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diff --git a/43282.txt b/43282.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 7645923..0000000 --- a/43282.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5679 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Scientific American, Vol. XXXIX.--No. 6. -[New Series.], August 10, 1878, 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. XXXIX.--No. 6. [New Series.], August 10, 1878 - -Author: Various - -Release Date: July 22, 2013 [EBook #43282] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, AUGUST 10, 1878 *** - - - - -Produced by Colin M. Kendall, Juliet Sutherland and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - -TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES - -Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=. - -The picture of a pointing finger, known in typography as an index, a -manicule, or a fist, has been rendered in this text version as "=>". - -Subscripts have been rendered using braces, so that the formula for -sulphuric acid is shown as "H{2}SO{4}", and the formula for water, if it -had appeared, would have been shown as "H{2}O". - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN] - - A WEEKLY JOURNAL OF PRACTICAL INFORMATION, ART, SCIENCE, MECHANICS, - CHEMISTRY, AND MANUFACTURES. - - Vol. XXXIX.--No. 6 NEW YORK, AUGUST 10, 1878 $3.20 per Annum. - [NEW SERIES.] [POSTAGE PREPAID.] - - - - - THE PARIS EXHIBITION.--A SKETCH IN THE PARK. - -Our engraving, which represents a portion of the park at the Paris -Exhibition grounds, needs little mention beyond that it is one of those -delightful retreats so refreshing to the weary visitor, who, tired out -with tramping about the buildings and grounds, is only too pleased to -refresh his eyes with some of that exquisite miniature water scenery -which is scattered about the grounds. We take our illustration from the -London _Graphic_. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Improvements in Silk Worm Breeding.= - -_Galignani_ states that a very curious discovery has just been made, -which, if found as practicable in application as it seems to promise, -may create a very considerable change in the production of silk. It is -nothing more nor less than the possibility of obtaining two yields in -the year of the raw material instead of one, as at present. The moth -lays its eggs in May or June, and these do not hatch before the spring -of the following year. But sometimes they are observed to hatch -spontaneously ten or twelve days after they are laid. It was such a -circumstance as this coming to the attention of M. Ducloux, Professor of -the Faculty of Sciences at Lyons, that led him to undertake a series of -experiments on the subject, by means of which he has found that this -premature hatching can be produced at will. The means for effecting the -object are very simple--rubbing the eggs with a hair brush, subjecting -them to the action of electricity, or more surely still by dipping them -for half a minute in concentrated sulphuric acid. M. Bolle, who has also -turned his attention to the same subject, states that the same effect is -produced by hydrochloric, nitric, or even acetic and tartaric acid. -Finally, a submersion of a few seconds in water heated to 50 deg. Cent. -(122 deg. Fah.) is equally efficacious. However, M. Ducloux states that the -operation must be performed while the eggs are quite young, the second -or third day at the outside. When this new hatching is accomplished the -mulberry tree is in its full vigor, and the weather so favorable that -the rearing of the worm is liable to much less risk than during the -early days of spring, when the sudden atmospheric changes are very -detrimental, and frequently fatal to the growing caterpillars. - - * * * * * - - - - - =The Natural History of the Eel.= - -According to the reports of shad fishermen, the chief enemy of the shad -is the eel, which not only follows that fish up the streams and devours -the spawn, but often attacks the shad after they are caught in the nets. -Entering the shad at the gill openings the eels suck out the spawn and -entrails, and leave the fish perfectly clean. The finest and fattest -shad are the ones selected. It is a curious circumstance that of a fish -so well known as the eel so many of its life habits should be in -dispute. An animated discussion has been going on in Germany quite -recently with regard to the natural history of this fish, and in a late -number of a scientific journal the following points are set down as -pretty well substantiated. Though a fresh water fish which passes the -greater part of its life in rivers, the eel spawns in the sea. That it -is viviparous is extremely improbable. The eel found in the upper waters -of rivers is almost always female. At the age of four years it goes down -to the sea to spawn and never returns to fresh water. The spawning -process is somehow dangerous to the eel, thousands being found dead near -the mouths of rivers, with their ovaries empty. The descent of the fish -to the sea does not appear to take place at any definite period, but is -probably dependent on the season for spawning. The male is always much -smaller than the female, and never exceeds half a yard in length. The -males never ascend to the head waters of rivers, but keep continually in -the sea or in the lower reaches of the river. Nothing is definitely -known about the spawning season, though it is probable that the eggs are -deposited in the sea not far from the mouths of rivers. - - * * * * * - - - - -[Illustration: THE PARIS EXHIBITION.--A SKETCH IN THE PARK.] - - * * * * * - - - - -[Illustration: "Scientific American." In Gothic script] - - Established 1845. - - MUNN & CO., Editors and Proprietors. - - PUBLISHED WEEKLY AT - - NO. 37 ARK ROW, NEW YORK. - ====================================================================== - O. D. MUNN. A. E. BEACH. - ====================================================================== - - =TERMS FOR THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN.= - - One copy, one year, postage included..........................$3.20 - One copy, six months, postage included........................$1.60 - -=Clubs.=--One extra copy of THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN will be supplied -gratis for every club of five subscribers at $3.20 each; additional -copies at same proportionate rate. Postage prepaid. - -=>Single copies of any desired number of the SUPPLEMENT sent to one -address on receipt of 10 cents. - - Remit by postal order. Address - MUNN & CO., 37 Park Row New York. - - =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. - -=Combined Rates.=--THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN and SUPPLEMENT will be sent -for one year, postage free, on receipt of _seven dollars_. Both papers -to one address or different addresses, as desired. - -The safest way to remit is by draft, postal order, or registered letter. - -Address MUNN & CO., 37 Park Row, N. Y. - - =Scientific American Export Edition.= - -The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Export Edition is a large and splendid -periodical, issued once a month. Each number contains about one hundred -large quarto pages, profusely illustrated, embracing: (1.) Most of the -plates and pages of the four preceding weekly issues of the SCIENTIFIC -AMERICAN, with its splendid engravings and valuable information; (2.) -Commercial, trade, and manufacturing announcements of leading houses. -Terms for Export Edition, $5.00 a year, sent prepaid to any part of the -world. Single copies 50 cents. =>Manufacturers and others who desire to -secure foreign trade may have large, and handsomely displayed -announcements published in this edition at a very moderate cost. - -The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Export Edition has a large guaranteed -circulation in all commercial places throughout the world. Address MUNN -& CO., 37 Park Row, New York. - ====================================================================== - VOL. XXXIX., No. 6. [NEW SERIES.] _Thirty-third Year._ - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - NEW YORK, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1878. - ====================================================================== - - - - - =Contents.= - - (Illustrated articles are marked with an asterisk.) - - American goods, excellence of 89 - Astronomical notes* 90 - Astronomical observation* 91 - Brass, recipe for cleaning [4] 91 - Cancer, treatment of 85 - Chloride of lime, to neutralize [6] 91 - Coal, distillation of* 85 - Discoveries, Prof. Marsh's recent 90 - Drawings, how to mount [19] 91 - Drawings, printing copies of [9] 91 - Edison telephone and Hughes' microphone 80 - Education, industrial 90 - Eel, natural history of the 79 - Electro-magnet, to construct [12] 91 - England, wages in 85 - Engraving, photographic 82 - Exhibition, American Institute 84 - Export edition, Scientific Amer. 80 - Fire, chemicals to extinguish [22] 91 - Flour, explosiveness of 87 - Gas, saw tempering by natural 87 - Germany, labor in 89 - Gold, how to melt [18] 91 - Hair, removing superfluous [1] 91 - Hughes, letter from Prof. 80 - Industrial enterprises, new 84 - Ink to rule faint lines [7] 91 - Inventions, new 86 - Inventions, new agricultural 86 - Inventions, new engineering 87 - Inventions, new mechanical 89 - Iron making, progress of 80 - Journalism, crooked 88 - Lathes, attachment for* 86 - Lemon verbena, new use for 89 - Life, minute forms of 85 - Lime light, how to make [14] 91 - Main joints, street 88 - Mormons, hint from the 86 - N. Y. Capitol, machinery for 87 - Paris Ex., Japanese Building* 87 - Paris Exhibition, the park* 79 - Patent law, our 84 - Pens, fountain 80 - Petroleum June review 90 - Petroleum oils as lubricators 89 - Petroleum, short history of 85 - Plants, etc., influence of light on 89 - Poisoning of a lake, remarkable 90 - Production, ill-balanced 89 - Production, more perfect 88 - Puddling, mechanical* 82 - Quick work 86 - Rainfall, decrease of N. Y. 86 - Rhinoceros Hornbill, the* 87 - Shad hatching, successful 88 - Shellac, to dissolve bleached [2] 91 - Shoes, dressing for ladies' [21] 91 - Silk worm breeding 79 - Substances, how to rate [3] 91 - Sun, the* 80, 81 - Teeth, replanting, etc. 84 - Telephone, science promoter 80 - Thermometer, new deep sea* 83 - Timber, ribs on surface of [17] 91 - Valve, new steam* 86 - Velocipede feat, extraordinary* 89 - Wires, copper finish to [24] 91 - Wood, to make sound boards [11] 91 - Wool product of the world 88 - $150,000,000 a year, trying to save 90 - - - - - TABLE OF CONTENTS OF - =THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT= - =No. 136,= - =For the Week ending August 10, 1878.= - - I. ENGINEERING AND MECHANICS.--The Manufacture of Wrought Iron Pipe. - Bending the Sheets. Welding the Tube. Manufacture of Gas Pipe. - Polishing and Smoothing. 4 figures. - - Improved Marine Engine Governor. 1 figure.--Improved Screw - Steering Apparatus. 3 figures.--West's Reversing Gear. 1 - figure.--Engineering in Peru. The Oroya Railroad over the summit - of the Andes. A remarkable engineering feat. The famous Cerro de - Pasco Silver Mines. Extensive Coal Fields. - - II. TECHNOLOGY.--Coal Ashes as a Civilizer. Grading. Coal Ashes as a - Fertilizer.--Utilization of the Waste Waters of Fulling Mills and - Woolen Works.--Suggestions in Decorative Art. Marquetry Ornaments - from Florence. 3 illustrations. - Useful Recipes. By J. W. PARKINSON. Cream cake. Kisses. Apples a - la Tongue. Mead. Bread without yeast. Biscuit. Doughnuts. Glaire - of Eggs. Crumpets. Ratafia de Framboises. Ratafia de Cerises. To - color sugar sand. Raspberry and currant paste. Cheese cake. - Cocoanut macaroons. Orange slices. Ice cream. Fruit juices. Lady - fingers. White bride cake. Scalloped clams. Iced souffle. Sugar - for crystal work. To restore the fragrance of oil of lemon. Family - bread. - - III. FRENCH INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION OF 1878.--Tobacco at the - Exhibition. Manufacture of snuff. The two processes of - fermentation. The grinding. The packing of the snuff. Manufacture - of chewing tobacco, etc. - New Cutting Apparatus for Reapers. 1 figure.--The Algerian - Court. 1 illustration.--The French Forest Pavilion. 1 - illustration. - - IV. CHEMISTRY AND METALLURGY.--A Reducing Agent.--Climbing - Salts.--Chloride of Lime.--Action of Watery Vapor.--The Active - Principles of Ergot.--Cadaveric Alkaloids. - Outlines of Chemistry. By HENRY M. MCINTIRE. - - V. ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING.--A Cottage Costing $150. By S. B. REED, - Architect. Plans for cheap summer residence for family of four - persons. Dimensions, construction, and estimate for all materials - and labor, with 6 figures.--Buildings in Glass. Improved method of - constructing conservatories, 2 figures.--Buildings and - Earthquakes. On structures in an earthquake country. By JOHN PERRY - and W. E. AYRTON, Japan. Also a new Seismometer for the - measurement of earthquakes. - - VI. NATURAL HISTORY, GEOLOGY, ETC.--Colors of Birds and - Insects.--Microscopy. Minute and low forms of life. Poisonous - Caterpillar. Sphaerosia Volvox. An Australian Polyzoon. - A Chinese Tornado. - - VII. MEDICINE AND HYGIENE.--Nervous Exhaustion. By GEORGE M. BEARD, - M.D. Symptoms continued. Mental depression with timidity; morbid - fear of special kinds; headaches; disturbances of the nerves and - organs of special sense; localized peripheral numbness and - hyperaesthesia; general and local chills and flashes of heat; local - spasms of the muscles. Suggestions and treatment. Electricity. - Application of cold; kind of food; exercise; medicines. - The Art of Preserving the Eyesight. V. From the French of Arthur - Chevalier. Presbyopy, or long sight. Symptoms. Causes. Artificial - light. Franklin's spectacles. Spectacles for artists. Hygiene for - long sight, and rules. Myopy, or short sight. Dilation of pupil, - and other symptoms of myopy. Glass not to be constantly used in - myopy. How to cure slight myopy. Choice of glasses. Colored - glasses for short sight. False or distant myopy, and glasses to be - used, 5 figures. - - VIII. MISCELLANEOUS.--The Repair of the Burned Models after the Patent - Office Fire of 1877. By GEORGE DUDLEY LAWSON. An interesting - description of the importance and difficulty of the work, and the - enterprise and care shown. Reconstructing complicated models from - miscellaneous fragments. - Verneuil, Winner of the Ascot Cup, 1 illustration. - -Price 10 cents. To be had at this office and of all newsdealers. - - * * * * * - - - - - =PROGRESS OF IRON MAKING.= - -The success of the Dank's puddling furnace fired with pulverized coal -seems to be no longer a matter of doubt in England. It is stated that -Messrs. Hopkins, Gilkes & Co., the well known iron makers of the North -of England, have succeeded in turning out from it from Cleveland pig -alone iron capable of bearing tests which Staffordshire iron has not yet -surpassed. The English iron manufacturers in their struggle with us are -wisely taking advantage of every improvement in their line to keep ahead -of us, and are likely to be successful unless our manufacturers arouse -from their fancied security. - -We are now underselling the English at home and abroad in many articles -of manufacture, because so much of our work is done by machinery, and is -consequently better and cheaper than can be produced by hand labor at -the lowest living rate of wages; but so soon as the English masters and -workmen shall fully appreciate this fact, the same machines run there -with cheaper labor will deprive us of our present advantages. - -Already we notice several instances in which the workmen, renouncing -their prejudices, have willingly consented to the substitution of -machine for hand work, and we doubt not that the success of these -innovations, conjoined with the pressure of the times, will ere long -create a complete revolution in the ideas of the British workmen, so -that instead of longer opposing they will demand the improved appliances -and facilities for work, converting them from rivals or opponents to -allies. Such a radical change is not necessarily far in the future, for -the logic of it has long been working in the brains of both masters and -men and may reasonably bear fruit at any time. We fear that when this -time arrives our makers of iron, especially, will wake up to the -consciousness that they have not kept up with the advance. - - * * * * * - - - - - =THE TELEPHONE AS A PROMOTER OF SCIENCE.= - -Every new thing, whether it be in the realm of mind or matter, has an -influence on whatever existed before, of a similar kind, to modify, -develop, and improve it, or to doom it to oblivion. Whatever is new -necessitates a better knowledge of the old, so that the world gains not -only by the acquirement of the new thing, but also by a better -understanding of things already known. - -A discovery, published, sets a thousand minds at work, and immediately -there is a host of experimentalists who, in their desire to make and try -the new thing for themselves, begin without a knowledge of the science -or art to which the discovery pertains, and inevitably fail. After -failure comes research, which to be of value must be extended. Every -investigator can recall the novelty that induced his first experiments, -and can recount his trials in his search for information. - -Among the inventions or discoveries that have induced extended -experiment, the telephone may, without doubt, be mentioned as the chief, -for no sooner was the first speaking telephone brought out than here and -there all over the country it was imitated. Persons who never had the -slightest knowledge of electrical science had a desire to see and test -the telephone. To do this first of all requires a degree of mechanical -skill. Acoustics must be understood, and a knowledge of the four -branches of electrical science is requisite, as the telephone involves -galvanism, magnetism, electrical resistance, induction, and many of the -nicer points which can be understood by investigation only, and this not -only in the direction indicated, but in the allied branches of physics -and also in chemistry. Familiarity with these things develops a -scientific taste that will not be easily satisfied. The characteristic -avidity with which the American people seize upon a novelty has been -wonderfully exemplified by the manner in which the telephone mania has -spread. In consequence of this science has received an impetus, and now -we have everywhere embryo electricians and experimentalists, where -before were only the unscientific. - - * * * * * - - - - - =LETTER FROM PROFESSOR HUGHES.= - -We print in another column a letter received from Mr. D. E. Hughes -concerning the distinction he finds between his microphone and Mr. -Edison's carbon telephone. Mr. Hughes is very confident that the two -inventions have nothing in common, and that they bear no resemblance to -each other in form, material, or principles. - -We would not question Mr. Hughes' sincerity in all this. No doubt he -honestly believes that the invention of Mr. Edison "represents no field -of discovery, and is restricted in its uses to telephony," whilst the -"microphone demonstrates and represents the whole field of nature." But -the fact of his believing this is only another proof that he utterly -fails to understand or appreciate the real scope and character of Mr. -Edison's work. - -To those familiar not only with Mr. Edison's telephone but with the long -line of experimental investigation that had to be gone through with -before he was able to control the excessive sensitiveness of the -elements of his original discovery, it is very clear that Mr. Hughes has -been working upon and over-estimating the importance of one phase, and -that a limited phase, of Mr. Edison's investigations. - -We propose shortly to review at length the evidence of Mr. Edison's -priority in the invention or discovery of all that the microphone -covers; this purely as a question of scientific interest. For the -personal elements of the controversy between Mr. Edison on the one side -and Messrs. Preece and Hughes on the other we care nothing. - - * * * * * - - - - - =THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN EXPORT EDITION.= - -The inquiry for American manufactured products and machinery abroad -seems to grow in volume and variety daily. And though, in comparison -with our capacity to produce, the foreign demand is yet small, its -possibilities are unlimited. To increase the demand the immediate -problem is to make known throughout the world in the most attractive -fashion possible the wide range of articles which America is prepared to -furnish, and which other nations have use for. As a medium for conveying -such intelligence the monthly export edition of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN -is unequaled. The table of contents of the second issue, to be found in -another column, will give an idea of the wide range and permanent as -well as timely interest of the matter it circulates. It is a magazine of -valuable information that will be preserved and repeatedly read. The -handsomely illustrated advertising pages supplement the text, and make -it at once the freshest, fullest, and most attractive periodical of the -sort in the world. An examination of the index of advertisers will show -how widely its advantages for reaching foreign buyers have been -appreciated by leading American houses. In the advertising page XXV. -appears a list of some eight hundred foreign commercial places in which -the circulation of the paper is guaranteed, as evidence that it reaches -those for whom such publications are intended. - - * * * * * - - - - - =FOUNTAIN PENS.= - -For several days we have had in use in our office examples of the -Mackinnon Fountain Pen, and find it to be a very serviceable and -effective instrument. This is a handsome looking pen, with a hollow -handle, in which a supply of ink is carried, and the fluid flows from -the point in the act of writing. The necessity of an inkstand is thus -avoided. One of the difficulties heretofore with pens of this character -has been to insure a free and certain delivery of the ink, and also to -bring the instrument within the compass and weight of an ordinary pen. -The inventor seems to have admirably succeeded in the example before us. -The ink flows with certainty, and there is no scratching as with the -ordinary pen; it writes with facility on either smooth or rough paper; -writes even more smoothly than a lead pencil; may be carried in the -pocket; is always ready for use; there is no spilling or blotting of -ink. The construction is simple, durable, and the action effective. One -filling lasts a week or more, according to the extent of use. These are -some of the qualities that our use of the pen so far has seemed to -demonstrate; and which made us think that whoever supplies himself with -a Mackinnon Pen will possess a good thing. The sole agency is at No. 21 -Park Row, New York city. - - * * * * * - - - - - =THE SUN.= - - BY S. P. LANGLEY, ALLEGHENY OBSERVATORY, PA.* - -When, with a powerful telescope, we return to the study of the sun's -surface, we meet a formidable difficulty which our first simple means -did not present. This arises from the nearly constant tremors of our own -atmosphere, through which we have to look. It is not that the tremor -does not exist with the smaller instrument, but now our higher -magnifying power exaggerates it, causes everything to appear unsteady -and blurry, however good the glass, and makes the same kind of trouble -for the eye which we should experience if we tried to read very fine -print across the top of a hot stove, whence columns of tremulous air -were rising. There is no remedy for this, unless it is assiduous -watching and infinite patience, for in almost every day there will come -one or more brief intervals, lasting sometimes minutes, sometimes only -seconds, during which the air seems momentarily tranquil. We must be on -the watch for hours, to seize these favorable moments, and, piecing -together what we have seen in them, in the course of time we obtain such -knowledge of the more curious features of the solar surface as we now -possess. - -The eye aches after gazing for a minute steadily at the full moon, and -the sun's light is from 300,000 to 600,000 times brighter than full moon -light, while its heat is in still greater proportion. The object lens of -such a telescope as the equatorial at Allegheny is 13 inches in -diameter, and it is such light, and such heat, concentrated by it, that -we have to gaze on. The best contrivance so far found for diminishing -both, and without which our present acquaintance with the real -appearance and character of sunspots would not have been gained, depends -upon a curious property of light, discovered by a French physicist, -Malus, in the beginning of this century. Let A (Fig. 10) be a piece of -plane unsilvered glass, receiving the solar rays and reflecting them to -a second similar one, B, which itself reflects them again in the -direction C. Of course, since the glass is transparent, most of the rays -will pass through A, and not be reflected. Of those which reach B again -most will pass through, so that not a hundredth part of the original -beam reaches C. This then, is so far a gain; but of itself of little -use, since, such is the solar brilliancy, that even this small fraction -would, to an eye at C, appear blindingly bright. Now, if we rotate B -about the line joining it with A, keeping always the same reflecting -angle with it, it might naturally be supposed that the light would -merely be reflected in a new direction unchanged in quantity. - -But according to the curious discovery of Malus this is not what -happens. What does happen is that the second glass, after being given a -quarter turn (though always kept at the same angle), seems to lose its -power of reflection almost altogether. The light which comes from it now -is diminished enormously, and yet nothing is distorted or displaced; -everything is seen correctly if enough light remains to see it by at -all, and the ray is said to have been "polarized by reflection." It -would be out of place to enter here on the cause of the phenomenon; the -fact is certain, and is a very precious one, for the astronomer can now -diminish the sun's light till it is bearable by the weakest eye, without -any distortion of what he is looking at, and without disturbing the -natural tints by colored glasses. In practice, a third and sometimes a -fourth reflector, each of a wedge shaped, optically plane piece of -unsilvered glass, are thus introduced, and by a simple rotation of the -last one the light is graded at pleasure, so that with such an -instrument, called "the polarizing eyepiece" (Fig. A), I have often -watched the sun's magnified image for four or five hours together with -no more distress to the eye than in reading a newspaper. - -With this, in favorable moments, we see that the sun's surface away from -the spots, everywhere, is made up of hundreds of thousands of small, -intensely brilliant bodies, that seem to be floating in a gray medium, -which, though itself no doubt very bright, appears dark by comparison. -What these little things are is still uncertain; whatever they are, they -are the immediate principal source of the sun's light and heat. To get -an idea of their size we must resort to some more delicate means of -measurement than we used in the case of the watch. The filar micrometer -consists essentially of two excessively fine strands of cobwebs (or, -rather, of spider's cocoon), called technically "wires," stretched -parallel to each other and placed just at the focus of the telescope. -Suppose one of them to be fixed and the second to be movable (keeping -always parallel to the first) by means of a screw, having perhaps one -hundred threads to the inch, and a large drum shaped head divided into -one hundred equal parts, so that moving this head by one division -carries the second "wire" 1/10000 part of an inch nearer to the first. -Motions smaller than this can clearly be registered, but it will be -evident that everything here really depends upon the accuracy of the -screw. The guide screw of the best lathe is a coarse piece of work by -comparison with "micrometer" screws as now constructed (especially those -for making the "gratings" to be described later), for recent uses of -them demand perhaps the most accurate workmanship of anything in -mechanics--the maker of one which will pass some lately invented tests -is entitled at any rate to call himself "a workman." - -[Illustration: Fig. 11] - -Since the "wires" are stretched precisely in the focus, where the -principal image of the sun is formed, and move in it, they, and the -features of the surface, form one picture, as magnified by the eye lens, -so that they appear as if moving about on the sun itself. We can first -set them far enough apart, for instance, to take in the whole of a spot, -and then by bringing them together measure its apparent diameter, in ten -thousandths of an inch. Then, measuring the diameter of the whole sun, -we have evidently the proportion that one bears to the other, and hence -the means of easily calculating the real size. A powerful piece of -clockwork, attached to the equatorial, keeps it slowly rotating on its -axis, at the same angular rate as that with which the sun moves in the -sky, so that any spot or other object there will seem to stay fixed with -relation to the "wires," if we choose, all day long. The picture of -"wires," spots, and all, may be projected on a screen if desired; and -Fig. 11 shows the field of view, with the micrometer wires lying across -a "spot," so seen on the 6th of March, 1873. Part of a cambric needle -with the end of a fine thread is represented also as being projected on -the screen along with the "wires" to give a better idea of the delicacy -of the latter. - -Now we may measure, if we please, the size of one of those bright -objects, which have just been spoken of as being countable by hundreds -of thousands. These "little things" are then seen to be really of -considerable size, measuring from one to three seconds of arc, so that -(a second of arc here being over 400 miles) the average surface of each -individual of these myriads is found to be considerably larger than -Great Britain. Near the edge of the disk, under favorable circumstances, -they appear to rise up through the obscuring atmosphere, which darkens -the limb, and gathered here and there in groups of hundreds, to form the -white cloudlike patches (_faculae_), which may sometimes be seen even -with a spy-glass--"something in the sun brighter than the sun itself," -to employ the expression by which Huyghens described them nearly two -hundred years ago. They are too minute and delicate objects to be -rendered at all in our engraving; but this is true also of much of the -detail to be seen at times in the spots themselves. The wood cuts make -no pretense to do more than give an outline of the more prominent -features, of which we are now about to speak. The wonderful beauty of -some of their details must be taken on trust, from the writer's -imperfect description of what no pencil has ever yet rendered and what -the photograph has not yet seized. - -[Illustration: Fig. A.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 10.] - -Bearing this in mind, let us now suppose that while using the polarizing -eyepiece on the part of the spot distinguished by the little circle, we -have one of those rare opportunities when we can, by the temporary -steadiness of our tremulous atmosphere, use the higher powers of the -telescope and magnify the little circle till it appears as in Fig. 12. -We have now nearly the same view as if we were brought close to the -surface of the sun, and suspended over this part of the spot. All the -faint outer shade, seen in the smaller views (the _penumbra_) is seen to -be made up of long white filaments, twisted into curious ropelike forms, -while the central part is like a great flame, ending in fiery spires. -Over these hang what look like clouds, such as we sometimes see in our -highest sky, but more transparent than the finest lace vail would be, -and having not the "fleecy" look of our clouds, but the appearance of -being filled with almost infinitely delicate threads of light. Perhaps -the best idea of what is so hard to describe, because so unlike anything -on earth, is got by supposing ourselves to look _through_ successive -vails of white lace, filled with flower-like patterns, at some great -body of white flame beyond, while between the spires of the flame and -separating it from the border are depths of shade passing into -blackness. With all this, there is something crystalline about the -appearance, which it is hard to render an idea of--frost-figures on a -window pane may help us as an image, though imperfect. In fact the -intense whiteness of everything is oddly suggestive of something very -cold, rather than very hot, as we know it really. I have had much the -same impression when looking into the open mouth of a puddling furnace -at the lumps of pure white iron, swimming half-melted in the grayer -fluid about them. Here, however, the temperature leaves nothing solid, -nothing liquid even; the iron and other metals of which we know these -spot-forms do in part at least consist are turned into vapor by the -inconceivable heat, and everything we are looking at consists probably -of clouds of such vapor; for it is fluctuating and changing from one -form into another while we look on. Forms as evanescent almost as those -of sunset clouds, and far more beautiful in everything but color, are -shifting before us, and here and there we see, or think we see, in the -sweep of their curves beyond, evidences of mighty whirlwinds (greater by -far than the largest terrestrial cyclone) at work. While we are looking, -and trying to make the most of every moment, our atmosphere grows -tremulous again, the shapes get confused, there is nothing left distinct -but such coarser features as our engraving shows, and the wonderful -sight is over. When we consider that this little portion of the spot we -have been looking at is larger than the North and South American -continents together, and that we could yet see its parts change from -minute to minute, it must be evident that the actual motion must have -been rapid almost beyond conception--a speed of from 20 to 50 miles a -_second_ being commonly observed and sometimes exceeded. (A cannon ball -moves less than 1/4 of a mile per second.) I have seen a portion of the -photosphere, or bright general surface of the sun, drawn into a spot, -much as any floating thing would be drawn into a whirlpool, and then, -though it occupied by measurement over 3,000,000 miles in area, -completely break up and change so as to be unrecognizable in less than -twenty minutes. - -When we come to discuss the subject of the sun's heat, we shall find -that the temperature of a blast furnace or of the oxyhydrogen blowpipe -is low compared with that which obtains all over such a vast region, and -remembering this, it is evident that its disappearance is a cataclysm of -which the most tremendous volcanic outburst here gives no conception. We -cannot, by any terrestrial comparison, describe it, for we have no -comparison for it in human experience. If we try to picture such an -effect on the earth, we may say in another's words that these solar -whirlwinds are such as, "coming down upon us from the north, would in -thirty seconds after they had crossed the St. Lawrence be in the Gulf of -Mexico, carrying with them the whole surface of the continent in a mass, -not simply of ruin, but of glowing vapor, in which the vapors arising -from the dissolution of the materials composing the cities of Boston, -New York, and Chicago would be mixed in a single indistinguishable -cloud." - -These vast cavities then in the sun we call spots are not solid things, -and not properly to be compared even to masses of slag or scoria -swimming on a molten surface. They are rather rents in that bright cloud -surface of the sun which we call the photosphere, and through which we -look down to lower regions. Their shape may be very rudely likened to a -funnel with sides at first slowly sloping (the _penumbra_), and then -suddenly going down into the central darkness (the _umbra_). This -central darkness has itself gradations of shade, and cloud forms may be -seen there obscurely glowing with a reddish tinge far down its depths, -but we never see to any solid bottom, and the hypothesis of a habitable -sun far within the hot surface, suggested by Sir William Herschel, is -now utterly abandoned. We are able now to explain in part that -mysterious feature in the sun's rotation before insisted on, for if the -sun be not a solid or a liquid, but a mass of glowing vapor, it is -evidently possible that one part of it may turn faster than another. -_Why_ it so turns, we repeat, no one knows, but the fact that it does is -now seen to bear the strongest testimony to the probable gaseous form of -the sun throughout its mass--at any rate, to the gaseous or vaporous -nature of everything we see. We must not forget, however, that under -such enormous temperature and pressure as prevail there the conditions -may be--in fact, must be--very different from any familiar to us here, -so that when we speak of "clouds," and use like expressions, we are to -be understood as implying rather an analogy than an exact resemblance. - -[Illustration: Fig. 12] - -We must expect, with the great advances photography has lately made, to -know more of this part of our subject (which we may call solar -meteorology) at the next spot maximum than ever before, and by that time -it may be hoped that some of the wonderful forms described above so -imperfectly will have been caught for us by the camera. - -* For parts 1 and 2 see SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN for July 20 and July 27. - - * * * * * - -IN the notice in our issue for July 27 of a new screw cutting lathe made -by Messrs. Goodnow & Wightman, the address should have been 176 -Washington street instead of 128, and the diameter of the tail spindle, -which was given as 5/16, should have been 15/16 inch. - - * * * * * - -THE Olympia (Wyoming Territory) _Standard_ announces that a company has -been formed there to bring ice from a glacier. The deposit covers a -number of acres, is seventy or eighty feet deep, and is supposed to -contain a hundred thousand or more tons, some of which may have been -there as many years. The ice can be cut and sold at one and one half -cents a pound, and by the ship load at five dollars a ton. - - * * * * * - - - - - =MECHANICAL PUDDLING IN SWEDEN.= - -The accompanying engravings, which we take from _Iron_, give plan and -section of the puddling apparatus invented by Mr. Oestlund, as used at -the Finspong Ironworks. The gas generator, A, is of the common Swedish -type, as used for charcoal. The tube, _k_, conducts the gases into the -refining pot, _a_. This pot has a lining of refinery slag, which is -melted, as the apparatus revolves, to get it to adhere to the sides. The -revolution of the pot, _a_, on its axis, _d_, is effected by the action -of the beveled wheels, _b_ and _b'_, and the pulley, _c_, which takes -from an iron chain the power given off by a turbine. The spindle, _d_, -is supported in the bearings, _e_ and _e', c_ carrying a pair of -trunnions which form the axis of oscillation, and allow the apparatus to -rise or fall, the whole of this mechanism being supported on the plummer -blocks, _f f_. One of the trunnions, _e''_, is prolonged so as to form -the axis of the beveled wheel, _b_, and the pulley, _c_, the latter -sliding along the trunnion so as to put _b_ in or out of gear. The bush, -_e_ is tied by means of the stay, _g'_ to the upper end of the toothed -segment, _g_, the lower extremity of which is connected with the second -bush at the end of the spindle. By means of the pinion, _h_, revolving -on standards, _i i_, and the segmental rack, _g_, the pot can be raised -or lowered without interfering with the action of the beveled wheels. - -[Illustration: APPARATUS FOR MECHANICAL PUDDLING.] - -The gas from the generator is brought to the mouth of the pot by the -tubes, _k_ and _m_. The air necessary for the combustion of the gas is -brought in by a tube, _l_, branching from the air main, _l''_. The air -tube, _l_, passes into the gas tube and is continued concentrically -within the latter. The gas and air tubes both have joints at _m'_ and -_m''_. By means of the bar, _n_, which has a counterpoise to keep the -moving parts in position, the tubes can be brought from or toward the -mouth of the pot, so as to make it free of access to the workman. With a -key fitting on the stem, _n'_, the tubes can be turned in _m'_, so as to -give the currents of gas and air a more or less oblique direction. To -screen the workmen from the heat of the pot a disk of iron, _o_, lined -with fire clay on the side next the pot, is fitted to the end of the -tubes. - -[Illustration: APPARATUS FOR MECHANICAL PUDDLING.] - -Before running the metal into the pot, the latter must be heated, to -such a degree that the slag lining is pasty or semi-fluid at its -surface. Generally an hour and a half will be spent in heating with gas -to this point. There should be sufficient live coal in the pot when the -gas is first let in to keep up its combustion; should it be extinguished -by excess of air or gas, it must be relit. As soon as the pot begins to -get red hot the full heat can be put on. - -The gas generator is tended in the usual way with the ordinary -precautions. To keep ashes and dust out of the gas tube, lumps of -charcoal are heaped up to the height of the top of the flue. The wind -pressure for the generator was 33 to 41 millimeters of mercury, that of -the wind for the combustion of the gas (at Finspong the blast is not -heated) being only 16-1/2 millimeters. The pressure of the gas in the tube -near the pot was 6.2 millimeters of mercury. The method of working, -viewed chemically, does not sensibly differ from puddling; although -giving as good, perhaps better, results at a much less cost. There are -three principal periods in the operation: 1. The period before boiling. -2. The boiling itself. 3. The end of the boiling, and the formation of -balls. When cast metal is poured into the pot a shovelful or two of -refinery slag is added. The temperature of the bath is thus brought -down; it thickens and boils, the pot revolving at the rate of 30 or 40 -revolutions a minute. The metal is worked with a rabble, either to cool -it or to get the slag to incorporate with it, as is done in puddling. -Note must be taken of the temperature of the melted metal and that of -the pot, at the moment of charging, the heat during working being -regulated accordingly by increasing or diminishing the inflow of air -and gas. When circumstances are favorable, boiling begins five minutes -after the metal is run into the pot, and it lasts about ten minutes. - -Boiling having begun, the batch swells, the iron forms, granulates, and -seems to cling to the rabble and the sides of the pot. The rotation of -the pot is continued, as well as the working, to separate out parts -which are not yet refined; but no more cold cinder is put in. While -boiling goes on the temperature is regulated so that the pig does not -cling to the side of the pot during a complete revolution, but so that -the particles next the side fall back into the bath when the side comes -uppermost in the revolution. The heat is raised a little when the iron -can be felt by the rabble to be completely refined, when shining lumps -make their appearance in the bath, and the iron begins to cling to the -walls. At the moment, therefore, that the temperature is brought to its -highest point, and the iron begins to agglutinate, the rotation of the -pot should be stopped, and either immediately, or after the delay of a -couple of minutes, it is removed. If the iron does not ball well, it is -not completely refined, and the pot may be started again. If the iron is -firm enough already, the isolated particles are exposed to the hottest -flame possible, the blast being carried to its maximum. The refining is -thus completely finished, and all the particles are agglomerated. The -mobility of the gas tube at _m''_ is of advantage in this operation. It -is sometimes useful to start the pot again to round up the puddled ball, -but it is best if this has been formed with the rabble. - -The iron from a charge of 75 kilos. of pig may be divided with advantage -into a couple of balls; a third may be made of the iron separated from -the walls of the pot. To get out the balls the pot is lowered, and the -workmen use tongs, pointed rabble, and hooked bar. If things have gone -well the balls ought to come out soft at a welding heat, filled with -cinder like puddled balls, but a little more resisting and solid under -the hammer. They are forged into bars, and these are at once passed to -the rolls. If nothing hinders the balling and shingling, these -operations will not consume more than fifteen minutes. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Photographic Engraving.= - -Scamoni's process is as follows: The original drawings are carefully -touched up, so that the whites are as pure and the blacks as intense as -possible, and then the negative is taken in the ordinary way, the plate -being backed in the camera with damp red blotting paper, to prevent -reflection from the camera or back of the plate. The negative is -developed in the ordinary manner, intensified by mercuric chloride, and -varnished. A positive picture is taken in the camera, the negative being -carefully screened from any light coming between it and the lens. This -is intensified by pyrogallic acid, and afterward washed with a pure -water to which a little ammonia has been added. It is then immersed in -mercuric chloride for half an hour, and again intensified with -pyrogallic acid. This is repeated several times. When the intensity of -the lines is considerable, the plate is well washed, treated with -potassium iodide, and finally with ammonia, the image successively -appearing yellow, green, brown, and then violet brown. The plate is then -thoroughly drained, and the image is treated successively with a -solution of platinic chloride, auric chloride, ferrous sulphate, and -finally by pyrogallic acid, which has the property of solidifying the -metallic deposits. The metallic relief thus obtained is dried over a -spirit lamp, and covered with an excessively thin varnish. This varnish, -which is evidently a special preparation, retains sufficient tackiness -to hold powdered graphite on its surface (the bronze powder now used may -be employed instead), which is dusted on in the usual manner. After -giving the plate a border of wax, it is placed in an electrotyping bath, -and a perfect facsimile in intaglio is obtained, from which prints may -be taken in a printing press. - - * * * * * - - - - - =A NEW DEEP SEA THERMOMETER.= - -Perhaps some of our readers may have seen a description of a form of -thermometer devised by MM. Negretti and Zambra for the purpose of -ascertaining the temperature of the ocean at great depths. This -consisted of a tube bent into the shape of a siphon, which when it had -reached the desired depth was made, by means of an ingenious -arrangement, to pour all the mercury found above a certain point near -the reservoir into the second arm of the siphon. This second arm, which, -like the other, was a capillary tube, carried a scale of divisions on -which might be read the temperature of the depths to which the -instrument had been lowered. This thermometer gave all the results that -might have been expected. The ship Challenger during its polar -expedition had on board a certain number of these instruments. The -report of Capt. G. S. Nares made to the English Admiralty describes all -the benefits that we may hope to reap from a serious study of the -temperature of the ocean at different depths, and not the least of these -are those that pertain to the fishery interest. Notwithstanding the good -results given by this instrument, its inventors have endeavored to -render it still more practical and more within the reach of all by -diminishing the cost of construction, and increasing its compactness. - -[Illustration: Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 NEW THERMOMETER FOR OBTAINING THE -TEMPERATURE OF THE OCEAN AT GREAT DEPTHS.] - -Fig. 1 represents the thermometer isolated from its case. It is an -ordinary thermometer furnished at A with a little device that M. -Negretti has already made use of in the construction of his larger -instrument, and which allows the liquid to run from the reservoir into -the capillary tube when the temperature rises, without letting it flow -back when it lowers, if moreover the precaution has been taken to -incline the tube slightly, reservoir upward. At B there is a bulge in -the tube in which a certain quantity of mercury may lodge; this bulge is -placed in such a way that the mercury resulting from the dilatation of -the reservoir may come to it and continue its ascension in the capillary -tube when the reservoir is down (the thermometer being vertical), but -cannot get out when the reservoir is upward. - -We should add that these thermometers are constructed so as to give the -variations of temperature within determined limits. - -The small reservoir, B, is indispensable to the well working of the -apparatus; for in seeking the temperature at a certain depth the -instrument may, on being drawn up, pass through warmer strata, and it is -necessary, therefore, to provide the reservoir with a means of diffusing -the small quantity of mercury resulting from this excess of temperature. -The tube has also a small bulge at its upper extremity at C. - -The thermometer is placed in a small wooden case having a double bottom -throughout its length. In this double bottom are placed a certain number -of lead balls that can run from one end of the case to the other, and of -sufficient weight to render the instrument buoyant in sea water. To use -the apparatus, one end of a cord is passed through a hole in the case -under the reservoir of the thermometer, and the other end is tied to the -sounding line at a certain distance from the lead (Fig. 2). While the -line is descending the thermometer will remain reservoir downward (Fig. -2); but when it is again drawn up the thermometer case will take the -position indicated in Fig. 3, and the column of mercury breaking at A -will fall into the capillary tube, the divisions of which, as will be -seen at Fig. 1, are reversed. - -As to the thermometer itself, it is important to protect it against the -pressure which becomes so considerable at great depths; to do this the -reservoir is surrounded by an envelope of thick glass about three -quarters full of mercury. The mercury serves to transmit the temperature -to the reservoir, and should the exterior envelope yield to the effects -of pressure, the reservoir proper would not be affected, the mercury not -exactly filling the annular part which surrounds it. - - * * * * * - - - - - =New Inventions.= - -George E. Palmer, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has patented an improved -Ironing Board, on which the garments may be held in stretched state -while being smoothed with the irons, and readily adjusted thereon to any -required degree of tension by a simple attachment. - -William B. Rutherford and Joel T. Hawkins, of Rockdale, Texas, have -patented an improved Bale Tie, which is formed of the plate provided -with a longitudinal groove and cross ribs or loops, and having -projections or keys to adapt it to receive and hold the notched ends of -the bale band. - -An improvement in Composition Pavements has been patented by John C. -Russell, of Kensington, Eng. This invention relates to the treatment of -peat and spent tan for the manufacture of an improved product or -material suitable for paving roads and other places and for roofing, -etc. The most important steps in making the composition consist in -drying bruised or finely ground peat or spent tan, heating the same _in -vacuo_ to degree of 150 deg. Fah., and adding sulphur and gas tar, gas -pitch, and stearine pitch in the proportions specified, then kneading -the mixture while heated and adding carbonate of lime and furnace slag. - -Louis Blanck, of New York city, has patented an improved Safety Brake or -attachment for locomotives and railroad cars, by which the entire train, -either by a collision with another train or by contact with any -obstruction, is first raised from the rails, and then moved in backward -direction for the distance of a few feet, so that all danger of accident -is avoided, and no other sensation than that of a slight rocking motion -exerted. The attachment is constructed so as to admit of being worked by -the engineer from the cab or the locomotive, or, if desired, from any -car of the train. - -An improved Evaporating Pan had been patented by Andrew D. Martin, of -Abbeville, La. This invention consists in a tapering sheet metal tank -having transverse partitions and longitudinal tapering flues that extend -through all of the partitions and terminate at the ends of the tank. - -Lloyd Arnold, of Galveston, Texas, has patented an improved Bale Tie, -which is formed of a block of iron, with a space or opening running -longitudinally through its breadth from one end nearly to the other, and -having the alternate edges of the two plates thus formed notched, the -notch of the lower plate being square and of a width equal to or a -little greater than the bale band, and the notch of the upper plate -being narrower at its bottom than the bale band, and with its sides -inclined and beveled to an edge, to adapt it to receive and hold the -bale band. - -An improved Tie for Letter Packages has been patented by John Mersellis, -of Knowersville, N. Y. The object of this invention is to provide a tie -by means of which letter packages may be quickly and securely fastened -or tied. It consists in a plate apertured to receive one end of the -string and also to receive the hook upon which the tie is hung when not -in use, and having a button and clasp spring for engaging the string in -the process of tying. - -Fred P. Hammond, of Aurora, Ill., has patented an improved Inking Pad, -which consists in a novel arrangement of layers of cloth or felt, -chamois skin, oiled silk, and printing roller composition, which enables -a clean impression of the stamp to be made. The pad retains the desired -rounded surface and proper degree of softness, and is easily manipulated -when necessary to replenish the supply of ink. - -William J. Clark and Thomas W. Roberts, of Coffeeville, Miss., have -patented an improved Trap for Catching Fish in streams, which will allow -the fish to be conveniently taken out without taking up the trap. - -John W. Cooper, of Salem, Ind., is the inventor of an improved Alcohol -Lamp for soldering and similar purposes; and it consists in a reservoir -pivoted in a supporting frame, and provided with two wick tubes, and an -extinguisher secured to a spring support, and capable of closing the -larger wick tube when it is in a vertical position. It has an -independent extinguisher for the smaller wick tube, and is provided with -a novel device for projecting the wick from the larger tube as it is -moved out of a vertical position. - -Benjamin Slater, of Attica, N. Y., has invented a simple and effective -device for Renovating Feathers by the combined action of steam and hot -air. It consists of a cylindrical receptacle, partly surrounded by a -steam jacket, and having a hot air box, a perforated bottom, a cover or -damper for the same, and an aperture in the top, to which is fitted a -perforated cover and a close cover. - -An improved Blind Fastening has been patented by George Runton and John -Runton, of Hoboken, N. J. This fastening is so constructed as to fasten -the blind or shutter automatically when swung open, and in such a way as -to prevent all rattling or shaking of the blind or shutter from the -action of the wind. - -David R. Nichols, of Alexandria Bay, N. Y., has patented an improved -Animal Trap, which is so constructed as to set itself after each animal -has been caught, and leave no trace of the trapped animal to frighten -away those that may come afterward. - -William A. Doherty, of Fall River, Mass., has patented an improved Loom -Shuttle Attachment, by which the weaving of bad cloth is prevented, and -in case any false shed is made by any irregularities in the warp, and -that part of the shed carried lower than usual, the attachment is -released and thrown over the spindle point, so as to render it -impossible to draw out the filling from the shuttle, and thus break it -and stop the loom. - -Jonas Bowman, of Somerset, O., has patented an improved Vehicle Spring, -which permits of dispensing with side bars, thus taking less space to -turn on, and by which the tilting and pitching motion usual with springs -as heretofore constructed is avoided. - -Hiram Unger, of Germantown, O., is the inventor of an improved Gate -Latch, which is so constructed that the gate cannot be opened -accidentally by being lifted or by rebounding of the catch or latch. - -Madison Calhoun, of Ocate, Ter. of New Mex., has patented an improved -Hame Fastening, which is not liable to become accidentally unfastened, -and is easily and quickly fastened and unfastened, even with cold or -gloved hands. - - * * * * * - -The Downer well at Corry, Pa., is now down over 1,300 feet, and an oil -bearing sand has been struck of about five feet thickness. - - * * * * * - - - - -[Illustration: "Communications.", in Gothic script.] - - - =Our Patent Law.= - -_To the Editor of the Scientific American_: - -While I cannot handle this subject with any master talent, nor afford to -devote the time which should be given to so important a subject before -expressing an opinion, yet I can less afford to keep quiet and allow -shrewd avarice to manipulate or titled ignorance to legislate my -property out of existence. "Property! There is no property in patents," -I often hear said. And how about the invention covered by a patent? Is -that property? A large majority of people may say no, and deny the -justice of a patent law. On the contrary, I, as an inventor, think an -invention is genuine property, and as such should be under the same -protection in common law as all other property, instead of requiring a -special law by which the people magnanimously grant me the privilege for -a short time of using what was never theirs, what they never knew of -until I brought it into existence. - -But what is real property, and by what title is it held? Mother earth, -from which we sprung, by which we exist, and to which we return, is, -without question, real estate. How is it obtained; how held? History -answers, By conquest, by subjugation. But these words, conquest and -subjugation, have a more significant meaning than the spoiling of one -people by another; they are the actual price of possession. He who, -toiling, subjugates the soil, is undoubted owner of its production, by -virtue of the highest blessing on record--"By the sweat of thy brow -shalt thou obtain bread." And this principle is so far acknowledged that -the laborer holds a lien on the product of his labor, even though the -property belongs to another. - -Mr. A has an unpromising piece of land on which he would like to raise -corn. He analyzes the soil, experiments upon it chemically, reads up on -the properties and components of corn, the effects of fertilizers and -acids upon the soil, and makes himself a fool and laughing-stock -generally among his neighbors because he steps out of the beaten track -by which they have succeeded in making the ground barren. He does not -have much success the first year, and is sympathizingly consoled with "I -told you so." But he perseveres and wins the reputation of being -"visionary" and "as stubborn as a mule." In the meantime he becomes more -familiar with his subject, sees more clearly the requirements of the -case, finds he must post himself more thoroughly in certain branches of -science in order to conduct his experiments, wrestles with this obstacle -and that, and finally discovers a fertilizer based on some natural law -of rotation, and produces a crop of corn never before equaled. Now his -neighbors come out with this very intelligent question, "How did you -happen to think of it?" And they further very condescendingly remark, -"That is a rousing crop; I guess I'll try the same thing myself. How did -you say you mixed the stuff?" This man is the true conqueror. He has -endured privation and scorn, fought obstacles, and in subduing them has -eliminated a new principle in agriculture that is an engine of power to -all generations. Shall his crops be his only reward? Shall they who -laughed him to scorn step into his reward without sharing the labor that -produced it? - -This is a simile for thousands of inventions, only that the inventor is -seldom situated to plant the corn on his own land and reap the harvest. -Then which of you will say that he has not a just lien on every man's -crop raised by his process for a per cent of the gains thereby? There is -a bill before Congress favoring a periodical taxation of patents under -the pretext of removing useless patents from the path of later -inventors. Let me show you how one inventor looks at that. My neighbor -has a vacant lot on which he is unable to build; but joined to mine it -would increase the value of my property vastly. Now can't you legislate -that old heap of rubbish into my possession somehow? Of course he is -waiting for the rise of property around him to sell his lot well; but -can't you make that appear unnatural, and that he is a dog in the -manger? It is also said that sharpers get control of old patents and lay -an embargo on legitimate business. I reply, first, no one could be -damaged by the owner of a patent unless he infringed that owner's right; -second, if he does infringe, it shows that said patent is valuable, -otherwise he need not infringe; and if valuable why should not he pay -for it? Mr. B, in the employ of Mr. C, watches the machine he uses, and -spends his leisure hours in working out an improvement, which he patents -and offers to C for sale; but as the invention is useless except as -attached to C's machine, he thinks B can't help himself, and adopts the -improvement without paying for it. When a few years have built up a -great industry, and C is rich from his spoils, B steps in with a few -friends at his back, incorporated especially to make C shell out. - -Of course this is bad and ought to be legislated against. If it were not -valuable C need not use it. It is not becoming to the Congress of a -great nation to spend its time in legislating worthless patents out of -existence. All such will die a natural death. And if there is sufficient -worth in any patent to claim your consideration, the inventor is -entitled to its price, whether he waits four years or fifteen for his -pay. - -I speak of myself, not as an individual, but as representing in this -letter a class, without whose achievements America, in her proud length -and breadth, could not to-day have been. For the last half of my past -life, over twenty years, I have been an inventor. Schooled in adversity, -accustomed to disappointment, sometimes successful, enjoying no -luxuries but the conquest of obstacles, and often forced to simple -pursuits to keep the pot boiling, yet I expect to spend the rest of my -life inventing, feeling strong in the school of experience, and hoping -for such prosperity as will enable me to work out some of the larger -problems in view. - -If those in power would really aid the inventor, let them increase his -facilities for information. Circulate the Patent Office _Gazette_ at one -dollar a year, a nominal subscription to insure _bona fide_ readers, and -pay the balance out of the Patent Office surplus now accumulated. This -both to educate and to save inventors from going over old ground, -bringing more talent up to the standard of to-day. Lessen rather than -increase Patent Office fees. Enable the Commissioner to give the -strictest possible examination on every application for a patent, that -when issued it shall bear a _bona fide_ value, by retaining the most -competent examiners at a salary adequate to keep them. Reduce the -cumbrous machinery of patent litigation to about this text, in two -headings: First, Is plaintiff the first inventor? Allow one month to -find that out. If not disproved in that time, allow it. Second, Does -defendant infringe? Allow one month to decide that. If not proven, -discharge the case, with cost to plaintiff. If proved, cost and damage -to be settled by defendant in thirty days. - -The ability of wealthy corporations to absorb with impunity the product -of all talent within their reach, and put off the day of reckoning until -plaintiff is swallowed in cost, is the greatest present discouragement -to inventors. Our patent law is now better than any amendment yet -proposed will leave it. If you must tinker over it, remember all laws -are for protection of the weak. The bulldog does not need law to take -the bone from the spaniel. Just in proportion as you damage the patent -law, you destroy the accomplishments and purpose of my life. Therefore I -have spoken; so could a thousand more. W. X. STEVENS. - East Brookfield, Mass. - - * * * * * - - - =The Edison Carbon Telephone and Hughes' Microphone.= - -_To the Editor of the Scientific American_: - -Mr. Edison finds a resemblance between his carbon telephone and my -microphone. - -I can find none whatever; the microphone in its numerous forms that I -have already made, and varied by many others since, is simply the -embodiment of a discovery I have made, in which I consider the -microphone as the first step to new and perhaps more wonderful -applications. - -I have proved that all bodies, solid, liquid, and gaseous, are in a -state of molecular agitation when under the influence of sonorous -vibrations; no matter if it is a piece of board, walls of a house, -street, fields or woods, sea or air, all are in this constant state of -vibration, which simply becomes more evident as the sonorous vibrations -are more powerful. This I have proved by the discovery that when two or -more electrical conducting bodies are placed in contact under very -slight constant pressure, resting on any body whatever, they will of -themselves transform a constant electrical current into an undulatory -current, representing in its exact form the vibrations of the matter on -which it reposes; it requires no complicated arrangement and no special -material, and to most experimenters the three simple iron nails that I -have described form the best and most sensitive microphone. But these -contact points would soon oxidize, so naturally I prefer some conducting -material which will not oxidize. - -Mr. Edison's carbon telephone represents the principle of the varying -pressure of a diaphragm or its equivalent on a button of carbon varying -the amount of electricity in accordance with this change of pressure; it -represents no field of discovery, and its uses are restricted to -telephony. - -The three nails I have spoken of will not only do all, and that far -better than Edison's carbon telephone in telephony, but has the power of -taking up sounds inaudible to human ears, and rendering them audible, in -fact a true microphone; besides it has the merit of demonstrating the -molecular action which is constantly occurring in all matter under the -influence of sonorous vibrations. - -Here we have certainly no resemblance in form, materials, or principles -to Mr. Edison's telephone. The carbon telephone represents a special -material in a special way to a special purpose. - -The microphone demonstrates and represents the whole field of nature; -the whole world of matter is suitable to act upon, and the whole of the -electrical conducting materials are suitable to its demonstrations. - -The one represents a patentable improvement; the other a discovery too -great and of too wide bearing for any one to be justified in holding it -by patent, and claiming as his own that which belongs to the world's -domain. - - London, July 2, 1878. D. E. HUGHES. - - * * * * * - - - - - =New Industrial Enterprises.= - -The increasing wealth of a nation, as well as the profitable and steady -employment of its capital and people, depends upon a continual increase -of the producing power. Whenever there are latent resources undeveloped -or opportunities for establishing the first foundation of an industry, -leading as it will to the originating of hundreds of auxiliary ones, an -unusual effort should be made to bring it into existence. If in the -power of individuals to accomplish, so much the better; if needing an -association with State or national influence, then this association -should be formed. It is incumbent upon individuals that they possess a -sufficient pride in the prosperity of the country to give every possible -attention and assistance to a careful practical demonstration of the -feasibility of all the new industrial enterprises which may be presented -with reasonable assurance of final success. - -Not in a great expenditure of money: influence is better than money, and -a potential interest in a new enterprise is often better than capital. -The industrial resources of the United States are by no means worked to -their full capacity. The people by no means make all they consume. The -finer articles of use, and requiring much labor and often the highest -skill, are imported from foreign nations. A premium of $10,000 offered -for an improved method in any known present process of production or -manufacture would be almost sure to be called for. - -While America exports $175,000,000 worth of raw cotton annually to be -worked up by other people, is it not possible to so increase the -manufacture in America as to keep the greater part of that raw material -and to export the cloth instead? Is it not practicable to establish -great numbers more of sugar estates in the same tropical climate? Is it -not practicable to lay the foundation of half a dozen beet sugar mills -in the country? To begin the weaving of linen goods, and to teach our -farmers that they may produce all the flax fiber as fast as required? To -start a ramie industry in a small way and teach the process to those who -will engage in it? - -Will not our silk men put a velvet industry into operation as a germ -from which a future industry may grow? And we might name a hundred other -lesser enterprises which have hardly name in this country, but every one -of which is needed and will add to the wealth of the people. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Replanting and Transplanting Teeth.= - -Dr. G. R. Thomas, of Detroit, in the current number of the _Dental -Cosmos_, states that this operation of "replanting" has become so common -with him, and the results so uniformly satisfactory, that he does not -hesitate to perform it on any tooth in the mouth, if the case demands -it; and he finds the cases that demand it, and the number that he -operates upon, continually multiplying. - -He makes it a point to examine the end of the roots of nearly all his -cases of abscessed teeth; and a record of more than 150 cases, with but -one loss (and that in the mouth of a man so timid that he utterly -refused to bear the pain which nearly always follows for a few minutes, -therefore necessitating re-extraction), convinces him that the operation -is not only practical, but decidedly beneficial to both patient and -operator. For one sitting is all that he has ever really found necessary -to the full and complete restoration of the case. - -In the present article, however, Dr. Thomas states that it is his object -not so much to speak of replanting as of transplanting, which he has -reason to believe is just as practical, so far as the mere re-attachment -is concerned, as is replanting. He details, in illustration, a case in -which he successfully performed the operation; inserting in the mouth of -a gentleman, who had lost a right superior cuspidate, a solid and -healthy tooth that he had removed from a lady's mouth four weeks -previously. He opened into canal and pulp chamber of the tooth, from the -apex of the root only; cut the end off one eighth of an inch (it being -that much too long), reduced the size somewhat in the center of the root -(it being a trifle larger than the root extracted), filled and placed it -in position. He states that the occlusion, shape, and color were -perfect, so much so that several dentists who saw the case were not able -to distinguish the transplanted tooth from the others. The two features -in the case that he calls particular attention to are: first, that -although the tooth had been in his office four weeks, there is to-day no -perceptible change in color; and second, that the re-attachment is as -perfect as though it had been transplanted or replanted the same day of -extraction. The operation was performed about three months ago. Dr. -Thomas knows of but two obstacles in the way of the perfect -practicability of "transplanting:" first, the difficulty of obtaining -the proper teeth at the proper time; and second, the possibility of -inoculation. The latter is the more formidable of the two, and, to -escape the ills that might follow, the greatest caution is necessary. -The first difficulty is more easily gotten over, for it is not necessary -that the tooth transplanted should correspond exactly in shape and size -to the one extracted; if it is too large, it may be carefully reduced; -or if too small, new osseous deposit will supply the deficiency. Neither -is it necessary, as we have seen, that the transplanted tooth should be -a freshly extracted one. - -As a demonstration of what modern dental surgery is capable of -performing Dr. Thomas' statements are very interesting; it is doubtful, -however, whether popular prejudice will allow this practice of -"transplanting" to become of much use. - - * * * * * - - - - - =American Institute Exhibition.= - -For forty-seven years the American Institute of New York has opened its -doors and invited American inventors and manufacturers to exhibit their -productions; and again this year it renews its invitation to all. To -such as wish to reach the capitalist and consumer, they must admit that -New York is the place. For details apply to the General Superintendent -by mail or otherwise. - - * * * * * - -On the 22d of June, cloud bursts occurred in the mountains northeast of -San Buenaventura, Cal., causing the Ventura river to pour down such a -volume of muddy water that the ocean was discolored for a distance of -six miles. - - * * * * * - - - - - =THE DISTILLATION OF COAL.= - -Bituminous coal, of which there are several varieties, is the best -suited for the production of coal gas. The Newcastle coal is principally -used in the manufacture of London gas. Scotch parrot coal produces a -superior gas, but the coke produced is of inferior quality. Boghead coal -is also used for gas making--in fact, every kind of coal, except -anthracite, may be used for this purpose. The bituminous shale produces -a very good gas, and it is used partly to supply the place of cannel or -parrot coal. As carbon and hydrogen, principally with oxygen, are the -elements from which gas is formed, most substances containing these -elements can be partially converted into gas. And gas has been made from -grease or kitchen waste, oil peat, rosin, and wood, besides coal. A ton -of Newcastle or caking coal yields about 9,000 cubic feet of gas, Scotch -coal about 11,000, English cannel about 10,000, and shale about 7,000, -with illuminating powers in the ratio of about 13, 25, 22, and 36 -respectively. The coal is put in retorts, _r_, commonly made of fire -clay and often of cast iron. These retorts are from 6 feet to 9 feet -long, and from 1 foot to 1 foot 8 inches in breadth. They are made like -the letter D, elliptical, cylindrical, or bean shaped. They are built -into an arched oven, and heated by furnaces, _f_, beneath. One, three, -five, seven, or more are built in the same oven. The mouthpieces are of -cast iron, and project outward from the oven, so as to allow ascension -pipes, _a p_, to be fixed, to convey the gas generated from the coal to -the hydraulic main, _h m_. After the coal has been introduced into the -retorts, their mouths are closed with lids luted round the edges with -clay, and kept tight by a screw. The retorts are kept at a bright red -heat. If the temperature be too low, less gas and more tar are produced, -less residue being left; while, should the temperature be too high, the -product is more volatile, more residue remaining. And should the gas -remain for any length of time in contact with the highly heated retort, -it is partially decomposed, carbon being deposited, thereby lessening -the illuminating power, and choking up the retort, and more carbon -disulphide is produced at a high temperature. The object is to maintain -a medium temperature, in order to obtain a better gas having the -greatest illuminating power. In about four or five hours the coal in the -retort will have given off all its gas. The mouth of the retort is -opened, and the coke is raked out into large iron vessels, and -extinguished by water. A fresh charge is immediately introduced by means -of a long scoop in the cherry-red retort, and the door luted to. The -ascension pipes, which convey the gas from the retorts, pass straight up -for a few feet, then turn round, forming an arch, then pass downward -into the hydraulic main, beneath the level of the liquid contained in -it, and bubble up through the liquid into the upper portion of the main. -On commencing the main is half filled with water, but after working some -time, this water is displaced by the fluid products of distillation. In -this way, the opening into each retort is closed, so that a charge can -be withdrawn and replaced without interfering with the action of the -other retorts and pipes. The liquid tar, ammoniacal water, and gas pass -from the end, _e_, of the hydraulic main, down through the pipe, P, and -the liquid falls down into the tar well, T W, while the crude gas goes -on into the chest, C, partially filled with the liquid, so that the -plates, _p p_, from the top dip into it to within a few inches of the -bottom. These dip plates are placed in the chest, so as to separate the -openings into each pair of condensing pipes, _c c_, so that the gas -passing into the chest finds no exit except up _c_{1}, and down -_c_{2}; and there being no dip plate between _c_{2} and _c_{3} it -passes up _c_{3}, and down _c_{4}, and as there is no dip plate to -prevent its progress, it passes up _c_{5}, and down _c_{6}, into the -lime or iron purifiers, L I. The condensers are kept cool by exposure to -the atmosphere, and are often cooled by a stream of water from a tank -above. The gas cools quickly, and liquids passing along with the gas in -a state of vapor are condensed and fall into the chest, and pass by an -overflow pipe into the tar well. The purifier is a cast iron vessel, L -I, containing a number of perforated shelves, _s_{1} _s_{1} _s_{1}, -on which slaked lime, to the depth of about 4 inches, or much greater -thickness of iron oxide and sawdust, is placed. The gas passes up -through the shelves, _s s s_, and down through the shelves, _s_{1} -_s_{1} _s_{1}, through the pipe, G, into the gas holder, and from -thence through the pipe, M, to the main pipe. The lime abstracts -carbonic anhydride, sulphureted hydrogen, cyanogen, naphthalin, and a -portion of the ammonia, but not carbon disulphide, which latter may be -absorbed by passing the gas through a solution of sodic hydrate and -plumbic oxide, mixed with sawdust. Gas containing CS{2}, on burning, -produces H{2}SO{4}, which injures books and furniture in rooms. -However, the quantity of CS{2} in gas is generally so minute as to be -practically uninjurious. By a proper regulation of the temperature -during distillation, the quantity produced is infinitesimal. When the -lime is saturated it is removed, and fresh supplied; but the iron, after -use, can be reconverted into oxide by exposure to the atmosphere, and -used repeatedly. When iron is used a separate lime purifier is necessary -to remove carbonic anhydride. The last traces of ammonia are removed -before passing to the gas holder, by passing the gas through dilute -sulphuric acid, or up through the interior of a tower having perforated -shelves covered with coke in small pieces, through which a constant -supply of fresh water percolates. This washing removes some of the more -condensable hydrocarbons, and lessens the illuminating power of the gas. -Before the gas passes from the condensers into the purifiers, it passes -through a kind of pump, termed an exhauster, driven by steam power. This -action relieves the retorts from the pressure of the gas passing through -the hydraulic main, etc. It diminishes the deposit of graphite in the -retorts, and lessens leakage in them, should there be any flaws. It also -has the beneficial effect of producing a gas of a higher illuminating -power, since the relief of pressure in the retorts produces a more -favorable condition of combustion. - -[Illustration: THE DISTILLATION OF COAL.] - -The following are some of the bodies produced in the manufacture of gas, -namely, acetylene, _g_, the carbonate, _s_, chloride, _s_, cyanide, _s_, -sulphide, _s_, and sulphate, _s_, of ammonium; aniline, _t_, anthracene, -_s_, benzine, _l_, carbonic oxide, _g_, carbonic anhydride, _g_, -carbonic disulphide, _l_, chrysene, _s_, cumene, _l_, cymene, _l_, -ethylene, _g_, hydrogen, _g_, leucoline, _l_, methyl-hydride, _g_, -naphthaline, _s_, nitrogen, _g_, paraffine, _s_, phenylic alcohol, _l_, -picoline, _l_, propene, _g_, quartene, _g_, sulphureted hydrogen, _g_, -toluene, _l_, water, _l_, xylene, _l_, etc. - -The most of the above solid and liquid substances, with the letters _s_ -and _l_ written after, are removed by cooling the gas in the condensers, -and the gaseous substances marked _g_, that are injurious in the -consumption of the gas, are removed by purification. The impurities in -the gas may consist of ammonic carbonate and sulphide, carbonic -anhydride and disulphide, nitrogen, oxygen, sulphureted hydrogen, and -water in the form of vapor; and acetylene, ethylene, and the vapors of -the acetylene, ethylene, and phenylene series of hydrocarbons are the -illuminating ingredients diluted with carbonic oxide, hydrogen, and -methyl-hydride. The approximate percentage composition of coal gas is: -H, 45.6; Me, 34.8; CO, 6.5; C{2}H{4}, 4; CO{2}, 3.6; N, 2.4; -C{4}H{8}, 2.3; SH{2}, 0.3, etc.--_Hugh Clements in English Mechanic._ - - * * * * * - - - - - =A Short History of Petroleum.= - -The _Lumberman's Gazette_ gives the following short history of -petroleum: The production of petroleum as an article of trade dates from -the 28th of August, 1859, when Colonel Drake, in a well 69-1/2 feet -deep, "struck oil," and coined a phrase that will last as long as the -English language. From that beginning it has increased to an annual -production of 14,500,000 barrels of crude oil. The first export was in -1861, of 27,000 barrels, valued at $1,000,000, and the export of -petroleum in the year 1877 was, in round numbers, $62,000,000. The -annual product of petroleum to-day--crude and refined--is greater in -value than the entire production of iron, and is more than double that -of the anthracite coal of the State of Pennsylvania, and exceeds the -gold and silver product of the whole country. As an article of export it -is fourth, and contests closely for the third rank. Our leading exports -are relatively as follows: Cotton annually from $175,000,000 to -$227,000,000; flour from $69,000,000 to $130,000,000; pork and its -products (bacon, ham and lard) from $57,000,000 to $82,000,000; and -petroleum from $48,000,000 to $62,000,000. The total export of petroleum -from 1861 to and including 1877 (16 years) has been $442,698,968, custom -house valuation. From the best sources of information there are at this -time 10,000 oil wells, producing and drilling, which, at a cost of -$5,000 per well, would make an investment of $50,000,000 in this branch -of the business. Tankage now existing of a capacity of 6,000,000 barrels -cost $2,000,000, and $7,000,000 has been invested in about 2,000 miles -of pipe lines connected with the wells. The entire investment for the -existing oil production, including purchase money of territory, is -something over $100,000,000, which amount cannot be lessened much, if -any, for as wells cease to produce new ones have been constantly drilled -to take their place. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Minute Forms of Life.= - -The Rev. W. H. Dallinger lately delivered a lecture at the Royal -Institution, descriptive of the recent researches of Dr. Drysdale and -himself. The object of the lecture was mainly to explain the method of -research which had been employed. The first essays of the opticians to -produce "high powers" were, as might be expected, feeble. These powers -amplified, but did not analyze; hence it began to be questioned whether -"one could see more really with a high power than with a moderate one." -And this was true at the time. But it is not so now. The optician has -risen to the emergency, and provided us with powers of great magnifying -capacity which carry an equivalent capacity for analysis. They open up -structure in a wonderful way when rightly used. The lecturer began by -projecting upon the screen the magnified image of a wasp's sting--an -object about the 1-20th of an inch in natural size--and beside it was -placed a piece of the point of a cambric sewing needle of the same -length, magnified to the same extent. The details of the sting were very -delicate and refined, but the minute needle point became riven and torn -and blunt under the powerful analysis of the lens, showing what the -lecturer meant by "magnifying power;" not mere enlargement, but the -bringing out of details infinitely beyond us save through the well made -lens. This was further illustrated by means of the delicate structure of -the _Radiolaria_, and still further by means of a rarely delicate valve -of the diatom known as _N. rhomboides_. With a magnification of 600 -diameters no structure of any kind was visible; but by gradually using -1,200, 1,800, and 2,400 diameters, it was made manifest how the ultimate -structure of this organic atom displayed itself. - -But this power of analysis was carried still further by means of the -minutest known organic form, _Bacterium termo_. The lecturer had, in -connection with Dr. Drysdale, discovered that the movements of this -marvelously minute living thing were effected by means of a pair of fine -fibers or "flagella." These were so delicate as to be invisible to -everything but the most powerful and specially constructed lenses and -the most delicate retinas. But since this discovery, Dr. Koch, of -Germany, had actually photographed the flagella of much larger bacteria, -such as _Bacillus subtilis_, and expressed his conviction that the whole -group was flagellate. Mr. Dallinger determined then to try to measure -the diameter of this minute _flagellum_ of _B. termo_ that the real -power of magnification in our present lenses might be tested. This was a -most difficult task, but 200 measurements were made with four different -lenses, and the results were for the mean of the first 50 measurements -0.00000489208; for the second, 0.00000488673; for the third, -0.00000488024; for the fourth, 0.00000488200, giving a mean value for -the whole, expressed in vulgar fractions, of the 1/204700 of an inch as -the diameter of the flagellum of _B. termo_. - -With such power of analysis it was manifest that immense results might -be expected from a good use of the "highest powers." The proper method -of using them was next dwelt on, and then the apparatus was described, -by means of which a drop of fluid containing any organism that was being -studied might be prevented from evaporating while under the scrutiny of -the most powerful lenses, and for an indefinite length of time. The -importance of studying such organisms in this way--by continuous -observation--was then plainly shown, some of the peculiar inferences of -Dr. Bastian, as to the transmutation of bacteria into monads, and monads -into amoebae, etc., being explained by discontinuity of observation. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Wages in England.= - -Consul General Badeau reports that during the past five years wages have -increased gradually about 10 per cent, while the cost of living has -increased about 25 per cent. Clothing is about 30 per cent higher, while -fuel has not risen in price. Agricultural laborers get from $2 to $3 per -week, including beer; building laborers and gardeners from $4.40 to -$5.10 per week; bricklayers, carpenters, masons, and engineers from -$6.80 to $11 per week; cabinetmakers, printers, and jewelers from $8 to -$12.30 per week, although the best marble masons and jewelers receive -$14.75. Bootmakers and tailors get from $4.86 to $7.65 per week, and -bakers from $4.65 to $7.25, with partial board. Women servants are paid -from $70 to $240 per annum. Railway porters and laborers on public works -get from $4.45 to $12 per week. Rents have risen some 30 per cent, and -are, for artisans in London, from $1.20 to $2.40 per week for one or two -rooms. - - * * * * * - - - - - =The Treatment of Cancer by Pressure.= - -M. Bouchut has recently introduced to the notice of the members of the -Academie des Sciences a cuirasse of vulcanized caoutchouc, which he has -used with success for the treatment of cancerous and other tumors of the -breast. In this country there has been much division of opinion upon the -utility of pressure in the treatment of cancer, some surgeons regarding -it as harmful, or but rarely useful, others attributing to it great -retardation of the rapidity of growth of the tumor, or even cure. The -surgeons of Middlesex Hospital studied it systematically some years ago, -and gave an unfavorable report. The theory of the plan is certainly -good: a neoplasia, like a healthy tissue, is dependent upon its blood -supply for vitality and growth, and complete anaemia causes the death of -a tumor, as it does of a patch of brain substance. It will be remembered -that Mr. Haward last year related at the Clinical Society a case in -point. He ligatured the left lingual artery for a recurrent epithelioma -of the tongue; the tumor sloughed away, and a fortnight before the -patient's death from blood poisoning the tongue was quite healed. In -just the same way ischaemia will impair the vitality and so lessen the -growth of a tumor. The difficulty is rather in the practical application -of this theory. The knowledge that we now possess of the mode of growth -of cancers gives us at least one important indication. If we have to -deal with a neoplasia that grows at the periphery by gradual -infiltration of the surrounding tissues, it is plain that, for pressure -to be useful, it must be applied around the tumor rather than over it, -where, by compressing and obstructing the capillaries, it would cause -overfullness of those at the circumference. It is the periphery of a -cancer that is its active part, and we must, therefore, produce ischaemia -around and not in the tumor. In the application of the treatment this -must be obtained by the careful adjustment of elastic pads or cotton -wool, and as the whole success of the plan depends upon the skill with -which this is done, too much attention cannot be given to it. We cannot -regard pressure as a substitute for removal of a cancer; but in the -frequent cases where this is impracticable it appears to be the best -substitute at present open to the surgeon. M. Bouchut's cuirasse would -seem to be an improvement upon the spring pads and other appliances in -use in this country.--_Lancet._ - - * * * * * - - - - - =NEW CUTTING AND BORING ATTACHMENT FOR LATHES.= - -Our engraving represents a useful little machine which is intended for -attachment to lathes. Although it is exceedingly simple it is capable of -performing a great variety of work. - -The machine is used in two ways, either by attachment to a rigid -support, as shown in Fig. 1, or by suspending it by a belt, so that it -is capable of universal motion, as shown in Fig. 2. - -The supporting frame, A, has three boxes for the spindle, B, and on the -shaft at one side of the middle box there are planing knives, C, on the -opposite side there is a balance wheel, and a pulley for receiving the -driving belt. The spindle, B, extends beyond the ends of the frame, A, -and has at each end a socket for receiving interchangeable cutting and -boring tools. One end of the spindle is externally threaded to receive a -face plate, to which may be attached a disk of wood for receiving -sandpaper for smoothing and polishing wood or metal. - -The frame, A, is held to its work by means of handles, A', and the -spindle is driven by a round belt that passes over a suspended pulley, -E, and also over the pulley on the lathe mandrel. - -The entire attachment is balanced by a weight, F, attached to a cord -that passes over a fixed pulley, F', to the pulley, E, to which it is -secured by a swivel hook that permits of turning the belt in any -direction. The belt is guided by small pulleys, H, so that the device -may be turned without running the belt from the pulley on the spindle. - -Guides, G, are attached to the frame, A, for guiding the material being -operated upon by the planing knives. The frame, A, may be supported by -attachment to an arm, I, at the lower end of the screw-acted follower, -J, which slides in a rigid support, K. The arm, I, has a notched disk -which is engaged by a spring detent which holds the frame at any desired -inclination. - -Among the kinds of work that may be done on this machine may be -mentioned shaping and edging, fluting and beading table legs, balusters, -etc.; dovetailing, boring, carving, paneling, shaping or friezing -mouldings, scroll or fret work, inlaying and engraving, blind stile -mortising and blind slat planing. By changing the inclination of the -spindle different varieties of mouldings may be produced by the same -cutter. - -The machine may be used as an emery grinder, and it may also be used for -drilling and shaping metals. For further information address Mathew -Rice, Augusta, Ga. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Decrease of the New York Rainfall.= - -In his report for 1876, Director Draper, of the New York Meteorological -Observatory in Central Park, showed that a careful examination of the -records in his office proved that there had been, in late years, a -change in the rainfall of New York and its vicinity, affecting seriously -its water supply. The decrease had been steady since 1869, previous to -which there had been an increase. In his report for 1877, Mr. Draper -discusses the question whether the change continues, or is likely to -continue, in the same direction, and comes to the conclusion that the -rainfall of New York will, most probably, continue to decrease by -fluctuations for several years to come; also, that the variations are -very nearly the same in the two portions of the year, the division date -being July 1. - - * * * * * - - - - - =NEW STEAM VALVE.= - -The improved valve shown partly in section in the engraving is designed -for removing the water of condensation from steam pipes, so that dry -steam may be furnished. - -[Illustration: SAUNDERS' STEAM VALVE.] - -In the engraving, the globe valve, A, is of the usual form, except that -the casing below the valve seat is enlarged, forming a pocket, B, which -communicates through an aperture at the bottom with a small valve, C. - -The steam, in passing through the valve, fills the pocket and there -deposits any water that may have condensed from the steam in its passage -through the steam pipe. The increased depth of the lower portion of the -valve prevents siphoning, which takes place in valves of the ordinary -form. The valve, C, is kept slightly open to discharge the water at the -moment it collects in the pocket; the water is thus prevented from -passing onward to the engine or other point of use. - -[Illustration: =CUTTING AND BORING ATTACHMENT FOR LATHES.=] - -This valve affords a ready means of supplying dry steam to sulphuric -acid chambers. We are informed that by its use a chamber in ordinary -working order will produce acid 3 deg. to 5 deg. Baume stronger than can be -obtained with ordinary globe valves. Thirty steam pipes, arranged at -different points, are found to deliver into a chamber in the space of -five minutes from 4 to 16 ounces of condense water (according to the -circumstances of distance, temperature of the air, size of pipe, etc.). -These valves, being placed close to the chamber separating all the -condense water, deliver with certainty uniformly dry steam, without the -inconvenience of ordinary steam traps or other expensive appliances. - -This valve was patented through the Scientific American Patent Agency, -May 21, 1878. For further particulars address Mr. Joseph Saunders, 975 -Third avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. - - * * * * * - - - - - =A Hint from the Mormons.= - -Ex-Governor Hendricks, in a recent industrial address, alluded to the -highly prosperous condition of the Mormons as existing previous to the -influx of the Gentiles into Utah, saying that "to the fact that they -produced all they consumed I attribute their wonderful prosperity." This -remark, associated with the prosperity of other communities in different -parts of the country, would suggest the query of "Why the principle -cannot be more largely applied to the whole nation?" Certainly the -resources of the whole country would indicate a much greater diversity -of production, and if there was the same regard for a uniform building -up of our industrial system there would seem to be need of but little -importation, certainly of goods which can be readily made, and which our -people need the labor to produce. - - * * * * * - - - - - =New Agricultural Inventions.= - -Joseph George, of Springfield, Greene Co., Mo., has patented an improved -form of Cultivator or Shovel Plow, designed to be convertible into -either a single, double, or triple shovel plow as occasion may require. -It consists in two detachable clamping plates, which hold the plow -beams, and their arrangement with respect to the said beams and the -handles of the plow, whereby a single bolt is made to secure the forward -ends of the handles and clamp the plates to hold the plow beams in -place. - -Russel O. Bean, of Macedonia, Miss., is the inventor of an improved Seed -Planter for planting cotton and other seeds, and for distributing -fertilizers. The details of the construction of this planter cannot be -explained without engravings. - -Rutus Sarlls and Alexander Kelman, of Navasota, Texas, have invented an -improved combined Planter, Cultivator, and Cotton Chopper, which may be -readily adjusted for use in planting seed, cultivating plants, and -chopping cotton to a stand, and is effective and reliable in operation -in either capacity. - -William H. Akens, of Penn Line, Pa., is the inventor of an improved -Dropper, for attachment to the finger bar of a reaper, to receive the -grain and deliver it in gavels at the side of the machine, so as to be -out of the way when making the next round. It is so constructed that -when attached to the finger bar of a mower it will convert it into a -harvester. - -James Goodheart, of Matawan, N. J., has devised an improved machine for -Distributing Poison upon potato plants to destroy the potato bug. It may -also be used for sowing seeds. - -William V. McConnell and Charles M. Dickerson, of Crockett, Texas, have -invented an improved Fruit Picker, having cup-shaped self-opening spring -jaws attached to its handle, and operated by a cord to close upon and -clamp the fruit. It also has a hollow extensible adjustable handle and a -fruit receiver. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Quick Work.= - -Two years ago a farmer-miller and his wife, at Carrolton, Mo., furnished -some invited guests with bread baked in eight and a quarter minutes from -the time the wheat was standing in the field. This year it was -determined to make still better time. Accordingly elaborate preparations -were made to reap, thrash, grind, and bake the grain with the least -possible loss of time. - -In 1 minute 15 seconds the wheat, about a peck, was cut and thrashed, -and put on the back of a swift horse to be carried to the mill, 16 rods -away. In 2 minutes 17 seconds the flour was delivered to Mrs. Lawton, -and in 3m. 55s. from the starting of the reaper the first griddle cake -was done. In 4 minutes 37 seconds from the starting of the reaper, a pan -of biscuits was delivered to the assembled guests. - -After that, according to the Carrolton _Democrat_, other pans of -delicious "one minute" biscuits were baked more at leisure, and eagerly -devoured, with the usual accompaniment of boiled ham and speech making. - - * * * * * - - - - - =THE RHINOCEROS HORNBILL.= - -[Illustration: =THE RHINOCEROS HORNBILL.=] - -There are many strange and wonderful forms among the feathered tribes; -but there are, perhaps, none which more astonish the beholder who sees -them for the first time than the group of birds known by the name of -hornbills. They are all distinguished by a very large beak, to which is -added a singular helmet-like appendage, equaling in size the beak itself -in some species, while in others it is so small as to attract but little -notice. On account of the enormous size of the beak and helmet, the bird -appears to be overweighted by the mass of horny substance which it has -to carry, but on closer investigation the whole structure is found to be -singularly light and yet very strong, the whole interior being composed -of numerous honeycombed cells with very thin walls and wide spaces, the -walls being so arranged as to give very great strength when the bill is -used for biting, and with a very slight expenditure of material. - -The greatest development of beak and helmet is found in the rhinoceros -hornbill, although there are many others which have these appendages of -great size. The beak varies greatly in proportion to the age of the -individual, the helmet being almost imperceptible when it is first -hatched, and the bill not very striking in dimensions. The beak gains in -size as the bird gains in strength. In the adult the helmet and beak -attain their full proportions. It is said that a wrinkle is added every -year to the number of the furrows found on the bill. The object of the -helmet is obscure, but the probability is that it may aid the bird in -producing the loud roaring cry for which it is so celebrated. The -hornbill is lively and active, leaping from bough to bough with great -lightness, and appearing not to be in the least incommoded by its huge -beak. Its flight is laborious, and when in the air the bird has a habit -of clattering its great mandibles together, which together with the -noise of the wings produces a weird sound. The food of the hornbill -seems to consist of both animal and vegetable matters. We take our -illustration from Wood's "Natural History." - - * * * * * - - - - - =Saw Tempering by Natural Gas.= - -Beaver Falls, Pa., contains several gas wells at an average depth of -eleven hundred feet, yielding about 100,000 cubic feet of gas every -twenty-four hours. This gas has been introduced into a large saw -tempering furnace at that place in the works of Emerson, Smith & Co. The -furnace is 8 feet wide by 14 feet long. It is said to be a perfect -success, giving a uniform heat, and there being no sulphur or impurity -in the gas the steel is not deteriorated in the operation of heating. - - * * * * * - - - - - =THE JAPANESE BUILDING AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION.= - -[Illustration: =THE JAPANESE BUILDING AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION.=] - -Japan, on the terrestrial globe, lies furthest away in that direction -beyond the Far West of America, and beyond the wide Pacific. The -Japanese structure has a simple and solid aspect, resembling the portal -of a half-fortified mansion, with massive timber frames at the sides; -but it is adorned with two handsome porcelain fountains, and each of -these is designed to represent the stump of a tree supporting a shell -into which the water is poured from a large flower. Before entering the -porch a large map of Japan and a plan of the city of Tokio are seen -displayed on the walls to right and left.--_Illustrated London News._ - - * * * * * - - - - - =Machinery for New York State Capitol Building.= - -The Buckeye Engine Company of this city have been awarded the contract -for a pair of condensing engines, cylinders 14 inches diameter, stroke -28 inches, for the State Capitol Building at Albany, New York. The -engines will be of the company's usual horizontal type with automatic -cut off, and will be elaborately finished. - - * * * * * - - - - - =The Explosiveness of Flour.= - -Professors Peck and Peckham, of the University of Minnesota, have been -making an extensive series of experiments to determine the cause of the -recent flour mill explosion at Minneapolis. The substances tested were -coarse and fine bran, material from stone grinding wheat; wheat dust, -from wheat dust house; middlings, general mill dust, dust from middlings -machines, dust from flour dust house (from stones), and flour. When -thrown in a body on a light, all these substances put the light out. -Blown by a bellows into the air surrounding a gas flame, the following -results were obtained: - -Coarse bran would not burn. Fine bran and flour dust burn quickly, with -considerable blaze. Middlings burn quicker, but with less flame. All the -other substances burn very quickly, very much like gunpowder. - -In all these cases there was a space around the flash where the dust was -not thick enough to ignite from particle to particle; hence it remained -in the air after the explosion. Flour dust, flour middlings, etc., when -mixed with air, thick enough to ignite from particle to particle, and -separated so that each particle is surrounded by air, will unite with -the oxygen in the air, producing a gas at high temperature, which -requires an additional space, hence the bursting. - -There is no gas which comes from flour or middlings that is an -explosive; it is the direct combination with the air that produces gas, -requiring additional space. Powerful electric sparks from the electric -machine and from the Leyden jar were passed through the air filled with -dust of the different kinds, but without an explosion in any case. A -platinum wire kept at a white heat by a galvanic battery would not -produce an explosion. The dust would collect upon it and char to black -coals, but would not blaze nor explode. - -A piece of glowing charcoal, kept hot by the bellows, would not produce -an explosion when surrounded by dust, but when fanned into a blaze the -explosion followed. A common kerosene lantern, when surrounded by dust -of all degrees of density, would not produce an explosion, but when the -dust was blown into the bottom, through the globe and out of the top, it -would ignite. To explode quickly the dust must be dry. Evidently when an -explosion has been started in a volume of dusty air, loose flour maybe -blown into the air and made a source of danger. - - * * * * * - - - - - =New Engineering Inventions.= - -Erskine H. Bronson, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, has patented an -improvement in Automatic Switches for Railways, which consists in an -arrangement of sliding cams for moving the switch rails, and in treadles -to be operated by the pilot wheels of the locomotive, and in -intermediate mechanism for connecting the treadles with the switch -operating cams, the object being to provide a switch will be operated -by the pilot wheels of the locomotive as it approaches the movable -switch rails. - -An improved Refrigerator Car has been patented by Michael Haughey, of St -Louis, Missouri. The object of this invention is to ventilate and cool -railway cars used in the transportation of perishable articles. This car -has a novel ventilator and ice box and is provided with a new form of -non-conducting walls. - - * * * * * - - - - - =CROOKED JOURNALISM.= - -In the English scientific journal _Engineering_, of June 21, 1878, -appears a six column article on "Edison's Carbon Telephone," illustrated -with ten engravings from Mr. Prescott's recent work on "The Speaking -Telephone, Talking Phonograph, and other novelties." The descriptions of -the cuts, and the rest of the information given, so far as correct, -obviously come from the same source. - -So far as correct: unhappily for the honor of scientific journalism, the -writer's desire is plainly not so much to do justice to truth as to -exalt Mr. Hughes at the expense of Mr. Edison. To this end he has -studiously suppressed from Mr. Prescott's description of the carbon -telephone the points which establish Mr. Edison's claim to the prior -invention or discovery of everything involved in Mr. Hughes' microphone, -while he has as studiously dwelt upon those same points as constituting -the peculiar merits of Mr. Hughes' work. - -For example, while he uses Fig. 21 of Mr. Prescott's book, he leaves out -the very important little diagram numbered 20. It represents one form of -the apparatus to which Sir William Thomson refers in the letter in which -he says: - -"It is certain that at the meeting of the British Association at -Plymouth last September, a method of magnifying sound in an electric -telephone was described as having been invented by Mr. Edison, which was -identical in principle and in some details with that brought forward by -Mr. Hughes." - -The figure looks altogether too much like one form of Mr. Hughes' -microphone to allow of its use in an article intended to establish the -novelty of Mr. Hughes' discovery. - -The omissions from the text are quite as significant. Under the first -cut used in _Engineering_, Mr. Prescott says: "In the latest form of -transmitter which Mr. Edison has introduced the vibrating diaphragm is -done away with altogether, it having been found that much better results -are obtained when a rigid plate of metal is substituted in its place.... -The inflexible plate, of course, merely serves, in consequence of its -comparatively large area, to concentrate a considerable portion of the -sonorous waves upon the small carbon disk or button; a much greater -degree of pressure for any given effort of the speaker is thus brought -to bear on the disk than could be obtained if only its small surface -alone were used." - -The _Engineering_ writer coolly suppresses this important statement. He -does worse: he puts in its place the false statement that "the essential -principle of Mr. Edison's transmitter consists in causing a diaphragm, -vibrating under the influence of sonorous vibrations, to vary the -pressure upon, and therefore the resistance of, a piece of carbon," and -so on. - -A little further on, while repeating Mr. Edison's account of the -experiments which led to the abandonment of the vibrating diaphragm -(page 226 of Mr. Prescott's book), the _Engineering_ writer drops out -the following remark by Mr. Edison: "I discovered that my principle, -unlike all other acoustical devices for the transmission of speech, did -not require any vibration of the diaphragm--that, in fact, the sound -waves could be transformed into electrical pulsations without the -movement of any intervening mechanism." - -Worse yet, in the very face of Mr. Edison's assertion to the -contrary--an assertion which he could not by any possibility have -overlooked--this most unscientific journalist says: "Mr. Edison finds it -necessary to insert a diaphragm in all forms of his apparatus, that -being the mechanical contrivance employed by which sonorous vibrations -are converted into variations of mechanical pressure, and by which -variations in the conductivity of the carbon or other material is -insured.... On the other hand, Mr. Hughes employs no diaphragm at all, -the sonorous vibrations in his apparatus acting directly upon the -conducting material or through whatever solid substance to which they -may be attached." - -In this way throughout the offending article, the writer persistently -robs Edison to magnify Hughes, giving credit to Mr. Hughes for exactly -what he has suppressed from Mr. Prescott's book. To insist as he does, -that, because Mr. Edison covers his carbon button with a rigid iron -plate, in his very practical telephone, therefore a vibrating diaphragm -is an essential feature of Mr. Edison's invention, is a very shallow -quibble in the face of Mr. Edison's and Mr. Prescott's statements that -the carbon button acts precisely the same in the absence of such -covering, though not so strongly. Mr. Edison's laboratory records show a -great variety of experiments in which the carbon was talked against -without "any intervening mechanism." In a telephone for popular use, -however, to be held in the hand, turned upside down, talked into, -exposed to dust and the weather, it was obviously necessary to use some -means for holding the carbon in place, and to prevent its sensitiveness -from being destroyed by dirt and the moisture of the breath when in use. -For this purpose a rigid iron partition seemed at once convenient and -durable. It is not in any sense a "vibrating diaphragm." - -With a persistence worthy of a better cause, the _Engineering_ writer -returns to the point he seems especially anxious to enforce. Toward the -end of the article he says: "In every instrument described by Mr. Edison -the diaphragm is the ruling genie of the instrument. Professor Hughes, -however, has through his great discovery been enabled to show that -variations of resistance can be imparted to an electrical current not -only without a diaphragm, but with very much better results when no such -accessory is employed." - -The animus of all this is only too apparent. Altogether the article is -the most dishonest piece of writing we have ever seen in a scientific -periodical; and although the article appears in the editorial columns of -_Engineering_, we prefer, for the honor of scientific journalism, to -think that the management of that paper was not party to the rascally -act. It is more credible that a gross imposition has been practiced by -some trusted member of the _Engineering_ staff, or by some contributor -whose position seemed to justify the acceptance of his utterances -without any attempt at their verification. It is well known here to -whom, in London, at Mr. Edison's request, Mr. Prescott sent proofs of -the matter abused, together with electros of the cuts used, in -_Engineering_. Accordingly the burden of dishonor lies upon or between a -prominent British official on the one hand, and on the other a journal -which cannot afford to leave the matter unexplained. Whoever is hurt, we -sincerely hope that the fair fame of scientific journalism for candor -and honesty may come off unstained. - - * * * * * - - - - - =A More Perfect Production.= - -The highest skill in manufacture or in production of any kind is not yet -the prevailing characteristic of American industry. Uniformity of -production, of whatever kind, is of much greater importance than to -attempt the manufacture of any grade for which the material or the -tools, the machinery or the knowledge of the workmen is not fitted. The -highest condition of product in any nation is to produce the finest or -highest cost articles in the most perfect manner, and to have material -and machinery adopted, and the skilled workmen, so as to be able to so -produce economically. But until the master hand is satisfied of all the -requisites for producing fine goods, he should confine production to the -best his facilities will make in the most perfect, uniform manner. - -Samples of fine goods are shown all over the country every day, and were -consumers or merchants sure that the product would be the same, there -would be much less difficulty in introducing and more homemade goods -used where now importations are depended upon. The Stevens crash mills -import raw flax because it is to be had according to sample, perfectly -classified, and saves the employment of skilled labor to assort and -classify, and of purchasing a great deal not wanted. The manufacturers -of edge tools and knives use imported steel because it is warranted and -the warrant proves good, while the uncertainty of American steel is such -that a knife will often crack in tempering and cause the loss of labor -worth ten times the difference in the price of the steel. Samples of -alpacas and other dress goods are shown in our jobbing houses fully -equal to any imported goods, but the goods when received are quite often -of various grades and imperfections of character. - -The imperfect or second quality productions find sale, but at a much -lower price, and are to be found at second rate places, the -imperfections slight and the goods perhaps generally quite as -serviceable, but not absolutely so, and first class houses, catering to -those who pay highest prices, cannot afford to have any other house -carry better articles than they do. The use of perfect appliances and -the best material and the employment of the highest skill are not yet -the first step and an absolute necessity, as it should be, in America. -The supply of such machinery, material, and labor can be had if those -who propose to enter the production of first class articles will insist -upon it, and if such supplies are appreciated by the payment of their -higher value. The American standard of production is not the highest, -and it can be materially elevated, and while, as at present, too many -common articles are supplied, the leading manufacturers should turn to -producing finer, the finest, and in smaller quantities, to take the -place of many articles now imported, and to supply the new market which -such productions will always create in any country. - - * * * * * - - - - - =The Wool Product of the World.= - -From an interesting article on the wool trade of the Pacific coast, -published in a recent number of the San Francisco _Journal of Commerce_, -we learn that the number of sheep in the world is now estimated at from -four hundred and eighty-four to six hundred millions, of which the -United States has about 36,000,000, and Great Britain the same number. -From 1801 to 1875 the wool clip of Great Britain and Ireland increased -from 94,000,000 to 325,000,000 pounds. That of France has increased -almost as rapidly, though the wool is finer, as a rule, and hence the -superiority of French cloths. Australia produces nearly as much wool as -the parent country--Great Britain. The United States product increased -from very little at the beginning of the century to about 200,000,000 -pounds at the present time. Of this California has produced about one -fourth, and the Pacific coast as a whole almost one third. If the ratio -of growth shown in the past prevails in the future, the day is not far -distant when the Pacific coast will produce at least one half the wool -produced in the United States, as not only California and Oregon, but -also Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and New Mexico are well adapted -to its production. The wool clip of Australia is about 284,000,000 -pounds; that of Buenos Ayres and the river Plata, 222,500,000 pounds; -other countries not previously given, 463,000,000 pounds. The total clip -of the world last year was about 1,497,500,000 pounds, worth -$150,000,000. This when scoured would yield about 852,000,000 pounds of -clean wool. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Street Main Joints.= - -At the annual meeting of the New England Association of Gas Engineers, -Mr. Thomas, of Williamsburg, made the following remarks on this subject: -"In my early experience with the Williamsburg Gaslight Company, with -which I became connected in the year 1854, I found pretty nearly all the -street mains that were laid were connected with cement joints. While -there is no doubt in my own mind that a joint can be made perfectly -tight with cement, I much prefer the lead joint. Another thing to be -taken into consideration to keep tight joints is that the mains should -be laid a sufficient depth under the surface to protect them from the -action of severe frosts. A great many of the mains were not more than 18 -inches or 2 feet below the surface of the streets, and at this depth in -our climate it is a matter of impossibility to keep joints tight, as the -action of the frost in winter will displace the mains and cause the -joints to leak. From the bad manner in which our mains were laid, and -the cement joints leaking so much, we could not afford to turn gas on -during the day. Had we done so we should not have had any to supply the -city at night, and we were thus compelled to shut off the gas just as -soon as there was any apology for daylight, and keep it shut off as late -as possible in the evening. - -"With the most careful working in this manner, for a period of nine or -twelve months, our losses from leakage amounted to about 52 to 55 per -cent of the gas manufactured. A great part of this loss was caused by -the cement joints leaking, and also a part due to the fact that the -mains were not at sufficient depth under the surface to protect them -from the action of the frost. As soon as we possibly could I went over -the whole of our mains (there was about 17 miles in all), stripping -them, cutting out the cement, and rejointing them with lead. In one -season we got the loss from leakage down to 20 per cent, and this with -the gas turned on during the 24 hours of the day. - -"One great objection to cement joints is the rigidity of them; in cases -where pipes have been disturbed by other excavations and settled, I -found in all cases that the mains were broken. In a leading main from -our old works, with cement joints, the main, a 10-inch one, was broken -entirely off and fractured lengthwise besides, by the upheaval of the -ground from frost. In some of the same mains that we had rejointed with -lead the mains were drawn apart, drawing the lead out, but with very -little loss of gas, as the gasket being driven in tight prevented any -great leakage. In cases of this kind the lead was easily driven back, -and the joint made perfectly tight again. I have never in our city put -in any street mains that I have not used lead in the joints, and in -laying mains we always make them gas tight with the gasket used. - -"At the present time we have over 90 miles of street mains laid, and -outside of our loss from street lamps (we get paid for three foot -burners and they average about 3-1/4 foot) our loss from leakage will not -exceed 6 per cent. We have suffered severe loss of gas from sewering in -our city. In some cases where there are railroad tracks in the streets, -the sewers have been run on both sides of the street, alongside and -parallel with our pipes; these excavations are much deeper than our -mains lie, and the earth is always filled in loosely and left to settle. - -"In cases of this kind, whole blocks of mains were dragged down, the -pipe broken, and the joints partially pulled apart; at the same time the -leakage from the joints was not so great, the gasket preventing the -leakage. In laying street mains, what you want particularly to attend -to, and especially in the East here, where you have colder weather than -we have (we have not seen much winter until we came on here), is to get -them down under the surface a sufficient depth to protect them from the -frost. With us the least depth is 2 feet 9 inches under the surface of -the street, and I am confident, could our mains remain in the ground as -we put them down, our loss from leakage by them would be very small -indeed. While, as I stated in the beginning, I have no doubt that a -cement joint can be made tight, I can see no benefit in using cement for -the purpose, as I consider lead far superior in accommodating itself to -any upheaval or settling of the earth where the mains are laid down." - - * * * * * - - - - - =Successful Shad Hatching.= - -Professor J. W. Milner, who has charge of the shad hatching operations -under the direction of the United States Fish Commissioner, Professor -Baird, is now engaged in the preparation of the report of the work for -the season just completed. Speaking of the work on the Atlantic -seaboard, and the distribution of young fish, the report says that at -the Salmon Creek Station, on Albemarle Sound, they obtained 12,730,000 -eggs, and turned out 3,000,000 young fish. At the Havre de Grace Station -12,230,000 eggs were obtained, and 9,575,000 young fish were turned out. -About 6,000,000 young shad have been distributed in the rivers emptying -into the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico during the season. The distribution -of shad during the past season has been carried on on a much larger -scale than in any previous year, and with great success. The restocking -of the rivers of the Atlantic is only the work of a few years. - - * * * * * - - - - - =New Use for Lemon Verbena.= - -The well known fragrant garden favorite, the sweet-scented or lemon -verbena (_Lippia citriodora_), seems to have other qualities to -recommend it than those of the fragrance for which it is usually -cultivated. The author of a recent work, entitled "Among the Spanish -People," describes it as being systematically gathered in Spain, where -it is regarded as a fine stomachic and cordial. It is used either in the -form of a cold decoction, sweetened, or five or six leaves are put into -a teacup, and hot tea poured upon them. The author says that the flavor -of the tea thus prepared "is simply delicious, and no one who has drunk -his Pekoe with it will ever again drink it without a sprig of lemon -verbena." And he further states that if this be used one need "never -suffer from flatulence, never be made nervous or old-maidish, never have -cholera, diarrhea, or loss of appetite." - - * * * * * - - - - - =A VELOCIPEDE FEAT EXTRAORDINARY.= - -Two intrepid velocipedists, M. le Baron Emanuel de Graffenried de -Burgenstein, aged twenty years and six months, and a member of the -Society of Velocipede Sport, of Paris, has accomplished, with M. A. -Laumaille d'Angers, the greatest distance that has been made with a -velocipede in France. - -Leaving Paris on March 16, they returned on the 24th of April, after -having traveled a distance of more than three thousand miles. - -[Illustration: =A VELOCIPEDE FEAT EXTRAORDINARY.=] - -Their route extended through a part of the west, the middle, and the -south of France, Italy, and southern Switzerland. They traveled through -Orleans, Tours, Poitiers, Angouleme, Bordeaux, Montauban, Toulouse, -Montpellier, Marseilles, Toulon, Nice, Menton, San-Remo, Genoa, Turin, -Milan, the Simplon--where they barely escaped destruction by an -avalanche--Vevay, Berne, Lausanne, Geneva, Dijon, Troy, and Provins. The -longest distance that they accomplished in a single day, was between -Turin and Milan, a distance of 90 miles, which they made in 9-1/2 hours. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Superior Excellence of American Goods.= - -The _Post_, of Birmingham, England, remarks with regard to American -competition, that "perhaps the most humiliating feature of the business -for British manufacturers is the fact that their competitors are -prevailing, not through the cheapness, but through the excellence of -their goods. Time was when English workmanship ranked second to none, -and the names of our great manufacturing firms were a guarantee for the -sterling quality of the goods they turned out; but competitions, trades -unions, piece work, short hours, and other incidents of the 'march of -progress' have altered all that. Complaints, received by hardware -merchants from their customers abroad, are not confined to the goods of -second class firms. Manufacturers who have obtained a world-wide -reputation for their products are frequently convicted of sending out -scamped and unfinished work, and they do not venture to deny the -impeachment, pleading only that the most vigilant must be sometimes at -fault, and that their men, unfortunately, are not to be depended upon. -In other cases it is the merchants or their customers who are to blame -for the inferior quality of the articles by cutting prices so low as to -preclude the possibility of honest work, thinking, probably, that -anything is good enough for a foreign or colonial market. But whatever -the cause, the fact is now undeniable, that a great deal of the -manufactured produce shipped from this country of late years has been of -a very low standard, and that the American manufacturers have -consequently had an easy task in beating it." - - * * * * * - - - - - =Petroleum Oils as Lubricators.= - -Oils from petroleum are now produced suitable for nearly every -mechanical process for which animal oils have heretofore been used, not -excepting those intended for cylinder purposes. A serious objection -attaching to the animal oils is present in petroleum. If, through the -exhaust steam, some of the oil be carried into the boiler, foaming or -priming is the consequence, but the same thing happening in the case of -petroleum is rather a benefit than otherwise, for it not only does not -cause foaming, but it prevents incrustation or adhesion of the scale or -deposit, and this aids in the preservation of the boiler, and is perhaps -the best preventive of the many everywhere suggested. - -Often, in removing the cylinder head and the plate covering the valves -of an engine, we see evidences of corrosion or action on the surfaces, -differing entirely from ordinary wear, and the engineer is generally at -a loss how to account for it. According to the general impression grease -or animal oil is the preservative of the metal, and is the last thing -suspected of being the cause of its general disintegration. The reason -of this is that vegetable and animal oils consist of fatty acids, such -as stearic, magaric, oleic, etc. They are combined with glycerin as a -base, and, under ordinary conditions, are neutrals to metals generally, -and on being applied they keep them from rusting by shielding them from -the action of air and moisture. But in the course of time the influence -of the air causes decomposition and oxidation, the oils become rancid, -as it is called, which is acid, and they act on the metals. What happens -at the ordinary temperature slowly goes on rapidly in the steam -cylinder, where a new condition is reached. The oils are subjected to -the heat of high pressure steam, which dissociates or frees these acids -from their base, and in this condition they attack the metal and hence -destroy it. - -This applies as well to vegetable as to oils of animal origin, fish or -sperm oil included. Petroleum and oils derived therefrom (generally -called mineral oils) are entirely free from this objection. Petroleum -contains no oxygen, and hence it cannot form an acid, and therefore -cannot attack metal. It is entirely neutral, and so bland that it may be -and is used medicinally as a dressing to wounds and badly abraded -surfaces where cerates of ordinary dressing would give pain.--_Coal -Trade Journal._ - - * * * * * - - - - - =Influence of Light on Plants and Animals.= - -Professor Paul Bert, who has recently devoted a great deal of attention -to the study of the influence of light on animals and plants, denies -that the leaves of the sensitive plant close on the approach of evening, -the same as if they had been touched by the hand. On the contrary, he -finds that from 9 in the evening, after drooping, they expand again and -attain the maximum of rigidity at 2 in the morning. What is commonly -called the "sensitiveness" of plants is but the external manifestations -of the influences of light. Professor Bert placed plants in lanterns of -different colored glass; those under the influence of green glass -drooped in the course of a few days as completely as if placed in utter -darkness, proving that green rays are useless, and equal to none at all. -In a few weeks all plants without exception thus treated died. It has -been proved by the experiments of Zimiriareff that the reducing power of -the green matter of plants is proportionate to the quantity of red rays -absorbed, and Bert shows that green glass precisely intercepts these -colored rays, and that plants exist more or less healthily in blue and -violet rays. In the animal world phenomena of a directly opposite nature -are found, and of a more complex character. Here the light acts on the -skin and the movements of the body, either directly or through the -visual organs. M. Pouchet has shown the changes in color that certain -animals undergo, according to the medium in which they live. For -instance, young turbots resting on white sand assume an ashy tint, but -when resting on a black bottom become brown; when deprived of its eyes -the fish exhibits no change of color in its skin; the phenomenon, -therefore, seems to be nervous or optical. Professor Bert placed a piece -of paper with a cut design on the back of a sleeping chameleon; on -bringing a lamp near the animal the skin gradually became brown, and on -removing the paper a well defined image of the pattern appeared. In this -case the light acted directly, and without nervous intervention. If, -however, the eye of the chameleon be extracted, the corresponding side -of the animal becomes insensible to the influence of the light. - -Professor Bert's conclusion, therefore, is that the circulation in the -transparent layers of the skin must be affected by light. According to -Dr. Bouchard a sunstroke is the effect of the direct action of light -upon the skin, produced by the blue and violet rays. The heat producing -rays have no part in such accidents, as proved by the fact that workmen -exposed to intense heats do not feel their fatal effect. Professor Bert, -in a series of experiments on a variety of animals, found that none -avoided light, but all rather sought it; and the lowest forms, like the -highest, absorbed the same rays. As regards intensity of color, however, -there was a difference, some being more partial to one ray than another. -Thus the microscopic daphne of the pond preferred yellow; violet was -less in request; spiders seemed to enjoy blue rather than red rays--so -resembling people suffering from color blindness. No two persons are -sensible to the same shades or tones, while absorbing the same light; -and this would seem to indicate that the retina possesses a selective -power. - - * * * * * - - - - - =New Mechanical Inventions.= - -An improved Weighing Scale has been patented by Hosea Willard, of -Vergennes, Vt. The object of this invention is to economize time in -ascertaining the weight of an article by avoiding the necessity for -shifting the poise on the scale beam. It consists in providing a scale -beam with a number of dishes suspended from different points on said -beam, and representing or corresponding with different weights, so that -the weight of an article may be ascertained by placing it in one or more -of said dishes and observing which dish is depressed. - -William John, of Rigdon, Ind., has patented an improved Tire Setting and -Cooling Apparatus, by which the tire may be set by one person, easily -and quickly, without burning the fellies, and without straining the -wheel by the unequal cooling of the tire. - -Joseph A. Mumford, of Avondale, Nova Scotia, Canada, has patented an -improved machine for Sawing and Jointing Shingles. This machine cannot -be properly described without engravings. It has an ingenious feeding -device, and its flywheel carries the jointing knives. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Ill-balanced Production.= - -The Philadelphia _Record_ sensibly remarks that the popular complaint of -over-production is a mistake. Though of a few things we make or mine too -much, our main trouble arises from not producing enough, in variety if -not in quantity. - -"The wants of mankind never can be satisfied. Every new means of -supplying a want creates new wants. They grow by what they feed on. As -long as humanity is so constituted, over-production, in a general and -enlarged sense, is impossible. It is this impossible thing with which -the reformers would deal who propose to work fewer hours each day, or -fewer hours in the week. The trouble they deplore does not exist; the -remedy they propose defeats itself. A man cannot get rid of his load by -shifting it from his right hand to his left hand. Production will not be -stopped by making men their own employers certain hours in the day or -certain days in the week, instead of allowing them to pursue their usual -avocations. - -"The real trouble, which the labor reformers seem incompetent to fathom, -is that there is not enough diversity in employments. What is desired is -more work in productive enterprises, a more diffused industry, and a -closer commercial connection with those countries wherein we can make -desirable exchanges both of our raw material and our manufactured -products. Every miner that drops his pick and takes up a hoe, every idle -man that turns himself into an earner of wages, every person that picks -up some loose thread of employment, every capitalist that takes -advantage of stagnating industry and cheap material to build a house or -beautify or improve a country seat, or set on foot some new process of -manufacture, does something toward working out the problem which is -puzzling the economists. In good time the surplus iron and coal will be -sold; new populations will want new railroads; recuperated capital will -gather confidence and take hold of new enterprises, and the whole nation -will move forward again to more assured prosperity and to vaster -undertakings." - - * * * * * - - - - - =Labor in Germany.= - -The consul at Barmen reports that for agricultural labor the pay varies -greatly, according to the proximity to or remoteness from manufacturing -centers; and ranges from fifty-six cents a day in the neighborhood of -Barmen to thirty-one cents a day in the lower Rhine valley, and as low -as eighteen cents in parts of Silesia. At Barmen, Crefeld and -Duesseldorf, carpenters, coppersmiths, plumbers, machinists and -wagonsmiths earn fifty-one to seventy-five cents daily; saddlers and -shoemakers forty-seven to fifty-two cents daily; bakers and brewers, -with board and lodging, from $1.42 to $2.14 weekly, and without board -from sixty cents a day to $4.28 a week; farm hands are paid from $107 to -$215 yearly, with maintenance; railroad laborers from fifty-six to -eighty-three cents per day, and as high as ninety-five cents daily for -piece work on tunnels; silk weavers can earn $2.15 to $2.85 a week per -loom; factory women $2.15, and children $1 a week. Business and wages -are very low. In good times wages are eighty per cent higher. The cost -of the necessaries of life has increased some fifty per cent in thirteen -years, although it is now but little higher than five years ago. A man -and wife with two or three children can live in two or three rooms in a -poor and comfortless manner for $275 a year, and to support such an -establishment all the members have to work ten or twelve hours daily. -For a family of six persons the cost is about $7 per week--an amount but -few families can earn, as the depression of trade and the reduction of -time allow few to do a full week's work, although wages are nominally a -trifle higher than five years ago. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Petroleum June Review.= - - - DRILLING WELL ACCOUNT. - -The low price of oil and large accumulation of stock in the producing -regions have had the effect to lessen operations in this department -during the month of June. - -The total number of drilling wells in all the districts, at the close of -the month, was 266, which was 110 less than in the preceding month. Rigs -erected and being erected 243, against 309 last month. The number of -drilling wells completed during the month was 269, being 151 less than -in May. Aggregate production of the new wells was 3,788 barrels, against -6,851 barrels in May. The total number of dry holes developed in the -month was 22, against 42 in May. - -The operators in the great northern field (Bradford district) have -curtailed operations to an extent which will compare favorably with the -operators in the other portions of the producing regions, as will be -seen by the following statement, namely: - -Number of wells drilling at the close of the month, 187, against 284 at -the close of the previous month. Number of drilling wells completed in -June, 193, against 346 in May. Number of rigs erected and being erected, -196, against 234 in May. - - - PRODUCTION. - -The daily average production for the month was 40,575 barrels, being a -decrease of 227 barrels. The new wells completed in June failed to make -good the falling off of the old ones, by decreasing the daily average -227 barrels. Bradford district shows a daily average production of -16,000 barrels, being an increase of 1,280 barrels over last month. - -The aggregate production in June of all the other districts combined, -with the aid of 76 new wells, decreased the daily average 1,507 barrels. - - - SHIPMENTS. - -The shipments in June, out of the producing regions, were 174,225 -barrels larger than in the preceding month. The total shipments of -crude, and refined reduced to crude equivalent, by railroad, river and -pipes to the following points, were 1,135,119 barrels: - - New York took 555,794 bbls. - Pittsburg " 153,182 " - Cleveland " 239,389 " - Philadelphia " 73,426 " - Boston " 29,266 " - Baltimore " 26,623 " - Richmond " 7,000 " - Ohio River refiners took 5,200 " - Other local points took 45,239 " - --------- - Total shipments 1,135,119 " - -Included in the above shipments there were 140,299 barrels of refined -from Titusville and Oil City, which is equal to 187,065 barrels of -crude.--_Stowell's Petroleum Reporter._ - - * * * * * - - - - - =Remarkable Poisoning of a Lake.= - -A contributor to _Nature_ describes the remarkable poisoning of Lake -Alexandrina--one of the bodies of water which form the estuary of the -Murray river, Australia. This year the water of the river has been -unusually warm and low, and the inflow to the lakes very slight. The -consequence has been an excessive growth of a conferva which is -indigenous to these lakes and confined to them. This alga, _Nodularia -spumigera_, is very light and floats on the water, except during -breezes, when it becomes diffused, and being driven to the lee shores, -forms a thick scum like green oil paint. - -This scum, which is from two to six inches thick, and of a pasty -consistency, being swallowed by cattle when drinking, acts poisonously -and rapidly causes death. The symptoms of the poisoning are stupor and -unconsciousness, falling and remaining quiet (as if asleep), unless -touched, when convulsions are induced, the head and neck being drawn -back by a rigid spasm, subsiding before death. The poison causes the -death of sheep in from one to six or eight hours; of horses, in from -eight to twenty-four hours; of dogs, in from four to five hours; and of -pigs in three or four hours. A _post mortem_ shows the plant is rapidly -absorbed into the circulation, where it must act as a ferment, and -causes disorganization. As the cattle will not touch the puddle where -the plant scum has collected and become putrid, all they take is quite -fresh, and the poisoning is therefore not due to drinking a putrescent -fluid full of bacteria, as was suggested. - -When the scum collects and dries on the banks it forms a green crust. -When, however, it is left in wet pools it rapidly decomposes, emitting a -most horrible stench, like putrid urine; but previous to reaching this -stage it gives out a smell like that of very rancid butter. - -A blue pigment exudes from this decomposing matter, having some -remarkable properties. It is remarkably fluorescent, being red by -reflected and blue by transmitted light; it appears to be a product of -the decomposition, and allied to the coloring matter found in some -lichens. - - * * * * * - - - - - =ASTRONOMICAL NOTES.= - - BY BERLIN H. WRIGHT. - - PENN YAN, N. Y., Saturday, August 10, 1878. - -The following calculations are adapted to the latitude of New York city, -and are expressed in true or clock time, being for the date given in the -caption when not otherwise stated. - - PLANETS. - - H.M. H.M. - Mercury sets 8 03 eve. | Saturn Rises 8 89 eve. - Venus rises 2 42 mo. | Saturn in meridian 2 58 mo. - Jupiter in meridian 10 52 eve. | Neptune rises 10 27 eve. - - FIRST MAGNITUDE STARS - - H.M. H.M. - Alpheratz rises 6 54 eve. | Regulus sets 7 29 eve. - Algol (var.) rises 8 34 eve. | Spica sets 9 24 eve. - 7 stars (Pleiades) rise 10 53 eve. | Arcturus sets 0 08 mo. - Aldebaran rises 0 17 mo. | Antares sets 11 24 eve. - Capella rises 9 40 eve. | Vega in meridian 9 15 eve. - Rigel Rises 2 23 mo. | Altair in meridian 10 27 eve. - Betelgeuse rises 2 08 mo. | Deneb in meridian 11 19 eve. - Sirius rises 4 24 mo. | Fomalhaut rises 9 34 eve. - Procyon rises 3 59 mo. | - - REMARKS - -Mercury is brightest this date, and furthest from the sun August 13. -Venus will be at her descending node August 17. Jupiter will be near the -moon August 17, 4h. 20m. morning, being the moon's apparent diameter -north; this will be an occultation south of the equator. Saturn will be -near the moon August 16, being about 7 deg. south. - -There will be a partial eclipse of the moon August 16, in the evening. -The moon will rise more or less eclipsed east of Kansas, west of which -no eclipse will be visible. - - Middle. End. - H.M. H.M. - Boston 7 24 eve. 8 50 eve. - New York 7 12 eve. 8 38 eve. - Washington 7 00 eve. 8 26 eve. - Charleston 6 48 eve. 8 14 eve. - Chicago --------- 7 44 eve. - St. Louis --------- 7 33 eve. - New Orleans --------- 7 34 eve. - -The following shows the appearance of the moon when the eclipse is -greatest--7.1 digits, or 0.596 of the moon's diameter. - -[Illustration] - -The size of the eclipse will be the same for all places. The time of -middle and end for any other places may be obtained by applying the -difference of longitude from Washington, converted into time, to the -Washington time of middle and end, adding if east of Washington, and -subtracting if west. - - * * * * * - - - - - =An Interesting Astronomical Observation.= - -_To the Editor of the Scientific American:_ - -While viewing the planet Jupiter, at about 5 minutes past 10 o'clock -P.M., a very strange sight presented itself to the observers, who were -looking for a transit of one of the satellites. A very dark spot much -larger than a satellite was seen on the eastern edge of the disk, as -shown in the above diagram. It moved rapidly westward along the upper -margin of the northern belt and passed off at 1 o'clock 24 minutes A.M. -(12th). From its first internal contact till its last external contact -was just 3h. 19m., Pittsburg time. It appeared to be a solid opaque -body, truly spherical, very sharply defined, and most intensely black. -The transit of the satellite occurred at 15 minutes after 11 o'clock, -and had no unusual appearance. Now what was that dark body? We are -constant observers of the heavenly bodies, though not deeply versed in -the science of astronomy, and are anxious to know if any one can give us -some light on the subject. The telescopes used were a 2-1/2 inch and 5 inch -achromatic, magnifying 154 and 216 diameters, but the 154 was chiefly -used. JOSEPH WAMPLER. - JAMES R. GEMMILL. - - McKeesport, Pa., July 11, 1878. - -[Illustration] - - * * * * * - - - - - =Some of Professor Marsh's Recent Discoveries.= - -Mr. S. W. Williston, the assistant of Professor Marsh, has been giving -to the Omaha _Bee_ some interesting facts with regard to the great -reptilian fossils recently discovered in Wyoming and Colorado. The bones -found represent reptiles of many sizes, from that of a cat up to one -sixty feet high. The latter, found at Como, Wyoming, belonged to the -crocodile order; but the remains give evidence that the animal stood up -on its hind legs, like a kangaroo. Another found in Colorado is -estimated by Professor Marsh to have been 100 feet long. A great many -remains of the same general class, but belonging to different species, -have been collected and sent East. Among them from three to four hundred -specimens of the dinosaur, and about a thousand pterodactyls, have been -shipped from Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas. The wings of one of the -latter were from thirty to forty feet from tip to tip. Seventeen -different species of these flying dragons have been found in the chalk -of western Kansas. There have also been found six species of toothed -birds. Comparatively little has been done toward classifying the late -finds, the task is such an enormous one. Great importance is attached to -them, however, since nothing of the kind had been found in America until -a little over a year ago and great stress had been laid by certain -geologists on their absence. Another remarkable feature of the discovery -was that the fossils which had been reported as not existing in this -country had hardly been brought to light in one locality before -thousands of tons of them were simultaneously discovered in half a dozen -different places. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Trying to Save a Hundred and Fifty Million Dollars a Year.= - -Professor Riley, recently appointed Government Entomologist and attached -to the Agricultural Department, reports that specimens of insects -injurious to agriculture are constantly being sent to the department -from all parts of the country, with requests for information. In every -instance, if a proper examination could be made, an effectual remedy -could be found, and not less than $150,000,000 saved to the country -annually. Recently a worm entirely new to science was sent to the -department by an Iowa farmer, whose orchard of several thousand apple -trees had been rendered unproductive for several years by the new -depredator. For the interests of Western fruit growers this insect -should immediately be investigated. Professor Riley asserts that the -$5,000 recently voted by Congress for the investigation of the cotton -worm, which has sometimes damaged the cotton crop of the South as much -as $20,000,000 in a single fortnight, might have been used to better -advantage by the department; the salary of the entomologist will use up -all the money, leaving next to nothing for experiments for the -eradication of the pest. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Industrial Education.= - -All are agreed that some education is necessary; but what? The great -proportion of those having the direction of our educational system and -facilities in charge still cling to a system which was established long -before the first mechanical operation came into existence. Before the -present system of man's relation to man, socially, industrially, -politically, or commercially, was heard of, and notwithstanding the -revolutions and advancement in all other things, there is a determined -resistance to any attempt at revolution in what shall be considered -education. - -There is an effort to establish compulsory education; but what is the -child to be taught? As if in league with the false theories of the -rights of labor, these efforts take the apprentices from the shops, -force them away from where they would learn something, and confine them -inside a school house to learn--what? Certainly nothing of the -materials, or tools, or pursuits by which they are to obtain their -livelihood. The child knows nothing of when or by whom the compass was -discovered, the printing press, the use of powder, electricity, of -steam, or of any one of the thousand mechanical operations now -controlling every department of life. Does any school boy know how many -kingdoms there are in the natural world, or whether an animal, a -vegetable and a mineral all belong to the same or to different ones? -Will he know that from instinct the young of animals seeks its food and -expands its lungs, as by the same instinct the root of a seed sucks up -its nourishment from the soil and sends its leaves up to breathe the -air? Will he know anything of the nature or requirements of the soils or -the plants that grow in them? Will this compulsory education teach the -boy anything of the iron furnace, the foundry or rolling mill, or the -uses or handling of any of their products? Will it teach him anything of -woods and their value, or for what and how they are useful to man? - -Will this knowledge, for which the powers of the State are to be -required to force him to know it--will it teach him anything of the -nature or uses of metals, of metal working, or the business depending -upon them? Will it teach him anything of gold or silver, copper or -brass? Anything of pottery, of bone, ivory, celluloid, etc.? Will he -learn anything of hides, leather, or the production of these necessary -articles? Will he know whether the word textile applies to anything but -a spider's web or the wing of a butterfly? Whether the United States -make, import, or grow cotton, wool, silk, flax, and hemp? - -Will he know anything of commerce, railroads, telegraphs, printing, and -the great number of clerk labors in the larger towns? Will he have -learned a single thing which will assist him in his work of life? Will -not every boy thus taken out of the shop and placed at the compulsory -schooling find after he has mastered all it has to give him that he yet -knows nothing; that he must then commence where he was and serve his -apprenticeship; that instead of compulsory education his past years have -been wasted in obtaining but a compulsory ignorance? - - * * * * * - - - - - =Business and Personal.= - - _The Charge for Insertion under this head is One Dollar a line for - each insertion; about eight words to a line. Advertisements must be - received at publication office as early as Thursday morning to - appear in next issue._ - - Lubricene.--A Lubricating Material in the form of a Grease. One - pound equal to two gallons of sperm oil. R. J. Chard, New York. - - Assays of Ores, Analyses of Minerals, Waters, Commercial Articles, - etc. Technical formulae and processes. Laboratory, 33 Park Row, N. Y. - Fuller & Stillman. - - Manufacturers of Improved Goods who desire to build up a lucrative - foreign trade, will do well to insert a well displayed advertisement in - the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Export Edition. This paper has a very large - foreign circulation. - - Cutters, shaped entirely by machinery, for cutting teeth of Gear - Wheels. Pratt & Whitney Co., Manufacturers, Hartford, Conn. - - 18 ft. Steam Yacht, $250. Geo. F. Shedd, Waltham, Mass. - - Electrical instruments of all kinds. One Electric Bell, Battery, Push - Button, and 50 feet Wire for $4.00. Send for catalogue. H. Thau, 128 - Fulton St., N. Y. - - Wheels and Pinions, heavy and light, remarkably strong and durable. - Especially suited for sugar mills and similar work. Pittsburgh Steel - Casting Company, Pittsburgh, Pa. - - Boilers ready for shipment, new and 2d hand. For a good boiler, send - to Hilles & Jones, Wilmington, Del. - - Best Steam Pipe & Boiler Covering. P. Carey, Dayton, O. - - Foot Lathes, Fret Saws, 6c., 90 pp. E. Brown, Lowell, Ms. - - Sperm Oil, Pure. Wm. F. Nye, New Bedford, Mass. - - Power & Foot Presses, Ferracute Co., Bridgeton, N. J. - - Kreider, Campbell & Co., 1030 Germantown Ave., Phila., Pa., - contractors for mills for all kinds of grinding. - - Punching Presses, Drop Hammers, and Dies for working Metals, etc. The - Stiles & Parker Press Co., Middletown, Conn. - - All kinds of Saws will cut Smooth and True by filing them with our - New Machine, price $2.50. Illustrated Circular free. E. Roth & Bro., - New Oxford, Pa. - - "The Best Mill in the World," for White Lead, Dry, Paste, or Mixed - Paint, Printing Ink, Chocolate, Paris White, Shoe Blacking, etc., - Flour, Meal, Feed, Drugs, Cork, etc. Charles Boss, Jr., Williamsburgh, - N.Y. - - A Practical Engineer and Machinist, 24 years' experience. Best of - reference, marine or stationary; forge; fit; repair. W. Barker, 433 2d - Ave., N. Y. - - Hydraulic Presses and Jacks, new and second hand. Lathes and - Machinery for Polishing and Buffing metals. E. Lyon & Co., 470 Grand - St., N. Y. - - Nickel Plating.--A white deposit guaranteed by using our material. - Condit, Hanson & Van Winkle, Newark, N. J. - - Cheap but Good. The "Roberts Engine," see cut in this paper, June - 1st, 1878. Also horizontal and vertical engines and boilers. E. E. - Roberts, 107 Liberty St., N. Y. - - The Cameron Steam Pump mounted in Phosphor Bronze is an - indestructible machine. See ad. back page. - - Presses, Dies, and Tools for working Sheet Metals, etc. Fruit and - other Can Tools. Bliss & Williams, Brooklyn, N. Y., and Paris - Exposition, 1878. - - The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Export Edition is published monthly, about - the 15th of each month. Every number comprises most of the plates of - the four preceding weekly numbers of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, with - other appropriate contents, business announcements, etc. It forms a - large and splendid periodical of nearly one hundred quarto pages, each - number illustrated with about one hundred engravings. It is a complete - record of American progress in the arts. - - Bound Volumes of the Scientific American.--I will sell bound volumes - 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 28, and 32, New Series, for $1 each, to be sent - by express. Address John Edwards, P. O. Box 773, New York. - - For Solid Wrought Iron Beams, etc., see advertisement. Address Union - Iron Mills, Pittsburgh, Pa., for lithograph, etc. - - Pulverizing Mills for all hard substance and grinding purposes. - Walker Bros. & Co., 23d and Wood St., Phila. - - 2d hand Planers, 7' x 30", $300; 6' x 24", $225; 5' x 24", $200; sc. - cutt. b'k g'd Lathe, 9' x 28", $200; A. C. Stebbins, Worcester, Mass. - - J. C. Hoadley, Consulting Engineer and Mechanical and Scientific - Expert, Lawrence, Mass. - - Best Wood Cutting Machinery, of the latest improved kinds, eminently - superior, manufactured by Bentel, Margedant & Co., Hamilton, Ohio, at - lowest prices. - - Water Wheels, increased power. O. J. Bollinger, York, Pa. - - We make steel castings from 1/4 to 10,000 lbs. weight. 3 times as - strong as cast iron. 12,000 Crank Shafts of this steel now running and - proved superior to wrought iron. Circulars and price list free. Address - Chester Steel Castings Co., Evelina St., Philadelphia, Pa. - - Diamond Saws. J. Dickinson, 64 Nassau St., N. Y. - - Machine Cut Brass Gear Wheels for Models, etc. (new list). Models, - experimental work, and machine work generally. D. Gilbert & Son, 212 - Chester St., Phila., Pa. - - Holly System of Water Supply and Fire Protection for Cities and - Villages. See advertisement in Scientific American of last week. - - The only Engine in the market attached to boiler having cold - bearings. F. F. & A. B. Landis, Lancaster, Pa. - - The Turbine Wheel made by Risdon & Co., Mt. Holly, N. J., gave the - best results at Centennial tests. - - Hand Fire Engines, Lift and Force Pumps for fire and all other - purposes. Address Rumsey & Co., Seneca Falls, N. Y., U. S. A. - - For Shafts, Pulleys, or Hangers, call and see stock kept at 79 - Liberty St. Wm. Sellers & Co. - - Wm. Sellers & Co., Phila., have introduced a new Injector, worked by - a single motion of a lever. - - * * * * * - - - - - =NEW BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS.= - - METALS AND THEIR CHIEF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS. By Charles R. Alder - Wright. London: Macmillan & Co. 12mo; pp. 191. Price $1.25. - -In this neat little volume we have the substance of a course of lectures -delivered at the Royal Institution of Great Britain in 1877, with thirty -or more engraved illustrations of various metallurgical operations. The -author discusses briefly, yet with sufficient fullness for popular -purposes, the principal processes for reducing metals from their ores, -the natural sources of metals, the metallurgy of the different metals, -the physical properties of metals, and their thermic, electric, and -chemical relations. The style is simple and the matter well chosen. - - DOSIA. A Russian Story. Translated from the French of Henry Greville, - by Mary Neal Sherwood. Boston: Estes & Lauriat. Price $1.50. - -This is the seventh of the Cobweb Series of choice fiction, a bright, -wholesome but rather thin story, as befits its associations. Novel -readers will find it an amusing companion for a rainy day in the -country, or for beguiling the tedium of a summer journey. - - * * * * * - - - - -[Illustration: Notes & Queries] - -(1) H. P. says: Please inform me of some recipe for removing superfluous -hair. A. Make a strong solution of sulphuret of barium into a paste with -powdered starch. Apply immediately after being mixed and allow to remain -for ten or fifteen minutes. See also p. 107 (8), vol. 38, and p. 25, -current volume. - -(2) M. A. C. writes: I would like to know how to dissolve bleached -shellac, to make it a cement for stone. A. Dissolve it by digestion in 3 -or 4 parts of strong alcohol, or by the aid of 1/4 its weight of borax in -about 4 volumes of boiling water. - -(3) A. K. asks: 1. In rating substances as to hardness, diamond being -No. 10, how do aluminum, osmium, iridium and steel as used in steel -pens, number, also common and tempered glass? A. Aluminum about 3, -iridosmine 6.5 to 7, steel 5.5 to 6, glass 5 to 5.5. 2. Can glass 1/32 -inch in thickness be ground to angles of 15 per cent or less, and points -as fine as pins, without difficulty, and how? A. No. - -(4) D. C. S. asks for a good recipe for cleaning and polishing dirty and -tarnished brass. A. Dip for a short time in strong hot aqueous solution -of caustic alkali, rinse in water, dip for a few moments in nitric acid -diluted with an equal volume of water, rinse again, and finish with -whiting. - -(5) C. J. H. asks for the simplest way of producing a coating of the -magnetic or black oxide of iron on iron plates 3 feet x 6 feet. I think -it is called the Barff process. A. See pp. 1041 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN -SUPPLEMENT, and 232, vol. 36, and 4, vol. 37, of the SCIENTIFIC -AMERICAN. - -How can I make tissue paper impervious to air and water, and yet strong -enough to confine gas? A. You may pass the fabric through a solution of -about 1 part caoutchouc in 35 parts of carbonic disulphide, exposing it -then to the air until the solvent has evaporated. - -(6) J. H. J. asks how to use hyposulphite (?) of soda to neutralize -chloride of lime in cotton and linen goods after bleaching the same. A. -After washing from it the large excess of the hypochlorite, the fabric -is passed slowly through a solution containing about 10 per cent of the -hyposulphite, and then again thoroughly washed in clean water. - -(7) Columbus asks for a recipe for making ink to rule faint lines, such -as he is now writing on. He wants it to rule unit columns in books. A. -Dissolve in a small quantity of warm water 20 parts of Prussian blue by -the aid of 3 parts of potassium ferrocyanide, and dilute the solution -with thin gum water until the proper degree of color is obtained. - -(8) A. I. B. asks: Can I add anything to Arnold's writing fluid which -will cause it to give a good free copy in my letter book? A. Try a -little sugar. - -(9) R. & C. ask for information in regard to the process of printing -copies of drawings made on transparent materials, by using chemically -prepared paper and exposing to the sunlight. A. It is based on the fact -that an acid in the presence of potassium dichromate strikes a -blackish-green color when brought in contact with aniline. The paper is -prepared by floating it on a bath of aqueous solution of potassium -dichromate and a trace of phosphoric acid, and then drying it in the -dark. Aniline is dissolved in a little alcohol, and the mixed vapors -allowed to come into contact with the sensitive paper that has been -exposed to strong sunlight beneath the drawing, when the portions not -changed by the sunlight assume the dark color mentioned. All that is -requisite is that the paper or cloth original should be fairly -penetrable by the light. A piece of paper sensitized as indicated, a -sheet of glass to place over the drawing, and a box in which to place -the exposed print to the aniline vapor are the only necessary plant. - -(10) P. Y. P. writes: 1. To find the number of acres in a farm of valley -and hillside land, is it by measuring the general contour of the land, -allowing its actual surface, or by measuring and allowing only the -imaginary face of the plane of it? A. The latter is the correct method. -2. Can more grain, say rye, be raised on a farm of valley and hillside -land, as described above, than on a farm having a flat surface, the area -of which is equal to the plane of the former, all other things supposed -to be equal? A. No. - -(11) Inventor asks: 1. Can you tell me of a book on sound boards? A. We -do not know of a book especially devoted to the subject. 2. Also the -best kind of wood to make them out of? A. Spruce. - -(12) F. C. A. writes: I wish to construct a bar electro-magnet to go in -a cylinder 1 inch in diameter and 1 inch long. 1. What size ought the -core to be? What number of wire shall I use, and what number of -Leclanche cells shall I use (not to exceed twelve) to obtain the -greatest possible attractive power, distance 1/10 of an inch? A. Make -the core 3/8 inch, wind it with No. 24 silk covered wire. Use 6 or 8 -cells. 2. In the same space, could a horseshoe magnet be used, with a -gain of power over the bar magnet? A. A cylindrical magnet, which is -substantially the same as a horseshoe, might be substituted with -advantage for the bar magnet. - -(13) W. C. H. writes: In turning a tapering shaft in an engine lathe, -will the tool if raised above the centers of the lathe turn the taper -true from end to end, _i. e._, neither concave nor convex, the taper to -be made by sliding the tail center the required distance? A. The taper -will be concave. - -(14) H. E. H. asks how to make lime light. A. The lime light is made by -directing the jet of an oxyhydrogen blowpipe against a cylinder of lime. -The blowpipe is contrived to take the proper proportion of oxygen and -hydrogen gas, and the lime is placed in the reducing focus of the jet. - -(15) L. F. asks: 1. How many Daniell's or Smee's cells would it require -to produce the same effect as 50 Bunsen cells? A. About 100. 2. Is the -diaphragm equally necessary in Bunsen's, Smee's and Daniell's cells, or -can it be omitted in any one of them easier than in the others, and why -so? A. The diaphragm or porous cell is required in Daniell's and -Bunsen's batteries, but is not used in Smee's. The porous cell is used -only in two fluid batteries; its object is to allow the current to pass, -but to prevent the mixture of the two liquids. 3. Is the thickness of -the zinc of any importance? A. Only that the thicker zinc lasts longer. -4. Which is the cheapest way to produce electric sparks and to charge a -Leyden jar, and what will be the expense? A. By means of a frictional -electrical machine. The machines cost from $10 upward. - -(16) R. C. K. writes: I am an engineer by trade; have been at it 9 -years. Am out of a position at present and want to learn mechanical -draughting. How long would it take me to become a good draughtsman by -taking a special course at some university? And with my knowledge of -engineering and draughting, would my services be likely to be in fair -demand? A. If you are familiar with mechanical operations, you might -become a good draughtsman by close application under a competent -instructor for one or two years. At present there are many excellent -draughtsmen looking for positions. - -(17) G. B. M. asks for the cause of the ribs or ridges on the surface of -a piece of timber which has passed through a planing machine. A. They -are frequently due to the intermittent motion of the feed. - -(18) A. F. writes: Having a small quantity of gold and gold plated -things, I would like to know the simplest way to melt it. A. Put it in a -small crucible with a little borax and melt in a common kitchen fire. - -(19) J. H. S. writes: I have three drawings each 21 x 30 inches, which I -wish to mount upon cloth like a map, placing them end to end so as to -make one whole sheet 90 inches long. The drawings are upon heavy Whatman -paper. A. You should stretch wet canvas or factory cloth upon a frame, -and while it is still damp apply paste to the backs of the drawings and -lay them smoothly on the stretched cloth. When the paste becomes -thoroughly dry cut the cloth from the stretching frame and paste a tape -binding around the edges. - -(20) P. M. asks: What is the difference between the inner and outer -rails of a 10 deg. curve 100 yards in length, gauge 4 feet 8 inches? A. If -this 100 yards is measured on the center of the curve, whose radius in - R - 2-1/3 - feet is R, the length of the inner rail is --------- X 100, and of the - R - R + 2-1/3 - outer tail --------- X 100. - R - -(21) W. B. K. asks how to make a shoe dressing for ladies' shoes. A. -Soft water, 1 gallon; extract of logwood, 6 ozs.; dissolve at a -temperature of about 120 deg. Fah. Soft water, 1 gallon; borax, 6 ozs.; -shellac, 1-1/2 oz.; boil until dissolved. Potassium dichromate, 3/8 oz.; -hot water, 1/2 pint; dissolve, and add all together. It is preferred to -add 3 ozs. of strong aqua ammonia to the liquid before bottling. - -(22) J. D. asks: What chemicals can be put into water to increase its -efficiency in extinguishing fire? A. Carbonic acid; sodium carbonate. - -(23) H. P. writes: Please give me the advantages and disadvantages of -substituting a galvanized iron tube 18 inches in diameter and 20 feet -high for a wood tank, 5 feet wide and 6 deep, as a container of water in -a dwelling house in the country. Would the narrower body of water keep -fresh or sweet longer, etc.? Also the thickness of iron necessary to -safety, and the number of gallons of water this tube would hold. A. The -advantages are in favor of the wooden tank; zinc lined vessels -(galvanized) are unsuitable for reservoirs for potable water. See p. -369, vol. 36, SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. 0.3 inch iron would be stout enough. -A pipe of the dimensions specified would contain about 327 gallons when -full. - -(24) F. L. M. asks: 1. What is the process by which wire is given a -copper finish? A. Clean the wire by pickling it for a short time in very -dilute sulphuric acid and scouring with sand if necessary. Then pass the -clean wire through a strong bath of copper sulphate dissolved in water. -2. Can wire be thus finished and also annealed? If so, how? A. The wire -should be annealed first. 3. What other finish can be put on iron wire -(annealed), and by what process? A. Zinc--by passing the clean wire -through molten zinc covered with sal ammoniac; tin--by drawing the wire -through a bath of molten tin covered with tallow. - -MINERALS, ETC.--Specimens have been received from the following -correspondents, and examined, with the results stated: - -J. H. McF.--A fine quality of kaolin.--F. C. H.--The floury powder -consists chiefly, if not altogether, of calcium carbonate.--C. L. -G.--They are all silicious limestones. We cannot judge fairly of their -value for building purposes from the powders sent.--D. K.--Ferruginous -earth or marl.--A. E.--It is a partially decomposed feldspar. The white -powder is for the most part an impure, silicious, kaolin.--E. H.--It -consists chiefly of basic carbonate and hydrated oxide of -lead--poisonous.--J. B. V.--It is a fair quality of pipe clay--impure -silicate of alumina--probably worth about $2 per ton in New York. - - * * * * * - - - - - =COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.= - -The Editor of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN acknowledges with much pleasure -the receipt of original papers and contributions on the following -subjects: - - Religion. By W. M. E. - Cause of Explosion in Flouring Mills. By G. M. - - * * * * * - - - - - [OFFICIAL.] - - INDEX OF INVENTIONS - - FOR WHICH - - =Letters Patent of the United States were Granted in the Week Ending= - - =May 28, 1878,= - - =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. - - Acid, recovering waste sulphuric, A. Penissat 204,244 - Axle box slide, car, G. Williams 204,178 - Axle nut, adjustable, O. B. Thompson 204,399 - Axles, sand guard for carriage, M. C. Nay 204,164 - Baker and cooker, steam, J. A. McClure 204,353 - Bale tie, L. Arnold 204,183 - Bale tie, Wynkoop & Bloomingdale 204,409 - Barrel and box, moth-proof, M. L. Thompson 204,263 - Barrel for shipping bottled liquors, S. Strauss 204,259 - Barrel washer, H. Binder 204,288 - Bed bottom, T. & O. Howe 204,222 - Bed bottom, G. S. Walker 204,401 - Bedstead, wardrobe, Hand & Caulier 204,321 - Bedstead, wardrobe, E. Kiss 204,340 - Bedstead, invalid attachment for, T. T. Kendrick. 204,232 - Belting, rubber, C. T. Petchell 204,368 - Bending links, machine for, H. E. Grant 204,316 - Boiler brooms, operating, A. C. Cock 204,200 - Boilers, removing sediment from, T. C. Purves 204,250 - Boots and shoes, making, Hurst & Miller 204,330 - Bottle stopper, H. Martin 204,350 - Bottle stopper fastener, L. Kutscher 204,341 - Brake, car, J. Ramsey, Jr. 204,372 - Brake for railway carriages, R. D. Sanders 204,378 - Brake for railway trains, safety, L. Blanck 204,186 - Brake, horse, I. Spitz 204,258 - Brake pipes on cars, coupling, F. A. Sheeley 204,383 - Brake shoe, W. McConway (r) 8,255 - Brick kiln, E. F. Andrews 204,182 - Bridge eyes, making, A. Schneiderlochner 204,381 - Bridge, self-adjusting, B. Williams 204,407 - Buckle, trace, Landon & Decker 204,342 - Burial apparatus, Patterson & Wheeler 204,366 - Burial casket, W. Hamilton 204,320 - Can, fish, bait, and oyster, R. Roney 204,168 - Can, refrigerating, transportation, W. A. Moore 204,239 - Car coupling, L. Gasser 204,313 - Car coupling, C. Gifford 204,212 - Car coupling, C. A. Roberts 204,251 - Car, sleeping, A. Jaeger 204,230 - Cars, dust arrester for railway, A. Clarke 204,134 - Carbureter, gas and air, Dusenbury & Winn 204,413 - Carriage seats, corner iron for, W. B. C. Hershey 204,326 - Carriages, reversible handle for, A. Shoeninger 204,385 - Casting apparatus, J. Duff 204,307 - Castings, moulding dovetails, Burdick & Easterly 204,129 - Celluloid, etc., core and tube former, J. W. Hyatt 204,227 - Celluloid tubes and hollow articles, J. W. Hyatt 204,228 - Celluloid bar or spring coater, Hyatt & Burroughs 204,229 - Chair, convertible, M. V. Lunger 204,346 - Chair, invalid, E. C. Jones 204,231 - Chair, rocking, L. Rausch 204,373 - Chuck, A. Saunders 204,254 - Churn, Barrett & Smith 204,124 - Churning apparatus, A. N. Myers 204,241 - Churning apparatus, J. A. Perry 204,245 - Clasp for ribbons on rolls, H. G. & C. G. Hubert 204,224 - Clevis, double tree, A. Rosier 204,252 - Clew line leader, S. R. Brooks 204,290 - Clock case, G. & D. B. Hills 204,328 - Clock, repeating, H. Thompson 204,175 - Clod crusher, C. R. Polen, Sr. 204,247 - Clothes drier, W. F. Wilson 204,179 - Clothes pounder, O. Schindler 204,379 - Cock, stop, G. N. Munger 204,162 - Cooler, beer, H. F. Schmidt 204,380 - Corkscrew, A. W. Sperry 204,389 - Corn sheller, J. W. Miller 204,161 - Corpse preserver, Miller & Schneider 204,237 - Cotton roving can, J. Hill 204,220 - Cotton worm destroyer, G. Yeager 204,410 - Cream, apparatus for raising, J. W. Brady 204,127 - Cultivator, J. Young 204,412 - Cultivator, harrow, E. Crane (r) 8,260, 8,261 - Cutter, rotary, Mellor & Orum (r) 8,265 - Cutting board, F. Weed 204,176 - Desk, school, J. Edgar 204,207 - Draught equalizer, J. Branning 204,289 - Drilling apparatus, well, J. B. & G. R. Elliote 204,143 - Drilling machine, metal, D. W. Pond 204,248 - Drills, spring hoe for grain, C. E. Patric 204,365 - Drying kiln, E. T. Gennert 204,211 - Engine cylinder, steam, G. E. Banner 204,282 - Engine standard and cylinder, steam, G. E. Banner 204,283 - Engine, wind, H. N. Hill 204,221 - Engine, wind, Longyear & Clark 204,345 - Envelope, Shade & Lockwood 204,256 - Escapement, W. A. Wales 204,400 - Excavator and plow, W. M. Smith 204,387 - Eyeglasses, J. F. Traub 204,266 - Fence, hedge, I. O. Childs 204,197 - Fence, iron, F. R. Martin 204,236 - Fence post, O. Allen 204,275 - Fence post, H. A. Pierce 204,246 - Fence, wire, W. H. H. Frye 204,312 - Field roller, T. B. Rice, Jr. 204,376 - File, newspaper, D. H. King 204,233 - Fire alarm signal box, R. N. Tooker (r) 8,267 - Firearm, revolving, B. F. Joslyn 204,334, 204,335 - Firearms, extractor for, B. F. Joslyn 204,336, 204,337 - Fire escape, I. D. Cross 204,299 - Flour, manufacturing, R. L. Downton 204,302 - Fruit pitting and cutting machine, C. P. Bowen 204,189 - Fruit pitting machine, A. T. Hatch 204,217 - Furnace, brass melting, J. Fletcher 204,309 - Furnace door, P. S. Kemon 204,339 - Furnace, metallurgic, H. Swindell 204,392 - Furnace, ore roasting, C. Stetefeldt (r) 8,266 - Game apparatus, M. Entenmann 204,208 - Game counter, C. B. Wessmann 204,404 - Gas, making illuminating, H. W. Adams 204,181 - Gas burner, W. Anderson 204,278 - Gas burners, attachment for, W. W. Batchelder 204,286 - Gas meter, A. C. Blount 204,188 - Gas, scintillator for lighting, W. W. Batchelder 204,285 - Glass from lava, making, F. S. Shirley 204,384 - Globe holder, Bayles & Hunter 204,184 - Grain binder, G. H. Howe 204,329 - Grain decorticating apparatus, A. Ames 204,277 - Grain distributing machine, Fascher & Singer 204,308 - Grinding machine, S. Trethewey 204,393 - Gun, spring air, A. Pettengill 204,167 - Harness, E. R. Cahoone 204,195 - Harrow, H. F. Wasmund 204,268 - Harrow, rotary, E. & E. H. McNiel 204,354 - Harvester gearing, J. Harris 204,148 - Hat and cap sweat, J. R. Terry, Jr. 204,262 - Head protector, F. P. Cummerford 204,204 - Heaters, draught pipe for, M. A. Shepard 204,170 - Hogs from rooting, preventing, J. M. Stansifer 204,171 - Hoisting device, tobacco, C. F. Johnson 204,332 - Horse power, Bettis & Heath 204,185 - Ice, forming sheets of, J. Gamgee 204,210 - Illuminating fluid, testing, S. S. Mann 204,235 - Index tag for books, E. M. Capen 204,196 - Indicator for vessels, roll and pitch, R. Chandler 204,133 - Inkstand, W. P. Speller 204,388 - Iron for case hardening, preparing, S. A. Conrad 204,202 - Ironing apparatus, A. K. Brettell 204,128 - Jewelry, wire trimming for, L. Heckmann 204,149 - Labeling bottles, E. L. Witte 204,272 - Ladder, F. A. Copeland 204,295 - Ladder, step, J. J. Brady 204,191 - Lamp, J. S. Butler 204,193 - Lamp, E. S. Drake 204,303, 204,304, 204,305, 204,306 - Lamp, F. G. Palmer 204,364 - Lamp for cooking, H. S. Fifield 204,144 - Lantern, C. J. Swedberg 204,261 - Lap link, A. Perry 204,367 - Lap ring, H. S. Wood 204,273 - Latch, gate, H. Unger 204,267 - Leather, compound for currying E. S. Thayer 204,398 - Lemon squeezer and shaker, H. L. Heaton 204,325 - Lifting jack, T. J. Woods 204,408 - Lightning conductor, H. W. Spang 204,257 - Lightning rod, D. Munson 204,359 - Lock, C. C. Dickerman 204,139 - Lock, seal, F. G. Hunter 204,226 - Lock, vehicle seat, D. Kirk 204,234 - Log turner, C. & F. Strobel 204,391 - Loom picker, C. T. Grilley 204,213 - Loom picking mechanism, Terrell & Williams 204,396 - Magnet, multipolar, A. K. Eaton 204,141 - Manure spreader, J. S. Kemp (r) 8,254 - Marble, composition for artificial, J. F. Martin 204,348 - Meat chopper, E. W. Fawcett 204,209 - Meat chopping machine, Meahl & Kwoczalla 204,355 - Military accouterments, C. Harkins 204,322 - Milking cows, apparatus for, W. F. George 204,314 - Mordants and dyestuffs, S. Cabot, Jr. 204,130 - Mosquito bar frame, O'Sullivan & Bloom 204,243 - Mosquito net frame, E. Bloom 204,187 - Mower, lawn, F. G. Johnson 204,153 - Mower lawn, A. P. Osborne 204,242 - Mower, lawn, J. Shaw (r) 8,268 - Music box, W. Meissner 204,356 - Musical instrument, mechanical, M. J. Matthews 204,352 - Mustache guard, C. H. Barrows 204,125 - Nut cracker, F. A. Humphrey 204,225 - Oatmeal machine, G. H. Cormack 204,137 - Oatmeal machine, D. Oliver 204,165 - Organ case, L. C. Carpenter 204,131 - Paddle wheel, A. Wingard 204,180 - Paddle wheel, aerial, Cowan & Page 204,296 - Paper and other fabrics, marbleizing G. Grossheim 204,146 - Paper pulp from wood, H. B. Meech (r) 8,256, 8,257, 8,258 - Paper pulp pail, E. Hubbard 204,223 - Pea nut warmer, F. A. Bowdoin 204,190 - Pen, fountain, T. H. & J. E. Quinn 204,371 - Pencil sharpener and eraser, W. Sellers 204,169 - Pianoforte tuning attachment, H. F. Jacobs 204,152 - Pianofortes, hand guide for, M. Sudderick 204,260 - Pipe, stand, Lewis & Maloney 204,344 - Planing and sawing wood, W. H. Webb 204,403 - Planter and plow, corn, D. Hays 204,218 - Planter, corn, H. Steckler, Jr. 204,390 - Plow, T. M. Moore 204,358 - Plow, F. Nitschmann 204,361 - Plow clevis, E. A. Sanders 204,253 - Pocket for garments, Y. Chow 204,199 - Pole, carriage, A. R. Bartram (r) 8,253 - Post office apparatus, G. W. Wiles 204,270 - Press, cotton, E. L. Morse 204,240 - Press, cotton, Tate & Curtis 204,395 - Press, power, J. L. Lewis 204,158 - Pump, A. S. Baker 204,280 - Pumps, machinery for operating, J. W. Hull (r). 8,262 - Punching and beveling metal, J. Morgan (r) 8,251 - Railway gate, C. P. Austin 204,279 - Railway gate, McCaffrey & Larkin 204,160 - Railway rail joint, O. Pagen 204,363 - Refrigerator, R. T. Hambrook 204,216 - Rein guide, check, A. L. Whitney 204,269 - Rowlock, I. C. Mayo 204,159 - Rubber cutting machine, Ford, Slade, & Baylies 204,145 - Rule, lumber, A. J. Colburn 204,293 - Sad iron stand, K. E. Keeler 204,338 - Sash balance and lock, Rayner & Burr 204,374 - Saw, R. E. Poindexter 204,369 - Saw mill carriage, M. Taplin 204,394 - Saw mill head block, Brett & Perry 204,192 - Saw sharpener, W. M. Watson 204,402 - Scale beam, J. Weeks 204,177 - Scintillator for lighting cord, W. W. Batchelder 204,284 - Scraper, earth, J. H. Edmondson 204,142 - Screen, G. F. Halley 204,147 - Screen, window, G. L. Reynolds 204,375 - Scythe snath fastening, M. Hewitt 204,327 - Seed and fertilizer distributer, W. Harper 204,323 - Seed distributer, J. W. Dooley 204,301 - Sewer trap, J. M. Thatcher 204,397 - Sewer trap valve, P. J. Convery 204,135 - Sewing machine needle bar, Cook & Hill 204,294 - Sewing machine mechanism, E. Brosemann _et al._ 204,291 - Sewing machine table, S. Hill 204,219 - Sewing machine table, T. Lanston 204,157 - Sheet metal vessels, handle for, F. Grosjean 204,319 - Shipping case, J. H. Byrne 204,194 - Shoetip, H. White (r) 8,263 - Shoes, rack for holding, etc., J. Priest 204,249 - Shot, tin plated, L. Crooke 204,298 - Shovels, manufacture of, H. M. Myers 204,163 - Sink, kitchen, M. W. Scannell 204,255 - Slate, apparatus for grinding, etc., J. W. Hyatt. 204,151 - Snuff package, B. F. Weyman (r) 8,264 - Soldering square cans, R. Gornall 204,315 - Spectacle frame, J. F. Traub 204,265 - Spinning mules, building rail for, Ogden & Garrett 204,362 - Spinning mules, mechanism for, G. Gurney 204,214 - Spring, door, O. Seely 204,382 - Spring, vehicle, N. Nilson 204,360 - Sprinkler, J. M. Josias 204,333 - Sprinklers, inlet pipe for street, G. H. Stallman 204,172 - Steam generator, Collinge & Savage 204,201 - Steam generator, M. Cullen 204,203 - Steam superheater, W. Standing 204,173 - Stone sawing machine, Jennings & Robellaz 204,331 - Stove damper, T. White 204,406 - Stove for burning crude, etc., oils, P. Martin 204,349 - Stoves, fire pot lining for, R. J. King 204,155 - Sulphur, apparatus for refining, H. H. Eames 204,206 - Suspender ends, E. Painter 204,166 - Table, S. Bobbins 204,377 - Tablet, writing, W. O. Davis 204,138 - Tanks, etc., movable hopper, F. C. Prindle 204,370 - Target, spherical, S. A. Darrach 204,300 - Tea and coffee pots, knob for, W. B. Choate 204,198 - Telegraph repeater, F. Catlin 204,132 - Thrashers, clover huller attachment for, J. Allonas 204,276 - Ticket, railway coupon, C. J. Stromberg 204,174 - Tile for fireproof buildings, bridge, M. F. Lyons 204,347 - Tin, coating lead articles with, J. J. & L. Crooke 204,297 - Tire setter, J. A. Miles 204,238 - Tire upsetter M. W. Griffiths 204,317 - Toy pistol, A. F. Able 204,123 - Toy pistol, H. J. P. Whipple 204,405 - Trace, etc., tug coupling, Hazlewood, Jr., & Reagin 204,324 - Track clearer, A. Day 204,205 - Truck shifting apparatus, car, R. H. Ramsey (r) 8,259 - Truss, hernial, Banks & Merck 204,281 - Tubing, manufacture of metal, B. C. Converse 204,136 - Valve gear for engines, L. C. Mason 204,351 - Vehicle running gear, P. Letalle 204,343 - Vehicle, side bar, J. Kauffman 204,154 - Vehicles, spring seat for, J. T. Yerkes 204,411 - Velocipede, H. A. Reynolds (r) 8,252 - Ventilator, S. S. Thompson 204,264 - Ventilator valve, railway car, E. H. Winchell 204,271 - Warming, etc., buildings, apparatus for, L. Bennet 204,126 - Wash board, F. Kueny 204,156 - Wash boiler, A. Friedley 204,311 - Wash stands, water closets, cover for, F. Grosjean 204,318 - Washing machine, E. S. M. Ford 204,310 - Watch regulator, G. Bichsel 204,287 - Watch winding device, B. Wormelle 204,274 - Watches, winding click for, C. T. Higginbotham 204,150 - Water meter, piston, T. Melling 204,357 - Water wheel, W. S. Clay 204,292 - Weather strip, D. Austin 204,122 - Whip socket and rein holder, B. J. Downing 204,140 - Wrench, Sievers & Winkler 204,386 - Wringer, mop, W. Haas 204,215 - - * * * * * - - - - - TRADE MARKS. - - Baking powder, Carter Brothers & Co. 6,136 - Cigars, Foxen, Newman & Co. 6,132 - Cigars, J. Hirsch 6,142 - Cigars, Oliver & Robinson 6,150 - Cigars, B. F. Weyman 6,154 - Cigars, J. & A. Frey 6,156 - Cigars, J. Martinez 6,161 - Cigars, cigarettes, etc., Straiten & Storm 6,144 - Cigars, cigarettes, etc., E. A. Smith 6,145 - Cigars, cigarettes, etc., C. Swartz & Co. 6,152 - Cigars, cigarettes, etc., I. Underdorfer 6,158 - Cigarettes, Seidenberg & Co 6,135 - Cheese, G. S. Hart 6,133 - Copying paper and books, W. Mann 6,159 - Cotton fabrics, Hamilton Manufacturing Company 6,141 - Cotton goods, Nashua Manufacturing Company 6,162 - Dry goods, The Eddystone Manuf. Company 6,157 - Illuminating oils, Wadsworth, Martinez & Longman 6,163 - Knitted undershirts, etc., Dunham Hosiery Co. 6,155 - Ladies' corsets, C. A. Griswold 6,139 - Lemonade compound, Abrams & Carroll 6,147 - Liquid paints, G. W. Pitkin & Co. 6,151 - Overalls, jumpers, etc., B. Greenebaum 6,138 - Perforated plasters, Holman Liver Pad Company 6,140 - Pile ointment, G. W. Frazier 6,149 - Plug tobacco, B. F. Weyman 6,148 - Prepared skins for beer, C. Maegerlein & Son 6,134 - Saleratus, soda, etc, H. A. De Land & Co. 6,137 - Smoking, etc., tobacco, Marburg Brothers 6,143 - Snuff, B. F. Weyman 6,146, 6,153 - Soap, Ecker & Co. 6,160 - Weighing scales, E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. 6,131 - - * * * * * - - - - - DESIGNS. - - Buckle, F. Crane 10,704 - Fancy cassimere, F. S. Bosworth 10,692 to 10,702 - Handkerchief, J. Grimshaw 10,703 - - * * * * * - - - - - =English Patents Issued to Americans.= - - From June 28 to July 2, inclusive. - - Bale tie.--S. H. Gilman, New Orleans, La. - Blast furnace.--J. F. Bennett, Pittsburg, Pa. - Cigarette machine.--V. L'Eplattinaire, N. Y. city. - Furnace for steam boilers.--O. Marland, Boston, Mass. - Grain binders.--C. H. McCormick, Chicago, Ill. - Grain separators.--Barnard & Leas Manufacturing Co., Moline, Ill. - Mortising chisel.--A. J. Buttler, New Brunswick, N.J. - Paper making machinery.--J. H. & G. Hatch, South Meriden, Conn. - Paper vessels or receptacles.--R. B. Crane, N. Y. city. - Skates.--P. C. Franke, St. Paul, Minn. - Teeth cleaner.--A. P. Merrill, N. Y. city. - Timber joining machine.--W. E. Brock. N. Y. city. - Wearing apparel.--Israel Crane, N. Y. city. - - * * * * * - - - - - =The Scientific American= - - =EXPORT EDITION.= - - PUBLISHED MONTHLY. - -THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Export Edition is a large and SPLENDID -PERIODICAL, issued once a month, forming a complete and interesting -Monthly Record of all Progress in Science and the Useful Arts throughout -the World. Each number contains about ONE HUNDRED LARGE QUARTO PAGES, -profusely illustrated, embracing: - -(1.) Most of the plates and pages of the four preceding weekly issues of -the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, with its SPLENDID ENGRAVINGS AND VALUABLE -INFORMATION. - -(2.) Commercial, Trade, and Manufacturing announcements of leading -houses. - -Terms for Export Edition, $5.00 a year, sent prepaid to any part of the -world. Single copies, 50 cents. - -For sale at this office. To be had at all News and Book Stores -throughout the country. - - * * * * * - - - - - =NOW READY.= - -SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN for July, 1878, with Eighty-one Engravings. - - =GENERAL TABLE OF CONTENTS.= - - Brewster's Carriage Manufactory, New York. One engraving. - The Parlor or Cabinet Organs of Mason & Hamlin. - The New Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine. - Howe's Improved Scales. - The Chickering Pianos. - The Ingersoll Rock Drill. - Photo-engraving. - The Paper Product of the United States. - Electrical Indicator for Exhibiting the Rotation of the Earth. Two - engravings. - The Elevated Railroad Nuisance. - Steam Boilers. - Progress of our Western Industries. - The Decline of the Whaling Industry. - Transmitting Power by Electricity. - Native Magnesium Salts. - Scientific American Export Edition for June. - The Eothen Arctic Expedition. - Patent Matters in Congress. - The Turkish Bath. - Remarkable Locomotive Performances. - The United States Building at the Paris Exposition. - Recent Ship Designs. - Figures which Seem Untruthful. - The Hotchkiss Ship's Log. - Starting New Industries. - The Telephone at Sea. - Horizontal Condensing Engine at the Exposition. One engraving. - Deep Boring. - Whitening Positives. - Mr. Thomas A. Edison. One engraving. - Patteson's Improved Car Coupling. One engraving. - Project for Increasing the Water Power of Pennsylvania. - A Japanese Built Ironclad. - A Great Public Nuisance.--The Steam Street Railways - New York City. - What the South Owes New England. - New Mechanical Inventions. - Iridescent Glass. - Fast Paper Making. - Effect of Gas on Cotton Goods. - Electrotypes of the Brain. - Astronomical Notes for July. With Three figures, giving the - Positions, Rising and Setting of the Planets. - Sun Spots. - Removing Spots from Cloths. - "American" New Process Milling. - New Agricultural Inventions. - A Defense of Sludge Acid. - Shad Hatching at Havre de Grace, Md. - Improved Wrench. Two engravings. - A Drygoods Palace Car. - Radial Drilling Machine. One engraving. - Improved Self-oiling Car Wheel. Three engravings. - The Whitehead Torpedo. One engraving. - A Californian Wheat Farm. - Edison's Telephonic Researches. Eleven figures. - New Inventions. - New Electric Light. - Quick Freight Time. - The Adams Gas Process. Three engravings. - The Invention of the Microphone. - Preparation of Iron Fuels. - Millstones. - An Hour with Edison. Four engravings. - Suspension Bridge Accident. - Mill Explosion Science. - Learn Something. - Unsuitable Steam Vessels. One engraving. - Our Naval Tubs. - Leaves and their Functions. - Lever and Cam Valve. Two engravings. - An Ingenious Toy. One engraving. - Milk as a Substitute for Blood Transfusion. - Dr. Brown-Sequard. - Odd Uses of Paraffin. - American Institute Exhibition. - Solidification of Petroleum. - A Simple Fire-escape. - Mr. Edison on the Microphone. - Driving Piles in Sand. - Is our Globe Hollow? - The Best Penwiper. - The Etiology of Asiatic Cholera.--A New Theory. - Diagnosis. - Proposed Process for the Fixation of Atmospheric Nitrogen. Two - figures. - Hallucinations. - Perils of Base-ball Playing. - Music Boxes. - Electric Light Photography. - Improved Beehive. Three engravings. - A Good Act. - Improved Gas Condenser. Two engravings. - American Crop Prospects. - The Launch of the Nipsic. - The Swiss House at the French Exposition. One engraving. - The Ingenuity of Bees. - The St. Benoit Twins. One engraving. - Improved Method of Milling. - A Remarkable Meteoric Phenomenon. - Drinking Water. - Where to Observe the Solar Eclipse of July 29th. - Explorations and Surveys. - Tests for Good Burning Oil. - Curious Hedge Figures. One engraving. - Food Supply of Paris. - The Leona Goat Sucker. One engraving. - Oatmeal. - Salt in Beer. - Dr. Morfit's Method of Preserving Animal and Vegetable Food. - The Ring of Fire, and the Volcanic Peaks of the West Coast of the - United States. - To Imitate Ground Glass. - Railroad Birds. - Improved Variable Automatic Cut-off. Four engravings. - The Uses of Mechanism. - Working Gold Ores. - The Sun. With nine engravings. An excellent paper. - Professor Edison's New Carbon Rheostat. Two engravings. - The Chase Elemental Governor. Two engravings. - Chinese Wine Powder. - Amber Varnish. - The Alkaloids of Opium. - Microscopy. - Is the Moon Inhabited? - Description of the Recent Most Important Mechanical Inventions. - Counterfeiting American Goods. - The Steam Street Railways of New York City. - Improved Piston Rod Stuffing Box. One engraving. - Improved Automatic Fan. One engraving. - Wandering Needles. - Improved Step Box. One engraving. - Heat Conductivity. - New Volcano in Peru. - Wood Carver of Simla. One engraving. - Natural History Notes. - Belgium, Holland, and England. - Jointed Artillery. - The Armstrong 100-ton Gun. - The Phonograph. - Scientific American Boat Drawings. - Wire Tramway Worked by Water Wheels. - Shell Polishing. - Floating Batteries at Kertch. - Apparatus for Administering Medicine to Horses. One engraving. - Apprentice Shops for the Boys. - A Boat Older than the Ark. Three figures. - Employment of Ships against Forts. - The Otto Bicycle. One engraving. - A Simple Gas Generator. One engraving. - Labor in Scotland. - The Cattle Drives of 1878. - Effects of Emancipation. - A New Trouble with French Wines. - The New Twin Steamer "Calais-Douvres." One engraving. - Industrial Drawing and Art Studies. - Vulcanizing Rubber. - Strawberries and Constipation. - Professor Langley's Papers on the Sun. - Destruction vs. Construction of Ironclads. - How Raisins are Prepared. - The Sun.--A Total Eclipse. With six engravings. - The Bishop of Manchester on British Trade Depression. - A New Insect Pest. - Death of a Giant. - Edison's Phonomotor. Two engravings. - Excavating Scoop. One engraving. - Treatment of Acute Rheumatism. - How a Horse Trots. - Danger of Carbolic Acid Dressings. - Welded Union and Rebel Bullets. One engraving. - Indicator of a Steamboat Engine. - A Remedy for the Effects of the Poison Ivy. - Thymol. - Copper Oysters. - The Use of Antimony in Batteries. - Photographs on Silk. - How to Use a File. A valuable practical paper. - Our Iron Industry. - Two Ways of Looking at the Same Facts. - New Screw-cutting Lathe. One engraving. - New Cloth Measuring Apparatus. One engraving. - Moth Remedies. - Gampert's Wood-sole Shoe. Three engravings. - Science and Sentiment. - American Coal in Europe. - An Active Volcano in the Moon. - Tic-douloureux. - Landing of Cleopatra's Needle. One large engraving. - Heat Conductivity. - The Total Eclipse of the Sun, July 29. Two figures. - New Iron Fence. Two engravings. - The Adjutant. One engraving. - A New Disinfectant. - The Curiosities of Tobacco. - Preserving Fish by Hydraulic Pressure. - -Answers to Correspondents, embodying a large quantity of valuable -information, practical recipes, and instructions in various arts. - -Single numbers of the Scientific American Export Edition, 50 cents. To -be had at this office, and at all news stores. - - MUNN & CO., PUBLISHERS, - 37 PARK ROW, NEW YORK. - -To Advertisers: =>Manufacturers and others who desire to secure foreign -trade may have large and handsomely displayed announcements published in -this edition at a very moderate cost. - -The Scientific American Export Edition has a large guaranteed -circulation in all commercial places throughout the world. Address MUNN -& CO., 37 Park Row, New York. - - * * * * * - - - - - =Advertisements.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =Inside Page, each insertion 75 cents a line. - Back Page, each insertion $1.00 a line.= - (About eight words to 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 Thursday morning to appear in next - issue._ - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - SEND 30 CENTS BY MAIL AND GET - -[Illustration: A KEY THAT WILL WIND ANY WATCH] -AND NOT WEAR OUT - -Circulars free. Mention paper. - J. S. BIRCH & CO., 33 Dey Street, N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -THE GEOLOGICAL ANTIQUITY OF Flowers and Insects. By J. E. TAYLOR, F.G.S. -A plain, comprehensive review of the subject, bringing forward many -instructive facts; with six illustrations. The invariable correlation -between insects and flowers. How they are fossilized. Fossil botany. -Geological Evidences of Evolution. Correspondence in the succession of -Animal and Vegetable life. Flowers necessary to Insects, and Insects -necessary to Flowers. Insects and Plants in the Devonian, the -Switzerland Lias, the English Stonesfield Slate, the Tertiary Strata, -the Coal Measures, a Greenland, and other formations. A Peculiar Aspect -of Evolution. Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT NO. =120.= -Price 10 cents. To be had at this office and of all newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -THE PHONOGRAPH AND ITS FUTURE. BY THOMAS A. EDISON. The instrument and -its Action. Durability, Duplication, and Postal Transmission of -Phonograph Plates. The probable great utility of the Phonograph in -Letter-writing, Business Correspondence and Dictation; Literature; -Education; Law; Music; Oratory, etc. Application to Musical Boxes, Toys, -and Clocks. Telegraphy of the Future; the Phonograph and Telephone -combined. Being a most interesting and valuable paper by the author and -inventor of the Phonograph himself. Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN -SUPPLEMENT, NO. =124.= Price 10 cents. 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Every number contains sixteen pages of useful information, and a -large number of original engravings of new inventions and discoveries, -representing Engineering Works, Steam Machinery, New Inventions, -Novelties in Mechanics, Manufactures, Chemistry, Electricity, -Telegraphy, Photography, Architecture, Agriculture, Horticulture, -Natural History, etc. - -=All Classes of Readers= find in THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN a popular -_resume_ of the best scientific information of the day; and it is the -aim of the publishers to present it in an attractive form, avoiding as -much as possible abstruse terms. To every intelligent mind, this journal -affords a constant supply of instructive reading. It is promotive of -knowledge and progress in every community where it circulates. - -=Terms of Subscription.=--One copy of THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN will be -sent for _one year_--52 numbers--postage prepaid, to any subscriber in -the United States or Canada, on receipt of =three dollars and twenty -cents= by the publishers; six months, $1.60; three months, $1.00. - -=Clubs.=--=One extra copy= of THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN will be supplied -gratis _for every club of five subscribers_ at $3.20 each; additional -copies at same proportionate rate. Postage prepaid. - -One copy of THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN and one copy of THE SCIENTIFIC -AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT will be sent for one year, postage prepaid, to any -subscriber in the United States or Canada, on receipt of _seven dollars_ -by the publishers. - -The safest way to remit is by Postal Order, Draft, or Express. 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Remit by postal order or draft to order of Munn & Co., 37 -Park Row, New York. - - * * * * * - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - WALTHAM WATCHES. - - _Improved in Quality, but no higher in price._ - -After this date, we shall sell none but =New Model Waltham Watches=, -particulars of which will be found in our New Price List. - -Every one concedes that genuine WALTHAM watches are superior to all -others, and at present prices they are within the reach of all. - -We continue to send single watches by mail or express to any part of the -country, no matter how remote, without any risk to the purchaser. - -Price List sent free and postpaid. - - _Address_ HOWARD & CO., - =No. 264 Fifth Ave., New York.= - -_All silver cases for the_ NEW MODEL WATCHES _are made of sterling -silver, and cases as well as movements are guaranteed by special -certificate._ - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -[Illustration: - - BEST AND CHEAPEST - FOOT POWER - SCREW CUTTING - $85. ENGINE LATHES - - - SEE FULL DESCRIPTION IN - SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN JULY 27 - SEND FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE - GOODNOW & WIGHTMAN - 176 WASHINGTON ST. BOSTON MASS. -] - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - The Midsummer Holiday Scribner. - - ANOTHER ROYAL NUMBER. - - Charming Writers--New Artists--Superb Engraving. - -The August number of this progressive magazine is the third "Midsummer -Holiday" issue, and the publisher is confident that in literary and -artistic excellence it will be found fully equal to, if not in advance -of, its predecessors, which met with such distinguished favor from the -press and the public. - -It opens with a Frontispiece, - - =A NEW PORTRAIT OF BRYANT,= - -Drawn in crayon, from life, by WYATT EATON, and engraved by COLE, with a -sketch of the haunts and homes of Bryant, by HORATIO N. POWERS, with -numerous wood-cuts. - -Among the other illustrated material is - - "=A SEA-PORT ON THE PACIFIC,=" - -By MARY HALLOCK FOOTE. The drawings are also by Mrs. Foote, and are -engraved by Marsh, Cole, and others. They have not been excelled in -magazine literature for charm, picturesqueness, and fine engraving. A -paper of wide interest is - - "=TO SOUTH AFRICA for DIAMONDS!=" - -By Dr. W. J. MORTON, a narrative of personal experience in the mines, -with striking illustrations of this romantic and curious life. There are -also - - =TWO CHARMING FIELD PAPERS=: - -"Sharp Eyes" by JOHN BURROUGHS, with illustrations by a new artist; -"Glimpses of New England Farm Life," by R. E. ROBINSON, a paper of rare -picturesque interest. - -There are illustrated poems by Dr. HOLLAND and J. T. TROWBRIDGE; also, -poems by STEDMAN, BRET HARTE, and others. - -THE ILLUSTRATIONS are by Wyatt Eaton, Mary Hallock Foote, Vanderhoof, -Waud, Frederick Dielman, R. Swain Gifford, Jervis McEntee, Henry Farrer, -Winslow Homer, J. E. Kelly, Walter Shirlaw, L. C. Tiffany, Thomas Moran, -Will H. Low, Mrs. Fanny Eliot Gifford, and others. - -The shorter stories are by STOCKTON and HENRY JAMES, Jr. - -DR. EGGLESTON'S STORY of WESTERN LIFE reaches its climax, and will end -in October. - -A New Novel, - - "=FALCONBERG," by BOYESEN,= - -Begins in this issue. It is a story of immigrant life in America, told -by one of the most promising of the younger generation of novelists, and -will be read with interest abroad as well as at home. - -The Editorial Departments include "Our Commune," "The Death of Bryant," -"Greatness in Art," "A Rural Art Association," "Recent Improvements in -Telephony," thoughtful and suggestive Book Reviews, Humorous Sketches -and Verses by new hands, &c., &c. - -The frontispiece is upon a peculiar tint of paper, manufactured by -Warren expressly for Eaton's portrait of Bryant. The printing is by De -Vinne, from the press of Francis Hart & Co., who take rank among the -foremost printers of the world. - -EDITION =85,000.= Price 35 cents Sold by all News-dealers and -Book-sellers. - - =SCRIBNER & CO., NEW YORK.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - Baker Rotary Pressure Blower. - - [Illustration] - - (FORCED BLAST.) - - Warranted superior to any other. - - WILBRAHAM BROS. - 2318 Frankford Ave. - PHILADELPHIA. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - OUTWARD MARKS OF A GOOD COW. - - By Capt. JOHN C. MORRIS, Pa. Carelessness in Breeding. How to Select - for Breeding. Marks of the Handsome Cow. Care and Training of the - Heifer. Infallible Marks of Good Milkers. Distinguishing Marks and - Characteristics of the "Bastard" and the "Bogus" Cow, etc. Contained, - with useful Remarks on Bee Culture, in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT - NO. =135.= Price 10 cents. To be had at this office and of all - newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - PATENTS AT AUCTION. - - Regular Monthly Sales the first week of each month by George W. - Keeler, Auctioneer, at his salesrooms, 53 and 55 Liberty Street, N. - Y. For terms, etc., address The New York Patent Exchange, 53 Liberty - St., N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - 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 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - BIBB'S - Celebrated Original Baltimore - Fire Place Heaters - Mantels and Registers. - B. C. BIBB & SON, - Baltimore, Md. - - Best workmanship. Lowest prices guaranteed. Send for circulars. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - JAPANESE ART MANUFACTURES. - - By Christopher Dresser, Ph.D., etc. Paper read before Society of - Arts. The Japanese Potter at Work. Curious mode of Making Scarfs. How - the Japanese Print on Cloth. Japanese Process for Silk Ornamentation. - Japanese Weaving. How Fine Japanese Fans are made. Japanese Method - of Making Moulds for Ornamental Castings for Vessels, Bronzes, - etc. Japanese Lacquer Manufacture. Curious Method of Decorating - Lacquer Work. The Love and Pursuit of the Beautiful in Japan. A very - entertaining, instructive, and comprehensive paper. Contained in - SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT NO. =115.= Price 10 cents. To be had - at this office and of all newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - BURNHAM'S - - STANDARD TURBINE - - WATER WHEEL. - - WARRANTED BEST AND CHEAPEST. - - N. F. 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MOSS, Superintendent. - ] - - RELIEF PLATES - - For Newspaper, Book, and Catalogue Illustrations. Engraved in - Type-Metal, by a new Photo-Chemical Method, from all kinds of Prints, - Pen Drawings, Original Designs, Photographs, etc., =much cheaper - than wood cuts=. These plates have a perfectly smooth printing - surface, and the lines are =as deep, as even, and as sharp= as they - could possibly be cut by hand. We guarantee that they will print - satisfactorily, on wet or dry paper, and on any press where type or - wood cuts can be so printed. Electrotypes may be made from them in - the usual way. - - =Our plates are now used by the principal publishers and manufacturers - in every State in the Union.= _Send stamp for illustrated Circular._ - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =State, County and Shop Rights For Sale.= - - The Patent Adjustable Die Co. invite the attention of Printers, - Lithographers, Paper Box Makers, Leather, Cloth, and Metal Workers, - and all who use dies of any description, or who cut by laborious - hand work patterns of any size or shape, to their patent device for - cutting any desired outline at a cost of a few cents, and doing - it with exactness, cutting from one to three hundred at a single - pressure. Among those who have purchased shop rights, the following - are referred to: Rand, Macnally & Co.; Donnelly, Loyd & Co.; Shoeber - & Carqueville Lithograph Co.; Wright & Leonard; Frank Roehr; Gregory - & Staiger; Western Label Man. Co.; S. A. Grant & Co., Cincinnati. - - PATENT ADJUSTABLE DIE CO., - No. 96 Dearborn Street, Chicago, Il. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - =BARNES' FOOT POWER MACHINERY.= - - 13 Different machines with which Builders, Cabinet Makers, Wagon - Makers, and Jobbers in miscellaneous work can compete as to QUALITY - AND PRICE with steam power manufacturing; also Amateurs' supplies. - MACHINES SENT ON TRIAL. - - Say where you read this, and send for catalogue and prices. - - W. F. & JOHN BARNES, - Rockford, Winnebago Co., Ill. - - Eastern Agency for - - =Barnes' Foot Power Machinery.= - - _Full line in stock_ at factory prices. Can be seen in operation at - CHAS. E. LITTLE'S, 59 Fulton St., N. Y. _Cast Steel Pump Log Augers - and Reamers a specialty._ - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =$250.= HEALD, SISCO & CO.'S "=RELIABLE=" 20 Horse Power, Stationary, - Horizontal, Double-crank Steam Engine. Complete with Judson Governor, - Boiler-feed Pump, Water Heater, etc. Best and cheapest in the world, - and fully guaranteed. TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS. Send for - circular to - HEALD, SISCO & CO., Baldwinsville, N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =Wood-Working Machinery,= - - Such as Woodworth Planing, Tonguing, 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.) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =PATENT MINERAL WOOL.= - - Entirely _Fireproof_, undecaying, and the best _non-conductor of heat, - cold, or sound_. Cheaper than hair-felt. - - =A. D. ELBERS=, - _P. O. Box 4461._ 26-1/2 Broadway, N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [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, 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. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =Pond's Tools=, - - =Engine Lathes, Planers, Drills, &c.= - - Send for Catalogue. DAVID W. POND, Successor to LUCIUS W. POND. - =Worcester, Mass.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =$3 GOLD PLATED WATCHES.= Cheapest in the known world. _Sample Watch - Free to Agents._ Address, A. COULTER & Co., Chicago. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =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. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =The George Place Machinery Agency= - =Machinery of Every Description.= - 121 Chambers and 103 Reade Streets, New York. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - CIVIL and MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - - At the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N. Y. Next term - begins Sept. 12. The Annual Register for 1878 contains a list of the - graduates for the past 52 years, with their positions; also, course - of study, requirements for admission, expenses, etc. Address Wm. H. - Young, Treas'r. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =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. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - _NOW READY._ - - =The Army of the Republic:= - - ITS SERVICES AND DESTINY. - =BY HENRY WARD BEECHER.= - - An Oration at the Re-union of the Army of the Potomac, at Springfield, - Mass., June 5th, comprising Christian Union Extra No. 12. - - Price 10 Cents. - =THE CHRISTIAN UNION,= - 27 Park Place, N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: WOOD WORKING MACHINERY. PLANING, MATCHING, MOLDING, - MORTISING, TENONING, CARVING, MACHINES. BAND & SCROLL SAWS UNIVERSAL - AND VARIETY WOOD WORKERS, &c. &c. =J. A. FAY & CO.= CINCINNATI, - O.U.S.A.] - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =Lathes, Planers, Shapers= - - Drills, Bolt and Gear Cutters, Milling Machines. Special Machinery. E. - GOULD & EBERHARDT, Newark, N. J. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =A BLOCK PLANE,= - =WITH ADJUSTMENT FOR SETTING THE CUTTER.= - - [Illustration] - - =Length, 7-1/2 inches; 1-3/4 inch Cutter.= - - =PRICE $1.00.= - - Sent by mail, to any address, postage prepaid, on receipt of price. - - Price of the above Plane _without_ the adjustment, 70c. Write for an - Illustrated Descriptive Circular and Price List of our full line of - "Defiance" Metallic Planes to - - BAILEY WRINGING MACHINE CO., - 99 Chambers Street, New York. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - READ THIS! READ THIS!! - - Adjustable Safety Stilts. - - A NOVELTY FOR THE BOYS. - - A Great Chance to Make Money. - - Parties wishing to invest in a paying business can do so with a small - capital by addressing - - CHAS. S. SHUTE, Springfield, Mass. - - Send Stamp for Illustrated Circular. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =VINEGAR.= - - I teach by letter the new English Quick-Vinegar-Process, that is, how - vinegar is made in one day without drugs. For particulars and terms, - address - - J. H. LAUTERBACH, Zanesville, Ohio. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =Foundry and Machine Shop,= - in live Western town, for sale cheap. Address Box 275, Winona, Minn. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - WOOD ENGRAVING - - At Photo-Engraving Process Rates, by - T. P. DONALDSON, 33 Park Row, N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =SHEET METAL WORKS FOR SALE.= - - The largest and best equipped establishment in the United States - for the manufacture of Sheet Metal Architectural and Cornice Works, - and Ornamental Stamped and Spun Zinc Work. Located at an important - station on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad. Taxes and - rents low. The ornamental sheet metal work upon the Main Building for - the Centennial Exposition was made at these shops. The real estate, - tools, and equipments cost some sixty thousand dollars. Will be sold - at a very great sacrifice. Call on or address LUCIEN L. GILBERT, - Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - THE BEST FRICTION CLUTCH IN THE _World_ for hoisting coal, logs, or - freight. It can be fitted direct on line shaft, run at high speed, and - start without shock. _No end thrust_ on journals. Patent Safety - Elevators at low prices. - - D. FRISBIE & CO., New Haven, Conn. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: - !!New and Improved!! - - Engraving Process!!!! - - Perfect Substitute for Wood-Cuts. - - Photo-Plate Company - - 63 Duane St. New York. - - Can be printed on an ordinary Press. - - RELIEF PLATES in hard Type Metal FOR Newspaper & Book Illustration. - - Send Stamp for Illustrated Circular. - - MUCH CHEAPER THAN WOODCUTS. - - ARTISTIC PRINTING. - - FINE ELECTROTYPING. - - State where you saw this. - ] - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - =$4. TELEPHONES= - - For Business Purposes, ours excel all others in clearness and volume - of tone. Illus. circular and testimonials for 3 cts. - - Address J. R. HOLCOMB, Mallet Creek, Ohio. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - EXPLOSIVE DUST. A COMPREHENSIVE description of the Dangers from Dust - in various Manufactures and the Cause of many Fires. How combustible - substances can explode. Spontaneous Combustion of Iron, Charcoal, and - Lampblack in Air. Flour Dust and Brewery Dust Explosions. Explosions - of Coal Dust in Mines. Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT - NO. =125.= Price 10 cents. To be had at this office and of all - newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =Can I Obtain a Patent?= - - This is the first inquiry that naturally occurs to every author or - discoverer of a new idea or improvement. The quickest and best way - to obtain a satisfactory answer, without expense, is to write to us - (Munn & Co.), describing the invention, with a small sketch. All we - need is to get the _idea_. Do not use pale ink. Be brief. Send stamps - for postage. We will immediately answer and inform you whether or - not your improvement is probably patentable; and if so, give you the - necessary instructions for further procedure. Our long experience - enables us to decide quickly. For this advice we make _no charge_. - All persons who desire to consult us in regard to obtaining patents - are cordially invited to do so. We shall be happy to see them in - person at our office, or to advise them by letter. In all cases, they - may expect from us a careful consideration of their plans, an honest - opinion, and a prompt reply. - - _What Security Have I_ that my communication to Munn & Co. will be - faithfully guarded and remain confidential? - - _Answer._-You have none except our well-known integrity in this - respect, based upon a most extensive practice of thirty years' - standing. Our clients are numbered by hundreds of thousands. They - are to be found in every town and city in the Union. Please to - make inquiry about us. Such a thing as the betrayal of a client's - interests, when committed to our professional care, never has - occurred, and is not likely to occur. All business and communications - intrusted to us are kept _secret and confidential_. - - Address =MUNN & CO.,= - Publishers of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, - =37 Park Row New York.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - =Advertisements.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =Inside Page, each insertion - - - 75 cents a line. - Back Page, each insertion - - - $1.00 a line.= - (About eight words to 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 Thursday morning to appear in next - issue._ - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =TELEPHONES,= - - Perfect working, at reduced prices. Send for illustrated circular to - =TELEPHONE SUPPLY CO.,= - =Box 3224, Boston, Mass.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: - =H.W. JOHNS'= - ASBESTOS - TRADEMARK - ] - - =LIQUID PAINTS, ROOFING, BOILER COVERINGS,= - Steam Packing, Sheathings, Fire Proof Coatings, Cements. - SEND FOR SAMPLES, ILLUSTRATED PAMPHLET AND PRICE LIST. - =H. W. JOHNS M'F'G Co., 87= MAIDEN LANE, N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =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.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - =WARRANTED THE BEST. - 1 H. P. Boiler & Engine, $150. - 2 H. P., $175. 3 H. P., $200.= - - Tested to 200 lbs. Steam. - - =LOVEGROVE & CO., - 152 N. 3d St., Philadelphia, Pa.,= - - Builders of Engines and Boilers, 1 to 100 horse power. Send for - circulars and prices, and state size and style you want. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - ESTABLISHED 1844. - - =JOSEPH C. TODD,= - - ENGINEER and MACHINIST. Flax, Hemp, Jute, Rope, Oakum and Bagging - Machinery, Steam Engines, Boilers, etc. I also manufacture Baxter's - New Portable Engine of 1877. Can be seen in operation at my store. A - one horse-power, portable engine, complete, $125; two horse-power, - $225; two and a half horse-power, $250; three horse-power, $275. - Manufactured exclusively by - - =J. C. TODD,= - 10 Barclay St., New York, or Paterson, N. J. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =CAMERON= - =Steam Pumps= - - For Mines, Blast Furnaces, Rolling Mills, Oil Refineries, Boiler - Feeders, &c. - - For Illustrated Catalogue and _Reduced_ Price List send to =Works, Foot - East 23d St., New York.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: WIRE ROPE] - - Address JOHN A. ROEBLING'S SONS, Manufacturers, Trenton, N. J., or 117 - Liberty Street, New York. - - Wheels and Rope for conveying power long distances. Send for circular. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =$1200 Salary.= Salesmen wanted to sell our Staple Goods to dealers. - No peddling. =Expenses= paid. Permanent employment. address S. A. - GRANT & CO., 2, 4, 6 & 8 Home St., Cincinnati, O. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - _Working Models_ - - And Experimental Machinery, Metal or Wood, made to order by - J. F. WERNER, 62 Centre St., N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - B. W. Payne & Sons, Corning, N. Y. - Established in 1840. - - [Illustration] - - Eureka Safety Power. - - |h.p. cyl. ht. space. wt. price. - ------------------------------------------- - | 2 |3-1/8x4| 48 in.| 40x25 | 900 | $150 | - -------------------------------------------| - | 4 | 4x6 | 56 | 46x30 | 1600 | 250 | - -------------------------------------------| - | 6 | 5x7 | 72 | 72x42 | 2700 | 400 | - ------------------------------------------- - |_Also_, =SPARK ARRESTING PORTABLES=, _and_| - | =Stationary Engines= _for Plantations_. | - | Send for Circulars. | - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - Patent Wood-working Machinery, Band Saws Scroll Saws, Friezers, etc. - Cordesman, Egan & Co., Cincin'ti, O. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =CORLISS ENGINES.= - - Beam, horizontal, vertical, condensing, and non-condensing Steam - Engines. - - =Machine Tools, Sugar Machinery.= - - =Facilities for Constructing Heavy Machinery.= - - Send for Circular. - - PASSAIC MACHINE WORKS, - WATTS, CAMPBELL & CO., Proprietors, - Newark, N. J. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - THE ONLY Genuine GEISER SELF-REGULATING GRAIN SEPARATOR. Celebrated - for its light and smooth movements, also SEPARATING and CLEANING all - kinds of grain. - - Manufactured only by - THE GEISER M'F'G CO., Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Pa. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =CIGAR BOX LUMBER,= - - Manufactured by our new - - =Patented Processes.= - - Poplar 1-1/4c. - Mahogany 2-1/2c. - Spanish Cedar Veneers 1/2c. - Spanish Cedar, 2d quality 2-3/4c. - " 1st and 2d quality 3-1/4c. - " 1st " 3-3/4c. - No charge for cartage. Terms cash. - - =GEO. W. READ & CO.,= - =186 to 200 Lewis Street, New York.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =BELT PULLEY,= - - Lightest, strongest, and best made. Secured to the Shaft without Keys, - Set Screws, Bolts or Pins; also, _Adjustable Dead Pulleys_ and - _Taper-Sleeve Couplings_. Send for catalogue. Address Taper-Sleeve - Pulley Works, Erie, Pa. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: - MARVIN'S - FIRE & BURGLAR - SAFES - COUNTER PLATFORM . WAGON & TRACK - SCALES - MARVIN SAFE & SCALE CO. - .265 BROADWAY. N. Y.. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - An assortment of - =WOOD-WORKING MACHINERY= - made by Richards, London & Kelley (dissolved); also, a number of - first-class =MACHINE TOOLS= (nearly as good as new) of Philadelphia - construction, on hand and for sale. For list or inspection of machines - and estimates, apply at the works of JOHN RICHARDS & CO., 22d and Wood - Sts., Philadelphia, manufacturers of Standard Gauges and other - Implements. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - ON THE CARE OF HORSES. BY PROF. PRITCHARD, R. V. S. Showing the Proper - Construction of Stables. Best Floor. Lighting and Ventilation. - Hay-racks. Watering and Feeding. Grooming and Exercise. Cracked Heels; - Lice; Colic; Mud Fever; Wind Galls. Also, in same number, facts about - improved Cow Stables. How to keep Cows clean and maintain Pure Air in - Stables. Increased Cleanliness and Convenience with Less Labor. - Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT NO. =123.= Price 10 cents. - To be had at this office and of all newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - Every Man His Own Printer! - - [Illustration: The Excelsior] - - =$3 Press= Prints labels, cards etc. (Self-inker $5) =9= Larger sizes - For business, pleasure, young or old Catalogue of Presses, Type, - Etc., for 2 stamps. - - =KELSEY & Co.= - =Meriden, Conn= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =Pyrometers=, For showing heat of Ovens, Hot Blast Pipes Boiler Flues, - Superheated Steam, Oil Stills, &c. - - HENRY W. BULKLEY, Sole Manufacturer, - 149 Broadway, N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =ICE AT $1.00 PER TON.= - The PICTET ARTIFICIAL ICE CO., - LIMITED, - Room 51, Coal and Iron Exchange, P. O. Box 3083, N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - LAP WELDED CHARCOAL IRON - - Boiler Tubes, Steam Pipe, Light and Heavy Forgings, Engines, Boilers, - Cotton Presses, Rolling Mill and Blast Furnace Work. - - =READING IRON WORKS,= - =261 South Fourth St., Phila.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =OPERA GLASSES= =At Reduced Prices.= Microscopes, Spectacles, - Telescopes, Thermometers. Send for Illustrated Catalogue. - - R. & J. BECK, - 921 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - WOOD-WORKING MACHINERY, - New and improved, for special work. Boring Machines, Turning Lathes, - Saw Arbors, Saw Benches, Scroll Saws, Panel Raisers, and other - Wood Tools. We build the only patented Panel Raiser, with vertical - spindles, all others being infringements on our patents of July 11 - and October 31, 1871. - - =WALKER BROS.,= - =_73 and 75 Laurel St., Phila._= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - ALCOHOLISM. AN INTERESTING Paper upon the Relations of Intemperance - and Life Insurance. The average Risks and Expectancy of Life of - the Temperate and of the Intemperate. Physiological action of - Alcohol; stimulating the Nervous System, Retarding the Circulation. - Alcohol Oxidized in the System. Insomnia, Congestion of the Lungs, - Deterioration of Structure, Calculus, and Liver Diseases as results - of Liquor. Extended Medical Testimony. Contained in SCIENTIFIC - AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT NO. =125.= Price 10 cents. To be had at this - office and of all newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =Telephones.= - - How made, adjusted, and operated by any person. Send stamp for full - and interesting description, with illustrations and instructions. One - pair first-class Telephones complete, except diaphragms, sent to any - address upon receipt of $5. J.H. BUNNELL, Electrician, - 112 Liberty St., 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. A fine was assessed against them Nov. 11, - 1876, for selling contrary to the order of the court. Persons buying - or using clocks infringing on my patent will be dealt with according - to law. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - THE HUGHES TELEPHONE. SIX FIGURES. Sound converted into Undulatory - Electrical Currents by Unhomogeneous Conducting Substances in - Circuit. The Simplest Telephone and the most sensitive Acoustical - Instrument yet constructed. Instrument for Testing the Effect of - Pressure on Various Substances. Astonishing Experiments which may - be performed by any person with a few nails, pieces of sealing wax, - a glass tube containing powders, and a few sticks of charcoal. - Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT NO. =128.= Price 10 - cents. To be had at this office and of all newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: - MEDAL & PREMIUM AWARDED TO - ALCOTT'S - TURBINE WATER WHEELS] - - MANUFACT'D AT MOUNT HOLLY N. J. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - "OLD RELIABLE." TO KNOW ALL about the =Best Pump= for Paper Makers, - Tanners, Contractors, and for irrigation, send for illustrated - pamphlet, 78 pages. HEALD, SISCO & CO., Baldwinsville, N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =BOOKS=, Papers. Want Agents. Send stamp. L. L. FAIRCHILD, Rolling - Prairie, Wis. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =IT PAYS= to sell our Rubber Stamps and Novelties. Terms free. G. A. - HARPER & BRO., Cleveland, O. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - DYSPEPSIA. BY DR. C. F. KUNZE. - Symptoms. Appetite Diminished. Stomach - Digestion much slower than Normal. Constipation. Symptoms in Children. - Chronic Cases. Dyspepsia as caused by too much Food; by Indigestible - Food; by General Derangement; by Altered Conditions of Innervation. - Treatment. Nourishment should be Easily Digestible; taken Little at a - Time; and Digested before more is taken. Necessity of Few and Plain - Dishes. Treatment when Stomach is Overloaded. Aiding Gastric Juice. - Treatment in Febrile Diseases. Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN - SUPPLEMENT NO. =129.= Price 10 cents, To be had at this office and of - all newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - =SHEPARD'S CELEBRATED= - - $50 Screw Cutting Foot Lathe. - - Foot and Power Lathes, Drill Presses, Scroll, Circular and Band Saws, - Saw Attachments, Chucks, Mandrills, Twist Drills, Dogs, Calipers, etc. - Send for catalogue of outfits for amateurs or artisans. - - =H. L. SHEPARD & CO., - 88, 90 & 92 Elm St., - Cincinnati, Ohio.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =TO ADVERTISERS!= We will send free to all applicants who do any - newspaper advertising, the THIRD EDITION of - =AYER & SON'S MANUAL= - =FOR ADVERTISERS.= 160 8vo. pp. More complete than any which have - preceded it. Gives the names, circulation, and advertising rates of - several thousand newspapers in the United States and Canada, and - contains more information of value to an advertiser than can be found - in any other publication. All lists have been carefully revised, and - where practicable prices have been reduced. The special offers are - numerous and unusually advantageous. Be sure to send for it before - spending any money in newspaper advertising. Address =N. W. AYER & - SON,= ADVERTISING AGENTS, Times Building, Philadelphia. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =PORTLAND CEMENT,= - - ROMAN & KEENE'S. For Walks, Cisterns, Foundations, Stables, Cellars, - Bridges, Reservoirs, Breweries, etc. - - Remit 10 cents for Practical Treatise on Cements. - - S. L. MERCHANT & CO., 53 Broadway, New York. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - =NORTH'S UNIVERSAL LATHE DOG. - S. G. NORTH - 347 North 4th Street, Philadelphia, Pa.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =MACHINISTS' TOOLS.= - NEW AND IMPROVED PATTERNS. - - Send for new illustrated catalogue. - - Lathes, Planers, Drills, &c. - =NEW HAVEN MANUFACTURING CO., - New Haven, Conn.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - POINTS OF A GOOD HORSE. BEING the Report of the Committee appointed - by the New England Agricultural Society to decide upon Rules for - Guidance of Judges of Horses. The Points of Excellence. Size, Color, - Symmetry of Body, Head and Neck, Eye and Ear, Feet and Limbs, fully - described. Speed at the Trot, and in Walking, Style and Action, etc., - with the percentage allowed for each quality. The Standard Size and - Speed for Matched Carriage Horses, Gents' Driving Horses, Family - Horses, Park or Phaeton Horses, etc. An excellent Guide in selecting - animals. Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT NO. =103=, price - 10 cents. To be had at this office and of all newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - ="THE EAGLE CLAW."= - The best Trap in the World for catching - FISH, ANIMALS & GAME. - [Illustration] - One bait will catch - =Twenty Fish=. - - No. 1, for ordinary fishing, small game, &c. 35c. - No. 2, for large fish, mink, musk-rats, &c. 75c. - Sent by mail. =J. BRIDE & CO.,= - Mfrs., 297 Broadway, New-York. - - Send for Catalogue of useful novelties and mention this paper. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - EMERY AND CORUNDUM WHEELS, - for Grinding and Surfacing Metals and other materials. By ARTHUR H. - BATEMAN, F. C. S. A paper read before the Society of Arts, London. - Files, Chisels, Grindstones, Composition of Emery, where found, - Quality, Specific Gravity, and Hardness, Manufacture of the wheels, - Emery Powder, Buffing, Polishing, Cutting Power, Corundum. The - Magnesian or Union Wheel, the Tanite, the Northampton, the Vulcanite, - the Climax, the Vitrified, a porous wheel with central water supply. - Fifty uses enumerated to which the wheels are put, for Metals, - Stone, Teeth, Millboard, Wood, Agate, and Brick. How to mount a - wheel. How to hold the work, and directions for various classes of - work. Discussion and questions proposed and answered. Contained in - SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT, NO. =125=. Price 10 cents. To be had - at this office and of all newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =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.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: Diamonds and Carbon] - - Shaped or Crude, furnished and set for Boring Rocks, Dressing Mill - Burrs, Emery Wheels, Grindstones, Hardened Steel, Calender Rollers, - and for Sawing Turning, or Working Stone and other hard substances: - also Glaziers' Diamonds. J. DICKINSON, 64 Nassau St., N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =SECOND-HAND ENGINES,= - - Portable and Stationary, at Low Prices. - - HARRIS IRON WORKS, TITUSVILLE, PA. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - HOW TO MAKE A PHONOGRAPH. - - Full Instructions, with Eight Working Drawings, Half Size. - Construction easy and Inexpensive. These drawings are from an actual - working Phonograph; they show the sizes, forms, and arrangement of - all the parts. The explanations are so plain and practical as to - enable any intelligent person to construct and put a Phonograph in - successful operation in a very short time. Contained in SCIENTIFIC - AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT NO. =133.= Price 10 cents. To be had at this - office and of all newsdealers. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: - SCHLENKERS AUTOMATIC REVOLVING BOLT CUTTER - DIAMOND SELF CLAMP PAPER CUTTER - HOWARD'S SAFETY ELEVATORS - HOWARD'S PARALLEL VISE - HOWARD IRON WORKS BUFFALO N. Y. - ] - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =_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.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - THE TANITE CO., - STROUDSBURG, PA. - =EMERY WHEELS AND GRINDERS.= - GEO. PLACE, 121 Chambers St., New York Agent. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: - ROCK DRILLING MACHINES - AND - AIR COMPRESSORS. - - MANUFACTURED BY BURLEIGH ROCK DRILL CO. - - SEND FOR PAMPHLET. . FITCHBURG MASS. - ] - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =STEAM PUMPS.= - - HENRY R. WORTHINGTON, - - 239 Broadway, N. Y. 83 Water St., Boston. - - THE WORTHINGTON DUPLEX PUMPING ENGINES FOR WATER WORKS--Compound, - Condensing or Non-Condensing. Used in over 100 Water-Works Stations. - - STEAM PUMPS--Duplex and Single Cylinder. - - WATER METERS. OIL METERS. - - =Prices largely Reduced.= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: WATSONS NON CHANGEABLE GAP LATHE HAS GREAT - FACILITIES FOR LARGE OR MEDIUM SIZE WORK JAMES WATSON MANR. 1608 - S. FRONT ST. PHILA. PA.] - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - HARTFORD - STEAM BOILER - Inspection & Insurance - COMPANY. - W. B. FRANKLIN V. Pres't. J. M. ALLEN, Pres't. - J. B. PIERCE, Sec'y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration] - - =Patent Portable Chuck Jaws.= - - Improved Solid Emery Wheels, for grinding Iron and Brass Castings, - Tools, etc. Manufactured by AM. TWIST DRILL CO., Woonsocket, R. I. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =$7= A DAY to Agents canvassing for the =Fireside Visitor=. Terms and - Outfit Free. Address P. O. VICKERY, Augusta, Maine. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =HAND SAW MILL= SAVES THREE MEN'S labor. - S. C. HILLS, 78 Chambers St., N. Y. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - =BEST= - - DAMPER REGULATORS - - AND WEIGHTED GAUGE COCKS. - - MURRILL & KEIZER, 44 HOLLIDAY ST., BALTIMORE. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Illustration: 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, a pamphlet 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, etc. - - =_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. 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J., gave the best results at Centennial tests." had "tets" in -the original. - -On page 92, the patent named "Gas, scintillator for lighting" was -numbered "204,28" in the original. The final "5" has been added because -sorting the list reveals that the patent numbers form a consecutive -series from 204,122 to 204,413, with the only one missing being 204,285. - -On page 92, the patent named "Shoetip" was guessed at; the "t" is -unclear in the original. - -On page 94, the phrase "Alcohol Oxidized in the System." had no -terminating punctuation in the original. - -On page 94, the illustration containing the words "Diamonds and -Carbor", the "Carbor" may be an abbreviation for "Carborundum"; the -image is unclear in the original. - -On page 94, in the advertisement for "WATSONS [sic] NON [sic] CHANGEABLE -GAP LATHE", the abbreviation "MANR." had the "R" as a superscript in the -original. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Scientific American, Vol. XXXIX.--No. -6. 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