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circle by the throw of the eccentric rod acting on a stud near its circumference. The action of the eccentric, if left to itself, would be to open and shut the valves at a uniform speed, by the rocking motion given to the disc and communicated back from it through the rods we have mentioned as attached to studs behind it, which in their turn rock the levers on the valve spindles. But, as will be seen by reference to the enlarged view of this part of the machine, the connecting rods between the disc and the valve levers contain a disengaging arrangement, by which the portion of the rod, consisting of a spring steel fork, is at a certain point in the stroke disengaged from the part of the rod connected with the valve lever. The point of the stroke at which this disengagement takes place is exactly that at which it is desired to cut off the steam; and the lower end of the lever being free, it is suddenly chucked back by its upper end, which is connected with the spring moved trunk cylinder above described, and which is called a "dash-pot." The moment at which this disconnection shall take place is regulated by the governor, the rod from which acting on two short cranks immediately above the disc, connected by toothed segments, determines the motion of a cam, which opens the steel fork of the connecting rod, between the valve lever and the disc, exactly at the right moment.

The action of the governor rod is to shorten or lengthen the distance of the pin B of the cam crank from the centre line of the cylinder, and thus shorten or lengthen the period for which the valve spindle lever is acted upon by the eccentric, or, in fact, the period for which the valve is made to continue its opening motion. The instant the cam is brought into play, and the fork separated, that moment the eccentric ceases to act on the valve, which is shut instantaneously by the "dash-pot arrangement. In order that the two trunk pistons shall not strike too violently when taken home by the springs, a cushion of air is left behind them which only slowly passes through a small hole and eases the back blow. A somewhat similar arrangement is adopted to prevent the sudden fall of the governor balls; their weight is taken by one end of a lever, the other end of which is attached to a piston working in an open cylinder full of oil; a small hole in the piston only allows the oil to pass through at a regulated speed, and thus gradually lowers the governor balls in the case of sudden change of motion.

PATENT FRICTION CLUTCH.

N the preceding page we illustrato

dispensing with the nippers generally used for Every portion of the air is thus successively brought
lifting the monkey. The chain barrel is loose on to the surface, and organic substances are carried
the axle, and the friction wheel is keyed on the off and oxidated. During my own observations on
same axle, as in the drawing which illustrates the ozone, I felt strongly the imperfections of the method
arrangement. When the monkey is high enough, of measurement alluded to by Mr. Baxendell, and
the clutch is thrown out of gear, and the monkey, I thoroughly agree with him that the mysterious
to which the chain is shackled, descends and over-variations of ozone will not be understood until not
hauls the chain from the barrel. As soon as the only the quantity of air brought into contact with
blow is given to the pile the clutch is thrown into the paper be measured or regulated, but the vary-
gear and the monkey raised. To give the same ing source and magnitude of supply be considered.
force of blow, rather more fall is required to com-
Mr. E. Bowman, M.A., exhibited and explained
pensate for friction of the chain and barrel. But Mr. Barrett's modification of Professor Wheatstone's
the saving of time realized by dispensing with the
Kaleidophone.
nippers is found to make the use of the clutch
advisable. The fall is not made greater, but a
larger number of blows are given in a specified
time. By the use of the clutch two men can be
saved on each pile driver. In the case of the
Glasgow pile driver, the friction wheel is 9in. dia-
meter and 4in. wide. The attendant uses but one
hand to work the clutch, which at the time it is
thrown into gear must be making 600 revolutions
per minute; indeed, the monkey can be stopped
half way down without shock.

A clutch, a modification of that illustrated, has been at work for three years in a steam dredger belonging to the Sydney Government. It transmits all the power required to raise about 1,500 tons of sand per day from a depth of 24ft. of water. The clutch has required neither repair nor adjust

ment since it was started.

THE LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL
SOCIETY.

the ordinary meeting of this Society, held
November 3, 1868, J. P. Joule, LL.D., F.R.S.,
&c., President, in the chair, the following re-
marks on Mr. Baxendell's Laws of Atmospheric
Ozone, by Professor W. Stanley Jevons, M.A., were
read :-

In reading the remarks of Mr. Baxendell on atmospheric ozone, it occurs to me that a very simple explanation can be given of the connexion he detects between the height of the clouds and the amount of ozone at the surface, two facts which seem at first sight entirely unrelated. The quantity of ozone which reaches the surface will depend on three circumstances:

1. The thickness of the current of air touching
the surface.

2. The proportion of ozone existing therein.
3. The degree in which this current is rendered
uniform by constant mixture.

The balloon observations of Mr. Glaisher proved

Professor H. E. Roscoe, F.R.S., drew attention to

the important discovery, made independently by M. Janssen, at Guntour, in India, and by Mr. Norman Lockyer, in London, of the visibility of the spectrallines of the red solar prominences under ordinary circumstances. Hitherto, these protuberances or red flames have only been seen during total eclipses of the sun; but by the application of the spectroscope in conjunction with the telescope, the peculiar bright lines which these prominences exhibit, indicative of the presence of glowing gas, can now be observed whenever the sun is visible. Although the priority of this interesting discovery is due to M. Janssen, who first observed the protuberances the day after the eclipse, the method having occurred to him whilst observing during the eclipse, yet Mr. Lockyer had suggested this particular method of examination no less than two years ago, and had succeeded in his endeavour before he became aware of M. Janssen's prior observations. From the accounts as far as they are yet published, we learn that the bright lines appear to be identical with those of hydrogen.

Mr. Baxendell stated that this discovery would give a great impetus to the progress of our knowledge of solar phenomena, and that the importance of observations on this plan could not be over-estimated.

Professor H. E. Roscoe, F.R.S., exhibited and explained Carré's apparatus for freezing water by its own evaporation, and by means of which a pint of water was frozen in a few minutes.

THE

O neat friction clutch, patented by Mr. R. D. troops

BRITISH ARMY STATISTICS FOR 1866. HE army medical blue book for 1866 recently issued gives the following statistical details of the health of our troops :-The mean strength of the entire army during the year was, as regards white troops, 176,750; and colonial corps, 5,510. Napier, a member of the firm of Napier Brothers, that the atmosphere usually consists of several hospital were 181,398, or 1,026 per 1,000; the Whetstone-lane, Birkenhead. The principle in- strata of air which are separated by distinct boun- deaths, 2,537, or 14:30 per 1,000; the invaliding, volved is simply that of connecting the driving and daries, and do not freely mix. Hence it is only the 3,809, or 35.86 per 1,000; the discharged cases as driven shaft by means of a differential brake. In the ozone in the lowest stratum which is usually avail-invalids, 4,182, or 23-66 per 1,000; the average drawing, X is a friction wheel keyed to the shaft able at the surface, and its quantity will be propor- constantly sick, 8.131, or 47-82 per 1,000. In the on which the barrel Y runs loose. In the flange tioned, ceteris paribus, to the thickness of that stra- colonial corps the ratios were:-admissions, 7,128, of the barrel Y the driving pin F is fixed. The tum. It is the height of the first layer of clouds or 12.94 per 1,000; deaths, 134, or 24-32 per 1,000. friction segments K K, surrounding the wheel X, which usually defines the upper limit of this stra- In the above calculations, the ratio of invaliding are connected by the links I I to the differential tum. For during my own observations both in amongst white troops is calculated on the strength lever E, of which the arm F A is longer than the Australia and England I have often noticed that of the troops serving abroad, viz., 106,458. From arm F B; and, therefore, if the lever is made to smoke from a great town or from extensive bush those particulars it appears that the admissions revolve on its fulcrum in one direction it will fires rises only to a definite height, and seems to into hospital, and the deaths in the army in 1866, tighten the segments round the wheel, and the form the basis, as it were, of the cumulous clouds, were lower than in any year since the commencereverse movement will slack them, and this rock-which are the upward terminations of ascending ment of the issue of the army medical reports, and ing movement is effected by sliding the clutch box the amount of invaliding less than in any year Z in opposite directions. The clutch box Z does other than 1860, 1863, and 1864. The average not work on a feather, but is kept in its proper sick rate was 6 per 1,000 under the average of relative position to the barrel by the bevelled the six preceding years. There were some pecuarm C, which is fixed by bolts or rivets to the liarities in the condition of the troops stationed flange of the barrel, and fits into a groove in the in the United Kingdom, numbering 70,292, the end of the arm G, and the opposite arm H is admissions into hospital and the number congrooved to admit the other bevelled arm D, which stantly sick were greatly under, the death rate is fixed to the segment K. was higher than in the preceding year, and sickness very prevalent at Dublin. Fevers, however, show a tendency to decline in frequency, save in the manufacturing towns and in London. Dysentery_and_diarrhoea existed in large amount at Dublin, London, and Windsor. There was 2 marked excess of "contagious diseases" at Canterbury, Colchester, and Dover; a perceptible increase also at Chatham, Sheerness, Portsmouth, Fermoy, Woolwich, and at Warley; and other stations an improvement was noticed. The total number of men constantly in hospital for venereal diseases was 1,138, or 16-19 per 1,000 of mean strength, being a reduction of 1.87 per 1,000 as compared with the preceding year. This represents a loss of service equivalent to that of the whole force in the United Kingdom for 5-91 days. There were 25 deaths by drowning, and 27 by suicide; of those 18 were cases of shooting and 5 cut-throats.

currents. Now, as in May, the height of this stratum is, according to Mr. Crosthwaite's observations, greater than in any other month, there will be a larger mass of air which can successively come in contact with the surface and furnish ozone. But we shall only have the full benefit of this ozone when an active process of mixture is going on. At night the air in contact with the earth is cooler than that above, and therefore tends to lie in a If the clutch box, figs. 1 and 2, is made to slide stagnant layer which can often be detected by the along the shaft to the right, the bevel of the arm C, mist or smoke which it contains. This layer will acting on the arm G, will cause it to rotate to the be rapidly exhausted of ozone, and will be filled right relatively to the barrel, and the opposite arm with the organic exhalations from the earth. Hence H, acting on the bevelled arm D, will cause the arises the comparatively unhealthy character, and segment K to move in the same direction at double in some climates the poisonous nature, of night air, the rate of the arm G, and by this means will make and it may constantly be observed that a moderate the differential lever turn to the right, and tighten wind may be blowing above our heads, as shown the segments round the wheel; and if the arms by the motions of the clouds or the wind felt on FA and F B are properly proportioned, the fric-a mountain top, without breaking up the stagnant tion will about balance the strain, whatever amount it may be. It is preferred in most cases to have the differentialism such that the clutch requires a little pressure to keep it in gear.

This clutch, although but a short time introduced to the public, has proved itself eminently serviceable in actual work. A Glasgow engineer has employed it with great success in a steam pile-driving engine, to which it was fitted with the view of

layer on the surface. This is one reason why the
air is calmer at night than in the day. But during
high winds the gusts penetrate to the surface and
prevent any stagnation, so that, as I apprehend,
during stormy weather, the deficiency of ozone in
the evening would not be observed.

In the day time, on the contrary, the sun's heat
occasions a perpetual circulation or convection in
the lowest mass of air up to the level of the cumuli.

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THE annexed engraving shows an elevation and link from the main crank pin, ne fay-wheel is plan of the engine at Lloyd's Paper Mills, 18ft. 6in. in diameter, 10in. wide, on face of teeth Bow Bridge. It is by Mr. George Bertram, of being a wrought wheel 3in. pitch. The motion is Edinburgh, and drives the whole of the machinery taken from the fly-wheel with a cogged pinion, as used in that establishment, in the manufacture shown by engraving, 5ft. 6in. diameter, fitted of paper and in printing. It is an angular con- together in two halves, so as to come easily off densing engine, having a pair of cylinders 28in. when another pinion is required to go on. The in diameter, with a 3ft. 6in. stroke, each cylinder | line of shafting which this pinion drives passes

into the beating engine-house below, motive power being taken off to the different beaters by means

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INSULATING ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS.

MR.

If

grosser laminations which so seriously enter into for "parme the use of glue and acetic acid is some plates, but there are smaller ones which the recommended, but for purple aniline gums or starch R. W. PERKINS, of Russell-place, Fitzroy-most skilful ear will not detect. These are no less which is soluble in water. Dexterine and the acetic square, and Mr. G. G. Tandy, of Penge, have a disadvantage than the others, and every engineer acid can be replaced by glycerine or decoctions of patented an invention, which has for one of its objects knows the depreciations caused by blisters. It will plants, such as soap wort (Radix saponaria), or the production of an insulating compound applicable be remembered that Mr. Paget published last year a materials of a similar effect, and this change is to be for covering telegraphic cables and electric con- paper in our columns, giving an account of a process, recommended because the acetic acid affects and ductors. The compound is also applicable for the discovered by Mr. Saxby, R.N., Principal Instructor injures the hue of the purple aniline colours. various purposes for which india-rubber or gutta- of Naval Engineers, whose paper en magnetic test-glycerine and glue are employed, it is necessary to percha compounds have been previously employed, ing was read before the Instituto of Naval Archi- soften the glue first in a small quantity of water and or for which such substances may be used. Their tects, and also reported in our columns in April last. then to effect the combination of the glycerine and improved compound is produced by the combination Mr. Saxby then acknowledged his comparative glue by heating them together. By this treatment, of anthracene (or paranaphthaline), and naphthalene, inability to test plates; but we are now informed Mr. Zinssmann states that he is enabled to produce and compounds thereof, with vulcanizable substances, that he has, after a long series of experiments, at from aniline colours which in themselves are not such as india-rubber, gutta-percha, gum ballata, and length succeeded in devising a method of success-soluble in water a compound which is perfectly other analogous gums and sulphur. The solid hydro- fully testing rolled plates; and that this method is soluble in hot water, thus forming a solution which carbons above referred to (anthracene and naphtha- easily applicable to practice. We cannot at present is applicable with great advantage, in place of the line) are obtained amongst the last products derived yet fully describe it, but hope to do so in a future expensive and unreliable alcoholic solution of these from the distillation of coal tar, the tar produced in number. We understand that by his process in its colours. The great saving effected thereby is apthe London gas works being particularly rich in such present stage the molecular condition of an iron parent from the fact that at present, for the purpose hydrocarbons. In order to mix or combine the above plate can be easily represented on paper with very of dissolving 1lb. of purple or blue aniline colour substances with each other, any of the well-known little trouble, so that every plate used in commerce (particularly for the purpose of dyeing and printing and understood processes for mixing or combining can now be fully and accurately examined in a very woollen or cotton materials), from 201b. to 30lb. sulphur with such gums may be employed, but the short time for any condition that interferes with its of the strongest alcohol, or a still larger quantity of inventors prefer to make use of heated rollers for absolute value. We have ourselves witnessed the methylene or wood spirit, are required, and oven the purpose. The proportions in which these sub- testing of plates which Mr. Saxby had pronounced then the solution thus produced is not reliable or stances are to be mixed, vary according to the quality unfit or otherwise for boiler purposes; and the com- perfect. If the alcoholic solution remains standing of gum employed, and whether a soft, hard, or tough plete destruction of these plates has in every case a short time, a portion is precipitated, and if the compound be required. For instance, in using india- fully borne out Mr. Saxby's theory. Should practice solution is used for dyeing, the colour of the dyed rubber, it is found that the qualities of this substance show that this is no exaggeration, we hope the dis- fabric is often not uniform, and liable to come off. vary so much that, in order to produce one uniform coverer himself will favour us with a word or two, By the use of Mr. Zinssmann's compound all these quality of compound, considerable care must be taken, as the subject is one of great commercial importance. disadvantages appear to be avoided; it dissolves not only as to the proportions of the naphthaline or If it really be the case that rolled plates can be tested perfectly in hot water; the colouring matter is not anthracene to be employed, but also as to the quan- in this way, it will be a great boon to shipbuilders liable to precipitate from the solution however long tity of sulphur to be used in the compound. and boiler makers; and to the manufacturers of plate it may remain standing; and wool, silk, cotton, also In order to produce an insulating compound for it may possibly suggest improvements in the method paper and different other materials or fabrics, can be covering telegraph wires or electric conductors, a and process of manufacture. It is clear that even the dyed or printed with the greatest ease and perfeccombination of fifty parts by weight of sulphured very best charcoal iron is so manufactured as to con- tion. rubber, gutta-percha, gum ballata, or other vulcaniz-tain internal laminations, may, however good and able gums, with fifty parts of naphthaline or anthra- tough, be practically spoilt. On the Continent, tho cene, is found to form an excellent insulator, which best boiler makers place charcoal plates over the possesses great advantages over gutta-percha and fire; and while there lately we were anxiously asked vulcanite of the ordinary manufacture, as porosity in by one of the firm of perhaps the most extensive the compound is obviated. In order to produce the boiler makers in the world, as to the progress of improved compound, it is advisable first to combine testing iron by magnetism, and whether its author the sulphur with the rubber, by passing the rubber had yet succeeded with plates. These gentlemen and sulphur between rollers, or by mastication in the turn out on an average about 1,000 boilers of firstordinary manner, and then to add to the sulphured class workmanship every year. As usual, our conrubber the desired proportion of anthracene and tinental rivals pay more attention to scientific aids naphthaline, which will be combined with the other than ouselves, as we are not certain that a single materials by passing them between the rollers as English maker of this class has even read what has when mixing the sulphur with the rubber. In some already been published on the subject.-"The cases, however, the anthracene and naphthaline are Engineer." added together with the sulphur to the rubber or other gum, and then all the ingredients are incorporated by means of masticating or grinding rollers, as when incorporating sulphur alone with the rubber in the ordinary manner. Any of the known solvents, vented a compound of aniline colours which such as bisulphide of carbon, petroleum spirit or coal tar naphtha may also be employed in combining the is soluble in water, although the colours themselves are not soluble in water. The colours are treated on such looms. naphthaline or anthracene with the vulcanizable gums. When the ingredients have all been properly incor- with glue, gelatinous materials, or starch, in comporated and intimately mixed, the mass may either bination with either acetic acid or glycerine, or be rolled out into sheets, as in the ordinary manufac-saccharine solutions or decoctions of plants. The ture of sheet rubber, and then cut up into strips of materials are combined mechanically, mixed with the aniline colour, and heated in such a manner that suitable width for winding round or otherwise covera product is obtained which retains all the colouring ing the wires, or the compound may be made up into any other form according to the purpose for which it properties and qualities inherent to the aniline is to be employed. colour, and which is so perfectly soluble in water that it can be used with this bost success for dyeing the expensive operation of dissolving the aniline and printing all fibrous materials. Consequently, colours in alcohol, which with aniline colours as now made is indispensable, particularly for dyeing and printing wool or cotton or fabrics made therefrom, can be dispensed with.

In applying the compound to telegraph wires or electric conductors for the purpose of insulating them, it may be put on either in longitudinal strips or wound helically round the wires, or the insulating compound may be applied in a plastic state to the electric conductor or cable. After the wires have been covered, the change (or curing) of the compound is to be effected in any of the ordinary ways, viz., by means of superheated steam, by hot air, or by heating the covered wires in an oven. portions of naphthaline and anthracene to be employed may be varied from 10 to 75 per cent., and the quantity of sulphur may vary from 10 to 40 per cent, according to the hardness or toughness required in the compound.

COMPOUND OF ANILINE COLOURS.
E. ZINSSMANN, a chemist of New York, has

Fegal Intelligence.

VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COURT.
Nov. 13.

Before Vice-Chancellor Sir G. M. GIFFARD.
MOXON V. BRIGHT.

This was a suit by the patentees of an invention
for improvements in looms for weaving, particularly
applicable to looms for weaving carpets and other
piled fabrics, and it sought an account from the de-
fendants, Messrs. Bright, Brothers, of Rochdale, of
all royalties payable to the plaintiffs for looms sup-
plied to that firm by the defendant Hall, and made
according to the plaintiffs' invention. The bill also
prayed an account against the defendant Hall, who
made by him according to the plaintiffs invention.
was an ironfounder near Bury, in respect of all loomis
and of all moneys received by him for the royalties

The plaintiffs rested their case against Messrs. Bright upon an agreement alleged to have been made between them in 1858 by which a part of the royalty on certain looms supplied to Messrs. Bright was to be retained as an indemnity against the cost of certain proceedings then pending against them at the suit of Crossley and Sons (Limited), in respect of plaintiffs' invention, which proceedings, it was admitted, had ended substantially in favour of Messrs. Bright. The existence of this a counter agreement that after November, 1859, aft agreement was denied by Messrs. Bright, who set up looms were to be supplied to their firm free of royalty in consideration of their having resisted the action brought by Crossley and Sons. The existence of this counter agreement was, on the other hand, denied by the plaintiffs. With regard to Hall, the bill alleged that he was the agent of the plaintiffs in manufacturing looms according to their invention, and receiving the royalties, and consequently that they were entitled to an account against him.

In carrying out this invention, which has been Zinssmann proceeds patented in England, Mr. as follows:-He takes a quantity of glue (about The profrom 2lb. to 61b. of glue to 1lb. of the colour) and dissolves it in acetic acid of 7 or 8 deas to form a thick syrup-like mass grees, so Mr. J. Hinde Palmer, Q.C., and Mr. Graham HastWith this thick solution he mixes the aniline colourings, appeared for the plaintiffs; and Mr. Druce, Q.C. previously reduced to a fine powder, and then works and Mr. G. W. Hemming, for Messrs. Bright, the mass until it forms a fine thick homogeneous Brothers; and Mr. Kay, Q.C., and Mr. Hadley, for pulp. The pulp is then placed in an enamelled Hall, were not heard. ketile and heated in a water bath under constant agitation, the vessel containing the pulp having a tightly closing cover, so as to prevent undue evaporation. It must be remarked, however, that the defiction reaction of

TESTING ROLLED PLATE IRON BY

MAGNETISM.

IMPROVEMENTS in the quality and condition of boiler plates have long been called for, and, perhaps, none are more desirous of availing themselves of such improvements than rolled plate manufacturers themselves, except, indeed, the makers and users of boilers. We all of us remember that fearful boiler explosion at Messrs. Sharp, Stewarts' some nine years ago, resulting from a hidden defect in one of the plates of the barrel of a locomotive boiler. It is well known that plates for boiler purposes of the highest brand suffer depreciation through faults, or, say, accidents, of manufacture, which at present there is no means of detecting, without cutting into a plate. The mere bending of an occasional plate is a very imperfect check, and may possibly often be delusive. An inferior article made of really good iron may become laminated and defective, passing into the form of a boiler without having had any sure test as to its condition. Tapping with a hammer may sometimes detect by the sound those larger and

The Vice-Chancellor said that even if the plaintiffs had proved the existence of any agreement on the part of Messrs. Bright to pay them royalties, as to which he was not satisfied, their case would have been one for proceedings by action at law and not lution of the aniline colour, will take place only and by bill for relief in a court of equity. The bill mest best when the pulp in the water bath forms a mass therefore be dismissed with costs, but without pr of such thickness and consistency that it can just bejudice to any proceedings at law, or to any now bill kneaded or stirred. If the pulp should, however, by the plaintiffs as patentees.

Correspondence.

become so thick that it cannot be stirred before the
aniline colour is perfectly dissolved, the addition of
a small quantity of the corresponding liquid should
be made. From time to time, a small quantity of
the pulp is taken out, dissolved in hot water, and
while lot passed through a filter, and if no colour
remains on the filter the process can be considered TO THE EDITOR OF THE
completed, and the product can be used immediately,
or it can be dried and preserved for future use.
For purple aniline colours, with the exception of
blueish purple, such as "parme or for aniline blue,
about 2 or 3 parts of gluco or gelatine to 1 part of
colour are sufficient, but for blueish purple, such as
"parme," or for aniline blue, it is better to use from
41b. to 6lb. of glue or gelatine. For blue aniline or

MECHANICS' MAGAZINE." JONES'S FURNACE. SIR,-In your journal of the 23rd of October, you inserted a longitudinal section of my patent furnace for consuming smoke, but I am sorry to see that the largo transverse partition is not carried up to the boiler bottom. I am aware this is no fault of yours, but if you can rectify the error, without encroaching

too much on your valuable time and space, it will be doing my furnace more justice. I enclose my circular, the engraving in which will show you at once where the mistake lies.

with what impunity the pugilist strikes the spring corated with great taste. The walls are adorned
ber; if he were to strike a similar blow against a with eight paintings of scenes on the river Main,
stone wall, what would be the state of his fist. If by Mr. Fedeler, and panelling of tapestry, furnished
there be plausibility about these buffers, it will by Messrs. M'Laren and Freser, of Glasgow. The
almost amount to criminality on the part of railway"Main" is propelled by engines of 600-horse power,
companies if they do not give them a fair trial. which possess all the latest improvements. On her
Public safety and their own interest demand it. trial trip the speed of the ship averaged upwards of
have my model by me yet, and will show it to any. 14 knots.
one who may be curious enough to call on me to see
it.-I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
JOHN HANSON.
Lead Works, Rashcliffe, near Huddersfield,
November 16.

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advance.

All literary communications should be addressed to the
Editor of the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. Letters relating to
the advertising and publishing departments should be ad
Aressed to the publisher, Mr. R. Smiles, MECHANICS' MAGA-
ZINE Office, 166, Fleet-street, London.

To insure insertion in the following number, advertise-
ments should reach the office not later than 5 o'clock on
Thursday evening.

We must absolutely decline attending to any communi-
cations unaccompanied by the name and address of the
writer, not necessarily for insertion, but as a proof of good
faith, ED. M. M.
Advertisements are inserted in the MECHANICS' MAGA-
ZINE, at the rate of 6d. per line, or 5d. per line for 13 inser-
tions, or 4d. per line for 26 insertions. Each line consists
of about 10 words. Woodcuts are charged at the same rate
as type Special arrangements made for large advertise-
ments.
ERRATUM. - In the specification No. 1289, in our
abstracted list of the 6th inst., the name of Mr. J. A.
Jaques, of Tottenham, one of the patentees, was acci-
dentally omitted.

The furnace is specially designed to consume smoke, which it does most effectually. The reason why I show no door, is because the construction of the furnace will enable any door to be applied, as it can be left open to admit sufficient air to consume all the smoke in the furnace. I had a 15-horse power boiler furnace working six weeks without any door, and it generated more steam then than it did before the furnace was altered with the door closed. Another reason why I do not show a door is, there are so many patent doors that I was afraid I may have pitched upon some patent plan. I close up my ash-pits, and the air to be regulated by dampers. I have had a single partition of firebrick.

I

in a locomotive firebox since last June, and it works
well, and the bricks are standing much better than
the ordinary style of brick arches in fireboxes.-I
am, Sir, yours, &c.
DAVID JONES.
83, Chapel-street, Inverness, October 28.

HYDRAULIC BUFFERS. SIR,-I perceive in the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE of the 6th inst., a suggestion for the using of hydraulic buffers for the purpose of greatly ameliorating the effects of concussions which too frequently take place on railways. I think the idea is a very good one, for, by the use of these buffers, the momentum of a train when collision takes place would be greatly absorbed and softened down by forcing water through a small aperture, and that a variable one, according to circumstance.

WE learn that the prizes won by the English Volunteers at the Tir National, Brussels, have been forwarded to the Anglo-Belgian Prize Fund Committee, through the Belgian Minister, but that they are detained at the Dover Custom-house for compliance with some formalities required for their being passed free of duty. We also learn that the hon. secretary to the Anglo-Belgian Prize Fund, Colonel Beresford, on the eve of his departure for resigned, and that his place is likely to be shortly an absence of some months on the Continent, filled by a gentleman possessing high qualifications for the office.

A 7-INCH breech-loading gun, thoroughly equipped for special service, has been ordered to be subjected to a travelling test of 200 miles, with the view of enabling the Ordnance Select Committee to form an approximate estimate of the requirements necessary in the transport of heavy ordnance with the regulated equipment of warlike material. The gun is mounted on a platform waggon, securely lashed; the gun-carriage, on its own slide, fitted with transporting axles and platform waggon wheels; also a general service waggon, constructed with strengthened bottoms and siege wheels, carrying 30 rounds of shell, encased in jute bags. The gun and equipment have been prepared for service in the Royal Arsenal, and the test is to be made over uneven and broken ground.

MR. ROBERT II. SCOTT the Director of the RECEIVED.-R. N.-S. O.-W. and B.-L. P. S.-B. R.- Meteorological Office, sends the following extract J. E.-H. D.-G. B.-H. F.-L. L. M.-C. E. J.-A. R. J.- from a letter received from Herr Von Freeden, C.-C. E.-M. H.-S. K. M.-B. D.-J. K.-J. H.-R. J.-Director of the Norddeutsche Seewarte, at Hamburgh

R. S.-H. L.-J. P.-R. S. P.-D. T. L.-M. A.-R. G. S.-
C. R.-B. W. M.-J. W.-F. R.-C. B.

H. R.-C. J. L.-H. D.-M. L. C.-M. A. M.-H. L.—

Meetings for the Teck.

MON.-Royal Geographical Society. Rev. Alexander
Williamson on "Travels in Manchuria," at
8.30 p.m.
TUES.-The Institution of Civil Engineers.-Discussion on

Mr. Henderson's Paper on "Lighthouse Appa

ratus and Lanterns; and, time permitting,
Mr. J. F. Bourne, M. Inst. C.E., on "Roman
Rock Lighthouse, Symon's Bay, Cape of Good
Hope," at 8 p.m.
WED.-Civil and Mechanical Engineers' Society.-Mr. H.
Siccama, on "The Use of Water in Excava-

tions," at 8 p.m.

But this suggestion is not a new one. The writer of Habal, Military, and Gunnery Items.

THE new light-house at Brindisi will be lighted up by an electric lamp apparatus. This will be the first application of electricity for the illumination of light-houses in Italy.

IN the opinion of the European Commission of the Danube, the produce of the navigation dues, originally estimated at 1,071,000 francs, for the current year, will reach a sum of 1,200,000 francs, showing a surplus of about 130,000 francs, which will be devoted to the formation of an effective reserve fund.

this struck upon the same idea upwards of twenty
years ago. I made a working model of my inven-
tion. It consists of two gun metal cylinders with iron
piston rods, size of the bore of the cylinder, and a
eup leather at the end of each; both cylinders force
their water through one cock or valve into a strong
iron vessel of greater capacity than the two cylin-
ders; this vessel is placed under the carriage between
the two cylinders. After I had made my model, I
took it up to London to show it, and met with the
fate of most inventors. I first showed it to Messrs.
Easton and Amos, millwrights and engineers, in the
Borough. They thought there was something in it,
but referred me to what they thought a first-rate THE "Bismarck," a screw of 500 tons register,
authority, and that was Robert Stephenson, the great built by Messrs. Henderson, Coulbourn, and Co.,
railway engineer. I waited upon him at his office in has made a favourable trial trip. She is fitted with
Great George-street, Westminster. I met with a compound surface condensing engines of 90-horse
very cool reception; he would scarcely look at me power nominal. Another steamer, named the
or my model. He observed, "What effect can such" Donau," for the North German Lloyd, is in a
things have when a train is moving at the rate of
fifty or sixty miles an hour?" I had an incline to
run my carriages down, and wished to show him
the effects my little model had in reducing the
effects of collision, but he declined to look at it.

My experiment is this:-I place my buffer carriage and three loaded trucks at the top of the incline, and let the train run down against various substances at the bottom; among the rest, were little gallipots placed for the buffers to strike at. When the piston rods were pushed up into the cylinders, the pots were invariably broken; when they were out, and had to push against the water, the pots were not broken at all. When leaden shot were placed for the buffers to strike at, the flattening effect was considerably greater when the pistons were closed up than when they were drawn out at full length, and had to force the water out of the cylinders. Though the pistons had but about 5in. range or stroke, the effects were very conspicuous; and though the great engineer pooh-poohed the system, I still am of opinion that the adoption of the hydraulic buffer would be the means of saving a considerable amount of life and property. They may not do all that we could desire, but I am of opinion that they would be a great auxiliary on the side of safety when trains are running at the ordinary rate. See

forward state, and is expected to leave the Clyde
before the close of 1868.

-"The fact that on Friday, October 23, we received intelligence of the hurricane which reached us on the Sunday has induced the harbour authorities to request that the Seewarte would act on the messages sent by you, and allow the Fitzroy drum signal to be hoisted both here and at Cuxhaven. Hitherto I have only been able to give publicity to your telegrams by posting them at the Bourse, and sending them to the newspaper, 'Borsenhalle,' but henceforward they will be communicated to the learn that, accordingly, the drum signal will be public officially. Our readers will be glad to hoisted at Hamburgh and Cuxhaven, and will have the same significance there as it has at a British station. Telegraphic intelligence of storms has been sent to Hamburgh since the beginning of February last, and that Herr Von Freeden has kept a continuous check on the accuracy of the information sent from London ever since the date.

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Miscellanea.

IT is stated that at Talcahuano, on the night of September 14, the tide ran with great violence; the sea was hot, and fish were cast ashore cooked. Very convenient!

THE 115th session of the Society of Arts will commence on Monday, 23rd inst., when the opening address will be delivered by Lord Henry G. Lennox, M.P., chairman of the council.

THE reconstruction of the grand cupola of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem has just been terminated in perfect conformity with the tenor of the protocol signed on September 5, 1862, at Constantinople, by the Ambassadors of France and Russia, and by the Grand Vizier, Aali Pacha.

IN the list of bankrupts published in the "London Gazette" of the 13th inst., we observe the names of Alexander Prince and Alexander Charles Montag ue Prince, patent agents, of Trafalgar-square, Charingcross. They are to surrender at the Bankruptcy Court, London, on the 26th inst., at 2.

The San Francisco "Bulletin" reports the arrival of the ship "Broughton" from Glasgow, with the following earthquake experiences:-On September 11, THE number of visitors to the South Kensington in lat. 20deg. 15min. north, long. 123deg. 22min. Museum during the week ending November 14, 1868, west, the vessel encountered a shock of earthquake. was-on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, free, Again, on September 18, in lat. 30deg. 21min. north. from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 9,722; on Wednesday, and long. 123deg. west, the officers and crew felt a Thursday, and Friday (admissior. 6d.), from 10 a.m. trembling as if the vessel had grounded, and at 10 to 4 p.m., 1,473; total-11,195. Average of correp.m. the same night a fog arose, being clear over-sponding week in former years, 8,760. Total from head, accompanied with a smell of fire. This con- the opening of the Museum-7,904,000. tinued all night. At 9 a.m., September 19, the fog cleared off, but the smell continued some time after. Again, in lat. 34deg. 23min. north, long. 131deg. 42min. west, the air had the same smell as of fire The weather was clear at the time, with a heavy sea running.

THE screw steamer "Main," the latest addition to the Transatlantic steamships owned by the North German Lloyd for their New York line, and built by Messrs. Caird and Co., of Greenock, has just made a preliminary trip on the Clyde, previous to being taken over by her owners. The "Main" is of more than 3,000 tons burden, and is fitted up for the accommodation of about 800 passengers. The principal saloon is admirably arranged and de

AT a public meeting, held at Berne, to consider the question of education, the decision was voted to recommend the Government to introduce obligatory gymnastic exercises into the primary schools; also to extend education to the age of 16 and 17, adding to it training in military exercises, to establish army instruction in the normal schools, and to compel the teachers to serve in the ranks-they being at present exempt-at least until they have passed the age of 25.

PHOTOGRAPHY is being made use of, and advantageously, as a means for testing the authenticity of supposed valuable pictures. It appears that some persons have "touched up" and "doctored" several unfinished pictures by the late Mr. John Phillip, R.A. His executors, therefore, have given notice tha

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