  must  be  extended  by  imbed, 
ding  it  in  any  plastic  composition  that  will 
yield  a  perfectly  flat  and  smooth  surface,  so 
ihat  the  surrottttdiBg  s«rfaee'of  the  plastic 
compositioa  will  be  oEactly  level  with  the 
ansface  af  the  etched  stone :  all  that  is  ne- 
cessary now  is  to  prepare  the  electrotype 
appwatnC)  by  which  a  perfect  JaO'SimUe  is 
produced,  representing  the  agate  impressed, 
m  it  were^  into  a  poUahed  piste  of  copper. 
This  forass  the  printing-plate.  The  ink  in 
this  caae,  as  eppooed  to  the  mode  before  re- 
feired  to,  is  noi  applied  upon  the  aurfiuse, 
hat  in  the  depressions  caused  by  the  action 
of  the  aeid  on  the  weaker  parts  i  the  paper 
is  forced  into  these  depressions  in  the  opera* 
tion  of  printuig,  which  results  in  producing 
an  impression  in  relief—- a  feature  that  is 
rather  peenliar  to  the  process,  as  the  raised 
appearanoe,  especially  in  the  case  of  plants, 
adds  very  nmeh  to  their  effect. 

The  impressionc  printed  in  this  latter 
manner  present  far  more  beautiful  and  na* 
tnral  representations,  since  the  crystallised 
quarts  are  represented  white,  while  the  de« 
compoeed  parts  appear  hlaek. 

Professor  LeydoJt,  however,  suggests  that 
some  corroded  stones  are  better  auited 
sometimes  for  one  method  of  representation 
than  the  other  i  and  nttention  should  be  paid 
to  this  while  the  stones  are  being  exposed  to 
the  action  of  the  acid.  He  considers  that 
important  advantages  will  result  to  science 
from  the  perfect  fisithftilness  of  such  repre- 
sentations, and  from  the  fiusility  and  incon- 
siderable expense  of  their  production. 

Other  objects  in  geology  —  such  as  the 
ftMsil  remaina  of  fishes,  planta,  and  other 
organic  remain»-^in  some  cases  oan  be,  and 
have  been,  copied  with  unmistakable  re- 
semblance to  the  original. 

It  is  not  dear  who  may  have  anggested 
the  possibility  of  creating  impressions  of 
these  lasunsmed  objects,  but  one  thing  is 
beyond  a  doubt,  that  the  prodnotioA  of  them 
was  left  entirely  to  the  judgment  of  Andrew 
Worring,  as  was  also  the  ease  in  the  produc- 
tion of  the  agates  and- other  atones. 

In  operating  upon  this  class  of  objeots,  it 
is  desirable  that  the  original  should  be  as 
flat  as  possible,  as  the  flatter  the  general 
surface  is,  the  more  successful  will  be  the 
efiect  produced. 

A  mould  in  the  first  place  is  taken  with 
gelatine  or  liquid  gutta-percha,  the  elas. 
ticity  of  which  materials  are  favourable  for 
flattening  the  mould  without  distortion 
when  separated  from  the  original— a  mode 


that  is  to  be  preferred  to  depositing  copper 
direct  upon  them,  since  it  is  very  much 
more  easily  manipulated,  and  without  the 
slightest  risk  of  damaging  the  originals, 
owing  to  the  absence  of  pressure. 

This  gelatine  or  gutta-percha  mould  is 
rendered  metallic  or  conducting  in  the  usual 
way  by  the  application  of  plumbago,  and 
copper  is  deposited  until  of  sufficient  thick- 
ness to  form  a  printing-plate. 

In  1852,  Mr.  Aitken,  of  Birmingham, 
f<^]owed  the  footsteps  of  Kyhl  in  various 
experiments  made  by  him  in  Britannia 
metal.  He  took  impressions  of  lace,  skele- 
ton-leaves, feathers,  &c.,  in  Britannia  metal, 
for  the  purpose  of  ornamentation,  in  the 
same  way  as  Kyhl  is  said  to  have  done  in 
articles  of  silver.  About  this  period  Dr. 
Branson  again  made  experiments,  and  en- 
deavoured to  bring  nature-printing  into 
practical  operation.  He  too  tried  impres- 
sions  on  Britannia  metal,  not  altogether 
with  the  view  of  printing  direct  from  such 
platea,  desirable  as  it  would  be  to  dispense 
with  the  operation  of  Uklng  casts — but  of 
transferring  impressions  to  stone ;  and  after 
printing  an  impression  on  some  neutral  tint, 
to  resort  to  colouring  by  hand.  (Specimens 
of  this  method  were  lying  on  the  table  of 
the  Royal  Institution  during  the  delivery  of 
Mr.  Bradbury's  lecture  i  but,  on  examina- 
tioui  would  not  bear  comparison  with  the 
productions  of  the  present  time.) 

In  the  Imperial  Printing-office  of  Vienna, 
the  first  application  of  tsking  impressions 
of  lace  on  pistes  of  metal,  by  means  of 
rollers,  took  place  in  the  month  of  May, 
1862 1  *  it  originated  in  the  Minister  of  the 
Interior,  Baumgartner,  having  received 
specimens  from  London,  which  so  much 
attracted  the  attention  of  the  Chief  Director, 
that  he  determined  to  produce  others  like 
them.  This  led  to  their  using  gutta<percha 
in  the  aanie  way  that  Dr.  Branson  had  used 
it  I  but  finding  this  material  did  not  possess 
altogether  the  necessary  properties,  the  ex- 
perience of  Andrew  Worring  induced  him 
to  substitute  lead,  which  was  attended  with 
remarkable  success.  Professor  Haidinger, 
on  seeing  specimens  of  these  laces,  and 
learning  the  means  by  which  they  had  been 
obtained,  proposed  the  application  of  the 
process  to  plants.  The  results  of  these  ex- 
perimenU,f  as  well  as  those  of  Professor 
Levdolt  shove  referred  to,  appeared  in  the 
fifth  volume  of  Memoirs  of  the  Imperial 
Academy,  published  at  Vienna  in  I860. 

"  The  Austrian  patent  was  taken  out  on  the 
12th  October,  1853,  in  the  name  of  Andrew  Wot- 
rbig. 

t  These  eoaslsted  of  speolaeoB  of  lses«  Icavss, 


plant!,  mosses,  serpent-skins,  the  wing  of  a  bat, 
agates,  fossils,  and  petrifactions ;  and  it  is  some- 
what  cnrtoui  that  these  examples  were  similar  in 


character  to  those  chosen  by  Kyhl. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


608 


OH  X ATOXB-PSlKSmGK 


Up  to  this  time,  liowerer,  in  England, 
notwithstanding  the  above^mention^  ex- 
periments, the  diseorery  had  not  assumed 
any  practical  form  j  bat  there  is  little  doubt 
that  if  any  of  these  persons  had  had  the  re« 
quisite  moans  and  appllanoes,  it  would  hate 
boon  brought  to  peribotion  earlier.  These 
consist  mainly  in  the  precipitation  of  metals 
upon  moulds  or  matrixes  by  means  of  elec- 
tro-galvanic  agency. 

Nature-printing  owes  its  present  snecess 
to  the  eleetrotjTpe,  whieh  was  then,  and  even 
at  the  present  time  is,  the  only  means  by 
^irhichfaittful  oopies  can  be  taken  of  those 
delioate  fibrous  details  that  are  furnished  in 
the  examples  of  tlie  impressioos  of  botanical 
and  other  figures  in  metal.  It  may  be  said 
to  be  owing  to  the  extensive  scale  upon 
which  the  process  of  the  electrotype  is  eon- 
dactad  in  the  Imperial  establishment,  that 
Worring  was  enabled  to  render  the  process 
ofnature-printing  practically  available  as  a 
printing  art. 

The  deposition  of  metals  by  galvanic 
agency,  though  long  known  and  practised 
in  England,  has  been  considered  naore  as  a 
9cientific  than  a  praetieal  mode  of  casting; 
and  it  is  only  within  the  last  few  years  that 
iu  value  in  iU  manufacturing  capabilities 
has  been  properly  understood.  Up  to  within 
a  short  time  it  has  been  found  unosrtain, 
difficult,  tedious,  expetistve,  and  requiring 
great  length  of  time  to  obtain  adequate  re- 
sulta  from  it;  but  Mr.  Bradbury  stated  that 
he  had  for  the  last  two  years  devoted  his 
energies  to  overcome  tliese  difficulties,  and 
that  his  experiments  bad  been  attended  with 
many  practical  advantages  in  the  art  of 
printing.  On  tlie  table  before  him  he  had 
a  small  electrotype  apparatus,  b^  which  was 
produced  a  perfect  electrotype  cast  of  an  im- 

Sressed  metal  plate  before  the  audience  in 
alf  an  hour.*  He  stated,  that  one  of  his 
experimento  had  been  crowned  with  such 
suooess  that  he  had  reduced  the  operation 
of  the  battery  and  the  decomposition  trough 
to  so  rapid  and  certain  a  result,  as  to  be  able 
to  duplicate  the  woodcuta  contained  in  a 
number  of  the  lUuttrated  London  Nevfs,  no 
matter  what  their  number  or  sise,  in  tbo 
short  space  of  twelve  hours  (ready  in  every 
respect  for  the  press),  which  he  stated  as  his 
behef  was  one  of  the  greatest  practical  ac- 
complishmenta  that  had  ever  been  made  in 
any  country  in  this  branch  of  science ;  the 
value  of  which  to  the  journal  in  question 
will  be  best  understood  when  it  is  known, 
that  without  this  or  other  means  (not  yet 
discovered),  the  production  of  the  requisite 
number  of  copies  in  time  for  publication 
would  be  a  mechanical  impossibility  (so  ex- 

*  In  the  a(t«rpart  of  the  evening  Mr.  Bradbury 
sueceeded  in  producing  thin  electro-platei  of  iia- 
pressed  plates  In  five  minutes. 


tensive  is  its  cirealatlon),  sinee  from  one  set 
of  engravitigs  there  is  a  limit  to  the  nambet 
of  impressimis  thsft  can  bo  printed  ikt»m  ose 
machine  in  a^iven  time. 

The  mode  df  printiog  these  el«etTotype* 
plates  of  planta  is  the  same  as  in  or^ary 
copper  .plate  printing,  wliere  the  impression 
is  produced  by  passing  the  inked  plate  with 
the  sheet  of  paper  liud  upon  it  througti  a 
pair  of  rollers,  one  of  whieh  is  covered  with 
four  or  five  thicknesses  of  blanketing,  which 
causes  the  jpeeitliar  raised  or  embossed  ap- 
pearanoe  ot  the  impression. 

In  sttch  cases,  wh^re  there  are  three,  four, 
or  more  colours,  fbr  instanee^as  in  flower. 
ing  plants  having  stems,  roots,  leaves,  and 
flowers— ihe  plan  adooted  in  the  inking*  of 
the  plate  is  to  spply  the  darkest  colour  firef, 
whieh  generally  happens  to  be  the  roots — 
the  superfluous  colont  is  cleaned  olP— the 
next  darkest  colour,  snoh  as  perhaps 'the 
colour  of  the  stems,  is  then  applied — the 
superfluotts  colour  of  whieh  is  also  cleared 
off";  this  mode  is  continimd  until  every  part 
of  the  plant  inthecopper-plate  has  received 
ita  right  colour*  In  this  state,  before  tlie 
plate  is  printed,  the  coloors  in  the  diflbrent 
parta  of  the  copper  look  as  if  the  plant  was 
imbedded  in  copper.  By  putting  tl^  darkest 
colour  in  at  the  beginning,  tibere  is  less 
chance  of  smearing  the  l^ter  ones;  die 
printer,  toOj  is  not  only  able  ^y  this  means 
to  blend  one  colour  into  another,  but  to 
print  all  the  colours  at  one  single  irapres- 
sion. 

The  Jifii  praetiosl  api^ioslion  of  nature- 
printing  for  illustrating  a  botanical  work, 
and  whieh  has  been  attended  with  ooaside. 
rable  success,  is  Chevalier  Von  Heufler's 
work  on  the  Mossei^f  collected  from  the 
Valley  of  Arpasch,  in  Transylvania ;  the  «r- 
nond  (th^ Jlrtt  tn  tMt  eommtrp)^!*  Ae  "  Ferns 
of  €rraat  Britain  and  Ireland,"  in  coorso  of 
publication,  under  the  editorship  of  Dr. 
Lindley,  and  printed  by  Messrs.  Brsdbnry 
and  Evans.  Fsms,  by  their  pecoliar  strue« 
ture  and  general  flatness,  are  especially 
adapted  to  develope  the  capabilities  of  the 
process,  and  there  is  no  race  of  planta  where 
minute  accuracy  in  delineation  is  of  nciore 
vital  importance  than  the  ferns ;  in  the  dis- 
tinction of  wbich,  the  form  of  indentattona, 
general  ontline,  the  exact  manner  in  which 
repeated  subdiTision  rs  efiiected,  and  naoat 
especially  the  distribution  of  veins  scareelj 

*  The  copper  deposited  upon  mould*  by  electro* 
galvanic  agency,  is  precipitated  In  such  tnconeeiv- 
ably  small  atoms,  that  the  defects  prevfooely  le* 
ferred  to  in  the  sorfaoe  of  the  lead  plate,  are 
also  faiihfiMf  oopied,  but  the  taxU»  of  eonper 
(unlike  that  of  lead)  will  allow  of  these  delbcta 
being  removed  by  the  aid  of  the  bonisher,  and  a 
polisned  sutfaeejireeerved. 

t  *<  Specimen  Florie  Gryptogamie  vallis  Arpaadi 
CarpatsB  Transylvani"  Conaeiipsit  Ludovkos 
Eques  ds  Heufler.   Vienna,  i8M.  Imp.  foUot 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


ON  NAxaBB-nuMtma. 


609 


TisiblQ  to  tht  B«jked  e/e,  pli^  the  most  im- 
portAnt  pwt  To  ezpres*  inch  facts  wUk 
the  necessiury  accunox,  the  art  of  a  Talbot 
or  a  Daguerre  would  have  been  insuffieieBt 
until  naiore-priatiag  was  brought  to  iu 
prsseBt  state  ofperfectiou.. 

Mc.B^cadbiury  thea  adverted  to  the  inge- 
nious and  besnitiful  prodtiotions  of  Felix 
Abste)  of  Napleiu  Uis  nature- representa. 
tiona  ooBiUt  of  seetioos  of  wood,  in  which 
the  grain  Ib  admirably  represented.  He 
terms  his  peculiar  process  Thermography, 
or  the  art  of  printing  by  heat.  The  process 
consists  in  wetting  slight^  the  surface  of 
the  wood  of  which  fac-timilet  are  to  be 
made,  with  ai^  diluted  acid  or  alkali,  and 
then  taking  an  impression  upon  paper,  or 
calico,  or  white  wood;  the  impression  is 
quite  invisible,  bat  by  exposing  it  for  a  few 
instants  to  a  strong  heat,  the  impression 
appears  in  a  more  or  less  deep  tone,  acoord- 
ing  to  the  strength  of  the  aeid  or  alkali.  In 
this  way  every  gradation  of  brown  from 
maple  to  walnut  is  pioduoed ;  but  for  seme 
woods  which  have  a  peculiar  colour,  the 
paper,  &e^  is  to  be  ooioared,  either  before 
or  after  the  impreasioo,  according  to  the 
lightest  shades  of  the  wood.  Abate,  in  his 
manipulations^  ^so  employs  the  ordinary 
dyeing  process. 

It  is  to  be  hoped  that  Abate' s  process 
may  become  alike  useful  to  the  natural 
sciences  and  the  decorative  arts. 

Mr.  Bradbury  stated,  in  conelusiony  that 
we  are  indebted  to — 

Kniphof,  for  the  application  of  the  pre- 
cesa  in  its  rude  state } 

Kyhl,  for  having  first  made  use  of  steel 
rollers ; 

Branson,  for  the  suggestion  of  the  else* 
trotype; 

Leydolt,  for  the  remarkable  results  he 
obtained  in  the  representation  of  flat  objects 
of  mineralogy,  such  as  agates,  fossils,  and 
petrifactions ; 

Haidinger,  for  having  promptly  suggested 
the  impression  of  a  plant  into  a  plate  of  me* 
tal  at  the  very  time  the  modm  ppermidi  bad 
been  provided ; 

Abate,  for  ite  appHeatiou  to  tlie  represen- 
tation of  different  sorts  of  ornamental  woods 
on  woven  fabrics,  paper,  and  plain  wood ; 

Worring,  of  the  Imperial  Printing-office, 
Vienna,*  for  his  practical  services  in  carry 
ing  out  the  plans  of  Lejdolt  and  Haidin- 
ger. 

Natnrcprinting  may  be  considered  as 
still  in  its  infancy ;  but  the  results  already 
obtained  in  its  application  encourage  us  to 
expect  from  continued  efforts  such  further 

*  It  fa  gratifying  to  know  that  the  servicen  of 
this  gentleman  were  recognised  by  hit  tOTereign, 
who  mimifieentTy  rewarded  him  with  a  gift,  and 
likewtse  the  order  of  merit. 


improvements  as  will  place  it  not  least 
among  the  printing  arts. 

Since  the  foregoing  portion  of  this  article 
has  been  in  type,  Uie  following  interest- 
ing communication  from  Felix  Abate,  of 
Naples,  has  appeared  in  the  Jwmal  of  the 
Society  of  Arts: 

*'  In  the  first  eommunieation  I  had  the 
honour  to  make  to  the  Sooiety  of  Arts  *  on 
this  invention,**  says  tlie  author,  "  I  de- 
scribed two  different  proeesses  which  I  em- 
ploy for  the  purpose;  the  one  of  them 
depending  upon  the  effhcts  produced  by  the 
joint  action  of  acids  and  heat  upon  vegetable 
substances ;  and  the  other,  a  more  oomplex 
one,  as  it  comprises  the  different  processes 
upon  which  the  art  of  dyeing  and  printing 
textile  materials  rests.  Both  these  pro- 
cesses, by  difierent  means,  produce  nearly 
identical  result*. 

"  In  order  to  bring  my  invention  to  prac- 
tical utility,  and  make  it  serve  the  various 
purposes  of  the  decorative  arts  to  which  it 
may1>e  applied,  I  thought  it  was  requisite 
that  the  nature^prints  should  be  made  in  an 
endless  way,  as  is  done  for  woven  stufli, 
which,  besides  being  an  essential  point  for 
the  application  of  the  invention  to  house 
decoration,  is  uudoubtedly  the  most  suit* 
able  way  to  obtain  that  cheapnesa  of  manu- 
facture which  is  the  first  condition  ibr  the 
general  adoption  and  success  of  every  new 
invention.  I  had  then  to  choose  between  the 
two  above-mentioned  processes  to  which  of 
them  I  should  give  the  preference,  and  I 
found  the  second  one  to  be  iu  many  respects 
superior  to  tlie  other. 

**  A  machine,  constructed  upon  the  prin- 
ciple of  the  cylinder  printing-machine,  was 
then  requisite  for  my  purpose,  in  which  the 
printing  cylinder  should  be  made,  either 
solid  or  veneered,  of  the  wood  from  which 
impressions  are  intended  to  be  taken.  How. 
ever,  this  contrivance,  which  in  the  last 
quarter  of  a  century  has  brought  such  im- 
portant results  in  the  art  of  printing  textile 
manufacture,  could  not  be  applied  to  the 
above  purpose  without  meeting  with  pecu- 
liar difficulties,  against  which,  in  iact,  I 
had  long  to  contend.  The  most  serious  of 
these  difficulties  were  two-**the  one  was,  in 
contriving  a  self- acting  apparatus  for  feed- 
ing the  cylinder  with  the  requisite  fluid,  at 
such  a  constant  and  controllable  degree  as 
experience  has  found  suitable  in  the  print- 
ing with  flat  blocks  by  manual  labour  i  the 
other  was  in  the  discovery  of  some  new 
means  to  dispense  with  the  bathing  of  the 

{printed  stuff  either  in  a  mordant  or  in  a  oo- 
onring  bath,  whenever  paper  is  the  stuff  to 
be  printed  on ;  as  unsized  paper,  which  is 


•  See  JfMft.  Jfa^.,  vol.  Ixi.,  p.  4.  (Ko.  1012. ) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


610    AFPABATUS  FOB  COBREOT0r0  TSB  VAfilATIOHS  OF  SHIPS'  COMPASSES. 


the  most  suitable  for  tlie  purpose,  will  not 
bear,  in.  a  wet  state,  being  drawn  through 
the  machine.  Besides,  it  was  desirable  that 
the  different  successive  operations  which 
are  performed  in  printing  textile  manufac- 
tures should  be  done  at  one  time  and  in  a 
single  revolution  of  the  machine,  in  order 
to  reduce  the  cost  of  manufacture  to  its 
minimum. 

"  I  have  made  the  cylinder- feeding  ap- 
paratus in  the  shape  of  a  trough,  In  which 
the  wetting  fluid  is  kept  at  a  constant  level 
through  a  reservoir  from  above  and  a  dis. 
charge  (Vom  below.  A  cloth,  one  side  of 
which  is  immersed  in  the  liquid,  acts  by 
capillary  attraction  as  a  syphon,  and  com- 
municates the  liquid  in  a  continuous  supply 
to  the  revolving  cylinder  witli  which  it  is 
in  contact  from  the  other  side ;  an  elastic 
cushion  placed  between  the  trough  and  the 
cloth  securing  the  requisite  equality  of 
pressure  of  the  latter  upon  the  cylinder, 
while  a  pair  of  screws  pressing  on  the  back 
of  the  trough  serve  to  regulate  at  will  the 
degree  of  such  pressure.  This  apparatus 
answers  the  purpose  perfectly  well. 

"  In  order  to  dispense  with  the  bathing 
of  the  printed  stuff,  I  had  recourse  to  the 
metallic  sulphurcts,  which  are  known  to 
produce  more  lasting  colours  than  the  vege- 
table dyeing  stuffs.  Therefore  I  contrived 
to  obtain  the  required  effects  by  using  for 
the  printing  menstruum  any  of  those  me- 
tallic salts,  such  as  copper,  iron,  &c.,  which 
by  the  action  of  hydrosulphuretted  ncid  or 
alkalies  are  precipiuted  in  the  state  of 
metallic  coloured  sulphurcts;  I  use  such 
re-agents  in  the  gaseous  form,  such  as 
hydrosulphuretted  amnioniacal  gas.  The 
printed  stuff  is  made  to  ^ass  direct  from 
the  cylinder  after  it  is  prmted,  through  a 
box,  which  is  kept  constantly  supplied  with 
a  current  of  gas;  It  comes  out  of  the  box 
completely  finished ;  then,  passing  through 
a  stove  kept  at  a  moderate  heat,  dries — and 
lastly  winds  itself  round  a  reel,  ready  for 
sale.  In  this  way  tl»e  thorough  printing  of 
the  stuff  in  a  single  revolution  of  the  ma- 
chine is  performed. 

"  The  principle  of  using  the  hydrosul- 
phurets  in  the  gaseous  state  in  the  art  of 
dyeing,  which,  as  far  as  my  knowledge 
goes,  has  never  been  done  before,  is  of  con- 
siderable importance  in  that  branch  of 
manufacture,  as  it  produces  the  most  satis- 
factory results  wiin  the  greatest  conveni- 
ence and  cheapness,  while  it  entirely  obvi- 
ates the  evil  arising  from  the  noxious 
evaporations  of  the  bydrosulphurets  when 
used  in  the  liquid  state  and  left  to  evapo^ 
rate  in  the  open  air." 


APPARATUS    FOR     CORRECTING 

THE  VARIATIONS  OP  SHIPS' 

COMPASSES. 

Lieutenant  Friend,  of  the  royal  navy, 
and  Mr.  Browning,  philosophical  instru- 
ment maker,  of  the  Minories,  have  patented 
an  invention  Which  has  for  its  o^ect  the 
construction  and  use  of  an  apparatus  deno- 
minated a  "pelorut"  for  determining  the 
amount  of  magnetic  aberration  occasioned 
by  local  attraction  in  ships  or  vessels  of 
every  description,  by  the  use  of  which  ap- 
paratus, together  with  a  certain  improved 
binnacle  compass,  the  true  course  of  a  ship 
or  vessel  is  to  be  from  time  to  time  accu- 
rately ascertained. 

The  combined  apparatus  may  be  described 
as  follows : 

First.  A  metallic  ring  is  divided  into  de- 
grees and  parts  of  the  circle  commencing 
at  zero, — this  point  being  placed,  when  the 
instrument  is  used,  to  represent,  or  coincide 
with  the  head  of  the  vessel, — and  the  divi- 
sions are  continued  from  zero  on  each  side 
to  180^ 

Second,  Within  the  ring  before-mention- 
ed, and  moving  freely  upon  its  centre,  is  a 
metal  bar  furnished  with  sight  vanes  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  bearings.  Tliis  bar  is  also 
provided  with  verniers  at  its  extremities  for 
reading  off  the  points  indicated  upon  the 
metallic  ring. 

Third.  Moving  upon  the  same  pivot  as 
the  before-mentioned  parts,  and  beneath  the 
metal  bar,  is  placed  a  disc  or  card,  similar 
in  appearance  to  that  of  an  azimuth  com- 
pass, but  consisting  of  a  metallic  disc  with- 
out any  magnetic  needle,  and  having  a  sil- 
vered or  other  rim  divided  into  degrees  and 
parts  of  the  circle  in  the  ordiuar^*  manner. 
The  divisions  may  be  read  off  from  the  vernier 
at  each  end  of  the  moveable  bar,  but 
within  the  sieht  vanes,  and  also  at  or  from 
the  zero  of  the  ring.  The  disc  or  card  is 
fixed  to  the  bar  at  any  required  point  when 
necessary,  by  a  screw,  or  by  any  other 
means. 

The  whole  of  the  apparatus  may  be  sus- 
pended by  gymbals  in  a  square  box,  and 
balanced  by  a  weight,  to  keep  it  in  a  hori- 
zontal position,  in  the  ordinary  manner, 
and  it  may  be  adjusted  by  screws  at  the 
supporting  points  on  either  side  of  the  box. 

Fourth.  A  moveable  index,  similar  to  the 
hand  of  a  clock,  is  attached  to  the  centre, 
and  works  upon  the  upper  surface  or  face  of 
the  card  of  the  ordinary  binnacle  compass, 
which  card  is  to  be  divided  with  a  degree  of 
accuracy  corresponding  to  that  of  the 
•*  pelorus.** 

The  *|  peloTus,"  should  be  securely  fixed 
in  an  eligible  position  upon  any  firm  sup- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


COLLODION  PHPtMBinU  Oil  lAXAL,  VtOHB,  ETC. 


6U 


port  or  pedestal  id  the  neighbourhood  of  . 
the   bisnAcle,  and  elevated  sufficiently  to 
command  a  view  of  the  horisoo,  having  the 
zero  division  in  a  liqe  with  or  par^Iel  to 
the  keel.    When  properly  adjusted  in  this  , 
position  the  instrument  is  complete.  i 

The  inventors  expldn  the  use  of  the  in- 
strument as  follows :    '*  To  find  the  local   ; 
attraction  of  a  ship  or  vessel  before  leaving 
port,  bring  into  a  line  with  the  sight  vanes  ' 
the  most  distant  object  of  which  you  can 
obtain  the  view,  and  while  they  are  in  that  ! 
position  set  the  moveable  disc  or  card  so  ' 
that  it  may  correspond  at  the  aero  with  the  j 
binnacle  compass,  and  screw  it  tight,  still 
reUining  the  view  through  the  sight  vanes 
of  the    distant    object   before*  mentioned. 
Swing    the  vessel  completely  round,  pre- 
serving  her  local  position  of  centre  as  much 
as  possible.    At  every  point  of  the  compass 
observe  the  direction  of  the  ship's  head  as 
exhibited  respectively  by  the  *  pelorus,'  and 
binnacle  compass.    The  difference  between 
them  will  be  the  amount  of  local  attraction 
at  the  various  points  of  comparison.    In 
using  the  '  pelorus  *  at  sea  it  is  necessary 
to   observe    that  the  local  attraction  will 
vary  with  the  ship's  change  of  place  on 
the  globe:— the  ordinary  corrections  will 
therefore  be  chiefly  made  by  means  of  am- 

SUtudes  and  aaimuths  of  the  heavenly  bo- 
ies.  If  by  amplitude,  take  from  the  table, 
expressly  prepared  for  the  purpose,  the  an- 
tieipated  bearmg  of  the  body  to  be  observed, 
which  point  place  upon  the  moveable  disc 
or  card  coincident  with  the  vernier  or  mark 
immediately  within  the  sight  vane,  and 
screw  the  disc  firmly  to  the  bar  by  means  of 
the  nut  at  the  centre.  Take  the  amplitude  | 
in  the  usual  way,  and  at  the  same  moment 
let  the  direction  of  the  ship's  head  be  ob- 
served  by  the  binnacle  compass,  and  that  of 
the  pelorus  from  the  card  at  the  aero; — 
their  difference  will  be  the  gross  amount  of 
all  magnetic  errors  and  will  exhibit  the 
ship's  true  course.  If  the  variation  of  tlie 
compass  be  known  and  deducted  from  the 
gross  amount  of  errors  the  difference  will 
be  the  local  attraction  in  that  course.  Pro- 
ceed in  the  same  manner  with  the  aximuth, 
except  that  a  quadrant  will  be  required, 
which  must  be  set  to  the  altitude  at  which 
it  is  intended  the  star  should  be  observed. 
If  the  true  bearing  of  the  heavenly  body 
cannot  be  conveniently  ascertained  before 
the  observation,  as  the  object  may  be  riaing 
or  setting,  set  tlie  disc  or  card  d'ue  east  or 
west  to  the  vernier  within  the  sight  vane ; 
take  tlie  observation  as  before,  noting  the 
position  of  the  ship's  head  at  the  aero,  to 
which  apply  the  difference  of  the  true  bear- 
ing from  the  east  or  west  point  when  found. 
Thus,  if  the  object  be  taken  with  the  card  at 
west,  ten  degrees  north,  the  true  bearing 


being  to  the  right  band  of  that  which  wu 
assumed,  the  dtfierence  must  be  spplied  at 
the  point  shown  at  zero.  Thus: — An  azi- 
muth  taken  with  the  card  at  west  gave  the 
ship's  head  by  pelorus  south,  twenty  degrees 
east,  the  star  or  sun's  true  bearing  in  alti- 
tude was  found  to  be  west,  ten  degrees 
north,  which  being  to  the  right  hand  must 
be  applied,  as  before  observed,  to  the  point 
given  at  zero,  making  the  true  position  of 
the  ship's  head  south,  ten  degrees  east." 


COLLODION  PHOTOGRAPHS  OK 
METAL,  STONB,  &e. 

An  invention  which  consists  in  fixing, 
vitrifying,  and  colouring  photographic 
images,  taken  by  tlie  collodion  process  upon 
enamel,  metal,  stone,  porcelain,  glass,  china, 
and  all  kinds  of  earthenware,  has  recently 
been  patented  in  this  country. 

The  process  is  describedas  follows.  Upon 
a  plate  of  glass  is  poured  a  composition 
consisting  of  rectified  sulphuric  ether,  rcc- 
tified  alcohol,  gun  cotton,  and  hydrate  of 
ammonia.  After  this  has  been  left  to  dry 
for  a  few  seconds  the  plate  is  plunged  in  a 
solution  composed  of  distilled  water,  crys- 
tallized nitrate  of  silver,  and  rectified  al- 
cohol, with  or  without  a  solvent.  The  plate 
is  then  ready  to  receive  the  photographic 
imsge  in  the  usual  manner,  after  which  It 
is  introduced  into  a  bath  composed  of  fil- 
tered water,  sulphate  of  iron,  acetic  acid, 
and  sulphuric  acid.  After  the  proof  has 
been  washed  several  times  with  fresh  water 
it  is  plunged  into  a  bath  composed  of 
cyanide  of  potassium  and  distilled  water, 
and  then  submitted  to  the  action  of  a  solu- 
tion  of  bi-chloride  of  mercury,  hydrochloric 
acid,  and  distilled  water.  This  operation 
being  terminated,  a  very  sharp  permanent 
proof  is  obtained,  which  maybe  separated 
ft-om  the  glass  upon  which  it  has  been  made 
by  plunging  it  for  a  few  seconds  into  water^ 
and  taking  it  off  with  blotting  naper.  This 
image  may  be  applied  to  a  surface  of  metal, 
glass,  &c.,  of  any  form,  by  means  of  a  thin 
solution  of  ffum  or  other  adhesive  matter. 
It  is  then  submitted  to  the  heat  of  a  furnace, 
like  those  employed  in  the  porcelain  manu- 
facture, the  temperature  of  which  most  bo 
varied  according  to  the  fiistbility  of  tht 
substances  employed.  On  leaving  the  fur. 
nace  the  image  is  vitrified.  When  hard 
substances  are  employed,  such  as  iron,  steely 
&c.,  it  is  necessary  to  cover  them  with  vitri- 
fiable  colours,  in  order  to  ensure  the  perfect 
incorporation  or  incrustation  of  the  piotm 
or  image.  When  the  images  are  to  be 
coloured  it  is  niorelT  neoeesary  to  apply  the 
vitriflable  colours  by  flat  tints,  &c  The 
eolonrs  nay  be  employed  in  a  state   o| 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


612 


THE  SMOKri  ^K#M©rf. 


powder,  or  mixed  with  spirits  "of  Inrpen- 
tine,  lavender,  &c. 


PARIS  EXHIBirrON. 

Tub  following  law  for  proteoting  inven- 
tions and  deaiguB  exhibited  at  tne  Paris 
Exhibition  haaSeen  enacted  by  the  Imperial 
GovemineDt  of  France. 

Clauae  I.  Any  person^  whether  Frenchman 
or  foreigneri  who  is  the  author  or  inventor  of 
a  discovery  or  invention  capable  of  being 
patented  (according  to  the  provisions  of  the 
law  of  July  5,  1844),  or  of. a  design  capable 
of  registration  (agreeably  ta  the  law  of  March 
18,  1806),  or  the  represenUtives  of  such 
person  mny,  if  admiUed  to  the  Universal 
Exhibition,  obtain  from  the  imperial  com- 
mission of  the  exhibition  a  descriptive  cer- 
tificate icertifi&U  descripti/)  of  the  article 
exhibited. 

The  application  for  such  certificate  must 
be  made  within  one  month  from  the  opening 
of  the  exhibttioni  at  latest. 

Clause  2.  The  same  rights  and  privileges 
are  conferred  by  this  certificate  as  would  be 
oonferred  by  a  patent,  and  such  rights  and 
privileges  date  from  the  day  on  which  the 
article  was  admitted  by  th*?  local  committee 
oi  the  exhibition  to  the  1st  May,  IS56 
(even  when  the  date  of  such  admission  hap- 
pens to  be  prioi  to  the  publication  of  the 
present  law),  and  without  prejudice  to  any 
patent  which  the  exhibitor  might  take  out, 
or  any  design  which  he  might  register  be. 
fore  the  expiration  of  the  said  period. 

Clause  3.  The  application  for  a  certificate 
is  to  be  accompanied  by  an  exact  descrip- 
tion  of  the  article  to  be  protected,  and  a 
drawing,  if  necessary. 

These  applications,  together  witli  the  de- 
cisions of  the  imperial  commission  tbercon, 
are  to  be  entered  in  a  special  register,  which 
is  to  be  afterwards  lodged  at  the  office  of  the 
minister  of  agriculture,  commerce,  and 
public  works.  The  said  certificates  are  to 
bo  issued  gratuitously. 

THE  SMOKE  QUESTION. 
A  digest  of  the  information  obtained  with 
regard  to  the  operation  of  the  inventions  for 
the  eonsumption  of  smoke,  by  the  General 
Board  of  Health,  has  been  laid  before  Par- 
liament by  command  of  her  Majesty.  The 
following  are  submitted  •»  conclusions  de- 
duoedfrom  the  evidence  obtained : — 1.  Thst 
the  emission  of  smoke  is  the  efifect  of  im. 
perfect  combustion,  being  always  attended 
with  waste  of  fuel.  2.  That  the  fuel  wasted 
is  not  only  the  visible  smoke,  or  uuburnt 
oarbon,  but  a  larger  portion  in  the  form  of 
gas,   both   oommon   coal  or   oarboretted 


l^ydrogen  gw,  <tpd  tire  deKfly-t<wp#md 
known  as  carbMiie  t>tide,  wlii^  ie  <mly 
half-butnt  carbon,  containing  sve  eqaivulent 
of  carbeh  to  on»  of  olygen.  3.  That  the 
dhtef  impediment  to  the  pteveifthm  of  MMke 
in  factories  is  <he  in^dReieff i  boiler  mutux 
in" proportion  to  the  steam  rei)iiired,  a ^- 
ficTeney  which  oeenehHis  waste  iir  two  ways 
.«-by  the  escape  of  heKt'op  the  chimney  and 
by  the  hecessHy  of  «ver-€ring.  ♦.  That 
ordinanr  furnace  ntwken  *rre  ignorast  of 
scientific  pHnef^les,  and  guided  by  WBpiri- 
oil  rufes.  5.  That  nMny  persons  have,  in 
spite  of  all  difficulties,  sueceeiled  hi  enlkely 
preventing  the  Moape  of  visible  emefce, 
and  many  others  reduoed  the  time  of  iu 
emission.  6.  That  e^petienee  disproves 
the  truth  of  the  wlgar  altegttFion,  that  the 
prevention  of  smoke  must  oceaaion  in- 
ereased  difficulty  in,  getting  up  and  main- 
taining steam.  7.  That  successful  modes 
of  preventing  smoke,  if  there  be- prober 
boiler  surface,  may  be  adopted  without  in- 
fringing any  patent  lighta,  the  methods  in 
question  not  having  been  patented,  or  the 
patents  having  expired.  8.  That  sueh  is 
the  obstinacy  of  practieal  men.  and  their 
adherence  to  the  old  beaten  track,  that  com- 
pulsion by  law  is  necessary  to  abate  the 
smoke  nuisance,  to  save  the  raanufaetmcrs 
thereby  from  heavy  unnecessary  expense, 
and  to  save  millions'  worth  of  Aiel  a  year. 
9.  That  the  redaction  of  smoke  to  a  mmimmm 
amount  msy  be  efieoted  with  comparutive 
ease,  and  without  the  heavy  expenses  that 
would  be  entailed  on  factory  owners  by  the 
absolute  prohibition  of  smoke.  That  the 
enforcement  of  anti -smoke  regulationa  would 
be  best  effected  by  the  appointment  of  watch 
constables.  11.  That  great  fheility  for  the 
prevention  of  smoke  would  be  aSbrded  by 
the  publication  of  inventions  for  its  preven- 
tion, by  which  those  interested  might  be  in* 
structed  what  to  do  without  inSngemeBt 
of  patents;  and  12.  That  great  faclMtiea 
would  also  be  afforded  by  the  appointment  of 
qualified  officers,  not  connected  with  any 
patentee  or  boiler  manufacturer,  to  super- 
intend the  police  employed  to  supprets  the 
nuisance  of  smoke,  and  to  advise  owners  of 
furnaces  how  best  to  observe  the  law  and  to 
report  upon  its  infringement  In  the  rqKMt 
of  the  Board  of  Health  before  us,  among 
other  inventions  noticed,  the  substitution  of 
French,  Belgian,  or  Ameriean  stoves  for 
oommon  kitchen  ranges  is  strongly  reeom* 
mended  as  combining  economy  with  the 
prevention  of  smoke,  and  for  eommoD  do* 
mestic  fires  the  admirable  fireplaee  recently 
invented  by  Dr.  Amott,  and  described  at 
length  in  a  recent  number  of  the  Qaerisrljf 
Review,  is  probably,  in  the  opinion  of  tM 
Board,  the  improvement  most  likely  to  enit 
English  habits  and  feelings.     The  i«n« 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


NEW  AAW  UkmSML  VOB  PAPEB. 


613 


«i|^t'«f  the  ftN|^«oe  it  that  of  «upplying  the 
fresh  fuel  4i  the  bottom,  anetead  of  beeping 
ito« 4he lep  of  the  fixe.  The  coal  is  in  a 
box  aeerly  air-tight  below  the  fire ;  the  tar 
vefonra  end  gaecs  produeed  by  the  decom- 
peeirtott  of  the  coal  |Mwa  through  the  iiican- 
deecetti  fiiel  above,  and  burn  on  reaching 
the  air,  while  fresh .fiiel  is  supplied  by  push- 
ing up- the  ooal  from  below.  The  draught 
is  regulated  by  *  single  velve,  and  the  use- 
leee  esoepe  of  heated  air  up  the  dunmey 
diminiehoi.  The  fire  bums  quite  free  from 
smefct,  the  burnt  air  is  safely  cariisd  away, 
and  fuel  eeonocnised.  The  in?entiou  may 
be  easily  adapted  to  existing  fireplaces.  The 
use  of  gas  (alone,  or  eombined  with  ooke), 
is  euggested  as  an  eventually  economioal, 
Ihongh  peimaciiy  dear  souroe  of  heat^-^ 
Timat* 


NEW  RAW  MATERIAL  FOR  PAPER. 

BY  A  PAPUl  MAKBA. 

Ijf  the  Timts  of  a  iew  months  back  there 
appeared  to  the  eye  a  most  imoortant  piece 
of  intalligenoe,  printed  in  leaner  type,  and 
in  a  cooepieuous  position.  Yet  it  was 
neither  the  capture  of  Cronstadt,  nor  yet  of 
Sebastopol,  but  only  an  announcement  that 
"  my  lords  "  had  directed  the  examination 
of  a  material  for-  paper  (having  taken  some 
months  to  go  through  the  procest),  end  con- 
sidered it  to  be  a  material  well  adapted  for 
the  purpose. 

We  venture  to  say  that  not  a  man  of  in- 
teUigenee  and  practical  acquaintance  with 
the  manufaoture  read  the  paragraph  that 
did  not  smile  at  the  whole  affair.  Po  dyers 
and  calico  printers  want  information  from 
*'my  lords"  of  any  treasury  but  that  of 
their  own  unrestricted  enterprise,  as  to  what 
new  materia,  in  the  absence  or  soaroity  of 
old  ones,  will  be  better  or  cheaper  ? 

If  anything  proved  bow  thoroughly  an 
important  mannfiicture  like  that  of  paper 
was  coddled,  swathed,  and  bandaged  by 
Qovemment  interference,  it  is  this  looking 
to  any  Qovemment  whatever  for  informa- 
tion and  assistance.  Let  the  paper  trade 
be  let  alone  from  the  wretched  mterferenee 
of  pettifogging  regulations,  and  it  will 
soon  be  found  that  paper  can  he  made  of 
many  new  materials,  that  the  staple  of  intel- 
leotiial  bread  is  not  dependent  on  rags 
aloBOi  There  is  no  need  to  do  more  than 
inquire  what  our  countrymen  in  Canada, 
and  millions  speaking  the  same  language 
in  the  United  States,  are  doing  in  the  same 
manufaoture,  and  under  the  same  disad- 
vantages  as  to  rags.  There,  paper,  especially 
the  oovse  kind,  is  made  of  materials  abund- 
Mit«nd  plentiful  in  the  extremci  but  never 


thpught  of  in  England,  We  speak  from 
personal  observation  when  we  say  that  the 
manufacture  is  fifty  years  in  advance  of 
onr  own  all  over  the  United  States.  We 
have  seen  mills  in  the  remotest  situations, 
worked  by  humble  but  intelligent  capitalists, 
and  turning  out  their  paper  by  tons  per 
week,  coarse  and  brown,  but  well  adapted 
for  its  purjioses ;  and  all  made  0f  materials, 
three-quarters  of  wMdb  were  the  fibres  of 
the  district.  These  were  Indian  eofnstalks, 
flax-straw,  hay,  wheat-straw,  ot  old  and  un- 
serviceable woollen  rags.  We  saw  even  the 
reeds  of  the  swamp  converted,  on  one  occa- 
sion, iiito  a  fair  white  paper.  All  these  ma- 
terials, whieh  were  better  adapted  for  coarse 
paper,  relleted  the  limited  stock  for  the 
finer  kinds,  and  moderated  the  pressure  felt 
fbr  want  of  them.  On  one  occasion  we 
witnessed,  with  amasenient  almost  as  great 
as  if  we  had  been  excisemen,  the  buyer  of 
paper  acttially  wait  till  it  was  made,  and 
take  it  off  In  his  cart  when  made,  instead  of 
putting  up  at  a  neigfabonring  inn,  and  wait- 
ing  the  venerable  twenty-fbur  hours  till  it  was 
eharged  with  dut^,and  the  twelve  hours  after 
charging  before  it  could  be  touched.  Like 
army  stores  at  Balaklava  it  was  badly  wanted, 
hut  unlike  the  stores  there  and  the  pax>er  here 
it  was  delivered  at  once. 

As  a  proof  of  the  superior  economy  of 
flreedom  in  this  great  manufacture,  in  Canada 
and  the  United  States,  we  may  observe  that 
all  paper  of  the  coarser  kind  is  sold  at  a 
price  considersbly  below  that  paid  here, 
less  the  duty.  Labour  is  50  per  cent,  dearer ; 
fuel,  machinery,  fnsuranee,  all  considerably 
so,  but  then  the  trade  is  free  to  work  out  its 
own  resources.  New  material,  indeed! 
What  sensible  paper  maker  would  make  an 
experiment  that  must  cost  him  100  to  \50 
per  cent  on  the  material,  which  may  or  may 
not  answer?  What  if  some  fine  morning 
his  paper  is  returned,  will  the  dnty  be 
returned  too  ?  Alas,  no !  from  that  finan- 
cial bourne  such  travellers  never  return.  If 
it  is  an  article  of  large  consomption,  and 
his  discovery  has  lowered  the  price  50  per 
cent,  on  the  natuzgl  cost,  there  is  still  the 
crushing  duty  to  meet,  increasing  in  pro- 
portion  as  the  price  Is  lowered.  All  expe- 
rimenta  must  oommence  with  low  qualities, 
and  these  pay  ihe  heavieot  dnty  in  propor- 
tion to  the  cost.  It  is  theiefore  a  practical 
i  impossibility  for  the  paper  manuiacture  to 
I  advance  with  the  age  so  long  as  it  baa  fiscal 
burdens  to  impede  it  It  appears  to  be  re- 
served for  Great  Britain  alone,  of  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth,  to  exhibit  the  combi- 
nation of  a  free  government  and  taxes  on 
paper*  Hnw  long  is  a  state  of  things  so 
diahononraUe  to  continue  f-^Goce/le  rftke 
Jsmciatkm  for  tht  JUpeai  rf  Tajres  on  JLwom* 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ  tC 


614 


ATTmerB  to  sotmo  huqiba  rjods. 


Ain)RAUD'S  SCIENTIFIC  DRAMA. 

At  a  time  when  the  drama  is  perishinir  of 
exhaustion,  M.  Audraud  baa  conceived  the  I 
notion  of  imparting  to  it  renawed  vigonr,  hy 
calling  in  the  aid  of  Bcienoe— of  those  in«. 
ventions  in  which  the  marrellouB,  so  rauoh 
sought  after  by  the  ancient  epic  poets,  is 
found.  By  the  publiontion  of  Gahani,  a 
play  in  five  acts,  M.  Andraud  has  opened 
up  the  wi^,  and  we  hope  that  his  example 
may  be  followed  by  others.  Our  readers 
woold  perhaps  arrive  more  readily  at  M. 
Andraud' 8  ideas  by  the  perusal  of  an  ex- 
tract  from  the  preface  of  his  new  work. 

*'  I  wished,"  says  he,  "  in  this  play  of 
Otthanit  to  press  into  tlie  serTioe  of  the 
stage,  electricity,  considered  in  its  most  ele* 
vated  point  of  view  and  in  its  boldest  aecep- 
tation.  The  undertaking  was  not  without 
difficulty.  Tlie  scheme  of  depicting  the 
calm  Ufe  of  an  aged  physician,  engaged 
in  his  silent  anatomical  researches,  and 
placed  by  chance  on  the  track  of  a  great 
discovery,  appeared  but  ill  adapted  to  real* 
ize  the  exciting  eaustrophes  of  theatrical 
representation.  I  felt  tnat  the  Oalvani, 
such  as  I  had  conceived  him,  required  such 
a  background  as  would  bring  forward  in 
prominent  relief  his  thoughts  and  charac- 
teristies.  I  therefore  cast  him  in  the  midst 
of  the  revolutionary  blase  which  had  at  that 
time  broken  out  in  Italy,  and  there  the  pale 
and  sombre  figure  suddenly  appeared  glow* 
ing  with  light  and  animation. 

**The  following  work  is  the  first  and  ex- 

Serimental  product  of  the  alliance  which  I 
ave  sought  to  effect  between  science,  pro- 
perly so  called,  and  the  drama  (  and  I  trust 
that  the  attempt  may  find  an  excuse  in  its 
object,  which  is,  if  possible,  to  enlarge  the 
sphere  of  the  dramatist's  art." 

"  Up  to  the  present  time,  dramatic  author- 
ship has  drawn  its  resources  from  the 
wealthy  storehouse  of  the  human  passions. 
The  vices  and  follies,  the  virtues  and  crimes 
of  mankind  have  always  been  and  may 
always  be  their  principal  domain,  but  they 
need  not  be  exclusively  so.  The  infusion  of 
a  little  new  blood  into  the  veins  of  the 
drama  would  perhaps  do  no  harm.  Why 
not  add  to  those  rich  themes  of  interest 
which  the  stage  already  possesses,  the  de- 
picting  of  the  marvellous  facts  of  science, 
or  the  incidents  which  have  accompanied 
the  grand  discoveries  of  genius ;  and  thus, 
bymakiflg  them  popular,  render  them  more 
fruitful.  We  have  not,  however,  the  unwise 
notion  of  striving  to  place  the  Theatre  in 
competition  with  the  University ;  but  it  ap- 
peared to  us  that  the  flowers  of  science, 
hitherto  cultivated  beneath  the  chill  shade 
and  on  the  eold  fields  of  the  schools,  might 
acquire  a  more  luxuriant  growth  and  pro- 


duce fairer  blosiorai,  if  they  were  ezpoeed 
to  the  glowing  sunshine  of  huttaa  paaaions. 
The  heart  influenced  by  eoMtiooy  aad  the 
penetrating  midd  are  nearly  allied. 

'*  If  public  opinion  ahonld  receive  tfaie  es* 
periment  favourably,  I  leel  convinced  that 
there  is  no  snbiect,  however  dry  it  may 
seem,  which  might  not  some  day  or  other 
be  transferred  from  the  arena  of  the  schoola 
to  that  of  the  theatre.  The  pith  of  the 
dramatic  poet's  labour  would  be  in  the  per- 
sonifioation  of  soienoe  by  one  of  iu  osoet 
celebrated  representatives-^  one  who  hsA 
suffered  most  for  her  cauae.  Thue,  for  ex- 
ample, should  a  poet  seek  to  dramatise 
Meekanica,  a  subject  which  appears  at  fint 
sight  so  foreign  to  tlie  emotioDa  of  the 
stage  ?  Let  him  call  his  work  Anhiwudftj 
and  he  would  have  the  richest  topic  that 
could  be  met  with.  What  finer  aubjeot  could 
there  be  than  the  struggle  of  this  man,  who, 
with  no  other  weapons  Uian  scientific  inven- 
tions, kept  at  bay  for  so  many  years  the 
fleets  and  armies  of  haughty  Kome,  and 
perished,  at  last,  absorbed  in  one  of  his 
sublime  meditations  1"— T.,  in  VlimemHam, 


ATTEMPTS  TO  SOUND  NIAGARA 
FALLS. 

The  gentleman  who  has  been  trying  the 
experiment  of  sounding  the  river  bekw 
Niagara  Falls,  writes  as  follows ;  "  Another 
attempt  was  made  with  a  similar  iron,  of 
about  40  lb.  weight,  attached  to  a  No.  II 
wire,  all  freely  suspended,  eo  aa  not  to 
impede  the  fall  of  the  weight.  I  then  let 
the  weight  fall  from  the  bridge,  a  height  of 
225  feet  It  struck  the  aorface  fiuily,  with 
the  point  down,  most  have  aonk  to  aoeae 
depth,  but  was  not  longer  out  of  sight  than 
about  one  second,  when  it  made  its  appear- 
ance again  on  the  suriaoe,  aboat  100  foei 
down  the  atream,  and  skipped  along  like  a 
chip,  until  it  was  checked  by  the  wire.  We 
then  commenced  hauling  in  alowly,  whieh 
made  the  iron  bound  like  a  bail,  when  a 
cake  of  ice  struck  it,  and  ended  ^  apoit 
I  am  satisfied  that  no  metal  haa  anflkieai 
specific  gravity  to  pierce  that  enrrent,  eveo 
with  a  momentum  acquired  by  a  foil  of  2M 
feet.  The  velocity  of  the  iron  when  striking 
must  have  been  equal  to  124  feet  per  ee. 
cond !  and,  consequently,  ita  momentum  near 
5,0001b.  Its  surface  opposed  to  the  our- 
rent  waa  about  £0  superficial  inches.  This 
will  give  an  idea  of  the  atrength  of  that 
current,  and  at  the  aame  time  hint  at  the 
Titan  forces  that  have  been  at  work  to  aeeop 
out  the  bed  of  the  Niagara  riyer."— itf<Ae* 
ff^eam. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


SPEGIFICATIOirS  OF  PAT8II78  BCOBimir  FAED. 


616 


SPECIFICATIONS    OF   PATENTS 
RECENTLY  FILED. 

FOMTAINEUOREAO,  PBTER  ArhAHD  Le- 

coMTE  DB,  of  Soiith*8treet,  London.  /«- 
provementt  m  the  man^faeture  tif  polM-iro/ 
hatt  and  carcases  for  hats,  (A  eommuniea- 
tion.)  Patent  dated  Debember  2, 1854.  (No. 
2541.) 

Claifiu — "  Splitting  palm  tree  leaves  into 
two  parts  in  their  thickness  and  withdraw- 
iug  fi-om  the  inner  svrfaoe  the  pith  or  mar- 
row, and  the  applieatton  of  the  leaf  so 
treated  to  the  manufactnre  of  hats  and  tis- 
sues, and  to  earcaaes  for  monnting  silk  and 
felt  hats." 

Mavdslay,  Joseph,  of  Westminster^ 
road,  Lambeth,  Surrey,  engineer.  An  tm* 
provawient  in  ordnance.  Patent  dated  De- 
cemlier  2,  1854.     (No.  2542.) 

The  gun  described  by  the  inventor  is  so 
msde  at  the  breech-end  as  to  allow  of  an 
oblong  aperture  through  the  side,  suffi- 
ciently large  to  receive  a  breeoh-piece  or 
charge-chamber  which  rests  on  two  pivots 
80  placed  as  to  keep  it  balanced,  and  which 
enables  the  chamber  to  be  easily  moved 
round  sideways  by  a  rack  and  pinion,  or  by 
other  suitable  means,  so  that  the  open  end 
of  the  chamber  may  receive  the  powder  and 
shot  and  be  then  returned  to  its  position  for 
firing.  This  chamber  is  also  moved  forward 
into  close  contact  with  the  body  of  the  gun, 
in  order  to  prevent  escape  and  consequent 
loss  of  efTi*ct  in  the  discharge,  by  means  of 
a  powerful  screw  or  wedge. 

DowLiNG,  Edward,  of  Little  Queen- 
street,  Middlesex,  scale  maker.  Improve^ 
ments  in  weighing  machines  and  in  their  ap' 
plication  to  implements  of  transport.  Patent 
dated  December  2,  1854.     (No.  2543  ) 

llie  inventor  combines  the  lever  weigh- 
ing-machine or  steelyard,  with  the  ordinary 
sack-barrow,  by  which  means  a  considerable 
weight  of  goods  may  be  weighed  without 
the  neceasity  of  carrying  any  large  amount 
of  counter  balance  weights,  the  several  parts 
of  the  machine  being  so  constructed  as  to 
collapse  or  fold  up  to  permit  the  barrow  to 
be  used  for  its  ordinary  purpose,  or  so  as  to 
be  altogether  removed  from  the  barrow. 

Strong,  Hemry,  of  Ramsgate,  Kent, 
timber*merohant  Improvements  in  the  pre- 
vention  of  "  6arAr  smoke  "  in  chimneys.  Pa- 
tent dated  December  2,  1854.    (No.  2544.) 

Claim, — The  application  and  use  of  valves 
or  doors,  placed  on  the  top  of  a  chimney, 
and  opened  or  closed  by  persons  in-doors, 
by  means  of  a  wire  or  chain  passing  down 
the  interior  of  the  chimney  to  a  convenient 
fastening  near  the  fire-place. 

Shaw,  Robert,  of  Portlaw,  Waterford, 
Ireland,  cotton-spinner  and  manufacturer. 
Certain  improvements  in  looms  for  weatfing. 
Patent  dated  December  4, 1854.  (No.  2546.) 


This  inveotion  oonsists  in  oertain  im- 
proved combinations  of  machinery  by  means 
of  which  the  warp  in  power  looms  is  re- 
leased or  allowed  to  unroll  off  the  warp 
beam  as  it  is  woTen. 

Bbntall,  Edward  Hammowd,  of  Hey- 
bridge,  Essex,  ironfounder.  An  improved 
construction  qf  locomotive  steam-engine.  Pa* 
tent  dated  December  4,  1854.    (No.  2550.) 

The  inventor  adopts  an  arrangement  of 
parts  which  cannot  well  be  described  with- 
out the  aid  of  engravings,  (whioh  we  shall 
probably  give  hereafter)  his  object  being  to 
avoid  considerable  vibration  in  the  frame- 
work when  the  engine  is  in  action ;  he  also 
applies  to  the  fVamework  an  adjustable  prop 
which,  wi(h  the  travelling  wheels,  supports 
the  engine  when  it  is  at  work. 

PoRRiTT,  James,  of  Stubbin-vale*niill, 
near  Ramsbottom,  Lancaster,  manufac- 
turer. A  certain  itnprovement  or  improve^ 
ments  in  carding  machUtes.  Patent  dated 
December  4,  1854.    (No.  2551.) 

Claims, — 1.  Placing  the  spools  or  bobbins 
from  which  the  sliver  is  fed  to  carding  en- 
gines in  a  perpendicular  position,  supported 
on  a  point  or  axis  of  rotation,  thereby  ob- 
viating the  necessity  of  surface  motion  to 
deliver  such  sliver.  2.  The  arrangement 
and  adaptation  of  a  stop  motion  to  carding 
enginea  to  be  brought  into  action  as  soon 
as  a  sliver  shall  break,  or  oease  to  be  sup- 
plied to  the  feeding  rollers. 

Collet,  Damiel,  of  Paris,  Rue  deConr- 
celles.  Improvements  m  transmitting  power. 
Patent  dated  December  4,  1854.  (No. 
2562.) 

The  inventor  describes  an  apparatus  con- 
sisting of  one  or  more  screws  to  which  motion 
is  given  by  any  suitable  motive  power.  On 
each  of  the  screws  is  a  nut,  whicn  is  so  eon- 
structed  as  to  open  and  release  the  screw  on 
arriving  at  the  end  of  its  path,  so  that  it  may 
be  allowed  to  return.  In  connection  with  the 
nut  is  a  rack  which  works  into  a  toothed 
wheel  on  the  axis  to  which  motion  is  to  be 
communicated.  The  toothed  wheel  is  so 
arranged  that  in  one  direction  it  is  fast  on 
the  axis  but  in  the  other  direction  it  revolves 
loosely,  to  allow  the  nut  and  rack  to  return 
to  its  starting  point. 

Cooper,  Thomas,  of  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
Hampshire,  brickmaker.  Certain  improve^ 
ments  in  the  construction  of  pipes  and  in  the 
mode  ef  joining  the  same.  Patent  dattd 
December  0,  1854.    (No.  2558.) 

Claims, — 1 .  The  constmction  of  plain  cy- 
lindrical pipes  with  indents  or  hollows,  for 
the  xeoeption  of  a  suitable  packing  material. 
2.  A  mode  of  joining  pipes  together  by 
means  of  a  coupling  formed  in  two  parts, 
and  drawn  together  by  inclined  planes 
formed  on  their  edges,  or  by  inelined  kfyi 
or  wedges.    3.  The  use  of  couplings  made 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


6X6 


SPBOinpCAl^jCOlfS  OF  ]fATE»TfS  JtECSiippaY  ,«XL^ 


in  two  p9Tt8  with  internal  ribs  or  projections 
wMth'  Vf  pressure  upon  a  suftablcr  packing 
irfatee  lift  at^-tlght  or  wiiter-ttght  jointy  and 
IklsO'iBtfciiire^flk^  pipes  together. 

^"VaRLEV,"  CroMWETLL    FLEBtWoOD,     of 

C*arte*-^reet,- '  Sfeitiert- ttMn,  St. '  J*au eras, 
Middlesex.  In^mrpvementa  hi  producing  and 
app^ijikg  dj/httnOe' Sleh&idHu.  Patent  dated 
D^^eWber  6, 185V    (No,  2555.) 

OUth^,^l.  The  Ui6  of  a  pbsitite  metal 
ofa  conical,  sugar-1oaf»  or  dmflar  form  placed 
di^f 'IB^  itegatfve.tnct*T  so  that  liy  iis  form 
ateyfltj^fiye  metal  deposited  thereon  sihall  fall 
offbjjthtt  action  of  gravity.  2.  The  use  of  two 
or'  nidpc  porotr^f  divi^ionB'wUh  a  solution 
of  metaT,  or  both,  betwefen  litem  to  decom- 
pose any  negative  salt 'that  might  othcrvise 
pWws  fo  the  positive  cltfiitcttt,  &c. 

SthittiOft;'3ojtU  Henry,  of  Lincoln* li- 
i^'Aeids,  Mfddlcseit,  gentleman;  Irkprove- 
naUt^in  the  vfr¥ftn^emenl  ofelecific  telegraphs, 
(A  cdttimtmldatron,)  Patent' dated  Decem- 
ber 5,  T»5*.    (Nb.yaSfl.) 

These  improvements  consist  in  so  arrang- 
ing tbe  whole  (»f  the  apparatus  necessary  for 
receiving  and  transmitting  intelligence  that 
it  vaky  be  contained  In  a  box  or  case  which 
niay  bi^  carried  abont  with  facility.  In  this 
box  kH  fitted  the  battery,  the  manl|)uIator, 
the  receiver,  the  alaram,  a  compass,  &c. 

WtLsoN,  'G-toRQE  PergusSon,  manag- 
irtg  director,  and  Joiil«  Chase  Craodocx, 
sup^intende'nt  of  Price's  Patent"  Candle 
Company,  Bclriiont,  Vanxhall.  Improve- 
meMs  in  the  mantifitctHre  of  candles  nnd  nights 
lighih,  '  Patent  dated  December  5,  1854. 
(No.  »OT.) 

•Tills  Stitentron  has  fof  its  object  improve- 
mcHtB  in  the  mannHicture  of  candles  and 
night-'lighfs  when  tising  the  stearlnes  of 
cocoa-nat  oil,  of  the  calhoim  palm,  and  of 
the  kernel  of  the  palm-oil  nut,  which  im- 
provements 'consist  in  combining  one  or 
more  of  Stioh  stearlnes  with  a  small  quan. 
tity  of  hard  fat  acid,  the  stearine  not  being 
less  than  three-fifths  of  the  compound. 

"WaRhurst,  John,  of  Hollingworth, 
Chester,  cotton  -  dealer.  Tmprovements  in 
fiinfttces  or  fireplnces  applicable  to  apparatus 
for  healing  water  and  generating  steam.  Pa- 
tent  dated  December  6,  1854.    (No.  2559.) 

The  object  of  this  invention  is  to  partially 
heat  the  feed- water  before  it  enters  the  boiler. 
For  this  purpose  tile  inventor  fixes  a  hollow 
metal  framework  under  the  boiler,  and  has 
pipes  connected  to  it  to  keepup  a  circula. 
tion  of  the  water  within  it.  He  also  places 
pipes  or  tubes  at  each  side  of  the  fire  longi- 
tndinally,  and  attaches  them  to  the  fire, 
brfdffe  and  the  furnace  door-framci  all  of 
whicn  are  hollow,  so  that  the  water  to  be 
heated  entering  at  one  side  of  the  door- 
frame passes  along  the  tubes  on  one  side  to 
and  through  the  hollow  fire-bridgej  and  re- 


tivns  by  the  other  aidie  through  the  di>or* 
frame  lo  the  boiler^ 

FoKTAINEMQilEAq,  PeTEA  ArMAND  I-E- 

COMTE  DE,  of  South, 'Street.  .London.  .  /«»- 
provem^nts  in,  coating  and  coUntriag  metak 
and  alloys  qf  metaU*  .(A  communicatioa.) 
Patent  dated  December  6,  1854.  (No. 
25.61»). 

'  This  invention  relates  '*  to  processes  Xor 
precipitating  metal  o^  allocs  of  metals  ia 
cold  solutions,  without  the.a^d  of  the  battery 
or  poisofious  substances,  upon  metala  and 
alloys  of  metals." 

Martin,  Albinus,  of  Westminster,  civil 
engineer,  tmprovements  in  the  prodttction  qf 
indigQ  due  colours  in  dyeing  amd  printing 
textue  fabrics  and  fibrous  materials^  (A  com- 
.  munication.)  Patent  dated  December  6, 
1854,    (No.  2564.) 

Claim, — Submitting  the  fabrics  or  ma- 
terials  to  be  dyed  or  printed  to  baths  e«n. 
taining  respectively  a  salt  of  manganese, 
oiplment,  and  caustic  alkali,  and  then  to  a 
hot  ash  or  alkaline  indigo  vat,  as  descrihed. 

Hodgson,  Christopher,  and  Jave^s 
Whitley  Stead,  of  Salford,  Lancaster, 
machine- mailers.  Improvements  inmadiinerff 
or  apparatus  for  washmg  or  cUansing  woput 
fabrics  and  clothes^  part  of  which  apparattu 
is  also  applicable  to  churning  milk  and  cream. 
Patent  dated  December  T,  1854.  (No. 
2567.) 

The  squeezing-m'achine  employed  by  the 
inventors  consists  of  rollers  which  revolve 
on  their  axes  in  a  frame  or  standard  through 
which  the  fabrics  or  clothes  pass  aAer  having 
been  washed.  On  the  top  of  this  frame  or 
standard  is  fixed  a  cross  sha(\  which  also 
revolves  on  its  axis,  and  which  is  fumialied 
with  two  cranks,  placed  at  about  ita  centre,^ 
but  in  opposite  directions.  To  each  of  these" 
cranks  is  Hxcd  a  rod,  one  being  jointed  so 
as  to  accommodate  itself  to  both  a  vertical 
and  a  horizontal  motion,  and  an  ordinary 
washing  tub,  with  the  common  peggy  or 
dolly,  is  placed  at  the  front  of  the  apparatus. 
Each  of  the  crank  levers  is  attached  to  one 
of  the  projecting  arms  of  the  peggy  or  dolly 
(or  to  a  block  or  cross-head  fitted  upon  H) 
which  by  means  of  these  levers  receives  botli 
an  up  and  down  and  a  twisting  motion. 

Phelps,  Joseph,  of  Croydon,  Surrey, 
ironmonger.  Improvements  in  apparatus  Jvr 
damping  postage  and  other  stamps,  labels  m»d 
like  articles.  Patent  dated  December  7, 
1854.    (No.  2568.) 

A  full  description  of  this  invention  ia 
given  on  page  588  of  our  last  number. 

Fairrie,  John,  of  Church-lane,  White- 
chapel.  Improvements  in  preparing  sobUioM 
qf  sugar  for  filtration.  Patent  dated  De- 
eember  7, 1854.    (No.  2570.) 

Claim, — **  The  method  of  dissolving  sugar 
in  suitable  proportions  of  water  at  a  low 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


$M:CtPlCA¥rOK8  OF  PATEHTS  BECENTLY   FILED. 


617 


temperature,  and  heating  tlie  solution  to  the 

point  suitable  for  filtration,  hy  the  appli- 
cation  of  a  surface  or  surfaces  heated  by 
steUm  or  otherwise,  and  this  either  under 
the  ordinary  pressure  of  the  attnosphere,  or 
hi  a'Tftcuum  more  or  less  approaching  to 
perfectness.'* 

McCoNMELL,  James  Edward,  of  Wol- 
vevton,  Bucks,  civil  engfneer.  Improvements 
in  steam-enginet.  Patent  dated  Decem- 
ber 7,  1854.    rNo.25n.) 

Claim$, — 1.  The  application  and  use  of 
blast-pipes  divided  into  alternate  water  and 
steam  spaces  by  one  or  more  pipies  or  tubes 
enclosed  in  an  outer  shell  or  casing,  for  the 
purpose'  of  heating  the  feed-water  of  steam 
boilers  before  its  introduction  into  the  boiler. 
%  A  peculiar  construction  and  arrange* 
ment  of  piatons  for  steam  engines,  fully 
described  at  page  ISO  of  our  current  volume. 
3.^  The  application  and  use  of  boiler-tubes 
with  reduced  capacities  at  their  ends  next 
the  amolce-box  of  locomotive  engines  for 
the  purpose  of  bringing  the  heated  gases 
more  effectually  In  contact  with  the  tubes.  . 

Blumenthal,  Ferdinand  Collier,  of 
Paris,  gentleman,  and  Maximilian  Louis 
Chollet,  also  of  Paris,  manufacturer. 
Preserving  meals.  Patent  dated  December 
7,1854.    (No.  2572.) 

Claims, — 1.  A  moae  of  double  drying  in 
which  the  raw  or  cooked  meat,  seasoning, 
or  condiments,  are  first  dried  in  small  pieces, 
and  again  dried  when  reduced  to  powder. 
2.  A  mode  of  grating  or  reducing  meat  or 
seasonings  to  a  powder  by  means  of  a  rasp, 
grater,  or  other  suitable  apparatus  for  the 
purpose  of  more  effectually  drying  the  same. 
8.  The  compression  of  the  dried  powdered 
substances  by  hydrostatic  pressure  or  other 
suitable  means.  4.  The  combination  of 
meat  powder  with  vegetable  tablets  for  pro- 
ducing soup  tablets. 

Browne,  John  Collis,  of  Weston-super- 
Mare,  Somerset,  physician.  An  improved 
wrapper  applieable  as  a  coat  and  other  cover^ 
ing.  Patent  dated  December  7,  1854.  (No. 
2578.) 

The  inventor  sews  a  casing  across  the 
breadth  of  a  railway  or  other  wrapper,  at 
about  one-fourth  of  its  length  from  the 
end,  and  introduces  two  cords  into  this  cas- 
ing, one  atuched  to  one  side  or  selvage  of 
the  wrapper,  and  the  other  attached  to  the 
opposite  side  or  selvage,  so  that  by  pulling 
the  cords  in  the  opposite  directions  the 
wrapper  is  puckered  up  round  the  neck,  &c. 

Brooman,  Richard  Archibald,  of 
166,  Fleet-street,  London,  patent  agent.  An 
apparatus  for  regulallng  tension  in  spinning 
frames.  (A  communication.)  Patent  dated 
December  7,  1854.    (No.  2574.) 

This  iuTention  consists  of  an  arrangement 
of  msohinery  compdtuig  certain  reTolviog 


shafts  carrying  craiik-arms  furnished  with 
grooved  pulleys,  &c.,  the  object  being  to 
regulate  the  tension  on  the  thseada  ao  aa  to 
allow  9elf.actiog  and  other  mules  to  work 
the  higher  numbers  of  threads  without  diA- 
culty. 

Heseltime,  Samuel,  of  Harwich,  Essex, 
gentleman.  Improvements  in  the  amstrucOan 
qf  camwh  shot,  and  shell.  Patent  dated  De- 
oember  7, 1854.    (No.  2576*} 

This  invention  conaists — 1.  In  forming 
oannon  of  a  caat-imeial  cylinder  aiurounded 
by  another  of  wrought- metal.  2.  Inform- 
ing oval  shot  or  shell  with  ribs  upon  them. 
At  the  rear  cud  of  these  shot  or  shell  the 
inventor  applies  a  loose  ring,  washer,  or  fill- 
ing block,  which  bears  against  the  reac  end 
of  the  ribs^  and  thua  permita  the  full  fome 
of  the  powder  emnloyed  to  be  exerted  upon 
the  projectile.  This  ring,  washer,  or  block 
falls  from  the  shot  during  ita  flight,  and  the 
shot  then  presents  •  reduced  diajaeter  to 
the  atmosphere. 

AuBURY,  George,  of  Queen  -  streeft» 
Edgeware-road,  Middlesex,  and  Wiu.iam 
Richard  Bridges,  of  Oravel-Une,  Surrey. 
A  portable  apparatiufor  the  manxfacture  and 
supply  qf  gas.  Patent  dated  Deoember  8, 
1854.    (No.  2579.) 

This  invention  consists  in  using  a  port- 
able gas-producing  retort  of  such  form  and 
construction  that  it  may  be  conveniently 
fitted  or  adjusted  to  atoves  of  the  kind  or- 
dinarily  found  in  kitchens  or  dwelling  apart* 
ments,  the  retort  being  furnished  with  a 
gasometer  and  pipes  in  the  usual  manner^ 
on  a  scale  proportioned  tP  its  aise»  and  with 
suitable  contrivances  for  fixing  the  appara- 
tus in  the  required  position,  and  for  remov- 
ing it  when  desirable. 

Jolly,  Frederic,  of  Tnrton,  Lancaster, 
manager.  Improvements  in  machiuerp  or 
apparatus  for  mangling,  stifeningfJUUng,  a$ul 
finishing  cotton  and  other  piece  goods.  Patent 
dated  December  8, 1854.    (No.  2580.) 

Tliese  improvements  consist  in  the  appli- 
cation to  mangles,  such  as  are  used  by 
bleachers,  of  an  additional  trough  or  troughs 
containing  starch  or  any  other  auitable  sub- 
stance or  composition  with  which  it  is  de- 
sired to  finish  the  surface  of  the  doth 
operated  on,  and  in  combination  with  such 
additional  trough  or  uonghs,  of  suitable 
apparatus  and  bowls  by  means  of  which  th 
cloth  is  conducted  into  and  through  the 
substance,  or  between  bowls  by  which  the 
substance  is  pressed  into  or  upon  th« 
cloth. 

Hawthorn,  William,  of  Newcaatle- 
apon  -  Tyiic,  engineer.  Improvements  in 
safety 'Vahes.  Patent  dated  Deoember  8, 
1854.    (No.  2582.) 

Cloisu— The  application  and  use  of  a 
doubl«-(kc«  Tahe  with  <me  or  mort  rings, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


618 


COICPLETE  ArEGUlCATIOMB  nLIO)  WITH  APPUOltlONS. 


having  the  faces  on  the  sama  plane  or 
otherwise,  as  a  safety-valve  for  steam  gene- 
rators generally,  or  for  pipes  or  vessels  con- 
taining steam,  &c. 


•COMFIETJI  SPlCiriCATfom  FILBO  WITH 
APPLICATIONS. 

Pasquibr,  Eugene,  engineer,  of  Rhoims, 
France.  An  intprooed  machine  to  b$  used/or 
drving  wool  and  other /ibrous  maierinls.  Ap- 
plication dated  April  11,  1856.    (No.  800.) 

This  invention  consists  in  "  the  combined 
application  of  dry  air  which  is  shut  up,  and 
of  ventilation  causing  this  air  to  pass 
through  an  endless  cloth  upon  which  the 
wool  or  other  moist  mateiial  is  fed." 

HiORTH,  SoRBN,  of  Copenhagen.  Am 
improved  eteciro-magnetie  hattery.  Applica* 
tion  dated  April  11,  1855.    (No.  806.) 

In  carrying  out  this  invention  a  aeries  of 
armatures  placed  on  a  wheel  revohing  slowly 
are  brought  in  succession  between  the  poles 
of  permanent  magnets,  and  the  poles  of  a 
series  of  eleotro-magnets  surrounded  with 
spiral  coils  of  copper  wire,  and  placed  with- 
in cylinders  also  coiled  with  wires. 

Hjorth,  Soren,  of  Copenhsgen.  An 
improved  electro-magnetic  machine.  Appli- 
cation dated  April  II,  1855.    (No.  807.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  in  com- 
bining a  series  of  hollow  electro-magnets, 
having  their  poles  in  opposite  directions, 
with  a  series  of  annular  projecting  surraocs 
within,  and  in  metallic  connection  with  such 
electro-magnets,  and  arranged  so  as  to  act 
in  succession  upon  a  movable  compound 
electro-magnet,  and  thereby  produce  a 
stroke  of  a  length  sufficient  for  practical 
purposes. 

Hjortb,  Soren,  of  Copenhagen*  An 
improved  electro-magnetic  machine.  Appli- 
cation dated  April  11,  1855.    (Na  808.) 

This  invention  consists  in  arranging  a 
series  of  hollow  square  electro- msgnets  in  a 
metallic  ring,  in  combination  with  revolving 
armatures  shaped  so  that  their  surfaces  re- 
ceive a  direct  action  from  the  poles  of  the 
electro- magnets  in  succession. 

Sciioors,  Henri,  of  St.  Gilles,  near 
Brussels,  Belgium.  Improvemente  in  mahingf 
frhtg,  or  attaching  art{ficial  teeth,  gums,  and 
palatet.  Application  dated  April  21,  1855w 
(No.  893.) 

The  inventor  applies  on  all  the  parts  near 
an  impaired  maxillary  roof  or  palate  a  layer 
of  gutta  percha  or  caoutchouc,  either  mixed 
or  separate,  or  modified  by  the  mixture  of 
other  gums,  aocording  to  the  greater  or  less 
susceptibility  of  the  organ.  This  layer  lies 
in  a  ductile  or  partially  melted  state,  heat 
having  been  previously  imparted  to  it  by  a 
metallic  mould,  on  whioh  it  is  laid.  On 
this  layer,  and  at  their  respective  places,  the 


a<iQn8ted  teeCh  are  placed,  aH^  all  ike  Ssmfi 
of  wire  or  phtea  are  covered  liy  anotte 
layer  of  a  aimilar  material.  The  accpad 
layer  amalgamating  with  the  ftrst  now  forms 
with  the  teeth  a  single  solid  »ieoe.  The 
last  layer,  aa  it  advaaees  on  to  ttie  pttate  or 
roof  of  the  jaw,  diminishes  till  k  i«  r^dnood 
to  nothing,  so  that  the  tongue  ahall  aoc  en- 
counter any  ridge  or  nnevenness  that  iiia|r 
he  avoided. 

Iliffe,  Henry  Xbrbmub,  avd  Iambi 
Newman,  of  Birmingham,  Warwick,  niaau- 
ikcturers.  TmpntvemenU  in  H^  mma^Mtmn 
t^ctmered  hutonu  Applteation  dfttod  April 
28  1855.    (No.  909.) 

The  inventors  describe  t  bnttOD  oom- 
posed  of  two  metallio  shells,  covered  widi 
linen  or  other  material)  and  seenred  tc^ther 
by  means  of  portimis  of  the  eheUs  which  are 
turned  up  before  the  coverings  are  put  o«t 
and  pressed  down  after  the  back  riioU  has 
been  placed  in  the  fnmt. 

Symington,  William,  of  LitUe  Bowdeft* 
Northampton,  coffee-roaster.  An  wtpmrn- 
meni  in  preparing  peas,  and  pewi  mnd  Scetek 
hartev,  far  cntinarif  fmrpowe^  ApplieaUon 
dated  April  25,  1855.    (No.  920.) 

This  invention  consists  in  preparing  peas 
and  barley  by  subjecting  then  to  high* 
pressure  'steam,  producing  a  powder  which 
is  soluble  and  fit  Ibr  use  in  the  preparation 
of  soup,  or  for  other  culinary  pnipoiee,  with* 
out  the  process  of  boiling. 

Lyons,  Moreib,  of  Suffolk-street,  Bir- 
mingham, Warwick,  chemist.  An  improved 
enamel  for  coating  metmi  and  hri^,  AppK- 
cation  dated  April  27,  1855.    (No.  954^) 

This  invention  consists  in  die  emploj. 
mcnt  of  the  following  ittgredienta  in  tlM 
following  proportions  for  making  an  eavBiel : 
viz.,  finely  powdered  glass,  six  ponnda  i  red 
lead,  five  pounds ;  carbonate  of  potsah,  one 
pound  and  a  half;  csrbonate  of  soda,  two 
pounds ;  boraeic  acid,  two  pounds.  These 
are  to  he  mixed  well  together,  f«ised  in  a 
covered  cmeible,  and  poured  into  water. 

Brouob,  Kembmiar,  of  Birminghans. 
Warwick,  machinist  Improvements  in  sWb 
buckles,  Appiioation  dated  May  11, 1S55. 
(No.  1O610 

In  carrying  oat  this  invention  a  thin  face 
plate  of  metal  is  stamped  out  to  the  required 
form,  and  has  fbnaed  upon  it  small  Inge 
with  holes  sunk  in  them  to  leceive  pioa 
formed  on  a  second  stamped  plate  of  sieial 
which  is  attached  to  the  hniee  enda,  or  to  tke 
ends  of  the  girth  or  belt,  as  the  caac  nay  b«» 
Certain  pins  are  then  sprung  into  the  boles 
in  the  small  lugs,  and  the  two  parts  are  th«a 
connected. 

Caddick,  David,  of  the  £bbw  Vale  Iron* 
works,  Monmouth,  mason.  In^nwememts  JM 
puddling  fitmacet.  Application  dated  May 
11,1855.    (No.  1066.) 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


pitoTiBioKAt  ^^nmmkWM  mt  i^aoostDeo  wtts. 


610 


Tbia  i&f  entioA  difffen  bat  liUla»  if  at  all, 
ikom  that  of  the  same  inTentor,  deicribed  on 
]»afte547orNo.  1661. 

Waeneii,  Arthur,  of  Hew  Broad-atreet, 
London.  ImprooemeHis  in  combining  sheets 
tf  eopper,  or  its  aUoyi,  ufilh  lead,  tin,  tine, 
niekei,  gold,  silver,  platinum,  or  alloys  con- 
taining then  metal*,  or  some  qf  them,  with  or 
withoui  ike  addition  of  copper,  antimony, 
bismuth,  arsetiic,  manganese,  or  mercury, 
AppHcation  dated  May  12,  1855.  (No. 
1067.) 

This  invention  consists  In  llmhing  or 
coating  one  surface  of  a  sheet  of  copper  or 
its  alloys  with  suitable  solder,  and  then 
causing  the  ooated  surface  to  adhere  to  a 
sheet  of  one  or  other  of  the  metals  men- 
tioned in  the  title  by  means  of  beat  applied 
through  the  sheet  of  copper  or  its  alloys, 
aided  by  pressure. 

GviLD,  Adam,  of  Manchester,  Lancaster, 
engineer.  Improvements  in  the  process  rf 
boioking.  Application  dated  May  12, 1859. 
(No.  1068.) 

**  I  have  ascertained,"  says  the  inventor, 
"  that  if  materials  are  subjected  to  the  ac- 
tion of  the  scouring  solution  in  a  closed 
vesseli  at  a  ver;f  high  temperature,  the  bowk- 
ing  or  cleansing  of  the  materials' will  be 
more  speedily  and  thoroughly  effected,  and 
withont  injury  or  deterioration  to  the  texture 
of  the  fabrics."  He  accordingly  constructs 
apparatus  for  giving  practical  efiect  to  this 
discovery. 

Peters,  Richard,  of  Union-street,  Bo- 
rough, Surrey,  engineer.  Improvements  in 
steam  engines.  Application  dated  May  16, 
1855.    (No.  1106.) 

This  invention  consists  in  such  a  com- 
bination and  arrangement  of  parts  as  will 
produce  one  revolution  of  the  crank  and  its 
shaft  for  a  single  stroke  of  the  piston,  and 
this  is  effected  by  making  the  stroke  of  the 
piston  twice  the  ordinary  length,  that  is  four 
times  the  length  of  the  crank,  and  by  sus« 
pending  the  cylinder  upon  an  axis  on  which 
it  is  free  to  rotate.  The  crank  shaft  is  so 
placed  that  its  centre  of  motion  may  be  ec- 
centric to  the  axis  of  the  cylinder,  and  the 
rod  of  the  piston  is  connected  with  the 
crank  pin  by  means  of  a  bnsh  fixed  on  the 
said  rod,  and  working  in  a  groove  or  grooves 
or  other  convenient  guides  attached  to  the 
cylinderi  aud  passing  through  its  axis  of 
motion. 

PuTWAM,  Silas  Safford,  of  Massachu- 
setts, United  States.  A  new  or  improved 
forging  machine.  Application  dated  May  24, 
1855.    (No.  1174.) 

This  invention  mainly  consists  In  so  com- 
bining four  hammers  together  that  two  of 
them  may  be  approaching  while  the  other 
two  are  receding  from  one  another,  and  that 
the  momentum  of  the  receding  hammers 


may  be  brought  Into  action  upon  the  ap- 
proaching hammers  so  as  to  increase  the 
effect  of  the  blows  produced  by  them. 

Bobbins,  Samuisi.  Edwin,  of  Vermont, 
United  States.  Certain  new  and  useful  im- 
provements in  fire-arms,  (Partly  a  commu- 
nication.) Application  dated  May  24. 1855. 
(No.  1175.) 

This  Invention  nrlmarlly  consists  In  the 
combination  of  a  stationary  with  a  movable 
series  of  barrels  and  mechanism  by  which 
the  latter  may  not  only  be  connected  to  the 
former,  so  as  to  bring  the  axes  of  their  bores 
respectively  in  range  with  each  other,  but 
be  also  so  practically  disconnected  when 
occasion  may  require,  as  to  enable  the 
charge  chambers  to  be  loaded  indepen- 
dently. 

Von  Giloenreimb,  Theodor,  Baron j  of 
Widenau,  Silesia.  A  new  machine  for  tilling 
land.  Application  dated  May  ^l,  1855. 
(No.  1177.) 

"  I  make,"  says  the  inventor,  "  thfe  spades 
or  shovels  worked  by  my  machine  enter  the 
soil  lengthwise,  with  their  cutting  edges  or 
sides  throw  it  up  and  Cast  it  into  the  next 
furrow,  while  a  polygenic  plate  connected 
with  an  eccentric  wheel  of  cast-iron  gives 
motion  to  these  shovels.  By  means  of  this 
combination  the  firmness  and  power  of  the 
spades  or  shovels  is  increased,  and  the  fVlc- 
tion  and  breaking  of  the  cogged  or  toothed 
wheels  cannot  occur,'*  &c. 

Bellford,  Auguste  ISdouard  Lora- 
doux,  of  Essexrstreet,  London.  Certain 
improvements  in  ordnance,  and  In  cartridges 
therefor,.  (A  communication.)  Application 
dated  May  28, 1855.    (No.  1214.) 

The  first  part  of  this  invention  consists  in 
fittins  cannon  in  embrasures  closed  all  round 
the  piece,  so  as  to  shield  the  gunners,  the 
cannon  being  necessarily  breech- loading  in 
this  case.  The  second  part  consists  in  a 
peculiar  mode  of  constructing,  arranging, 
and  operating  a  movable  breech;  and  the 
third  part  relates  to  the  construction  of 
cartridges  for  breech-loadiiig  ordnance.  The 
case  ofthe  improved  cartridge  Is  to  be  made 
of  tin-plate  or  other  sheet  metal,  and  the 
ends  of  it  are  to  be  of  hemispherical  or  other 
convex  form. 


pROVlStONAL   specifications   NOT  PRO- 
CEEDED WITH. 

Lister,  John,  of  Ruthven,  Perth,  dver. 
Improvements  in  the  treatment  or  preparation 
qf  dyeing  or  colouring  materials.  Application 
dated  December  2,  1854.     (No.  2545.) 

This  invention  relates  to  a  mode  of  treat-- 
lug  various  dyeing  and  colouring  materials, 
such  as  Lima-wood,  log-wood,  and  mun- 
jeet,  for  the  purpose  of  rendering  the  colours 
produced  from  them  more  Arable  than 
heretofore,  and  it  consists  in  soaking  the 


Digitized  by 


Google     — 


PROVISIONAL  8nMSRItUlfOK8^X01^PBOOEEDED  WTTH. 


materkJ  in  4iliito(|  nlpharie  ocliydroohltfcio 
acid,  after  whick  it  m  well  wariied  bofort 
being  iMfed.  ^ 

Thompson.  Wilham,  profeu^r  of  »atii^ 
ral  phlUttopKy  in  ttie  University  and  Col- 
lefa  of  Glasgow,  Willka^m  John  Mac- 
oco»ii  BawjlimB,  of  Saint  Yincent^streety 
Glasgow,  civil  enginoer,  and  Johh  Thomp- 
son,  q£  Saint  yincent*ttreet»  Glasgow,  civil 
engineer.  ImprmtemmU  in  eUetnoal  con» 
duetors  for  telegraphic  xommunieation,  Ap- 
plication  dated  Dec^embec  ^^  .1854,  (No. 
2547.) 

This  invention  jconsiott  in  prbvidiog  for 
eaebind^ndent  electric  cuireni  in  eleetrioal 
conduotom  for  telegraphic  eomniunioation 
a  strand,  cord,  or  rope,  consisting  of  several 
conducting  wires  in  contact  wilK  each  other, 
vrith  or  wHfaoat  hempen  or  other  cores,  in* 
stead  of  a  single  conducting  wire  for  each 
independent  electric  current  as  formerly 
practised,  such  strands,  cords,  or  ropes  being 
eoated  with  gutta  percha  or  other  insulating 
material,  and  protected,  either  singly  or  in 
compound  cords,  by  iron  cables  or  other* 
wise,  in  a  manner  similar  to  that  now  known 
and  practised  with  respect  to  single  con- 
ducting wires  for  each  independent  current. 
Russell,  Fhancis  William,  of  West, 
booma-street,  Hyde^park-gardens,  Middle- 
sex, member  of  Parliaineiit  for  Limerick. 
Ceriam  huprotementt  in  home.  Application 
dated  December  4,  1854.    (No.  2549.) 

The  primary  part  of  tliis  inyention  is  in- 
tended to  obviate  or  compensate  for  the 
increased  strain  which  is  thrown  upon  the 
yarns  or  threads  forming  the  warp  by  the 
beadles  or  harness  when  the  shed  is  opened 
or  separated  for  the  passage  of  the  shuttle. 
This  object  the  invealor  proposes  to  effect 
by  causing  the  rollers  or  beams  which  carry 
either  the  yam  or  the  cloth,  or  both,  to  ap- 
proach  as  much  nearer  to  each  other  as  the 
yams  are  extended  by  the  action  of  the  hea- 
dies,  in  order  to  render  the  strain  upon  the 
yarn  uniform. 

Almgill,  Thomas,  of  Busby,  near  Glas- 
gow, Lanark,  engraver.  An  imprcmed  meter 
fir  wteamrhig  water  and  aikerfiuide.  Appli- 
cation dated  December  5,  1854.  (No. 
2554.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  measure  flnids 
by  means  of  a  scale-beam,  to  the  piTot  of 
vrhieh  is  txed.  a  pall  that  takes  into  a 
ratchet  wheel  which  is  turned  the  space  of  a 
tooth  by  eaeh  descent  of  the  scale-beam 
with  the  palU  and  which  is  thereby  made  to 
indicate  the  quantity  of  fluid  passed  at  each 
change  of  the  cock. 

Bullock,  Augustus  Thomas  John,  of 
Woolwich,  Kent,  lieutenant  in  the  royal 
nary.  An  Unproved  rrft  or  apparatus  for 
Moving  l{/Sr  tU  tea.  Application  dated  De- 
ember  6, 1854.    (No.  2558.) 


This  invention  oonabCi  of  a  alidiflg  imft 
fitted  to  all  olups,  whether  sailuig  vessels, 
paddle  wkoel,  or  screw  steamers,  in  snch 
manner  that  it  can  be  readily  Uanched,  or 
that  it  will  float  off  in  the  case  of  die  ship 
fannd^rini^  In  paddle  wheel  stoamecs  the 
inventor  makes  use  of  the  upper  part  of  the 
paddle  wheel  boxes  or  eovers  and  oonnects 
them  firmly  together  .by  means  of  two 
bridges  or  planks  whidi  extesd  acroaa  tha 
ship.  He  also  emplqys  two  rails,,  oaie  to 
eacn  bridge,  extending  across  the  vessel 
ficom  tiie  outside  of  one  paddle  box  to  the 
ontside  of  the  other,  and  fiu  into  t^ 
hridgffl' friction  rollecs  which  run  upon  the 
rails,  whereby  the  rsit  or  apparatus  can  be 
readily  laon^ed  into  the  sea.  Should  the 
ship  founder  then  the  raft,  bemg  bnoyant, 
will  float  off  For  the  purpose  of  rendermg 
the  raft  more  buoyant  he  applies  tabes  or 
air  cases. to  the  bridges  and  eovers  of  &e 
paddle  boxes  in  such  manner  end  at  aaeh 
parts  aa  may  be  found  expedient.  In  sail- 
ing vessels  and  screw  steamers  he  makes 
use  of  the  upper  parts  of  the  bulwarks,  and 
in  men-of-war  of  the  upper  part  of  the 
hammock  nettings  instead  of  the  upper  past 
of  the  covers  of  the  paddle  wheel  drums. 

Costard,  Constant,  and  Geoxge 
Philip  Collas,  both  of  Jersey,  hmprooe- 
nunie  in  prqfeetUet.  Application  dated  De- 
oember  6, 1854.    (No.  2560.) 

This  invention  consists  in  making  pro- 
jectiles  with  pieees  of  metal  projecting  from 
their  sides,  the  projections  being  acted  iqKm 
by  a  spring  so  as  to  give  them  a  certain 
amount  of  elasticity. 

Gbdgb.  John,  of  WelUngton^atreet 
Souths  BQddlesex.  Improoement$  in  eloomgf 
stopping,  or  seenring  the  necks  rf  bottles  and 
other  similar  vessels*  (A  communication.) 
Application  dated  Deoember  6,  1854.  (No. 
2562.) 

The  inrentor  says,  "  I  propose  to  stop  or 
secure  botties  and  act  upon  the  contents 
thereof  in  the  manner  of  a  syphon.  I  take 
a  tube  of  metal  and  place  in  itapedal  whieh 
works  th««in  and  projects  at  one  side  of 
the  neck  of  Uie  bottle  (this  tabs  I  call  a 
plnnger) ;  I  place  in  it  another  tube  having 
a  screw  at  each  end  (male  and  female) ;  on 
the  upper  end  I  fix  a  nut  and  on  the  lower 
a  capsule,  with  exterior  rim  stripped  in  four 
or  more  sections,  and  covered  with  India, 
rubber,  into  which  the  plunger  tube  passes. 
The  screw  draws  up  the  caaanle,  which, 
being  larger  at  ita  base,  spreads  out  the  sec- 
tions of  the  capsules  in  the  empty  part  of 
the  bottle  and  thus  forms  a  perfect  johnt'* 

Macxib,  John  Wtse,  of  Edinburgh, 
Midlothian,  biscuit-baker  to  her  Majesty. 
An  improved  description  ef  food.  Applica- 
tion dated  December  6,  1854.    (No.  2563.) 

This  invention  consists  in  incorporating 


Digitized  by 


Google 


PBOVISIONi^  nocBonoNS. 


621 


the  etsence  of  buteher's  meat  with  Boor, 
&o.|  and  in  forming  therewith  k  bisealfi 
which,  by  the  addition  of  beiiuig  water, 
may  be  reuderod  suitable  ai  «  food  in  aa^ 
other  form. 

AiiDUbsoN,  jAiiBS,of  Dnmbartoa,  North 
BritaiR,  slilpwright.  Ntpnmemmtt  in  bend* 
ing  tmd  shapiug  amgle  and  "bar  iromfir  dttp^. 
bMiiding  aid  other  fmrpote$»  Application 
dated  December  6,  lft54.    (No!  2565.) 

The  inrentor  employs  a  platform  .i» 
which  are  formed  grooves  which  •  diverge 
from  a  Hae  edrreeponding  to  the  vertiral 
centre  line  of  the  ihip,  and  a  series  of  car- 
rier pieces  work  in  the  grooves,  being  ao* 
tnated  by  a  longitudinal  sesew  working  in  a 
half-nnt  formed  in  the  bottom  of  the  groove,' 
and  turned  by  means  of  sma])  bevil  wheels 
and  a  vertieal  spindle :  or  a  nut  or  half^nut 
is  formed  in  the  carrier  pieces  and  these  are 
moved  by  sereir  spindles  lying  along  the 
grooves  and  actuated  at  the  outer  edges  of 
the  platform*  The  carrier  pieces  carry  the 
blocks  for  bending  and  shaping  tlie  fir»mes, 
these  blocks  being  moonted  on  swivel  joints 
so  that  theif  acting  faces  may  be  set  sccii« 
rately  parallel  to  the  frames  at  the  several 
points. 

De  Morn  ay,  Edward,  of  Cork-slreet, 
Burlington.gardeus,  Middlesex,  civil  engi- 
neer.  A  new  conetruetion  of  guns,  avd  a  new 
form  of  projectile  peeuliarly  applicable  to  Mmeh 
gmnif  but  which  can  be  a<M  need  for  ordinary 
guns.  Application  dated  Deeenber  6,  1854* 
(No.  2566.) 

The  inventor  proposes  to  eonstniot  guns 
of  a  series  of  annular  parts  and  a  breech- 
piece  bolted  together,  and  the  projectile  he 
recommends  is  a  cylinder  of  ttnw  osetal, 
smaller  in  ciromnference  than  die  bore  of 
the  gun,  flattened  or  concave  at  the  end 
next  to  the  charge,  and  conical  or  oonvez 
at  the  other  end,  which  should  be  weighted. 
Two  or  more  rings  of  brass  or  other  suita- 
ble substance  is  to  be  fixed  round  the  cir- 
cumference of  the  oylinder,  one  near  each 
extremity. 

£dbn,  Georob  Hbnrt,  of  Birmingham, 
if n  instrumenifer  sharpening  razors.  Appli- 
cation dated  December  7,  lft54.  (No. 
2569.) 

The  inventor  forms  an  instrmnent  fitted 
with  steel  pins,  between  which  the  edge  of 
the  rasor  is  drawn  under  pressuxew 

Garnet,  Nathaniel  B.,  of  New  York, 
United  States  of  America.  A  eireniar 
power^loom  for  weaning  eirtnUir,  epHndrieal, 
and  trregnloT'^haped  fahrice.  Application 
dated  December  7,  1854.    (No.  2575.) 

This  invention  relates  to  a  novel  arrange- 
ment of  mechanism  for  circular  weaving, 
in  which  a  continuous  forward  movement 
through  the  shed  is  given  to  the  shuttle  or 
shuttles. 


Itf  EtonLF^HouAi^,  «f  High.eireetv"Oam- 
den-towft,  Middlesex, -getitlemair.  An  ink- 
proved  eonstmetUm  qf  bath  chair.  '  A^tica- 
tioU4iated  December  7,  1854^    (No.  2577.) 

The  eiiief  oljeot  bf  this  iiwetitlon  it  to 
consttuct  a»  Invalid  ehiir,  snitaMe  for  o«t- 
doer  nse,  in  such  mi(niier  that  it  wfll  admit 
ot  being  l^ded  un  Mid  packed  away  in  a 
oompamtlfely  snlall  space  for  the  'perpose 
of  transport.  ^ 

•        » —  -^  ..  t       » ' 

PKOVISIONAL  PROTECTIONS. . 

Dated  AprUW,\aB6*  .  i 
Mi.  Emile  Mailer,  civil  snghicert  JkMeph  Ol- 
Isrdoaft,  snd  Xavioc  Oilsrdenii  of  iRue  de  Pro- 
vence,  PscU.  A  grooving  and  daa»|fiQg ,  hool^ed 
tlte,  by  means  of  WTiicb  the  entire  covering  of  a 
roof-  k  tied  together,  a  machine  for  the  iebrleation 
of  Mioh  tUe  bv  which  it  la  oontlniunielT^eiivaBed 
from  the  mould  throegh  a  pocuiliar  urilem  oC  d£h 
livery,  applicable  to  any  matter  that  may  be 
moa1ded,and  a  conterminous  succession  offhr- 
nacee  for  Its  toarniag.. 

Dated  Hap  7S\  185& 
1158.  lasare  Ochs,  of  Saint  lesse  ten  Koode, 
near  Brussels,  Belgium,  lace  matahfsctvrer.  Im- 
ptovements  in  the  maaufuture  of  certain,  kinds 
of  paper  fTom  the  refuse  and  cuttings  of  leather 
daring  the  operation  of  tanning,    A  eommunica* 

tfOB. 

Dated  Maf2B,  \SS5. 
]St2.  "Edward  George  Svrhtton,  of  l^atsaih 
Hense,  near  Tiohlleld,  Hampshire,  captain  In  3rd 
Light  Diagecas.  Improv^mente  in  applying  mon 
tive  power  for  grinding  com,  sod  for.o^hef  sijnUar 
purposes. 

Dated  June  4,  nSff, 

1269.  George  Henry  lugall,  of  Bartholomew. 
laiM,  Leaden,  gentleman.*  Improvemeiits  In 
oeapling  vsihsay  oarrtagas. . 

1171.  WHHsm  Henry  Graveley.  of  Upper  ^asfc 
Smitbfleld,  Middlesex,  ships'  Are  hearth-manufac- 
turer. An  improved  apparatus  for  eookiiig  pur- 
pnees,  and  Improvements  for  the  produetion  of 
fiaah  water  for  ship  aad  land  use. 

1273.  Edmund  Morevood  and  George  Rogers, 
of  Enfleld,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  coating 
sheets  of  wroogbt-iroa. 

1975.  Wttlins  Edward  Newten*  of  Cfaaaccer* 
lane,  Middlesex,  eivU  engiaeer.  An  improved 
construction  of  ships'  auger.    A  communication . 

DetiodJnneSf  1850. 

1977.  J<rtin  Qedgs,  of  Wolltagton-ctteBt  fioeth, 
Middlesex.  Iroprovemeate  In  combs,  caUed  ourcy<< 
combs.  A  communication  f^om  Mr.  F.  V.  Vau- 
consant,  of  Mets,  France. 

1279.  John  Gedge.  of  Wellington-street  Sooth, 
Middlesex.  ImproveoMnts  la  the  diskrlbultoa  of 
motive  power.  A  communication  tiqm  EmIle 
Grill,  of  Bexlers,  Prance. 

IMI.  Thomas  Barrows,  of  MSssachnsetts,  United 
Stirtas  of  Amerlea.  Improvements  in  the  treat- 
ment ef  wool  preparatory  to  Its  being  carded,  spun, 
or  woven. 

1289.  Thomas  Bsrrows,  of  Mssiaehusetts,  United 
Ststes  ef  Amerles.  Imprevemente  In  the  treatment 
of  wool. 

12U.  John  TenwIA,  of  Orchard-hlU,  Lewlsham- 
road,  Kent,  Iron-moulder.  Improvements  in  water- 
gauges  for  steam  boilers. 

1291.  Paulhi  Lohnbde,  of  8anx  (D6partementdu 
Lotl  Fraaoe,  physiciaa.  A  new  instrument  for  the 
admlnlstratloB  ot  nedldnal  substances. 

1298.  Heniy  teeeb,  of  Pfeeton,  Laneaster,  tea- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


622 


pft67tft[d»it  p«otEottd«rs. 


dealer,  James  Roblnion,  of  the  tame  place,  wine- 
merchant,  and  Richard  Burrowf,  of  the  same 
place,  mercer.  Certain  improvements  in  machi- 
nery or  apparatus  for  spinning  cotton  and  other 
fibrous  substances. 

1295.  Henry  Nunn.  of  Mabledon>row,  Burton- 
crescent,  Middlesex,  whitesmith.  ImproTeroents 
in  the  construction  of  carriages  for  invalids  and 
children,  part  of  which  improvements  is  also  ap- 
plicable to  street  cabs  and  other  carriages. 

1297.  William  Sainet,  of  Coverdale  -  terrace, 
Hunter's-lane,  near  fiirmingliam.  Improvements 
in  certain  parts  of  railways,  and  for  the  methods  of 
manufacturing  and  constructing  part  of  the  same. 

Dated  June  7,  1855. 

1209.  John  Ramsbottom,  of  LongsigUt,  near 
Manchester,  engineer.  Improveraents  in  safety- 
valves  and  feeding  apparatus  for  steam-boilers. 

1801.  Moses  Heap,  of  Blackburn,  Lancaster, 
print-dealer.  Certain  Improvements  in  machinery 
or  apparatus  for  grinding  dye-woods  or  roots,  and 
for  other  similar  pulverising  purposes. 

1 303.  Andr6  Orange,  of  Edinburgh,  Mid  Lothian , 
artist.  Improvements  in  obtaining  representa- 
tions for  commercial  purposes  of  articles  for  sale. 

1305.  Diederlch  Fehrman,  of  Liverpool,  oil-mer- 
chant. Improvements  in  lamps.  A  communica- 
tion. I 

1307.  Richard  Anstey  Tucker,  of  Lenten,  Not-    I 
tingham,  starch  manufacturer.    Using  the  gas  and 
smoke  arising  from  coal  or  other  substances  during 
the  process  of  combustion  for  fuel. 

Dated  June  S,  1855.    ' 

1S09.  Robert  Cauncc,  of  Bolton-le-Moors,  Lan- 
caster, cashier.  Improvements  in  machinery  for 
siseing,  dressing,  and  warping  yam. 

1310.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  FontiUnemo- 
reau,  of  South-street,  London.  Certain  improve- 
ments in  the  manufacture  of  iron  shovels.  A  com- 
munication. 

1311.  Frederick  Weaver,  of  Clarence  -  place, 
Handsworth,  Stafford,  bone-dealer  and  grmder. 
Improvements  in  machinery  for  grinding  or  crush- 
ing bones  and  other  substances. 

1312.  Isaie  Lippmann,  of  Rue  Qeoflfroy,  Saint 
HiLiire,  Paris,  France,  tanner.  Improvements  iu 
the  treatment  of  hides  and  skins  for  the  manu- 
facture of  leather. 

1313.  George  Frederick  Chantrell,  of  Liverpool, 
Lancaster,  furnace-engineer.  Improvements  in 
apparatus  applicable  to  the  manufacture  and  revi- 
vification of  animal  or  vegetable  charcoal. 

Dated  June  9,  1855. 

1314.  Henri  SibUle,  merchant,  of  Paria,  France. 
Improvements  in  the  decortication  and  preserving 
of  grain  and  seeds. 

1315.  John  Sutton  Nettlefold,  Edward  John 
Nettlefold,  and  Joseph  Henry  Nettlefofd,  of  Hol- 
born,  Middlesex.  Improvements  in  locks.  A 
communication. 

1316.  Eticnnc  Jules  Lafond,  engineer,  and  Count 
Louis  Alfred  de  Oiatauvillard,  of  Belleville,  near 
Vans,  France.  Improvements  in  apparatus  for 
lighting. 

1317.  Henry  Tcague,  of  Lincoln,  engineer.  Im- 
provements in  high  and  low  pressure  meters  for 
water,  gafi,  or  any  other  fluid. 

1319.  Thomas  Bright,  iron-founder,  of  Carmar- 
then, South  Wales.  Improvements  in  apparatus 
for  the  prevention  of  waste  in  water  or  other  fluid 
supplies. 

1320.  Masta  Joscelin  Cooke,  of  Newcastle-upon- 
Tyne,  gentleman.  Preserving  provisions  and  ve- 
getables suitable  for  armies  in  the  field,  for  vessels 
on  long  voyages,  and  other  purposes,  and  also  for 
the  necessary  apparatus  for  preserving  and  prepar- 
ing the  same  for  lood. 

1321.  Joseph  Robinson,  of  Poplar,  Middlesex, 
surveyor.    Improvements  in  tables. 

1322.  John  Greenwood,  of  Irwell  Springs,  Bacup, 


L«neaster,  Turkey  red  dyer.    ImprortaieBts  in 
purifying  oils. 

1323.  Samuel  Colt,  of  Pall-mall,  Westminster, 
gentleman.  An  improvement  in  the  construction 
of  fine-arms. 

1324.  Samuel  Colt,  of  Pall-mall,  WestaalnsCer, 
gentleman,  and  William  Thomas  Eley.  of  Broad- 
street,  Golden-square,  Middlesex,  percussion-cap 
manufacturer.  Improvements  in  the  manufacture 
of  cartridges. 

Dated  June  11,  1855. 

1325.  William  Kemble  Hall,  of  Mark-lane,  Lon- 
don, engineer.  Improvements  in  breaks  for  rail- 
way-carriages. 

1320.  Henry  Btrrnoulli  Barlow,  of  Manchester. 
Improvements  in  certain  parts  of  machines,  and  in 
slubbing  and  roving  cotton  and  other  fibrous  ma- 
terials.   A  oommunieation. 

1327.  Frederick  Collier  Bakewell,  of  Haverstock- 
terrace,  Hampstead,  Middlesex.  Improvement* 
In  hench-planes.  A  communication  from  Wil'.iara 
8.  Hopper,  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

13-iS.  John  David  Kind,  of  Birmingham,  War- 
wick, manufacturer.  An  improvement  or  improve- 
ments in  spindles  for  locks  and  latches,  and  in  at- 
taching knobs  or  handles  to  the  said  spindles. 

1329.  Joseph  Louis  Casartelll,  of  Manchester. 
Lancaster,  optician.  Improvements  in  pressure 
and  vacuum  gauges. 

1330.  Edward  Vincent  Gardner,  of  Norfolk  - 
street,  Middlesex  Hospital,  Middlesex,  and  John 
Hutchinson  Walker,  of  Cole-street,  Dover-road, 
Surrey.  Improvements  in  separating  cotton,  flax, 
hemp,  jute,  and  other  vegetable  substances  from 
manufactured  fabrics  containing  wool,  and  ha  pre- 
paring the  wool  for  remanufacture. 

1331.  William  Barrington,  of  South-villa,  Lime- 
rick, and  William  Richard  Le  Fanu,  of  Fitiwil- 
liam-square,  Dublin,  civil  engineers.  An  improved 
mode  of  joining  '•bridge-rail?,"  in  the  permanent 
way  of  railways  by  means  of  a  fish-piece. 

1332.  Frederick  Thomas  Stonehain  Bardo,  of  the 
Royal  Exchange,  London,  manager  to  Carter  and 
Bromley,  stationers.  An  improvement  in  cases 
for  carrying  tickets,  cards,  and  other  like  articles. 

1333.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lincoln's  -  inn- 
fields,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
metalHc^ens.  A  communication  from  Samurl 
Barbot,  of  Paris,  mechanician,  and  Louis  Charles 
Riottot,  of  r Isle  Adam,  France,  jeweller. 

1334.  John  Henry  Johnson,  of  Lineoln's-inn- 
ficlds,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  Improvements  in 
governors  or  regulators  for  prime  movers.  A  com- 
munication from  Franffois  Theophile  Moiaon,  of 
Mouy,  France,  mechanician. 

1335.  Isaie  Lippmann,  of  Rue  GeofFroy,  Saint 
Hilaire,  Paris,  France,  tanner.  Improvements  in 
dyeing  or  colouring  the  hides  and  skint  of  animals. 

Dated  June  12,  1855. 

1336.  John  Joseph  Liebisch,  of  London,  engineer. 
Improvements  in  rails  for  railways. 

U37.  William  Armytage,  of  Manohcster,  Lan- 
caster, spinner  and  manufacturer.  Improvements 
in  the  manufacture  of  union-bags  and  sail-cloth. 

1588.  Nathan  Hackney,  of  North-street,  Hull, 
An  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of  earthen- 
ware, China,  and  porcelain. 

1339.  Samuel  Coulsun,  of  Sheffield,  metallur- 
gist. An  improvement  in  the  preparation  of  sul- 
phate of  baryta,  and  in  the  mannncture  of  gla»s 
when  sulphate  of  baryta  is  used. 

1840.  WllUam  Beckett  Johnson,  manager  for 
Measra.  R.  Ormerod  and  Son,  of  Manchester,  Lau- 
caster,  engineers.  Improvements  in  steam-boilers 
and  safety-valves. 

1341.  Thomas  Metcalfe,  of  High-atreet,  Comden- 
town,  Middlesex,  gentleman.  An  improved  mode 
of  manufacturing  colinpsible  hats  and  bonnets. 

1842.  Charles  Parker,  of  Dundee,  Forfar,  manu- 
facturer.   Improvements  in  weaving. 

1843.  Henry  William  Ford,  of  Gloucester,  civil 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


WKBKLT  UST  Of  tMHSaOB. 


628 


englaacr.    Improvements  In  machinery  or  appara- 
tui  for  effecting  agricultural  operations. 

ISM.  John  Charles  Brant,  manufacturer,  of  Sur- 
rey-square, Old  Kent  road,  Surrey.  Improvements 
in  laying  rails,  chairs,  and  sleepers,  lor  the  per- 
BMsent  way  of  railways. 


NOTICES  OF  INTENTION  TO 

PROCEED. 

(From  ih$  "  London  Gaxette,'*  June  26th, 

1855.) 

350.  William  Carter  SUflbrd  Feroy  and  WUliam 
Craven.  Improvements  in  the  manuflaeture,  and 
in  machinery  and  apparatus  used  in  the  manufac- 
ture, of  bricks,  tiles,  pipes,  and  other  articles  made 
tiom  plastic  materials. 

364.  George  Redfleid  Chittenden.  Improved  ap- 
paratus for  measuring  fluids.    A  eommunieatlon. 

372.  Samuel  Kenhaw  and  James  Taylor.  Cer- 
tain improvements  in  carding  engines. 

375.  Jean  Wothly.  Improvements  in  the  pre- 
servation of  meat. 

387.  William  Maynea.  Certain  improvements 
in  self'«cting  temples  to  be  used  in  weaving. 

411.  John  Haines  White.  An  improvement  in 
the  method  of  applying  artificial  teetn. 

418.  Auguste  Edouard  Loradoux  Bellford.  Ter- 
tain  improvements  in  the  ABanufacture  of  soda.  A 
communication. 

463.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
slide-valves  for  steam-engines.  A  communication 
flrom  Erasmus  D.  Leavitt,  of  Lowell,  United  States 
of  America. 

555.  James  Murdoch  Napier.  Improvements  in 
the  furnaces  used  in  the  manufacture  of  soda  or 
alkali. 

4  568.  Robert  Neale.     Improvements  in  copper 
and  other  plate-printing. 

601.  John  Henry  Jonnson.  Improvements  in 
steam  engines.  A  communication  from  Narcisse 
Duvoir,  of  Liancourt,  France,  mechanical  engi- 
neer. 

642.  John  Henry  Johnson.  Improvements  in 
hydraulic  motive-power  engines.  A  communica- 
tion /torn  Kardsse  Duvoir,  of  Liancourt,  France, 
roeohanicai  engineer. 

725.  Thomas  Russell  Crampton.  Improvements 
in  locomotive  and  other  steam  boiler  furnaces.  A 
communication. 

720.  Elizabeth  Abbott  and  Matilda  Abbott.  Im- 
provements  in  stays. 

742.  Hiram  Powers.  Forming  perforations  or 
throats  to  the  cutting  edges  of  files  or  rasps,  for 
allowing  the  particles  cut  away  to  pass  through, 
and  to  prevent  the  Instrument  from  clogging  or 
choking. 

781.  David  Cope.  Improveroenta  in  the  manu- 
facture of  metallic  spoons,  forks,  and  ladles. 

819.  Thomas  Wlmpenny  and  Jonas  Wtmpenny. 
Certain  improvements  In  machinery  or  apparatus 
for  drawing  and  spinning  wool  or  wool  mixed  with 
other  fibrous  substances. 

1007.  Samuel  Roberts.  Improvements  in  steam- 
engines. 

1135.  Edward  Holmes  Bennett.  Improvements 
in  roasting-jacks. 

1173.  George  Walker  Muir  and  Matthew  Gray. 
Improvements  in  admitting  and  regulating  the 
admission  of  air  to  furnaces. 

1188.  Auguste  Paillard  Jaocard.  An  improved 
Independent  oentre  seconds  movement  for  watches. 
A  communication. 

1210.  Samuel  Rowlands.  A  new  or  Improved 
instmroent  or  apparatus  to  be  used  fbr  purifying 
or  otherwise  treating  gas.    A  commnnication. 

1225.  Etienne  Jnles  Lafond  and  Count  Louis 
Alfred  de  ChaUuvillard.  Improvements  in  the 
processes  of,  and  apparatus  for,  treating  mineral, 
animal,  and  vegetable  matten,  for  obtaining  oils, 
essences,  parattne,  and  other  similar  products. 


1229.  Thomas  Vincent  Lee.  Improvements  in 
generating  steam  in  marine  and  other  boUen. 

1248.  Robert  Ashworth  and  Samuel  Stott.  Cer- 
tain appendages  to  and  Improvements  in  machi- 
nery for  preparing,  spinning,  doubling,  twisting, 
and  winding  flbrons  substances. 

1249.  Thomas  Worsdell.  Improvements  in  lift- 
ing jacks. 

1273.  Edward  Morewood  and  George  Rogers. 
Improvements  in  coating  sheets  of  wrought- Iron. 

1300.  John  Bunde.  An  improvement  in  bleach- 
ing resinous  substances  (ealophane)  for  the  manu- 
factnre  of  soap. 

1804.  John  Andnis  R%ynolds.  Improved  machi- 
nery for  discharging  volleys  of  shot. 

1307.  Richard  Anstcy  Tucker.  Using  the  gaa 
and  smoke  arising  from  coal  or  other  substances 
during  the  process  of  combustion,  for  fltel. 

1810.  Peter  Armand  Lecomte  de  Fontainemo- 
reau.  Certain  improvements  in  the  manufhcture 
of  Iron  shovels.    A  communication. 

1315.  John  Sutton  Nettlefold.  Edward  John  Net- 
tlefold,  and  Joseph  Henry  Nettlefold.  Improve- 
ments in  locks.    A  communication. 

1316.  Etienne  Jules  Lafond  and  Count  Louis 
Alfred  de  Chatauvillard.  Improvements  in  appa- 
ratus for  lighting. 

1322.  John  Greenwood.  Impnuvements  in  puri- 
fying oils. 

1326.  Henry  Bernoulli  Barlow.  Improvements 
in  oertain  parts  of  machines,  used  in  slubbing  and 
roving  cotton  and  other  fibrous  materials.  A  com- 
mnnication. 

1342.  Charles  Parker.  Improvements  in  vreav- 
ing. 

Opposition  can  be  entered  to  the  granting 
of  a  Patent  to  any  of  the  parties  in  the  above 
List,  who  have  given  notice  of  their  inten- 
tion to  proceed,  within  tweuty-one  days  from 
the  date  of  the  Gazette  in  which  the  notice 
appears,  by  leaving  at  the  Commissioners'- 
ofBce  particulars  in  writing  of  the  objection 
to  the  application* 


WEEKLY  LIST  OP  PATENTS. 


2705. 
2706. 
2722. 
2752. 
2766. 
2760. 
2764. 
1855. 
6. 

17. 

20. 

31. 
40. 

42. 

58. 

84. 

87. 

88. 
135. 
316. 

343. 
464. 
560. 


Sealed  June  22,  1855. 
Frederic  Prince. 
Edward  Loysel. 

Benjamin  Bishop  ft  Joseph  Dyer. 
James  Pillans. 
Francis  Preston. 
Robert  Sam  North. 
Samuel  Smith  Shipley. 

Bashley  Britten. 

Samuel  Aspinwall  Goddard. 

Charles  Miutwick  and  William 

Bean. 
Robert  Ashworth  &  Samuel  Stott 
George  Hallen  Cottam  and  Henry 

Richard  Cottam. 
William  Grindley  Craig. 
Ebenezer  Bow. 
Ezra  Miles. 
Francis  Preston. 
William  Barningham. 
William  Johnson. 
George  Hallen  Cottam  and  Henry 

Richard  Cottam. 
Benjamin  Gower. 
William  Hodges. 
John  Kidder. 

Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


624 


NOTICE  TO  S0BSCBIBEB8. 


Date  of 

No.  In 

'ifi?.'- 

the  Re- 

glatar. 

May  25 

8722 

29 

8728 

81 

8724 

June  1 

8725 

6 

8726 

9 

8727 

18 

8728 

tt 

8729 

19 

8730 

11 

8781 

„ 

8782 

M 

8788 

May  29 

668 

80 

669 

81 

670 

June  12 

671 

18 

672 

20  . 

678 

23 

674 

LIST  OF  DESIGNS  FOR  ARTICLES  OF  UTILITY  REGISTERED. 


Froprietork'Kamei.  Addressea.  Subjeetof  Design. 

J.  Wright Chipping  Ongar Tap  Protector. 

Smith,  Liasons,  and  Co. ...  Duke-atreet,  Adelphi Heater  and  part  of  a  Kettle. 

R.  Brotherhood  Chippenham Capstan. 

C.  T.  Bright Liverpool „ Parallel  Compau. 

J.  Cuxson  and  C.  F.  Lucas  Shiffnali  ^  Fire  Escape. 

E.  Cobbett Villlers  street Cooking  Apparatus. 

Feci.  WillUuns,  and  Peel..  Manchester Compound  ValTe. 

J.  HiU Piccadilly « Army  Tent. 

C.  Burton ..^ Regent-street m....  Parasol. 

W.  Monntcaatle ^ Manchester Hat. 

Capt.  J.  Olive... Liverpool 

J.  M.  Fisher Taunton 

rnOTISIOMAL   nBOISTRATIOVS. 

J.  Edwards Birmingham »... 

A.  Knisella KUkenny «... 

B.J.Webber Newton  Abbott  Straw  Shaker. 

Littlehales  and  Green Birmingham  Tray  Edges. 

W.  Eades  and  Son  Ditto Screw  Wrench. 

C.  Desden New-road «  Shirt  Front. 

F.  Wilkins Harley-street Air  Cushion. 


iugf 
........  Chimney  Top. 

Anti-spirt  for  Pens. 
Flying  Machine. 


NOTICE  TO  SUBSCRIBERS. 
The  Proprietors  of  the  Meckanlca'  Magazine 
finding  it  necessary,  in  order  to  meet  the  wishes  of 
their  friends  and  subscribers,  to  resume  the  publi- 
cation of  Advertisements  on  the  wrappers  of  the 
weekly  numbers  of  their  Journal,  call  attention  to 
the  following  scale  of  charges,  which,  though  ex- 
ceedingly low,  is  found  to  be  sufficiently  remune- 
rative. 


1  InaertioB.  6  Ibs. 

£  s.  d.  £.  s.  d. 

4  lines,  or   50  words  ...  0   2  0  0  10  0 

8      „          100     „      ...  0    2  6  0  12  6 

16      „          200      0    5  0  15  0 

inpage,or400     0   7  6  2   0  0 

I      „          800     0  15  0  4   0  0 


18  Ina. 
£  s.  d. 
1    0  0 

1  5  0 

2  10  0 
4  0  0 
8    0  0 


CONTENTS  OF  THIS  NUMBER. 


Professor  Tyndall's  Poly  magnet— (wi/A  tngrav- 

inas) €01 

On  Nature-printing— (fon<r/t«/tfd  from  p.  58?. )  606 
Apnaratns  for  Correcting   the    Variation  of 

Snips*  Compasses 610 

Collodion  Photographs  on  Metal.  Stone,  8ce..„  611 

Paris  Exhibition  612 

The  Smoke  Question 612 

New  Raw  Material  for  Paper.    By  a  Paper- 
maker  618 

Andraud's  Scientific  Drama  „ 614 

Attempts  to  Sound  Niagara  Falls 614 

Speciflcations  of  Patents  recently  Filed : 

Fontainemoreau  ...Hats 615 

Maudnlay Ordnance 615 

DowHng... Weighing-machines  ...  615 

Strong Chimneys 615 

Shaw........ Looms   615 

BeBtall Locomotive 615 

Parritt    Carding-machine  615 

Collet     ..Transmitting  Power  ...  615 

Cooper Joining  Pipes  615 

Varley  Dvnaroic  £iectrieity...  616 

Johnson ..Electric  Telegraphs  ...  616 

Wilson  and  Crad- 

dock Candles     and     Night- 
lights 616 

Warhurst    Furnaces 616 

Fontainemoreau. ..Coating  Metals 616 

Martin  Indigo  Colours 616 

Hodgson  ft  Stead.. Washing-machine  ....«  616 

Phelps  Label-damper  616 

Fairne  Sugar  Solutions 616 

M'Connell Steam  Engines 617 

Blumenthal    and 

Chollet  Preserving  Meats  617 

Browne Wrappers  and  Coats  ...  617 

Brooman  ..Spinning-frames 617 

Heseltine Cannon  and  Shot 617 

Anbury  ft  Bridges.Gaa 617 

Jolly  Pieee  Goods 617 

Hawthorn..;. Safety-valves 617 

END  OF  VOLUJ 


618 
619 


,  618 

.  618 


Complete  Specifications  filed  with  Appl'-ea 
tions : 

Pasquier  Drying  Wool 

HJorth   Electro  -  magnetic  Bat- 
tery   

HJorth Electro -magnetic  Ma- 
chine...  

HJorth  M.  Electro -magnetic  Ma- 
chine  

Schooft Artificial  Teeth  618 

niffb  ft  Newman... Buttons... 618 

Symington Peas  and  Barley 618 

Lyons Enamel 61S 

Brough Slide-buckles 618 

Caddick Puddling  Furnaces 618 

Warner Combining  Metal  Sheets  619 

Guild Bowking  619 

Peters... ....» Steam  Engines  619 

Putnam .....Forglng-machiBes  ......  619 

Robblns Fire-arms 6]9 

Von  Oilgenheimb..TilUng-machine 619 

Bellford Ordnance  619 

Provitfonal  Specifications  not  Proceeded  with : 

Lister .Dyeing-materiala  .......  619 

Thompson,     Ran- 
kine.  ft  ThompsonBleetrieal  Conduetors .  620 

Russell  Loonu  ....« 610 

AlmgUl ........Fluid-meter 620 

Bullock   Safety  Rafts 610 

Costard  ft  Collas ...Projectiles 610 

Oedge Stoppering  Bottles......  620 

Maclie  Food 620 

Anderson Shaping  Iron  ...........  621 

DeMornay Guns  ...^ 621 

Eden  Sharpening  Raaors 621 

Carney Power-Lown 621 

Metcalf Bath  Chair  ................  621 

ProvisioDal  Protections 611 

Notices  of  Intention  to  Proceed...... 628 

List  of  Sealed  Patents ^ 618 

List  of  Designs  for  Articles  of  UtiUly  Regis- 
tered  M«M.w 618 

List  of  Provisional  Registrations 624 

Notice  to  Snlfseribeis  m...*«.... 614 

SIlffY-l 


LONDON:  Edited,  Printed,  and  PuL 
SLtt?  ^'tt  of  London.— Sold  by  A. 
DnbMB  J  W.  C.  Campbell  aad  Co.,  "" 


,  BrooBBB,  vf  No.  166,  FleOt-alreef 
iTlmno,  Paris  I  Hodftt  and  Bmith« 


>L». 


lOlA  Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


it 

-If 
.a 

.£-' 
.1- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC