evidence then agreed in that opini We must confess that we feel su JUNE 28, 1867. great errors. Undoubtedly the velocity of microscopes by different persons. A very care THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH. Stars observed possible day of observation. The equatoreals have been used principally as WE have been favoured with a copy of the seconds, galvanic currents and hourly galvanic lar elements of the moon's place, and the tabular thence to report of the Astronomer Royal to the Board of Visitors of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, read at the annual visitation of the Royal Observatory, June 1, 1867, and from which we make the following interesting extracts:-Referring first to the telegraphic system of the esta. blishment we find that the eight telegraph wires are now led (by arrangement with the Electric and International Telegraph Company) under. ground to the Greenwich railway station, and the poles of the South-Eastern railway, and by a cable under Deptford Creek. At Deptford station, by the liberal permission of the South-Eastern Company, a turnplate is fixed, into which two of the wires are led; and from the Admiralty wire which passes through the High-street of Deptford, a loop is led into the same turnplate, so that the Admiralty loop can practically be extended into the Royal Observatory, and can, when necessary, be interrupted there. The Astronomer Royal states that he has been desirous of maintaining this command of wire with the hope that he may yet have occasion to use it for the transmission of signals to Devonport in reference to the exhibition of time signals on the Start Point, or in other directions for similar purposes. We are in a dilemma; either our elem are wrong, or else we are not right But there is no mistaking it, they do cause and effect are simultaneous m the logicians. Mr. Preece lately said a wire to the moon and a message cond there instantaneously. It is of no cons that the expression used contradict assertion it was intended to co Preece meant to say that he could te the moon in no time, and may be " too." We wonder that such expressin never suggested to our electricians were removing electricity out of the g physics altogether. What more can y of thought? All material things, stand them, exist in time and space, mutation of matter requires time for its existence. Every material th have a length, a breadth, and a thick is, it must occupy space; and ey exerted in and through matter mast in and through like dimensions; and of such exertion of force is a velocity, a motion in a time, and a motion of position, relative or absolute; ther exertion of every material force is th in time; consequently, not ins Instantaneity is a point in time beginning or ending of a time, a 3 m matical point is a point in beginning or ending of a line mutation of matter is a succession It is clear, therefore, that electric more than the action of any other for exerted through space without sme fit as though it en The proposed line of railway through the currents (the latter through England); and also The south-east equatoreal is in excellent order. The new portable altazimuth by Mr. Simms Turning to the astronomical observations we find Professor Airy stating that long ago, it has been indicated by continental writers that the best employment for a principal established observatory is the determination of fundamental places of important stars, and fundamental elements of the motions of the earth, moon, and planets. From the foundation of the Greenwich Observatory these objects have been kept steadily in view, and as much so in the last as in preced. ing years. In particular, the moon has received that extraordinary attention which has been Some results of observation had given rise to given to her at all times in our history, but more the idea that there is really a personal equation particularly in the last twenty years, when two in the determination of the runs of micrometer-instruments have been directed to her on every The meteorological instruments, whether those read by eye for indications at the moment, those read for definite part registers, those which give continuous mechanical registers, or those which give continuous photographic registers, are all in good order. They include barometers, dry and wet thermometers, radiation thermometers, thermometers in the Thames, Osler's and Robinson's anemometers, Osler's and six other pluviometers. The photographic barometer has shown a tendency in its indications to "jump," indicative of some friction which I have not yet investigated. In Osler's anemometer a surface of two square feet it now exposed to the wind instead of one foot as formerly; and the plate is supported by weak vertical springs instead of rods running on rollers. Its indications are delicate This than formerly. much more change was made by Mr. Browning. With new pressure-plate of Osler's the the pressures per square foot regis meter tered in the last six months are larger than any that we have had before. Whether any part of this is due to the circumstances that the plate is larger and its motion easier, or whether it is wholly due to the great violence of the wind in this stormy season I am unable to say. With Robinson's anemometer there is connected a revolving barrel moved by clockwork to be covered each day by a sheet of paper, on which a pencil carried by the anemometer makes a trace, exhibiting continuously the speed of the wind and the aggregate of its motion. anemo With regard to magnetical and meteorological observations daily communication is made to M. le Verrier for his meteorological bulletin; and weekly communication to the Registrar-General for his sanitary report. November 14 were well observed. sand three hundred were registered. variations of frequency at different times were very well noted. The points of divergence were carefully determined. The meteors on The Under the head of chronometers, communications of time, determinations of longitude, the Astronomer Royal reports as follows:-On 1867, May 3, we have on hand 192 chronometers, thus classified :-95 box chronometers, 14 pocket chronometers, and 10 deck watches, the property of the Admiralty; 17 on trial for purchase to replace six bought by the Japanese authorities; 55 makers' chronometers on competitive trial. All chronometers, except those which have been in our hands so long that we have great familiarity with their rates, are compared every day with a clock which is sympathetic with the motor clock; those in the excepted case are compared once a week. All are subjected to some weeks' trial in a temperature not exceeding THE 90 deg. Fah. All estimations of the value of chronometers to be purchased, and all superin. tendence of repairs rest with me. For issuing chronometers to the outports, a new system of packing has been introduced. It is found that with reasonable attention the chronometers can INSTITUTION OF HYDRONOMICAL with hydronomical and nautical science and art inserted at page 288 an inquiry as to cha N our impression for the 10th of May last we racter and objects of the Institution of Hydronomical and Nautical Engineers. The first in. be sent safely by railway to almost any distance. timation since our inquiry of the existence of this The motor clock, and the apparatus connected society has been the receipt by us of a pamphlet with it, are in good order. This clock is com-fore, glad to be able to give some particulars of embodying its proceedings. We are now, there pared and regulated by an easy practical pro the society. It appears that the Institution was cess. It maintains various clocks in sympathy established on July 4, 1866, with the following with itself; it regulates clocks in London, sends signals through Britain, drops the Deal time- objects :ball, fires guns at Newcastle and Shields (I think also at Sunderland), and puts communications in such a state that we can receive automatic re " ports from the signal places, as we may desire. I may, however, specially mention that daily signals are now sent to some places in Ireland; and that, during the expedition of the " Great Eastern for laying down the Atlantic cable time signals were sent on board twice a day to enable her constantly to determine her longitude. A most important determination of longitude has been made. In the autumn of 1866, arrangements were made by me, with the view of determining the longitude of a primary point in Newfoundland, by galvanic currents through the Atlantic cable, in the spring of 1867. However, in October of 1866, the authorities of the United States Coast Survey determined to act, and my friend Dr. B. A. Gould, having made all necessary arrangements at Heart's Content, and on arriving in London having secured the friendly assistance of the directors of the Atlantic cable, proceeded to establish a transit instrument at Foilhommerum, in Valentia. Advantage was taken of this opportunity for determining the longitude of Foilhommerum from Greenwich. After overcoming various difficulties all operations were successful. I have been favoured by Colonel Sir H. James, superintendent of the Tri. gonometrical Survey, with the geodetic measure of difference of longitude between Foilhommerum and my first station Feagh Main; and I have the longitude of Feagh Main, found by different methods, as follows. By chronometers in 1844, 41m. 23-238.; by galvanic communication with THE BREECH-LOADING RIFLES. HE sub-committee on breech-loaders has concluded the first stage of the inquiry; and the result is, that nine systems have been selected for further trial. The fortunate competitors are Messrs. Albini and Braendlin, Mr. Remmington, Major Fosbery, Mr. Burton (two systems), Mr. Peabody, Mr. Martini, Mr. Joslyn, and Mr. Henry. We understand for the best of these arms, whether adopted for the service or not, £1,000 will be awarded, and for the arm which, while attaining a satisfactory degree of excellence in other particulars, is selected for merit in respect to its breech mechanism, £600 will be the prize. If the best arm appears to the committee to be worthy of adoption, it will be placed in competition with the Snider rifle, which it will be required to beat before its adoption is confirmed. If, on the other hand, none of the prize arms should in the opinion of the committee satisfy the service requirements, then the best of those arms which from failure to fulfil the conditions laid down are out of the prize competition will be selected on their merits to continue the contest. Each of the accepted com petitors will be required, within four months of his receiving the notice, to furnish for experiment at Woolwich six arms in strict conformity to the specimen arm submitted, with 1,000 rounds of ammunition per arm; and a sum of £300 will be paid to each such competitor to cover the expense of the six rifles and of the supply of ammunition. cost. Seventh. To advance the interests of authors and inventors by granting permission (under proper regulations and restrictions) that any book, pamphlet, manuscript, model, chart, plan, drawing, instrument, or appliance which shall tution, or by the duly appointed referee or have been approved by a committee of the insti. referees thereof, may have such approval recorded thereon under the official stamp or seal of the registrar of the institution. Eighth. To afford a recognised and authoritative medium through which medals and premiums may be awarded for the encouragement of hydronomical and nautical science and art. cussion of any matter or subject forming part of, Ninth. To afford facilities for the public dis or connected with, hydronomical and nautical science and art, and for the appointment of special committees in relation to any branch thereof. First. To promote the acquisition of that species of knowledge and skill which is required for the right exercise of the profession of a hydronomical and nautical engineer, or, in other ing and applying the powers and materials in words, that which constitutes the art of directnature to the use, convenience, and defence of mankind in the pursuits of navigation, maritime commerce, submarine telegraphy, and naval and described as being exemplified in the several warfare; and which art may be further defined chemical, geological, mathematical, and meapplications of hydronomical, nautical, physical, chanical science to the determination of the laws which govern the constitution, specific gravity, salt water; to the determination of the causes temperature, and motion of fresh, brackish, and and motions of streams, tides, currents, and waves, and of the laws regulating the passage of bodies in and through water; to the construction, armament, and means of attack and defence tion, fitting, equipment, maintenance, locomoof sailing ships, steam, and other vessels; to the to the necessity for the further cultivation, con. Eleventh. To obtain a more general attention location, construction, adaptation, improvement, solidation, and advancement of hydronomical equipment, maintenance, conservancy, and and nautical science and art; and to procure the means of attack and defence of harbours of removal of any disadvantage of a public chabours, arsenals, naval and mercantile dockyards, or prospective development thereof. refuge, breakwaters, piers, commercial har-racter which may impede the present progress and of river navigation, docks, floating and of the institute is No. 8, Bury-court, St. Mary graving docks, and also to the construction of and to determina and piloting of vessels, a to the preparation of classification, election, and registration, a reliable Third. To afford facilities for the appointment Tenth. To aid in the diffusion of sound inviously defined professional duties of a hydroformation on subjects connected with the prenomical and nautical engineer, by granting per. mission (under an agreement as to the copy. any book, pamphlet, manuscript, chart, plan, or right and expense of editing and printing) that drawing which shall have been approved by pro perly appointed referees may be printed and published among the published papers of the in stitution. Axe. The office DEATH IN THE CISTERN. been made by Professor Hannon, of the NOME interesting investigations have recently University of Brussels, with regard to diseases produced by vegetable organisms. His researches have led to important discoveries, the professor having been able to prove that the spores of of their fructification, are capable of producing some species of fresh water algae, at the period intermittent fever. The observations and relead to the belief that many other diseases to searches of several eminent medical authorities origin in the vegetable organisms which abound which the human frame is liable have their in water. Some of the spores are probably thrown off into the atmosphere, and, being drawn far the larger portion doubtless find their way into the lungs, are absorbed by the blood, but by into the stomach, and so give rise to disorders of the alimentary canal. Their tenacity is said to be so great, that the temperature of boiler water is insufficient to destroy their vitality, and even beer and bread, notwithstanding the heat to which they have been subjected, in many cases show abundant evidence of the existence of these algæ. These facts all point to the necessity, so frequently urged by us, of filtering the water used for manufacturing purposes as well as for domestic use. To meet this necessity, which becomes very special at the present period of the year, we would direct attention to a method of filtration which appears well adapted to meet the evil in question. This is embodied in the Main Service Filter, manufactured by the Sili cated Carbon Filter Company which can be adapted to the supply-pipe of any brewery dis tillery, or manufactory, and thus purify all the water before entering the building. The value of such a method of purification will be appre ciated by those who have ever seen the inside of a large cistern after having been used for some time without cleaning. The quantity of vege table matter which covers the sides of such a cistern is astonishing, and it cannot be a matter for wonder that disease is propagated by water kept in such a receptacle. Mere straining of water through animal charcoal is not sufficient to stop this vegetable matter, but the principle of the Silicated Carbon Filter is the employment of a porous slab cemented into a filtering vessel. This arrangement effectually prevents the passage of any extraneous substance, and the combina. Sixth. To afford facilities to inventors and tion forms a very efficient mechanical and che. other persons interested in inventions connected' nical water-purifier. Fourth. To afford facilities to suitors, and to the promoters or opposers of any project, scheme, or undertaking, for procuring accurate, complete, and trustworthy information in relation to questions of hydronomical and nautical science and art, either by the discussion of a paper on the subject at a discussion meeting of the institution, or by the appointment of a referee or referees, or a committee of properly qualified persons; or, if necessary, by appointing a competent person or persons to be an inspector or inspectors, for the purpose of making a local survey or inspection in relation thereto, or otherwise. Fifth. To afford facilities for the appointment or selection of hydronomical and nautical surveyors, draughtsmen, or other competent persons, for making, preparing, examining, and verifying measurements, levels, soundings, models, maps, plans, drawings, charts, specifications, statements, reports, and other documents in relation to hydronomical and nautical science and art. Lwith hydronomical and nautical sticks for the examination of sch for giving publicity to the same cost. Seventh. To advance the interes s referees thereof, may have s corded thereon under the official y e of the registrar of the instituti Eighth. To afford a recognised andunter medium through which medisi a may be awarded for the co hydronomical and nautical science at r of Ninth. To afford facilities for the cussion of any matter or subject formi or connected with, hydronomical a escience and art, and for the appare special committees in relation to thereof. Tenth. To aid in the diffusion of ,formation on subjects connected was viously defined professional duties dan Snomical and nautical engineer, by graci mission (under an agreement as t right and expense of editing and any book, pamphlet, manuscript, car a ddrawing which shall have been appre perly appointed referees may be pr published among the published papan t stitution. ; searches of several eminent medical at ,, lead to the belief that many other Le or which the human frame is liste 8, origin in the vegetable organisms a- in water. Some of the spores are thrown off into the atmosphere, and br of into the lungs, are absorbed by the bins, le far the larger portion doables find d into the stomach, and so give rise to fixe of the alimentary canal. Their teac d. be so great, that the temperature des is insufficient to destroy their rita it beer and bread, notwithstanding 5 es which they have been subjected, in my or show abundant evidence of the existens e- algæ. These facts all point to the at frequently urged by us, of fisering a ce used for manufacturing purposes & | domestic use. To meet this recess? to becomes very special at the presen e, the year, we would direct attection a e, of filtration which appears well adage to the evil in question. This is embolic ce! Main Service Filter, manufactured a on cated Carbon Filter Company - adapted to the supply-pipe of say ortillery, or manufactory, and thus parts ed water before entering the building y n- of such a method of purification or ciated by those who have ever see al' a large cistern after having been r-time without cleaning. The qua table matter which covers the side nt cistern is astonishing, and it cannot ir-¡ for wonder that disease is prop r-kept in such a receptacle. Mer ad water through animal charcoal 12 rs, to stop this vegetable matter, but the a the Silicated Carbon Filter is the its a porous slab cemented into a ce This arrangement effectually prevents of any extraneous substance, and ndtion forms a very efficient mech ter-purifier. JUNE 28, 1867. THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. ON THE OCCLUSION OF HYDROGEN GAS BY THOMAS GRAHAM, F.R.S. From a larger mass a strip of the Lenarto iron In 35 min................5 38 cubic centimetres Carbonic oxide..0.43 Nitrogen.........0'95 9.64 HALOXYLIN. 403 sult of the experiment with this substance showed THE vast importance to the miner of a that a firmer enclosing wall was required than Tthoroughly good blasting powder causes with powder; the effect upon the rock was more considerable interest to attach to all inventions cleaving than crushing, and on account of this relating to the manufacture of that article, property it promises considerable advantages repecially when additional advantages are over powder for the blasting of coal In the tained without a corresponding increase in the ironstone mines of Morawieza the experiment cost of production. For some time past a new was made in less firm rock, with large bores, and blasting compound-the novelty of which, howa charge of 25lb. to 30lb. of haloxylin produced an ever, consists rather in effect exceeding by one-third that of gunpowder. manipulating the materials than in the materials themselves-has Such evidence as this is sufficient to prove that been extensively used in the mines and quarries haloxylin has, at least, some advantage over of the Austrian empire, under the name of ordinary blasting powder; and when the quantity haloxylin, which appears to have given great of blasting powder annually used in Great Britain satisfaction, both from the quantity of work done is taken into consideration, it will be readily and the manner of doing it. It is one of those understood that, assuming even the smaller powders which has the property of merely burn- estimate of 30 per cent. of saving, the induceing away when in the open air, and yet exerting ment for the miners of this country to adopt it a great rending force when properly confined in will be ample to ensure, under any circumstances, the blast-hole; whilst it is not liable to ignite a fair remuneration to those undertaking the spontaneously, and cannot be exploded by permanufacture.-Mining Journal. cussion or friction. The smoke resulting from the explosion is less in volume than usual, and, in addition to this, it is free from the usual suffocating character of powder smoke; in fact, there is nothing in the residue injurious to health, or even disagreeable, so that operations can be carried on without intermission. A pound of haloxylin will occupy nearly twice the space of 1lb. of gunpowder; and as haloxylin does fully two-thirds the amount of work, bulk for bulk, as any powder now in use, it follows that a material saving of cost is effected. It is claimed that haloxylin has a tendency to cleave rather than scatter or crumble the rock in which it is used; but as this is a property possessed equally by all slow-burning powders, it may well be passed over; but the circumstance of the explosion leaving the rock free from soil or stain would, no doubt, be a great advantage in salt mines, in marble quarries, and where metallic traces should be preserved from discolouration. ΓΝ SHOT AND TARGETS. the absence of any authentic details as to the results of the recent practice against the Chalmers target on the continent we reproduce the following paragraph from the Pall Mall Gazette:-The opinion which we yesterday expressed as to the worthlessness of some recent experiments at Vincennes, in which 9in. steel shot fired with 431b. of powder failed to penetrate a 54in. Chalmers target, receives strong confirmation from the fact that the same target has now been penetrated through and through with 9in. Palliser shot fired from the same gun and under precisely the same conditions. These broad results of the experiment, of which the details have not yet reached us, supplement the teaching of the former experiment, and accord with all our recent experience at Shoeburyness.. They furnish one more proof of the tremendous efficiency of the Palliser projectile and of its superiority to steel; and if our Government can only succeed, as no doubt they will, in obtaining full and trustworthy details of the experiment, we may perhaps be saved the expense of constructing another Chalmers target to fire atunless Mr. Chalmers can give us something stronger than his Vincennes target. In 2 hours 35 min. 16:53 100'00 In 150 min..........5'40 cubic centimetres. In 4 hours 30 min. 7.98 It is only fair that we should supplement this by a letter from Mr. Chalmers, which subsequently appeared in the Times. The inventor of the target writes:-The results of the recent experi ments at Vincennes and Shoeburyness having left the question of shot and armour still undecided-the Palliser party claiming a complete victory for chilled shot and the French claiming the superiority for their plates-I am desirous of saying one word in favour of the backing. The 7-ton gun, with 15lb. charge, penetrates unbacked 7in. plates at Shoeburyness, and the 12-ton gun, with 431b. charge, fails to penetrate 54in. plates at Vincennes with a backing, the shot used at Shoeburyness being Palliser shot and at Vincennes steel. But the great difference in result may be due as much to the backing as to the shot. It should also be borne in mind that the target at Vincennes was only a section of a wooden ship, that I was not permitted to superintend its construction, and that the plates in the backing were placed wider apart than I recommended. Hence the target did not properly represent my system. It is generally admitted that Major Palliser has produced the best shot, and the experimental committee believe that I have produced the best backing. In order, therefore, that these principles of attack and defence may be fairly tested (if the Government refuse to give me another target with steel plates in the backing), I shall furnish one on the following conditions:-It shall be of the same weight per square foot and depth of structure as the improved "Warrior" target, with 8in. plates, and be fired at under similar circumstances. If the Palliser shot go through the target, I shall bear the expense myself; but if it fail to go through, then the expense, not exceeding £1,000, to be borne by Major Palliser. The thickest plate of my target shall not exceed 5in. Owing to the great cost of carrying explosive materials, the importation of haloxylin from Germany is, commercially, out of the question; it is, therefore, proposed to manufacture it in this country. There are at present three factories in Styria, Hungary, and Moravia respectively, yet they are scarcely able to keep pace with the continually increasing demand, and it is to this circumstance alone that is to be attributed the fact that until now no efforts have been made to introduce it into England. The Hunyad board of the Kronstadt Mining and Smelting Company made careful comparative experiments in their Telek iron mines, and obtained with half the weight of haloxylin the same results as with the powder in ordinary use; but such a high duty as this probably resulted from some exceptional circumstance not having been taken into account; that 2lb. of haloxylin, however, will do as much as 3lb. of other blasting powder appears to have been well ascertained. The Austrian State Railway Company certify, as the result of the experiments made at their mines in the Banat, that the trials in the coal mines of Doman took place in a cross-course when very dense vapours prevailed; nevertheless, the place could be approached immediately after the blasting, no smoke being left. As to the effect, 2 oz. to 24 oz.of haloxylin are equal to 3oz. to 3 oz. of blasting powder. The re Albert gold medal to W. Fothergill Cooke and ProThe Society of Arts have this year awarded the fessor Charles Wheatstone, F.R.S., "for their joint labours in the introduction of the electric telegraph." The medal has been struck in duplicate, and a copy will be presented to each. MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CRUCIBLES. in slots formed nuts ff on the frame c, and the right hand end is provided with a handle g, which is turned accord. ing as the former a and the block b are required HE important purposes for which crucibles to be moved. The frame c is free to move up be observed in their manufacture, in order to en-ij, and its weight is counterbalanced by weights sure that only the very best class of goods should kk on the ends of chains or cords 11 passed over enter the market. To this end Mr. T. V. Mor-pulleys m m and connected to the frame c. n is gan and Mr. E. Hyles, of the Patent Plumbago a catch on the upright j to secure the frame c Crucible Company, Battersea, have just patented in position when the former a reaches its lowsome improvements in apparatus for the manuo is the mould into which the facture of crucibles from plastic materials. Their plastic material is fed; this mould is carried on invention consists in fitting the forming tool so an ordinary lathe or jigger, p, to which rotary mothat in addition to being capable of an up and tion is imparted as usual. down movement, it is free to be moved and ad. justed horizontally as the crucible is being moulded, and according to its required size or thickness. They also employ a lever to prevent all vibration or movement of the former when at its final position in the crucible. The invention further consists in the employment of a brake to stop the revolution of the lathe or jigger when the driving belt is moved from the fast to the loose pulley of the lathe shaft. This brake is composed of a horizontal bar hinged behind the apparatus, while its front end extends to the front of the apparatus near to the attendant. The bar carries a block r, and when the brake is to be applied the attendant by his foot moves the bar on its hinge w, so as to cause the block to bear against a collar or other revolving portion of the lathe. In the accompanying engraving, fig. 1 is a front elevation, fig. 2 a side elevation, and fig. 3 a section through the line AA of fig. 1 of an apparatus constructed according to Messrs. Morgan and Hyles' improvements. a is the former or forming tool; it is fitted to a block b, which is free to be moved horizontally in a frame e by means of a horizontal threaded rod d taking into a corresponding thread e in a nut b) in the block b. The ends of the rod d work in fixed est position. When the frame c is caught by the catch n, and the mould is caused to rotate, the threaded rod d is turned by its handle g so as to cause the former a to move horizontally and spread the plastic material against the side of the mould o, and when it has been moved to the required distance, which is regulated by a scale on the frame c, the back end of a lever q carried on the top of the frame c and free to move backward by means of a slot r, is inserted into a hole s formed in an upright t, and its forward end is then pressed down by the attendant, so that this lever bears forcibly upon the frame c, and prevents vibration or movement of the former a. When the crucible is finished the handle g is turned to bring the former a to the centre of the crucible, the lever q is moved forward out of its hole s, the catch n is released, the frame c is raised up, and the mould is removed in the ordinary manner, all being then ready for the next operation. u is a horizontal bar under the platform v and hinged at w, while its front end extends to the front of the apparatus. x is a block on the bar u, and y is a callar on the lathe shaft. When it is required to stop the revolution of the lathe, the attendant moves the bar u on its hinge w, so as to bring the block a against the collar y. is a horizontal bar or guide for the bar u. AERONAUTICS IN FRANCE, CAMILLE FLAMMARION has underM. taken the direction of a series of balloon experiments under the scientific commission, He has made two ascents, in one case confining his observations to one zone, between 500 and 800 metres in altitude, and in the other attaining the greatest possible height under the circumstances at daybreak. In the latter case, in order to avoid all extra weight, M. Flammarion recently ascended alone from Barbison, a village on the confines of the forest of Fontainebleau, at ten minutes to four a.m. At first the humidity caused the balloon to rise very slowly, but as the sun sky was perfectly clear, and in an hour the rose the ascensional power soon increased. The altitude attained was 1,000 metres; at 5.30, it had risen to 2,000 metres; at 6, to 2,400 metres; at 6.45, to 3,000 metres; at 6.47, to 10,000ft. The difference in the amount of humidity in the air surface the hygrometer stood at 98 deg., whereas was very remarkable; at 120 metres above the at the greatest altitude reached it only marked the rarefaction of the air, produced a painful 25 deg. This excessive dryness, together with sensation in the lungs and ears. With this exception no inconvenience was felt, nor did the slightest accident occur in the descent. The House of Commons Committee of the Lon don, Chatham, and Dover Bills, group 12, have passed the following resolution:-"That the Com mittee cannot, at all events, sanction the raising of any additional capital, with priority over those with a full kaowledge of the circumstances of the debenture holders who do not give their consent case." And the chairman further went on to say that it must be a question of further consideration whether they would allow any priority under any circumstances. JUNE 28, 1867. RUCIBLES FIG.S. THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. 405 acid require a greater or less percentage of pig or cast iron, and the other materials or fluxes also require to be varied according to their quality. In the utilisation of slag or scoria from the smelting of such ores, the slag or scoria is used for the purpose of improving other iron that is not titanic; this is done by using the slag as a flux in the puddling furnace, or any smelting or melting furnace, whereby the iron becomes titanised, and is regulated in quantity according to the quality of the iron operated on and the purposes for which it is required. M. AERONAUTICS IN FRANCE CAMILLE FLAMMARION taken the direction of a series of periments under the scientific comisi has made two ascents, in one case criti observations to one zone, between 5 metres in altitude, and in the other a greatest possible height under the crus at daybreak. In the latter case, i avoid all extra weight, M. Flammarica ascended alone from Barbison, & confines of the forest of Fontainebles, minutes to four a.m. At first the hami the balloon to rise very slowly, but w rose the ascensional power soon incred sky was perfectly clear, and in altitude attained was 1,000 metres; had risen to 2,000 metres; at 6, to, at 6.45, to 3,000 metres; at 6.47, to difference in the amount of humidi was very remarkable; at 120 metra urface the hygrometer stood at 98 de at the greatest altitude reached it 25 deg. This excessive dryness, he rarefaction of the air, produced Sensation in the langs and ears. T Ception no inconvenience was far lightest accident occur in the descent The House of Commons Committed on, Chatham, and Dover Bile, assed the following resolutionmittee cannot, at all events, sanction the ny additional capital, with pric ebenture holders who do not give the with a full kaowledge of the circu And the chairman further w question of further d MANUFACTURE OF ALKALI. HE for 1866 of the Government Tinspector appointed under the provisions of siding at Place Napoléon, Lyons, has The above proportions are altered according to the analysis, inasmuch as titanic iron ores containing a greater or less percentage of titanic the Alkali Act has just appeared. We learn IMPROVEMENTS IN PHOTOGRAPHY. |