delighted in, are the most subjected to this species of abuse. It should be remembered that all libel is falsehood in some particular, and that, whether this is wilful, or the effect of ignorance, damage to the person concerned is the result. The generality of imperfect notices of philosophical works, and all other writings, which, by an extraordinary and prodigious misnomer, are termed "reviews," contain absolute falsehoods, and this necessarily, inasmuch as general conclusions made by inconsistent individuals are never correct, except by chance. I do not refer to questions of opinion, concerning which it is hard to find two so-called critics who agree in many particulars, but to matters which the present state of science enables us to decide upon. I regret to find that the notices of philosophical works in our strictly religious magazines are, perhaps without one exception, almost as defective as they can be, and have often been annoyed at the mixture of imperfect reasoning and offensive dogmatism which composes them. It is very ridiculous in an author to consult these and similar authorities, with a view to obtaining correct accounts of his production, and when this is the case, either no notice should be taken of the work, or it should be placed in competent hands. But, unfortunately, many persons have a propensity to interfere with what they do

not understand.

THE ELASTIC PROPERTY OF THE AIR. GENTLEMEN,-As the digits employed in common arithmetic exercise a powerful influence in confining the reasoning faculties more closely to the truth than words alone in solving a problem, by their aid-and also if your correspondent, Mr. Cheverton, will carefully observe the action of winged animals during their flight-I will endeavour to convince him that the manifestation of the elasticity of the air is real in a practical sense, and not in the least degree imaginary, by the following observations.

In my former communication to your valuable journal, p. 380, I stated that the air has been found to rush into a vacant space at a velocity of about 1,300 or 1,400 ft. per second, under the atmospheric pressure, and also that if a volume of air were compressed into half its original space, and then permitted to rush out into the atmosphere, it is but reasonable to expect (because the pressure would be equal in either case) that it would do so at an equal, certainly not greater velocity than that at which it would rush into vacuum, because the friction among the particles of its own body must be definitely greater when resisted in the atmosphere, than when unresisted

in vacuo.

THE GIFFARD INJECTOR. GENTLEMEN, I hear that much has been said and written upon this marvellous appliance, and so late as the 22nd December, 1860, Mr. C. Wye Williams If then we take 1350 ft. per second as the unit of writes to The Engineer, see page 420, col. 2; "That a the atmospheric velocity into vacuum, and reduce such given power is exercised in introducing the water into velocity 10 per cent. for the retardation arising from the boiler as feed-water is manifest, but what that friction when resisted by the atmosphere, we have power is, or from what it proceeds, has yet to be deter-1350-135, equal to, say, 1200 ft. per second. Now if mined, and to this ought our attention, in the first 144 lbs. per square inch, and the unit of its velocity in we take the unit of the atmospheric pressure at air at 1200 ft. per second, under such pressure, we are then furnished with data as a basis for our calculations equally as reliable as that afforded us by our knowledge of the density and velocity of water.

instance, be directed."

When steam, or air, or any fluid moves with rapidity it does not press equally in all directions; the lateral pressure may be removed, and the water may flow into the pipe by virtue of its gravity. The steam does not "drive the water before it," but drags it after it and with it continuously.

London, December 31, 1860.

HENRY PRAtt.

SUBMARINE TELEGRAPHY. GENTLEMEN,-It is an indisputable fact that if submarine telegraphic communication were thoroughly established, it would be a mighty lever for the advancement of European enterprise and civilisation. Having read of the disastrous failure of the Rangoon, Red Sea, and other telegraph cables, I am induced to offer the following remarks in reference to this important subject.

I must say, as far as my experience goes, that some of the gentlemen employed prove to be totally incompetent for the task of accomplishing the great desideratum of the age-viz., submarine telegraphy. They have exhibited sufficient judgment only to enable them to construct cables that are absolutely useless for the localities for which they were intended. Now the core being the principal part of the cable, the question of greatest moment is-what material, as an insulator, should be used in order to render the insulation perfect, at a temperature of 100° Fah

renheit ?

Some of our engineers assert (in spite of indubitable proof to the contrary) that gutta-percha, or the inferior compound known as Chatterton's compound, is most suitable for telegraph cables. Why these gentlemen still adhere to this mode of insulation (coupled with the defective spiral wire covering) is most extraordinary, knowing as they do, at the same time, that "pure india-rubber" used as an insulator, would withstand a temperature far exceeding that which is now destroying the Rangoon cable.

The monopoly, too, which exists in the manufacture of telegraph cores and cables is no mystery to those conversant with the subject; but doubtless when the reports of the Government experiments on submarine telegraphy is laid before the public, this monopoly will be done away with; until then we may expect failure in every cable that is laid.

Permit me to say, however, that I attribute the heating of the Rangoon cable to the oil and grease incorporated with the hemp in the process of manu.

upon the propelling surfaces. But if it is altogether imaginary, and we cannot obtain more resisting power by such reaction than from that afforded by the weight of air, then we require in the first example 84 strokes instead of 3, or 2-8 times the velocity; and in the second example we require 9 strokes instead of 3.6, or 2.5 times the velocity, to produce the same results; and this simple law appears to hold equally true in all cases, i.e., the elasticity of the air affords nearly three times the resistance to the propelling surface, than that obtained from the weight of the air, although increased as the square of the velocity of displacement. A propelling surface of 33 square feet, for example, compressing the air a 50th part of its original volume, will obtain a resisting force equal to 33 × 41.76 = 1,378 lbs., and to compress the air to this extent will require a velocity equal to the 50th part of 1,200 feet, which is 24 feet per second. But the weight of the air displaced by this surface, i.e., 33 square feet, and 3 feet in depth, equal to 99 cubic feet, propelled through a distance equal to 3rd of 24 feet: 8 feet, and amounting to 7-6 lbs., becomes 7.6 x 8 x 8486.4 lbs., being 2 times less resistance than that obtained from the elasticity of the air (1378÷ 486 = 2.8).

=

I leave it, therefore, to your numerous readers to decide whether they can conscientiously assert, main. tain, or believe, that the Creator causes the elasticity of the air to remain inert-a perfect nullity-in one of its most extensive requirements, and thereby caus. ing every bird to perform 9 strokes where 3 would equally suffice; or, in short, whether they can admit that flying animals are condemned to labour with three or four times the exertion in order to support themselves in the air, than they would find necessary if freely permitted to avail themselves of the value of its elasticity? Although Nature so modestly conceals the operation of her laws from us, yet I again aver that the elastic property of the air is the primary and fundamental principle of air navigation, and on this property all flying animals depend for support during their flight. It is the elastic property of the air when properly developed which does and will constitute the resistance to all physical or mechanical forces, and enable them to derive from the air a proing it. It is also this property of the air (which has pelling force equal to the power employed in develop. so long been neglected by us) that sustains the bodies of all flying creatures with the same comparative ease, and with so little effort on their part, that they can as easily rise up into the aërial fluid as fishes can in the watery fluid; and it is owing to the total disregard of this property by us that all our former attempts to navigate the air have been rendered abortive.

I am, Gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
W. QUARTERMAIN.

41 London-wall.

DUCE THE POPULAR INDIFFERENCE TO
SCIENCE.

The illustration given at p. 381 (corrected as above) will then stand thus: a bird possessing a surface of wing equal to 180 square inches, by raising and depressing such surface through a distance of 9-6 in. three times per second, must impart to the air a force equal to ō-22 lbs., because such force and velocity will compress such a column of air a 500th part of its original volume, and consequently develope a reaction from its elastic property equal to 180 x 14 ON SOME OF THE CAUSES WHICH PRO2,160 lbs., which divided by 500 shows 5.22 lbs. And as the velocity of the air is proportional to its rate of compression, by compressing it a 500th part of its original volume, the bird will impart to it a velocity equal to the 500th part of 1200 ft. per second, which is 24 ft. per sec., or 96 inches per stroke. Now if this is imaginary, and the bird can only obtain from the air a reaction equal to that of the weight of air displaced, then we have 180 x 96 = 1728 cubic inches of air displaced at each stroke, and which at 31 grains per 100 cubic inches amount to 535-7 grains, and this weight displaced three times per second increased as the square of the velocity of displacement, becomes 3 x 3 x 535'7 = 4,912 grains, and this to equal 522 lbs. will require 8-25 strokes per second; being 8.25 x 8.25 x 5357 = 36,460 grains, or 5-21 lbs. Again, suppose we take a bird weighing one pound, having a surface of wing equal to 72 square inches, and that it raises and depresses them through a distance of five inches at each stroke nine times per sec., the weight of air displaced in this case will be equal to 72 x 5 x 31 100 = 112 grains at each stroke, and, increased as above, becomes 9 x 9 x 1129,072 grains, or 1-3 lbs. But if in this case the bird compresses such column of air a 800th part of its original volume, we have 72 x 14 = 1,044 lbs., which divided by 800 shows 13 lbs. resisting force. To compress such column of air to the extent will require a velocity equal to the 800th part of 1200 ft., or 15 ft. per second, and the surface being propelled through a distance of five inches at each stroke, shows 3-6 strokes per second, as the velocity required.

In these two examples, then, if the manifestation of the elasticity of the air is real, we find in the first example a velocity of 24 ft. or three strokes per second is sufficient to develope a reaction equal to 5 lbs., and in the second example a velocity of 1.5 ft., or 3 strokes per second, will develop a reaction of 1.3 lbs.

GENTLEMEN,-Notwithstanding Mechanics' Institutions, and the apparatus connected therewith, there is still popularly a very great amount of indifference concerning science and scientific advancement; and this it would be a great work to overcome. The principal causes which produce this unfortunate result are two; first, the want of scientific instruction in public and other schools, which would in many cases result in the formation of a scientific habit; and secondly, the want of museums and scientific lectures. I do not hesitate to affirm that the, in many cases, total want of scientific instruction in public and other schools, is a disgrace both to the country and the age of the world in which we live. The undue partiality for classical studies, in many cases to the detriment of pure mathematics, which schoolmasters as a rule evince, is simply a delusion, and therefore every person who knows this should use what influence he possesses, in order that modern science should receive from the young, and indeed individuals of every age, the attention which it deserves. A correspondent has, in No 5 of The Provincial Magazine, shown that the results of scientific study are far more important than are the various refinements occasionally struck out in connection with the dead languages. The facts alluded to are perfectly unanswerable, and the communication is one to which reference may satisfactorily be made.

A scientific museum

Museums are very important means for the diffusion of scientific knowledge, and one should therefore be established wherever this is possible, which is the case at any rate in every town. is not a heterogeneous collection of materials, which is sometimes dignified by this name, but an assemblage of objects which are at any rate of some utility in a

scientific point of view. As regards scientific lectures, it may be allowed that a popular lecturer of this sort has something to contend against, and it is this, that the want of knowledge in his audience frequently prevents him from being as interesting as he otherwise would be. These lectures, which for the most part are connected with Mechanics' Institutions, are moreover very occasional; and this may be set down as one reason why they are not more extensively liked; for when the attention of individuals is directed to political and social topics, and recreative exhibitions, their taste for scientific and other questions requiring a little more mental exertion is proportionably lost.

It is a source of no small uneasiness to see that many are very eager in the pursuit of scientific knowledge where profit is probable, who are completely indifferent on any such points from which there is not any reason for supposing that any pecuniary advantage will ensue. That their minds are of the meanest no competent person can doubt; and besides this, and far more important than it, these actions are as a rule morally as pernicious as is possible.

shall be used to exhibit this drill-shed to the public in
order to show Volunteers at what a trifling cost they
may be provided with covered spaces.

At the last sitting of the French Academy of Sciences the Minister of Marine sent in an extract of a report from Captain Trebuchet, of the Capricieuse corvette, dated Amboyna, August 28, 1860, and in which he states that on the night of the 26th of that month, while tacking to reach Amboyna, lying at about 20 miles E.N.E., he and his crew witnessed the curious spectacle of the Milky Sea, which the Dutch call the Winter Sea, because both the sky and the waters present the appearance of fields covered with snow. The phenomenon lasted from 7 p.m. until the return of daylight. They at first attributed it to the reflection of the moon, then only three days old; but, as the appearance continued after the moon had set, this explanation had to be discarded. A bucketfull of sea water being drawn up and examined, it was found to contain about 200 groups of animalculæ of the same thickness (that of hair), but of different lengths, varying between one and twotenths of a millimetre, and adhering to each other by One of the principal characteristics of modern science, and indeed modern learning, is, that while tens and twenties, like strings of beads. These incomparatively many are desirous of doing something sects emitted a fixed light similar to that of the firefly to further it, and do something in this way, very few or glowworm, and it was admitted on all hands that will take the trouble to ascertain what has already been the white appearance of the sea could only be attributed accomplished, and thus much time and energy is to these minute creatures, the numbers of which must thrown away, many finding that their labours have therefore exceed all imagination.-M. Duroy announbeen anticipated. Consequently this slothfulness, forced the discovery of a new neutral and colourless iodide it is nothing more, is very injurious, and something of starch. It is well known that idodine gives a blue which it is to be hoped future progress will eradicate. colour to starch, thus forming an iodide. M. Duroy In nothing does it work so powerfully as in the absurd brings this iodide into contact with yeast, and thus system of re-inventing and re-patenting inventions deprives it of its colour. In this state it is very soluwhich have perhaps more than once been patented, ble in water, insoluble in alcohol, sweet, gummy, and or else have long been known, and perhaps made use incapable of crystallization.

of. This unfortunate trait of modern mechanical
science was noticed many years ago by Mr. Babbage,
in his "Economy of Machinery and Manufactures."
I am, Gentlemen, yours, &c.,
J. ALEXANDER DAVIES.

December 31st, 1860.

Our Weekly Gossip.

AN "Association of Assistant Engineers " has just been formed in Glasgow. the following are its office-bearers: - President, Mr. W. R. Copland. Vice-Presidents, Messrs. Allan Campbell and David Rankine. Secretary, Mr. Guilherme Fox, 50 Gloucester-street, Treasurer, Mr. Mortimer Evans. Committee, Messrs. Donald Anderson, Alexander Russell, A. F. Watson, James Caldwell, J. A. Smith, W. Y. Black. Editor of Magazine, Mr. Allan Campbell, 24 St. Vincent-place. The object of the Association is to be the interchange of the members' ideas on engineering and kindred scientific subjects, and the promotion of friendly feeling among the young men in the profession. The Association is to consist of bona fide assistants and pupils to civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and shipbuilders. The ordinary meetings are to be held on the first Tuesday of each month, and each session will commence on the first Tuesday of October, and continue to the first Tuesday of May next following. Special meetings may be called by circular at any time, on the requisition of not less than six members. All papers read before the Association will relate to engineering and kindred sciences, and the authors of such papers are requested to illustrate them as much as possible by diagrams or models. An editor will be appointed by the Association, to whom annonymous papers or questions may be sent: these papers will be collected into a magazine, to be circulated or read as circumstances may dictate. All papers read before the Association will be subject to free discussion; remarks to be strictly confined to the subjects of the papers. One Shilling will be paid by each member as entry-money, and the annual subscription will be Two Shillings and Sixpence.

The want of large covered spaces for the drilling of Volunteers in the evening is much felt. It is difficult to find buildings sufficiently spacious, and the cost of erecting them has been beyond the means of most corps. Captn. Fowke, R.E., has lately constructed a shed at South Kensington for the use of the 1st Middlesex Engineer Volunteers, which seems to have solved the problem of economy. The shed is 90 feet long by 40 feet wide, and about 25 feet high; it is made of wood, without framing, covered with felt and oil canvas. The cost has been only £82, which has been paid by the Volunteer Engineers out of their own subscriptions. A large meeting is to take place on the 12th January, at the South Kensington Museum, in aid of the building fund of the Lambeth School of Art, and it is proposed that this occasion

We like to encourage by every means in our power the practice of employers meeting the employed occasionally at social entertainments. It is a practice which adds a bright day to the workman's year, and begets a healthy glow of human interest in the breast of the master. A pleasant example of this kindly intercourse occurred at Glasgow a few days since, when the second annual entertainment to the employés of the Lily Bank Boiler Works took place. A hall was nearly filled with the workmen and "their wives, families, and sweethearts." William Wilson, Esq., proprietor of the works, by whose liberality the entire entertainment was provided, occupied the chair, and on the platform were many influential gentlemen. After the feast, the chairman expressed the happiness it afforded him at being present on the occasion of their second annual gathering. "When he thought of how well they had got on during the year about to close, and also of the sobriety, industry, and order, the kind and agreeable feeling that animated all the workers of Lily Bank Boiler Works towards each other, and not the least towards himself, he assured them that few things in his life gave him greater pleasure than fulfilling the promise he had made at their last meeting, to give them another entertainment. He regarded it as proper that they should now and then see each other in a different aspect from what they were accustomed, and to lay aside for a time the hammer, the caulking tool, and tongs, to mingle together in holiday attire around the social board. He knew of nothing better fitted to increase the good feeling that existed between them than such gatherings as the present. Both the employer and the employés were helpless without each other; and, as one common interest ought always to exist beween them, their relation should not be merely mechanical and commercial, but there should be affection and fellowship in it, well cemented by such gatherings as the present." Mr. Wilson was, happily, able to speak of the great prosperity which had attended the establishment of Lily Bank Works during the past year, which he in part ascribed to the facilities which they possessed for turning out work of a high character.

The following facts have been forwarded to us as reliable:-" During one of the late heavy gales in the Channel a man fell overboard from H.M.S. Trafalgar. A life-boat fitted with Kynaston's patent hooks was instantly lowered and disengaged ere the ship had lost her way. The man was picked up, and the boat rehoisted without the least misadventure, though a very heavy sea was running at the time.-A similar occur rence took place from the Megara, also fitted with Kynaston's hooks."

The English mercantile navy for the past year has fully maintained its position with the vessels of other countries, the statistics of entries and clearances showing that we have in our foreign trade much more tonnage employed than all other nations combined, and that there is no prospect, after ten years' experience, of foreign competition seriously injuring our shipowners.

Patents for Inventions.

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF PATENTS.
THE abridged Specifications of Patents given below are
classified, according to the subjects to which the respective
inventions refer, in the following table. By the system of
classification adopted, the numerical and chronological
order of the specifications is preserved, and combined with
all the advantages of a division into classes. It should be
understood that these abridgments are prepared exclu-
sively for this Magazine from official copies supplied by the
Government, and are therefore the property of the proprie
tors of this Magazine. Other papers are hereby warned not
to produce them without acknowledgment:-
STEAM ENGINES, &c., 1873, 1386, 1396, 1429.
BOILERS AND THEIR FURNACES, &c., 1874, 1381, 1895, 1400,
142 4, 1430.

ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and car.
riages, saddlery and harness, &c., 1370, 1398, 1414.
SHIPS AND BOATS, including their fittings, 1399, 1420, 1443.
CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural and hor-
ticultural implements and machines, 1416.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including apparatus for preparing

food for men and animals, 1368, 1404.

FIBROUS FABRICS, including machinery for treating fibres

pulp, paper, &c., 1384, 1388, 1392, 1402, 1405, 1406, 1411' 1413, 1417, 1421, 1433, 1434, 1437, 1441, 1444. BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS, including sewers, drain-pipes, brick and tile machines, &c., 1377, 1378, 1379. LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING, 1371, 1380, 1407, FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils,

1412.

1423.

time-keepers, Jewellery, musical instruments, &c., 1383, METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture, 1409, 1422,

CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY, 1426.
ELECTRICAL APPARATUS, 1403, 1440.
WARFARE, 1375, 1428.

LETTER PRESS PRINTING, &c. None.

MISCELLANEOUS, 1362, 1363, 1365, 1366, 1369, 1376, 1379, 1382, 1385, 1387, 1389, 1390, 1393, 1395, 1397, 1401, 1408, 1415, 1418, 1419, 1425, 1427, 1431, 1432, 1435, 1436, 1438, 1439, 1443.

1362. W. W. H. SMITH. Improvements in the mode of, and apparatus for, preparing leather for harness and boot and shoe manufactures. Dated June 2, 1860.

Here the patentee claims subjecting leather for harness and boot and shoe manufacturers to pressure between heated surfaces while in a wet or moist state. Patent completed. 1363. J. JAMES. Improvements in washing, wringing, and mangling machines. Dated June 4, 1860.

This consists in the combination of an oblong vessel mounted upon pivots placed at its centre in the bottom. This vessel is caused to oscillate on its pivot by means of cranks and a wrench handle actuated by the attendant or driven by steam-power. The rush of water to and fro in the vessel containing the dirty linen effectually cleanses the same, which is then removed and wrung by being squeezed beneath a piston in a perforated box fixed to one side of the machine, or pressed between a pair of rollers. The mangling is effected by means of a pair of rollers driven in the usual manner, the whole of the operation being effected in one combined machine. Patent completed.

1361. W. TAYLOR. An improved hand light and portable greenhouse, to be used for growing and protecting plants, either with or without artificial heat. Dated June

4, 1860.

It is purposed according to this invention to make such greenhouses in sections of five or more pieces of galvanized iron, zinc, or wood, or partly of each, and glass, and made in shape like a common hothouse, the roof and front being of glass of any required slope, and the back and sides of such other suitable materials, such pieces to be put together with oblong headed screws passing through slots, and fastened together by a quarter tura, the glass in front and top being cut into strips of the required size, and fastened by rods in the back and front. The hand light or greenhouse is thus made tight, without the use of either putty or paint, so that it can be taken to pieces at any time. of ventilating and hardening the plants, and from the A door or ventilator is cut in the back plate for the purpose room given a trellis can be put inside for the training of plants at any distance from the glass, and the whole size of the light can be filled with mould, so as to form a surface of mould as close to the glass as may be required for better

16th of any seeds or plants. Patent abandoned.

1365. J. JUCKES. Improvements in pipes for smoking tobacco. Dated June 4, 1860.

For the purposes of this invention the passages through the stem of a pipe is formed in such a manner as to pass part of the bowl, in order to facilitate the cleaning of such not only into the bowl, but also directly through the lower passage, and the outer end near the bowl is, when the pipe is in use, stopped by a suitable plug or cover. Patent completed.

1366. J. B. PASCAL. Improvements in obtaining motive power, aud in apparatus for the same. Dated June 4, 1860.

This relates to an arrangement of generator which alternately produces and condenses the steam, also to an engine for receiving the motive power of such steam. The inatmospheres by alternately generating and condensing ventor produces steam at a pressure of one or several steam produced from water or other liquid held in suspension in capillary chambers formed by sheets of wire kept

constantly cooled. From thence he ejects this water by
atmospheric air or other fluid gas or vapour, by which it
may be mechanically transported in the form of liquid par-
ticles into the capillary chambers, which are kept constantly
heated, where it becomes vaporised. The steam thus
generated expands under the piston of the steam-engine,
and, when it has performed its functions, it returns into
the generator, where it becomes condensed by cooling in
the same capillary chambers from which it had formerly
been ejected in the form of water. Patent abandoned.
1367. W. E. GEDGE. Improved machinery or apparatus
for manuring land. (A communication.) Dated June 4,

1860.

This apparatus is specially intended for the equal distribution of pulverised manures, as guano and others, and is composed of a trough or hopper made of light boards, and furnished interiorily with metal rods carrying plates of the same material, to which a come-and-go motion is given, to distribute the manure contained in the trough. The whole is supported by a wooden framing mounted on wheels, and from which project the shafts, if horse power be used. The horse being set in motion, the wheels in revolving turn certain cogs bolted to their axles, which cogs act upon pinions, one of which, by the aid of a connecting rod, gives a come-and-go movement to the metal plates or agitators, causing the dispersion of the manure, and the other on rotating gives, by the aid of a shaft and catches, a winnowing movement to a valve placed beneath the trough, the effect of which is to shake the manure and facilitate its equal distribution. A spring and lever are provided for throwing the apparatus out of gear when required; a moveable board prevents the air striking too forcibly upon the manure as it escapes from the trough,

and a regulator prevents the exit of more than the requisite
quantity of manure. Patent abandoned.
1368. C. WATEAU. An improved apparatus for cooling
beer and other liquids. Dated June 4, 1860.

The refrigerating power of this cooler is based upon a quantity of cold water in the interior of the apparatus, and an exterior surface for the beer. The refrigerator is composed of two upper cylinders, and in its centre is placed a pressure pipe, by which cold water is raised within the apparatus. The warm beer or other liquid to be cooled is then passed through a funnel into a pipe pierced with holes, which distributes it in an upper chamber or gutter, from whence it descends along the outer sides of the apparatus containing the cold water until it reaches the lower gutter, from whence it passes to a double bottom, and thence to the fermenting vats. As the cold water becomes warmed by the passage of the beer over the exterior surface of the apparatus containing it, it passes out, without effort, through an opening intended for that purpose, and the cold water is constantly renewed by the action of the pressure pipe. By passing the beer more or less rapidly through the apparatus, it is brought to different degrees of coolness. Patent abandoned.

1369. J. PINCHES. An improved press for embossing and stamping paper, linen, and other fabrics and substances. Dated June 4, 1860.

This consists in the die or embossing and stamping tool being carried by, and placed at or near one end of, a lever, spring, or spring lever, the other end being the fulcrum or centre of motion. In this press the whole space between the die and the back of the press, or the distance from the die to the centre of motion, is available for the articles to be stamped, so that paper, envelopes, or other articles may be placed under the die and stamped either from the front or the back in the same press. The die may be raised from the counter or pressed down to it, the spring giving the return action. Patent completed.

1370. T. REID. Improvements in machinery, apparatus, or means for actuating or working railway brakes. Dated June 4, 1860.

This relates to a mode of actuating the brakes of railway carriages or other vehicles by the weight of the carriage bodies and their framing and appurtenances, as well as the weight of the passengers in giving the necessary actuating force to the brakes. Patent abandoned.

1371. W. TAYLOR. The improved heating of hothouses and other buildings by means of flat pipes made of any malleable material, and for manufacturing thereof. Dated June 5, 1860.

Here the pipes are made of galvanized iron or copper, and are formed flat with single or double passages through them. Patent abandoned.

1372. J. MABSON. Improvements in metal life-buoys, also adapted for holding water or other liquids. Dated June 5, 1860.

Here the patentee forms the buoy of sheet metal of any convenient shape, either square, oblong, &c., on one side, and flat on the other, thus forming a bottle for use when not required for the preservation of life. When required in an emergency, the contents are emptied by unscrewing an air-tight stopper formed on the buoy. It is secured to the body by straps or bands. Patent completed.

1373. C. SENIOR. Apparatus for utilising the waste heat in the flues of steam and other engines. Dated June 5, 1860.

This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

1374. G. FLETCHER. Improvements in the apparatus for regulating the draught in the tubes of multitubular boilers. (A communication.) Dated June 5, 1860.

This consists, 1, in the use as a damper to the mouths of tubular boilers of an apparatus similar to a venetian blind. 2. In the use of sliding dampers for regulating the draft in boiler tubes. This damper is formed of one or more parts, having a number of metallic plates, each working on two pivots at each end, two pivots serving to secure the plates to fixed and movable side rods, forming a frame in which they move, and which is fixed to the boiler end, the other two pivots serving to connect the plates of the damper to a moveable rod on either side, thus enabling the whole of the plates to be moved together. This damper is fixed immediately against the mouths of the tubes, and a adjusted and worked by a hand wheel attached to a sere

spindle working through a pedestal, the spindle having a
swivel joint, and being connected by links to a cross bar at-
tached to the side rods or moveable frame of dampers. In
carrying out the second part of the invention the patentee
employs a plate with perforations corresponding with the
tube holes in the boiler, working in grooves or slides, and
adjustable by rods or end levers, and so arranged that the
blank spaces in the plate may cover the tube holes in the
boiler, and the perforations in the plate come opposite to
the spaces between the tubes, and vice versa. Patent
completed.

1375. F. C. RICHER. Improvements in breech-loading
fire-arms and in their cartridges. Dated June 5, 1860.
This consists of a sliding drawer with two chambers for
receiving the cartridges applied at the breech of the gun,
and which push alternately from right to left, and vice
versa, by a lever underneath the gun. The cartridges are
provided at one end with fulminating powder, and dis-
charged by a blow with a hammer on a piston at the ex-
treme end of the breech of the gun, and communicating
with the cartridge, the usual touch hole being dispensed
with. Patent abandoned.

1376. W. TRENTER. Improvements in washing and wringing machines. Dated June 5, 1860.

This consists in constructing a combined washing and wringing machine as follows:-The patentee places in a trough containing water a floating platform, formed with protuberances and perforations on which the clothes are placed, a portion of them being first placed between the folds of an endless canvas cloth, called a preserver, the remaining and least soiled portion of the clothes being placed in a cylinder having proturberances around its circumference, corresponding to those in the platform aforesaid. This form, thereby pressing the endless canvas before named concylinder is to be rolled backwards and forwards on the plattaining the clothes between the protuberances of the floating platform and the cylinder; the water gushing through the perforations in the platform thoroughly cleanses the clothes. The aforesaid cylinder is afterwards used for wringing the clothes. Patent abandoned.

1377. J. JARDIN and P. A. GIRARD. A new or improved machinery for manufacturing brick, tile, and other ceramic products. Dated June 5, 1860.

Here the clay, after being moulded into a rectangular form or brick between two cylinders, is conducted by an inclined plane on to a carriage placed on an endless cloth. It is then divided longitudinally into two equal parts the width of a brick by a wire stretched across the machine. Each carriage is furnished with parts at distances equal to the length of a brick placed perpendiculariy at their front ends. These parts come in contact with the arms of a double moveable mill or drum, and communicate a rotatary movement to it, forcing down parallel arms which obey this motion, and thereby cut, by a wire with which they are supplied, the piece of clay the length of a brick. Patent abandoned.

1378. A. J. P. DE CARVALHO. Improvements in beams applicable in the construction of bridges and other structures, and also for the floors and ceilings of houses. Dated June 5, 1860.

Here the patentee forms a chain of a series of links of wrought iron or other material; on the upper side of each link or links placed side by side, a block of wood or other material is placed. These links are connected side by side, and end to end, by rods passing through the ends of the links. The blocks mounted on the links are of such a size that their ends come in contact, and bear the one on the other when the chain is laid out flat, so that, if the ends of a chain so constructed be laid on two bearings with a space between them, the chain will remain as a bearer or girder spanning the interval between the bearings. On a beam so formed a paving may be laid, or a structure erected; or for the floors of houses or pavements of bridges the blocks attached to the links of the chain, and which fit close together, may form the finished surface of the floor or pavement. Patent completed.

1379. E. and R. LAVENDER. Improvements in destructive and vinous distillation. Dated June 5, 1860.

This is applicable in distilling coal and other tars and matters for the production of hydro-carbons, also in distilling resin and other substances; and it consists in simultaneously conducting off the products of distillation at different heights or elevations in the retorts or stills employed, and, consequently, at different temperatures, and in simultaneously condensing the several products in separte condensers, connected with the several outlets of the retorts or stills used. Patent completed.

1380. G. BOWER. Improvements in apparatus for manufacturing, controlling, and regulating the flow of gas. Dated June 5, 1860.

This consists, 1, of a generator for the manufacture of gas, and relates to a previous patent dated Feb. 9, 1859 (No. 368). 2. In a construction of governor for controlling and regulating the flow of gas. We cannot give space to the details of the invention. Patent completed.

1381. J. APSEY and W. G. BUCKWELL. Improvements in steam-boiler and other furnaces. Dated June 5, 1860. This relates to forming furnace bars of a continuous or endless tube, so arranged that the air-feed shall be a down draught or otherwise towards the fire, through and between the spaces formed by the continuous tube fire-bar or bars. Patent abandoned.

1382. G. HADFIELD. Improvements in the manufacture
of casks or barrels, and in the machinery to be used therein.
Dated June 5, 1860.

This invention is not described apart from the drawings.
Patent completed.
1383. G. and J. JENKINS. An improved portable arm-
chair. Dated June 5, 1860.

This chair is constructed of metal with a moveable rack

placed under each arm, so that the chair can be set to any
inclination and retained thereat by each rack being raised
by a small lever attached to each rack and falling on to a
stud. By raising the lever to allow the full extent of the
rack, the back of the chair will fall on a level with the
eat, and by folding a foot rest from the seat of the chair

the whole is formed into a couch or bed. Patent abandoned.

1384. S. SCHUHMAN and G. HARRISON. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for spinning, doubling, and winding fibrous materials. Dated June 6, 1860. Here the inventor employs three pairs of drawing rollers, and in connection with them an additional roller turning in a reverse direction to the others. The material to be spun passes between the three pairs of rollers, and under the fourth roller, by which there is a greater hold on the fibres of the cotton. Patent abandoned.

1385. E. T. HUGHES. Improvements in coating or plating the faces of printing type and stereotype plates. (A communication.) Dated June 6, 1860.

Here the patentee claims the plating or coating of the letter faces of printing types, or stereotype plates made of type metal, with brass or other compound metals harder than copper, as described, by the solutions and processes combined with electro-magnetism, as described. Patent completed.

1386. F. H. WENHAM. Improvements in steam-engines. Dated June 6, 1860.

This is applicable to steam-engines worked on the highpressure alone, or combined with the condensing principle, as follows:-Steam of a high-pressure is led direct from the boiler to a cylinder of comparative small size. After having been there worked expansively, it is returned into a series of pipes placed in the smoke-box known as "superheater," being thus surcharged with heat, it is next conveyed to a second cylinder of larger size. After being again worked expansively, it is superheated a second time by a separate heater, and passed into a third cylinder of still larger size, and after being therein expanded to its fullest extent, it is finally discharged or exhausted into the condenser. The pistons of the three cylinders may all work the same shaft by cranks at equidistant radii. The superheated steam in its passage to one cylinder may be conveyed through a case containing a series of pipes, by which the steam will be heated in its transit to the following cylinder, the induction steam of the preceding thus giving up a portion of its surplus heat for the use of the steam going on to the next cylinder. Patent completed.

1387. C. STEVENS. A new material for packing and other purposes, together with the apparatus used in the manufacture thereof. (A communication.) Dated June 6, 1860.

This consists in combining paper with canvas, &c., so as to form a material which can be employed for packing. This result may be obtained by coating the canvas with the pulp used in the manufacture of paper. To effect this the canvas is rolled on a cylinder which is adjusted to an ordinary paper-making machine, and the pulp is made into paper on the tissue which unrols itself by degrees as the paper is formed. Patent abandoned.

1388. C. STEVENS. An improved mode of preparing various plants, to be used in the manufacture of paper. (A communication.) Dated June 6, 1860.

Here the patentee claims. 1, the preparation of the plants in a solution at a high degree of a fixed alkali potash or soda. 2. Revivification of the fixed alkali employed by evaporation and combustion of the residuum resulting from the boiling and pulping or cleansing of the prepared matters, the extraction of the alkaline matters of the produce of this evaporation and calcination being effected in the usual way. 3. Revivification of the lime or other basis capable of forming with the carbonate, to be again used in order not to lose the alkali which they hold in combination. 4. Employment of the steam resulting from the evaporation of the liquids as motive power in the establishment. Patent completed.

1389. M. G. DESCHAMPS. Improvements in machinery for carving aud sculpturing. Dated June 6, 1860.

The machine consists of a bed or table provided with holding-down clamps and screws to fix the materials to be operated upon, and also the original from which it is desired to have copies made. The cutting instruments (one for each copy), as well as a tracing point, are all mounted on a frame in which the cutters are caused to revolve rapidly, and for which purpose the axis of each cutter is inounted with a pulley to receive a cord. This frame, which carries the tracing point, is mounted at one end upon a standard from the bed or table upon a universal joint, and at its other end is a handle by which the operator causes the tracing point to traverse backwards and forwards over the original medallion or other work to be copied. The operator at the same time works the treddle with his foot, and gives motion to the rotatory cutters which are driven by cords pressing from a pulley on the crank shaft, and over other pulleys mounted on overhead framing, and down to the pulleys of the cutters. Motion is also given to a screw on which the metal table is caused to move from front to back as the work proceeds. Patent abandoned. 1390. J. JEWSBURY. Certain improvements in machinery for the manufacture of screws. Dated June 6, 1860. This consists, 1, in self-acting machinery for pointing, turning, and worming screws. 2. In fixing the rotating tables of nicking machinery in an inclined position. Patent completed.

1391. C. HADFIELD and W. A. ATTKINS. Improvements in machinery for preparing, making, and moulding bricks, tiles, and other articles formed of clay, peat, aud other materials. Dated June 6, 1860.

This relates, 1, to the mill for grinding the clay, and consists in using rollers fixed in a revolving pan with a perforated bottom or moveable bars. 2. To the apparatus for moulding bricks, tiles, &c., and consists in the use for that purpose of two revolving rollers, fluted, grooved, or channeled to the required shape, and working horizontally or otherwise in a frame attached to a pug-mill or otherwise. 3. These revolving rollers may be used as a press for the finishing of bricks, &c., made by hand or otherwise. Patent completed.

1392. P. HOOLEY and J. Woop. An improvement in the manufacture of cotton wadding, and in machinery or apparatus connected therewith. Dated June 6, 1860.

This consists in the use of a travelling endless web, cloth,

This invention consists in forming spiral grooves in and around rolls to be employed in the rolling of metals where the bar or other article to be rolled is required to be made taper, or to be otherwise varied in shape or size from end to end, or at different parts of its length. The inventor uses the spirally-grooved rolls by gearing them together and driving them in the usual manner. Patent abandoned. | doned.