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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Scientific American, Vol. XXXVII.--No. 2.
+[New Series.], July 14, 1877, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Scientific American, Vol. XXXVII.--No. 2. [New Series.], July 14, 1877
+       A Weekly Journal Of Practical Information, Art, Science,
+       Mechanics, Chemistry, And Manufactures
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: January 3, 2012 [EBook #38481]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Lesley Halamek, and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
+
+
+A WEEKLY JOURNAL OF PRACTICAL INFORMATION, ART, SCIENCE, MECHANICS,
+CHEMISTRY, AND MANUFACTURES.
+
+
+NEW YORK, JULY 14, 1877.
+
+Vol. XXXVII.--No. 2. [NEW SERIES.]
+
+[$3.20 per Annum [POSTAGE PREPAID.]]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+(Illustrated articles are marked with an asterisk.)
+
+  Africa, carrying peace into          16
+  Air compressor, Bower's *            15
+  Alloy, new                           18
+  American inventions. N.S.Wales       25
+  American Institute Exhibition        24
+  Answers to correspondents            27
+  Artesian well, pumping (13)          27
+  Billiard ball holder *               22
+  Billiard table *                     22
+  Bisulphide of lime (35)              28
+  Bleaching silk and wool              24
+  Boot and shoe machinery *            19
+  Bookbinding, new method of *         19
+  Books and publications               25
+  Business prospects                   15
+  Carrigeen crop                       17
+  Catastrophism, Clarence King on      16
+  Catastrophe in geology               17
+  Chalk cup *                          22
+  Coloring matter from herbs (2)       27
+  Copper plates covered with steel     22
+  Curtain fixture *                    19
+  Disinfecting rooms                   15
+  Duplex education                     17
+  Dyspepsia, on                        20
+  Education in Germany                 24
+  Electricity, conducting power (21)   27
+  Electrotyping cylinders (33)         28
+  Electricity and magnetism (5)        27
+  Gold, dentists' (24)                 27
+  Horses, dead, standing erect         20
+  Inventions patented in England       25
+  Lightning, effects of                20
+  Lime, precipitating (22)             27
+  Locomotive valves, setting           21
+  Man's place in Nature                25
+  Measures of the U. S. (32)           28
+  Mints of the U. S. (30)              27
+  Papier Mache (40)                    28
+  Patents, American and foreign        25
+  Patent decisions, recent             25
+  Patents, official list of            28
+  Phosphorescent sweating              18
+  Plague, extension of the             24
+  Plants, curious carnivorous *        23
+  Popular fallacies                    24
+  Santini, death of Professor          15
+  Sebastin, a new explosive            18
+  Solar heat, apparatus for utilizing  18
+  Special notice                       25
+  Steamer, new                         21
+  Steam pump, pounding (20)            27
+  Sulphur, test for                    22
+  Sunstroke                            20
+  Tin scrap, utilization of *          18
+  Tin-can telephone                    21
+  Tin and phosphorus, alloy of         24
+  Yule, John                           15
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+BOWER'S PATENT AIR COMPRESSOR.
+
+
+The new air compressor herewith illustrated may be operated by steam
+or water power, and is available for work in mines, tunnels, or
+quarries, for driving rock drills, coal cutters, and hauling and
+pumping engines, working mining pumps, for use in factories, and in
+fact for all service where a safe and efficient power is required. The
+construction of the machine, the capacity of which differs according
+to the amount of power required, will readily be understood from the
+illustration. Above the air cylinder are two distinct air chambers,
+each having two induction or receiving valves, which cushion on
+rubbers. With the movement of the piston these chambers alternately
+receive and force the compressed air through check valves placed
+in the upper part of the air compartment, both compartments being
+connected with one pipe conveying the air to the ordinary air
+receiver. These check valves lift alternately, and cushion on water;
+and as the compressed air is forced into the pipe connecting with the
+receiver, without a possibility of any of it escaping back into the
+receiving chambers, it is claimed that there is the smallest possible
+loss of power, and that the machine will give fully 90 per cent of
+steam power expended in the shape of compressed air. The compressor is
+compact in form, strongly made, simple in construction, and not liable
+to get out of order. One peculiarity in its construction is that no
+water jacket or hollow piston is used; yet under any of the extreme
+pressures to which the machine has been tested, no inconvenience, we
+are informed, from heat has been perceptible.
+
+In connection with the compressor, receivers of various sizes are
+used, into which the air is pumped and thence conveyed by pipe to the
+location where required, even if it be a mile or more, the loss by
+friction between receiver and point of utilization of the air being,
+it is claimed, under 2 lbs. of the pressure.
+
+The manufacturers also build water-power compressors, one of which,
+driven by 75 to 100 horse power, they have recently shipped to Utah.
+The machine is intended to convey the air through iron tubes 5,000
+feet to the mouth of a silver mine, where a 50 horse power hoisting
+and a 25 horse power pumping engine will be driven by air instead
+of steam, and a tube will be extended into the mine 1,000 feet deep,
+where the power drills and small pumps will be operated by air also.
+
+The manufacturers submit a number of excellent testimonials from
+parties using the machine. From one, we learn, that at the Antelope
+and Prince of Wales mine, near Alta City, Utah, the compressor runs 10
+hours per day, and supplies compressed air to two 3 inch drills used
+in running levels. The distribution terminates at distances of from
+1,000 to 2,000 feet from the compressor. The machine also drives one
+hoisting engine and ventilates the lower part of the mine. The main
+supply pipe is three inches in diameter, 2,300 feet long, and is
+tapped by two inch pipe wherever power is required. The expenditure
+of fuel is one cord of green pine wood and 600 lbs. of bituminous
+coal per 10 hours. Air pressure in receiver 100 lbs. This pressure
+is reported to be obtained by 70 lbs. of steam as indicated by the
+gauges.
+
+For further particulars, address the manufacturers, Messrs. Griffith
+and Wedge, Zanesville, Ohio.
+
+[Illustration: BOWER'S AIR COMPRESSOR.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+DEATH OF PROFESSOR SANTINI.
+
+
+A cable dispatch announces the death of the Italian astronomer,
+Giovanni Santini. The Professor was born at Tuscany, June 30, 1786,
+and was in the ninety-first year of his age. He graduated at the
+University of Pisa. He soon devoted himself to a study of the exact
+sciences, and in 1814 he had achieved so much distinction that he was
+appointed to a professorship in the Padowa Observatory in place
+of Vincenzo Cheminello. In 1825 he was appointed Rector of the
+University, and up to the time of his death he held the position of
+Professor of Astronomy and Director of Mathematical Studies. He was
+generally esteemed by the learned societies of Europe, and held
+a number of honorary titles and degrees from various leading
+universities. He was also a correspondent of the French Academy. The
+principal books published by him are strictly scientific, such
+as "Decimal Arithmetic" (1808), "Elements of Astronomy" (1820),
+"Logarithms and Trigonometry," and "Optical Problems" (1821-23). Some
+of his elementary works on astronomy for beginners are the best ever
+published in Italy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+JOHN YULE.
+
+
+The death is announced of Mr. John Yule, of the Hutchestown Engine
+Works, Rutherglen, N. B., at the age of 66. During early life, Mr.
+Yule went the round of the best engineers' shops in Scotland and
+England, and became one of the recognized leaders in engineering
+progress. His inventiveness took various directions, amongst other
+fruits being an improved rotary engine, a compensating governor for
+the steam engine, and a screw tap, drill, and mandrel. For the latter
+he was awarded the silver medal of the Scottish Society of Arts. For
+some years Mr. Yule acted as the manager of the boiler department of
+Messrs. Robert Napier & Son's establishment, but eventually resumed
+business at the Hutchestown Works, and devoted attention amongst
+other matters to the improvement of swing bridges and steam cranes and
+hammers. In the former line two of his most important works are the
+plate girder bridge over the entrance to one of the docks at Port
+Glasgow, for the Caledonian Railway, erected from plans by Messrs.
+Bell and Miller, C.E., Glasgow; and a lattice girder bridge over the
+entrance to Kingston Dock, Glasgow Harbor. Owing to the angle at which
+this last bridge crosses the dock, great difficulties were experienced
+in working out the mechanical details so as to admit of easy motion.
+These were skillfully overcome, and the bridge was, as finally
+erected, a monument of his design as well as workmanship. The
+Blackhill incline on the Monkland Canal, constructed nearly a quarter
+of a century ago, is a sample of Mr. Yule's mechanical powers. Of late
+years he was largely engaged as a professional valuator.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+BUSINESS PROSPECTS.
+
+
+We have recently taken the pains to make inquiries from the more
+eminent bankers and merchants in the chief cities of the interior, and
+the results of our inquiries have tended to confirm the belief we have
+more than once expressed in this journal, that although, from various
+causes, there is overhanging a portion of our American industries a
+cloud of gloom and depression, still throughout the nation at large
+there is going on a process of growth and recovery from which the best
+results are anticipated. How long we shall have to wait before the
+life which is at work silently and secretly beneath the surface will
+put forth its full power, in the full harvest of productive activity,
+is, of course, impossible to foretell. What is chiefly important for
+us to know, however, is that the progress we are making tends upwards
+and not downwards, and that it promises to lead our industry and
+commerce to a brighter and not to a darker future.--_Financial
+Chronicle._
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+TO DISINFECT ROOMS.
+
+
+The disinfection of a room is not complete unless the walls have been
+thoroughly cleansed. If they are papered, the paper must be removed
+and the surface beneath carefully scraped and washed. If the walls are
+painted, they should be washed with caustic soda. The ceiling should
+also be subjected to a similar treatment.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN.
+
+ESTABLISHED 1845.
+
+MUNN & CO., Editors and Proprietors.
+
+PUBLISHED WEEKLY AT NO. 37 PARK ROW, NEW YORK.
+
+O. D. MUNN.
+
+A. E. BEACH.
+
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+
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+
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+
+
+THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT
+
+
+is a distinct paper from the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. THE SUPPLEMENT is
+issued weekly; every number contains 16 octavo pages, with handsome
+cover, uniform in size with SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Terms of subscription
+for SUPPLEMENT, $5.00 a year, postage paid, to subscribers. Single
+copies 10 cents. Sold by all news dealers throughout the country.
+
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+
+New subscriptions will be entered from the time the order is received;
+but the back numbers of either the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN or the
+SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT will be sent from January when desired.
+In this case, the subscription will date from the commencement of the
+volume, and the latter will be complete for preservation or binding.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+VOL. XXXVII., NO. 2. [NEW SERIES.] _Thirty-second Year._
+
+NEW YORK, SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1877.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT,
+
+NO. 80,
+
+FOR THE WEEK ENDING JULY 14, 1877.
+
+
+I.  ENGINEERING AND MECHANICS.--Wrought Iron Bridge Designs:
+    by WILLIAM O. DOUGLAS. A method of construction whereby the
+    safety of the structure is not dependent on any single member.
+    2 engravings.--Steel Wire Hawsers.
+
+    Health and Sewage of Towns; by ALFRED CARPENTER, M.D., C.S.S.
+    A practical experience of the Dry system.
+
+    Carlisle Bridge, Dublin, 1 engraving--Extinction of Fires.--Important
+    Dutch Enterprise.
+
+    Foot Bridge across the River Ness at Inverness; by C. R. MANNERS,
+    Engineer. 13 illustrations.
+
+    Radiating Steam Hercules for the St. Heliers' Harbor Works, Jersey.
+    2 figures.--New Meat Trucks.--New Horseshoe.--Scott's Wheel-Cutting
+    and Moulding Machine. 3 figures.
+
+    Compound Engine with Rope Driving Gear; by BENJAMIN GOODFELLOW,
+    Engineer. 3 engravings.--Differential Screw Pipe Joint.
+    6 figures.
+
+    Pipes for Gas and Other Purposes (continued from SUPPLEMENT No.
+    77). Main-laying continued, with 4 figures.--Fittings of Gas and
+    Water Pipes; Includes the average "life" of pipes; an account of
+    various soils, and amount of corrosion in each; Professor Barff's
+    new iron-preserving process, and other processes in practical use
+    for preserving iron pipe; proving pipe; the utility of various
+    metals, and directions for pipe-laying: various fittings,
+    illustrated in 16 figures.
+
+II. TECHNOLOGY.--The Sizing of Cotton Goods; a paper read before the
+    Society of Arts, by W. THOMPSON, F.R.S. A very full and clear
+    description, embracing: An account of the process of weaving,
+    explaining the object and utility of size. A table of sizing
+    mixtures in which are enumerated all the substances used, (1) for
+    giving adhesive properties to the size, (2) to give weight and
+    body to the yarn, (3) for softening the size or yarn, and (4) for
+    preserving the size from mildew and decomposition.
+    Tests for these substances and directions for mixing, so as to
+    obtain the results required. Proportions of sizing. Use of flour
+    in size. Weighting materials, China clay and its substitutes.
+    "Softenings" and oils for softening. East winds. Glycerin, grape
+    sugar, mildew preventives, and tape sizing. "Slashing," packing,
+    mildew, damaged goods, etc.--Notes on Garment Dyeing. Giving
+    preparation of garments with cotton warps, green on garments with
+    cotton warps, brown on the same, etc.
+
+III. LIGHT, HEAT, ELECTRICITY, ETC.--On the Minute Measurements
+    of Modern Science. By ALFRED M. MAYER. Article IX. The dividing
+    engine and methods of making accurate linear scales.
+    8 illustrations.
+
+IV. NATURAL HISTORY, ETC.--Catastrophism, or the Evolution of
+    Environment. An address by Clarence King before the Sheffield
+    Scientific School of Yale College, New Haven, Conn.
+
+V.  AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE.--Pencils of Silver Nitrate.--The Black
+    Poplar.--Tree Leaves as a Fertilizer.--Improving Pastures.--Lawns
+    and Hay.--Thoroughbred Pigs.--Shall Country Houses have Cellars?
+
+VI. MISCELLANEOUS.--The New German Patent Law: being the Full
+    Text of the New Law for Patents, passed July 1, 1877, covering all
+    the States of the German Empire.
+
+
+Terms.--SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT, one year, postpaid, _five
+dollars_. One copy of SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN and one copy of SCIENTIFIC
+AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT, one year, postpaid, _seven dollars_. CLUBS.--One
+extra copy of the SUPPLEMENT will be supplied gratis for every club of
+five SUPPLEMENT subscribers at $5.00 each.
+
+All the back numbers of the SUPPLEMENT, from the commencement, January
+1, 1876, can be had. Price 10 cents each.
+
+NOW READY.--The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT for 1876, Complete
+in two large volumes. Over 800 quarto pages; over 2,000 engravings.
+Embracing History of the Centennial Exhibition. New Illustrated.
+Instructions in Mechanical Drawing. Many valuable papers, etc. Price
+five dollars for the two volumes, stitched in paper; or six dollars
+and fifty cents, handsomely bound in stiff covers.
+
+Remit by postal order. Address
+
+MUNN & CO. PUBLISHERS, 37 Park Row, New York.
+
+--> Single copies of any desired number of the SUPPLEMENT sent to any
+address on receipt of 10 cents.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CARRYING PEACE INTO AFRICA.
+
+
+To carry war into Africa has been a proverb ever since Rome vowed the
+destruction of Carthage. But the Carthagenian invasion was a modern
+episode in Africa's experiences of that nature. On one of the earlier
+monuments of Egypt there is figured a slave-hunter's raid upon an
+Ethiopian village, the horrid details of which are said by travelers
+to be an accurate picture of a slave raid of to-day. The same
+murderous work has been going on incessantly for at least 4,000 years:
+how much longer there is no telling. For all these ages the African
+borders have known war and war only, and of the most destructive and
+barbarizing nature.
+
+Recently, under the influence of Sir Samuel Baker, Colonel Gordon, and
+the civilized world in general, the Khedive of Egypt has carried war
+into the interior in the interests of peace: a conquest in a measure
+justified by the suppression of inter-tribal war for the filling of
+slave pens, and the abolition of the slave trade down the Nile. A
+similar reform has been effected on the east coast by the pressure of
+English power on the Sultan of Zanzibar. And the immediate effect of
+these two movements has been to prevent the butchery or enslavement of
+not less than half a million negroes annually.
+
+A still more promising invasion of Africa has just been decided upon
+in the International Geographical Conference in Brussels: an invasion
+wholly in the interests of peace and civilization. At the meeting,
+a year ago, it was declared advisable to establish, by international
+effort, a line of permanent commercial stations from Bagomoyo, on the
+coast of Zanzibar, to St. Paul de Loanda, on the opposite Atlantic
+coast; the first stations to be at Ujiji, where Stanley found
+Livingstone, on the eastern shore of lake Tanganyika; at Nyangwe,
+Livingstone's furthest point northward on the Lualaba; and at some
+point further west on the route of Cameron, to be fixed in the
+dominions of Muata Yamvo, one of the most powerful chiefs of Central
+Africa. At the second conference, which ended June 24, arrangements
+were made for sending out the first expedition toward Tanganyika.
+
+The object of the proposed stations is the development of civilization
+by commerce, not by religious propaganda. Primarily they will serve
+as bases of operation for explorers of the interior, a sort of
+_entrepots_, where the explorer may supply himself with provisions,
+instruments, and goods, and thus save the cost and embarrassment of
+an army of porters from the coast. They will also serve as places of
+refuge for explorers in times of sickness and other reverses, which
+have hitherto so terribly hampered explorers. The heads of these
+pioneer establishments are to be men of scientific training and proved
+executive ability; and each will be aided by a physician-naturalist
+and a few skilled artisans. The points thus far chosen are on a line
+regularly traveled by the caravans of Arab traders, carrying coffee,
+tea, sugar, arms, and woven goods to permanent Arab residences and
+trading stations in the interior. An agent of the London Missionary
+Society has already begun the survey of a route for ox teams as far
+as lake Tanganyika; and Cameron has expressed the opinion that a light
+narrow-gauge railway could be constructed from the coast to the lake
+at a cost not exceeding four thousand dollars a mile. The traffic
+along such a road, he thinks, would soon pay interest on the outlay.
+
+The unexplored region thus to be opened up to civilization and
+commerce (other than in human beings) is larger than the United
+States east of the Mississippi. Around it is a still larger region of
+partially explored country of unequalled fertility, abounding in great
+lakes and navigable rivers, and for the most part so high above
+the sea that the products of the tropics mingle with those of
+the temperate zone. The cereals, durah, maize, rice, sugar cane,
+starch-yielding roots and tubers, cotton, coffee, tobacco, spices,
+gums and caoutchouc, dye-stuffs and medicinal plants, the banana,
+fig, date, orange, and the vine are among the known products of this
+region; and all are capable of becoming important staples of foreign
+commerce. The country is not less rich in coal, iron, copper, gold,
+and other valuable minerals. The climate, though moist from abundant
+rain, is less debilitating than India or Brazil; and everywhere, away
+from the miasmatic coast regions and the marshes of the lower river
+courses, European explorers have found small cause for complaining of
+excessive heat or unhealthiness. On the elevated plateaus which cover
+so large a part of Central Africa, the climate is like that of the
+sanitariums of India; while among the mountains the finest climates of
+the world are fairly rivalled. Stanley found in the mountainous region
+between the great lakes and within a degree of the equator every
+climatic condition and every element of landscape beauty that could
+attract and delight a white colony. It was a perfect alpine country,
+with mountains rising from twelve to fifteen thousand feet, yet free
+from alpine cold and snow. Countless torrents from the hills watered
+ever-verdant valleys as beautiful as those of Tyrol, lying under a
+brilliant equatorial sun, yet with a climate as cool and equable as
+any European might desire. Further south, among the mountains about
+Lake Nyassa, the same features are presented on a grander scale:
+a country aptly described as a second Switzerland of gigantic
+proportions.
+
+There can be no question of the ability of Europeans to sustain
+themselves in the greater part of the interior-certainly on all the
+higher plateaus-nor of the possibility of building up in Central
+Africa a great civilized empire. Nature offers every facility, and the
+native population seem to be well fitted for productive industry. In
+every respect they are physically and morally superior to the negroes
+of the coast, and only need protection and the encouragement of
+legitimate commerce to weld them into a great nation. Already
+they stand on the borders of civilization. They are intelligent,
+industrious, and not unskillful in the manufacture of iron and copper
+ornaments, utensils, and weapons. The arts of tanning, spinning,
+weaving, dyeing, mat-making, etc., are widely diffused among them, and
+many of their products are remarkable for their fineness and
+strength. They carry on agriculture with considerable success;
+and, notwithstanding the chronic state of insecurity incident to
+slave-hunting, their wealth in cattle is very great. As soon as the
+disturbing and impoverishing influence of the slave traffic is abated,
+and a market provided for the products of peace, the advancement of
+the people in civilization is likely to go on with great rapidity.
+As the source of raw materials which we need, and as a market for the
+surplus manufactures of Europe and America, the country offers, to say
+the least, many attractions; and it will not be surprising if, within
+fifty years, thriving commercial stations will be founded on all
+its great lakes and rivers, and connected with the outer world by
+telegraphy, railways, and steamship lines.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF CLARENCE KING ON CATASTROPHISM.
+
+
+Mr. Clarence King lately delivered an interesting address before the
+Sheffield Scientific School of Yale College, New Haven, Conn., under
+the title of "Catastrophism, or the Evolution of Environment," which
+promises to evoke considerable discussion. We subjoin an abstract of
+the principal features of the address, which is quite lengthy. The
+full text will be found in our SUPPLEMENTS, Nos. 80, 81.
+
+Mr. King refuted the doctrine of slow evolution as taught by Huxley
+and Darwin, and declared that the surface of the earth and climate had
+been subject to sudden and catastrophic mutation, which included in
+its environment all types of life.
+
+He reasoned that marine fossils are found entombed in rocky beds far
+remote from present seas; and that these beds were once sea bottoms
+that have been upheaved by convulsions of Nature. The earliest history
+of mankind is pregnant with catastrophe, and we have historic story
+and biblical record of its sudden and destructive energy. He called
+to mind the vast and massive eruptions of the Pliocene basalt as seen
+upon our own continent.
+
+The great obvious changes in the rocky crust were referred to a few
+processes; the sub-aerial decay of continents, delivery by streams
+of land-detritus into the sea, the spreading out of these comminuted
+materials upon a pelagic floor, and lastly upheaval, by which oceanic
+beds were lifted up into subsequent land masses. All these processes
+he declared to have been more rapid in the past than now. Suddenness,
+world-wide destructiveness, were the characteristics of geological
+changes. Periods of calm, like the present, are suddenly terminated by
+brief catastrophic epochs. Successive faunas and floras were created
+only to be extinguished by general cataclysms.
+
+He believed in recurrent, abrupt accelerations of crust change, so
+violent as to destroy all life on the globe. He declared the idea to
+be the survival of a prehistoric terror, and was backed up by breaks
+in the great palaeontological record. Of the geologic features of
+our continent, he said that beneath our America lies buried another
+distinct continent, which he called Archaean America, which was made
+up of what was originally ocean beds lifted into the air and locally
+crumpled into vast mountain chains, which were in turn eroded by
+torrents into mountain peaks. The original coast lines of this
+continent we may never be able fully to survey, but its great
+features, the lofty chains of the mountains which made its bones, were
+very nearly co-extensive with our existing systems, the Appalachians
+and Cordilleras. The canon-cutting rivers of the present Western
+mountains have dug out the peaks and flanks of those underlying,
+primeval uplifts and developed an astonishing topography; peaks rising
+in a single sweep 30,000 feet from their bases, precipices lifting
+bold, solid fronts 10,000 feet into the air, and profound mountain
+valleys. The work of erosion, which has been carried on by torrents
+of the quaternary age, brings to light buried primeval chains loftier
+than any of the present heights of the globe.
+
+At the close of the Palaezoic age, two enormous masses of what,
+probably, were then continents began to sink, and as they disappeared
+the present Atlantic and Pacific oceans appeared, while the sea-floor
+of a then ocean, emerged, and became the new continent of America.
+Dividing this new continent was a sea, but catastrophe removed this
+sea and resulted in the folding up of mountain ranges 20,000 and
+40,000 feet in height, thereby essentially changing the whole climate
+of the continent. Of the land life of the mesozoic age we have
+abundant remains. The wonderful reptilian and avian fauna of the
+mesozoic age is now familiar to all. But after the catastrophe, and
+the change of climate which must necessarily have ensued, this fauna
+totally perished.
+
+After criticising the opinions of Huxley, Lyell, Hutton, Darwin, and
+others, he recurred to the effects of sudden terrestrial or cosmical
+changes, and conceived that the effects of these changes would
+be, first, extermination; secondly, destruction of the biological
+equilibrium; and thirdly, rapid morphological change on the part of
+plastic species. When catastrophic change burst in upon the ages of
+uniformity, and sounded in the ear of every living thing the words
+"Change or die!" plasticity became the sole principle of salvation.
+And plasticity is the key to survival and prosperity. Mr. King
+remarked in conclusion of his address: "He who brought to bear that
+mysterious energy we call life upon primeval matter bestowed at
+the same time a power of development by change, arranging that the
+interaction of energy and matter, which make up environment should,
+from time to time, burst in upon the current of life and sweep it
+onward and upward to ever higher and better manifestations. Moments of
+great catastrophe, thus translated into the language of life, become
+moments of creation, when out of plastic organisms something newer and
+nobler is called into being."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+DUPLEX EDUCATION.
+
+
+The age in which we live is a fast one, and he who does not move with
+equal celerity, and keep pace with those around him, is ruthlessly
+thrust to the wall, and remains there unless he has strength and will
+to regain the lost position. We call to our aid every force of
+Nature and invoke the assistance of every appliance with which we are
+cognizant. We call our fathers slow, and to us they were so; but there
+was the same need of celerity in their every-day life as to-day there
+is in ours.
+
+While calling to our aid the elements of Nature and adapting thousands
+of mechanical appliances to our wants, do we not often feel that there
+is beyond all these a "something" that may be invoked and trained to
+help us on in the race of life? Occasionally we find dim glimmerings
+of this "something" that we believe will eventually grow to be one of
+the prominent sciences. Physiologists tell us that the human brain is
+double, that the right and left lobes act in a degree independent of
+each other--the right lobe of the brain controlling the physiology of
+the left side of the individual from head to heel, while the left lobe
+exercises a like dominion on the opposite side. Grant this to be true,
+then can be explained the idiosyncrasy that is occasionally seen in
+individuals, of which we may instance that of writing at the same
+time with both hands; and again we have heard of telegraph operators
+sending and receiving two messages at the same time, operating with
+both hands, and independent of each other. It is said that Nasmyth,
+the inventor of the steam hammer, could actually produce two sketches
+or drawings in this way and at the same time. It is also affirmed that
+Sir Charles Fox, the architect of the Exhibition building of 1851,
+could write upon two ideas at the same time and transfer these ideas
+simultaneously to paper with right and left hand. The mechanic can
+often be found who can operate upon one piece of mechanism, while at
+the same time his brain is busy upon the study of some unborn idea,
+foreign to that work upon which he is laboring. Writers can be found
+who can write out one train of ideas, while ideas entirely different
+are being cogitated upon somewhere in their craniums. We have even
+heard it affirmed that an indistinct glimmering of a third idea would
+occasionally peep around the corner of the caputs of these favored
+ones.
+
+Why not educate this? Why not form schools and institutions to bring
+it out and lead the brain to perform this double function? It can
+certainly be done. The world wants it, surely. The age demands it.
+Individuals need it. If these individuals can succeed and become
+experts in this method of double work, will not double compensation
+and a greater remuneration be their reward? This, certainly, will be
+an incentive to its acquirement. Go to the apprentice when first he
+takes position beside the vise, with chipping chisel in one hand and
+hammer in the other. The injunction he mentally receives as he raises
+the hammer is, that to miss the chisel is to hit his knuckles. After
+a few demonstrative blows he knows what it means, and therefore chisel
+and hammer soon come by some strange process to harmonize in action,
+so that in whatever position the head of the chisel may be, the blow
+is sure to be properly received, and that, too, without any sensible
+effort on his part. In this illustration both right and left hand are
+taught to act, by brain dictation, in a certain concerted manner.
+
+Again, we find that mutes have been learned to articulate words
+and sentences by proper education, they being taught to imitate the
+motions of the mouth and labial organs as by their tutors directed.
+Education can do much, and these are some of its results. Can we not
+by proper teaching produce all the results as shown in the case of
+Nasmyth and Fox. The first lessons must necessarily be simple. For
+instance, two things done at the same time with both hands, giving
+expression at this time to ideas connected therewith, but distinct
+from each other. From this simple lesson we progress, and, as the
+ultimatum, we may arrive at greater achievements than Nasmyth or Fox
+ever dreamed of. We may find that we can so divide our entity that we
+can be conscious of a double-brain existence in a dual action.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE CARRIGEEN CROP.
+
+
+To the great majority of people, Carrigeen, under the more familiar
+name of Irish Moss, is known chiefly as the basis of a pleasant and
+wholesome drink for the sick room, or as an article of use in the
+preparation of delicacies for the table. Comparatively few are aware
+of its wide and varied use in the arts, or that the thousands of
+barrels of it employed annually by our manufacturers of paper, cloth,
+felt, and straw hats, etc., and by brewers, is not an Irish, but an
+American product, and, speaking strictly, is not a moss but a seaweed.
+
+Carrigeen (_chondrus crispus_) is to be found more or less abundantly
+all along our northern coast, ranging between the low water line
+and the depth of forty feet, or so; but as a rule its fronds, which
+correspond to the leaves of air plants, are so numerously inhabited by
+small mollusca that they are spoiled for other use. The clean-growing
+article seems to be limited almost wholly to certain ledges in the
+neighborhood of Scituate, Mass.--a section of coast guarded by the
+celebrated Minot Ledge Lighthouse, and famous for its danger to
+shipping. Here, where the waves of the Atlantic dash with full force
+upon the rocky coast, the carrigeen grows to perfection; and wherever
+it escapes the spawn of mussels and other shellfish, is gathered
+during the summer season in vast quantities.
+
+The harvest begins in May and ends about the first of September. The
+gathering is made in two ways--by hand-picking during exceptionally
+low tides, and by means of long-handled iron-toothed rakes at ordinary
+tides. Of course the work cannot be carried on except during fair
+weather. Hand-pulling is possible only during the bi-monthly periods
+of spring tides, that is, when the moon is full and again at new moon.
+At such times high tide occurs about midday and midnight, and the
+ledges are exposed for moss gathering morning and evening. The
+mossers' boats are rowed to the rocks where the finest grades abound,
+and the gatherers select with great care the growths that are freest
+from minute shells and other foreign matter. This portion of the crop,
+if properly handled afterwards, generally goes to the apothecary and
+fetches a price two or three times that of the common grade.
+
+As the tide rises the pickers are driven to their boats, and proceed
+to the outer moss-bearing rocks where the rake is used, as it also is
+during ordinary low tides. Moss taken in this way is not so clean as
+the hand-picked, and is always mixed with tape grass, which must be
+removed during the process of curing and packing.
+
+The curing of the moss is the most critical part of this peculiar
+farming. On being brought to the shore the moss is black and
+unsightly; it must be bleached as well as dried. The bleaching is
+effected by repeated wetting and drying in the sun; and as the moss
+is readily soluble in fresh water the bleaching beds are situated
+near the banks of the salt creeks that abound along the shore. After
+drying, the moss is packed in tubs and rolled to the water, where it
+is thoroughly washed, then rolled back to the bleaching bed, to
+be dried again in the sun. Five or six such exposures are usually
+sufficient. On the bleaching ground, the moss is carefully spread
+and turned, and watchfully guarded against wetting by rain. In this
+process it turns from black to red, then to the yellowish-white of the
+perfected article. When properly cured the moss is stored in bulk,
+in shanties; where, as time permits, it is picked over and packed in
+barrels. The crop averages about half a million pounds a year; and
+thanks to the brighter and more abundant sunshine of our coast, the
+moss has a brighter color and is of finer quality than the Irish
+product.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CATASTROPHISM IN GEOLOGY.
+
+
+Mr. Clarence King was probably not a little surprised to learn from
+the Tribune that in his most suggestive address on "Catastrophism and
+the Evolution of Environment," he had turned the guns of Geology upon
+Biology; and that in calling attention to the influence of periods of
+accelerated change in environment upon exposed types of life he had
+swept away the "fundamental doctrines upon which has been built the
+scheme of development by natural selection and the survival of the
+fittest." Certainly nothing in the address betrays any consciousness
+of possible effects of that sort. And it is quite probable also that
+Mr. King will have to suffer some annoyance from seeing his name set
+up at gaze, like Joshua's moon in Ajalon, by the unscientific press
+generally, as that of the newest champion of orthodoxy against the
+leaders of modern scientific thought: a penalty which scientific men
+always have to pay for emphasizing neglected truths.
+
+Mr. King certainly deals some telling blows against the position of
+the stricter school of Uniformitarians in geology, and brings into
+prominence a much neglected element in the struggle for existence; but
+there is no scientific revolution threatened, nor are any crumbs of
+comfort spread for those endeavoring to arrest the natural drift of
+scientific progress.
+
+The issue between Mr. King and the sticklers for uniformity in rates
+of geological change is simply this: In the reaction against the
+sweeping cataclysms, the sudden wipings out of whole creations and
+the sudden introductions of new worlds of life believed in by earlier
+geologists, the modern English school has come to look upon time and
+the slower modifications of the earth's surface, now observable, with
+the struggle for existence under easy conditions, as the chief factors
+in geological change and its accompanying variations in the forms of
+life. Mr. King, on the other hand, insists that in so doing they have
+taken too little account of catastrophic changes, that is, widespread
+and sudden movements of sea and land. In other words, he raises rapid
+change of environment from the subordinate place it has hitherto
+occupied in the scheme of historical development, and gives special
+emphasis to the grand geologic movements which have to do with such
+changes.
+
+In this Mr. King has unquestionably rendered good service to the
+science he has done so much to extend and honor in the field; while
+the illustrations from American geology which he brings to bear on the
+subject are as likely as his sturdy opinions to attract attention.
+Yet we are inclined to think that in some things he has allowed his
+enthusiasm to run away with him. The stolid self-confidence of
+extreme Uniformitarians has tempted him to exaggerate the periodic
+accelerations of geologic and biologic movement, and to overstate
+their effects quite as much as others have underestimated them;
+and when he charges the followers of Lyell with intellectual
+near-sightedness and a lack of "the very mechanism of imagination,"
+they may possibly be able to retort not unjustifiably that he has
+mistaken the natural foreshortening of the geological vista due to
+distance for actual brevity; and that his belief in the abruptness and
+suddenness of the great changes which the earth's strata record, may
+be due to his own lack of sustained imaginative power for grasping and
+interpreting all the evidences of the enormous time really involved.
+But this is a question not of imaginative capacity but of logical
+deduction from observed facts; and however abrupt the beginning of
+some of the great geologic movements may have been, their subsequent
+progress cannot in all cases have been so rapid as to allow of their
+being called catastrophic in any ordinary acceptation of the term.
+
+Take, for example, the alleged catastrophe which marked the close of
+the mesozoic age in the West. Of this movement Mr. King remarks: "In
+a quasi-uniformitarian way, 20,000 or 30,000 feet of sediment had
+accumulated in the Pacific and 14,000 in the [American] mediterranean
+sea; when these regions, which, during the reception of sediment,
+had been areas of subsidence, suddenly upheaved, the doming up of the
+middle of the continent quite obliterating the mediterranean sea and
+uniting the two land masses into one. The catastrophe which removed
+this sea resulted in the folding up of mountain ranges 20,000 and
+40,000 feet in height, thereby essentially changing the whole climate
+of the continent."
+
+That this great change occurred, and was attended with an obliteration
+of the wonderful reptilian and avian fauna of the mesozoic age, is
+most true: that it occurred suddenly does not appear. On the contrary,
+there is evidence to show that the prodigious folding up of mountain
+ranges involved could not have proceeded with sufficient rapidity to
+turn the course of a stream of water. It happened that one of those
+folds--one which, had no denudation been going on meanwhile,
+would have lifted its crest higher than the highest peak of the
+Himalayas--lay directly across the course of the Colorado river. The
+river held its course uninterruptedly, sawing its way through the
+uplift until six vertical miles of rocky strata had risen past it. At
+no time, therefore, could the rapidity of motion in the bulging strata
+have exceeded the capacity of the river to wear away the obstruction,
+and the bulge was fifty miles across! We do not know how rapidly a
+river may sink its channel through such a rising barrier; but we do
+know that a process of that nature cannot legitimately be described
+as swift or sudden. And surely it requires not less intellectual
+far-sightedness and imaginative faculty to carry the mind across the
+enormous stretch of time involved in such a change slowly wrought--a
+period during which at least three vertical miles of the rising
+mountain fold was worn down by rain and atmospheric abrasion--as to
+mass the continental doming, the mountain folding, and the attendant
+life changes together as a convulsive "catastrophe."
+
+Mr. King, however, is not a Catastrophist of a very violent sort. He
+shelves among the errors of the past the belief in such cataclysms as
+Cuvier believed in, involving world-wide destruction of all life--"the
+mere survival of a prehistoric terror, backed up by breaks in the
+palaeontological record and protected within those safe cities of
+refuge, the Cosmogonies;" though he rejects as equally unsatisfactory
+the mild affirmations of the Uniformitarians, that existing rates
+of change and indefinite time are enough to account for all the
+geological record. With our present light, he holds, geological
+history seems to be a dovetailing together of the two ideas. "The ages
+have had their periods of geological serenity, when change progressed
+in the still, unnoticeable way, and life through vast lapses of
+time followed the stately flow of years; drifting on by insensible
+gradations through higher and higher forms, and then all at once
+a part of the earth suffered short, sharp, destructive revolution
+unheralded as an earthquake or volcanic eruptions." Thus stated, his
+position does not seem to be radically different from that of
+the broader Uniformitarians, except that he marks the periods of
+accelerated physical change, and not those of comparative quiescence,
+as the dominant ones in their influence on life-change. He takes
+high and strong ground, too, in insisting that it is the business
+of geology not simply to decipher and map out the changes which have
+taken place in the configuration of the globe and in its climatic
+conditions, but also to investigate and fix the rates of change. And
+when the evolution of environment takes form as a distinct branch of
+geology, he expects to witness a marked modification in the dominant
+views of biologists. Its few broad laws will include "neither the
+absolute uniformitarianism of Lyell and Hutton, Darwin and Haeckel,
+nor the universal catastrophism of Cuvier and the majority of
+teleogists." "Huxley alone among prominent evolutionists opens the
+door for a union of the residue of truth in the two schools, fusing
+them in his proposed evolutional geology."
+
+So, on looking back over a trail of thirty thousand miles of
+geological travel, Mr. King is impelled to say that Mr. Huxley's
+far-sighted view perfectly satisfies his interpretation of the broad
+facts of the American continent.
+
+Of Mr. King's observations in regard to plasticity of physical
+structure in connection with rapidly changing environment and the
+struggle for existence, we propose to speak at another time.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+The great stone monuments of England, like Stonehenge, are supposed,
+by Mr. James Fergusson, to be military trophies, erected in the time
+of King Arthur on the battle fields by the victorious armies.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A NEW APPARATUS FOR STORING AND UTILIZING SOLAR HEAT.
+
+
+The apparatus herewith illustrated is devised to collect solar heat or
+other heat, store it up in a heat reservoir--a mass of iron or other
+suitable material--confine it in the reservoir until needed, keep
+it in such form that it can be transported from place to place, and
+utilize it for industrial or other purposes.
+
+[Illustration: APPARATUS FOR STORING AND UTILIZING SOLAR HEAT.]
+
+A is a concave mirror for concentrating the solar rays upon the heat
+reservoir, B, which is a mass of iron. C is the heat box for
+confining the heat until needed, and also for serving as package for
+transporting the heat reservoir when hot. G is the heat reservoir
+chamber, in which the heat is communicated from the hot reservoir to
+the air. Under certain circumstances the heat reservoir may be heated
+in the heat reservoir chamber. H is a devaporizing chamber, for
+extracting the moisture from the air by means of a deliquescent
+substance or other material or treatment. A vertical stack or flue, I,
+communicates with the heat reservoir chamber, for conveying the heated
+air away for use.
+
+The device for concentrating the solar rays may be either stationary
+or movable, and, if movable, may be moved by hand, or automatically,
+to follow the sun. The various chambers mentioned will have valves,
+J, at the ends to regulate the passage of the air, and there will be a
+door, K, at the side or bottom.
+
+Patented through the Scientific American Patent Agency, March
+20, 1877, by Messrs. John S. Hittell and Geo. W. Deitzler, of San
+Francisco, Cal.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+PHOSPHORESCENT SWEATING.
+
+
+While the subject of phosphorescence in marine animals was under
+discussion at a society meeting in Florence, Professor Panceri cited
+the case of a medical man, who, after eating fish, felt indisposed,
+had nausea, and sweats that were luminous. This idiosyncrasy was laid
+to the _pesce baudiera_, a Neapolitan fish. Dr. Borgiotti, another
+member of the Academy, also narrated a case of phosphorescent sweating
+in a patient with miliaria, a fact which has previously been noticed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+UTILIZATION OF TIN SCRAP.
+
+
+Messrs. Charles A. Catlin and George F. Wilson, of Providence, R.
+I., have patented, May 8, 1877, a new process of utilizing tin scrap,
+whereby they claim the tin is recovered, either as a valuable salt
+of that metal or in the metallic form, and the iron or other metal is
+left as a scrap at once available for reworking.
+
+[Illustration: CALLIN AND WILSON'S PROCESS OF UTILIZING TIN SCRAP.]
+
+In any suitable building, a crane, A, is erected and placed in the
+sweep of that crane; in any convenient order are a boiler, D, two
+tanks, B and C, an evaporating pan, F, and an additional tank, E.
+From the crane is suspended a wire basket to contain the scrap to be
+treated, so perforated as to admit of the ready entrance of the liquid
+when submerged in, and its ready escape when withdrawn from, the
+boiler, D, in which boiler is put a sufficient quantity of the
+solution of caustic soda or potash to allow of a complete submersion
+therein of the basket and its contents. The basket, G, is then filled
+with the material to be treated, sprinkling in during the filling the
+requisite quantity of common salt or other chloride and nitrate
+of soda or other nitrate, using these dry, not in solution, either
+previously mixed or shaken in together in the proportion of from three
+to five pounds each to every hundred pounds of scrap, the requisite
+quantity depending upon the thickness of the thin [tin?] plate to be
+removed. The loaded basket, being elevated by the crane, A, is
+then swung round, and, by lowering, submerged in the hot or boiling
+solution of caustic soda or potash in the iron boiler, D, which may
+hold in solution a further proportion of the chloride and nitrate
+used, the heat of which solution is maintained by a fire beneath the
+boiler, or in any other and ordinary way. In the ensuing reaction the
+oxygen of the nitrate combines with the tin to form stannic acid, and
+this, in turn, combining with the alkali present, forms a stannate
+of that base, which, entering into solution, leaves the before-plated
+metal tin-free, the chloride present assisting in the reaction. A
+further and more complex reaction takes place, by which copious fumes
+of ammonia are evolved, which may be utilized by proper appliances.
+When the reaction is complete, the basket containing the now tin-freed
+scrap is withdrawn from the boiler, and suspended above it long enough
+to drain. It is then swung over the tank, C, containing water, in
+which it is washed by submerging and withdrawing several times, and
+in like manner the washing completed in the water of the tank, B. The
+contents of the basket being now discharged, it is again filled with
+fresh scrap in the manner already described, and the process repeated.
+The loss by evaporation from the boiler, D, is supplied by the wash
+water in the tank, C; this, in turn, being supplied by the wash water
+in the tank, B, to which fresh water is supplied as required. When
+the caustic solution is sufficiently charged with the tin salt, it
+is allowed to deposit the impure crystals, which, being removed and
+drained, are redissolved in water in the iron tank, E. This solution
+in the iron tank, E, after filtration or decantation, is again
+concentrated in the evaporating pan, F, the crystals of stannate being
+removed from time to time, drained and dried; or the impure crystals
+obtained in the boiler, D, may be mixed with fine charcoal or other
+reducing agent, and subjected to the requisite heat for the reduction
+of the tin to the metallic form.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NEW ALLOY.
+
+
+A very beautiful new alloy, intended to replace brass in various
+ornamental uses, especially in window and door furniture, has been
+invented by W. A. Hopkins, of Paris. The alloy is composed of copper,
+tin, spelter, or zinc and lead, which metals are manipulated. A
+crucible is placed in the furnace and fired to red heat, and into the
+crucible thus heated the metals are placed in the proportions of--tin
+1-1/8 (say) 1 oz., spelter or zinc 1/2 oz., lead 5/16 of an ounce. These
+are the proportions he prefers to use, as he has found them to give
+excellent and satisfactory results, but he does not intend to confine
+himself rigidly to the precise proportions named, as they may,
+perhaps, be slightly varied in some particulars without materially
+detracting from the beautiful color of the alloy which it is
+intended to produce. The molten metals are kept well stirred, and
+any impurities therein should be removed. When thoroughly mixed,
+this alloy, which is termed the first alloy, is poured off into ingot
+moulds and left to cool. Copper, in the proportion of eight parts to
+one of this first alloy, is then placed in the crucible and brought
+to melting heat, when the tin or first alloy is added and intimately
+mixed with the copper, for which purpose the molten mass must be well
+stirred for several minutes; it is then poured into ingot moulds for
+sale in the form of ingots, or it may be poured into pattern moulds so
+as to produce the articles required. This is the mode of manipulation
+which it is preferred to employ, as an opportunity is thus afforded of
+removing any impurities from the first alloy before mixing it with the
+copper; but all the metals may, if preferred, be mixed together in the
+proportions given and melted at one operation. By this means an alloy
+is obtained of great strength, and of a very beautiful appearance, and
+which is particularly suitable for small work, such, for instance, as
+window and door furniture and other house furniture which is usually
+made in brass or other alloy of copper, though it is not intended to
+confine its use to such articles.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SEBASTIN--AN IMPROVED EXPLOSIVE.
+
+
+In the manufacture of the explosive known as dynamite, an infusorial
+earth is used, which is filled with or made to absorb nitroglycerin.
+As compared with certain kinds of charcoal, however, the absorptive
+and retentive power of infusorial earth in small changes of
+temperature unfavorably affect the common dynamite, and cause a
+separation of the nitrogylcerin from the infusorial earth. The
+improvement we now refer to is the invention of G. Fahnehjelm, of
+Stockholm, Sweden, and consists in the substitution of a highly
+porous and absorptive species of wood charcoal, in place of the
+earth heretofore employed. The author designates his production as
+"sebastin," and gives a number of interesting particulars as follow:
+
+In order to produce a charcoal having the required quantities, the
+carbonization or coking must be done in such a manner as to completely
+destroy the organic substances, and to produce as porous a charcoal as
+possible. For this he selects by preference young trees or striplings
+or branches of poplar, hazelwood, or alder tree, and he burns them in
+an open fire. When the wood has been consumed he does not put out the
+fire by means of water, but leaves it to go out of itself. In this
+way he obtains a very inflammable and very porous charcoal, which can
+absorb more than five, and approaching six times its weight of
+nitroglycerin without any risk of the separation of the oil. The
+charcoal is pulverized in a wooden mortar, but it should not be
+reduced to too fine a powder, else it will not so completely absorb
+the nitroglycerin. The charcoal produced in the ordinary way, or by
+closed fire, is quite different as regards absorbing power. Charcoal
+of fir trees may, however, be used, and may acquire nearly the same
+qualities, that is, if charred a second time in a special oven.
+
+By mixing the different kinds of charcoal, a material may be obtained
+possessing the required absorbing qualities, and an explosive compound
+may then be obtained of the required power without loss of the
+necessary consistency--that is, without being too dry, which is not
+desirable. The charcoal not only serves as the best absorbent for the
+nitroglycerin, but it plays also an important part in the combustion.
+The nitroglycerin in exploding decomposes into steam, carbonic acid,
+nitrogen, and oxygen. In the explosion of dynamite with inert base the
+oxygen goes away without being utilized, but in the explosion of this
+new compound (the new sebastin as he calls it) a part of the absorbent
+charcoal is burnt by means of the liberated oxygen. The quantity of
+gas is thus augmented, and also the development of heat, whereby again
+the tension of this gas is augmented. As, however, the quantity of
+charcoal necessary for the complete absorption of the nitroglycerin
+is in all cases much larger than that which can reduce the excess of
+oxygen produced at the explosion into carbonic acid, he adds to the
+compound a salt, which also by the combustion gives an excess amount
+of oxygen which may contribute to burn the rest of the charcoal. For
+this purpose he uses by preference nitrate of potassa, which may be
+added without any risk, and which gives the explosive compound a very
+much greater rapidity or vehemence, and consequent force of explosion.
+
+The composition of the new sebastin depends upon the objects for which
+it is to be used, and the effects intended to be produced. The
+strongest compound, and even in this there is stated to be no risk of
+the separation of the nitroglycerin, is composed of 78 parts by
+weight of nitroglycerin, 14 of the wood charcoal, and 8 of nitrate of
+potassa; and when less power is required the proportions are
+varied, the second quality consisting of 68 per cent. by weight of
+nitroglycerin, 20 of the charcoal, and 12 of nitrate of potassa.
+
+To show the relative strength of the compounds, the inventor says: Let
+the dynamic force of pure nitroglycerin be represented by the number
+2,884,043.6, then the dynamic force of the sebastin No. 1, as
+above, will be indicated by 2,416,575, and of the sebastin No. 2 by
+1,933,079.4, while that of dynamite No. 1 (consisting of 75 per
+cent. of nitroglycerin and 25 per cent. of infusorial earth) will be
+represented by 674,694.
+
+For the above qualities of sebastin the increased effect produced by
+the greater rapidity of the explosion must be taken into account also.
+The increase has not yet been measured, but is estimated at 10 per
+cent. The sebastin may also be compounded in other proportions of the
+constituent parts, but the object being to produce explosive compounds
+of the greatest force which it is possible to employ without danger,
+he merely mentions that the proportion by weight may vary from 50
+to 80 per cent. of nitroglycerin, 15 to 35 per cent. of the prepared
+charcoal, and 5 to 20 per cent. of the nitrate of potassa; the parts
+being taken by weight, as above stated.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A NEW METHOD OF BOOKBINDING.
+
+
+The annexed engravings represent a new system of binding books,
+for which a number of important advantages are claimed. It obviates
+stitching, allows of each leaf being firmly secured, and hence is
+especially well suited for single-leaved books. It admits of plates
+and maps being bound in their proper places instead of being pasted
+in, and renders the book much stronger and more durable. The inventor
+claims a saving of 40 to 75 per cent of the time required for
+stitching, and of 50 per cent of the time needed in ordinary rebinding
+work.
+
+[Illustration: Bookbinding Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4]
+
+The mode of operation is as follows: On receiving the sheets, the
+binder folds them and places them in consecutive order, according to
+the printer's signature. The front and bottom edges of the book are
+then trimmed so as to obtain two straight sides; and the backs of the
+sheets are cut off, transforming them into single leaves. Horizontal
+lines are now marked with pencil across the back of the book for the
+saw cuts; and a diagonal line, A, B, Fig. 2, is drawn to serve as a
+guide in replacing the leaves in their proper places. A thin coat of
+glue is next applied to the back; and when this is dry, the book is
+divided into sections of from four to eight leaves (without counting
+them) entirely disregarding the printer's signatures, but placing the
+sheets in their original order. The binder places the first section
+removed at his right hand, the next at his left, and so on, forming
+two piles. Each pile is then straightened, and in the back of each, a
+little below the transverse lines, are made bevel cuts with the saw.
+Said cuts are 1/8 inch in length, inclined at an angle of
+45 deg., and so placed that one half their length is above and the other
+half below the marked line. When one pile of sheets is thus sawn, the
+other pile is similarly treated; but the corresponding cuts are made
+at relatively opposite angles. This will be understood from Fig. 1, in
+which C represents the edge of the right hand pile, for example, and D
+that of the left hand pile.
+
+The sections of each pile are now returned in their regular order,
+according to the printer's signatures. Should a section have been
+misplaced, the diagonal line, being thus broken, will show the fact.
+It will be seen, however, that this arrangement involves the alternate
+use of sheets from each pile, so that, when all are put together, the
+beveled cuts will cross or form dovetails, as shown in Fig. 3. Half
+inch strips of white paper muslin, E, Fig. 4, are next pasted around
+the back edges of the first and last sections. This is done to
+strengthen the hold of the twines in the back of the book, said
+sections necessarily bearing the whole strain of the covers. The twine
+used corresponds in size to the holes made by the coincidence of the
+beveled saw cuts. This twine is passed through the holes by means of a
+blunt darning needle. The back of the book is shown in Fig. 2; and in
+Fig. 4 the twines are represented as passed. Nothing further remains
+to be done but to paste in the fly-leaves and lining, and finish the
+book in the usual manner.
+
+It is evident that this a very much stronger method of securing the
+leaves than that in which the twine is simply laid and glued in a
+straight cut. Each leaf is independently fastened; and the thread is
+prevented from cutting through, as is commonly the case when the book
+has been used to any great extent. Books can be bound to open more or
+less as desired; and in rebinding, instead of taking the book apart
+and cutting threads, a thin shaving is sliced off the back, and the
+leaves are treated in the manner already described.
+
+Patented March 20, 1877, by Mr. Florenz E. Schmitz. For further
+information, address Messrs. Schmitz and Slosson, box 1180,
+Middletown, Orange county, N. Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+IMPROVED CURTAIN FIXTURE.
+
+
+We illustrate herewith an improved curtain fixture, which may be
+adjusted to windows or curtains of different widths, and is adapted
+for use in connection with different means for raising and lowering
+the curtain. Fig. 1 represents the device in place, a portion of the
+cornice being broken away to exhibit it; and Fig. 2 shows the same in
+detail.
+
+[Illustration: Improved Curtain Fixture Figs. 1 and 2]
+
+Attached to the cornice are guides, A, in which are sliding loops, B.
+The latter may be adjusted to suit the position of the hooks placed in
+the window case to sustain the cornice, so that said hooks need not be
+set with any particularity. The curtain roller, C, has both its ends
+screw-threaded, to receive hollow pulleys, as shown. The spindles
+projecting from these pulleys are inclosed in coiled springs which
+press against the bearings, D, and so hold the shade in any position
+in which it may be placed. The bearings, D, are clasped in the ways,
+A, and are laterally adjustable. Sliding blocks are also arranged in
+said ways, and through each block passes a set screw, E. It will be
+perceived that the bearings may be readily adjusted to curtains of
+different widths, and the parts may afterward be locked in position by
+the set screws, E. The curtain may be raised or lowered by cords wound
+on the hollow pulleys.
+
+Patented December 5, 1876, by Mr. K. J. Pospisil. For further
+particulars relative to sale of patent, address the Penn Patent
+Agency, 133 South Second street, Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+BOOT AND SHOE MACHINERY.
+
+
+[Illustration: Boot and Shoe Machinery Fig. 1]
+
+No manufacturers have taken greater advantage of the ingenuity of the
+mechanical engineer than the American boot and shoe makers. Nearly
+every operation in the complex process of evolving finished boots
+from the plain skins of leather is the object of a special class of
+machinery; and for several years past, we have weekly chronicled the
+patenting of several improvements in the devices for effecting some
+of the numerous operations. We present herewith a series of eight
+labor-saving machines of the most approved construction, which we
+select from Knight's "American Mechanical Dictionary."[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: Published in numbers by Messrs. Hurd & Houghton, New York
+city.]
+
+Fig. 1 is a shoe-edge trimmer, in which the shoe is mounted on a
+jack, the carriage of which has a motion of translation and rotation
+communicated to it: so that, while the side of the sole is being
+trimmed, the shoe is fed longitudinally against the knife, but at the
+toe and heel is rotated beneath it. The knife is universally jointed,
+to permit the hands of the operator to determine the different bevels
+cut.
+
+[Illustration: Boot and Shoe Machinery Fig. 2]
+
+Fig. 2 is an ingenious little machine for placing the eyelets of the
+lace holes in position, and fastening them. The eyelets are fed, one
+by one, from the reservoir at the top, down the inclined ways, and are
+seized at the foot between the plunger and anvil, and they are riveted
+in their proper places in the shoe or strip of leather, which is held
+and fed by the operator.
+
+[Illustration: Boot and Shoe Machinery Fig. 3]
+
+Fig. 3 is a machine in which a shoe or boot is chucked and revolved
+against a burnishing tool, to impart a smooth and elegant finish to
+the heel. Our engraving shows a machine with what is called in the
+trade a "hot kit," a heated burnishing tool, with a flexible gas pipe
+of sufficient length, which follows the oscillations of the burnishing
+stock, _a_, and which conveys gas to the interior of the tool, where
+it is burnt in a jet. The tool is made to reciprocate over the surface
+of the heel, passing from breast to breast at each oscillation with an
+elastic pressure.
+
+[Illustration: Boot and Shoe Machinery Fig. 4]
+
+Fig. 4 is a machine for pressing together the "lifts" which compose
+a boot or shoe heel, thus dispensing with the handiwork of the
+hammer and lapstone. The bed is adjusted vertically by a screw to any
+thickness to which the blank heel may be built; and the plunger is
+brought down by the depression of the treadle with such force as to
+compact the lifts together.
+
+Fig. 5 shows a heel-pricking machine. When the lifts of the heel are
+fairly pressed together by the appliance shown in Fig. 4, the pricking
+machine pierces the necessary holes through all the lifts at once by
+a gang of awls. The compressed heels are first secured together by
+tacking, and then placed on the platen; and the plunger, with its gang
+of awls, descends with great force.
+
+Fig. 6 is a heel trimmer, known in the trade as the Cote trimmer. The
+shoe is held stationary by the treadle clamp; and the knife stock,
+which is centrally pivoted to the outer plate or jaw bearing upon the
+tread lift, is then grasped in the hands of the operator, and moved to
+give a sweeping cut to trim the heel.
+
+Fig. 7 is a machine for pressing boot soles. Beneath the crosshead of
+the press is a swinging bed, on each end of which is a form, in order
+that a shoe may remain under pressure upon one while the operator
+is placing another shoe on the other. The pressure is given by the
+treadle, which brings down the upper platen on the channeled sole.
+
+[Illustration: Boot and Shoe Machinery Fig. 5]
+
+[Illustration: Boot and Shoe Machinery Fig. 6]
+
+[Illustration: Boot and Shoe Machinery Fig. 7]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ON DYSPEPSIA.
+
+
+At a late meeting of the Harveian Society, of London, Dr. Farquharson
+read a paper on this subject. Attention was directed to the state of
+the tongue in dyspepsia. A deeply fissured tongue often meant little;
+whereas a thin white fur, composed of minute dots, was generally found
+along with pain immediately after food. Pain after a longer interval
+was accompanied by a pale, flabby tongue, with reddish tip and center.
+The treatment of dyspepsia consisted of two parts, that of food
+and that of drugs. The latter was the principal part with patients
+applying for gratuitous relief. The pain occurring immediately after
+food was usually relieved by alkalies; whereas acids were indicated
+where suffering was not experienced until an hour or two after the
+commencement of the digestive act. For the relief of the nausea and
+sickness remaining after the bowels were thoroughly cleansed, nothing
+was so effectual as hourly drop doses of ipecacuanha wine. Nux vomica
+was also a valuable remedy. Pain might be but the protest of the
+stomach against an overload, or be the result of deficient tone from
+general nervous exhaustion. In some cases each meal was followed by
+diarrh[oe]a; and for these cases attention was directed to Ringer's
+plan of minute doses of the liquor hydrargyri perchloridi In speaking
+of diet, Dr. Farquharson pointed out that there are three forms of
+dyspepsia: 1. The dyspepsia of fluids, as it is called, where the
+stomach seems intolerant of all forms of fluid; 2. The digestive
+derangement following intemperance in the matter of animal food; and,
+3. The dyspepsia connected with indulgence in tea, or other warm and
+weak infusions of tannin.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING.
+
+
+The amount of destruction of life and property by lightning, or rather
+electrical discharges, has been very great throughout the world.
+
+It is estimated that at least 45 persons are killed annually by
+lightning in this country. The average number of deaths by lightning
+has been 22 in England, 9 in Switzerland, 3 in Belgium, and 75 in
+France. In France alone, during a period of thirty years, over 10,000
+persons were smitten, of which 2,252 were instantly killed. Eighty
+were wounded and 9 killed during one thunderstorm at Chateauneuf les
+Montiers in 1861, and within one week, when the air was highly charged
+with electricity, thirty-three fearful flashes of lightning were
+observed, each bringing death to some victims.
+
+During the sixteen years between 1799 and 1816, 156 vessels of the
+British navy were struck by lightning; 73 men were killed and 138
+injured, and the loss of materials amounted to over a million dollars;
+but since the system of metallic conductors, adapted for vessels,
+devised by Sir W. Snow Harris, has been applied to the vessels in that
+navy, the losses and damages by lightning have almost entirely ceased,
+although the number of vessels has been greatly increased.
+
+In Fuller's Church History it is stated that "scarcely a great
+abbey in England exists which once, at least, was not burned down by
+lightning from heaven."
+
+On the night of April, 1718, twenty-four steeples were struck along
+the coast of Brittany; and on the 11th of January, 1815, twelve
+steeples suffered a similar fate in the Rhenish provinces.
+
+On the 27th of July, 1759, lightning burnt all the woodwork of the
+great cathedral at Strasbourg; and on the 14th of August, 1833, it was
+struck three times within a quarter of an hour, and so much damaged
+that the repairs cost about $6,000,000. In 1835 lightning conductors
+were placed upon the building and steeple, and since then it has
+not been damaged whatever by lightning, although discharges have on
+several occasions occurred in line with the top of the steeple, which
+is 437 feet above the ground.
+
+On the 18th of August, 1769, the Tower of St. Nazaire, at Brescia,
+was struck, and the subterranean powder magazine, containing 2,076,000
+lbs. of powder, belonging to the Republic of Venice, was exploded.
+One sixth of the whole town was laid in ruins and the rest very much
+injured, and about 3,000 persons killed.
+
+On the 26th of June, 1807, the powder magazine of Luxembourg,
+containing 28,000 lbs., was struck, and besides about 30 persons
+killed and 200 injured, the town was ruined.
+
+Explosions and large fires, involving a great loss, have become rather
+frequent in this country, owing to the iron tanks used for the storage
+of petroleum being struck by lightning. From March to August, in 1876,
+over 10,000,000 gallons, and on April 19, 1877, over 2,000,000 gallons
+of oil, and the village of Troutman, were destroyed in the oil regions
+of Pennsylvania.
+
+Some of the thunderstorms which have prevailed in this country have
+been very terrific and destructive. During August 14th, 15th, and
+16th, 1872, portions of New York State and the New England States were
+visited by some of the most terrific thunderstorms ever experienced,
+during which over 200 dwellings were struck and damaged, about 10
+persons were instantly killed, and 160 stunned. Quite a number of
+barns, with their contents, hay and cattle, were also struck, fired,
+and consumed. Cars, while running on some of the railroads, were
+surrounded by a vivid electric light, but no passengers were injured,
+although they were greatly alarmed. Telegraph wires were melted by the
+half mile, telegraph instruments broken, and poles shattered in all
+directions. One of these storms occurred at midnight, at Arlington,
+Mass., August 14th, in which brilliant streams of electricity darted
+across the sky in every direction, and the thunder which followed was
+constant for a period of thirteen minutes, without the intermission
+of an instant of silence. Three hundred and thirty-one discharges
+were counted in seven minutes by an observer, and each discharge was
+followed by loud and sometimes rattling reports, whose reverberations
+rolled through the heavens in an endless procession of majestic and
+terrific sounds. During this scene, the moon, which was about half an
+hour above the western horizon, was visible, but so magnified, through
+the haze and vapor, as to appear like a brilliant flame suspended in
+the sky. For a period of twenty minutes the scene was one of grandeur
+and sublimity rarely witnessed.
+
+In the States of Illinois and Iowa, and the prairie country west of
+the Mississippi river, thunderstorms are generally more terrific, and
+more lives have been lost there from the effects of lightning than
+in any other section of this country. Owing to the said country being
+level and devoid of trees, the equilibrium between the electricity
+of the atmosphere and that of the earth is principally restored by
+disruptive discharges.--_Spang's "Treatise on Lightning Protection"_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A tooth of a mastodon has been dug up near the Ashley river in South
+Carolina. It is 111/2 inches long, 6 inches in diameter, and weighs more
+than 5 lbs.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE SEA SERPENT SIGHTED FROM A ROYAL YACHT.
+
+
+The Osborne, paddle royal yacht, Commander Hugh L. Pearson, which
+arrived at Portsmouth from the Mediterranean on Monday, June 11,
+has forwarded an official report to the Admiralty, through the
+Commander-in-Chief (Admiral Sir George Elliot, K.C.B.), respecting a
+sea monster which she encountered during her homeward voyage.
+
+At about 5 o'clock in the afternoon of June 2, the sea being
+exceptionally calm, while the yacht was proceeding round the north
+coast of Sicily toward Cape Vito, the officer on the watch observed
+a long ridge of fins, each about 6 feet long, moving slowly along. He
+called for a telescope, and was at once joined by other officers. The
+Osborne was steaming westward at ten and a half knots an hour, and
+having a long passage before her, could not stay to make minute
+observations. The fins were progressing in a eastwardly direction, and
+as the vessel more nearly approached them, they were replaced by the
+foremost part of a gigantic monster. Its skin was, so far as it could
+be seen, altogether devoid of scales, appearing rather to resemble in
+sleekness that of a seal.
+
+The head was bullet-shaped, with an elongated termination, being
+somewhat similar in form to that of a seal, and was about six feet in
+diameter. Its features were only seen by one officer, who described
+them as like those of an alligator. The neck was comparatively narrow,
+but so much of the body as could be seen, developed in form like that
+of a gigantic turtle, and from each side extended two fins, about
+fifteen feet in length, by which the monster paddled itself along
+after the fashion of a turtle.
+
+The appearance of the monster is accounted for by a submarine volcano,
+which occurred north of Galita, in the Gulf of Tunis, about the middle
+of May, and was reported at the time by a steamer which was struck by
+a detached fragment of submarine rock. The disturbance below water, it
+is thought probable, may have driven up the monster from its "native
+element," as the site of the eruption is only one hundred miles from
+where it was reported to have been seen--_Portsmouth (Eng.) Times._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNSTROKE.
+
+
+The sudden accession of heat has already produced one fatal, and more
+than one severe, case of sunstroke in the metropolis. Probably the
+affection so designated is not the malady to which the term _coup de
+soleil_ can be properly applied. The condition brought about is
+an exaggerated form of the disturbance occasioned by entering
+too suddenly the "hot" room of a Turkish bath. The skin does not
+immediately perform its function as an evaporating and therefore
+cooling surface, and an acute febrile state of the organism is
+established, with a disturbed balance of circulation, and more or less
+cerebral irritation as a prominent feature of the complaint. Death may
+suddenly occur at the outset of the complaint, as it has happened in
+a Turkish bath, where the subject labors under some predisposition to
+apoplexy, or has a weak or diseased heart. It should suffice to point
+out the danger and to explain, by way of warning, that although the
+degrees of heat registered by the thermometer, or the power of the
+sun's rays, do not seem to suggest especial caution, all sudden
+changes from a low to a high temperature are attended with danger
+to weak organisms. The avoidance of undue exercise--for example,
+persistent trotting or cantering up and down the Row--is an obvious
+precaution on days marked by a relatively, if not absolutely, high
+temperature. We direct attention to this matter because it is obvious
+the peculiar peril of overheating the body by exertion on the first
+burst of fine weather is not generally realized. It is forgotten that
+the increased temperature must be measured by the elevation which has
+recently taken place, not the number of degrees of heat at present
+recorded. The registered temperature may be more or less than that
+which occurred a year ago; but its immediate effects on the organism
+will be determined by the conditions which have preceded it and the
+violence of the change.--_Lancet_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+DEAD HORSES STANDING ERECT.
+
+
+The Danville _Advertiser_ of the 7th inst. says: Mr. Smith was in
+town on Saturday with his hired man, and the two tell a singular story
+about a lightning stroke. Mr. Smith was on a grain drill in a field,
+and his hired man was about 12 rods from him, dragging. Suddenly Smith
+heard the noise of thunder, and became unconscious. The man also heard
+the noise, but neither of them saw any flash of lightning. The
+man went to Smith, and in about twenty minutes he was restored to
+consciousness. Then attention was given to the horses. One of them was
+standing erect, with one foot lifted a little way from the earth, and
+the other was kneeling with his nose in the earth, and both were stone
+dead, and retained their positions until they were pushed over. The
+supposition is that in this case the electricity went from the earth
+to the sky.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+The Berlin correspondent of the London _Times_ states that General
+Berdan, of the United States, has invented an instrument which
+will greatly improve the art of killing. He calls his invention a
+"range-finder." It consists of a telescope and other instruments, all
+of which can be carried on a dogcart, and which enable the engineers
+to measure with perfect accuracy up to 2,000 metres, or 1,500 yards.
+The time needed to ascertain distances, is only two minutes, and
+the General believes that his invention will double the accuracy of
+artillery fire, and quadruple that of infantry.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SETTING LOCOMOTIVE SLIDE VALVES.
+
+BY JOSHUA ROSE.
+
+
+E. G. asks: "How can I set the slide valves of a locomotive when
+she is on the road?" J. H. S. asks: "What is the method of setting
+locomotive slide valves from marks on the slide spindle?" And F. O.
+asks: "How are the valves of inside cylinder locomotives set, since
+the back ports are out of sight and you cannot measure the lead?"
+
+Our correspondent will find these questions answered in full below.
+
+It is presumed that the lengths of the eccentric rod, reverse rod, and
+other parts are correct, and they are properly connected and oiled
+so as to be in working order. The first thing to do is to place the
+reverse lever in the forward full-gear notch of the quadrants, or
+sectors, as they are sometimes called. The next procedure is to place
+the crank on its forward dead center as near as can be ascertained by
+the eye, and loosening the set screw of the forward eccentric, that is
+to say, the eccentric which connects with the upper end of the link,
+move that eccentric round on the shaft until the valve leaves the port
+at the front end of the cylinder open to the amount of whatever lead
+it is desired to give the valve. In moving the eccentric round on the
+shaft, it is necessary to move it in the direction in which it will
+turn when in operation. This is done in order to take up any lost
+motion there may be in the eccentric straps, in the eccentric rod
+eyebolts, or other working parts or joints between the eccentric and
+the slide valve rod or spindle. If the eccentric was turned backward
+instead of forward, all the lost motion would operate to vitiate the
+set of the valve, because, when the eccentric begins to move, its
+motion will have no effect in moving the slide valve spindle, until
+all the lost motion in the various parts is taken up by the eccentric
+movement. In considering this part of the operation, we must bear in
+mind that, to set the valve, we must move the wheels of the engine,
+it being impracticable to move the piston itself. Now, in moving the
+wheels, we are confronted with the fact that the crank pin is pulling
+the connecting rod; hence, if there is any lost motion in the brasses
+at either end of the connecting rod, the piston will not be at the end
+of its stroke when the crank is on its dead center.
+
+Suppose, for instance, that we have moved the driving wheel forward
+until the crank stands upright at a right angle to the bore of the
+cylinder, the resistance to motion of the piston and crosshead has
+caused the crank pin to bed against the half-brass nearest to the
+cylinder, all the play or lost motion is then between the other
+half-brass and the crank pin. When, however, the engine is at work and
+the piston is driving the crank pin, instead of being driven by it,
+the lost motion will exist between the crank pin and the half-brass
+nearest to the cylinder, and the contact will exist between the crank
+pin and the other brass. The difference in the position of the piston,
+caused by this lost motion, may be ascertained by moving the piston
+back and forth until the crank pin contacts with first one and then
+the other half-brass. It is sometimes attempted to remedy the defect
+due to this lost motion by moving the crank pin past the dead center
+and then moving it back to the dead center, so that while on that
+center the play or lost motion in the connecting rod is taken up. This
+is all very well so far as the connecting rod and piston is concerned,
+and will cause them both to stand on their respective dead centers
+with the lost motion taken up; but, in moving the wheel back to the
+dead center, we have given full liberty to all the lost motion in the
+various parts of the valve motion or gear, as already explained, in
+reference to moving the eccentric upon the shaft. As there are so many
+more parts in the valve gear, in which lost motion may occur, it is
+manifestly preferable to take up that play by moving the driving wheel
+in a continuous direction, rather than to move the latter back to
+accommodate any play there may be in the connecting rod.
+
+The crank being placed by the eye upon its forward dead center, and
+the eccentric connected to the top of the link being moved round
+on the axle (in the direction in which the wheels will run when the
+engine is going forward) until the steam port at the front end of the
+cylinder is open to the amount of the lead, we fasten the eccentric to
+hold in that position. We then throw the reverse lever over into the
+last notch at the other end of the sector, lifting the link up so
+that the eccentric connected to the lower end of the link may be
+approximately adjusted, which is done by moving the eccentric round
+upon the axle (in the direction in which the axle will revolve when
+the engine is running backward) until the crank stands upon the same
+dead center, and the front port is open to the amount of the lead.
+This being done, we have the eccentrics approximately adjusted and may
+proceed to the final adjustment, in which the first thing to do is to
+find the exact dead centers of the crank. It is obvious that a line
+drawn through the center of the crank pin and the center of the wheel
+axle, will stand horizontally true and level when the crank is on
+either of the dead centers, but the presence of the crank pin makes
+it impracticable to draw such a line. We can therefore draw one which
+will be parallel to those centers; and to do this we draw a circle
+upon the end of the wheel axle (and from its center) of the same
+diameter as that of the crank pin, and then resting a straight-edge
+upon the bearing of the crank pin (taking care to avoid the round
+corner upon the pin, if there is one), we place the other end of the
+straight-edge even with the top of the circle drawn upon the axle; and
+then, using the straight-edge as a guide, we draw a line across the
+end of the axle and the wheel face. When this line is level the crank
+will be upon its dead center. This plan is sometimes employed, but is
+not a very accurate one, because the length of the line is very short
+as compared to the circumference of the driving wheel; hence, an error
+of the thickness of the line becomes one equal to several thicknesses
+of the line when carried out to the wheel circumference. Furthermore,
+if the line of the cylinder does not stand horizontally level, as
+is sometimes the case, the result of the whole proceeding will be
+inaccurate. Again, the connecting rod end and the coupling rod is in
+the way, rendering it awkward to both draw and level the line.
+
+A better and more accurate method to find the dead centers is as
+follows: Place the reverse lever into the end notch of the sector at
+the forward end, and then move the driving wheel forward until the
+guide block is within about a quarter of an inch of the end of its
+travel, then place a straight-edge against the end of the guide block,
+and draw, on the outside face of the guide bar, a line even with the
+end of the guide block. Bend a piece of wire (pointed at both ends) to
+a right angle, make a center punch mark either in the rail, under the
+driving wheel, or in some stationary, solid part contiguous to the
+wheel, or at such distance from it that when one end of the bent wire
+is placed in the center punch mark, the operator with the other end
+will be able to draw a line across the rim of the driving wheel. Here,
+however, arises another consideration, that it is better to set the
+valves with the wheel axle in its proper position in the pedestal
+shoes, and in order to do this the wheel should rest upon the rail
+with its proper proportion of the weight of the engine resting upon
+it. The springs will then be deflected to their proper amount, and the
+axle box will have passed its proper distance up the pedestals. It is
+obvious that if the engine is blocked up so that the driving wheels
+clear the rails (which is done in order to avoid having the weight of
+the engine to move while setting the valve), the axle boxes will drop
+in the pedestal and the valve will be set incorrectly, as the wheels
+are in a wrong position. To avoid this, and at the same time to avoid
+having to move the whole engine while setting the valve, the engine
+is blocked up from the rails, and the axle boxes of the driving wheels
+are wedged up so as to be lifted up into their proper position. In
+this case there is no very accurate means of ascertaining what is
+the exact proper height, save it be by first marking upon the outside
+faces of the shoes or pedestal a line even with the top of the axle
+box when the load is upon the wheels, and then, after blocking up the
+engine from the rails, wedging up the axle boxes till the face again
+comes even with the line.
+
+Whatever plan is pursued, one end of the piece of wire is rested in
+the fixed center punch mark, and with the other a line is drawn across
+the outside face of the wheel rim. The driving wheel is then revolved
+forward until the guide block returns, having passed to the end of its
+travel. When its end again stands exactly even with the mark made upon
+the guide bar, the piece of wire is again brought into requisition,
+one end being rested in the fixed center punch mark as before, and
+with the other end another line is drawn across the outside rim of the
+wheel. It is obvious that by taking a pair of compasses and finding a
+point exactly equidistant between the two lines thus marked upon the
+wheel rim, and then marking that point with a center punch mark, the
+crank will be upon its exact dead center, when one end of the piece of
+bent wire rests in the fixed center punch mark, the other end rests
+in the center punch mark upon the wheel rim. To find the other dead
+center, the wheel must be moved about halfway round and the process
+repeated with the motion block at the other end of the guide bars.
+
+Thus, whenever the piece of wire will stand with one end resting in
+the fixed center punch mark and the other end in either of the center
+punch marks upon the wheel run, the crank is upon a dead center.
+Having thus placed the crank upon either dead center, we measure the
+valve lead, and if in temporarily fixing our eccentrics we gave it too
+much lead, we mark where it stands upon the shaft by means of a line
+drawn on the axle and carried up on the side face of the eccentric;
+then move the eccentric back some little distance more than is
+necessary to make the adjustment, and then move it forward again a
+little at a time, noting when the valve has the proper amount of lead,
+and thus fasten the eccentric upon the axle by means of the set screw.
+
+The object of moving the eccentric too far back and then moving it
+forward is to make the adjustment so that the latter may be made with
+the lost motion of the valve gear all taken up. The next proceeding is
+to move the driving wheel halfway round and try the lead at that end
+of the stroke. If the lead at the two ends is not equal, it shows that
+either the slide valve spindle or the eccentric rods are not of the
+proper length and must be rectified; this being done, the crank must
+be again placed upon first one and then the other dead center, the
+valve lead being measured at each end. When the lead is equal at each
+end, the rods are of correct length, and the amount of the lead must
+be regulated by moving the eccentrics as already directed.
+
+If the link block does not come opposite the end of the eccentric rod
+when the reverse lever is in the end notch of the sector, the length
+of the reverse rod is wrong and should be corrected. If the link block
+comes right, under the above conditions, for the forward but not for
+the backward eccentric rod, the notches in the sector are not cut
+in their proper positions, or the link hanger is not of the proper
+length. In either case the error may be remedied by altering the
+length of the latter. But, as doing this would alter the amount of the
+valve lead, it is well, if there is any prospect of such errors, to
+correct them before setting the valves.
+
+Instead of measuring the lead of the valve with a rule, or by a wedge,
+the following plan is very often adopted: After the valve and spindle
+are in position, the valve is placed with the proper amount of lead
+upon the front port. A center punch mark is then made upon the face
+of the steam chest. A piece of quarter inch iron wire is then bent at
+right angles and each end filed to a point. One end of this wire is
+placed in the fixed center punch mark in the steam chest, and with the
+other a mark is made upon the slide spindle. Upon this latter mark a
+center punch mark is also made sufficiently deep to be very plainly
+visible when the burr raised by center punching is filed off, which
+is necessary to prevent this burr from cutting the packing. It follows
+that whenever the bent piece of wire will rest with one end in the
+center punch mark in the steam chest, and the other end in the center
+punch mark in the slide spindle, the valve is in its proper position
+when the crank is on the corresponding dead center. This plan is a
+very old one and possesses the advantage that the valve may be set
+without seeing it, that is to say, with the steam chest cover on. If
+the length of the piece of wire measured direct from point to point is
+known, the valve may be set when the engine is upon the road without
+taking off the steam chest cover. The center punch mark upon the steam
+chest should, however, always be placed in about the same spot, so as
+to avoid mistakes in case of there being other similar marks upon the
+chest. It should always be made deep, so as not to get filled up with
+paint and be difficult to find. In course of time the mark upon the
+slide valve spindle is apt to disappear from the wear of the spindle,
+hence the center punch with which it is made should have a long
+conical point. To mark the position of the eccentric upon the axle,
+it is an excellent plan, after the eccentrics are finally adjusted,
+to take a chisel with the cutting end ground to the form of a fiddle
+drill, one cutting edge being at a right angle to the other. The
+chisel must be held so that while one edge rests upon the axle, the
+other edge will bear against the radial face of the eccentric. A sharp
+blow with a hammer upon the chisel-head will make a clean indented cut
+upon the axle and the eccentric, the two cuts exactly meeting at their
+junction and denoting the position of the eccentrics. In setting the
+valves of inside cylinder locomotives, the back ports being out of
+sight, the amount of lead is ascertained by making a wooden wedge
+about three inches long, a thirty-second of an inch thick at one end
+and three eighths of an inch thick at the other end. The faces of this
+wedge are chalked, and the lead is measured by inserting it between
+the edge of the valve and the edge of the port until its thickness
+just fills the space, and then moving it edgeways so that the valve
+and port edges will just mark it. By measuring the thickness of the
+wedge at the mark, the amount of lead is ascertained. After the valves
+are set, it is still desirable to mark the position by center
+punch marks upon the outside of the steam chests and upon the valve
+spindles, as already described.
+
+If an eccentric should slip when the engine is upon the road,
+and there are no marks whereby to readjust them, it may be done
+approximately as follows: Put the reverse lever in the end notch of
+the forward gear, then place the crank as nearly on a dead center as
+the eye will direct, and open both the cylinder cocks, then disconnect
+the slide valve spindle from the rocker arm, and move the valve
+spindle until the opening of the port corresponding to the dead center
+on which the crank stands will be shown by steam blowing through the
+cylinder cock, the throttle valve being opened a trifle. The position
+of the valve being thus determined, the eccentric must be moved upon
+the shaft until the valve spindle will connect with the rocker arm
+without being moved at all. The throttle valve should be very slightly
+opened, otherwise so much steam will be admitted into the cylinder
+that it will pass through any leak in the piston and blow through
+both cylinder cocks before there is time to ascertain which cock gives
+first exit to the steam.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NEW STEAMER.
+
+
+A new steamer for the Mallory line, between New York and Texas, was
+lately launched from the yard of Roach & Co., Chester, Pa., 2,200 tons
+burden. Principal dimensions as follows: Length over all, 239 feet 7
+inches; beam (moulded), 34 feet; depth from the base to the spar deck
+beams, 18 feet 21/2 inches; depth of hold, 16 feet 51/2 inches; diameter
+of propeller (Hirsch's patent-four blades), 11 feet 6 inches. She
+is to be provided with compound engines, having cylinders 24 and 44
+inches in diameter, with a stroke of 44 inches, and two return tubular
+boilers 10 feet long, 10 feet 3 inches wide, and 8 feet 6 inches high.
+Aft are compartments capable of holding 80 tons of water, for the
+purpose of depressing the stern before and after crossing the bar at
+Corpus Christi. Her low draught is 71/2 feet; speed, 14 knots.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A TIN-CAN TELEPHONE.
+
+
+In Professor Bell's telephone a plate of sheet iron is made to vibrate
+by means of the electrical current, something after the manner of
+the skin of a drumhead. In a recent improvement by Mr. G. B. Havens,
+Louisville, Ky., the electrical wires are wrapped around a common tin
+fruit can. By means of tin cans at each end, sounds, it is said, were
+sent over 92 miles of wire, and included several pieces of music.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+MR. HOTCHKISS, an American inventor, whose improved revolving cannon
+we illustrated some time since, has received intimation that his
+system has been approved by the French Government, and that they have
+decided to adopt his cannon.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+COLLENDER'S IMPROVED BILLIARD TABLE.
+
+
+In the accompanying engravings, we illustrate two important
+improvements in the construction of billiard tables, which have
+recently been devised by Mr. H. W. Collender, the well known billiard
+table manufacturer of this city. The first, which is represented in
+Fig. 1, relates to the construction of the bed-supporting frame, and
+aims to render the same stronger while cheapening its manufacture.
+In putting together the body and framework of the table, the usual
+practice is to cut away the stock of the cross beam and longitudinal
+beam, and halve them together. Longitudinal grooves are also formed on
+the inner surface of the side and "broad rails," to accommodate tenons
+on the ends of the cross beams; and the latter are secured in place
+by bolts fastening their ends to the broad rails. Mr. Collender claims
+that, by this mode of construction, not only are the cross beams
+weakened by being halved together, but the broad rails are also
+weakened by the cutting away of this stock near the middle to effect
+the framing into them of the ends of the cross beams.
+
+[Illustration: Fig 1, billiard table support frame]
+
+From Fig. 1, it will be seen that the cross beam, A, is combined with
+the side broad rails in the following manner: Upon the inner face of
+each broad rail is secured a cast iron socket piece, B, into which
+fits one end of the cross beam, A. From said beam the bolt, C, passes
+through the shoe, B, and is secured by a nut, D, let into the stock of
+the broad rail. The shoe, B, has lugs which enter the broad rail; and
+the aperture in it, through which the bolt passes, is made oblong to
+admit of the drawing of the parts together after the insertion of the
+bolt. Upon the sides of the cross beam near the middle, and directly
+opposite each other, are two shoes, E; these have no bolt holes. In
+them are placed the adjacent ends of the longitudinal beams, F, the
+other extremities of which are seated in shoes on the broad rails.
+The shoes, E, have their lugs of such a length, compared with the
+thickness of cross beam, A, that when put in place on said beam said
+lugs will come together. The advantage of this is that, should the
+beam, A, shrink in width, the shoes on each side of it will still
+maintain their proper relation to form immovable abutments for the
+ends of pieces, F. This construction allows of shorter stuff being
+used in the manufacture, and renders the framework stronger.
+
+[Illustration: Figure 2, billiard table frame corner]
+
+In Fig. 2 is illustrated a new method of forming the corners of the
+table. Hitherto it has been customary to use corner blocks, of various
+sizes according to the dimensions of the table, located one at each
+corner. Into these the broad rails were framed and secured. To this
+arrangement Mr. Collender adduces a long category of objections, based
+on the possibility of the weight of the bed being thrown on these
+blocks in case of shrinkage of the frame, on the fact that the corner
+of the table bed must necessarily be left without any support where
+it extends over the upper end of the corner block, and also that in
+a bevel table, in which the area of the top of the corner block is
+unavoidably much greater than that of the top of the corner block of
+a vertical-sided table, a large portion of the table bed will be left
+without any support.
+
+The new device consists of a cast iron union plate, G, which is bolted
+to the leg as shown. The broad rails and casting are securely fastened
+by the bolt, H. It will be seen that this bolt, passing through the
+end of one broad rail, and into a nut let into the other rail,
+will securely draw and hold together the ends of said rails and the
+interposed metal plate clamped between them, and that as the plain
+ends of the wooden rails just fit (widthwise) between the projecting
+heads on the edges of said interposed plate, the latter will form a
+sort of housing for the ends of the rails. And it will be understood
+that in this construction not only does the bead on the outer edge of
+the plate overlap the edges of the rails and form a neat and durable
+corner finish to the body, but the broad rails being bolted together
+in the direction of the grain of the wood with only an interposed
+metal plate, there will be no tendency to a loosening of the union of
+the parts of the frame. The main importance of this invention rests
+in the idea of dispensing with the usual corner blocks, and thus
+permitting the top edges of the broad rails, on which the bed rests,
+to practically come together and afford a perfect support to the bed
+clear out to the corners of the latter; at the same time the whole
+structure is rendered stronger and more durable with less weight of
+material.
+
+These inventions are the subject of separate patents, that of the
+first being dated April 4, 1876, and of the second, November 16, 1875.
+For further information, address the manufacturer and patentee, Mr. H.
+W. Collender, 738 Broadway, New York city.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+COATING ENGRAVED COPPER PLATES WITH STEEL.
+
+
+In order to render copper plates which are used in printing more
+durable, they can be covered with an electrolytic deposit of iron
+which possesses an unusual degree of hardness almost superior to
+steel. The salt usually employed has been the double sulphate of iron
+and ammonia. Professor Boettger, who first invented this process, has
+recently devised an improvement in the bath employed. He dissolves 10
+parts of ferrocyanide of potassium (yellow prussiate of potash) and
+20 parts of the double tartrate of soda and potash (Rochelle salts) in
+200 parts of water, and to this he adds 3 parts of persulphate of iron
+dissolved in 50 parts of water. A large precipitate of Prussian
+blue is formed. To the whole is added, drop by drop, with constant
+stirring, a solution of caustic soda until the blue precipitate
+entirely disappears, leaving a perfectly clear, light yellow liquid,
+which is now ready for use.
+
+Professor Boettger also claims that this solution can be employed with
+advantage for dyeing cotton yarn and fabrics a beautiful blue, without
+the use of a mordant. For this purpose the goods are put into the
+bath, that has previously been slightly warmed, until they are
+saturated through and through, and then dried in the air, after which
+they are immersed in extremely dilute sulphuric acid (1 to 50), which
+neutralizes the alkali, and after washing and drying again they are
+permanently dyed a fine blue color.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+TEST FOR SULPHUR IN ORGANIC COMPOUNDS.
+
+
+H. Vohl recommends the following as the best method of detecting
+sulphur in organic compounds: The substance to be tested is heated in
+a solution of caustic lime and oxide of lead in glycerin. The latter
+is prepared as follows: One volume of distilled water is mixed with
+2 volumes of pure glycerin and heated to boiling; freshly prepared
+slaked lime is added, little by little, until it is saturated. Freshly
+precipitated hydrated oxide of lead, or moist litharge, is added in
+excess, and the liquid allowed to boil gently for a few minutes,
+then tightly corked and left to cool, after which the clear liquid
+is decanted from the sediment into a glass vessel that can be tightly
+corked. If into this solution be introduced and heated any organic
+which contains sulphur, like hair, feathers, horn, albumen, and the
+like, it will at once turn black from the formation of sulphide of
+lead. The great delicacy of this test is evident from the fact that,
+when pure wheat bread is boiled with this reagent, it turns yellow at
+first and then dark gray in consequence of the presence of sulphur in
+the gluten of the bread.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+IMPROVED BILLIARD BALL HOLDER.
+
+
+The usual receptacle for the fourth ball, when only three balls are
+used in the game of billiards, is placed at the side of the table. As
+this is both inconvenient and unsightly, a neat device, clearly shown
+in the annexed illustration, has been invented, which is intended to
+be attached to a gas fixture over the table. A plate or sign is also
+added on which the number of a table--in case several tables are
+employed, as in a billiard saloon--may be inscribed. The form and
+design of the arrangement may of course be varied in many ways.
+
+[Illustration: billiard ball holder]
+
+Patented May 2, 1876. For further particulars, address the
+manufacturer, Mr. H. W. Collender, 738 Broadway, New York city.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE MONITOR CHALK CUP.
+
+
+The annexed engraving represents an improved chalk cup or holder
+for billiard tables, which is so constructed that it will not become
+loose, sag down, mar the table, or jar when the ball strikes the
+cushion. It may be adjusted to remain in any desired position.
+
+The shank is pivoted in a metallic frame which is secured to the
+table. The rear end of the shank works against a spring. On the upper
+portion of the shank is a projection which embraces a horizontal
+flange to sustain the box against being forced downward. The
+arrangement is very similar to the ordinary window catch. The player
+has only to start the box from its position under the table, when
+the spring carries it out at right angles to the rail. A touch is
+sufficient to cause the spring to carry the box back to its former
+position. The device is very simple, and its advantages will be
+evident to all billiard players cognizant of the defects of the
+ordinary cup.
+
+[Illustration: THE MONITOR CHALK CUP.]
+
+Patented May 1, 1877. For further particulars, address the
+manufacturer and patentee, Mr. H. W. Collender, 738 Broadway,
+New York city.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CURIOUS CARNIVOROUS PLANTS.
+
+
+The _arum Dracunculus_ is one of the most curious of that wonderful
+series of carnivorous plants which at the present time are engaging
+the closest scrutiny of naturalists. It is a true trap in one
+sense--inasmuch as it captures the victim which ventures near it; but
+it relies on little or no mechanical means for securing its prey, but
+stupefies the living insect by its odor. The flower is horn-shaped,
+about 11 inches in length, with an opening some 5 inches in diameter.
+The color within is a dull dark violet, while the interior of the
+spathe is lined with black, hooked bristles, the whole appearance
+of the flower being thoroughly repulsive. The illustrations herewith
+presented, Figs. 1 and 2, represent it at one third its natural
+size, Fig. 2 showing a section of the flower. It is not certain what
+attracts the insects, which are usually of the species known as the
+meat fly and the common house fly. They do not seem to seek for the
+small quantity of nectar concealed, and yet they cluster about the
+fatal opening, as if drawn by some overpowering fascination. Overcome
+by lethargy, they fall inert upon the flower, are lightly held by the
+bristles, and finally die asphyxiated by the carbonic acid which the
+plant disengages in large quantities during its inflorescence. Strange
+as is the action of the _arum_, the method whereby the _mentzelia_
+takes its prey is even more wonderful. To illustrate on a magnified
+scale, let the reader imagine a surface thickly covered with strong
+iron posts, on the sides of which are numerous keen barbs pointing
+downward. Then between these posts, suppose that jars overflowing with
+honey are placed. An elephant, let it be imagined, attracted by the
+profusion of sweetness, inserts his trunk between the posts and
+finds easy access to the honey. But while he can force his proboscis
+downward past the barbs turned in that direction, when he attempts to
+withdraw it he finds the keen points catch in the flesh, and render
+it impossible to do so. A terrible struggle follows, the unfortunate
+animal twisting and writhing in every direction, until finally by
+an Herculean effort the head is torn from the body, and the latter
+becomes digested by some potent gastric juice, exuding from the
+colossal organism of which the trap forms but a portion. Of course
+this is vastly exaggerated, and it would puzzle an elephant to pull
+his own head off; but if for the post studded trap, we substitute the
+surface of a flower, and if we replace the elephant by a fly, we shall
+have conceived an accurate picture of what takes place in the peculiar
+receptacle with which Nature has provided the _mentzelia ornata_.
+This is very beautifully shown in Fig. 3; and at A, in same figure,
+is represented the barbed bristles grasping the highly magnified
+proboscis of the fly. Between the barbed bristles are mushroom-shaped
+projections, from the summits of which a viscous nectar exudes. This
+is the honey bait which induces the insect to insert his trunk between
+the fatal barbs. There is still another plant, _physianthus albens_,
+which captures butterflies by grasping the proboscis. The construction
+of the flower is quite complicated, so that the insects are compelled
+to insert their trunks through a narrow and winding passage in order
+to reach the nectar. The organ then necessarily comes in contact with
+an adhesive substance, which prevents its removal.
+
+The _Gronovia scandens_, Fig. 4, is another plant trap, which catches
+no flies nor possesses any such wonderfully adapted devices as the
+plants already described. It simply has its branches covered with
+double barbed bristles of great strength which attach themselves to
+anything brought in contact with them. The bristles are strong enough
+to hold lizards, as represented by our engraving, the points inserting
+themselves in the interstices of the scaly covering of the reptile.
+Of course the lizard thus held starves to death, and small birds
+often follow a like fate. We are indebted to _La Nature_ for the
+illustrations.
+
+[Illustration: Figs. 1 and 2.--ARUM DRACUNCULUS.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 3.--MENTZELIA.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 4.--GRONOVIA SCANDENS.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+POPULAR FALLACIES.
+
+
+Night air and damp weather are held in great horror by multitudes
+of persons who are sickly or of weak constitutions; consequently, by
+avoiding the night air, and damp weather, and changeable weather, and
+weather that is considered too hot or too cold, they are kept within
+doors the much largest portion of their time, and as a matter of
+course continue invalids, more and more ripening for the grave
+every hour; the reason is, they are breathing an impure atmosphere
+nineteen-twentieths of their whole existence.
+
+As nothing can wash us clean but pure water, so nothing can cleanse
+the blood, nothing can make health-giving blood, but the agency of
+pure air. So great is the tendency of the blood to become impure in
+consequence of waste and useless matters mixing with it as it passes
+through the body, that it requires a hogshead of air every hour of our
+lives to unload it of these impurities; but in proportion as this air
+is vitiated, in such proportion does it infallably fail to relieve the
+blood of these impurities, and impure blood is the foundation of all
+disease. The great fact that those who are out of doors most, summer
+and winter, day and night, rain or shine, have the best health the
+world over, does of itself falsify the general impression that night
+air or any other out-door air is unhealthy as compared with in-door
+air at the same time.
+
+Air is the great necessity of life; so much so, that if deprived of it
+for a moment, we perish; and so constant is the necessity of the
+blood for contact with the atmosphere, that every drop in the body is
+exposed to the air through the medium of the lungs every two minutes
+and a half of our existence.
+
+Whatever may be the impurity of the out-door air of any locality,
+the in-door air of that locality is still more impure, because of
+the dust, and decaying and odoriferous matters which are found in
+all dwellings. Besides, how can in-door air be more healthy than the
+out-door air, other things being equal, when the dwelling is supplied
+with air from without?
+
+To this very general law there is one exception, which it is of the
+highest importance to note. When the days are hot, and the nights
+cool, there are periods of time within each twenty-four hours, when
+it is safest to be in-doors, with doors and windows closed; that is to
+say, for the hour or two including sunrise and sunset, because about
+sunset the air cools, and the vapors which the heats of the day have
+caused to ascend far above us, condense and settle near the surface of
+the earth, so as to be breathed by the inhabitants; as the night grows
+colder, these vapors sink lower, and are within a foot or two of the
+earth, so they are not breathed. As the sun rises, these same vapors
+are warmed, and begin to ascend, to be breathed again, but as the
+air becomes warmer, they are carried so far above our heads as to
+be innocuous. Thus it is that the old citizens of Charleston, S.
+C., remember, that while it was considered important to live in
+the country during the summer, the common observation of the people
+originated the custom of riding into town, not in the cool of the
+evening or of the morning, but in the middle of the day. They did not
+understand the philosophy, but they observed the fact that those who
+came to the city at mid-day remained well, while those who did so
+early or late suffered from it.
+
+All strangers at Rome are cautioned not to cross the Pontine marshes
+after the heat of the day is over. Sixteen of a ship's crew, touching
+at one of the West India islands, slept on shore several nights, and
+thirteen of them died of yellow fever in a few days, while of two
+hundred and eighty, who were freely ashore during the day, not a
+single case of illness occurred. The marshes above named are crossed
+in six or eight hours, and many travelers who do it in the night
+are attacked with mortal fevers. This does, at first sight, seem to
+indicate that night air _is_ unwholesome, at least in the locality
+of virulent malarias, but there is no direct proof that the air about
+sunrise and sunset is not that which is productive of the mischief.
+
+For the sake of eliciting the observations of intelligent men, we
+present our theory on this subject.
+
+A person might cross these marshes with impunity, who would set out on
+his journey an hour or two after sundown, and finish it an hour or two
+before sun-up, especially if he began that journey on a hearty meal,
+because, in this way, he would be traveling in the cool of the night,
+which coolness keeps the malaria so near the surface of the earth as
+to prevent its being breathed to a hurtful extent.
+
+But if it is deadly to sleep out of doors all night in a malarial
+locality, would it be necessarily fatal to sleep in a house in such
+a locality? It would not. It would be safer to sleep in the house,
+especially if the windows and doors were closed. The reason is, that
+the house has been warmed during the day, and if kept closed, it
+remains much warmer during the night indoors than it is outdoors;
+consequently, the malaria is kept by this warmth so high above the
+head, and so rarefied, as to be comparatively harmless. This may
+seem to some too nice a distinction altogether, but it will be found
+throughout the world of Nature that the works of the Almighty are most
+strikingly beautiful in their _minutae_, and these _minutae_ are the
+foundation of His mightiest manifestations.
+
+Thus it is, too, that what we call fever and ague might be banished
+from the country as a general disease, if two things were done. 1.
+Have a fire kindled every morning at daylight, from spring to fall,
+in the family room, to which all the family should repair from their
+chambers, and there remain until breakfast is taken. 2. Let a fire
+be kindled in the family room a short time before sundown; let every
+member of the family repair to it, and there remain until supper is
+taken.
+
+In both cases, the philosophy of the course marked out consists in two
+things. First. The fire rarefies the malaria and causes it to ascend
+above the breathing point. Second. The food taken into the stomach
+creates an activity of circulation which repels disease.--_Hall's
+Journal of Health_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE EXTENSION OF THE PLAGUE.
+
+
+Our recent English medical exchanges mention, with undisguised
+apprehension, the fact that already early this spring authentic
+observers state that the plague has broken out in Bagdad, and is
+rapidly increasing there; and information from other sources renders
+it probable that the disease has shown itself in other places in the
+vicinity of that city, some of which have not suffered before since
+the new development of the disease in Mesopotamia, three or four years
+ago. The progress of the epidemic in and about Bagdad last year shows
+that each year since its reappearance in that district it has covered
+a wider area, and it will be remembered that last year it crossed the
+Turco-Persian frontier, and broke out at Shuster, in Khuzistan. From
+the phenomena of the epidemic to this period it was feared, especially
+by the physicians on the spot, that, if it should recur in the present
+year, it must be expected to extend over a still wider area, and show
+itself in even a more aggravated form than had yet been observed. This
+opinion is concurred in by Surgeon-Major Colville, the medical officer
+attached to the British Embassy at Bagdad, and is expressed in his
+official report, on the subject of the last and previous year's
+outbreak.
+
+The Turco-Russian struggle in Asia Minor, and the massing of Persian
+troops on the western frontier of that country, add an additional and
+most grave factor to this ominous intelligence.
+
+It has been so long since Christian Europe has suffered from this
+terrible disease that most medical men have never seen a case, and,
+indeed, for awhile, epidemiologists flattered themselves it had "died
+out." They yet say that a thorough system of sanitation will certainly
+check its advance.
+
+Let us hope so; for of all pestilences which have ever scourged
+humanity, and desolated empires, none approach in magnitude those of
+the plague. Under the name of "the black death," it fills, as Hirsch
+remarks, one of the darkest pages in the history of the human race.
+It devastated every known country of the earth, and penetrated to the
+remotest mountain hamlets and granges, sometimes sweeping away in a
+few days every inhabitant, leaving not one to remember the name or to
+inherit the goods of the family or the village. Long years afterward,
+travelers would come upon these unknown villages, the houses rotting,
+the bones of the plague-stricken owners bleaching in the rooms and
+streets, and no one to say who they had been.
+
+As an epidemic disease, it no doubt spreads from India, that mother of
+pestilence, where, in the province of Kutch and Guzerat, it is found
+as an endemic of great malignancy. Far more fatal in its historical
+appearance than the cholera, it is well that the medical mind of
+Europe is on the alert to meet its approach with the most energetic
+measures; and should they fail, it will devolve upon us to lose
+no time in taking up the defensive in the most energetic
+manner.--_Medical and Surgical Reporter._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+EDUCATION IN GERMANY.
+
+
+The compulsory school laws of Prussia are frequently pointed to as
+models for similar laws, perhaps with the hope that by imitating her
+lower schools we can bring up our high schools to an equal rank with
+hers, and place our universities on a level with those which are
+producing the most finished scholars, the deepest thinkers, and the
+greatest investigators. We are likely to forget that the conditions
+are different, and especially that _nascitur, non fit_, is as true of
+a chemist as of a poet. The state of popular education in Germany
+is, however, a matter of interest, and is best illustrated by the
+following table, showing the percentage of unschooled men among the
+recruits from different German provinces:
+
+                  Per cent.
+  Prussia             3.19
+  Bavaria             1.79
+  Saxony              0.23
+  Wuertemberg          0.02
+  Baden               0.22
+  Hesse               0.35
+  Mecklenburg         1.09
+  Thuringia           1.42
+  Alsace              3.45
+
+These figures seem to indicate a higher grade of intelligence and
+wider diffusion of knowledge among all classes, for recruits are from
+every class, than in Austria, although in the latter the figures are
+arranged so differently as to make any accurate comparison of Austria
+and Germany rather difficult and unsatisfactory.
+
+
+-----------------+----------+----------------+-----------------+----------
+NAME OF DISTRICT.| Number of|   Number of    | Percentage of   | Number of
+                 | Common   | inhabitants to | school children |  Normal
+                 | Schools. |  each school.  | who attend.     | Schools.
+-----------------+----------+----------------+-----------------+----------
+Bohemia          |   4,190  |      1,254     |       77        |    12
+Bukowina         |     167  |      3,121     |        9        |     1
+Dalmatia         |     241  |      1,864     |       12        |     2
+Galicia          |   2,374  |      2,341     |       15        |     1
+Carinthia        |     318  |      1,060     |        ?        |     2
+Carniola         |     234  |      1,187     |       48        |     2
+Custrin          |     396  |      1,496     |       38        |     5
+Moravia          |   1,866  |      1,082     |       78        |     5
+Lower Austria    |   1,267  |      1,578     |       76        |     5
+Upper Austria    |     506  |      1,455     |       82        |     2
+Salzburg         |     155  |        982     |       85        |     1
+Steiermark       |     690  |      1,657     |       59        |     3
+Schlesia         |     433  |      1,208     |       77        |     4
+Tyrol            |   1,926  |        457     |        ?        |     6
+                 |----------|----------------|-----------------|----------
+    Total        |  14,763  |                |                 |    51
+-----------------+----------+----------------+-----------------+----------
+
+Over 3,000 teachers' positions are said to be vacant at the present
+time.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+BLEACHING SILK AND WOOL.
+
+
+The methods now in use for bleaching silk, wool, and all animal
+fibers, such as sulphurous acid, alkalies, soap, etc., are so
+imperfect that Tessie du Motay has patented the following process,
+involving the use of binoxide of barium, with or without the addition
+of permanganates. The binoxide of barium is pulverized and subjected
+to the action of carbonic acid to remove any unconverted caustic
+baryta present. It is then thrown into boiling water, and after the
+bath has partially cooled the materials to be bleached are introduced
+and the bath kept at a temperature of 86 deg. Fah. to 194 deg. Fah. for two
+hours; silk from wild silkworms requiring a higher temperature than
+wool, goat's hair, and the like. It is then taken out and washed, put
+into an acid bath, then washed again. If necessary, the barium bath
+is repeated, as also the subsequent washings. If this second bath of
+binoxide of barium does not produce the requisite whiteness, it is
+introduced into a solution of permanganic acid or permanganate of
+magnesia before the last washing.
+
+Binoxide of Barium, BaO_{2}, is made by subjecting the oxide or
+caustic baryta, BaO, to a stream of oxygen or common air at a high
+temperature. Its bleaching action is probably due to the formation of
+peroxide of hydrogen in solution in the bath.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+AN ALLOY OF TIN AND PHOSPHORUS.
+
+
+At the Graupen Tin Works, in Bohemia, an alloy of tin and phosphorus
+is made containing the greatest possible quantity of phosphorus which
+the tin is able to retain without losing any of it upon repeated
+meltings. This compound, which is neither entitled to the name of
+alloy nor is it a phosphide of tin, is employed in the manufacture
+of phosphorus-bronze. In the manufacture of phosphorus-bronze, by
+alloying copper with phosphorus-tin, no other precautions require to
+be observed than in the preparation of common bronze. As the different
+properties of phosphorus-bronze depend upon the proportions of
+phosphorus and of tin, two kinds of phosphorus-tin are prepared. No.
+0 contains 5 per cent., and No. 1, 21/2 per cent. of phosphorus. These two
+kinds suffice to make the greater part of all the desired mixtures.
+For special purposes, the Graupen Works make to order phosphorus-tin
+with any desired quantity of phosphorus not exceeding 5 per
+cent., which is the highest possible limit. It is claimed
+that phosphorus-bronze may be manufactured by the use of this
+phosphorus-tin as much as 40 per cent. cheaper than that now in the
+market, while it will only cost 8 per cent. more than the ordinary tin
+and copper bronze.
+
+No details are given of the method employed to make the phosphorus
+combine with tin, but the low melting point of tin as compared with
+that of copper would indicate that this would lead to the great saving
+promised above.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+AMERICAN INSTITUTE EXHIBITION.
+
+
+The forty-sixth Exhibition of this Institute will open September 12,
+in this city. Parties having novelties which they intend to bring to
+public notice should at once address the General Superintendent for
+blanks and information. The medals, it is said, have been increased
+and special awards will be made upon a number of articles.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+AMERICAN INVENTIONS FOR NEW SOUTH WALES.
+
+
+Writing from Sydney, under date of April 14, the _Times_ correspondent
+thus refers to the supply of locomotives and carriages from America:
+Our appearance at Philadelphia has drawn the attention of American
+manufacturers to us in a most marked and unexpected degree. A country
+that, like New South Wales, is rolling in wealth must be a country
+that is able to buy, and a country that is able to buy is exactly the
+country that American manufacturers have been anxiously looking out
+for. Our representatives at Philadelphia have come back strongly
+impressed with the fact that there are many things that the Americans
+can supply us with advantage. Our Government has an offer from Messrs.
+Baldwin & Co. to furnish a locomotive engine for about L1,000 less
+than the cost of an English engine, and to leave the payment open
+until the engine has been thoroughly proved and approved. A Pullman's
+sleeping car and an ordinary passenger car have already been ordered,
+and American wheels, axles, rails, and brakes are strongly pressed
+on our acceptance. As our Government engineers are all of the English
+school, American novelties will have a hard battle to fight to
+win official acceptance, but the demand for economy in railway
+construction and working is so great that people and Parliament will
+press on the Minister for Public Works a fair trial for any American
+novelties that may seem to be suited to our wants. The English
+manufacturers, therefore, who have hitherto supplied us must look to
+their laurels.--_Capital and Labor_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+MAN'S PLACE IN NATURE.
+
+
+Concerning man's true place in Nature, Haeckel says:
+
+"Whatever part of the body we consider, we find upon the most exact
+examination that man is more nearly related to the highest apes than
+are the latter to the lowest apes. It would therefore be wholly forced
+and unnatural to regard man in the zoological system as constituting a
+distinct order, and thus to separate him from the true ape. Rather is
+the scientific zoologist compelled, whether it is agreeable to him or
+not, to rank man within the order of the true ape (Simiae)."
+
+To whatever minutiae of detail the comparison is carried, we reach in
+every case the same result. Between man and the anthropoid apes there
+are the closest anatomical and physiological resemblances. In form
+and function, there is the most exact agreement between all the
+corresponding bones of the skeleton of each; the same arrangement
+and structure of the muscles, nerves and entire viscera, and of
+the spleen, liver and lungs--the latter being a matter of especial
+significance, for between the manner of breathing and the process of
+nutrition there is the closest relation.
+
+The brain, also, is subject to the same laws of development, and
+differs only with regard to size. The minute structure of the skin,
+nails, and even the hair, is identical in character. Although man
+has lost the greater part of his hairy covering, as Darwin thinks, in
+consequence of sexual selection, yet the rudimentary hairs upon the
+body correspond, in many respects, to those of the anthropoids. The
+formation of the beard is the same in both cases; while the face and
+ears remain bare. Anthropoids and men become grayhaired in old age.
+But the most remarkable circumstance is that, upon the upper arm, the
+hairs are, in both cases, directed downward, and upon the lower arm
+upward; while in the case of the half-apes it is different, and not as
+soft as that of man and the anthropoids.
+
+The eye, on account of its delicate structure, is peculiarly
+suitable for comparisons of this kind; and we find here the greatest
+similarity: even inflammation and green cataract occur under the same
+circumstances, in both. See, also, Darwin upon this point.
+
+There is no more striking proof that man and the anthropoid apes have
+the same anatomical and physiological nature, and require the same
+food, than the similarity of their blood. Under the microscope the
+blood corpuscles are identical in form and appearance; while those of
+the carnivora are clearly different from them.
+
+It may now be interesting, in confirmation of what has been said, to
+refer to the family life, and, if one may so speak, to the mental
+and moral life of the anthropoids. Like man, the ape provides with
+exceeding care for its young, so that its parental affection has
+become proverbial. Connubial fidelity is a general and well known
+virtue. The mother ape leads its young to the water, and washes its
+face and hands in spite of its crying. Wounds are also washed out with
+water. The ape, when in distress, will weep like a human being, and
+in a manner that is said to be very affecting. Young apes manifest
+the same tendencies as human children. When domesticated, they are
+in youth docile and teachable, and also, at times, like all children,
+disobedient. In old age they often become morose and capricious. Most
+apes construct huts, or, at least, roofs, as a protection from the
+weather, and sleep in a kind of bed.
+
+One peculiarity is alone common to them and man, and this is the habit
+of lying upon the back in sleep. In battle they defend themselves with
+their fists and long sticks; and, under otherwise like circumstances,
+they manifest like passions and emotions with man: as joy and sorrow,
+pain and envy, revenge and sympathy. In death, especially, the ape
+face assumes a peculiarly human-like and spiritual expression, and the
+sufferer is the object of as genuine compassion as exists in the case
+of man. It is also well known that apes bury their dead, laying the
+body in a secluded spot, and covering it with leaves. Regarding the
+domestic life of the ape, Darwin says, in his "Descent of Man" (vol.
+1, p. 39):
+
+"We see maternal affection manifested in the most trifling details.
+Thus Rengger observed an American monkey (a Cebus) carefully driving
+away the flies which plagued her infant; and Duvancel saw a Hylobates
+washing the faces of her young ones in a stream. So intense is
+the grief of female monkeys for the loss of their young, that it
+invariably caused the death of certain kinds kept under confinement
+by Brehm in North Africa. Orphan monkeys are always adopted, and
+carefully guarded by other monkeys, both males and females. One female
+baboon had so capacious a heart, that she not only adopted young
+monkeys of other species but stole young dogs and cats, which she
+continually carried about with her. Her kindness did not go so far,
+however, as to share her food with her adopted offspring; at which
+Brehm was surprised, as his monkeys divided everything quite
+fairly with their own young ones. An adopted kitten scratched
+the above-mentioned affectionate baboon, who certainly had a fine
+intellect, for she was much astonished at being scratched, and
+immediately examined the kitten's feet, and without more ado bit off
+the claws."
+
+The number of characteristics possessed in common by man and the
+higher apes is, indeed, very great, and includes not only physical
+and emotional but even intellectual qualities.--_From Schlickeysen's
+"Fruit and Bread," translated by Dr. Holbrook._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL NOTICE.
+
+
+Persons who have sent numbers of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN to this
+office, for the purpose of having them bound, will please call or send
+for them immediately.
+
+Some of the volumes extend back to 1860, and as we need the room they
+occupy, we shall dispose of those not claimed within ten days from
+date of this paper.
+
+MUNN & Co., 37 Park Row, New York.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+DECISIONS OF THE COURTS.
+
+UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT.--DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
+
+SHAWL STRAP PATENT.--GEORGE CROUCH _vs._ WILLIAM ROEMER.
+
+
+[In equity.]
+
+  By Nixon, District Judge.
+
+  This is an action for an alleged infringement of complainant's
+  letters patent No. 82,606, dated September 29, 1868, and reissued
+  March 7, 1871, No. 4,289.
+
+  The subject-matter of the patent is in the reissue described to be
+  a strap "to confine a shawl or similar article in a bundle," and
+  termed a shawl-strap. The schedule attached to and forming a part
+  of the said reissued patent states, that before the complainant's
+  invention "straps had been used to confine a shawl or similar
+  article in a bundle, and a leather cross-piece with loops at the
+  ends, had extended from one strap to the other; and above and
+  attached to this leather cross-piece was a handle. This leather
+  cross-piece or connecting strap is liable to bend and allow the
+  straps to be drawn toward each other by the handle in sustaining
+  the weight. Hence the bundle is not kept in a proper shape and the
+  handle is inconvenient to grasp."
+
+  The invention is then stated to consist "of a rigid cross-bar
+  beneath the handle, combined with suspending straps, that are to
+  be passed around the shawl or bundle, such straps passing through
+  loops at the ends of the handle."
+
+  No question can be made but that the shawl straps manufactured
+  and sold by the defendant are an infringement of the complainant's
+  reissue. They consist of a metallic cross-bar, with slots at the
+  ends for the reception of the straps, and which also connect the
+  ends of the handle.
+
+  Several defences are set up in the answer, but the only one
+  necessary to consider is the first, to wit: The want of novelty
+  and prior public use.
+
+  I had occasion, heretofore, to inquire into the validity of
+  the complainant's patent, in a controversy between the same
+  complainant, and Speer _et al._, reported in VI. Off. Gaz. 1874,
+  in which, as in this case, the principal defence turned upon
+  the novelty of the invention. A prior public use was alleged and
+  attempted to be proved. I there said and now repeat "that the
+  patent is _prima facie_ evidence that the patentee was the
+  original and first inventor, and that any one who controverts this
+  assumes the burden of proof and undertakes to show affirmatively
+  that there was a prior knowledge and use of the alleged invention
+  under such circumstances, as to give to the public the right of
+  its continued use against the patentee."
+
+  The defence in this case has brought out many facts in regard to
+  the public use of the rigid cross-bar in shawl straps anterior to
+  the date of the complainant's patent, which were not developed in
+  the former suit. There is no evidence which in my judgment affects
+  the honesty of the complainant's claim, or which creates any
+  doubt that he really believed himself to be the original and first
+  inventor, but nevertheless I am constrained to the conclusion,
+  after a most careful examination of the whole testimony, that the
+  proofs show with reasonable certainty that he has been anticipated
+  in the invention and that his patent is void, in consequence of
+  the prior knowledge and public use, and the bill must be therefore
+  dismissed with costs.
+
+  [_E. B. Barnum_, for complainant.
+  _Arthur v. Briesen_, for defendant.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NEW BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS.
+
+THE ECONOMIC THEORY OF THE LOCATION OF RAILWAYS.
+
+
+By Arthur M. Wellington, C.E. Price $2.00. New York city: Office of
+the Railroad Gazette, 73 Broadway.
+
+  The author of this book is thoroughly conversant with his subject,
+  and his statement that the book has gradually grown from a few
+  notes into a volume may be accepted as an explanation of the
+  somewhat fragmentary character of the work. He asserts that "all
+  our railways are uneconomically located," and "in many cases these
+  errors are shockingly evident." If these statements are true, he
+  is right in stating that "there is something almost pitiful in
+  the waste of human labor enforced by such costly blundering." He
+  considers that other countries have made lamentable blunders in
+  locating their railroads, so that the suffering stockholders of
+  American lines may take comfort from the thought that others are
+  or may be as badly off.
+
+
+FRUIT AND BREAD. A SCIENTIFIC DIET. By Gustav Schlickeysen. Translated
+from the German by M. L. Holbrook, M.D. With an Appendix. Illustrated.
+New York city: M. L. Holbrook & Co.
+
+  The author and translator of this little treatise are firm
+  believers in vegetarianism, and present in a highly attractive
+  form the main arguments which sustain them in their position. The
+  subject is most carefully and systematically treated, and although
+  the conclusions at which the author arrives are greatly at
+  variance with modern belief and practice, the book is nevertheless
+  entitled to proper and respectful consideration. Illustrations are
+  given of the teeth and stomachs of various animals, and these are
+  compared with the similar organs existing in man, so exhibiting
+  in a clear and satisfactory manner the perfect adaptedness of the
+  latter to a purely vegetable regimen, which is certainly something
+  more than merely accidental. Altogether the book is well worthy
+  of perusal by others than those more immediately interested in the
+  question of diet.
+
+
+THEORETICAL NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: a Treatise on the Calculations
+involved in Naval Design. By Samuel J. P. Thearle, F.R.S.N.A., etc.
+Two Volumes; Text and Plates. New York city: G. P. Putnam's Sons.
+
+  This book is designed to meet the requirements of both those who
+  possess but a moderate amount of mathematical knowledge as well as
+  of those who are much further advanced. Numerous formulae and rules
+  clearly stated will enable the former to perform without much
+  difficulty the ordinary routine of the draughting office, while
+  ample opportunity is afforded the latter to trace back the
+  processes from which these rules have gone forth. The book is
+  divided into six parts. Part I. embraces the calculations relating
+  to the forms and dimensions of ships. II. those relating to the
+  weights and centers of gravity of ships. Part III. refers to the
+  strength of ships. IV. and V. to their propulsion by sails and by
+  steam engines; while Part VI. treats of the calculations relating
+  to steering. An excellent book of plates and tables accompanies
+  the text.
+
+
+KEMLO'S WATCH REPAIRER'S HANDBOOK: being a complete guide to the young
+beginner in taking apart, putting together, and thoroughly cleaning
+the English lever and other foreign watches, and all American watches.
+By F. Kemlo, Practical Watchmaker. With Illustrations. Price $1.25.
+Philadelphia, Pa.: Henry Carey Baird & Co.
+
+  This work will prove of great value to all in whom the curious
+  mechanism of clocks and watches has excited more than a passing
+  interest. None but skilled followers of the art have been allowed
+  to contribute to its pages, so that the practical worth of the
+  information given can be fully relied upon. A concise history of
+  timekeepers is followed by a clear and exhaustive description of
+  the English lever watch, which in turn is followed by articles
+  on cleaning, putting together, and the conditions necessary to
+  produce a good English watch. American watches deservedly engage
+  considerable attention. Papers on repairing watches, cleaning and
+  repairing clocks, and a short description of the necessary tools
+  complete the book.
+
+
+RECENT PROGRESS IN SANITARY SCIENCE. By A. R. Leeds. Salem, Mass.:
+Printed at the Salem Press.
+
+  This is a reprint of a paper read at the Lyceum of Natural
+  History, October 9, 1876, by the well known Professor of Chemistry
+  at the Stevens Institute.
+
+
+WILLIAMS' TOURIST'S MAP AND GUIDE TO COLORADO AND THE SAN JUAN MINES.
+Price 50 cents each. New York city: H. T. Williams, 46 Beekman street.
+
+Two well edited publications, deserving the attention of travelers and
+emigrants.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+INVENTIONS PATENTED IN ENGLAND BY AMERICANS.
+
+
+June 7 to June 15, 1877, inclusive.
+
+BOOTS AND SHOES.--Mellen Bray, Newton, Mass. ELECTRO-MAGNETIC
+MOTOR.--W. W. Gary, Washington, D. C. FURNACES.--J. J. Storer, New
+York city. GAS.--M. H. Strong, Brooklyn, N. Y. GAS APPARATUS.--D. C.
+Smith, East Northwood, N. H. GAS MACHINES.--T. F. Rowland, Greenpoint,
+N. Y. MINERAL WOOL APPARATUS.--A. D. Elbers, Hoboken, N. J. MOTIVE
+POWER.--W. G. Smith et al., New York city. POWER LOOMS.--James Long,
+Philadelphia, Pa. PULVERIZING MACHINES.--J. J. Storer, New York city.
+PUMP.--A. F. Eells et al., Boston, Mass. REFRIGERATING APPARATUS.--B.
+J. B. Mills, Lexington, Ky. SEWING MACHINES.--C. H. Warner,
+Sturbridge, Mass. SHEET METAL UTENSILS.--F. G. Niedringhaus, St.
+Louis, Mo. VALVE GEAR.--E. Cope et al., Hamilton, Ohio.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+RECENT AMERICAN AND FOREIGN PATENTS.
+
+NOTICE TO PATENTEES.
+
+
+Inventors who are desirous of disposing of their patents would find it
+greatly to their advantage to have them illustrated in the SCIENTIFIC
+AMERICAN. We are prepared to get up first-class WOOD ENGRAVINGS of
+inventions of merit, and publish them in the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN on
+very reasonable terms.
+
+We shall be pleased to make estimates as to cost of engravings
+on receipt of photographs, sketches, or copies of patents. After
+publication, the cuts become the property of the person ordering them,
+and will be found of value for circulars and for publication in other
+papers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NEW AGRICULTURAL INVENTIONS.
+
+IMPROVED HAY ELEVATOR.
+
+
+Eugene L. Church, Walworth, Wis.--This is a hay elevator and carrier
+of simple and effective construction; and it consists essentially of a
+traveling carriage locking, by a tilting catch, on a fixed stop block
+of the track, from which it is released by the action of the bail
+of the sheave frame of the hay fork on a pivoted grappling hook, the
+sheave being held in suspended position by the joint action of a fixed
+hook, of the pivoted hook, and of the tilting catch. A track beam,
+which is suspended from the rafters of a barn or other building by
+means of eyebolts passing through the center of the track beam. A
+carriage runs along the track beam by a pair of flanged wheels, at
+each end of which the wheels of one pair are set at such distance from
+each other that they clear readily the suspension bolts as they pass
+along the same. A hoisting rope is attached, in the customary manner,
+to a fixed point at one end of carriage, and passed then through the
+sheave frame of the hay fork, and over a pulley of the carriage, and
+through a sheave at the end of track beam, and down to the ground,
+where a horse is hitched to its free end.
+
+
+IMPROVED CORN HARVESTER.
+
+
+Bennett Osgood, Lenox, Iowa.--This invention is an improved machine
+for cutting up the corn, removing the ears from the stalks, and
+cutting the stalks into pieces, and which may be adjusted to cut up
+the corn and shock it. As the stalks are carried back by chains, pins
+or hooks on bars tear open the husks of the ears; and the bars, in
+connection with rollers, break the ears from the stalks. The ears,
+when broken off, drop through an opening in the platform into an
+elevator, up which they are carried, and are discharged into a wagon
+drawn at the side of the machine. The box of the elevator is supported
+from the frame of the machine, and its carrier is driven from a shaft
+by an endless band. The stalks are carried back by endless chains, and
+allowed to drop from the rear end of the platform upon the brackets
+attached to the rear bar of the frame. As they fall upon the brackets
+they are cut into three pieces by two knives, which work in slots in
+the brackets, and to the upper part of which are pivoted the upper
+ends of two bars. The lower ends of these bars are pivoted to a crank
+formed upon the shaft, which revolves in bearings attached to the rear
+bar of the frame.
+
+
+IMPROVED SULKY HARROW.
+
+
+George M. Furman, Laclede, Mo.--This is an improved riding harrow,
+so constructed that it may be readily raised from the ground, by the
+driver from his seat, to clear it of rubbish, to pass obstructions,
+and to pass from place to place, to cut up the ground and cover the
+seed thoroughly, and be used for cultivating small grain and plants.
+
+
+IMPROVED HARROW.
+
+
+Hans Iver Lund, Charlotte, Iowa.--The object of this invention is to
+furnish an iron harrow which shall be light, strong, and durable,
+of less draft than an ordinary harrow, of less size, inexpensive
+in manufacture, and effective in operation, breaking up the lumps
+thoroughly, and stirring up the soil evenly. The harrow is designed
+to be made in three sections, all exactly alike, one, two, or three of
+which may be used at a time.
+
+
+IMPROVED COMBINED COTTON SCRAPER AND CULTIVATOR.
+
+
+Malachiah Roby, Kosciusko, Miss.--This machine is so constructed as to
+bar off and dirt or cultivate cotton plants at one operation; and the
+invention relates to the construction and arrangement of a center or
+main beam, to the forward end of which the draft is attached. To the
+beam, a little in the rear of its forward end, is attached the middle
+part of a crossbar, in which are formed a number of holes to receive
+the hooks or clevises by which the forward ends of side beams are
+secured to said crossbar. To the rear end of the main beam is attached
+the middle part of a crossbar, to which the rear ends of the side
+beams are secured by a bow and yoke passed around them diagonally, and
+which are tightened, when adjusted in place, by nuts screwed upon the
+ends of the bows. Bands are passed around said beams and diagonally
+around said standards, and tightened in place by wedges or other
+suitable means, so that the scrapers can be readily adjusted to
+work deeper or shallower in the ground, and easily detached when not
+required for use. Cultivating plows or dirters have standards which
+are attached to the side beams, the plows and standards of the inner
+side beams being placed in advance of those attached to the outer side
+beams. When the machine is to be used as a cultivator, the scrapers
+are detached, and may be replaced by cultivating plows.
+
+
+IMPROVED CULTIVATOR.
+
+
+Austin S. McDermott, Prairie Creek (Melleray P. O.), Iowa.--The object
+of this invention is to furnish a cultivator which shall be readily
+adjusted as the character of the work to be done may require, and
+easily guided and controlled. The tongue of the machine is made in
+V shape, and its rear end is attached to the axle. The arms of the
+tongue are connected by a crossbar, to which the doubletree is pivoted
+by a hammer bolt. To the ends of the axle are attached, or upon them
+are formed, crank axle arms, upon the journals of which the wheels
+revolve. To the arms of the tongue, near the forward end of said
+tongue, are bolted the ends of the forward arms of the three-armed
+bar, the third arm of which projects to the rearward, and its rear end
+is bent into U form to receive a curved bar, which is pivoted to
+the three-armed bar by a bolt that passes through the bend of the
+three-armed bar and through the center of the curved bar. The ends of
+the curved bar are secured to the forward ends of the beams by bolts,
+two to each end. To the rear ends of the beams are attached handles
+which may be strengthened by braces, and are designed for use in
+guiding the plows when the machine is used as a walking cultivator.
+
+
+IMPROVED CHICKEN COOP.
+
+
+Daniel M. Sullivan and Thomas A. Retallic, Montgomery City, Mo.--This
+invention consists of a coop adjustable vertically on a standard,
+and provided with removable partitions and doors for convenience in
+cleansing. The frame of the coop is placed on a standard, at the top
+of which is placed a pulley. A cord is attached to the top of the coop
+frame, and runs over the pulley, and is attached to a counterweight.
+The coop is divided by a central transverse partition into two
+compartments, which are subdivided by transverse partitions composed
+of slats, and held in place by a dowel pin at the bottom and by a pin
+at the top. The vertical strips that hold the slats of the partitions
+together are grooved on each side to receive sliding partitions which
+are arranged on a central longitudinal line of the coop, and at
+right angles to the partitions. Grooves are also made in the ends and
+central partition of the coop to receive these sliding partitions.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NEW TEXTILE INVENTIONS.
+
+IMPROVED FULLING MILL.
+
+
+James Hunter, North Adams, Mass., assignor to himself and James E.
+Hunter, of same place.--The object of this invention is to improve
+the construction of fulling mills in such a way that there can be no
+possibility of injuring the cloth while passing through the rollers,
+and in such a way as to give the operator full control over the
+friction caused by the tongue or lever upon the goods, whether said
+goods be heavy or light.
+
+
+IMPROVED SHUTTLE-DRIVING MECHANISM FOR NARROW-WARE LOOMS.
+
+
+William B. Willard, New York city.--This invention, relating to looms
+for weaving narrow ware, consists in the arrangement of a spur wheel
+traveling on a fixed rack, and actuating a movable rack attached to
+the shuttle carrier. Motion is given to the spur wheel by a cam on the
+main shaft of the machine, which acts through a slotted lever and a
+connecting rod. The object is to provide mechanism for throwing the
+shuttle in such looms. In the loom the shuttlerace is divided at its
+center, leaving a space of sufficient width to admit of the passage
+and shedding of the warp. The shuttle slides in the race, and is of
+such length as to overlap the opening, so that it may pass smoothly
+from one section of the shuttlerace to the other. The shuttle is
+pierced to receive the fingers of the shuttle carrier, which slides on
+the bar. The latter is a piece of sheet metal, which is turned over at
+its upper edge to receive the bar, and is provided with guides for the
+fingers. The said fingers are capable of engaging with the holes in
+the shuttle and project below the piece of sheet metal, and are bent
+at right angles, and provided with grooved friction rollers, which
+engage with a cam slot of such form that it will draw the fingers, one
+at a time, downward out of the shuttle, and retain them below the
+warp during the passage of the portion of the shuttle with which they
+engage, through the threads of the warp, and replace them after that
+part of the shuttle passes the warp.
+
+
+IMPROVED LOOM TEMPLE.
+
+
+Christian H. Schlaf, Rockville, Conn.--This is an improved device for
+stretching the cloth while being woven. It is so constructed as to
+adjust itself as the cloth is being woven and carried forward to the
+cloth beam.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NEW WOODWORKING AND HOUSE AND CARRIAGE BUILDING INVENTIONS.
+
+IMPROVED THILL COUPLING.
+
+
+Josiah Kitzmiller, Keedysville, Md.--This is an improvement upon that
+form of thill coupling in which a pivoted cap is employed to slide
+over the end of the bolt or pin which secures the eye of the thill
+iron to the lugs or ears of the axle clip, the said cap serving to
+prevent the said pin from becoming accidentally displaced without
+the use of a screw nut or other securing device. It consists in the
+construction and arrangements of a spring catch for holding
+said pivoted cap down to its place against any tendency to rise
+accidentally, the said spring catch being located in a transverse
+groove or recess in the cap and between the cap and the adjacent lug
+and being provided with a beveled head and square shoulder, which
+engages with the under side of the lug to hold the cap down. The merit
+of this arrangement is that the catch is concealed from sight by the
+complete inclosure of the spring and the position of the beveled head
+beneath the coupling, and hence the exterior of the coupling
+presents a plain, smooth, and neat appearance, free from catches
+or projections, which would be liable to hook into the clothing in
+getting into or out of the carriage.
+
+
+IMPROVED VEHICLE SPRING.
+
+
+Fredrick W. Faber, Columbus, Texas.--This invention consists in
+combining an auxiliary spring with a spring suspended from goosenecks
+attached to the axle, the said auxiliary spring being attached to the
+axle, and provided with yokes for embracing the suspended spring, the
+object being to provide a device for steadying the main spring and
+preventing lateral motion.
+
+
+IMPROVED TIRE HEATER.
+
+
+Philip W. Cassil, New Athens, O.--To the top of the furnace or firebox
+is secured the ring heating chamber, which consists of the ring plate
+having a ring flange or rim formed around its outer edge. To the ring
+plate are attached the outer ends of a number of arms, the inner ends
+of which meet in the center of the ring plate, and have a journal
+attached to them. The journal may be hollow or solid, and upon it is
+placed a hub to which are attached a number of radial arms, to the
+outer ends of which is attached a rim. The rim fits against the
+inner part of the ring plate, and forms the inner wall of the heating
+chamber.
+
+
+IMPROVED CHIMNEY COWL.
+
+
+Andrew F. Barry and Ira G. Lane, New York city.--This invention is a
+chimney cowl or ventilator which will deflect the natural current of
+air, so that a draft is continually maintained. To the upper end of
+a sheet metal chimney top is attached a strip of metal, bent into a
+spiral form, and having spaces between the successive convolutions of
+the spiral. The spirals overlap each other, and increase in diameter
+towards the top. The coils are connected at intervals by stays, and
+the end of the upper and outer coil is tapped on to the one that
+precedes it, and is trimmed off horizontally, and upon it is placed an
+ornamental border. The wind, striking this top from any direction,
+is deflected so as to cause a draft. The device is claimed to be
+ornamental in appearance, is cheaply and easily made, and does not
+obstruct the chimney.
+
+
+IMPROVED WAGON AXLE.
+
+
+Wilbur F. Buckelew, Shreveport, La.--The object of this invention is
+to strengthen the wooden axles of wagons, and to fasten the skeins
+so that they will not become loose. A wooden axle is grooved
+longitudinally upon its under side throughout its entire length, to
+receive a rod, which is reduced in size at its ends, and threaded to
+receive the nuts. This rod is bent so as to conform to the tapering
+portion of the axle upon which the skein is placed. The skeins, having
+countersunk outer ends, are placed on the ends of the axle, and nuts
+having a beveled face corresponding to the countersunk ends of the
+skeins, are placed on the ends of the rod, and clamp the skeins
+securely on the axle. By giving the nut this peculiar form, it
+contains more threads than it otherwise would, and is in consequence
+stronger. The rod not only serves to retain the skeins securely in
+their places, but it also acts as a stay or truss rod for the axle,
+greatly strengthening it.
+
+
+IMPROVED WAGON BRAKE LEVER.
+
+
+Jacob P. Outson, Racine, Wis.--This invention consists of a curved
+ratchet bar and two levers working on the same pivot, one carrying a
+spring pawl, that engages with the curved ratchet bar, and the other
+carrying a stud for throwing the pawl out of the notches of the
+ratchet bar. When the brake is to be applied to the wheels of the
+wagon, one lever is thrown forward, carrying with it the other lever;
+and the pawl, by engaging the notches of the bar, holds the lever
+at any desired point. When it is desired to release the brake first
+named, the lever is drawn back, moving first the length of the slot,
+the stud striking the pawl and throwing it out of engagement with
+the ratchet bar, when the lever may be carried back to any required
+position.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NEW HOUSEHOLD INVENTIONS.
+
+IMPROVED BAKER.
+
+
+Luna Drew, Irving, Wis.--This is an improved baking attachment to
+heating stoves of all kinds, so that the heat of the same may be
+utilized for baking, warming, raising bread, and other purposes. It
+consists of a baker supported on adjustable legs, and secured to
+a round, oval, or square heating stove by suitable top and bottom
+slides. A warmer is arranged below the baker. The front of the baker
+is detachable, to admit its use for baking or warming purposes.
+
+
+IMPROVED FIRE KINDLER.
+
+
+John G. Distler, Brooklyn (Greenpoint P. O.), N. Y.--This invention is
+an improved fire kindler, simple in construction, convenient in use,
+and effective in operation, burning freely, and lasting long enough
+to fully kindle the fire. It is formed of corncobs, steamed, having
+a number of transverse holes formed through them, dried, dipped in
+melted white resin, and wrapped in paper. The corncobs are steamed to
+prevent them from breaking while being bored. The cobs, while still
+moist with the steam, have a number of transverse holes bored in them
+with a rapidly revolving bit, and are then thoroughly dried. When dry
+the cobs are dipped in melted white resin, and before they are fully
+cold they are wrapped in ordinary paper, which adheres to them,
+prevents any odor from passing off into the room and prevents them
+from soiling the hands while being handled.
+
+
+IMPROVED MATCH SAFE.
+
+
+John A. Field, Racine, Wis.--This is a match safe, the back, top, and
+front of which are made from a single piece of tin, and to which a
+lighter of wire cloth is attached, which is placed over a picture, to
+give the match safe an ornamental appearance. It is so arranged that
+the matches are delivered singly to a pair of hooks, from which they
+may be readily taken by the fingers.
+
+
+IMPROVED NURSERY CHAIR.
+
+
+Luther I. Adams, East Templeton, Mass.--This chair may be readily
+converted into a high or low chair, and in which an attached toy box
+retains the toys when the chair is in either position. The armed low
+chair has curved legs. Between the rear legs a shaft is journaled,
+upon which two wheels are placed. The support for the low parts
+when it is used as a high chair consists of two similar sides, each
+composed of two curved strips, which are held together partly by
+crossbars and partly by triangular metallic pieces that are attached
+to their upper ends and pivoted to the center of the crossbars that
+connect the legs. A shaft, having upon it wheels, is journaled in the
+curved strips at the back of the chair near the lower ends. The toy
+box consists of a tray that is concaved at its upper edge and is made
+convex at its lower end, and is provided with a cover that extends
+over a portion of it, and forms a receptacle for toys when the box is
+in a vertical position.
+
+
+IMPROVED FRUIT JAR.
+
+
+Catherine Hastings, Oswego, N. Y.--This is an improved attachment for
+fruit jars, to enable them to be conveniently handled when filled with
+hot fruit, and at other times. It does not interfere with standing the
+full fruit jars upon their tops, if desired, and enables the jars to
+be used for holding and carrying various articles. There is a metallic
+screw band, by which the cover is secured upon the mouth of jar. To
+the opposite sides of the band are soldered lugs to which are pivoted
+the ends of a wire bail.
+
+
+IMPROVED VENTILATOR.
+
+
+Charles E. Darling, Lewiston, Me., assignor of two thirds his right
+to Henry Free and John E. Lydston, of same place.--This ventilator for
+windows, doors, etc., works in noiseless manner, and is watertight. It
+consists of radially recessed face disks, clamped to the glass frame,
+and having an intermediate pivoted disk with corresponding recesses
+that are set by a crank lever and cords into open or closed piston.
+
+
+IMPROVED BAKING PAN.
+
+
+Charles I. Kagey and Fred W. Stoneburner, Arcola, Ill.--The body of
+this roaster is made of sheet iron, and is rectangular in form. To one
+end of the body a cap is secured, and to the other end a rectangular
+cast iron frame is fitted, to which a cast iron door is hinged. At the
+top of the roaster, at or near its center, an aperture is made, which
+is closed by a tapering projection that extends downward from a plate
+that is hinged to the top of the roaster. Rings are attached to the
+top of the roaster near each end for convenience in handling. The
+apparatus, when in use, is placed upon a stove or in an oven.
+
+
+IMPROVED STOVEPIPE SHELF.
+
+
+John W. Jackson, Sharpsville, Pa.--A wire of the requisite strength is
+bent into the shape required to form the horizontal support. To this
+the shelf is attached, and also the bracket, which rests against the
+pipe for supporting the same.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NEW MECHANICAL AND ENGINEERING INVENTIONS.
+
+IMPROVED WATER WHEEL.
+
+
+Isaac Mallery, Dryden, N. Y.--This invention relates to downward
+discharge turbine water wheels; and it consists in the employment, in
+combination with a stationary chute case and an independent adjustable
+frame, of a series of gates, which are pivoted to this frame and
+adjustable to the periphery of said case. The bucket wheel is formed
+of curved and inclined buckets arranged around a hub, and applied to a
+cap ring and a skirting. This wheel is keyed on a driving shaft,
+stepped on a bridge, and passed up through a tubular sleeve, which is
+cast on the top of a cylindrical chute or guide case. This case is
+rigidly secured to the base or bed frame, and constructed with oblique
+issues, which direct the currents of inflowing water against the
+buckets of the wheel.
+
+
+IMPROVED VALVE MOTION FOR STEAM ENGINES.
+
+
+Henry Haering, New York city.--This is an improved device for
+operating the slide valve of a steam engine from the piston rod of
+said engine, in such a way that the valve will be moved slightly to
+partially uncover the inlet and exhaust ports as the piston completes
+its stroke, and its motion will be continued in the same direction as
+the piston begins to move upon the return stroke, until the ports are
+fully opened, and will then stand still, with the ports fully open,
+until the piston has nearly completed its return stroke. It consists
+in the combination of a three-armed bar, two levers, connecting bar,
+and connecting lever, with the piston rod and the valve stem of
+a steam engine; and in the combination of a lockbar, spring, two
+cylinders, and pin, with the two levers and the three-armed bar.
+As the piston approaches the end of its stroke, the upper end of an
+upright arm of a bar strikes the concaved side of the upper part of
+one of the levers operating it, and moving the slide valve to close
+the ports and admit steam in front of the piston. As the piston begins
+its return stroke the inclined upper surface of one of the side arms
+of the three-armed bar comes in contact with the lower end of the said
+lever, and continues its motion in the same direction, fully opening
+the said inlet port, which remains fully open until the piston has
+again nearly completed its stroke.
+
+
+IMPROVED REVERSIBLE ECCENTRIC.
+
+
+George G. Lafayette and Pitt W. Strong, Brockville, Ontario,
+Canada.--This is an improved device to act as a substitute for the
+link motion on a reversible engine, or for adjusting the stroke of
+a boiler-feed pump, while in motion, so as to regulate the amount of
+feed water supplied to the boiler, without the use of an overflow pipe
+and cock, and keeping thereby the pump constantly in motion, which
+will save the annoyance frequently experienced in pumps by their
+refusing to prime after having been stopped for a short time. It may
+be further used to control the speed of all kinds of engines, whether
+with plain slide valve or with a cut-off valve working on top of the
+other by connecting directly to the device a suitable governor, so
+as to automatically shorten and lengthen the stroke of the valve, and
+give a uniform motion to the engine under different loads.
+
+
+IMPROVED EXPANDING REAMER.
+
+
+Robert Blair, San Francisco, Cal.--In this improved tool there is
+a clamping bolt by which the cutters are clamped fast after being
+adjusted. The cutters are arranged to slide directly across the stock
+in dovetail grooves, and are slotted to slide along the clamping bolt
+and washers, by which they are clamped fast after they are adjusted
+to the position required by a toothed pinion and racks. The pinion is
+arranged in the stock between the cutters, and the shaft extends out
+of the end of the stock, with a nick in the end for a screwdriver to
+turn it.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NEW MISCELLANEOUS INVENTIONS.
+
+IMPROVED TORTOISE-SHELL HANDLE.
+
+
+Christian W. Schaefer, New York city.--The object of this invention
+is to mount the handles of canes, umbrellas, parasols, whips, opera
+glasses, and similar articles with a tortoise-shell covering, in such
+a manner that the present inefficient mode of attaching the same by
+glue may be dispensed with, the covering attached in tightly fitting
+and durable manner, and the joint or weld of the edges be not
+noticeable in the least.
+
+
+IMPROVED HAND STAMP.
+
+
+Leonard Tilton, Brooklyn, E.D., N. Y.--This invention consists in
+novel devices for giving positive rotation to the stamp heads after
+the impressions are made, in combination with a reciprocating inking
+pad, and in means for adjusting the throw of the inking pad with
+respect to the printing faces of the stamp heads.
+
+
+IMPROVED BUCKLE.
+
+
+John Fenton, Indianapolis, Ind.--This invention is an improved buckle,
+neat in appearance, strong and durable, which may be easily fastened
+and unfastened, which will not require the strap to be perforated, and
+will hold it securely in any position into which it may be adjusted.
+The buckle is formed of a plate having holes in its middle part to
+receive the rivets by which it is secured to the strap, and having
+cross slots formed in its ends to receive the free end of the said
+strap, and the eccentric, having its outer side corrugated radially,
+and provided with a handle.
+
+
+IMPROVED LIQUID DIFFUSER.
+
+
+George M. Smyth, Brooklyn, N. Y.--This invention consists in the
+combination of an air compressor, an air reservoir, and a receptacle
+for the liquid, and an arrangement of pipes and nozzles for atomizing
+the liquid. An air compressor of any ordinary construction is
+connected with the reservoir by a pipe, in which two stopcocks are
+placed. There is a receptacle for containing the liquid to be diffused
+or atomized. A pipe passes through a stopper placed in the neck of the
+said receptacle, and extends nearly to the bottom of the same, and its
+upper end is provided with a stopcock and nozzle. A nozzle is arranged
+at right angles to the first-mentioned nozzle, and is attached to a
+brace that is secured to the pipe.
+
+
+IMPROVED OIL CAN.
+
+
+John Graves, New York city, assignor to himself and James L. Miller,
+Westfield, N. J.--This is an improved case for packing oil cans for
+transportation, the case furnishing the additional facility that the
+can may be readily inserted into the same and tilted for use. The
+invention consists of a wooden projecting case with side slots, in
+which trunnions of the can are guided and supported for swinging the
+can on pivot hooks, which serve also for the purpose of locking the
+lid to the case.
+
+
+IMPROVED HARNESS TUGS.
+
+
+Charles Hauff, Ashland, O.--The body of the carrier is made in the
+form of a ring with outwardly projecting flanges around its edges. The
+strap is passed around the ring in the groove formed by its flanges,
+and its inner end is sewed to its body at the side. Small wedge-shaped
+blocks of leather are inserted in the angle between the parts of the
+strap where they meet and the ring, which angular blocks are covered
+by angular projection of the flanges of the ring.
+
+
+IMPROVED COMPOSITION FOR CASTING ORNAMENTAL FIGURES.
+
+
+August Kiesele, New York city.--This consists in a composition
+formed by the admixture of dry pulverized sugar, melted paraffin, and
+stearine. It is poured into moulds and allowed to cool. The article
+is then removed from the mould, and powdered starch or sugar is dusted
+over it to destroy the gloss and give it the appearance of alabaster.
+
+
+IMPROVED PEN RACK.
+
+
+Harvey W. Forman, Golden City, Col.--This consists of an upper frame
+with intercrossing wires, forming wide spaces or meshes, and of a
+second frame with closer wires below the same, for holding the pen in
+upright position, in connection with a bottom pad or absorbent below
+the rack frames.
+
+
+IMPROVED STOPPER FOR MUCILAGE BOTTLE.
+
+
+James Tilghman, New York city.--This is a combined brush and stopper,
+consisting essentially of a handle having a stem and a flat end
+corresponding to the top of the cork. The brush has a flat head,
+corresponding to the bottom of the cork. The cork is interposed
+between the said head and end of the handle, and held in place by the
+central stem.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+BUSINESS AND PERSONAL.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_The Charge for Insertion under this head is One Dollar a line for
+each insertion. If the Notice exceeds four lines, One Dollar and a
+Half per line will be charged._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Metallic Letters and Figures to put on patterns of castings, all
+sizes. H. W. Knight, Seneca Falls, N. Y.
+
+How to make Violins--Write J. Ranger, Syracuse, N. Y.
+
+Blake's Belt Studs.--The best and cheapest fastening for Rubber or
+Leather Belts. Greene, Tweed & Co., 18 Park place, N. Y.
+
+All kinds of new Lift and Force Pumps for all purposes, at half price,
+or trade for firearms or tools. W. P. Hopkins, Lawrence, Mass.
+
+Steam Yacht for sale. 31 feet long, 61/2 beam; new. John Howard, No.
+1720 Rittinhouse st., Philadelphia.
+
+Mothers make selections for themselves uptown, but they always go to
+Baldwin the Clothier in New York and Brooklyn for boys' outfits.
+
+Wanted--The Agency of small article of merit or novelty for the
+Hardware or House furnishing lines. W. M. Ernst & Co., 26 Cliff
+street, New York.
+
+Thermometers and Hydrometers for scientific and other purposes.
+Goldbacher, 98 Fulton street, N. Y.
+
+For Sale.--One 3 ft. Planer, $195; one 8 ft. do., $350; one 26" Lathe,
+$295; one 22" do., $175; one 15" do., $120. At Shearman's, 132 North
+3d street, Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+Inventors.--Send 10 cents for the "Journal of Invention," 4 months. 37
+Park Row, N. Y. Room 2.
+
+Reliable Oak Leather and Rubber Belting. A specialty of Belting for
+high speed and hard work. Charles W. Arny, Manufacturer, Phila., Pa.
+Send for price lists.
+
+Shaw's Noise-Quieting Nozzles for Escape Pipes of Locomotives,
+Steamboats, etc. Quiets all the noise of high pressure escaping steam
+without any detriment whatever. T. Shaw, 915 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia,
+Pa.
+
+For 13, 15, 16, and 18 in. Swing Screw-Cutting Engine Lathes, address
+Star Tool Company, Providence, R. I.
+
+John T. Noye & Son, Buffalo, N. Y., are Manufacturers of Burr Mill
+Stones and Flour Mill Machinery of all kinds, and dealers in Dufour &
+Co.'s Bolting Cloth. Send for large illustrated catalogue.
+
+Removal.--Fitch & Meserole, Manufacturers of Electrical Apparatus, and
+Bradley's Patent Naked Wire Helices, have removed to 40 Cortlandt St.,
+N. Y. Experimental work.
+
+Power & Foot Presses, Ferracute Co., Bridgeton, N. J.
+
+For Best Presses, Dies, and Fruit Can Tools, Bliss & Williams, cor. of
+Plymouth and Jay Sts., Brooklyn, N. Y.
+
+Lead Pipe, Sheet Lead. Bar Lead, and Gas Pipe. Send for prices.
+Bailey, Farrell & Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.
+
+Hydraulic Presses and Jacks, new and second hand. Lathes and Machinery
+for Polishing and Buffing metals. E. Lyon & Co., 470 Grand St., N. Y.
+
+Solid Emery Vulcanite Wheels--The Solid Original Emery Wheel--other
+kinds imitations and inferior. Caution.--Our name is stamped in full
+on all our best Standard Belting, Packing, and Hose. Buy that only.
+The best is the cheapest. New York Belting and Packing Company, 37 and
+38 Park Row, N. Y.
+
+Steel Castings from one lb. to five thousand lbs. Invaluable for
+strength and durability. Circulars free. Pittsburgh Steel Casting Co.,
+Pittsburgh, Pa.
+
+Leather and Rubber Belting, Packing, Hose, and Manufacturers'
+Supplies. Send for list. Greene, Tweed & Co., 18 Park place, N. Y.
+
+For Solid Wrought Iron Beams, etc., see advertisement. Address Union
+Iron Mills, Pittsburgh, Pa., for lithograph, etc.
+
+Blank Book Back-Shaping Machine. Illustrated circular free. Frank
+Thomas & Co., Home St., Cincinnati, O.
+
+Hand Fire Engines, Lift and Force Pumps for fire and all other
+purposes. Address Rumsey & Co., Seneca Falls, N. Y., U. S. A.
+
+Help for the weak, nervous, and debilitated. Chronic and painful
+diseases cured without medicine. Pulvermacher's Electric Belts are
+the desideratum. Book, with full particulars, mailed free. Address
+Pulvermacher Galvanic Co., 292 Vine St., Cincinnati, Ohio.
+
+Silver Solder and small Tubing. John Holland, Cincinnati, Manufacturer
+of Gold Pens and Pencil Cases.
+
+Patent Scroll and Band Saws. Best and cheapest in use. Cordesman, Egan
+& Co., Cincinnati, O.
+
+Mill Stone Dressing Diamonds. Simple, effective, and durable. J.
+Dickinson, 64 Nassau St., N. Y.
+
+Best Glass Oilers. Cody & Ruthven, Cincinnati, O.
+
+For Boult's Paneling, Moulding, and Dovetailing Machine, and other
+wood-working machinery, address B.C. Machinery Co., Battle Creek,
+Mich.
+
+Chester Steel Castings Co. make castings for heavy gearing, and
+Hydraulic Cylinders where great strength is required. See their
+advertisement, page 30.
+
+Reliable information given on all subjects relating to Mechanics,
+Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Steam Engines, and Boilers, by A. F. Nagle,
+M.E., Providence. R. I.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NOTES & QUERIES
+
+
+It has been our custom for thirty years past to devote a considerable
+space to the answering of questions by correspondents; so useful have
+these labors proved that the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN office has become the
+factotum, or headquarters, to which everybody sends, who wants special
+information upon any particular subject. So large is the number of our
+correspondents, so wide the range of their inquiries, so desirous are
+we to meet their wants and supply correct information, that we are
+obliged to employ the constant assistance of a considerable staff of
+experienced writers, who have the requisite knowledge or access to
+the latest and best sources of information. For example, questions
+relating to steam engines, boilers, boats, locomotives, railways,
+etc., are considered and answered by a professional engineer of
+distinguished ability and extensive practical experience. Inquiries
+relating to electricity are answered by one of the most able and
+prominent practical electricians in this country. Astronomical queries
+by a practical astronomer. Chemical inquiries by one of our most
+eminent and experienced professors of chemistry; and so on through
+all the various departments. In this way we are enabled to answer the
+thousands of questions and furnish the large mass of information which
+these correspondence columns present. The large number of questions
+sent--they pour in upon us from all parts of the world--renders it
+impossible for us to publish all. The editor selects from the mass
+those that he thinks most likely to be of general interest to the
+readers of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. These, with the replies, are
+printed; the remainder go into the waste basket. Many of the rejected
+questions are of a primitive or personal nature, which should be
+answered by mail; in fact, hundreds of correspondents desire a special
+reply by post, but very few of them are thoughtful enough to inclose
+so much as a postage stamp. We could in many cases send a brief reply
+by mail if the writer were to inclose a small fee, a dollar or more,
+according to the nature or importance of the case. When we cannot
+furnish the information, the money is promptly returned to the sender.
+
+J. P. D. will find directions for colored whitewash on pp. 235, 236,
+vol. 36.--A. M. will find directions for electroplating on p. 59, vol.
+36.--H. P. can recover silver from photographers' waste by the process
+detailed on p. 250, vol. 27.--A. W. A.'s difficulty as to 64 and 65
+squares in the puzzle can be solved by an inspection of the diagrams
+on p. 323, No. 21, SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT.--I. A. will find a
+description of a magneto-electric machine on p. 195, vol. 34. A clock
+thus would go for 12 hours, and wind itself at the same time for
+12 hours more, if such a machine could exist, would be a perpetual
+motion. As to tempering small drills, see p. 186, vol. 26.--R. B. can
+prevent rust on iron or steel by the means described on p. 26, vol.
+25. For a recipe for a depilatory, see p. 186, vol. 34.--A. T. R. is
+informed that the hydrocarbon engine is reversible.--T. W. will find
+directions for making sand belts on p. 235, vol. 36.--M. G. should
+address a manufacturer of oxygen cylinders.--J. S. C., who inquires
+as to a water fountain, sizes of pipes, etc., should send us a sketch
+with dimensions.--O. L. is informed that the proper way to ascertain
+the relative strengths of corrugated and plain sheet metal is by
+experiment.--G. H. B. will find directions for making colored
+printing inks on p. 90, vol. 36.--P. M. will find on p. 250, vol. 36,
+directions for making a polishing starch.--C. H. B. can braze the ends
+of his brass plate to make a cylinder of it. See p. 219, vol. 36.--W.
+H. C. is informed that his method of fluting reamers is not
+new.--C. C. G. will find his method of raising coal or other weights
+impracticable.--E. S. G. had better test so simple an experiment and
+satisfy himself.--W. H. C. is informed that the most satisfactory plan
+would be to get his tools nickel-plated.
+
+(1) J. H. N., of Christ Church, New Zealand, asks: Is the stearin from
+which the olein has been extracted by Dr. Mott's process fit to be
+made at once into good stearin candles, without any further treatment?
+A. Yes.
+
+(2) B. B. says: I wish to express the strongest coloring matter from
+certain herbs, sage leaves, for instance. How can it best be done
+cheaply and quickly? Evaporation during several days, after boiling
+and simmering, has the effect; but it is inconveniently slow. The
+color produced is a medium brown. A. Dry the leaves, etc., thoroughly,
+and grind to a fine powder. Digest this for several days in enough
+warm water to thoroughly moisten it throughout. Then add enough wood
+naphtha to make a stiff paste, and after standing an hour transfer to
+a fine linen bag and express the thick liquid in a screw press. 2. Is
+there anything that will set the color? A. Try a strong hot solution
+of alum.
+
+(3) H. K. F. M. says: I have a box made of Bohemian crystal. The
+cover, which was held to the box by a brass frame, has come apart
+from its frame. It seemed to have been cemented by a hard substance
+resembling plaster of Paris. How can I make it? A. Boil 3 parts
+powdered rosin for sometime with 1 part of caustic soda and 5 parts of
+water; then stir into the soap formed one half its weight of plaster
+of Paris, and use immediately.
+
+(4) F. N. Y. asks: Would a canvas bag, coated with a varnish made of
+india rubber dissolved in naphtha, be suitable to hold oxygen gas? A.
+Yes; but bags made of double pieces of cloth, cemented together with
+the varnish, are better.
+
+(5) J. A. B. asks: Is there any difference between electricity
+and magnetism? A. Electricity and magnetism are supposed to be
+manifestations of the same force whose actions are produced at
+right angles to each other; the action which occurs in the line of
+polarization being called electricity, and the one at right angles to
+this line, magnetism. There is an important difference between
+them, however, as electricity is essentially a dynamic force, while
+magnetism is purely static.
+
+1. Is not the idea of the world moving around the sun in an elliptic
+form absurd? A. No. 2. My idea is that the north star is the center
+of the universe, or in fact is the magnet that all the suns or fixed
+stars move around, and that the attraction of the pole of the earth,
+although it moves around the sun, is the cause of the change of
+seasons, or, in other words, the angle of light. A. There is nothing
+whatever to support the idea. But a supposed center of the universe
+has really been designated by some astronomers.
+
+(6) P. S. asks: How much copper wire does it require to construct an
+electro-magnet that will uphold 100 lbs., and what size of wire should
+be used? A. Probably 500 or 600 feet of No. 14 copper wire would be
+sufficient with 3 or 4 very large size Grove cells and cores about 6
+inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
+
+(7) H. S. B. says: Water falls about 16 feet per second. My overshot
+water wheel moves about 4 feet per second. Do I in that way lose that
+percentage of the actual power of the water? A. Not necessarily.
+
+(8) C. N. B. asks: Can a steam engine be worked with compressed air
+the same as with steam? A. Generally speaking, it can; but not in
+every respect.
+
+(9) J. Y. says: If all the measures of length, surface, and capacity
+in the world, and all the weights were lost, by what means could new
+ones be made corresponding exactly with those we now have? A. It would
+be impossible, as all the measures in use refer to certain arbitrary
+standards.
+
+(10) R. B. G. asks: If a horse be pulling at the end of a lever and
+traveling 3 miles an hour, how many lbs. pressure against his collar
+must he exert, to raise 33,000 lbs. 1 foot per minute? A. The force
+exerted by the animal will depend upon the length of the lever, which
+should be given.
+
+(11) C. H. McK. asks: Would a pump so constructed as to create an
+incessant suction draw water an indefinite distance, or how far would
+it draw it? A. Such a pump would raise water no higher than any other
+that was equally tight.
+
+(12) J. W. says: I wish to get some boilers made about 12 inches
+in diameter and 13 inches deep. I want them to stand a pressure
+corresponding to 400 deg. Fah deg.. Do you think it would be safe to have them
+made of cast iron? A. We think it will be better to use wrought iron.
+Make the shell about 7/16 of an inch thick.
+
+(13) J. R. S. says, in reply to E. W. P., who says that he has
+an artesian well which does not flow; but from which he pumps by
+inserting a pipe inside the well tubing, and asks: "If we attach the
+pump to the well tubing directly, allowing no air to enter the tube,
+would it not be like trying to pump water from an airtight barrel?" If
+such were the case, the drive well would be a miserable failure; for
+in all drive wells the pump is attached directly to the tube. I would
+advise E. W. P. to attach his pump to the well tube direct, and he
+will gain three times the amount of water that he now gets. By having
+his pump attached to the well tube directly, the working of the pump
+creates a vacuum, and the atmospheric pressure on the earth's surface
+violently forces the liquid to fill the vacuum thus formed, thereby
+giving a much greater amount of water than can be otherwise obtained.
+It is a well established fact that more water can be obtained by the
+drive well than by any other. A. In our answer to E. W. P., it will
+be evident, we think, to most of our readers, that we only referred to
+the case in which the well had no connection with the atmosphere, when
+the pipe was tightly fitted. It appears, however, that it might have
+been better to have stated this more definitely, and we gladly
+embrace the opportunity afforded by the interesting letters of
+our correspondents. We would be glad to receive from J. R. S. some
+experimental data in proof of his assertion as to the great gain from
+a tight connection. This also answers J. T. G. and W. H. F.
+
+(14) H. H. S. says: 1. Given, a boat with a 35 feet keel, of 6 feet
+beam, with fine lines; also a two-cylinder engine, each cylinder 4 x
+5 inches; and a wheel 28 inches in diameter and of 31/2 feet pitch. Will
+an upright boiler, with 135 square feet heating surface, and 4 square
+feet grate surface, be sufficient to run the engine at 250 or 300
+revolutions per minute with 100 lbs. steam? A. With good coal and
+a forced draft, the boiler may be large enough. 2. What will be the
+probable speed of boat? A. In smooth water, 7 to 8 miles an hour.
+
+(15) F. A. asks: What would be a safe outside pressure for a cylinder
+of wrought iron, 1/2 inch thick and 4 feet in diameter, and 8 feet long?
+A. According to tables given in Wilson's "Treatise on Steam Boilers,"
+the working pressure for such a tube would be about 65 lbs. per square
+inch.
+
+(16) F. M. M. asks: 1. How large must an engine be to run a boat 121/2
+feet wide, 75 feet long, drawing 4 feet of water, at the rate of 30
+miles per hour, on a river or bay where the surface is smooth? A. We
+have some doubts as to whether these conditions could be fulfilled. 2.
+Do steamboats on the ocean use salt water in their boilers for
+steam, or do they carry fresh water? A. They ordinarily have surface
+condensers, so that the water of condensation is returned to the
+boilers.
+
+(17) E. S. N. says: Please give your ideas as to how much water an
+engine 18 inches in diameter by 22 inches stroke, running at 145
+revolutions per minute, at 80 lbs. steam, cutting off at about 18
+inches, will require. We furnished an injector for one of the above
+dimensions, capable of throwing 900 gallons per hour. It was found
+to be insufficient, and I went to the mill to discover the cause, if
+possible. The manufacturers of the injector thought it ought to be
+large enough, and so did we. I found everything set up properly, and
+the piston and valve were evidently in good order. I finally measured
+the capacity of the tank which supplied the injector, and found
+that it drew 960 gallons per hour. A. We do not think the data are
+sufficient for an accurate calculation. It is possible, however, that
+some of our readers have made experiments on similar engines, and can
+give some useful information.
+
+(18) T. W. asks: What size of breast water wheel, with a fall of 2
+feet water, would it require to produce the same power as an overshot
+wheel of 4 feet diameter, 18 inches face, with a fall of 5 feet water?
+A. If the breast wheel gave the same efficiency as the other, it would
+require a face about 21/2 times as wide.
+
+(19) A. K. says: A. asserts that if a small and a large boiler be set
+side by side and connected with the top gauge cock of the two boilers,
+level, when they are first filled with water, and then steam is
+raised, that the water will not remain the same, that the pressure
+will be greater in the larger boiler, and consequently will force the
+water into the smaller one. B. says that the water will always remain
+the same as long as the boilers are connected; that the pressure on
+the water will be the same in both boilers, and therefore the water
+will always assume the same level in each. Which is right? A. The
+pressures sometimes vary in two boilers connected in this way; and
+they should be set in such a way that the water cannot be forced from
+one into the other under any circumstances.
+
+(20) J. T. G. says: I notice your reply to W. G. in regard to pounding
+of a steam pump, in which you recommend the use of a larger air
+vessel. I think that W. G. can remedy the difficulty by allowing a
+small quantity of air to enter the pump cylinder at each stroke,
+which can be done without sensibly diminishing the amount of water
+delivered, provided the lift is not so high as to nearly equal the
+capacity of the pump. That would keep the maximum quantity of air in
+the air vessel, and I think that the air in the discharge pipe would
+have the effect of converting a comparatively rigid column into an
+elastic one. W. G. can easily try the experiment by running with
+the drain cocks at the end of his pump partially open; and if that
+remedies the difficulty, he might insert a small check valve opening
+inward to prevent the discharge of water during the out-stroke. If W.
+G. tries this, I wish that he would let us know the result through the
+SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN.
+
+(21) G. H. says: Please decide the following: A. claims that a team
+of horses can draw a greater load when hitched close to it than when
+hitched at a distance of 10 or 20 feet. B. claims that, everything
+else being equal, distance makes no difference, and that the team
+could pull as many lbs. at a distance of 20 feet as it could at ten or
+less. Which is right? A. We incline to B.'s opinion.
+
+Please tell me the relative power of conducting electricity of
+the principal metals. A. According to Matthiessen, the electrical
+conductivity of the principal metals, under similar conditions, is as
+follows:
+
+  Silver             100.0
+  Copper              99.9
+  Gold                80.0
+  Aluminium           56.0
+  Sodium              37.4
+  Zinc                29.0
+  Cadmium             23.7
+  Potassium           20.8
+  Platinum            18.0
+  Iron                16.8
+  Tin                 13.1
+  Lead                 8.3
+  German silver        7.7
+  Antimony             4.6
+  Mercury              1.6
+  Bismuth              1.2
+
+(22) S. R. S. asks: How can lime, or rather phosphate of lime, be
+precipitated from cod liver oil, which is perfectly clear and said to
+contain 2 per cent. of the phosphate? A. This can only be done by
+first destroying the organic matter of the oil, and then examining the
+residue for the phosphates with the usual reagents--magnesia solution,
+barium chloride, nitrate of silver, ammonium molybdate, etc. With so
+small a percentage of the phosphates, it will be necessary for you to
+work with concentrated solutions, and slowly. The oil may be oxidized
+by treating it on the waterbath with hot hydrochloric acid, with
+some chlorate of potash, added in small quantities at a time. Then
+evaporate down nearly to dryness, and treat with a little strong
+nitric and a few drops of sulphuric acid. This will take some time if
+properly done.
+
+(23) J. H. S. says, in answer to J. H. B.'s query as to a parrot
+pulling out his feathers: Take a knife and scrape the inside edge of
+the bill, and the feathers will slip from the bill without coming out.
+This is done for feather-eating hens; no doubt it will answer for a
+parrot as well.
+
+(24) S. R. S. says: I have some dentists' pellet gold. I alloyed it
+with brass and silver. I melted it several times, but it was so very
+brittle that I could not work it. I then added a $21/2 gold coin, and
+fused, all together, but it was as brittle as before. I then fused it
+and dropped in lumps of pure saltpeter, but it is still as brittle
+as before. I fused the gold on a lump of charcoal with an alcohol
+blowpipe. Please tell me how to work it. A. You fail to state the
+proportions of your alloy. There may be an excess of zinc and copper,
+or the fusion may not have been complete. Place it, together with
+several small pieces of rosin and a little borax or carbonate of soda,
+in a small blacklead crucible, and heat to very bright redness over
+a good fire. If this does not obviate the difficulty, fuse the alloy
+with about three times its weight of nitrate of potassa (saltpeter),
+and treat the mass when cold with dilute sulphuric acid. Pour off the
+acid solution and fuse the alloy, together with any silver sulphate
+adhering to it and a little carbonate of soda. Any silver contained in
+the acid solution may be recovered by adding a little salt or muriatic
+acid, and fusing the precipitated chloride of silver with carbonate of
+soda.
+
+(25) N. S. asks: 1. Can water be decomposed into its constituents
+(oxygen and hydrogen) with any considerable rapidity, and in large
+quantities, by electricity? A. Yes; providing a large magneto-electric
+machine be used. 2. What is the best and cheapest method of generating
+hydrogen in large quantities? A. The action of iron or zinc scraps
+on diluted oil of vitriol is among the best. A considerable volume
+of pure hydrogen may also be obtained with facility by passing
+superheated steam through a large iron tube filled with scrap iron
+heated to bright redness.
+
+(26) G. S. D. W. asks: Is there any process by which an engraving can
+be transferred either to stone or wood, where the printing ink can
+be made to show up as black as in the original after the transfer has
+been made? A. We know of no satisfactory method whereby this may
+be accomplished directly. By means of the chromate of gelatin
+photographic process, such transfers may be made without great
+difficulty.
+
+(27) F. M. M. asks: 1. If a steamboat 100 feet long, of 5 feet beam
+and 4 feet draught, be provided with one set of common side paddle
+wheels, and power enough to run it at the rate of 10 knots per
+hour, would two sets of side wheels, with the power doubled and the
+revolutions of the wheels doubled, double the speed of the boat? A.
+No. 2. If we take the same boat, side wheels, and power, for running
+10 knots per hour, and arrange for the side wheels to feather their
+paddles, what effect would it have on the speed of the boat? A. You
+might obtain from 10 to 15 per cent. more of the power of the engine in
+useful effect.
+
+(28) W. J. T. asks: 1. What is the best dark color to paint a
+laboratory, and what kind of paint must I use? A. One of the best for
+this purpose is shellac in alcohol, colored to suit with Vandyke or
+Spanish brown, etc. 2. I wish to varnish my benches. What varnish
+would you recommend? A. Shellac is commonly used, but copal gives good
+results, also Brunswick black in oil.
+
+Of what should a waste water pipe be made, so as to resist acids? A.
+Make it of lead or block tin.
+
+Can you recommend an elementary work on electric batteries? A.
+Sprague's "Electricity: its Theory, Sources, and Applications," is one
+of the best.
+
+(29) T. P. H. asks: Can I take a wax impression off type and then
+electrotype it with a battery? A. Yes. This is the common method of
+making electrotypes for printing from.
+
+(30) C. M. asks: What are the locations of the various branch mints of
+the United States? A. A recent authority gives them as Philadelphia,
+Pa., San Francisco, Cal., Carson City, Nev., and Denver, Col. Assay
+offices are situated at New York city, Charlotte, N. C., and Boise
+City, Idaho.
+
+(31) B. L. D. asks: Can you give me a recipe for making paste for
+sharpening razors, knives, etc.? A. Mix the finest emery obtainable
+with a little suet.
+
+(32) C. B. McM. says: I hear that four gallon measures of different
+capacities are in use, and that The United States standard gallon
+contains 230 cubic inches. In the confusion of text-book statements
+such as--"wine gallon = 231 cubic inches," "beer gallon = 282 cubic
+inches," "American standard gallon = 58973 grains (Youmans' Chemistry)
+= nearly 234 cubic inches," and the very extensive ignorance of what
+is really correct, please repeat the information in a way that may
+be quoted as authority for the capacity of a United States gallon in
+cubic inches, and the weight in grains. A. "The gallon of the United
+States is the standard or Winchester wine gallon of 231 cubic inches,
+and contains 8.3388822 lbs. avoirdupois, or 58372.1754 troy grains of
+distilled water at 39.83 deg. Fah., the barometer being at 30 inches. It
+is equal to 3.785207 liters. The gallon of the State of New York is of
+the capacity of 8 lbs. pure water at its maximum density, or
+221.184 cubic inches. It is equal to 3.62346 liters."--_Appleton's
+Cyclop[oe]dia._
+
+(33) S. C. D. says: Please give directions for electrotyping
+cylindrical rollers for impressing upon sheets of wax, accurately,
+of the proper figure for honeycomb foundations. The figure for the
+surface of the cylinders to be derived from sheets of wax foundation,
+having the figure correctly impressed upon them. A. This can be done
+by coating with plumbago, and then electrotyping with copper, in a way
+familiar to most printers and to all electrotyping establishments. The
+plates can afterwards be bent round a roller, and used to impress the
+sheets of wax.
+
+(34) J. H. T. asks: There is a piece of ground, 100 rods long and 10
+rods wide at one end, running to a point at the other, which we wish
+to divide into 4 equal lots. Please give a rule. A. Let the 100 rods
+be the base of a triangle, divide it into 4 parts of 25 rods each, and
+join the apex with each of the three dividing points. You will then
+have 4 triangles on equal bases and between the same parallels, which,
+according to Euclid, are equal to each other.
+
+(35) R. S. asks: What are the chemical qualities of bisulphide
+of lime, and how can I prepare it? A. The bisulphide of calcium
+(C_{2}S_{5}) is produced by boiling milk of lime with sulphur and
+water, but not long enough to allow the lime to become completely
+saturated. The filtered liquid, on cooling, deposits crystals whose
+composition agrees with the formula C_{2}S_{2} + 3H_{2}O. Exposed to
+the air, it soon absorbs oxygen, becoming converted into insoluble
+sulphate of calcium. Its aqueous solutions are likewise decomposed.
+Its reactions with the metallic salts are similar to those of the
+alkaline sulphides.
+
+(36) H. M. S. asks: 1. Of what is the bronze preparation made and how
+is it applied to clock fronts? A. Bronze powders are made of various
+metallic alloys. The gold bronze is usually made of Dutch gold
+(an alloy of copper and zinc) and of the bisulphide of tin (_aurum
+musivum_). They are usually applied to metal work by means of an oil
+size or japan varnish. 2. In what way can I remove the old bronze? A.
+Wash first with a solution of washing soda (hot), clean and dry, and
+then rub with a little benzole, alcohol, or ether.
+
+(37) W. E. W. asks: 1. Of what mixture is the bright red paint usually
+put upon axes made? A. It consists of fine vermilion ground with
+1 part boiled oil and 2 parts turpentine. 2. Is more than one coat
+applied? A. One coat will suffice. It is best applied with a fine
+brush, when the metal is warm.
+
+(38) C. M. B. asks: Is the odor emitted by the ailanthus tree
+unwholesome? A. It is considered so by many, but we have no proof as
+to the facts.
+
+(39) L. S. & Co. ask: Is there anything known which would clean the
+hands from paints and lacquers without the use of turpentine? A. A
+little ammonia and benzine or naphtha, aided by a little sand, is
+often used in stubborn cases; put plenty of good soap and warm water,
+with a stiff brush or a small piece of pumicestone, will ordinarily
+suffice.
+
+(40) W. P. S., Jr., says: Can you give me a recipe for making _papier
+mache_? A. _Papier mache_ is obtained from old paper and the like made
+into a pulp by grinding with milk of lime or lime water, and a little
+gum dextrin or starch. This pulp is then pressed into form, coated
+with linseed oil, baked at a high temperature, and finally varnished.
+The pulp is sometimes mixed with clay (kaolin), chalk, etc.; and other
+kinds are made of a paste of pulp and recently slaked lime. This is
+used for ornamenting wood, etc.
+
+(41) M. P. B. says, in reply to a correspondent who asked how to
+prevent his water filter from getting choked up: Fit in the filter,
+on the top of the charcoal, a piece of board having in the center a
+circular hole from two to four inches in diameter, according to the
+size of the filter; force in this a sponge so tightly that all the
+water has to pass through it first, but not so as to prevent its free
+passage. This sponge will absorb readily the gross impurities of the
+water, and can easily be taken out and cleaned once or twice a week.
+
+(42) A. C. S. asks: 1. Is there any reason why lightning rod points
+should always be bright, if the points are kept sufficiently sharp? A.
+It makes no difference if the points are not bright. 2. If lightning
+rods put up in the ordinary way above the roof terminate in the eaves'
+spouting of the house, and said spouting had good ground connections,
+would this not be equal to the best lightning rod, and thereby save
+many feet of rod and many dollars of expense? A. The arrangement you
+suggest would be good. Make a thoroughly good ground connection with
+leaders, have all joints well soldered, and you may dispense with the
+rod as you propose.
+
+(43) J. A. W. says: Having occasion to do some copper plating some
+time ago, I dissolved sulphate of copper in water in a glass jar. I
+then poured it off into my battery, and there was some left in the
+jar. I threw a small piece of iron into it and left it for some days.
+I then took it out; and to my surprise, I found that it had been
+perfectly plated with copper. Please let me know the cause? A. The
+reaction you note is taken advantage of to cheaply copper plate small
+articles of cast iron. See answer to J. O. M., p. 347, vol. 36. In the
+presence of water, the reaction is as follows:
+
+     CuSO_{4}   +   Fe   =   FeSO_{4}   +   Cu.
+
+Sulphate of copper. Iron. Sulphate of iron. Copper.
+
+As the iron is a more positive metal than copper, it displaced the
+latter in combination with acids, the remaining portions of the iron
+becoming coated with the precipitated copper.
+
+(44) A. G. asks: Is the silver, for a reflecting telescope, put on the
+back of the glass the same as on looking glasses? A. No. Only one
+side of the glass is ground and polished to the shape required. The
+silvering is done on this side; and then, with the softest buckskin
+and the finest rouge, the surface of the silver is polished for the
+reflecting surface. In cities where gas is used, it will not retain
+its brilliancy very long; then it requires to be cleaned with nitric
+acid and resilvered, which is only the work of a few hours when a
+person has become accustomed to it.
+
+(45) A. L. B. says: 1. I understand that, in modern chemistry, the
+acids and alkalies are the two extremes of a class of substances
+called hydrates, the only difference being the radical. In the
+reaction of nitric acid, HO NO_{2} or HNO_{3} on potassic hydrate, KOH
+is KO NO_{2} or KNO_{3}, and H_{2}O. Which molecule loses the oxygen
+atom, and why should one part with it more than the other?
+
+A.    HNO_{3}    +    KOH      =    KNO_{3}  + H_{2}O
+    Nitric acid      potassic       potassic    water
+                     hydrate        nitrate
+
+In this reaction the potassium is considered, by virtue of its greater
+affinity, as replacing the hydrogen atom in the hydric nitrate; the
+hydrogen in turn satisfying the OH group to form water. These hydrates
+are similar only in point of constitution. Their chemical deportments
+are widely different. 2. What are oxides in modern chemistry? A. The
+bodies formed by the direct combination of oxygen with the elementary
+bodies are called oxides. With water some of these oxides form
+hydrates, as
+
+    K_{2}O   +  H_{2}O = 2(KHO)
+  potassium     water    potassic
+    oxide                hydrate
+
+(46) J. R. M. asks: To have a circular saw run well, should the
+mandrel have a little end play if it is desired to relieve the saw
+and guides of strain? A. If the saw is not true or the carriage runs
+crooked, end play of the mandrel to the extent of the deviations will
+relieve the strain upon the saw. But if the carriage runs true and the
+saw true, the mandrel should have no end play.
+
+MINERALS, etc.--Specimens have been received from the following
+correspondents, and examined, with the result stated:
+
+M. S. M.--It is a quartz crystal, the opposite sides of which
+have been ground flat, probably by artificial means.--F. B.--It is
+graphite.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.
+
+
+The Editor of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN acknowledges, with much
+pleasure, the receipt of original papers and contributions upon the
+following subjects:
+
+On a Battery and Electric Clock. By J. E. W.
+
+On Anti-Water Drinking. By C. P. W.
+
+On Snakes Catching Fish. By C. R. G.
+
+On Utilization of Sewage. By Dr. H. D. T.
+
+On Aerial Navigation. By C. W.
+
+On the Ash-Colored Salamander. By C. F. S.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+HINTS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
+
+
+Correspondents whose inquiries fail to appear should repeat them.
+If not then published, they may conclude that, for good reasons,
+the Editor declines them. The address of the writer should always be
+given.
+
+Inquiries relating to patents, or to the patentability of inventions,
+assignments, etc., will not be published here. All such questions,
+when initials only are given, are thrown into the waste basket, as it
+would fill half of our paper to print them all; but we generally take
+pleasure in answering briefly by mail, if the writer's address is
+given.
+
+Hundreds of inquiries analogous to the following are sent: "Who
+makes machinery suitable for making flour barrels? Whose is the best
+theodolite? Who sells steam whistles? Whose is the cheapest silk,
+suitable for balloons? Who makes the best engraving machine for
+transferring designs to copper?" All such personal inquiries
+are printed, as will be observed, in the column of "Business and
+Personal," which is specially set apart for that purpose, subject to
+the charge mentioned at the head of that column. Almost any desired
+information can in this way be expeditiously obtained.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+OFFICIAL.
+
+INDEX OF INVENTIONS
+
+FOR WHICH
+
+LETTERS PATENT OF THE UNITED STATES WERE GRANTED IN THE WEEK ENDING
+
+June 5, 1877,
+
+AND EACH BEARING THAT DATE.
+
+[Those marked (r) are reissued patents.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A complete copy of any patent in the annexed list, including both the
+specifications and drawings, will be furnished from this office for
+one dollar. In ordering, please state the number and date of the
+patent desired and remit to Munn & Co., 37 Park Row, New York city.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Air, cooling, C. Pfanne                                  191,710
+Apple parers, etc., W. M. Griscom                191,669,191,670
+Ash sifter, G. W. & L. Demond                            191,520
+Bag holder. E. Woods                                     191,741
+Baking pan, L. B. Foss                                   191,578
+Baking pan, J. H. Pitts                                  191,548
+Barrel cover, McClellan & McBride                        191,699
+Barrel head, G. M. Breinig                               191,644
+Bedstead, wardrobe, S. S. Burr                           191,651
+Bee hive, T. A. Atkinson                                 191,635
+Bee hive, H. F. Poggenpohl                               191,612
+Bee hive, Sperry & Chandler                              191,620
+Bench dog, W. Lyle                                       191,693
+Bit stock, J. T. Matthews                                191,540
+Blacksmith's tongs, J. Van Matre                         191,734
+Boiler furnace, etc., J. E. Crowell                      191,518
+Bottle stopper, C. De Quillfeldt (r)                       7,722
+Bottles, etc., sealing, C. L. Darby                      191,519
+Bottling machine, W. H. Kelly                            191,596
+Bracket, J. B. Sargent                                   191,718
+Breech loading fire arm, V. Bovy                         191,563
+Breech loading fire arm, J. Schudt                       191,721
+Bridge, E. S. Sherman                                    191,552
+Bung cutter, R. & G. N. Crichton                         191,658
+Button, clasp, L. B. Colin                               191,657
+Button fastening, A. Brookmann                           191,649
+Calender and washing list, J. C. Coombs                  191,517
+Car brake, E. S. Jones                                   191,594
+Car coupling, W. Duesler                                 191,522
+Car lavatory, C. E. Lucas                                191,691
+Carriage perch stay, J. R. McGuire                       191,700
+Chair convertible, J. P. True                            191,733
+Chair, folding, B. F. Little                             191,689
+Chicken coop, Sullivan & Retallic                        191,621
+Chicken coop, R. L, & N. J. Todd                         191,556
+Chimney draft regulator, W. H. Sears                     191,722
+Chisel, mortising, J. T. Bowen                           191,643
+Churn, T. J. Parrish                                     191,708
+Churn, reciprocating, H. C. Sperry                       191,726
+Churn, rotary, A. J. Borland                             191,562
+Churn, rotary, Hatton & Record                           191,676
+Churn, rotary, J. G. Wallace                             191,736
+Clasp hook, spring, J. W. Knause                         191,686
+Clocks, adjusting position of, W. F. Wuterich            191,630
+Coal and ore washer, J. M. Bailey                        191,511
+Corn dropper, J. P. Simmons                              191,723
+Corset skirt supporter, T. F. Hamilton                   191,672
+Cotton scraper, etc., M. Roby                            191,613
+Cultivator, W. E. Dewey                                  191,660
+Cultivator, A. S. McDermott                              191,606
+Cupboard, W. H. Sallada                                  191,549
+Curry comb, Bennett & Moody                              191,559
+Curry comb, P. Miller                                    191,608
+Desk, school, C. H. Presbrey                             191,713
+Drawing instrument, J. R. Peel                           191,611
+Drill hoe, E. F. Pryor                                   191,714
+Easel, T. L. Fisher                                      191,577
+Easel, F. S. Frost                                       191,579
+Eccentric, reversible, Lafayette & Strong                191,602
+Elevator, etc., telescopic, W. R. Comings                191,516
+Elliptic spring, N. J. Tilghman                          191,731
+Engine frame, S. W. Putnam                               191,716
+Engine exhaust, C. T. Parry                              191,545
+Engine valve motion, H. Haering                          191,583
+Feed rack, W. H. Howard                                  191,590
+Feed water heater, N. W. Kirby                           191,597
+Fence, E. H. Perry                                       191,547
+Fences, R. F. Ward                              191,626, 191,627
+Fence cap, metallic, J. D. W. Lauckhardt                 191,603
+Finger guard, K. A. Wynne                                191,742
+Fire escape, L. Henkle                                   191,677
+Fire front, G. W. Purcel                                 191,715
+Fire kindler, J. G. Distler                              191,572
+Fireproof column, Drake & Wight                          191,662
+Flour bin and sifter, F. M. Mahan                        191,694
+Fluting and polishing, C. Johnson                        191,684
+Fluting machine, Keller & Olmesdahl                      191,595
+Fly trap, Carroll & Lamb                                 191,652
+Fountain, portable, W. H. Zinn                           191,557
+Fruit crate, G. Willard                                  191,739
+Fuel, pressing, stalks, etc., for, Davis & Fisk          191,571
+Fulling mill, J. Hunter                                  191,592
+Furnace bottom construction, P. D. Nicols                191,543
+Furnaces, oxygen, blast, C. Hornbostel                   191,530
+Gage cock, boiler, D. T. Ellis                           191,663
+Gas apparatus, portable, D. H. Irland                    191,531
+Gate, B. R. Baker                                        191,637
+Gate, J. T. Guy                                          191,671
+Gearing, oscillating, N. P. Otis                         191,705
+Glassware, making, C. L. Knecht                          191,534
+Grate, J. H. Mearns                                      191,702
+Griddle, H. C. Milligan                                  191,703
+Gutter holder, M. Schmitt                                191,616
+Hame attachment, J. Hudson                               191,591
+Harness saddle tree, W. L. Frizzell                      191,525
+Harrow, H. I. Lund                                       191,604
+Harvester, Philleo & Cox                                 191,711
+Harvester corn, B. Osgood                                191,610
+Harvester finger bar, H. L. Hopkins                      191,678
+Harvester rake, R. Emerson                               191,664
+Harvester rake, R. D. Warner                             191,743
+Harvester reels, H. A. Adams                    191,631, 191,632
+Harvester cutter, Haskin & Reigart                       191,675
+Hats, pressing, R. Kent                                  191,533
+Hatter's measure, J. A. Harrington                       191,674
+Hay derrick, etc., R. N. B. Kirkham                      191,598
+Hay elevator, E. L. Church                               191,568
+Hinge and door, safe, P. F. King                         191,680
+Hog catcher, J. H. Eames                                 191,575
+Hoisting machine, H. J. Reedy                            191,717
+Hoisting machine, G. H. Reynolds (r)                       7,727
+Hoisting machine, F. G. Hesse                            191,529
+Holdback, J. W. Hight                                    191,589
+Honey box, Johnson & Keeley                              191,593
+Hoopskirt spring, etc., A. Benjamin                      191,641
+Hydrocarbon injector, H. E. Parson                       191,546
+Hydrocarbons, extracting, W. Adamson                     191,623
+Ice cream freezer, J. Solter                             191,725
+Ice cutting machine, C. Chadwick                         191,515
+Ice house, E. Schandein                                  191,719
+Ice machine, A. T. Ballantine                            191,638
+Indicator for bellows, J. E. Treat                       191,624
+Iron and steel cementation, J. W. Hoxie.                 191,681
+Iron from cold short pig, etc., C. C. McCarty            191,698
+Jar cover, E. Meier                                      191,541
+Jewelry, plated, English & Covell                        191,665
+Keyhole guard, C. H. Covell (r)                            7,720
+Label holder, J. E. Sweetland                            191,555
+Lathe tool, E. F. Beugler                                191,560
+Lathes, truing work in, A. Hatch                         191,586
+Lifting jack, T. Weathers                                191,737
+Lime kiln, M. Callan                                     191,566
+Lithographic press, C. C. Maurice                        191,696
+Locomotive light, A. Dressell                            191,574
+Loom take-up, J. Lyall                                   191,692
+Loom harness cording, L. J. Knowles                      191,600
+Lubricator, C. H. Parshall                               191,707
+Mandrel, expanding, Amann & Harker                       191,634
+Manure drill, A. C. Hurley                               191,682
+Marine ram, N. H. Borgfeldt                              191,514
+Match safe, J. A. Field                                  191,576
+Medicine case, J. C. Millard                             191,607
+Milk cooler, J. Bissonett                                191,513
+Millstone dress, R. S. Williams                          191,740
+Mineral wool, treating, A. D. Elbers                     191,524
+Mirror, adjustable, S. R. Scottron                       191,720
+Motion, converting, C. Chadwick                 191,654, 191,655
+Needle, knitting, etc., S. Peberdy                       191,709
+Oil can, D. Bennett                                      191,642
+Oil well rope socket, H. Baddock (r)                       7,719
+Ore, reducing nickel, W. B. Tatro                        191,728
+Organ swell, reed, Kelly & Hebard                        191,532
+Paper barrels, making, E. M. Slayton                     191,618
+Paperbox, P. B. Pickens                                  191,712
+Pianoforte bridge, J. Herald                             191,587
+Picture exhibitor, J. Hannerty                           191,673
+Plow, E. Haiman (r)                                        7,724
+Plow, L. F. W. Liles                                     191,688
+Plow clevis, C. O. Wilder                                191,629
+Plow colter, C. R. Thompson                              191,622
+Plow, sulky, A. A. Fowler                                191,677
+Plow, sulky, W. Henry                                    191,588
+Preserving, bleaching fruit, etc., J. R. Dodge, Jr.      191,661
+Pulleys, casting, G. G. Lobdell                          191,690
+Pulp, die for forming, D. Scrymgeour                     191,551
+Pump, rotary, Swan & Edgecomb                            191,727
+Pumps, making buckets for, J. N. Kaufholz                191,685
+Pumping from casks, etc., W. F. Class                    191,656
+Quicksilver condenser, R. F. Knox                        191,687
+Railway signal, electric, J. P. Tirrell                  191,732
+Reamer, expanding, R. Blair                              191,561
+Refrigerator, Thompson & Parkhurst                       191,729
+Refuse burner, W. Glue                                   191,744
+Ribbon block, G. N. Stanton                              191,554
+Ribbon, etc., storing, A. C. Mason                       191,695
+Ripping tool, G. D. Clark                                191,569
+Safe, fireproof, Saxe & Harding                          191,550
+Sandpapering machine, J. P. Beck                         191,640
+Sash fastener, S. G. Monce                               191,609
+Saw guide, J. B. Currier                                 191,659
+Sawing machines, scroll, J. H. Plummer (r)          7,725, 7,726
+Seed drill, H. L. Brown                                  191,565
+Seed planter, check row, G. D. Haworth                   191,528
+Sewing machine, straw, S. C. Brown                       191,647
+Sewing machine trimmer, H. H. Hallett                    191,584
+Shingles, etc., bunching, P. Dexter (r)                    7,723
+Shoes, making, J. Tibbetts                               191,730
+Skate, J. A. Dodge                                       191,573
+Skate, roller, J. Miner                                  191,542
+Skylight bar, J. W. Atkinson                             191,636
+Spinning, roll support. F. B. Hart                       191,585
+Spooling, stop motion, J. Wild                           191,738
+Spools, preventing unrolling tape, etc., A. C. Gould     191,581
+Spoon blank, die, H. W. Bassett                          191,639
+Stamp, hand, L. Tilton                                   191,623
+Stamp mill, G. Downing                                   191,521
+Steamboat smoke stack, Rouze et al                       191,614
+Stop motion fork slide, J. McCaffrey, Jr.                191,697
+Stove, J. Gladding, 3d                                   191,580
+Stove, coal oil, M. H. Barnes                            191,558
+Stove, cooking, D. E. Paris                              191,706
+Stovepipe damper, A. Brightman                           191,646
+Stovepipe thimble, J. Carhartt                           191,567
+Stove, oil, cooking, Sherburne et al                     191,553
+Straw cutter, A. Vahldieck                               191,625
+Sugar, liquefying hard, O. H. Krause                     191,535
+Sugar liquor, collecting, A. A. Goubert                  191,527
+Sugar liquor, collecting, Matthiessen et al     191,537, 191,538
+Sugar, washing raw, F. O. Matthiessen                    191,539
+Swing, J. J. Janezeck                                    191,683
+Thill coupling, J. Kitzmiller                            191,599
+Tobacco, hoisting, C. H. Slaton                          191,619
+Tobacco pipe, N. T. Oberg                                191,544
+Tobacco plant planter, R. A. Knox                        191,601
+Top, spinning, T. McLaughlin                             191,701
+Tortoise-shell handle, C. W. Schaeffer                   191,615
+Towel rack, C. A. Brickley                               191,564
+Trap for balls, T. Wilkie                                191,628
+Tube well, T. J. Dean (r)                                  7,721
+Type writer, D. H. Sherman                               191,617
+Upholstering tuft, R. H. Bryant                          191,650
+Valve tank, J. P. Duncan                                 191,523
+Vegetable cutter, W. Chapin                              191,653
+Vehicle spring and axle, S. W. Ludlow                    191,536
+Ventilation, etc., W. H. Bennett                         191,512
+Wagon axle skein, H. L. Hinds                            191,679
+Wagon gearing, W. P. Brown                               191,648
+Wagons, skid attachment for, C. Crandall                 191,570
+Wardrobe hook, labeled, T. F. Breese                     191,645
+Wash boiler, T. Gunsalus                                 191,582
+Water gauge, C. D. Smith                                 191,724
+Water wheel, L. Good                                     191,668
+Water wheel, I. Mallery                                  191,605
+Weaving shuttle, duck, W. L. Gilbert                     191,526
+Wheelbarrow, E. W. Walker                                191,735
+Wood pressing machine, S. L. Nagle                       191,704
+Wrench, pipe, G. Fletcher                                191,666
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+DESIGNS PATENTED,
+
+
+10,030 to 10,032.--EMBROIDERY.--E. Crisand, New Haven, Conn.
+10,033.--LOCK-CASE.--R. Flocke, Newark, N. J.
+10,034.--BOTTLES.--J. H. Harrison, Davenport, Iowa.
+10,035 to 10,037.--CARPET.--H. S. Kerr, Philadelphia, Pa.
+10,038, 10,039.--CARPETS.--T. J. Stearns, Boston, Mass.
+10,040.--MOULDING.--R. M. Merrill et al., Laconia, N. H.
+10,041 to 10,044.--OIL CLOTH.--C. T. Meyer et al., Bergen, N. J.
+10,045.--STUDS, ETC.--J. W. Miller et al., Newark, N. J.
+10,046.--BOOK CASES.--J. W. Schuckers, New York city.
+
+[A copy of any one of the above patents may be had by remitting one
+dollar to MUNN & Co., 37 Park Row, New York city.]
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENTS
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Inside Page, each insertion                     75 cents a line.
+Back Page, each insertion                          $1.00 a line.
+
+_Engravings may head advertisements at the same rate per line, by
+measurement, as the letter press. Advertisements must be received
+at publication office as early as Friday morning to appear in next
+issue._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE SCIENTIFIC GRAIN & MIDDLINGS MILL.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+12, 20, and 30 inch Mill Stones.
+
+Sent on trial to responsible parties, and warranted the full equal of
+any heavy mill built in the world. Send for our price list, as this
+may not appear again.
+
+A. W. STRAUB & CO., 1361 Ridge Avenue, Phila, Pa.
+
+
+NO MORE SLIPPING BELTS. MY NEW Patent Pulley Cover will do double the
+work before the belt will slip. Put on without disturbing shafting.
+Agent wanted in every city. Circulars free.
+
+JOHN W. SUTTON, 95 Liberty St., New York.
+
+
+THE NEW GERMAN PATENT LAW. Being the Full Text of the New Law for
+Patents, passed July 1st, 1877, covering all the States of the German
+Empire. Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT No. 80. Price 10
+cents. To be had at this office and of all newsdealers.
+
+
+PATENT COLD ROLLED SHAFTING
+
+Price list mailed on application to JONES & LAUGHLINS,
+Try Street, 2d and 3rd Avenues, Pittsburgh, Pa.
+190 S. Canal Street, Chicago, Ill., and Milwaukie, Wis.
+--> Stocks of this shafting in store and for sale by
+FULLER, DANA, & FITZ, Boston, Mass.
+GEO. PLACE & CO. 121 Chambers St., N. Y.
+
+
+EUREKA SAFETY POWER!
+
+Practically IMPOSSIBLE TO EXPLODE.
+Tested to 300 lbs. pressure per square inch.
+2-Horse Power, $150, 3 to 4 H.P., $250.
+Also, Stationary Engines and boilers, and
+SPARK ARRESTING PORTABLE ENGINES
+for plantation use. Send for our circular.
+Discount to the trade.
+
+B. W. PAYNE & SONS,
+Corning, N. Y.
+
+
+SIZING OF COTTON GOODS. Read before the Society of Arts by
+W. Thompson, F.R.S. A most Full and Clear Description of the process,
+embracing: An account of the process of Weaving, explaining the object
+and utility of Size. A table of Sizing Mixtures, in which are
+enumerated the Substances used: 1, for giving Adhesive properties to
+Size; 2, to give Weight and Body to the Yarn; 3, for Softening the
+Size or Yarn; and 4, for Preserving the Size from Mildew and
+Decomposition. Tests for these Substances, and Directions for
+Preparing, so as to obtain the results required. Proportions of Sizing.
+Use of Flour in Size. Weighting Materials, China Clay and its
+substitutes. "Softenings," and Oils for Softening. East Winds and
+their effect. Glycerine, Grape Sugar, Mildew Preventives, and Tape
+Sizing. "Slashing," Packing, Damaged Goods, etc. Contained in
+SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT No. 80. Price 10 cents. For sale at this
+office and of all newsdealers.
+
+
+CELEBRATED FOOT LATHES.
+
+Foot Power Back-geared Screw Lathes, Small Hand and Power Planers for
+Metal, Small Gear Cutters, Slide-rests, Ball Machine for Lathes, Foot
+Scroll Saws, light and heavy Foot Circular Saws. Just the articles for
+Amateurs or Artisans. Highly recommended.
+
+Send for illustrated Catalogues.
+
+N. H. BALDWIN, Laconia, N. H.
+
+
+$66 a Week in your own town. Terms and $5 outfit free.
+H. HALLETT & CO., Portland Maine.
+
+
+SAVE OIL. USE TOMLINSON'S
+Car Axle Box. Cars run for 3 cents for a thousand miles.
+See _Car Builder_ for June, 1877. Address
+
+J. B. TOMLINSON, 80 White St., N. Y.
+
+
+DAYTON CAM PUMP
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE ONLY PUMP IN THE MARKET DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED
+ESPECIALLY FOR BOILER FEEDING.
+
+Are Pumping water at 268 deg. F. No Dead Centers.
+The Steam Valve is a plain Slide Valve, identical to
+the slide valve of a Steam Engine, but derives its
+motion from a cam. Speed can be regulated to suit
+evaporation.
+
+Pumping Returns from Steam Heating Apparatus a specialty.
+
+--> Send for Circular.
+
+Smith, Vaile & Co.,
+
+DAYTON, OHIO.
+
+
+WHAT 25 CENTS WILL BUY!
+
+THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN REFERENCE BOOK.
+
+PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS.
+
+This is a most useful Little bound book of 150 pages, comprising,
+probably, the most extensive variety of standard, practical, condensed
+information ever furnished to the public for so small a price.
+Contents:
+
+1. THE LAST CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES (1870), by States, Territories
+and Counties. IN FULL, showing also the area in square miles of each
+State and Territory.
+
+2. TABLE OF OCCUPATIONS.--Showing the occupations of the people of the
+United States, and the number of persons engaged in each occupation.
+Compiled from the last census.
+
+3. TABLE OF CITIES, having over 10,000 Inhabitants. Compiled from the
+last census.
+
+4. MAP OF THE UNITED STATES. Miniature outline.
+
+5. THE UNITED STATES PATENT LAWS (full text).--Principal Official Rules
+for Procedure; Directions How to Obtain Patents, Costs, etc.; Forms for
+Patents and Caveats: How to Introduce and Sell Inventions; Forms for
+Assignments; Licenses; State, Town, County, and Shop Rights; General
+Principles applicable to Infringements; Synopsis of the Patent Laws of
+Foreign Countries; Rights of Employers and Employes in respect to
+Inventions.
+
+6. THE ORNAMENTAL DESIGN PATENT LAW (full text).--Costs and Procedure
+for securing Design Patents for Ornamental Productions such as Designs
+for Textile Fabrics, Patterns for Wood and Metal Work, New Shapes and
+Configurations of any article of Manufacture, Prints, Pictures, and
+Ornaments, to be printed, woven, stamped, cast, or otherwise applied
+upon machinery, tools, goods, fabrics, manufactures.
+
+7. THE UNITED STATES TRADE-MARK LAW (full text).--With Directions,
+Proceedings and Expenses for the Registration of Trade-Marks of every
+description.
+
+8. THE LABEL COPYRIGHT LAW (full text).--With Directions, Proceedings
+and Cost of Registering Labels for Goods. Medicines, and Merchandise
+of all kinds.
+
+9. THE GENERAL COPYRIGHT LAW OF THE UNITED STATES (full text).--With
+Directions and Costs for Securing Copyrights by Authors for Books,
+Pamphlets, Charts, Photographs, Pictures, and Works of Art.
+
+10. THE PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL MOVEMENTS.--Described and illustrated
+by  150 small diagrams, of great value to Inventors and Designers
+of Mechanism.
+
+11. THE STEAM ENGINE.--With engraving, showing all the parts, names,
+etc., and a brief history of the Invention and Progress of Steam Power.
+
+12. GEOMETRY, as Applied to Practical Purposes. With illustrations.
+
+13. HORSE POWER.--Simple Rules for Calculating the Horse-Power of
+Steam Engines and Streams of Water.
+
+14. KNOTS.--Presenting engravings of 48 different kinds of Rope Knots,
+with explanations as to tying.
+
+15. TABLES OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.--Troy, Apothecaries', Avoirdupois,
+French, Weights; U. S. Standard; Dry Measure; Land Measure; Cubic
+Measure; Liquid Measure; French Square Measure; French Cubic, or Solid
+Measure; Measuring Land by Weight; Engraving of a section of English
+and French rule, of equal length.
+
+16. VALUABLE TABLES: (1) Velocity and Force of the Wind. (2) Specific
+Gravity and Weight, per Cubic foot and Cubic inch, of the principal
+substances used in the Arts (3) Heat-conducting Power of various
+Metals and other Solids and Liquids. (4) Table of the Mineral
+Constituents absorbed or removed from the Soil, per acre, by
+different crops. (5) Table of Steam Pressures and Temperatures.
+(6) Table of the Effects of Heat upon various bodies, melting-points,
+etc.
+
+17. MEDALLION PORTRAITS OF DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN INVENTORS, with
+biography in brief and engravings of their inventions, viz.: Franklin,
+Fulton, Whitney, Wood, McCormick, Blanchard, Winans, Morse, Goodyear,
+Howe, Lyle, Eads.
+
+18. ENGRAVINGS of Capitol, Washington, with brief history, dimensions,
+cost, etc.; United States Patent Office, interior and exterior views,
+dimensions, and description; Scientific American Buildings, N. Y. and
+Washington.
+
+19. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.-Force of Expansion by Heat; Small
+Steam-boats, proper dimensions of Engines, Boilers, Propellers. Boats;
+Incubation, Temperature of; To Make Tracing Paper; Constituents of
+various substances; Friction, how produced, and Rules for Calculation;
+Specific Heat Explained; Specific Gravity of Liquids, Solids, Air, and
+Gases; Gunpowder--Pressure, Heat, and Horse-Power of; Copying Ink, to
+Make; Heat, its mechanical equivalent explained; Molecules of Matter,
+size and motion explained; Lightning and Lightning Rods--valuable
+information; Value of Drainage Explained; Amount of Power at present
+yielded from Coal by best Engines; Sound--its velocity and action;
+Liquid Glues, Recipes; Value of Brains; Properties of Charcoal; Height
+of Waves; Speed of Electric Spark, etc.; Plain Directions, with
+Engravings, showing how any person can make Electro-Magnets and
+Electric Batteries at a cost of a few cents; Valuable Recipes.
+
+_The Scientific American Reference Book,_ price only 25 cents, may be
+had of News Agents in all parts of the country, and of the undersigned.
+Sent by mail on receipt of the price.
+
+Address MUNN & CO., 37 Park Row, New York,
+
+
+THE SECOND GREAT SALE
+
+OF PATENTS AT
+
+AUCTION
+
+Will take place at the Auction Rooms of GEO. W. KEELER, 53 Liberty St.,
+N. Y., on July 16, at 12 o'clock. Models now on exhibition.
+Send for Catalogue.
+
+
+WOOD & LIGHT MACHINE CO. WORCESTER, Mass.
+Manufacture of all kinds of IRON-WORKING MANCHINERY, including many
+novelties. Shafting, Pulleys, &c.
+
+Send for Circulars.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+$95 A month and expenses. SALESMAN WANTED to sell to DEALERS.
+SAMPLES FREE. CANDY & NOVELTIES
+
+LETTERS must have enclosed return postage.
+H. SMITH & CO., CONFECTIONERS, Cincinnati, O.
+
+
+POND'S TOOLS
+ENGINE LATHES, PLANERS, DRILLS, &c.
+
+Send for Catalogue. DAVID W. POND, Successor to
+LUCIUS W. POND. WORCESTER, MASS.
+
+
+STEAM PUMPS.
+
+FIRST PRIZES, CENTENNIAL, PHILA., VIENNA,
+PARIS, NEW YORK, BALTIMORE, BOSTON.
+
+Send for circular of recent patented improvements,
+
+THE NORWALK IRON WORKS CO.,
+South Norwalk, Conn.
+
+Prices Reduced.
+
+
+N. F. BURNHAM'S 1874 WATER WHEEL
+Is declared the "STANDARD TURBINE," by OVER 600 persons
+who bought and use them with PART and FULL GATE open.
+Pamphlets Free.
+N. F. BURNHAM, YORK, PA.
+
+
+OTIS' SAFETY HOISTING MACHINERY
+OTIS BROS. & CO., No. 348 Broadway, New York.
+
+
+$55 TO $77 a week to Agents. $10 _Outfit Free_.
+P. O. VICKERY, Augusta Maine.
+
+
+WE ENAMEL
+in FINE JET BLACK every variety Of turned woodwork
+parts of machinery castings tin-ware and other metal
+work ENAMELED JET GOODS, in wood or metal, made to order
+AMERICAN ENAMEL CO. 17 WARREN ST. PROVIDENCE. R. I.
+
+
+50 MIXED CARDS, with name, l0c. and stamp.
+Agent's Outfit, l0c. COE & CO., Bristol, Ct.
+
+
+[Illustration: PHOTO ENGRAVING CO.
+
+MOSS'S PROCESS
+67, Park Place.]
+NEW YORK
+
+L. SMITH HOBART. President.
+J. C. MOSS, Superintendent.
+
+TYPE-METAL RELIEF PLATES.
+
+A SUPERIOR SUBSTITUTE FOR WOOD-CUTS AT MUCH LOWER PRICES.
+
+
+These plates are engraved almost entirely by photo-chemical means, thus
+avoiding the old, slow and tedious method of engraving on wooden blocks,
+where the workman is compelled to engrave each line separately by
+cutting away the wood around it, often spending many days upon a plate
+a few inches square.
+
+In appearance our relief plates are the same as regular stereotypes,
+being mounted type high on blocks ready to be set up and printed from,
+with type, on any ordinary press.
+
+They can be used directly and will wear as long as any type-metal
+plates, but if a great number of impressions are wanted, duplicate
+
+ELECTROTYPES AND STEREOTYPES
+
+can be made from them the same as from wood-cuts.
+
+They have a printing surface as smooth as glass, and the lines are
+engraved deeper than they are in hand-cut plates. Notwithstanding the
+_low prices_ at which they can be furnished, they are very much
+superior  to wood-cuts, and in some classes of work are rapidly
+taking the place of lithography.
+
+REFERENCES.
+
+Among those who manifest their satisfaction with our work, by
+continued orders, we may mention:--D. Appleton & Co., Scribner & Co.,
+Frank Leslie, A. D. F. Randolph & Co., G. W. Carleton & Co., The
+American Tract Society, Robert Carter & Bros., Munn & Co., Pub.
+"Iron Age," Pub. "Illustrated Weekly," Pub. "McGee's Illustrated
+Weekly," and also a large part of the principal publishers and
+manufacturers throughout the country.
+
+COPY.
+
+Almost all kinds of Prints or Engravings from Wood, Stone, Copper and
+Steel may be reproduced directly. _The requisites are, clean, distinct
+black lines or stipple work, on white or only slightly tinted paper.
+All Photographs and Pencil Sketches must first be drawn in ink._ We
+keep a corps of artists constantly employed, trained to do this work
+in the best manner. We can make drawings from photographs or tin-types
+taken in the usual way. They may be of any size, but should, of course,
+show the object distinctly.
+
+Drawings for our use, unless intended to be redrawn, should be on a
+_smooth, white_ surface, in _perfectly black_ lines, and usually twice
+the dimensions each way of the desired plate.
+
+Copy for fac-similes of handwriting should be in _perfectly black ink_,
+on _smooth white_ paper, written with a full pen, and without use of
+blotting paper.
+
+TIME.
+
+While we can engrave a plate in a few hours that would occupy a
+wood-engraver a month, and often do so, yet with the large amount of
+work constantly on hand and promised, we cannot usually engage to fill
+an order for a single plate in less than from three to six days;
+larger orders will, of course, require longer time.
+
+CHANGE OF SIZE.
+
+In reproducing wood-cut prints, the size can often be considerably
+reduced; but if the reduction is great, the lines become so fine and
+close together that they will not print well. Coarse wood-cuts, such
+as are generally used in Newspapers, may often be reduced to half
+their linear dimensions, but _fine_ wood-cuts will admit of but little
+reduction.
+
+_Most_ steel plate prints and lithographs will not admit of any
+reduction, and even when reproduced, the same size in relief, require
+considerable care in printing.
+
+All kinds of prints generally look bad when much enlarged, as the
+lines become very coarse and ragged on the edges; though we have
+sometimes made very effective cuts for posters and hand-bills in this
+way.
+
+In all cases of enlargement and reduction the relative proportions
+remain the same.
+
+It must not be forgotten, however, that by redrawing, prints of any
+kind can be enlarged or reduced to any desired size.
+
+PROOFS.
+
+We will, whenever desired, furnish tin-type proofs of drawings made by
+us, for examination and approval, or correction, before engraving.
+
+A printed proof is sent with each plate when delivered, which may
+always be equaled or surpassed in actual work with proper usage.
+
+PRICES.
+
+It is impossible to give a scale of prices by the square inch for
+miscellaneous job-work, as sometimes a small cut two or three inches
+square may require as much work as another one a foot square. We can,
+however, give an average inch rate to newspaper publishers whose work
+runs uniformly about the same from week to week, especially when they
+furnish us with copy already prepared--such as prints and pen-and-ink
+drawings.
+
+In sending for estimates, be careful to send us the copy we are to
+work from, with full specifications as to size and quality, and
+remember that it is the same with engraving that it is with everything
+else; the price will vary greatly with the quality of work ordered.
+
+Never, directly or indirectly, ask us to give _you_ better prices than
+we give our other customers, as we try to treat all alike.
+
+The great advantage of our method of engraving enables us to give
+better work at lower prices than can be given by any other method for
+the greater part of such work as would be given to wood-engravers,
+though in very small pieces of the poorer grades of work the advantage
+is not so great, and in very coarse work such as is usually engraved
+on mahogany and pine, our process gives us no advantage over the
+wood-engraver.
+
+To estimate properly upon any piece of work, we must understand just
+what is wanted. We guarantee all our work to be executed in the style
+agreed upon.
+
+TERMS.
+
+OUR TERMS are CASH ON DELIVERY, except by special agreement.
+
+Orders from parties not known to us must be accompanied by an advance
+of at least half the price, or satisfactory City reference.
+
+Goods sent by Express will be C. O. D. Where plates are small they may
+be sent by Mail upon receipt of price and postage. Remittances must be
+by draft on New-York or P. O. money order, payable to the order of
+Photo-Engraving Co., or by registered letter--_not by Checks on Local
+Banks_.
+
+We pledge ourselves to meet the reasonable demands of those who employ
+us. If, in any case, we cannot do so, we will refund the money advanced.
+
+_SEND STAMP FOR ILLUSTRATED CIRCULAR_.
+
+
+WROUGHT IRON BEAMS & GIRDERS
+
+[Illustration: WROUGHT IRON BEAMS & GIRDERS]
+
+THE UNION IRON MILLS, Pittsburgh, Pa., Manufacturers of improved
+wrought iron Beams and Girders (patented).
+
+The great fall which has taken place in the prices of Iron, and
+especially in Beams used in the construction of FIRE PROOF BUILDINGS,
+induces us to call the special attention of Engineers, Architects, and
+Builders to the undoubted advantages of now erecting Fire Proof
+structures; and by reference to pages 52 & 54 of our Book of Sections--
+which will be sent on application to those contemplating the erection
+of fire proof buildings--THE COST CAN BE ACCURATELY CALCULATED, the
+cost of Insurance avoided, and the serious losses and interruption to
+business caused by fire; these and like considerations fully justify
+any additional first cost. It is believed, that were owners fully
+aware of the small difference which now exists between the use of Wood
+and Iron, that in many cases the latter would be adopted.
+
+We shall be pleased to furnish estimates for all the Beams complete,
+for any specific structure, so that the difference in cost may at once
+be ascertained. Address
+
+CARNEGIE, BROS. & CO., Pittsburgh, Pa.
+
+
+$5 TO $20 per day at home. Samples worth $5 free.
+STINSON & CO., Portland, Me.
+
+
+LIGHT GRAY IRON CASTINGS to order promptly.
+Plain, Bronzed, or Galvanized.
+
+We make a _specialty_ of light work.
+
+LIVINGSTON & CO., Iron Founders, Pittsburgh, Pa.
+
+
+THE GEORGE PLACE MACHINERY AGENCY
+
+Machinery of Every Description.
+
+121 Chambers and 103 Reade Streets, New York.
+
+
+SPARE THE CROTON AND SAVE THE COST.
+
+DRIVEN OR TUBE WELLS furnished to large consumers of Croton and
+Ridgewood Water. WM. D. ANDREWS & BRO., 414 Water St., N. Y. who
+control the patent for Green's American Driven Well.
+
+
+PATENT RIGHTS for Useful Inventions Wanted.
+Address Box 1012, P.O., N. Y., with description and terms.
+
+
+TO ELECTRO-PLATERS. JEWELERS, AND WATCHMAKERS.
+
+BATTERIES, CHEMICALS, AND MATERIALS, in sets or single,
+with Books of instruction for Nickel, Gold, and Silver Plating.
+
+THOMAS HALL, Manufacturing Electrician,
+19 Bromfield Street, Boston, Mass.
+Illustrated Catalogue sent free.
+
+
+LATHES, PLANERS, SHAPERS, DRILLS, GEAR & BOLT CUTTERS, &c.
+E. GOULD, Newark, N. J.
+
+
+SELF-ACTING SASH-LOCK for Meeting Rails
+
+[Illustration: Sash-lock]
+
+BURGLAR PROOF.
+
+Can not be forced or tampered with in any way.
+BEAUTIFUL DESIGN; PRACTICAL; SIMPLE.
+United States, State, or County Rights for sale. Address
+D. C. GOODRICH, Harrisburg, Pa.
+
+
+[Illustration] THE TRADE ENGINE
+
+Noiseless in operation-Perfect in workmanship--all light parts of
+Cast Steel.
+
+Every Engine indicated, and valve corrected to give the highest
+attainable results.
+
+Warranted superior to any semi-portable Engine in the market!
+
+Send for Price List and Circular.
+
+HERRMANN & HERCHEL--
+RODE M'F'G Co.,
+Dayton, Ohio,
+
+
+WESSELL METAL, A PERFECT IMITATION
+of gold in color, surface, etc., for manufacturers of
+imitation jewelry, and other workers in fine yellow
+metal. Wessell Manuf'g Co., No. 204 East 23d St., N. Y.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+YOU ask WHY we can sell First-Class 7 1-3 Octave Rosewood Pianos
+for $290. Our answer is, that it costs less than $300 to make any $600
+Piano sold through Agents, all of whom make 100 per ct. profit.
+We have no Agents, but sell direct to Families at Factory price, and
+warrant five years.
+
+We send our Pianos everywhere for trial and require no payment unless
+they are found satisfactory.
+
+Send for our Illustrated Circular, which gives full particulars, and
+contains the names of over 1500 Bankers, Merchants and Families that
+are using our Pianos in every State of the Union.
+
+Please state where you saw this notice. Address,
+
+U. S. PIANO CO., 810 BROADWAY, N. Y.
+
+
+$12 A DAY at home. Agents wanted. Outfit and terms free.
+TRUE & CO., Augusta, Maine.
+
+
+WOOD-WORKING MACHINERY,
+
+Such as Woodworth Planing, Tongueing, and Grooving Machines, Daniel's
+Planers, Richardson's Patent Improved Tenon Machines, Mortising,
+Moulding, and Re-Saw Machines, and Wood-Working Machinery generally.
+
+Manufactured by
+WITHERBY, RUGG & RICHARDSON,
+26 Salisbury Street, Worcester, Mass,
+(Shop formerly occupied by R. BALL & CO.)
+
+
+STEEL NAME STAMPS.
+N. Y. STENCIL WORKS, 87 Nassau St., N. Y.
+
+
+WANTED -- FOR MONCLOVA, State of Coahuila, Mexico, a man who knows how
+to make Star Candles, without the use of Sulphuric Acid, capable to
+put up and put in running order the necessary apparatus, superintend
+the manufacturing process, and teach same to the parties interested.
+
+Apply and state terms to
+GOLDFRANK, FRANK & CO.,
+San Antonio, Texas.
+
+
+WE WANT SALESMEN on a regular salary of $85 a month and expenses to
+sell our CIGARS to DEALERS. Samples FREE.
+
+Send 3c. stamp to insure answer.
+S. FOSTER & CO. Cincinnati, O.
+
+
+EXTRAORDINARY, WONDERFUL, AND VALUABLE MEDICAL WORK.
+
+With engravings; price, $1.
+Contains, also, fifty original prescriptions for prevailing diseases,
+each worth ten times the price of the book. Gold Medal has been
+awarded the author. Descriptive circulars sent free. Address
+
+Dr. W. H. PARKER,
+No. 4 Bulfinch Street, Boston.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+$100.00 REWARD This MOUSTACHE or HEAVY BEARD produced on a smooth face
+by the use of DYKES BEARD ELIXIR, without injury, or will forfeit
+$100.00.
+
+Price by mail in sealed package 25 cents, 3 packages only 50 cents.
+
+A. L. SMITH & Co., Palatine, Ill., Sole Agents.
+
+--> We caution the public against imitations.
+
+
+THE DRIVEN WELL.
+Town and County privileges for making DRIVEN WELLS and selling Licenses
+under the established AMERICAN DRIVEN WELL PATENT, leased by the year
+to responsible parties, by
+
+WM. D. ANDREWS & BRO.,
+NEW YORK.
+
+
+IMPORTANT FOR ALL CORPORATIONS AND MANF'G CONCERNS.--BUERK'S WATCHMAN'S
+TIME DETECTOR, capable of accurately controlling the motion of a
+watchman or patrolman at the different stations of his beat.
+Send for circular.
+
+J. E. BUERK, P.O. BOX 979, BOSTON, MASS
+
+N. B.--The suit against Imhaeuser & Co., of New York, was decided in my
+favor, June 10, 1874. Proceedings have been commenced against Imhaeuser
+& Co. for selling, contrary to the order of the Court. Persons using
+clocks infringing on my patent, will be dealt with according to law.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+25 per cent. Discount on Price List of SUPERIOR WOOD-WORKING MACHINERY
+allowed for the present. Also for SMITH'S CHILLED-BEAM VISES;
+effective, heavy, strong, durable, and economical.
+
+For full particulars, address
+
+H. B. SMITH,
+Smithville, Burlington Co.,
+N. J., U. S. A.
+
+
+HINTS TO YOUNG MACHINE-TENDERS.
+By an old Papermaker. Practical Instructions for the tending and care
+of Papermaking Machinery.
+
+Showing how to clean a Dandy; how to make good edges; to keep paper
+from crushing and worming; to stop crimping; together with many
+other valuable directions, hints, and suggestions, contained in
+SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT No. 79. Price 10 cents.
+
+To be had at this office and of all newsdealers.
+
+
+JOHN HOLLAND'S GOLD PENS
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Received the Centennial Medal from the Judges on Awards, for
+"superior elasticity and general excellence." If not sold by your
+Stationer, send for Illustrated Price-List to the
+
+MANUFACTORY, 19 W. 4TH ST., CINCINNATI.
+
+
+SECOND-HAND MACHINERY.
+
+FOR SALE.
+
+The Machinery in the works of the UTICA STEAM ENGINE CO., comprising
+Large Face Plate Lathe, Engine Lathes, large and small,
+20 ft. x 4 ft. Planer, Slotter, Shaper, Lauback Universal Drills,
+Bolt Cutter, Fans, Upright Drills, Cranes, Dudgeon Steam Hammer,
+Steam Fire Pump, Hose, Platform Scales, Pulleys, one 40 H. P.
+Locomotive Boiler, two 50 H. P., and one 25 H. P. Tubular Boilers,
+one 36 in. by 16 ft. Cylinder Boiler, etc., etc.
+
+For Catalogue and Price List, address
+
+JAMES F. MANN, UTICA, N. Y.
+
+
+THE PATENT PARAGON LAMP STOVE
+
+Can be used with any ordinary Kerosene Lamp. Every family wants one.
+PRICE 35 CTS.; BY MAIL 45 CTS.  _One agent made $21 in 3 days._
+Send for terms.
+
+ABOTT M'F'G CO.,
+101 BEEKMAN STREET, NEW YORK.
+
+
+IRON CASTINGS to order, _smooth_ and _exact to pattern_,
+of _Soft Tough Iron_, at
+
+T. Shriver & Co.'s Foundry,
+333 East 56th St., N. Y.
+
+Prices very low. _Favorable terms_ made on Castings in regular
+supply.
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENTS
+
+
+Inside Page, each insertion - - - 75 cents a line.
+Back Page, each insertion   - - - $1.00 a line.
+
+_Engravings may head advertisements at the same rate per line, by
+measurement, as the letter press. Advertisements must be received at
+publication office as early as Friday morning to appear in next issue._
+
+
+COTTON MILLS AND MACHINE SHOPS
+
+Can make great savings by using the Allen Governor. Its operation is
+unequalled and wonderful. Nearly all machinists once using these
+Governors become agents for their sale. They are simple in construction,
+not liable to get out of order, permit the speed of the engine to be
+changed at will, are neat in appearance, noiseless, very durable, save
+the engineer's time, save fuel, and are at once the most powerful and
+most sensitive Governors ever made.
+
+Russell (Cotton) Mills, Plymouth, Mass., March 20, 1876.
+
+S. B. ALLEN: Your Governor has been attached to our Corliss engine over
+one year, and has given perfect satisfaction. The engine was never
+governed until yours was attached, although we have tried three of the
+best kind of Governors known. When steam or work varied, the speed
+would vary, and we could only run our looms an average of 103 picks per
+minute. Since using your Governor, and solely on account of the perfect
+steadiness with which it holds the engine and machinery, we are enabled
+to run the looms regularly 112 picks per minute, MAKING AN ACTUAL
+INCREASE OF OUR ENTIRE PRODUCTION OF OVER EIGHT PER CENT. Your Governor
+saves coal, saves waste, saves care and labor of the engineer, and
+produces more goods and better goods. I have timed the engine a hundred
+times, and never found it to vary in the least. It is the honest truth
+that the Allen Governor holds it exactly on speed.
+
+Address L. C. KING, Superintendent.
+
+GERARD B. ALLEN & CO., St. Louis.
+FRASER & CHALMERS, Chicago.
+NEW ORLEANS MACHINERY DEPOT, New Orleans.
+PACIFIC IRON WORKS, San Francisco.
+FILER, STOWELL & CO., Milwaukee, Wis., or
+THE ALLEN GOVERNOR CO., BOSTON.
+
+
+HORSE STALL FLOOR,
+
+Patented through the Scientific American Patent Agency, June 4th, 1872.
+Rights sent by mail, with full instructions how to make and use, on
+receipt of $1.00; two for $1.50. It will keep the stall cleaner and the
+horse much more comfortable than any floor in use. It requires less
+than one-half of the usual amount of bedding. Any man can make them
+with very little expense. A liberal discount to carpenters or stable
+keepers in quantities of twelve or more. This floor is used throughout
+the New England States, and many parts of the South and West. State,
+County, and Town rights for sale. Agents wanted.
+
+G. W. GORDON,
+
+256 Broadway, Chelsea, Mass.
+
+
+THE BIGELOW STEAM ENGINE.
+
+BOTH PORTABLE AND STATIONARY.
+
+The CHEAPEST AND BEST in the market.
+Send for descriptive circular and price list.
+
+H. B. BIGELOW & CO.,
+
+New Haven, Conn.
+
+
+LeCOUNT'S PATENT
+MACHINISTS' TOOLS.
+
+REDUCED PRICES.
+Set Iron Dogs, 3-8 to 2 in.,  - - - - -  $5.60
+ "    "   "    3-8 to 4 in., - - - - - - 12.00
+ "  Steel "    3-8 to 2 in.,  - - - - -   6.30
+ "    "   "    3-8 to 4 in., - - - - - - 13.00
+
+Iron & Steel Clamps, Die Dogs, Clamp Dogs, Vice Clamps, Expanding
+Mandrels, &c. Send for latest Price List to
+
+C. W. LE COUNT, South Norwalk, Conn.
+
+
+WORKING MODELS
+
+And Experimental Machinery, Metal or Wood, made to order by
+J. F. WERNER, 62 Center St., N. Y.
+
+
+[Illustration: Patents]
+
+PATENTS
+
+CAVEATS, COPYRIGHTS, TRADE MARKS, ETC.
+
+Messrs. Munn & Co., in connection with the publication of the
+SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, continue to examine Improvements, and to act as
+Solicitors of Patents for Inventors.
+
+In this line of business they have had OVER THIRTY YEARS' EXPERIENCE,
+and now have _unequaled facilities_ for the preparation of Patent
+Drawings, Specifications, and the Prosecution of Applications for
+Patents in the United States, Canada, and Foreign Countries. Messrs.
+Munn & Co. also attend to the preparation of Caveats, Trade Mark
+Regulations, Copyrights for Books, Labels, Reissues, Assignments, and
+Reports on Infringements of Patents. All business intrusted to them is
+done with special care and promptness, on very moderate terms.
+
+We send free of charge, on application, THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN HAND
+BOOK, an elegantly illustrated pamphlet of 48 pages, containing
+further information about Patents and how to procure them; directions
+concerning Trade Marks, Copyrights, Designs, Patents, Appeals, Reissues,
+Infringements, Assignments, Rejected Cases, Hints on the Sale of
+Patents.
+
+_Foreign Patents._--We also send, _free of charge,_ a Synopsis of
+Foreign Patent Laws, showing the cost and method of securing patents
+in all the principal countries of the world. American inventors should
+bear in mind that, as a general rule, any invention that is valuable
+to the patentee in this country is worth equally as much in England
+and some other foreign countries.
+
+Five patents--embracing Canadian, English, German, French, and Belgian
+--will secure to an inventor the exclusive monopoly to his discovery
+among about ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLIONS of the most intelligent
+people in the world. The facilities of business and steam
+communication are such that patents can be obtained abroad by our
+citizens almost as easily as at home. The expense to apply for an
+English patent is $75; German, $100; French, $100; Belgian, $100;
+Canadian, $50. Address
+
+MUNN & CO., 37 Park Row, New York city.
+
+
+PYROMETERS,
+
+For showing heat of Ovens, Hot Blast Pipes, Boiler Flues, Super-Heated
+Steam, Oil Stills, &c.
+
+HENRY W. BULKLEY. Sole Manufacturer,
+149 Broadway, New York.
+
+
+$5 Outfit free. Salary guaranteed. Write at once to
+EMPIRE NOVELTY CO., 309 Broadway, New York.
+
+
+TAYLOR'S M'F'G CO., WESTMINSTER, MD., Portable and Stationary Engine
+Builders, etc. Send for Cata.
+
+
+STEAM PUMPS
+
+Wright's Pat. Bucket Plungers are the best.
+
+VALLEY MACHINE Co.
+Easthampton, Mass.
+
+
+ROOTS' FORCE BLAST BLOWER,
+
+[Illustration: Roots blower]
+
+FIRST PREMIUM AWARDED AT PARIS AND VIENNA,
+
+SPEED ONLY 100 TO ??0 REV. PER M. SAVES HALF THE POWER REQUIRED FOR FAN.
+
+P. H. & F. M. ROOTS, Manuf'rs, CONNERSVILLE, IND.
+S. S. TOWNSEND, Gen'l' Ag't, 6 Cortlandt St., NEW YORK.
+
+
+ESTABLISHED 1844.
+
+JOSEPH C. TODD,
+
+(Formerly of Todd & Rafferty), ENGINEER AND MACHINIST.
+Flax, Hemp, Jute, Rope, Oakum, and Bagging Machinery, Steam Engines,
+Boilers, etc. Also Agent for the celebrated and improved
+Rawson & Rittinger Hoisting Engine, I will furnish specifications and
+estimates for all kinds of machinery.
+
+Send for descriptive circular and price. Address
+
+J. C. TODD,
+10 Barclay St., New York, or Paterson, N. J.
+
+
+GUILD & GARRISON,
+
+[Illustration: Pump]
+
+34 to 44 First St.,
+Williamsburgh, N. Y.,
+Manufacturers of STEAM PUMPS for all purposes.
+
+Also Vacuum Pumps, Vacuum Fans and Air Compressors.
+
+
+NON-COMBUSTIBLE STEAM BOILER AND PIPE COVERING
+WITH "AIR SPACE" IMPROVEMENT.
+
+Saves 10 to 20 per cent. CHALMERS SPENCE CO.,
+Foot E. 9th St. N. Y.; 1202 N. 2d St., St. Louis, Mo.
+
+
+NEW WOOD LATHE; ALSO SCROLL SAW. BOTH new and first-class.
+Send for circulars.
+
+H. BICKFORD, Cincinnati, O.
+
+
+ROCK-DRILLING MACHINES AND AIR COMPRESSORS
+
+MANUFACTURED BY BURLEIGH ROCK DRILL CO.
+SEND FOR PAMPHLET. FITCHBURG MASS
+
+
+MACHINISTS' TOOLS.
+
+NEW AND IMPROVED PATTERNS.
+Send for new illustrated catalogue.
+
+Lathes, Planers, Drills, &c.
+
+NEW HAVEN MANUFACTURING CO.,
+
+New Haven, Conn.
+
+
+STEEL CASTINGS,
+
+From 1/4 to 10,000 lbs. weight, true to pattern. An invaluable
+substitute for forgings, or for malleable iron castings requiring
+great strength.
+
+Send for circular and price list to
+
+CHESTER STEEL CASTING COMPANY,
+EVELINA STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
+
+
+[Illustration: Planer Saw teeth]
+
+FULL SIZE PLANER SAW TOOTH
+3 CENTS EACH
+
+"OFFICE OF DICKINSON BROS., RIDGEWAY, ELK Co., PA., May 28th, 1877.
+
+"Messrs. EMERSON, SMITH & Co. GENTS: We have been through four winters
+in frozen hemlock, cutting 20,000 feet of lumber per day with your
+Patent Planer Saw, averaging 75,000 feet with each set of 40 bits."
+
+--> Mill Men and Sawyers, send your full address, plainly written, on
+a postal card, for Emerson's Hand Book of Saws, free, to
+
+EMERSON, SMITH & CO., BEAVER FALLS, PA.
+Please name size and style of saw used.
+
+
+[Illustration: LEHIGH VALLEY EMERY WHEEL CO.]
+
+Machines AND Wheels Guaranteed,
+
+Send for Illustrated Circular,
+
+_Weissport_, PA.
+
+
+PERFECT NEWSPAPER FILE
+
+The Koch Patent File, for preserving newspapers, magazines, and
+pamphlets, has been recently improved and price reduced. Subscribers to
+the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN and SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT can be
+supplied for the low price of $1.50 by mail, or $1.25 at the office of
+this paper. Heavy board sides; inscription "SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN," in
+gilt. Necessary for every one who wishes to preserve the paper.
+
+Address
+
+MUNN & CO.,
+
+Publishers SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN.
+
+
+HARTFORD STEAM BOILER INSPECTION & INSURANCE COMPANY.
+
+W. B. FRANKLIN, V. PRES'T. J. M. ALLEN, PRES'T.
+J. B. PIERCE, SEC'Y.
+
+
+PUNCHING PRESSES.
+
+Drop Hammers and Dies, for working Metals, &c.
+THE STILES & PARKER PRESS CO., Middletown, Conn.
+
+
+A PRACTICAL MACHINIST, WITH TEN years' experience as Foreman in one of
+the largest and most successful shops in the country, employing over
+four hundred men, wishes employment. Would be willing to invest a few
+thousand dollars in a safe and paying business. Address
+A. Foreman, P. O., Phila., Pa.
+
+
+WANTED:
+Agents for the Automatic Gas Lighting Torch in every gas-burning town
+in the United States. Exclusive territory given. Sewing machine agents
+preferred. This Torch lights without matches. Address
+
+THE STOCKWELL SELF-LIGHTING GAS BURNER CO.,
+89 LIBERTY STREET, NEW YORK.
+
+
+GUARDIOLA'S COFFEE & SUGAR MACHINERY
+
+COFFEE, MALT, CORN, COCOA, AND  GRAIN-DRYING MACHINE. COFFEE-HULLING
+AND POLISHING MACHINES. COFFEE-WASHING MACHINE. HELIX SUGAR EVAPORATOR.
+
+MESSRS. C. ADOLPHE LOW & CO., 42 Cedar Street,
+MESSRS. MUNOZ & ESPRIELLA, 52 Pine Street, New York,
+are Mr. Guardiola's Agents, and they will give prompt attention to all
+orders for any of the above machines.
+
+
+THE HOADLEY PORTABLE STEAM ENGINE.
+
+WITH AUTOMATICAL CUT-OFF REGULATOR, AND BALANCED VALVE.
+
+THE BEST AND MOST ECONOMICAL ENGINE MADE
+SEND FOR CIRCULAR
+
+The J. C. HOADLEY CO. LAWRENCE, MASS.
+
+STATE WHERE YOU SAW THIS.
+
+
+EAGLE FOOT LATHES,
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Improvement in style. Reduction in prices April 20th. Small Engine
+Lathes. Slide Rests, Tools, etc. Also Scroll and Circular Saw
+Attachments, Hand Planers, etc. Send for Catalogue of outfits for
+Amateurs or Artisans.
+
+WM. L. CHASE & CO.,
+95 & 97 Liberty St., New York.
+
+
+MILL STONES AND CORN MILLS.
+
+We make Burr Millstones, Portable Mills, Smut Machines, Packers, Mill
+Picks, Water Wheels, Pulleys, and Gearing, specially adapted to Flour
+Mills.
+
+Send for catalogue.
+
+J. T. NOYE & SON, BUFFALO, N. Y.
+
+
+F. ADEE & CO.'S PATENT LEAD STENCH TRAPS.
+
+Positive protection against Sewer-gas. Best and cheapest.
+See illustration, SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, April 14th.
+
+Send for circular. F. ADEE, 275 Pearl St., N. Y.
+
+
+ASBESTOS BOARD,
+
+For Flange Joints, Cylinder Heads, Man-hole Plates, etc.
+The only genuine, strictly fire-proof, made from pure ITALIAN ASBESTOS.
+All sizes, from 1-32 to 1-4 inch.
+
+H. W. JOHNS M'F'G CO., 87 MAIDEN LANE, NEW YORK.
+
+
+THE TANITE CO.,
+
+STROUDSBURG, PA.
+
+EMERY WHEELS AND GRINDERS.
+
+GEO. PLACE, 121 Chambers St., New York Agent.
+
+
+[Illustration: The Excelsior 1st Premium at Centennial]
+
+$3 PRINTING  PRESS!
+
+Prints cards, envelopes, etc., equal to _any_ press. Larger sizes for
+large work.
+
+_Do your own printing and advertising and save money_. Excellent spare
+hour amusement for old or young. Or it can be made _money making_
+business anywhere.
+
+Send 3c. stamps for large catalogue to
+
+KELSEY & CO., Manufacturers,
+Meriden, Conn.
+
+
+NOTICE TO FOREIGN SUBSCRIBERS.
+
+For the convenience of subscribers residing abroad, we have prepared
+the annexed table, exhibiting the subscription price of the
+SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN and SUPPLEMENT in the principal foreign currencies:
+
+The prices here given   |   SCIENTIFIC    | SCIENTIFIC | SCIENTIFIC
+are for one year's      |   AMERICAN      | AMERICAN   | AMERICAN and
+subscription, including |                 | SUPPLEMENT | SUPPLEMENT
+the postage.            |                 |            | together.
+------------------------|-----------------|------------|--------------
+Austria                 | S. Florins    9 |     13     |     20
+Belgium                 | Francs       20 |     30     |     46
+Denmark                 | Kroner       15 |     23     |     35
+France                  | Francs       20 |     30     |     46
+German Empire           | R. M.        16 |     25     |     37
+Great Britain           | Shillings    16 |     24     |     36
+Holland                 | H. F.         9 |     14     |     21
+Italy                   | Francs       20 |     30     |     46
+Norway                  | Kroner       15 |     23     |     35
+Russia                  | Roubles       5 |      8     |     11
+Sweden                  | Kroner       15 |     23     |     35
+Switzerland             | Francs       20 |     30     |     46
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Deposit either of the above amounts in any of the important post
+offices  in Great Britain or Ireland, or in any country on the
+Continent of Europe, making the order payable to MUNN & Co., New York
+city, and send us the receipt, with the name of the sender, and the
+address to which the paper is to be mailed.
+
+
+TUBE CLEANERS for cleaning Boiler Tubes.
+THE NATIONAL STEEL TUBE CLEANER CO. 814 E. 9th St., N. Y.
+
+
+ALCOTT LATHES, for Broom, Rake and Hoe Handles.
+S. C. HILLS, 78 Chambers St. N. Y.
+
+
+DROP FORGINGS AND SPECIAL MACHINERY,
+THE HULL & BELDEN CO.,
+Danbury, Conn.
+
+
+BEST DAMPER REGULATORS AND LEVERS GAUGE COCKS.
+MURRILL & KEIZER, 44 HOLLIDAY ST., BALTIMORE
+
+
+TORPEDO VESSELS. BY MR. DONALDSON.
+A valuable paper, lately read before the United Service Institute.
+Being a full exposition of the Torpedo-boat system, from the earliest
+efforts to the present time. Giving dimensions and performances of the
+several sizes built by Thornycroft Bros. for the various governments,
+highly interesting trials of these boats, and experiences in war, and
+a description of the torpedoes used. 1 illustration. Contained in
+SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT No. 79. Price 10 cents. To be had at
+this office and of all newsdealers.
+
+
+BOGARDUS' PATENT UNIVERSAL ECCENTRIC MILLS--For grinding Bones, Ores,
+Sand, Old Crucibles, Fire Clay, Guanos, Oil Cake, Feed, Corn, Corn and
+Cob, Tobacco, Snuff, Sugar, Salts, Roots, Spices, Coffee, Cocoanut,
+Flaxseed, Asbestos, Mica, etc., and whatever cannot be ground by other
+mills. Also for Paints, Printers' Inks, Paste Blacking, etc.
+
+JOHN W. THOMSON, successor to JAMES BOGARDUS,
+corner of White and Elm Sts., New York.
+
+
+LEHIGH UNIVERSITY.--TUITION FREE.
+
+Civil, Mechanical, and Mining Engineering; Chemistry and Metallurgy;
+Full Classical Instruction; French and German; English Literature;
+International and Constitutional Law; Psychology and Christian
+Evidences.
+
+For Registers, address the Rev. JOHN M. LEAVITT,
+D.D., President, Bethlehem, Penna.
+
+
+DRILLS, Jigging Machines, etc.
+Illustrated catalogues sent FREE
+Address AMES M'F'G CO., Chicopee, Mass.
+
+
+PHOSPHOR-BRONZE AND ITS APPLICATIONS.
+By ALEXANDER DICK. A series of valuable tests, showing the superiority
+of Phosphor-bronze over ordinary bronze. Old bronze and new compared.
+Phosphor-bronze under oft-repeated strains; also its adaptability to
+frictional purposes. Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT No. 79.
+Price 10 cents. To be had at this office and of all newsdealers.
+
+
+[Illustration: Advertisement H. W. JOHNS' PATENT ASBESTOS MATERIALS.]
+
+PAINTS, ROOFING, STEAM PIPE AND BOILER COVERINGS, STEAM PACKING,
+_Sheathings, Fire, Acid_, and _Waterproof Coatings, Cements_, etc.
+Send for Samples, Illustrated Catalogues, Price Lists, etc.
+
+87 MAIDEN LANE, NEW YORK.
+
+
+FIFTY SYRUP RECIPES, FOR HOUSEHOLD purposes, Mineral Waters, etc.,
+to wit: Simple Syrup, (2) Lemon Syrup, Mulberry Syrup, Vanilla Syrup,
+Vanilla Cream Syrup, (2) Cream Syrup, Ginger Syrup, Orange Syrup, (2)
+Pineapple Syrup, Nectar Syrup, Sherbet Syrup, Grape Syrup, Banana
+Syrup, (2) Coffee Syrup, Wild Cherry Syrup, Wintergreen Syrup, (2)
+Sarsaparilla Syrup, Maple Syrup, (2) Chocolate Syrup, Coffee Cream
+Syrup, Ambrosia Syrup, Hock and Claret Syrup, Solferino Syrup,
+Capsicum Syrup, Cherry Syrup, Strawberry Syrup, (2) Raspberry Syrup,
+Peach Syrup, Blackberry Syrup, Orgeat Syrup, Catawba Syrup, Milk Punch
+Syrup, Champagne Syrup, Sherry Cobbler Syrup, Excelsior Syrup, Fancy
+Syrup, Currant Syrup, Framboise Syrup, Maidenhair Syrup, Orange Flower
+Syrup, Cinnamon Syrup. How to make Syrups Frothy.
+
+Colognes for the Sick Room, by GEO. LEIS. With recipes for the
+production of preparations that serve as pleasing perfumes,
+deodorizers, and cosmetic lotions.
+
+All the above are contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT No. 77.
+Price 10 cents. To be had at this office and of all newsdealers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE "Scientific American" is printed with CHAS.
+ENEU JOHNSON & CO.'S INK. Tenth and Lombard
+Sts., Philadelphia, and 59 Gold St., New York.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+
+_x_ indicates italic script.
+
+Some archaic (Early American) spellings have been retained.
+
+
+Errata:
+
+Article 13 ("CALLIN AND WILSON'S PROCESS OF UTILIZING TIN SCRAP.'"):
+
+'thin' corrected to 'tin'
+"... the requisite quantity depending upon the thickness
+of the tin plate to be removed."
+
+Article NQ (39): 'put' corrected to 'but'
+"... but plenty of good soap and warm water,..."
+
+P. 16, Advert for 'ROOTS' FORCE BLAST BLOWER':
+
+"SPEED ONLY 100 TO ??0 REV. PER M. SAVES HALF THE POWER REQUIRED
+FOR FAN."
+
+figure obscured by address label:
+    ('Journal of Pharmacy X 145 S 10th st.').
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Scientific American, Vol. XXXVII.--No.
+2. [New Series.], July 14, 1877, by Various
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