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level than that upon which the wheel or wheels rest. The drop bar is suspended from the step, and is s0 weighted or balanced that it shall fall towards the leg to ensure the tooth or pawl taking into one or other of the notches. The lower end of the drop bar is looped to embrace the leg, so that it is always kept in close connection therewith.-Patent completed.

3543 E. EDWARDS, Willesden. Photo-mechanical print ing. Dated December 8, 1869. This consists, first, in a method of hardening the gelatine film previous to the image being obtained on it, whereby firmness of line and freedom from all grain is obtained, and an unlimited number of impressions may be printed from one plate without any loss of quality. Second, a method of inking both as regards the description of roller and composition of the ink, whereby the risk of tearing the gelatine film by the use of the ordinary ink and rollers is got rid of. Third, of a method of pulling the proofs, whereby a very small amount of pressure is required and the breaking of plates is avoided. Fourth, in a method of obtaining depth and vigour in the shadows and of obtaining prints of more than one tint from the same plate. Fifth, in a method of obtaining prints with margins, so as not to require subsequent mounting.Patent completed. Horse-shoes. Dated

3544 J. S. ROBERTSON, Glasgow. December 8, 1869.

The improved shoe consists of a plate of wrought iron or of malleable cast iron approximating in outline to that f the ordinary shoe, but with its back part made narrower, and fitting in between the heels of the ordinary shoe; sharp points are formed on the under side of the plate at the toe and at the heels or back corners to enable the horse to take hold of the slippery surface of the ground when frozen, while the plate prevents snow from lodging in the hollow of the hoof.-Patent completed.

3545 M. KOLB, New York, U.S.A Screw propellers Dated December 8, 1869.

3551 A. L. BRICKNELL, Stratford-upon-Avon. Dated December 8, 1869.

Gates.

The inventor connects the two gate posts together by a
ground or an underground girder or girders or beam or
beams firmly and rigidly fixed to each of them. The
posts he makes by preference in cast iron, and the con-
necting girder or girders or beam or beams may be of the
same material, and held, retained, bolted, or riveted to
them or the two posts, and the connecting girder or
girders or beam or beams may be cast together, and
one casting or each post may be cast in one piece with
one portion of the girder, and the girder may be joined
together by rivets, bolts, plates, or otherwise, at the point
where the ends of the parts met.-Patent completed.
3552 A. TEISSONNIERE, Paris. Ornamenting figured
mustin. Dated December 8, 1869.

are placed, and by which they are brought successively before the eyes of the spectator, and a better publicity is obtained than by the ordinary means. -Patent completed.

3561 J. HAMILTON and R. PATERSON, Glasgow. Collapsible casks. Dated December 9, 1869.

The inventors prefer to adopt the modification in which a single ram is arranged to work inside the outer cask or vessel with the "rolling packing" ring of rubber between them.-Patent completed.

3562 J. SIMPSON, Cleveland, U.S.A. Vices. Dated December 9, 1869.

This consists in securing within a slot or mortise on the bench leg a socket provided with a screw rack bar. Passing through the socket is a casing having a movable or adjustable jaw attached to it, this casing being moved from side to side by means of a screw passing through it and gearing with the screw rack bar, which projects upwards through a slot in the casing made for that purpose. The screw has its threads cut off on one side, so that when this side is turned towards the screw rack bar the screw casing and adjustable jaw may be moved without turning the screw.-Patent completed.

The inventor applies the colours on the figuring or
design only of the fabric-that is to say, supposing he
wishes to colour the representation of a bouquet of roses, he
applies on the flowers a single rose tint and on the leaves
colour applied on the design when viewed as a trans-
a single green tint. This being done the articles with the
parent medium, by reason of the varying closeness and
different shades of colour from deep to pale green and
intervals of the threads composing the design, presents
3563 J. F. ALEXANDER, New York.
rose tints. In order to enhance the richness of the colour-pellers. Dated December 9, 1869.
ing the inventor, however, may repeat the application of
colours several times if desired.-Patent abandoned.

3553 H. S. RUSH, New Cross. Railway chairs. Dated
December 9, 1869.
The inventor forms on that surface of the chair against
which the key bears a number of teeth of any suitable
shape, but that which he prefers to employ is similar in
form to the teeth of a wood rasp.-Patent completed.
December 9, 8169.
3551 E. WALKER, Heckmondwike. Gas burners. Dated

The inventor proposes to attach to the pipe or tube leading to the burner three distinct burners, arranged as follows:-The central burner is set vertical, and the two The inventor uses in the propeller one or several screw side burners are set at an oblique angle to the central threads, which may be attached to the propeller shaft. one, so as to cast a jet of gas directly from each into the He prefers, however, to attach them to a cylinder of a central jet:-These burners are arranged not in one piece, larger diameter than the shaft. The whole is surrounded but as three separate tubes having perforations in each by a case or cylinder open on both sides. The inner as nipple or light to suit the jets required; the result being well as the outer cylinder may be either revolving or that united mass of flame of great thickness is produced stationary. If one or both are revolving the inventor by the combination of the jets, affording an extremely connects it to the screw thread or threads, and if one is white light, preventing smoke and economising gas, the stationary he fits it as close to the screw thread or threads light being far superior to that generated by the use of ordiss may be done without incurring friction.-Patent com-nary separate burners, each consuming a separate jet and pleted. giving a separate light.-Patent abandoned.

3546 E. WELDON, Sheffield. Portable cooking apparatus' Dated December 8, 1869.

3555 W. JOHNSON, Sketty. Pressing wool. Dated De-
cember 9, 1869.

which projecting at either side works horizontally into rect-
This consists in a hydraulic cylinder with reversible ram,
angular tubes of a size capable of holding in a loose state
about half the material to be compressed:-Each tube has
a projecting ledge in front of about its own length, and a
trap door on its upper side for the introduction of the
wool or cotton. These rectangular tubes, which for ready
reference the inventor denominates stuffing boxes, are fix-

Undulating pro

This consista in the arrangement of a bucket or blade working below the water line, by preference in a chamber which is open at ends, and extends in the direction of the keel of the vessel to be propelled, this blade being con. nected to two cranks situated at an angle of about 90deg. towards each other in such a manner that by revolving the crank shaft an undulating motion is imparted to said blade, whereby the water in the propeller chamber is displaced and expelled either at one end or at the opposite end of said chamber according to the direction in which the crank shaft is turned, and thereby the vessel is propelled either forward or backward with comparatively little expendituro of power.-Patent completed."

3564 J. P. GRULY, Massachusetts, U.S.A. safes. Dated December 9, 1869.

Fire resisitng

The inventor employs for the stuffing of an ordinary safe lamp black, either alone or in mixture with plaster of Paris or any other suitable cement or material. Such may also be employed for the stiffening of the jacket of a steam boiler or a pipe for the conveyance of steam or hot air, or for a common refrigerator as used for the cooling or preservation of meats or other articles-Patent completed."

Stoppering bottles.

3565 C. A. M'CALLA, Birmingham. Dated December 9, 1869. This consists in substituting a close-fitting button valve, cover piece, or cap to the end or top of the bottle or other such vessel, suitably mounted and held securely in place by a spring or equivalent means, whilst it is raised and opened by means of a lever or projection, to which the finger or thumb of the operator is applied. The valve valve or like the safety valve of a steam boiler (without may be faced, seated, or fitted like an ordinary button concave on its under side, and fit on to or over the end of the bottle neck, which latter form the inventor prefers to employ for "smelling bottles" or bottles or tubes for be fitted with perforated caps, capsules, or covers, in containing volatile essence, salts, or scents, and they may which case the lever for opening the stopper should pass through a slot in the side thereof.-Patent com. pleted.

The outer portion or case of the apparatus is of sheet steel or iron or other suitable metal, and is of a cylindrical form, and the various utensils and appliances are Bo constructed that they may be readily packed within the case, occupying the least possible space therein and atting compactly and conveniently together and so that they may be readily unpacked and taken out when they are to be used. This outer case or cylinder may be used turcs, and are firmly attached by tie rods to each other and wings), or the stopper or valve may be slightly hollow or for various purposes, such as carrying water for filling the kettle or for supplying a horse or other animal, and its lid or cover serves as a washing bowl. A cylindrical frame is made to fit within the case, the chief purpose of which frame is to form a support for a tea kettle or frying pan or other utensils, to which heat is applied by means of a spirit lamp placed at the bottom of the cylindrical frame.-Patent abandoned.

3547 M. STELL, Bradford. Trap twisting frame. Dated

December 8, 1869.

This consists in having the "trap rollers" supported in swivelling bearings, and so arranged that on the breakage of any one of the twisted yarns its trap roller will fall back at the top end and be removed from contact with the driving means, and thereby cease to rotate. For driving these rollers the inventor prefers to employ an endless belt or band running behind the rollers at right angles thereto, and in contact with the pulleys fixed on the bottom parts thereof when the yarn is in continuity, but when any one of the yarns break that roller and be removed from contact with the driving belt rotation will thereby cease.-Patent abandoned.

3548 G. PRESTON and J. PRESTIGE, Deptford. Regulating water supply. Dated December 8, 1869. This consists in the arrangement and employment of two cylinders or barrels placed side by side, so that a tube or passage, which is fitted to their lower ends, shall form a communication between them for the passage of

air and oil or other lubricant. The air is drawn into one cylinder by a valve piston to be forced through into the other cylinder and escape through a valve fitted thereon. The inventors prefer to furnish the piston cylinder with & quantity of oil or other liquid lubricant for the cup leather on the piston to dip into in order to lubricate the same at each stroke.-Patent completed.

8549 T. HYATT, Atchison, U.S.A. Working glass. Dated December 8, 1869.

It is proposed to combine pressure with rolling by the use of a system of pressure rollers, whereby glass is produced either in the form of curved or straight sheets or blocks, which curved sheets may be plain, corrugated, fluted, or otherwise shaped or ornamented on their sur face or surfaces.-Patent completed.

Dated December 8, 1869.

3550 M. F. ANDERSON, Edinburgh. Treating sewage. The inventor makes use of sulphate or sesquisulphate of alumina in conjunction with lime or carbonate of lime (chalk) for deodorising and purifying sewage or other waters containing organic or other impurities. As commercial sulphate of alumina is too expensive to be used for purifying sewage, the inventor will describe the method by which he makes it in a cheaper way than it can be at present purchased. He mixes common clay (any kind of clay or earth containing clay may be used) with sulphuric acid in the proportions of two parts of clay to one of acid by weight. After the clay and acid have been thoroughly and evenly mixed the inventor places the compound in a warm place until the sulphuric acid has combined with the alumina of the clay to form sulphate of alumina. The combination between the sulphuric acid and alumina will take place under ordinary temperatures but without heat requires a longer time for completion than when the combination is assisted by heat.-Patent completed.

to the cylinders. They are open at both extremities, the
apertures corresponding in length and width with the
length and width of a compressed ball, and are fitted each
with a movable plattern or follower.-Patent abandoned.
3556 H. BYK, Leipsio. Refining parafin. Dated Decem-
ber 9, 1869.

The melted paraffin or that which is fluid at ordinary
temperature is poured into an ordinary mixing apparatus
provided with a steam jacket, to which steam is supplied in
order to keep the contents warm. The cover of this mix-
ing apparatus is made to close securely (to prevent any
possible loss of alcohol) and it is connected with a con-
denser so arranged as to condense the alcohol as it
evaporates and return it to the mixing apparatus after the
manner of an inverted Liebig condenser. This apparatus
is provided at bottom with a cock for running off the fluid
substances. The mixing is best accomplished by means
of a stirrer in the form of a screen or sieve. The alcoholic
lye should be freshly prepared before each operation.-
Patent completed.

3557 W. TRANTER, Birmingham. Firearms. Dated De

cember 9, 1869.

The breech box is formed with a curved rib on each
side for the purpose of giving additional strength and to
admit of the stock being formed in one piece with facility.
The falling block is or may be formed with a projection
at its front end to prevent the block from being raised too
high when acted upon by the guard. It has or may have
likewise another projection formed near the front part of
it for the purpose of fixing it in the required position by
means of the guard for firing. A hole is likewise formed
in the said block in the direction of its length, and a slot
is cut in a portion of its length for the purpose of enabling
the striking pin to work therein.-Patent completed.
3558 J. LOADER and W. H. CHILD, Worship-street.
Liquid meters. Dated December 9, 1869.

The inventors employ a pair of cylinders and a shaft or
axis common to both. On each end of this shaft or axis
is formed or fixed a crank pin or eccentric, and on each
of such crank pins or eccentric is mounted a disc or piston,
which is carried round thereon by the pressure of the
liquid passing through the cylinders. These discs or
pistons have their peripheries in contact with the inner
peripheries of the cylinders, and, although they are
carried round in an orbit on their crauk pins as before
described, they do not make a complete revolution on
their own axis, but only slightly rock to and fro thereon.
A stop or abutment is connected to each of such discs or
pistons by means of a cylindrical joint, which may be con
nected to the stop or abutment, in which case the stop or
abutment will be caused to slide to and fro in a suitable
slot formed for it in the cylinder.-Patent completed.

3559 D. CLAYTON, Bradford. Shuttles. Dated December 9, 1869.

This consists in constructing the two parts longitudinally, one part being fixed in the shuttle, the other part being hinged to the shuttle in the usual manner, so as to be twined up or out of the shuttle for placing and removing the spools.-Patent abandoned.

[blocks in formation]

3566 J. BALLANTYNE, Walkerburn. Yarns and threads. Dated December 9, 1869.

The condenser doffer which constitutes the present invention has its surface composed of movable or sliding and fixed bars alternately, so that the cards (which are fixed upon the sliding bars) may be moved from side to

side and come in contact at each movement with &

different part of the cylinder on which the doffer acts, and on which cylinder the different coloured wools are laid, thus receiving from the cylinder at each movement wool of a different colour from that which is received by the card on the fixed bar, thereby making the spotted or mottled sliver for the manufacture of the thread.-Patent completed.

3567 H. WHITTAKER and W. BRADBURY, Prestwich. Connecting packing hoop ends. Dated December 10, 1869. fasteners made from flat strips of metal, each strip being The inventors employ, in lieu of the ordinary rivets, doubled so as to bring the two ends together, the central portion of the strip being so compressed or flattened that it forms a projecting shoulder on each side of the fastener, which when completed is of T-form.-Patent abandoned. 3568 H. KERSHAW, Bradford. Spinning worsted. Dated December 10, 1869.

The inventor applies an open frame with bars to stand up between the threads of each pair of spindles, so that when a thread breaks in its passage to the top board or rail it will be kept from joining or doubling on to an By these frames being formed open adjoining one. the threads may be better seen in their passage to the spindles.-Patent completed.

3569 G. F. LOGAN, Glasgow. Utilising waste heat. Dated December 10, 1869.

The pipe, tube, or passage is placed in the flue, chimney, smoke box, or other cavity, which receives the waste produc's of combustion of the furnace, and when used for economising fuel and burning the smoke one end of the pipe, tube, or passage passes to the outside of the flue, chimney, smoke box, or other cavity, and is therefore in direct communication with the atmosphere, whilst the inner end of the pipe, tube, or passage communicates with the furnace proper in such position as to discharge the air through it at a point where it enters into admixture with the heated smoke and unburnt products passing from the furnace, and the air, being heated in its progress through the pipe, tube, or passage, reaches the smoke and unburnt products in a heated state, so that the combustion of the latter is ensured.-Patent completed.

Ve3570 A. BOEUF and F. NICOLET, Tarare, France. locipedes. Dated December 10, 1869. This velocipede is composed of a bronze axle box terminating on one side by a plate or ear pierced with a hole, through which passes a pin intended to keep the box fixed in the nave and to carry the click. The axle of the driving wheel passes freely and without friction

through this box. A ratchet wheel made of bronze and fixed in the axle by the screw is set in the space prepared in the nave, and the whole is covered by the plate.Patent completed.

3571 J. WILLIS, Sheffield. Sunshades. Dated December 10, 1869.

The inventor affixes to or forms on the ribs a strip of metal of any suitable section, leading backwards along the rib and connected at its end to the fabric of which the gutter is composed; by this means when the umbrella is set up and the ribs have consequently a downward curve given to them at their tip ends, the strip of metal will tend to stand out away from the rib and so hold open the gutter, whilst when the unbrella is closed the springs or strips of metal may lie close to the ribs, and in order also that the tip ends of the ribs may be close up to the stick when the umbrella is closed without their being held thereto by an elastic band slipped over their ends or other appliance, which would be inconvenient when the umbrella is formed with a gutter, the inventor gives a set or permanent bend to each of the ribs near their tip ends so as to cause their tip ends to lie close to the stick. This set or bend should be given to the ribs near to where they lie over the runner, umbrellas not provided with gutters and also sunshades may similarly be formed with ribs, the tip ends of which are bent inwards so that they shall lie close to the stick when the umbrella is closed.-Patent abandoned.

3572 T. S. SARNEY, Sheffleld. Dated December 10, 1869.

Fishing railway rails.

In fishing or connecting railway rails intermediate of the chairs or sleepers which support the rails the inventor employs fishplates placed one on either side of the ends of the rails and bolted through. The fishplate on the inner side of the line he makes of the usual form, but the outer plate in order to stiffen the joint he deepens, carrying it up around the head of the rail nearly to the tread of the wheel.-Patent abandoned.

3573 J. F. SORDOILLET, Paris. Shell brooches. Dated December 10, 8869.

This consists in the application of jewellery settings in the manufacture or ornamentation of articles as above, composed of shell for the purpose of fixing the jewels or other ornamentation desired.-Patent completed.

3574 W. BAINES, Smethwick. Actuating railway signals. Dated December 10, 1869. In order to give an audible signal or connection with distance or other signals the inventor provides a treadle bar at the side of the line of rail in such a position that a train in passing along the line will depress it or tread it down, and in doing so act on a bellows like apparatus and cause air to be forced through a whistle or other wind instrument. The apparatus can be thrown out of use when not required by means of a wire passing to the signal man at a distance.-Patent completed. 3575 R. J. RANSOME, J. DEAS, and R. C. RAPIER, Westminster. Tramways. Dated December 10, 1869. This consists, first, in making a tramway of cast iron blocks, each about ten or fifteen feet long, and about eight to sixteen inches broad on the top

faces, and

on the top face

the inventors make (at such part of its width as may be desired), a groove or grooves running the whole length of the blocks wide enough to allow the flanges of the wheels of railway or other vehicles to pass. The grooves, or the whole or any parts of the surface may be chilled so as to increase the durability. The surface may be quite smooth or chequered or roughened in any way. The ends of the blocks may be dovetailed or made with male and female lugs, or sockets, or snugs in any convenient way for joining up, and they may be bolted together if desired.Patent completed.

3576 W. YEOMAN and J. GILBERT, Walworth. Shuttle sewing machines. Dated December 10, 1869.

This consists in providing the shuttle bar at that end furthest from the shuttle with a transverse or cross arm which has in it for nearly its whole length a slot. The pillar or standard carrying the top arm of frame has within it a vertical spindle carrying at its upper end a mitre wheel gearing into another mitre wheel on the driving shaft of the machine. The vertical spindle has beneath it a circular disc which turns with the spindle, and on the under side of this disc is a pin, with or without a friction roller. This pin enters the slot or shuttle bar. Now, by turning the driving shaft this pin will by its circular motion so act in the slot as to give a to and fro or reciprocating

motion to the shuttle bar and shuttle.-Patent abandoned. 3577 W. DOWNING, Sheffield. Cartridges. Dated December 11, 1869.

The outside case of the improved cartridge together with the bonnet" are constructed of common tin, and both are riveted to the flange. The "bonnet" has a thin lining of brass immediately next and in front of it to protect and keep the fire from the ignited powder damaging the tin. The cap chamber and flange are each solid and made of malleable iron, so that they do not require any riveting like the "boxer." The cap chamber has a hole through it about one-sixteentth of an inch in diameter, and has at the bottom a brass seat flayed out in the same way as the anvil, which is of sheet iron.-Patent abandoned.

3578 J. BARNETT, Chelsea. Fuel. Dated December 11, 1869.

3588 H. and F. C. COCKEY, Frome Selwood. boilers. Dated December 11, 1869.

Steam

and the latter to contain air, the water to be supplied
from the bottom side, or other part of the ship, by any
suitable pump or pumps, and the air to be supplied by an The method the inventors adopt for retaining the heat
air pump, or other means.-Patent abandoned.
consists in fixing to the boiler what they call "heat con-
3580 T. SAGAR, T. RICHMOND, and C. CATLOW, Barnley fixed in pairs on the exterior of each side of the boiler,
ducting plates." If the boiler be cylindrical the plates are
Looms and healds. Dated December 11, 1869.
The warp on leaving the beam is taken over the vibrator thereof, the latter being in some cases used also as
alternating with single plates attached to the bottom
or bearer, and over and under the weavers rods, thence
bearers or saddles for the boiler to rest on. In tube
under and over two rods, by which one shed is formed by boilers they also place conducting plates in the tubes.
depressing one rod and raising the other. The one de- The upper plates are fitted and bolted close to the top of
pressed is attached by cords or other suitable means to
the tubes, and between these top plates intermediate
pulleys on a cross shaft. On the same shaft is a smaller plates are placed on the bottom of the tubes but are not
pulley to which the inventors attach a strap connected to
fixed thereto, and can therefore be easily removed for the
the treadle or other motion; to the rod above alluded to
they attach other cords, which they carry upwards and purpose of cleaning out the same.-Patent completed.
over two pulleys supported by the loom top, and from
3589 W. C. GREEN, Duck-lane. Breech-loaders. Dated
thence they pass downwards and are connected to the December 11, 1869.
rod, which is raised when the other rod is depressed.-under side in rear of the breech-block. Through this
The inventor forms the body with a projection on its
Patent abandoned.
projection slots are formed to receive the triggers, thus
doing away with the trigger plate and the pins upon
which the sears turn or screw into a lump on this projec-
tion. The tumblers are formed with hollow axes, which are
received in holes in the body, and the tumblers are suit-
ably formed to act as hammers or strikers to explode the
cap or ignition of central-fire cartridges placed in the
breech ends of the barrels, holes being formed in the
breech block for the striking end of the hammers to pass
through. The holes in which the hollow axes of the
tumblers turn are found as near as may be the front face
of the breech block.-Patent abandoned.

3581 A. A. CROLL, Coleman-street, E.C. Treating liquor
from gas works. Dated December 11, 1869.
The ammoniacal liquor is, according to one arrange-
ment or method, supplied to one of, by preference, two or
more closed boilers, and thence from the first to the
second and so on. These boilers are heated to cause the
ammonia to pass off in the form of vapour from one to
the next, and then from the last of them, by a suitable
passa e by which such vapour is conducted to below the
surface of sulphuric acid contained in a suitable chamber,
which chamber is also supplied with cold ammoniacal
liquor so as to keep down the temperature of the solution
in this chamber to (say) about 200deg. Fah., though this
may be varied, care being taken that the heat employed
shall not be such as to cause loss of the volatile salts of
ammonia. The vapour of ammonia from the boiler, the
cold ammoniacal liquor, and the sulphuric acid are by
preference conducted together into this chamber.-Patent
completed.

3582 R. M. HOE, New York, U.S.A. Folding printed
sheets. Dated December 11, 1869.
apparatus for cutting in two halves and folding a double
The first improvement consists of an arrangement of
sheet. The sheets on issuing from the machine printed
on both sides are received by a self-acting sheet flyer,
which deposits them on the fly board as usual. The
sheet flyer is then raised sufficiently high to be out of the
way, and a folding knife or thin edged blade of steel
(mounted on a rocking frame at the opposite side of the
fly board), descends and pushes the centre of the double
sheet between a pair of folding or nipping rollers.-Patent
completed.

3583 J. T. PARLOUR, Brooklyn, U.S.A. Raising sunken
ships. Dated December 11, 1869.

This consists chiefly in a peculiar construction and arrangement of the several parts or sections and the novel means for adjusting and securing the same in any desired position under the vessel. It can be adapted to vessels of various dimensions when sunk or embedded in the sand. The invention consists, secondly, in a peculiar construction and arrangement of bridges or archways

made in

parts or sections and in the novel means for ad

justing and securing the same in any desired position,
which bridges are held in chains or rods of iron, and
work on centre pins which are fastened to the deck.
They are also fastened to standards or uprights which

are fastened to the deck and sides of the vessel used
for the support of the bridges, thus allowing the
bridges to swing in to the centre of the vessel, which
bridges then lie fore and aft of the vessel.-Patent
abandoned.

ber 11, 1869.

3584 E. SIMCOE, Harpenden. Portfolio. Dated DecemTo the back of the case or portfolio, which should be formed of some rigid substance-wood, for example-and at the inner side thereof the inventor hinges or otherwise connects near one edge two pins, and near the other edge of the said back and opposite to each of the aforesaid pins he fixes a piece of metal to receive and hold the said pins by their ends. He also employs thin pieces or strips of sheet metal, each having two projecting parts, in each of which said parts a hole is made so as to come opposite to and pass over each of the before-mentioned pins.Patent abandoned.

3585 W. I. HETHERINGTON, Manchester. Motive power engines. Dated December 11, 1869.

One or more air pumps are employed for compressing into a receiver or chamber capable of withstanding a high pressure and lined with firebrick or other refractory material. Into this vessel petroleum or other hydrocarbon is injected together with some superheated steam, and on arriving inside the air chamber this is ignited, the heat generated by which is imparted to the air, which there fore is instantaneously expanded and increased in pressure. The heated air and products of combustion are led by means of a passage or pipe to two cylinders containing pistons, these being connected to other pistons in pumps below. The cylinders and pipes may or may not be lined with porcelain or other suitable material, and their upper ends are fitted with admission and exhaust valves which are alternately opened and closed by means of a cam, lever, or other mechanism.-Patent completed.

3586 T. MOORE, Birmingham. Door knobs. Dated December 11, 1869.

This consists in forming the necessary metal shank secured to the base of each of such knobs (and through which the spindle or male screw passes when in use) by the process of drawing in all cases, preserving a round central hole or orifice for receiving the male screw or spindle, while the exterior is finished by preference in a square form.-Patent completed.

3587 W. A. MARSHALL, Canonbury. Electric telegraph cables. Dated December 11, 1869.

To make this improved fuel and non-conductor, the inventor mixes clay, loam, mud, mould, sand, sawdust, charcoal, coke, ashes, chalk, peat, or earth, whether pulverised or not, with salt in such quantity as may sufficiently permeate whichever of the above substances may be employed, saline matter being the principle of the composition, and no third substance being in any degree necessary or conducive to the object sought. The composition so formed is available as a fuel and as a nonconducting material. The term salt is to be understood as meaning both the substance in the form known as The process of insulating and protecting the wires is common salt, and in the various admixed forms in which as follows:-The cotton or other fibrous non-conducting it is naturally found, as well as in the several conditions material with which the conducting wire or wires is to to which it may be artificially reduced, the saline element be covered is first dried and wound loosely on bobbins being as before stated the necessary active principle.and then boiled in a vessel containing paraffin wax until the whole of the cotton or other fibres are thoroughly permeated by the wax. The waxed cords or strands are then preferably re-wound on to other bobbins, previous which they are made to pass over the flame of a spirit lamp or lamps, or gas jet or jets, with the object of singeing off any loose fibres, and smoothing the surface of the strands.-Patent completed.

Patent abandoned.

3579 G. WHITE, Islington. Manœuvring ships. Dated December 11, 1869.

This consists chiefly in the use of two strong vessels communicating with each other and somewhat resembling the chambers of a common fire-engine, but with the exit pipe closed by a valve, the former vessel to contain water

Dated December 25, 1869.
3590 H. WILSON, Stockton-on-Tees. Cutting timber.

This invention relates to an arrangement of one or more knives, fixed in a frame and worked at one end by an eccentric which gives motion to a bar or shaft, to which the knife holder is attached by the swivel at each end. A connecting rod working on a pin in the eccentric and con

nected to a movable crank at the other end affords a reci

procating motion to a shaft, on which is fixed an adjust-
able crank working a rod or bar carrying the other end
of the knifeholder.-Patent completed.

December 11, 1869.
3591 W. WILLIAMS, Liverpool. Subaqueous tunnels. Dated

The inventor makes iron rings in any suitable lengths according to circumstances and joins them together, the ordinary joints to be flanged and bolted together or otherwise made secure, alternating them with such a number of flexible or self-adjusting joints for pipes, such as those described in the specification of former letters patent dated February 24, 1869 (No. 571), and as may be found expedient and desirable.-Patent completed.

3592 T. RAWSTHORNE, Preston. Pulling twist into sliver Dated December 13, 1869.

In the eye of the flyer the inventor fixes a projection or projections, or he cuts a notch or notches inside, so that at the motion of the flyer such projections or notches coming in contact with the sliver or yarn takes it with it to some extent and twists it up to the front rollers. The front row of flyers are much nearer the rollers than the back ones; there is, consequently, a shorter length of sliver or yarn with the same twist in it as in back row; this being the case, the twist runs close up to rollers, catching all the fibres that come through the rollers; this causes less breakages, and the sliver or yarn is coarser from the front

row.-Patent abandoned.

3593 P. KOCH, Manchester. Nuts for screw bolts. Dated December 13, 1869.

On the standards or framework of the machine thero is a bed or table having a horizontal passage for leading the heated bar under a stationary cutter, and below the cutter and corresponding with it there is a square guides. The slide and ram are moved up by the ram or plunger connected to the slide working in lever worked by a cam on the cam cylinder fixed to the driving shaft, and moved down by the spring, and above the cutter there is a metal block having a hole central with the ram or plunger, and a cup with an angular circular edge central with the hole, there being in the hole a spring pin guided at the top in a hole in the plate fixed to the guide and acted upon by the spring when required; above the cutter there are four horizontal hammers having ends corresponding with the sides of the nut, the hammer being stationary and the others moved against the sides of the blank by the levers worked one way by cams on the cylinder and the reverse way by springs, the lever and slide acting on the slide which carries the hammer.-Patent completed.

3594 J. and J. TURNER, Rochdale. Lubricators. Dated December 13, 1868.

oil, or other lubricating matter into the feed pipe of steam
This consists in improved apparatus for forcing tallow,
engines, so that it shall mix with the steam before or
after it enters the throttle valve or before it enters the
and cylinder.-Patent completed.
steam chest for the purpose of lubricating the slide valve

3595 H. WATSON, Steeton-in-Craven. Bobbins. Dated December 13, 1869.

This consists in the construction of a machine capable of self acting by effecting these operations at one process with great rapidity. This machine comprises a series of rotary spindles with holders mounted in two discs or circular face plates concentrically with the axis or shaft upon which the said discs also rotate.-Patent abandoned.

APPLICATIONS FOR LETTERS
PATENT.

Dated June 21, 1870. 1759 W. Rainford, Oxford-street. Improvements in wardrobes, which improvements are applicable to other articles of furniture and to the fitting of show and such like rooms. 1760 C. J. Fox, R. Larchin, and J. Dodd, St. Pancras. Improvements applicable to reaping and mowing machines.

1761 J. Outram, Sevenoaks, Kent. Improvements in rotary engines.

1762 G. Atterbury and G. Whitehouse, West Bromwich, Staffordshire. Improvements in apparatus for communicating on railway trains.

1763 H. T. Davey, Chilton-road, Sudbury, Suffolk. Im

provements in apparatus for washing and boiling linen and other fabrics.

1764 W. R. Lake, Southampton-buildings, Chancerylane. Improvements in fastenings or connections for securing the cables and standing rigging of ships, and for other like purposes.

1765 A. C. Bamlett, Thirsk, Yorkshire. Improvements in reaping and mowing machines.

1807 S. J. and E. Fellowes, Wolverhampton. Improve- PATENTS ON WHICH THE STAMP DUTY OF £50 ments in planishing, levelling, and creasing frying pans and other metallic articles, and in tools or apparatus employed for those purposes.

1808 J. Sax, Great Russell-street, Bloomsbury. An improved mechanical recorder.

1809 S. Norris, Gough-street, and T. Griffiths, Lombard Exchange. A machine or apparatus for mixing and Chancery-kneading dough and other ingredients, and for working the same into bread, biscuits, and other pastry, and also applicable to other purposes.

1766 B. J. B. Mills, Southampton-buildings, lane. Improvements in the process and apparatus for making soap.

1767 J. Bullough, Accrington, Lancashire. ments in slasher sizing machines.

Improve

1768 T. C. Brown, Ipswich. Improvements in valves applicable to steam or water pressure.

1769 C. L. Franke, Fuld's Hotel, Wilson-street, Finsbury. Improvements in the manufacture of steel.

1770 D. Collet, Boulevart St. Martin, Paris. A new or improved bleaching agent, also applicable for other purposes, together with the mode of and apparatus for producing the same.

1771 J. H. Johnson, Lincoln's Inn-flelds. Improvements in railways and in the engines and carriages to run

thereon.

Dated June 22, 1870.

1772 L. Bates and J. Taylor, Dukinfield, Cheshire. Improvements in the bridges of the furnaces of steam boilers or generators, or of other furnaces.

1773 S. Neville, Ellison Glass Works, Gateshead, Durham. A new or improved manufacture of plates of glass. 1774 P. Boland, Dublin. An improved bakers' barm or yeast.

1775 L. Hamel, Manchester. Improvements in the mode or method of producing certain colours to be used for calico printing purposes.

1776 W. J. Cunningham and A. Dabb, New Oxfordtype, and carving, moulding, and ornamenting wood, street. Improvements in means and apparatus for cutting

metal, stone, and other materials.

1777 L. Megy, J. de Echeverria, and F. Basan, Boulevard de Strasbourg, Paris. An internal spring coupling and brake for transmitting, stopping, or regulating

motion.

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Dated June 23, 1870.

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1785 T. Richmond and C. Catlow, Burnley. Certain improvements in the preparation of "cops" and "healds employed in the manufacture of woven fabrics.

1786 W. Spence, Quality-court, Chancery-lane. Improvements in the construction of boxes or cases for containing eggs, glass, crockery, or other articles requiring to be packed separately.

1787 H. Pooley and T. Roberts, Liverpool. An improved automatic machine for weighing and registering grain and other like substances.

1788 A. Walker, Edinburgh. Improvements in window sashes and parts connected therewith.

1789 D. Forbes, York-place, Portman-square, and A. P. Price, Lincoln's Inn-fields. Improvements in the production of compounds capable of being employed as

manures.

1790 A. Barclay, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Improvements in smelting iron and other ores, and in the apparatus employed therefor.

1791 R. Hudson, Graystone House, Adwalton, near Leeds. Improvements in the mode of manufacture of cloth.

1792 E. Finch, Beaufort-square, Chepstow, Monmouth shire. Improvements in machinery for forcing or exhausting air or aeriform fluids.

1793 W. R. Lake, Southampton-buildings, Chancerylane. An improved faucet.

Dated June 24, 1870.

1794 A. Ruiz and E. le Pelletier, Rue de Provence, Paris. Improvements in the construction of revolving coilers, applicable to looms for spinning hemp, flax, and other textile matters.

1795 C. Stephens, Admiral's Hard, Stonehouse, Devon. Improvements in boot trees.

1796 W. Brown, Portsmouth. Improvements in the construction of steam and hydraulic rams used in naval warfare.

1797 P. Jensen, Chancery-lane. Improvements in apparatus for indicating the speed of vessels and the velocity of running water.

1798 J. Smith, Keighley, Yorkshire. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for spinning and twisting or doubling fibrous substances.

1799 A. and J. Stewart, Glasgow. Improvements in the manufacture of welded iron and steel tubes, and in apparatus therefor.

1800 J. Sinclair, Manchester. Improvements in respiratory apparatus.

1801 S. F. V. Choate, Boston, U.S.A. Improvements in distilling alcoholic liquors.

1802 G. Ritchie, Belmont-villa, Tyrwhitt-road, Lewisham-road, Kent. Improvements in sunshades, tents, tent pegs, and weather protectors.

1803 T. Wrightson, Teesdale Iron Works, Stockton-onTees, Durham. Improvements in apparatus for lowering weights.

Dated June 25, 1870.

1804 R. Saunders, Croydon. Improvements in breakwaters and structures for coast protection.

An

1810 J. Napier and W. Cruikshank, Edinburgh. improved arrangement and construction of portable bath. 1811 W. Martin, Nottingham. Improvements in the manufacture of woven gauze fabrics made on bobbin met or twist lace machines, and in the machinery or apparatus employed therein.

1812 E. Lambert, Eagle, Lincolnshire. Improvements in the construction and arrangement of stages made of iron or other similar material, applicable to windmills or other buildings or erections or structures. 1813 E. V. de Forville, Nantes, France. Improvements in velocipedes.

Dated June 27, 1870.

1814 R. Morton, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham. Improvements in apparatus for cooling liquids, which improve" ments are also applicable to distillation and surface condensation.

tions and arrangements of valves and their actuating 1815 D. Rowan, Glasgow. New or improved construcparts, and their application to steam boilers and engines, suitable also for other purposes.

1816 H. A. Bonneville, Sackville-street, Piccadilly. A new and improved apparatus for warming and ventilating carriages and boats.

1817 J. Clark, Belmont-terrace, Notting-hill. Radiating Improvements in steam engines. the axles of locomotive engines. 1818 V. Rastouin, Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle, Paris.

1819 W. E. Gedge, Wellington-street, Strand. An improved process of drilling and cutting plane surfaces in the manufacture of crystal glass or metal ware, and an improved lathe for this purpose.

1820 J. G. H. Hill, Rouen, France. Improvements in fastenings for elastic stockings, stays, corsets, bandages, and other articles of dress or wearing apparel. the production of glucose, syrup, and sugar. 1821 W. E. Newton, Chancery-lane. Improvements in

1822 W. B. Adamson, Glasgow. Improvements in the manufacture of artificial stone, and in articles composed

thereof.

treating and in distilling petroleum, and in apparatus 1823 R. Kell, Bradford, Yorkshire. Improvements in employed therein.

Im

1824 J. Butterworth and J. B. Hutchinson, Leeds. provements in the making of carriage, cart, and other

wheels.

1825 J. Butterworth and J. B. Hutchinson, Leeds. Improvements in making wooden skewers, and in the machinery, apparatus, and means to be employed therein. 1826 E. W. Sandford, Brooklyn, U.S.A. An improved friction brake for cars and other purposes.

1827 W. R. Lake, Southampton-buildings, Chancerylane. Improvements in rails for railways. 1828 W. Riddell, Crosby Hall Chambers, City. Improved apparatus for cutting wood into small strips, filaments, or shavings.

1829 W. R. Lake, Southampton-buildings, Chancerylane. Improvements in breech-loading firearms, and in cartridges for the same.

1833 W. Bull, King's-road, Chelsea. An improved case for the conveyance of plants, to be called "The Tropical Plant Case, Bull's patent."

1831 W. R. Lake, Southampton-buildings, Chancerylane. Improvements in candles.

1832 C. M Dermott, Brixton. Improvements in pencils for marking on linen and other materials, and in means connected with their use.

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641 W. Tyrer
664 A. M. Clark

710 J. H. Johnson

734 J. Brown

799 C. H. Rost

867 G. A. Bucholz

913 F. J. Upton

1007 E. J. Hill

1131 J. F. Spencer and W. Inglis

1254 H. Beare

1286 W. R. Lake

1367 T. Perkins

1467 A. M. Silber and F. White

1512 W. R. Lake
1541 W. Morgan
1558 F. Tommasi
1565 W. T. Small
1573 H. Bryant

1581 P. D. Hedderwick
1613 A. V. Newton
1614 W. Haslam
1622 J. R. Jefferies
1637 C. T. Forrest
1661 G. T. Bousfield
1663 W. L. Wrey
1691 B. J. B. Mills
1696 W. R. Lake
1698 F. J. Knewstub
1707 G. and J. Weir
1712 A. B. Berard.
1718 W. J. Hopkins
1733 C. Joseph

1745 Sir J. Whitworth

The full titles of the patents in the above list can be ascertained by referring back to their numbers in the list of provisional protections previously published.

Opposition can be entered to the granting of a patent to any of the parties in the above list, who have given notice of their intention to proceed within twenty-one days from the date of the "Gazette" in which the notice appears by leaving at the Commissioners' office, particulars in writing of the objection to the application

PROVISIONAL PROTECTION FOR SIX MONTHS Has been granted upon Specifications bearing the following numbers:

1086 1655 1669 1677 1684 1692 1701 1708 1138 1657 1670 1678 1685 1694 1702 1710 1534 1659 1671 1679 1686 1695 1704 1712 1592 1661 1672 1680 1687 1697 1705 1714 1648 1665 1674 1681 1688 1698 1706 1716 1651 1667 1675 1682 1689 1699 1707 1718 1653 1668 1676 1683 1690 1700

LIST OF SPECIFICATIONS

PUBLISHED

During the week ending June 25, 1870.

No. Pr. No. Pr. No. Pr. No. Pr. No. Pr. No. Pr.

1869. s. d.

8. d.

s. d s. d. 8. d. 8. d. 2978 0 483246 0 832770 833160 43334 0 83366 0 4 3080 0 6 3248 0 83282 1 43317 0 10 3336 0 43367 0 4 3088 0 10 3249 0 83283 1 233180 43338 0 43568 0 4 3091 0 83250 0 83291 0 10 33190 43340 0 10 3369 0 4 3117 0 83257 1 4 3292 0 833200 43345 0 4 3370 0 4 3181 1 63259 1 03295 0 10 3322 1 43348 0 43371 0 4 3213 0 10 3261 0 10 3298 1 433230 43349 0 43372 0 10 63350 0 43374 0 8 83301 0 4 3325 0 4 3352 0 4 43375 0 43326 0 10 3308 1 43354 0 43418 0 10 63327 0 43356 0 43544 0 10 833110 43312 0 83328 0 43362 0 4 1870 43314 0 4 3333 0 4 3365 0 5872 0 4

36 C. H. Westendarp 3216 0 10 32661 232990 833240

and D. Dowling 81 J. H. Johnson 115 A. B. Zieschang and F. L. H. Schmidt 165 H. Ashworth 201 J. R. Johnson 270 S. W. Mulloney

430 A. Fryer

518 W. Adams

563 A. V. Newton

752 W. R. Pape

1132 S. Barton 1259 E. R. Wethered 1264 T. Bradbury and J. Bamford

3224 0 10 3268 0 3233 1 63271

3239 1 232720

3240 [0 8 3273 0 3241 1 43275 1 3243 2 10

NOTICE.-Having received communications from persons residing in the country to the effect that difficulties are occasionally experienced by them in obtaining copies of printed specification from the Patent Office, in consequence of the varying nature of the postage thereon, our readers are informed that upon receipt from them of particulars of the specifications they require, together with a remittance for the cost and approximate postage thereof, we shall be happy to procure and forward such specifications

1805 J. and B. Shackleton, Silsden, Yorkshire. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for manufac- PATENTS ON WHICH THE STAMP DUTY OF £100 free of all further charge. Sums under Five Shillings turing spool" or paper tubes for use in spinning machinery.

1806 G. Thomson, Glasgow. Improvements in treating manganese ores, oxides, or salts, and in making feromanganese.

HAS BEEN PAID.

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may be remitted in postage stamps, for sums above that amount a Post Office Money Order should be sent, payable to ROBERTSON, BROOMAN, and Co., Patent Department. 166, Fleet-street, London, E.C. to whom all communica. tions upon the subject should be addressed.

THE

MECHANICS' MAGAZINE.

LONDON: FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1870.

IRON AND STEEL INSTITUTES.

THE
HERE are two methods of increasing
knowledge- the one by extending ex-
perience, the second by properly classifying
the results of that teaching, and by establish-
ing a correctly organised method of inter-
changing the results of various experiments,
and the experience of different individuals as
acquired by each working under his own
peculiar circumstances.

Whatever be the special object of study there is little room to doubt that where such a system could be applied in a bona fide manner much labour, money, and time would be saved. It is perfectly true that we recognise the force of these remarks, and as a proof can point to various scientific societies established and maintained for the purpose of arranging and adding to our stock of knowledge. One branch of engineering science, however, is rapidly outgrowing the existing machinery in the way of societies for the classification and interchange of acquired knowledge. We refer to the various branches of iron manufacture. Perhaps there is no department of science which addresses itself so directly or universally to our interest, or our attention, as this particular branch of industry. This is essentially an iron age; each week almost opens up some important addition to the field of instruction and also to that of labour, each day tends to the demonstration of the fact that England no

doubtless much has been done in its im- rid of before the ore can be extracted, is in
provement, but much remains. It is, of this sense a great disadvantage, yet in an-
course, a delicate thing to ask gentlemen other it is an absolute benefit. The washing
who have been at a great expense of time of the ore requires a large quantity of water,
and money over certain experiments to make and if it were not to be obtained from the
the results thus hardly arrived at public drainage of the mine it would be necessary
property; but this spirit of conservatism is to sink wells to procure it. This washing
gradually dying out as mutual interchange operation deserves a little description in
of ideas is encouraged and promoted by detail. Extending from the workshops are a
facilities for travelling. Scientific education, number of inclined planes raised upon timber
too, is so well understood and attended to on framework. As soon as the boxes containing
the Continent that the inhabitants even now the ore are raised from the pits they are run
are our rivals in our own special trades. It on to these inclined planes, over some of
is an age of free trade in too many other which a stream of water is perpetually flow-
points for there to be any really sound policy ing. Arrived at the top of the incline the
in trying to preserve a monopoly of know- boxes of ore are emptied into another re-
ledge, or in declining to make the results of ceptacle, which swings to and fro and throws
experience common property.
the ore into a hopper, but it first passes
We hope the day is not distant when we through a sifting apparatus, which separates
will have a national iron and steel it into pieces of three different sizes. The
institute, the roll of whose members will largest of these are transferred to an oblique
contain the names of all who occupy leading table, where they are sorted by girls, who
positions in the various branches of that place on one side those pieces which contain
profession, whose duty will be to collect and lead. These, together with others that are
arrange all the data they can supply them- too coarse to pass through the washing
selves, or obtain from abroad, and whose apparatus, which have some other mineral
transactions will furnish a standard of the than the calamine in them, are broken in a
highest kind for all who seek to enlarge machine and again submitted to the sorting
their acquaintance with a subject so import-process. The remaining pieces, which fall
ant to all of us.

We also hope to see experiments tried on an extended scale, and the results carefully compared with those collected already in past years, so that we may correct our formulæ, and really gauge with some certainty the progress we have made.

MINERAL AND INDUSTRIAL
RESOURCES OF SILESIA.
No. 2.

HEN we regard the many and various

longer occupies an isolated monopoly in the WE obstacles that have to be surmounted

iron trades. Belgium near home and the before the mineral wealth of a country can
States of America across the Atlantic, are be drawn from its subterranean resting place,
making vast strides in these industries. The it would appear as if nature herself were not
opening of the great Pacific Railway system inclined to lightly relinquish that which she
promises to develope enormously the re- has for so long a time guarded in secrecy and
sources of the latter country. But a think- security. The difficulties to be overcome in
ing mind can scarcely avoid asking the the working of the zinc mines of Silesia, to
question, How much labour and time which we have already drawn the attention
will be wasted during the further develop- of our readers, consist in the presence of
ment of the iron manufacture, not alone in water and moving sand. Of these the former
the newer fields of America, but even here in in early times constituted an almost insur-
this country, from insufficient intercommuni- mountable impediment, and many rich and
cation between the various leading seats of valuable veins were abandoned owing to the
manufacture. It is perfectly true there are inability of the miners to grapple with their
societies in existence the various members of insidious enemy. But the introduction of
which read papers; it is equally true that the steam engine placed an agent in their
books and scientific papers circulate freely; hands to which their predecessors were
but we fancy there is something more strangers, and through its powerful aid the
wanting yet. Is it Utopian to look for a draining of the mines of Scharlei was slowly
sort of amalgamation of the various societies but surely accomplished. Water is not the
of Great Britain into a species of Royal only impediment to be removed. The mov-
Society a species of congress properly ing sand is an obstacle almost equally serious.
organised? We do not propose to Its local name is "Kurza wka," and it consists
destroy the individuality of the existing of a sandy, argillaceous mass containing a
societies, but simply the placing of them large quantity of water, and, in fact, consti-
under one central head for the promoting tuting a veritable quicksand. Frequently it
and encouraging of interchange of experi- is superimposed immediately over a bed of
ments and experience. We have an annual calamine, and in that case the sinking of the
cattle show, in which very much the same shafts requires an extraordinary degree of care
machines are exhibited year after year. If and attention. So excessively fluid is this
we find the maintenance of such a gathering substance that, combined with the great
as that to be of value, how much more pressure it uniformly exerts in all directions,
valuable would be the meeting together, it finds its way into the workings through
even once a year, of all the men distinguished apertures of the smallest dimensions, occa-
as iron manufacturers, whether in theory or
in practice? Each week adds to the variety
of schemes for improvements in this branch
of industry-how many of them may contain
the germs of good ideas, but which fall to the
ground from want of means or ability to
push them! How many schemes radically
bad are experimented upon to the waste of
both time and money! There is no industry
which more imperatively demands universality
of intercommunication than that now under
notice. Take even the steel branch alone,
what a vast field has yet to be explored here.

into the hopper after passing through the sifting machine, are received together with a large quantity of water into iron cylindricallyshaped vessels pierced with a number of holes of different diameters, and are there classed according to their size into various subdivisions or qualities. One of the most important operations to be performed in the washing process is to separate as much as possible those parts of the extracted material containing lead. The principle upon which all these separations are effected depends upon the relative difference of specific gravity of For this purpose the various substances.

them.

boxes open at the top are provided and pierced with holes at the bottom, and a strong current of water is made to pass through By means of this current the lighter impurities are brought to the surface, the calamine remains in and about the central part of the vessel, while the lead, nearly in a state of purity, is deposited in the lower. A very ingenious method of accomplishing this separation between the two minerals is by employing a table pivoting on a centre. current of water brings down the ore upon the middle portion of it, and by the combined action of its own flow and the rotation of the table the calamine is gradually drawn towards the circumference, where it is gathered up. The lead, by virtue of its greater density, remains at the centre of the table and is easily removed. The richest specimens of calamine contain as much as 45 per cent. of metal, while the poorest scarcely yield 9.

A

Calamine, as our readers are no doubt aware, is composed of carbonate and oxide of zinc enclosed in a matrix of silica and alumina, and to effect its reduction, or in other words to set the metal free, it is necessary to subject it to a high temperature in presence of a certain quantity of charcoal, which acts as the reducing agent. But as the ore always contains a large proportion of water, together with a notable quantity of carbonic acid, it must first of all be calcined to get rid of these ingredients, and also to render it more friable and easier to pulverise. The calcination is effected in an apparatus, sioning very often fatal catastrophes. Simi- which varies in some of the details according larly to the mines of coal in Silesia those of to the size of the pieces. The smaller and zinc are the property of the State, and are finer ore is calcined in reverberatory furnaces, granted by the government by concession to while the larger and coarser is roasted in private parties. The royalty exacted is one- furnaces which are charged from the top and twentieth of all the ore extracted. In many drawn at the bottom. Alternative layers of instances the coal and zinc are found over- coal and ore are placed in the furnace, and lying one another, but the two are never the heat must be managed in such a manner worked as separate mines. One is always as not to reduce the ore on the one hand and sacrificed to the other. The reverse takes not to volatilise the metal on the other. place with respect to zinc and iron ore, After the calcination comes the pulverisation, which are often worked together. and then the reduction, which is conducted Although the water, which has to be in muffle furnaces. The metal, it must be

got

remarked, volatilises at a white heat, and and they last about six weeks. A large
possesses an affinity for oxygen so intense number of these retorts are kept in stock.
that it inflames at once and passes into the They are ranged in a long drying room, and
state of white oxide in the form of a flocculent are finally baked in the very furnaces in
looking substance called by the ancient which they are afterwards placed to do duty.
chemists"lana philosophica." Owing to this
remarkable affinity of the metal for oxygen
when at a high temperature it becomes
necessary to conduct the reducing process in

close vessels. The muffles used in Silesia are closed at the front opening, through which passes a pipe enlarged at the middle part, where the reduced metal is deposited, and terminated by an iron vessel, which receives the oxide of zinc. All the interstices are carefully luted with plastic clay. The muffles are arranged in pairs in furnaces very similar in construction and disposition to those used in glass works. They are charged every twentyfour hours with two-thirds of pulverised calamine, and one-third of small coke and coal. In consequence of the greater facility with which the Silesian ore is reduced the intervals of charging are more frequent than those adopted in the Belgian works, where ore of a more refractory description is used. In spite of all possible precaution a loss of oxide of zinc always occurs at the time of charging, when the muffle is opened. Every twenty-four hours the reduced metal deposited in the cavity of the pipe is removed and run into moulds of cast iron, bearing a mark or stamp corresponding with that of the furnace from which it is drawn. This is done in order to discover the workmen who are the most skilful in producing zinc of the best quality, a certain number or gang being told off for each furnace. The re-charging is accomplished with the mixture of ore and coke already prepared, and the luting of the openings performed with the utmost rapidity and despatch.

LIGHT GOLD.

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Bank, the light ones are passed off in other
directions, where no weighing check exists.
By this dexterous course of procedure the
Bank is made powerless for the withdrawal
of light gold coin. It is not easy to see how
this evil is to be remedied. If the point at
which a sovereign ceases to be a legitimate
tender be altered, and another grain be
coin,
allowed for the natural depreciation of a gold
more complications and difficulties
would ensue. The operation of chemically
sweating heavy pieces would thereby be en-
couraged, and other nefarious practices would
be created for the purposes of illicit gain.

The whole question is hedged about by difficulties, and although the Bank is quite unable to contend against them, and the quantity of light coin steadily increases year by year, the remedy is not very apparent.

Uncut and moving from hand to hand as we have shown they do, all legal enactments notwithstanding, gold coins realise £3 17s. 103d. per oz. Where are the conscientious and patriotic persons to be found who will endeavour to maintain the integrity of the gold currency by sacrificing three halfpence upon every ounce of gold money they may happen to possess?

isold coin in circulation throughout the T is calculated that the quantity of British world amounts in value to £120,000,000 sterling. This estimate is not made at random, but is based on data of the most reliable character. It is equally true, in all probability, that at least one-third of the individual sovereigns and half-sovereigns composing this enormous aggregate are so far deteriorated by attrition and abrasion as to have fallen below the weight at which by law they are qualified for the duty they have to By the Treasury's new arrangement, the perform. In point of fact, therefore, forty last-named establishment is permitted to millions of gold coins of the denominations transmit light sovereigns and half-sovereigns named are, by strictly legal right, unfit for to the Mint without converting them into circulation and ought to be withdrawn from ingots, as has been the custom heretofore. it and re-coined. How to accomplish this The Mint also is compelled to receive them task is a problem most difficult of solution. in parcels of not less than £100 in value It puzzles even that astute administrator and direct from the public. Thus one costly financier the present Chancellor of the Ex-transaction, that of melting down the old chequer. Mr. Lowe, with all his skill, is coins by the Bank, is avoided. It is not indeed quite "at sea in regard to it, and likely nevertheless that light coins will find apparently without sails or rudder to propel their way to either place whilst the price at and guide his bark to land. Last year that both is fixed at £3 17s. 9d. per oz. gentleman startled the community by proposing to coin all sovereigns light in the first instance, and thereby to save the nation a great part of the ordinary cost of coinage. This notable scheme, however, which was exhaustively criticised and wholly condemned in the columns of this journal, has now been finally abandoned, and the Chancellor has hit upon another expedient for renovating the gold currency of Great Britain. In conjunc- Much evil and injustice no doubt arises The system of payment adopted in the tion, or rather by co-operation, with the from the discreditable state of the gold coinage workshops of Scharlei is that of piecework. Bank of England, as was stated by us last of England, and these are unequally distriThus the workmen are directly interested in week, the Treasury hopes to induce the buted. They press most heavily upon the in the amount of zinc produced, and are careful public to sift out all the light gold at present habitants of the districts where from peculia to let as little as possible escape by volatili-eddying along the creeks and channels of circumstances gold coins have a tendency to sation. They pay the most minute and general circulation, and to cause it to flow on accumulate. As a general result of the preconstant attention to the state of the muffles, in one single and steady stream to the Mint sent condition of affairs in respect of the gold the least aperture in which would permit of for the purpose of re-coinage. We are very coinage of this country, it may be said that the escape of the volatilised zinc, which would much afraid that the means proposed will the manufacturing and mining districts as a pass up the chimney and be consumed as not effect the object sought. The law as it general rule possess new and full-weighted oxide. It is imperative that the muffles be now stands in reference to the weight of coins, whilst the old and light ones drift of the very best and most solid construction. gold coins holds that a sovereign is not a about freely among the agricultural inhabiAt the end of fifteen days the ajutage or pipe legal tender unless it contains 122 grains of tants. Professor Jevons, whose theories on must be changed for a new one, as gradually standard metal. By a kind of legal fiction the subject we by no means endorse, but during this period, a deposit of metal is every person, in order to detect defaulting whose industry must be admitted, has stated formed which closes the passage to the coins, is supposed to possess a pair of scales for that the greatest proportion of old coins entrance of the various tools employed for testing those he receives. Each person who occur in the eastern counties (Norfolk, extracting the metal. The construction of unwittingly receives a light piece is respon- Sussex, Essex) and in the north-eastern the furnaces and that of the retorts necessi-sible for its deficiency, but the impracticability counties (Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, and tated the erection of premises where the of universal weighing is his sheet anchor, and Berkshire), although all these counties are in manufacture of articles of a refractory de- so long as the piece is out of the Bank the the vicinity of London. Of all towns in the scription could be carried on. These responsibility may be easily shifted. The kingdom Manchester seems to enjoy the include bricks, pipes, and every other article practice of weighing coins has, indeed, been newest currency. These and other local required in the reducing process. The ma- by common consent abandoned (as a general aberrations in the disposition of the gold terials employed in the manufacture of these rule) and voted a nuisance. The Bank of coinage, their causes and consequences, articles consist of the debris of former pro- England and a few Irish banks alone carry together with the peculiarities attending the ductions of the same kind, broken up, and out the system with rigour. Even railway foreign circulation of British gold coins, will reduced to a fine powder, and refractory clays companies accept sovereigns on the merit of form material for another paper on the of two descriptions. One of these, or the their personal appearance rather than for interesting and rather intricate subject we white earth, is brought from Misow in Po- their absolute intrinsic value. They may have attempted, so far, to elucidate Proland, and the other, which is of a darker lose something by the subsequent payment bably, too, the discussion on the Mint and its tint, comes from Neukerch in Silesia. These of light coins into the Bank, but they prefer management, raised last night by Lord earths are dried in desiccators, pulverised in this to the loss of time and the inconvenience Kinnaird, in the House of Lords, will form a vertical mills, and are then fit for forming which must arise from an attempt to act up theme for comment in an early number of part of the mixture employed. This mixture to the letter of the law and mulct their this journal. is composed of one quarter part of each of customers of the fractional sums which by such the two earths mentioned and a half part of action they would stand justified in doing. the old material or debris. The whole is Clearly such a course as the delicate weighplaced in a cylinder containing a screw, which ing of coins at railway stations in these days compresses the contents and finally forces it of rapid transit is practically an impossibility. out at the lower extremity. Many attempts So it is in the transactions of the trading have been made to construct the retorts by community generally. machinery, but they have all resulted in The only instances in which gold coins failure, and the old mode is still adhered to. are weighed with scrupulous care, out of the These retorts or muffles are narrower and flat Bank, are those where quantities have accutowards the bottom, but rounded like a mulated in the hands of experienced persons cupola towards the top. Their dimensions who separate the heavy from the light for a are-length, 5ft.; height, 2ft. 9in.; breadth, very decided purpose. The heavy coins 10in. The thickness of the sides is 14in., alone are paid by these operators into the

Perhaps at no former period in the annals of our country has more interest been felt in currency questions than at this moment. They are certainly of great importance to the whole of the mercantile community, and it is essential that the public should be able to form intelligent opinions upon the various hypotheses raised by statesmen and other eminent authorities in regard to them. The possible removal of the Mint to Somerset House, and the remodelling of its mechanical appliances, may suggest also a re-arrangement of the British coinage entirely and its better adaptation to the wants of the times.

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