NOTICES OF INTENTION TO PROCER PATENTS From the London Gascits, Jun 1, 1 213 T. Berney. Firing projectile, 223 J. Poole. Metallic hoops. 227 W. H. Stallard. Regulating am 239 W. Pocock. Presenting cara. 245 H. Craven and J. Speeding. Sapir, 275 J. A. Murray. Chimney to 287 F. Bauman. Separating fr 293 J. Smith and G. Wilson. Conting 296 Ea S. Crease. Boning rok 299 R. D. Napier. Brakes 303 B. Harlow. Boilers. 307 J. F. Philippi. Pianofortes 325 J. Wright and T. Obley. Treatm lead. 330 G. A. Waller. Filtering beer, 334 S. Alley. Machine tools. 337 J. Graham. Spelter from intim. 340 F. Rosenauer. Sufening yara im tion.) 344 G. E. Pain and C. Correy. Oistr 346 R. E. Green and W. Layock, P fabrics. 348 E. Siddaway. Smoothing irons. 358 W. S. Losh. Salts of ammonia. 359 A. Ormsby. Storage of rainwate 361 H. A. Fletcher, Planing metala 365 W. Jones. Junctions of pipes 373 E. Heywood and E. Hincade Farn 387 E. Manico. Raising sand. 390 J. B. Booth. Carding engine. Am tion.) 395 F. Bacon. Breech-leading firar ne. 396 A. V. Newton. Sewing machinim cation.) 398 W. Clissold. Tentering machine 440 R. Thwaites, and E, H. Carton, wit Steam hammers. 453 A. V. Newton. Railroad wiza communication.) 492 W. Clark. Toilet soap (AINDA 496 T. King. Oleansing casts. 675 J. G. Tongue. Bridles and res. A tion.) 1012 S Perkins. Railway crossings. 1045 W. R. Lake. Combined waar DL pamp. (A communication,) 1064 J. H. Plaver. Passphorens. 1106 R. S. M. Vaughan and A. G. Hasta. "1 latch. 1150 J. Millward. Brewers' mash tuna kom cation.) 1181 A. V. Newton. Pumping engan la cation.) 1195 G. Grdon. Drving moist substanc 1335 E. Bourdon. Valves. 1404 J. Watkins. Axles. 1416 W. E, de Bourran. Evaporators 1451 C. E. Brooman. Sewing matins im cation.) The full titles of the patents in the same da ascertained by referring back to theirnamente provisional protections previous paistet Opposition can be entered to the graça de any of the parties in the above list who campur of their intention to proceed, withstone the date of the Gazette in which the leaving at the Commissioners' office pannaani of the objection to the application. JUNE 21, 1867. THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. LONDON: FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1867. THE MECHANICS MAGAZINE. BRIDGING THE ENGLISH CHANNEL. scheme A 381 PETROLEUM AS STEAM FUEL. In his eyes it is only a question of proportion. "If a wire of a certain strength and thickness LIVE to the importance of petroleum as will hang extended between two given points, then if the strength and thickness of the wire a fuel for steam purposes, our transatlanbe increased the distance between the points tic friends are as active as ourselves-perhaps may be increased proportionately." Could it a little more-in bringing the matter to a indeed? This is something new. Let us look practical issue. To this end they have recently a little more closely into M. Boutet's ideas or instituted some experiments on board ship in those of the Moniteur, or of the Pall Mall Charlestown Dockyard, the vessel used for the Gazette, as the case may be. According to purpose being the "Palos." The trials were the statement M. Boutet seems to think that conducted under the supervision of a Board of he can extend a bridge to the whole span of Engineers, and lasted for three days. The the Channel by increasing the strength and arrangements for supplying the crude petroleum and the necessary apparatus are the inThe petronel under the English Channel has been steel-say 50 tons per square inch-whilst by leum is supplied from two large iron tanks abandoned as impracticable. The idea was a increasing the thickness, the weight also, and placed on deck, each tank having a glass gauge favourite hobby with many before Mr. Hawk- thus the strain on the wire, would be increased at its side, to indicate the height of the petroshaw rode it and quickly rode it to death. in proportion. Let us suppose as indeed is the leum, and a vent pipe on the top to permit the Many will thank him for so doing, for next to case in the present instance the span of the escape of vapour. From these tanks the the honour of proving a thing practicable is bridge to be 20 miles, and the wire to be of petroleum is conducted by half-inch pipe to that of proving it impracticable. This Mr. steel and 1 square inch in area, the weight per the boiler furnaces. It there drops into iron Hawkshaw has been at great trouble and ex-foot run being about 3lb. Let us now see what retorts heated by burners placed beneath them, the strain in the centre of the bridge would and in which the petroleum is instantly be; we shall approach the result by the follow-vapourised. This vapour, in burning, is mixed ing equation :-Horizontal strain with steam, decomposed by passing through pipes partially filled with iron filings, and with oxygen supplied by atmospheric air forced in by a common air pump. The heat thus said to be so perfect that no smoke is perceptigenerated is intense, and the combustion is ble. If the supply of air or steam be diminished smoke is at once created. The trial lasted for Mnecting England and France by a tun-thickness of the wire. But the strength can-vention of Colonel H. R. Foote. pence to do, and he has succeeded. The a = one-fourth the span X weight of wire therein. height of towers. Putting into this equation the proper values, and allowing even 50 tons to be a possible strain in the centre of the bridge, we find for this strain it will be necessary to have the points of suspension about 50,000ft. high. In other words, the two towers or piers of a sus pension bridge crossing the Channel in one span at the points named would have to be about nine miles and a half high! But this is far under the mark, for we must remember that it is necessary that the strength of the states that an average pressure of 35lb. of material, or, what is the same thing, the sec-revolutions was equal to a speed of 94 miles steam was obtained, and the number of tional area, must increase towards the points of suspension in proportion to the increasing made by the steamer, with four coal fires, has The best speed heretofore per hour at sea. strain. By thus increasing the sectional area been from six to seven miles per hour. the strain in the centre becomes infinitely ordinary crew of the steamer consists of twenty greater, and we find that 50,000ft. is far too firemen and coal passers. With the petroleum low a figure for the height of the cliffs behis wires. We know not to whom belongs the honour of originating this twenty-mile-span bridge idea. Whoever it is will not, we think, a mere line when we consider the length to either of the papers to which we have rebe in a great hurry to claim it. If it belongs of the bridge, which is some 20 miles. constructed-and the scheme is feasible will and where France commences. The According to M. Boutet's design this bridge tween which M. Boutet proposes to suspend apparatus she requires a crew of only three is to be of a sufficient width to carry a double line of railway, a carriage-road and a path for But valent for Bedlam. CRYSTALLISATION OF IRON. will generate as much steam as 10lb. of coal. Colonel Foote's petroleum steam generating apparatus has already been tested and found serviceable for stationary engines in America, but this is the first time it has been tested in a sea-going vessel. The commandant at the Charlestown yard reports himself so well satis fied with the results of the above experiment, that he has determined to apply to the department at Washington for permission to make a trial trip at sea with the "Palos." men, as the supply of fuel is easily regulated, and there are no cinders or ashes to be cleared away. The rate of consumption of petroleum is twenty-five barrels in four fires every twenty-four hours for a 250 horse-power engine. The furnaces of the "Palos," like beyond the roads and paths we are to have ferred the circumstance is simply ludicrous. those of other steamers, are constructed for houses and shops-old London Bridge, in fact, If to M. Boutet it is nothing less than dis-heating by radiation; whereas the petroleum revived on a grand scale. So we have to add graceful; and we recommend that gentleman to apparatus is designed for heating by contact. about 100ft. more, for we presume the houses apply forthwith for admission to Bicêtre, With furnaces expressly adapted for the new will be constructed on both sides. Then if the which, we may explain, is the French equiapparatus, it is believed that 1lb. of petroleum Occupants require gardens we shall have to make another addition, which will bring the bridge to a respectable width considering its length. The superstructure of the bridge is to rest on thirty-two piers, each of which is to in 100 metres breadth. The two points selected from which to make the bridge are Shakspeare's Cliff on the English side of the Channel and Cape Blanc Nez on the French side. The depth of the Channel between these two points is found to be not more than from 30 to 36 metres, so that the roadway of the bridge would be about 170 metres above the level of the sea. The piers are to be furnished with signal lights, so that they will act as beacons to shipping, and disasters from fouling with the piers will be avoided. The cost of this Anglo-French bridge is estimated at 400,000,000f., and M. Boutet having deposited his plans at the Ministry of Public Works, proposes to form a company with that amount of capital to carry out the project. N commenting upon the recent accident at the Blackfriars Bridge works we had occasion to refer to the circumstance that iron becomes crystallised by repeated blows. This theory of a molecular change in iron from mechanical shocks is with some a disputed point. A circumstance, however, which appears to confirm our views on this subject appears in the American papers. A gentleman possessed a relic of the old revolution in the shape of a French gun barrel which had been refitted several times with new stocks and locks. After having been fired, probably a million times, it burst and in such a manner that all who saw it pronounced it to have been originally a cast-iron barrel. The fractures had all the shortness and crystalline appearance of that metal. But it was pointed out that it was originally of wrought iron, whatever it might seem to be now, for there was the weld plain enough on the under side. The appearance of the metal and its brittle character were, however, sufficient reasons for the hasty conclusions that were originally arrived at. The change in the iron is attributed to the action of the sulphur in the powder, the long use of the gun, and the many times repeated action of concussion. Our English friends who are moving in this direction will do well to put their shoulder to the wheel, or they will assuredly have their cousins starting petroleum furnaces in seagoing vessels before they have matured their plans for burning the oil. Mr. Richardson some time since informed us that Government had granted him the use of a steam vessel in which to test his petroleum furnace in a practical manner. We have not heard what progress has been made in the matter; possibly a piece of red tape has got into one of the pipes, and stops the flow of the petroleum. At any rate, we shall be glad to see Mr. Richardson's system have a fair ocean trial; at present the series of trials in the land boiler at Woolwich Dockyard have proved two things, one in favour of, and the other against, Mr. Richardson's system. They have shown that an extraordinarily high rate of evaporation may be attained, but they have also shown that the arrangement is defective in working. At one time it would work perfectly, whilst at another it would not work at all, owing either to the supply of air or of steam-or both-being defective. Let Mr. Richardson have a boiler regularly fitted, and in every way according to his own views, and he will then doubtless succeed. If not, why then he must "give place to better men," or means. To our mind there is no more perfect arrangement at present extant than that effected by Messrs. Wise, Field, and Aydon, and which depends for its success upon the action of the induced current. The petroleum vapour, mixed with steam and air, is injected into the furnace, and the most perfect combustion takes place, not a wreath of smoke, nor a particle of coke or cinder resulting. The supply of each of the three elements of combustion is regulated to a nicety; and in the trials we have witnessed the working has been eminently successful. We believe the inventors are arranging for the application of their principle to a steam vessel, so that they and Mr. Richardson will have a fair race for pre-eminence in the utilisation of petroleum as steam fuel. WE Washington Colliery, the catches h h are fixed We conclude our present notice with the following copy of the letter to which we have referred upon the subject of pit accidents from Lord Kinnaird, and which recently appeared in the Times:gols ns SIR, Another fearful accident, attended with serious loss of life, has occurred in the Washington Pit, near Newcastle, the result, it would appear, of culpable negligence on the part of the proprietors of the pit in not adopting the safety cage and the automatic disengaging hook. Accidents are of frequent occurrence from overwinding and breakage of ropes, and yet mine owners and managers will not adopt these simple precautions by which the majority of such accidents might be prevented. During my inspection of mines I had a long discussion with a very able mining engineer on the subject, who I found prejudiced against the use of the safety cages, arguing it was better to trust to the care of a man than to machinery. A few months after I received a letter from that gentleman stating "that he was sure I should be glad to hear that in consequence of the discussion which took place between us he had examined more carefully into the working of these cages, and had, in consequence of his conviction of their efficiency, introduced them into all the numerous mines under his charge, and thankful, indeed, was he that he had done so, as they had already been the means of saving life." I cannot help thinking that it would be worth while for the Miners' Association to bring an action of damages on behalf of the relatives of these noor might, perhaps, recover damages as in the case of people against the proprietors of the pit. They railway accidents, on the plea that proper precaution had not been taken to prevent accidents. I suspect this will be the only way of dealing with some mine owners who are reckless in regard to the life of their men, as I despair of the Legislature safety of human life compulsory.-Your obedient making the adoption of proper precaution for the servant, KINNAIRD. the Times, which we append to this article THE PARIS EXHIBITION. PPARENTLY a simple affair, it is never surprising that errors have occurred, that many objects stated therein to be exhibited are not to be found, in spite of the unwearied efforts of the anxious visitor, and that Mr. Bryham's mechanical contrivances for others present themselves to his view which the prevention of overwinding, and of which are not written in the archives of the we furnish illustrations to-day, although ad-"Palace." Thus we find drawings and plans OVERWINDING IN COLLIERIES. mirably adapted for their purpose, find slow without motto or rame attached to them, acceptance with those who should take ad- many of which are hung high up after the E recently drew the attention of our vantage of them. That this gentleman's plans fashion at the Royal Academy, and others are readers to the circumstances attending are practically valuable will be seen from our separated which ought to be in close conthe late shocking occurrence at the Wash-engravings and the following description:- tiguity, so that numerous mistakes have ington-on-the-Wear coalpit, whereby ten lives Figs. 1, 2, and 3 represent the disengaging arisen of an annoying and vexatious descripwere instantaneously sacrificed, and which was hook in front and side views; a a are two tion. In order to proceed with as much order the result of overwinding. It is satisfactory wrought-iron plates forged with a slot b to as possible. we will turn our attention to the to be able to state that no catastrophe of a receive the shackle c, as shown in fig. 2, and architectural models, which present many similar nature can take place in future at the to which is attached the cage; the wrought phases of variety, beauty, and size, whether same colliery. The surviving workpeople iron disengaging plate d, forged with a slot we regard the pavilions, kiosks, galleries, halls, employed at the pit took counsel together, after e, as shown in dotted lines, is fixed between or other specimens resulting from the combithe inquest had been held, and unanimously the plates a a, and is kept in its working posi-nation of the genius of the architect with the resolved not to resume their duties until over- tion by a small brass pin f. A wrought-iron skill and practical ability of the builder. winding was made an impossibility. They, in plate g is fixed in the head gear framing, fact, struck-not for higher pay or shorter as shown in figs. 3, 4, and 5, with the rope hours, but for more security against violent working through it. When the cage is raised death, and the end justified the means. The too high, the hook, being attached to the rope, authorities of the pit have yielded to the legi- is drawn through the plate g, which is pierced timate demand made upon them, and have by a circular hole of such a size as to prevent ordered the introduction of safety cages forth- the hook passing through it without the preswith. Of course the question suggests itself at sure first cutting off the brass pin f, pushing once, why was this not done before? Why in the plate d, and removing the shackle with wait for the slaughter of a number of workmen its load from their working position into the when it was previously well known that there slot b. The disconnection is now complete, were available means at hand for preventing as seen in figs. 3, 4, and 5. To prevent the such calamities? Lord Kinnaird, in a letter to cage falling down the pit, as happened at the While treating upon this portion of the subject we may pass over in comparative silence several objects of construction which we shal return to at some future time, that we may study their relative merits to greater advantage. Adhering to our programme, we shall commence with France by traversing the principal gallery, which includes the productions of the French colonies. Passing thence into the other galleries of that nation, and from them into those appropriated for the examples from other countries, we shall finally make the tour of the entire building. Washington Colliery, the catches f SIR,-Another fearful accident, zale A THE PARIS EXHIBITION PPARENTLY a simple affair, theless a very laborious task JUNE 21, 1867. THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. 383 ISOCHRONISM OF SONOROUS The first object presenting itself at the north Cid, nevertheless it is not wanting in elegance In order to prevent the fuel falling off at the side is a couple of iron pavilions, with outside and taste. Unluckily its component elements, sides of the chain of fire-bars, the feed-water staircases of the same material, and covered timber and cement, do not appear to have tube is led along either side of the bars and is with zinc. Although very good specimens much affinity for one another, as they have protected from overheating by rows of fireof what can be done in this particular line, already commenced to separate. In the bricks, which are so set as to lap over the top yet they can scarcely be regarded as bearing Italian section there is a monumental clock, of the water tube. The frame also carries, upon the subject of modern architecture. A adapted for the display of electrical chrono- immediately at the rear of the fire-door, an feature possessing considerable interest, and graphy, which we shall revert to hereafter. arch of fire-bricks for the protection of this end intimately related to the comfort of those in-gypt, Japan, Siam, and other countries en- of the boiler tube. The apparatus can be habiting the upper flats of buildings reaching dowed with an almost tropical climate are made adaptable to boilers having tubes of any the altitude attained by such erections as our conspicuous both for the gorgeous character dimensions, and is really a beautiful and monster hotels, is that of the three hydraulic of their exhibitions and for the display effective application of the Juckes' system to lifts, which we shall describe more in detail in a of their native wealth and natural treasures. the class of boilers in question. The chain is future notice. Suffice it to say that they can The pagodas of India are prominent in that made to travel to and fro at the rate of 6ft. or be interiorly examined by the curious without department, and worth the attention of the 7ft. per hour; and the emerging bars are occasioning the least bodily fatigue or dis- visitor, and before quitting these barbarous cooled by their alternate exposure to the air in comfort. As an elegant contrast to the heavy countries, as they are usually termed, let us passing round the outer drum. The bars which Algerian pavilions may be mentioned the not forget that they possess engineering and are of cast iron, are united by rods passing tent represented by the French colonists, and architectural works which can vie with many through sockets, in which they are secured by placed in the central gallery. A particularly that are considered unrivalled by the inhabit- split cottars. Steam is generated by this furlight and agreeable effect is produced by the ants of more civilised localities. In India, nace very rapidly and economically, whilst bamboos, the standards and beams of palm, Egypt, Mexico, and elsewhere, there are the mode of feeding fuel by homoeopathic doses and the graceful arrangement of the linings magnificent works for the storing of water or driblets, applied self-actingly, completely and drapery. Emerging from "la grande and the prevention of those fearful inunda- obviates the smoke nuisance and sets inspecgallerie " and entering a smaller inner tions which we suffer from periodically, and tors and informers at defiance. The cost of one, we remark the wooden altar of M. to which in reality we leave the way clear, the apparatus, as compared with its durability Toxerc, a work of much labour and patience, without the slightest attempts to check their and efficiency, is small, and we have much To the right and left of this altar are two annual devastation by improving our rivers, satisfaction in directing attention to this pracmodels, which only require their principle to embanking our lands, and defending the out-tical improvement. be once thoroughly mastered and understood lying and low level districts. The Brazilian to prove of great service to all those engaged in models are redolent of the rich and fragrant anything connected with geometrical con- woods produced in that luxuriant country, struction. Their object is to elucidate the and one of their principal objects appears to principles of descriptive geometry, which by have been to impress the visitor with the exthe aid of vertical and horizontal planes en- uberant nature of their tropical scenes and ables the intersections of all surfaces to be vegetation. Regarding an "Exposition Unidetermined, whether those surfaces have recti- verselle" in the light of a building where diapason (or tuning-fork) for certain linear or curvilinear contours. Hitherto, as is facilities should be afforded for comparing the horological purposes, as will be seen by an well known, these principles have only been respective merits and demerits of the articles interesting article on the subject, which apacquired at the expense of much time and exhibited, it must be confessed that in the peared in our issue for the 31st ult. It labour; in fact, a regular and complete course present instance those facilities are not given. appeared indispensable to M. Niaudet-Brequet of study is necessary to enable the student to Unfortunately, the very objects most deserv-to prove the isochronism of its vibrations. acquire a thorough knowledge of them. These ing of fair comparison and impartial criticism He has, therefore, investigated the question, models, which are constructed of a transparent with respect to others of a similar character and we give in the following article the result material, are intended to render this applica- are placed very far from one another, and it of his labours. Treatises on physics generally tion of descriptive geometry familiar and requires all the efforts of the visitor to carry in say little more than that "The molecules of easily comprehensible to everyone, and exhibit his mind their relative peculiarities, excel- sonorous bodies drawn from their position of remarkably well the intersections and pene-lences, and defects. The suggestion almost rest tend to return to it, and make about these tration of one surface with another. It has positions isochronous oscillations, the amplibeen asserted that with the assistance of a tude of which goes on diminishing." They model consisting of twenty-four figures in add that, upon the basis of the properties of mica all the problems in descriptive geometry elastic bodies, mechanics proves the isochronism can be worked out and readily explained. of the vibrations of small amplitude, like it Bearing in mind how indispensable to every proves the isochronism of the small oscilbranch of manufacturing industry these opelations of the pendulum. But no one has rations are, one can conceive the benefit that given any direct and experimental proof will accrue to all those practically engaged in IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILER of this important truth. We hope, neverthem, by the reduction of the amount of time theless, to show that this demonstration and study formerly spent in obtaining the may be made without the assistance of matheworking lines and curves. Omitting as not matics. possessing any noticeable feature an iron kiosk and a zinc tent made at Arnheim, we come to the apartement of the King of the Belgians, which presents with respect to the decorative details a complete contrast to many others of a similar character.. Instead of the decorations and embellishments being, as is generally the case, dedicated to the god of war, they are all representative of the goddess of peace, and are emblematical of agriculture, husbandry, tillage, and the various branches of national industry which are productive of welfare and happiness to the human an accurate catalogue, even t scale. Considering the comp ture and extent of that the contents of the Exhibition surprising that errors have o many objects stated therein a bited are not to be found, it spik wearied efforts of the anxious rat others present themselves to his re are not written in the archite "Palace." Thus we find drawing without motto or rame attached many of which are hung high n fashion at the Royal Academy, separated which ought to be tiguity, so that numerous arisen of an annoying and vertic tion. In order to proceed w as possible, we will turn our at architectural models, which p phases of variety, beauty, and we regard the pavilions, kiosks a or other specimens resulting nation of the genius of the arche skill and practical ability_ci While treating upon this port ject we may pass over in comp several objects of constructiet return to at some future time study their relative merits to tage. Adhering to our progra commence with France bros principal gallery, which indi tions of the French colonies into the other galleries of from them into those appropri m other countries, " the entire int race. On the western side of the Palace, near the avenue leading to l'Ecole Militaire, is the apartement of the King of Prussia, lighted by stained glass windows, and in the principal gallery a pavilion of terra-cotta or pottery ware. One of the sides of this latter is constructed of kaolin bricks or slabs of brilliant hue, while the other is ornamented with columns. The entrance is by a double staircase, and the interior contains a heating apparatus, of which we shall speak hereafter. Two small erections for the sale of Eau de Cologne, a metal staircase from Berlin, and a model of a zinc cupola for a church in the same city complete all that is worth recording of this particular department. A lofty pavilion is exhibited by Spain, and, although somewhat profusely ornamented after the custom of the countrymen of the presents itself that this heterogeneous grouping WE FURNACES. AN attempt has been made to employ the This The single fact of two sonorous bodies, two tuning-forks for instance, vibrating in unison proves that the vibrations of both are isochronous; that is, the unison proves the synchronism of the two vibratory movements; and two vibratory movements, independent of each other, cannot be synchronous unless the elementary movements are isochronous. argument will be readily understood by horologists, for they frequently make it. Whenever two watches or clocks are compared and found to beat together, it is concluded that they both perform well, so that one may say their movements are synchronous; then their rate is regular, that is, the movements of the balance are isochronous in each of them; in other terms, the synchronism of the two movements can only be obtained by the isochronism of the vibratory movements of each of thein. If this manner of reasoning be examined closely, it will be perceived to be very rigorous; in fact, it is possible that two clocks may be found agreeing at the end of an hour, both having bad rates; but if the agreement be always maintained between them, it becomes perfectly certain that both have advanced regularly. E recently recorded one adaptation of the Juckes' furnace to the Cornish boiler, and we have now to notice another, which has been patented by Messrs. D. Hart and Sons, of Wenlock-road Foundry, this firm being the principal London manufacturers of the Juckes' smoke-consuming apparatus. The arrangement is an important one, as it places many existing boilers to which the Juckes' furnace was heretofore inapplicable within the range of its action. The rollers which support the endless chain of bars are carried by a frame, one end of which projects into the tube of the boiler. From this inner end a strut and roller descend to the bottom of the tube, the roller resting on a rail, so as to make the apparatus portable. The outer end of the frame, which projects beyond the face of the boiler, has two struts dependent from it, and these are terminated by rollers, which rest on parallel rails on the floor of the boiler house. The whole contrivance may thus be run in or out as required, The plate which carries the fire-door and which passes across the front end of the boiler tube is carried by the frame, and when the latter is inside the tube for working, the plate is secured by bolts to the face of the boiler. The outer end of the frame also carries a hopper for supplying fuel, (coal screenings) to the fire-bars, and the gearing for moving the endless chain. * See MECHANICS' Magazine, March 29, 1867. Let us return to the vibratory movements of sonorous bodies. The problem is to prove *Translated by Mr. RICHARD STRACHAN, F.M.S., from the Revue Chronometrique, for February, 1867. that the movements of two diapasons in unison are synchronous. In order that our demonstration may be properly understood, it should be remembered that simple sounds have two qualities, "The pitch, that is to say the sharpness or flatness, and the force or intensity. The number of vibrations made by a sonorous body in a given time may be counted very exactly by means of several apparatus described in all treatises on physics. It is also known that the sound is so much sharper as the number of vibrations which produce it is greater in the same time. The number of vibrations which succeed each other in a second can then be taken for the measure NOTES ON RECENT SCIENTIFIC DIS- iron made red-hot in a charcoal fire takes up carbonic oxide with a little carbonic acid and some nitrogen, the two former resulting from the combustion of the charcoal, the last M. Tresca on the Flow of Solids- The Struc- coming from our atmosphere. Gases so abture of Rolled Iron-The Gas in Meteoric sorbed are given out again on the application Iron-An Easily Melted Solder-Preservative of heat, and they may thus be collected and Solution for Animal Matters-Test for examined. On submitting a piece of the Adulteration of Oil of Bitter Almonds.-Se-Lenarto meteoric iron to heat, Mr. Graham paration of Silver from Lead-Water Supply found that 86 per cent. of the gas given off of Towns in relation to Boiler Incrustations was hydrogen. The inference is that the —London Mud-Detection of Wool in Silk. meteor came from an atmosphere of hydrogen, or of which hydrogen was the principal inTRESCA has been engaged for years ingredient. Moreover the fragment experi M. making experiments on of the sound. The intensity of the sound de-flow (écoulement) of solids. It is well known If two diapasons, vibrating in unison with of its volume of the gas. Now, as Mr. Graham has found it difficult, under the pressure of our own atmosphere, to impregnate iron with more than an equal volume of hydrogen; the further inference is that the meteor was extruded from a dense atmosphere of hydrogen, such as we are told we must look for beyond the light cometary matter floating about within the limits of our solar system. Deville has lately made the observation that the addition of a little zinc amalgam to ordinary solder makes it applicable at low temperatures to aluminium bronze, cast iron, and also, no doubt, to other work in which quicksilver would not be objectionable. in glycerine than in water is a well-known The greater solubility of many substances pharmacy. One substance much more soluble fact that has been extensively applied in in glycerine than water is arsenious acid, which, as is well known to bird-stuffers and others, has the property of preserving animal matters from putrefaction. Calico printers have long employed an aqueous solution of arsenic or materials, albumen, &c. We see with some arseniate of soda to preserve their thickening surprise that M. Paraf has taken out a patent in France for the use of a solution of arsenic in glycerine for this purpose. memoirs which has great scientific importance, The author proceeds to put into very philosophic and precise language a number of obvious truths, as, for example, that the force of a blow with a hammer, its weight, and the shape of the face of the tool determine the depth and shape of the indentation, and so on. We need not occupy our space with this, but may content ourselves with quoting the statement that by oxidising their sections the author is able to trace the fibres with a magnifying glass whatever distortion the mass may have undergone in the process of forging. In another paper M. Tresca intends to give the results of his experiments on the action of cutting tools, planes, &c., on iron. We will remark, in conclusion, that it is not necessary to consider the particular case of unison to prove the isochronism of sonorous vibrations. The fact that two sonorous bodies make in a persistent manner one fixed musical interval proves the synchronism of their movements, and in consequence the isochronism of the vibrations of each of them. The vibrations of the one have not the same duration as those While speaking on iron we may briefly refer of the other, but the first are equal among to the extraordinary discovery recently made themselves, and the second also equal among by Mr. Graham, in experimenting on a piece themselves. The graphical and the optical of meteoric iron. We have before referred proofs serve as well for the general case as for to his experiments on the "occlusion" of the case of unison. As to the manner of rea-gases by red-hot and melted metals. Under soning, it is that which is followed when a such circumstances of course metals absorb, seconds' watch is compared with a chronometer (or, as Mr. Graham puts it, 66 occlude the making five vibrations in two seconds. Igases in which they find themselves. Thus, Thi argentiferous lead, Mr. Pattinson's well-known As a means of separating the silver from process leaves little to be desired; but we notice a method invented by M. Coudurić which may deserve some attention. gentleman finds that zinc and silver readily alloy in the presence of lead. In carrying out his process the argentiferous lead is melted, a little zinc is added, and the whole is kept well stirred for some time. On being allowed to rest the alloy of zinc and silver comes to the surface and quickly solidifies. In skimming off the alloy some lead is, of course, taken up, and you have to separate the three metals, silver, zinc, and lead. It is found most easy to do this by first oxidising the zinc, which is done by driving a current of air or superheated steam over the melted alloy. The silver will be easily freed from the remaining lead by capil lation. A general inquiry into the water supply of all parts of England would afford most valuable information to all concerned in the arts and manufactures of the country. Pending such a general inquiry we may refer our readers to the evidence recently taken before the commissioners appointed to inquire into the metropolitan water supply, in which we find some account of the supply to most of our largest towns. Next in importance to its use for drinking purposes, with which we shall not concern ourselves, it will occur to our readers that the most important use of water is to feed steam-boilers, and for this purpose a soft water must always be preferred. We extract a part of a table which gives the amount of solid ingredients in and the hardness of the water supplied to several towns, and it would be interesting to ଝୁ JUNE 21, 198 iron made red-hot in a charcoal fina carbonic oxide with a little carbonic some nitrogen, the two former rest the combustion of the chara coming from our atmosphere. Gas sorbed are given out again on the aptin of heat, and they may thus be collec examined. On submitting a piece Lenarto meteoric iron to heat, Mr. I found that 86 per cent. of the gas p was hydrogen. The inference is meteor came from an atmosphere ofte or of which hydrogen was the gredient. Moreover the fragment mented with was found to have at of its volume of the gas. Now, as Mr. a has found it difficult, under the pressure own atmosphere, to impregnate in t more than an equal volume of hydnga further inference is that the meter HE truded from a dense atmosphere of hi - such as we are told we must look fr the light cometary matter floating abou the limits of our solar system. Deville has lately made the observin the addition of a little zinc amalga nary solder makes it applicable at lowe tures to aluminium bronze, cast iron, ma no doubt, to other work in which q would not be objectionable. The greater solubility of many sale in glycerine than in water is a win fact that has been extensively a pharmacy. One substance much m in glycerine than water is arenina, as is well known to bird-stuffers and me has the property of preserving animal from putrefaction. Calico printers are employed an aqueous solution of arseniate of soda to preserve their materials, albumen, &c. We see w surprise that M. Paraf has taken ou in France for the use of a solution d in glycerine for this purpose. Some of our readers may perhaps oil of bitter almonds, and may be glad whether or not it is adulterated with Dr. R. Wagner gives a test which is applied. A very strong solution 4 of soda will combine with the gene « and on the gradual addition of menitro-benzol will be seen to data surface. As a means of separating the s argentiferous lead, Mr. Pattinson's be desired: is process leaves little I notice a method invented by M. | which may deserve some attention. gentleman finds that zinc and ver alloy in the presence of lead. In car his process the argentiferous leak little zinc is added, and the whole s stirred for some time. On being a rest the alloy of zinc and silver co surface and quickly solidifies. In off the alloy some lead is, of ex up, and you have to separate the thre silver, zine, and lead. “It is found n to do this by first oxidising the zat, done by driving a current of air or s steam over the melted alloy. The silver v easily freed from the remaining kad by lation. We may JUNE 21, 1867. THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. 385 INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS. shores might return again before the adoption of have the experience of engineers on the use Sunderland Newcastle Leeds Preston Dundee AT a meeting of the Institution of Civil En-aby to supply the metropolis with an gineers, held May 21, John Fowler, Esq., abundance of pure water, he thought it would matter per gallon before boiling after boiling president, in the chair, the paper read, in ab- be well, if only to check its ravages in ever so Birmingham 37.70 stract, was, Experiments on the Removal of slight a degree, to experiment on various mate Organic and Inorganic Substances in Water," by rials which were believed to possess the power Edward Byrne, M. Inst. C.E. It was premised of removing organic matter; but, to obviate that the object of these experiments was to try false conclusions, and to render such experiments how far the statements generally made, with practically useful, they must be systematic. In regard to the action of charcoal in purifying conclusion, he gave it as his opinion that, as water, might be depended on. They were not by chemical agency bad water could be purified undertaken to support any theory, but rather to to a very limited extent only, the public mind Glasgow South 5.94 satisfy the author himself, who observed every should more than ever be given to the great Manchester...... 4.17 precaution to obtain trustworthy results. It was question of supply; and, as people valued their London (average) 22:00 lives, they should above all things, in their choice stated that many substances were spoken of as having a purifying effect on water, but of all, of a source, not be too much influenced by disNow this difference between the hardness charcoal (especially animal charcoal) had been tance, but be willing to undergo the necessary before and after boiling represents the least considered the most efficacious. Though in expense of securing the object of their search, amount of crust or deposit that will be left works which treated on spring and river waters, not only in abundance, but in the greatest purity. in the boiler. Every gallon of Newcastle the assertion was constantly made, that both water merely boiled will deposit about four-vegetable and animal charcoal (particularly teen grains of lime salts. Sheffield water the latter) removed the organic and inorganic again, if completely evaporated, will only substances found in waters, yet no experiments leave two grains of crust for every gallon of were given by which to judge to what extent water. For all manufacturing purposes, too these statements were true. (brewing excepted), a soft water is preferable, ascertain whether water, uncontaminated by the softer the better in fact. On this account either decomposing animal or sewage matter; but containing dissolved vegetable matter, would was procured from a locality that precluded the possibility of its containing any animal or sewage matter, the experiments on which served to prove that, in bog water at least, vegetable nitrogenous the manufacturers on the north side of Glas- contain any nitrogenous bodies, some bog water/der Nederlanden." She has been designed to gow, which is supplied from Loch Katrine, One curious, and perhaps very important When speaking of the hardness of water in connection with its domestic use, it must be remembered that it is but little used for purposes in which excessive hardness is an objection until after it has been boiled, and therefore only the permanent hardness need be noticed. matter was present. The armour carry the same weight of guns as the "Scorpion" more roomy and complete accommodation for and "Wyvern," but being larger in tonnage, has officers and crew, and carries her upper deck 3ft. or 4ft. higher out of the water in order to After some observations to the effect that ni. make her better suited for cruising at sea, than trogenous organic matter might exist in water those vessels which were originally designed for in an innocuous state, and that as putrefactive coast defence. The "Prins Hendrik" is a vessel nitrogenous matter was the most hurtful of all of 2,100 tons, and 400-horse power, designed to substances that could exist in water, the author have a draught of water, when all complete, of remarked how much it was to be regretted that, 18ft. mean, and a speed of about 12 knots, and by chemical means, no distinction could be made carrying two turrets on the system of Captain between the nitrogenous organic matter which C. P. Coles, C.B., R.N., each containing two. existed in a putrefactive, and that which existed 12 ton muzzle-loading 300-pounder guns, thus in a non-putrefactive state. The details of four throwing a broadside of 1,200 tons from her two turrets. The dimensions are, about 240ft. exsets of experiments were given, the first on animal charcoal, of which nearly 5lb., new, and treme length, 44ft. breadth, 28ft. deep at side, freshly burned, and of the degree of fineness used and 2,100 tons measurement. in sugar refineries, were packed in an ordinary plating is 44in. thick, and rests on a teak backing stoneware filter. The water employed (of which 10in. thick, which, in turn, rests on the skin a complete analysis was given) contained, in the plating and framing of the ship. The turrets gallon, organic matter, 10-80 grains; inorganic are cylindrical in shape, covered with armourmatter, 88 30 grains. The hardness of the water, plates 5 in. thick, and are placed one before and before boiling, was found to be 50-50 deg., and the other abaft the engine-room, and are each to oxidise the organic matter contained in one after boiling, 33 deg.; and the oxygen required fitted with wrought-iron slides and carriages for two 124 ton muzzle-loading 300-pounder guns, gallon amounted to 00116 grain. Several gal-on Captain Coles's system. They are fitted with lons of the water were allowed to percolate slowly the most recent improvements in the way of through this charcoal, and upon examination turning gear, shot-lifting winches, &c., and the afterwards it was found that, of the inorganic top is formed of strong beams, and plated lin. matter which had originally existed, 52.60 grains thick. The rig is that of a bark, the fore and were removed from the first gallon; but from mainmasts being fitted with tripods on Captain each succeeding gallon less and less; so that, Coles's patent, to give greater range of training from the twelfth gallon of water that passed to the guns in the turrets, and the spread of London mud has a world-wide fame; but through the charcoal only 8.80 grains of inorganic canvas will be sufficient to make the vessel a fast cruiser under sail. There are two separate we have only recently learned of what it is matter were removed. Of the organic matter composed. Dr. Letheby tells us that 100 480 grains were removed from the first gallon; pairs of engines, each of 200-horse power nominal, but with a gradual decrease, the charcoal ceased intended to work up to 2,400, having cylinders parts of dry mud will probably be made up to remove any organic matter after the sixth 56in. diameter and 2ft. 3in. stroke, driving two of 30 parts abraded stone, 57 parts horse-gallon. In fact, immediately afterwards it comgun metal (Griffiths's) screw propellers, each 14.t. dung, and 13 parts of iron. It is pleasant menced to give back a portion of the organic 6in. diameter. The cylinders have steam jackets to know that the dust which gets into matter removed in the first instance, the quantity and improved expansion valves, and are fitted returned to the twelfth gallon amounting to 1.55 with surface condensers and other approved grain. Thus, of the 13:54 grains of organic appliances for economising fuel, and have been matter removed by the charcoal from the first designed and constructed at Messrs. Laird's six gallons of water, as much as 4.98 grains were establishment. At a trial trip a mean speed of given back to the next six gallons; from which 12.09 miles was obtained. In testing the steerthe author concluded that, had this set of experi-ing qualities the following results were arrived ments been carried a little further, all the organic at:-With both engines ahead full speed and matter removed at first by the charcoal would helm hard over, the half circle in 2m. 293. and full in 2m. 43s. ; revolutions about 75. With one have been given back again. The second and third series of experiments engine stopped and helm hard over, the half were with wood and peat charcoal, which, how-circle in 2m. 81s., and the full in 4m. 39s.; reever, were still less satisfactory than those with volutions about 75. With one engine full speed animal charcoal. The fourth set of experiments ahead and the other full speed astern, half circle was on animal charcoal, with water previously in 2m. 74s., and the full in 4m. 341s. With treated with permanganate of potash slightly in engines as above and helm amidships, the half excess. After remarking that the water in its circle in 2m. 33s., and the full in 5m. 26s.; passage through the charcoal was found to con- revolutions about 60. tain organic matter, apparently in the same quantity as before treating it with the perman. ganate, attention was drawn to a comparison Wagner gives a chemical test for the detec- A general inquiry into the war all parts of England would afford able information to all concerned in and manufactures of the country, such a general inquiry readers to the evidence recently the commissioners appointed to d the metropolitan water supply, find some account of the supp our largest towns. Next in imp use for drinking purposes, w shall not concern ourselves, ill our readers that the most importa water is to feed steam-boilers, and purpose a soft water must alwa terred. We extract a par Water sape amount of solid ingress |