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an imperfectly insulated wire, to escape to this
plate by the shortest route, in lieu of completing
the circuit through the second instrument and the
positive plate; and hence the loss of electricity
which invariably occurs in this system according
to the "tension" power of the battery. In the
method proposed by the inventors of the globe
telegraph, these conditions are altered, as will be
seen by a glance at the diagram, No.2:-

The Globe Telegraph: an Essay on the use of the
Earth for the Transmission of Electric Signals.
By SEPTIMUS BEARDMORE, C.E., F.R.G.S. Lon-
don, 1859. Edward Stanford, Charing Cross.
In July of last year, when telegraphists, perplexed
with induced currents and earth currents, losses
of insulation, and consequent losses of electricity,
were far from sharing in the unmingled exultation
with which the public of two great nations re-
ceived the news of their electric union, an amateur
student of electricity applied himself to the con-
sideration of the various difficulties of ocean tele-plate.
graphing, and arrived at a definite idea of the means
whereby they might be overcome. This gentle
man, M. Hoga, in conjunction with Mr. Piggott,
well-known for his application of electricity as a

sion of signals impossible

In the lines established at the period of Mr. Bain's experiments, the loss of electricity in the existing method of working telegraphs was of little moment. In the longest submarine circuit of the present day, however, this loss of power and the induction charge caused by the electric tension, have been fatal to the success of the undertaking. And, though the tension may in this system be reduced to a certain point, yet the conditions which determine the escape of the electric fluid cannot be altered without having recourse to the current produced by the single couple of positive and negative elements.

an important extension of the original plan has been effected with regard to the return current, necessary to deflect a needle in either direction. To obtain this return current it is proposed to employ a metal intermediate in its voltaic character to the copper or platinum on the one hand, and to the zine on the other. A plate of iron is found to fulfil this condition, transmitting a positive current to the zine and a negative current to the copper. For a full explanation of the arrangement by which the three metals at either side are employed to produce the reverse signals we refer our readers to the specification of the patent, or to Mr. Beardmore's pamphlet.

The necessity of diminishing the resistance offered to the transmission of the current by the nised. telegraphic wire is beginning to be fully recogIt is of little avail, however, that the diameter of the main conductor should be in

ployed in the instrument through which the current takes effect. As no wire can be stronger than its weakest part, so must its power of conductibility depend upon its least-conducting portion; for any impediment in one part of an elec

tric circuit must influence the total amount of

It is evident that the current can here have no tendency to the plate whence it flows, since it cannot complete the circuit without passing through the second instrument and the opposite Hence it was at first assumed by the inventors of the globe telegraph that insulation of the conducting wire was unnecessary. But, as uninsulated, would become an element in the was soon ascertained by them, the wire, if left voltaic arrangement, replacing the positive elemedical agent, and with the author of the presentment at the station, and rendering the transmis-creased, if long coils of fine wire are to be empamphlet, commenced a series of experiments, which, though begun on mistaken grounds, soon assumed a scientific character. The principle on which these experiments were based, and which they served to confirm, was one which was not new in the science of electric telegraphy; though the experimenters, like many others who have laboriously explored what was already mapped out and described, were perfectly unaware of its having been previously investigated and even made the subject of a patent. Nevertheless, so far back as 1843, Mr. Bain had secured the application of simple, positive, and negative plates for telegraphic purposes; which plan, having been relinquished by the original inventor, was now adopted, and ultimately considerably extended, by the new experimenters, as a means of obtaining an electric current of low "intensity" and considerable quantity, in which the loss from imperfect insulation, and the retardation from an induced charge, should be reduced to their minimum. On the 17th November, 1858, Messrs. Hoga, Piggott, and Beardmore took out a joint patent for Improvements in Electric Telegraphs," in which, acknowledging the prior claims of Mr. Bain, as originator of the groundwork of the system, they secured to themselves the discovery of the means by which it might be brought into practical use.

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Although the value of this system is a matter to be determined by extended experiments rather than by theoretical arguments, we will place before our readers a brief aperçu of the more manifest advantages to be looked for in its application. The following diagram, No. 1, represents the existing mode of employing electricity for telegraphs:

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It has been asserted, but without sufficient proof, that tension electricity is necessary to over come the resistance of a wire to the transmission of the current. An idea was also prevalent, and appears to have been received by Mr. Bain, that the surface of the plates in a simple galvanic arrangement requires to be rapidly augmented in proportion to the distance between them. The ratio in which this increase is necessary has now been ascertained to be in accordance with the square root of the increase of distance. Thus, if one square inch of the metals produce a certain deflection of the galvanometor at a distance of 10 feet, 2 square inches will be sufficient to produce the same deflection at a distance of 40 feet, and 8 square inches will have the same effect when the plates are 640 feet apart. And thus, to work the cable between St. John's and Valentia, a surface would be required of less than 7 square feet of each metal. With regard to the resistance of a wire to the transmission of a current, which bears an inverse proportion to the diameter of the

DIAGRAM No. 1.

DIAGRAM No. 2.

As in the method presently to be described, one half of the circuit is here completed by the earth in the direction of the lower arrow; the earth plate" at the zinc end being negative, and that terminating the wire positive. From the dissimi. larity of the electric character of the wire and of the earth-plate at the battery-station, results a constant tendency of the current, transmitted by

conductor, it is apprehended that there would be
little difficulty in increasing the size of the wire,
should this be found necessary, to a very consider-
able extent.

The above diagram, No. 2, represents Mr.
Bain's arrangement, which also forms the ground-
work of the system now proposed by the patentees
of the Globe Telegraph. In this system, however,

electricity that can be transmitted. With currents of high static intensity, a long coil of fine wire is requisite; a short coil of thick wire being scarcely influenced by electricity in this condition. On the other hand, with dynamic currents of low intensity, the contrary is the case; a single turn of thick wire being very sensitive, while the ordinary coils are scarcely affected. With the increased in the new system, increased facilities for electing necessity, therefore, of diminishing the resistance the same are also presented, and will doubtless be profited by. It is to be hoped that no time will be lost before further and more extended experiof an invention which appears to be called for by ments are made to determine the practical value the requirements of the times. Its advantage in point of cheapness is but a secondary consideraevidence tends to prove, the difficulties which have tion, if it meets, as the prima facie theoretical

been so fatal to the success of the Atlantic cable.

LIST OF NEW BOOKS.
Beardmore's The Globe Telegraph, 5s. 6d.
Burgoyne's Military Opinions, &c., edit. by Wrottesley, 11s.
Field Exercise and Evolutions of Infantry, 1859, 38. ¿d.
Gwilt's Encyclopaedia of Architecture, 42s.
Herbert's The Sanitary Condition of the Army, 1s. Gd.
Herschell's Manual of Enquiry, 3rd edit., by Main, 9s.
Hogg's The Microscope: its Ilistory, 6s.
Household Encyclopædia, vol. 2, 13s. 6d.
Hunt's Universal Yacht List, 1859, 4s.
James's Naval History of Great Britain, new ed., vol. 2, 5s.
Kennedy on Defences of Great Britain and Ireland, 1s. Gd.
Manual of Punctuation, by a Practical Printer, 1s.
Maury's Physical Geography of the Sea, new edit., 5s.
National Cyclopædia of Useful Knowledge, 5s.

Our Naval Position and Policy, 12.

Philp's History of Progress in Great Britain, 7s. 6d.

Reid's Mental Arithmetic, 1s. 3d.

Remarks on Coinage, with Decimal Coinage, ls.

Tomlinson's Thunder Storm, 3s. 6d.

Volunteer's Handbook, 1s.

Ward's Telescope Teaching 7s. 6d.

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The English Government have very wisely determined to build a wrought-iron vessel of immense size, strength, and steam power, specially adapted as a vessel of war, and for running down ships of the largest kind, not even excepting the Great Eastern itself. The contract for this tremendous engine of modern war has been taken by the Thames Iron Shipbuilding Company, and suthcient progress has been made with the ironwork to be used in her to make it certain that she will be afloat and fitting for sea by June next. dimensions will be-extreme length, 380 feet; breadth, 58 feet; depth, 41 feet 6 inches; and her tonnage no less than 6,177 tons. The weight of the empty hull will be 5,700 tons. The engines are to be by Penn and Sons, of 1,250-horse power,

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and of these we shall give a description on another neck and breast of a swan when swimming. Thus | disengaging hook only, which would be simply occasion. Their weight with boilers will be 950 the point which would strike an enemy's vessel ridiculous. Four men is certainly no over estitons; she will carry 950 tons of coal, and her ar- was the "breast," which was placed under the mate when he himself admits that the usual number mament, masts, stores, &c., will amount to 1,100 water line. In the Admiralty model, ac- are required on board to lower, with one man to tons more. Thus at sea her total weight will be cording to which the "ram" is to be built, disengage; printed directions furthermore statabout 9,000 tons, which will be driven, when so the bows form an obtuse angle, the point of ing, that "the foremost disengaging fall may be wanted, through the water against an enemy's which is just level with the water, receding back kept handy; but it should only be used as a reship at the rate of 16 miles an hour. It is difficult at a rather sharp slope both above and below it. source to provide against the extreme possibility by mere description to give an adequate idea of This peculiar shape, however, will be concealed of the aftermost line being foul, which latter is the tremendous strength with which this vessel is under the usual figurehead and forward gear with hardly possible." This would involve the necessity to be built. The keel, or rather the portion to a light artificial cutwater of wood, so that ap- of the presence at least of a second for disengagwhich the ribs are bolted, is made of immense parently the vessel will be an ordinary frigate of ing. "Nauticus" further states, "whether the men slabs of wrought scrap iron, an inch and a quarter the largest size. The Admiralty, no doubt, intend lower simultaneously or not, directly the disenthick, and three feet six inches deep. From this by these devices to disguise her real character, gaging line is let go the boat must enter the water spring the ribs-massive wrought iron T-shaped but we need hardly point out how utterly futile on an even keel." What is to prevent one fall beams, which are made in joints about five feet such an attempt would be. Could any naval going, with a run? a common consequence of long by two deep, up to where the armour plates officer be deceived by any amount of painting lowering by the falls, which no system of disenbegin, five feet below the water line. These beams about the character of a ship of 6,000 tons, gaging can remedy. To the first objection, that are only 3 feet 8 inches apart, while, for a dis- nearly 400 feet long, rigged like a three-decker, the length of the pendants cannot be suited to tance of 10 feet on each side of the keel, they are yet only carrying a broadside of 14 guns on her light and heavy draughts, the reply is, they are bolted in at only half this distance asunder. Five main deck? Or do the Admiralty suppose that adjusted so as to enable the boat to reach the feet below the water-line the armour plates com- there will not be perfect photographs of her, when water when the ship is laden, but extra rope is mence, and, to give room for these, the depth of the finished, taken for all the foreign powers, which allowed for light draughts, as my printed direcrib diminishes to about half, or nine inches. Over will be reproduced and distributed among their tions explain. In men-of-war the difference in the ribs, and crossing transversely, are bolted navies, with strict injunctions in case of war draught with coals or without is so slight as to beams of teak a foot and a half thick, and outside always to avoid such a vessel if they can? The very be of no consequence in this matter, and the these again come the armour plates. Each of idea of attempting to conceal the real purpose of additional rope on the roller could not lead to these plates is to be 15 feet long by 4 feet broad a vessel so remarkable, and the only one of its accident. In a line-of-battle-ship the extreme and 44 inches thick. Several of them have been kind afloat, seems absurd. Coming up into action variation of draught would be 20 inches; in ships made by the company of puddled iron, of an- with other first-rates in line of battle, no doubt of the " Diadem" class, 2 feet; and in gun-boats nealed scrap iron, and of scrap iron unannealed, she would pass muster unobserved, but under such 6 inches. From the way in which the boat hangs, and experiments are now being made at Ports- circumstances, even if as well known to the enemy by my system (the points of suspension head and mouth with a view of testing practically which as to the English, the knowledge would avail stern being above the boat's gunwale, from which best withstands the tremendous attack of 68- nothing to the former. Once a general engage- steadying lines to the boat's sides are attached), pounders. It is almost needless to say that each ment was commenced, the "ram" would be able she would not be swamped as a boat is ordinarily plate is the very perfection of material and manu- to pursue her mission of destruction by running under such circumstances, if the water were facture. These ponderous slabs go up to the level into the sterns of the enemy's vessels almost with- moderately smooth, and if rough, the fall of the of the upper deck. The orlop deck will be of wood, out hindrance. When such is avowedly her pur- wave would at once clear the pendants. and 24 feet above the keel. The main deck will pose it seems, to say the least, unwise to cumber her "Nauticus" cannot tell me of any instance of a be of iron, cased with wood, and 9 feet above the with the masts and rigging of a line-of-battle boat "having been swamped and her crew proorlop. The upper deck will also be of wrought ship. The shock of striking the first vessel would bably drowned," nor can he produce the instance iron, and 7 feet 9 inches above the main. All the bring down all her masts by the board like which he "fears might be cited." decks are carried on wrought iron beams of the reeds, and leave the ram's decks so encumbered most powerful description, to which both the with wreck as might even render her almost ribs and iron decks are bolted; while along the useless for further efforts. The mode in which whole length of the vessel, from stem to stern, she attacks will be to run straight at the enemy, are immensely solid wrought iron beams at inter- taking him, if possible, in the stern or quarter, all vals of five feet inside the ribs, which are again the men on deck retiring to the stern to avoid crossed by diagonal bands, tying the whole to- injury from falling spars. When about half the gether in a perfect network. The armour plates vessel's length from the enemy the engines are to are not intended to shield the whole vessel, only be stopped, and the engineers' stand by to reverse the fighting portion, about 220 feet of the broad- the engines in order to clear her from the wreck side, being thus protected. This broadside, how- of her antagonist before the latter goes down. It ever, will mount 14 of the Armstrong 100lb. is calculated that striking a line-of-battle ship in guns, which, with two broadside guns on the the stern the ram would sink her within three upper deck and two pivot guns of the same kind minutes. The bowsprit will, we believe, be teleforward and two aft, will give her a total arma-scopic in order to be housed on board with the ment of 36 guns, each throwing a 100lb. shot anchors before striking the enemy, that there may over a range of nearly six miles. Neither the be no chance of becoming entangled with the bows nor stern have any of the large armour wreck of the sinking vessel. It is, however, yet plates, but are coated with wrought iron plates of to be explained how she is to get rid of her own nearly one inch and a half thick over two feet of wreck of masts and spars, and above all what preteak, which will offer sufficient resistance to pre- cautions will be adopted to prevent any chance vent most shots from going through. But to of the rigging fouling her screw. The cost of the compensate for this apparent deficiency both bows hull will be about £200,000, the engines about and stern are so crossed and recrossed in every £75,000, and her fitting for sea about £45,000 direction with water-tight compartments that it more-or £320,000 in all. If she only does oneis a matter of perfect indifference whether they half of what may be fairly anticipated from her get riddled or not, and each of these ends are shut she will be cheaper to the nation than a dozen sail off from the engine-room and fighting portion of of the line, and we hope before long to announce the ship by continuous massive wrought iron trans. that another of the same kind has been decided on. verse bulkheads. So that, supposing it possible that both stem and stern could be shot away, the centre of the vessel would remain complete and impenetrable as ever, still offering in all 24 inches of teak coated with 5 inches of wrought iron to every shot. But both stem and stern are built inside of such immense strength that coating with armour plates would be almost superfluous. The bows, as the spot where the whole shock must be received in running down ships, are inside a perfect web of ironwork, strengthened back to the armour plates with no less than eight wrought iron decks an inch thick, and crossed and recrossed in all ways and methods with diagonal bracings and supports. In the design sent into the Admiralty by the Thames Shipbuilding Company the shape of the bows was made exactly after the outline of the

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CLIFFORD'S SYSTEM OF LOWERING
BOATS.

This

One of the chief features of my system of disengaging, and to which I attach very great impor tance, though the one least understood till seen in actual operation, is that when the boat is lowered, steerage way is not only put upon her directly she touches the water, but is retained for several seconds after she is floating by a gradually yielding strain without any sudden check or additional act of any one to release the boat. enables her to be sheered clear of the ship, and out of the suction of the screw. The loose tapered end of the pendant as it is overhauled through the three sheeve blocks accomplishes this end, either by the strain caused by the way of the ship, or if at anchor, as the boat falls with the wave or is drifted away. Without some such provision, lowering a boat from a screw steamer under way, especially on the weather quarter in a heavy seaway, would be a dangerous experiment, the wind and draught of the screw carrying the boat directly on to the latter. But this I have repeatedly done on public trials.

As to the boat being stove against the ship's side, the celerity obtained by lowering with single pendants is the best possible prevention to such a casualty; for when lowered and disengaged at the same time by one hand only, advantage can be taken of the roll of the ship, and the boat be dropped on the water clear of the ship in a few seconds after the word of command is given to "lower away," if the gear is only kept in the same condition as the rest of the running gear of the ship. This cannot be done where the combined action of several men is required, as in lowering by the falls.

TO THE EDITORS OF THE "MECHANICS' MAGAZINE."
GENTLEMEN:-I must beg space in your
columns for a reply to the objections urged by As to the stiffening of the pendants, the samo
"Nauticus" against my system of lowering boats, causes that would prevent their working would
as they are evidently made by one who does not operate against the falls; and if the pendants,
understand the principles of the system, or know from being of stouter rope, offer greater resist.
how to work it properly. Before answering these ance to a free run, the direct action of the weight
I would remark that the impression evidently in- of the boat on the pendant or the single part of
tended to be conveyed by the report in the Times rope only that they involve, in place of the four
could only be that the "operation" referred to as re-parts of rope used in the falls, is a proportionate
quiring four men was that of the "system of lower power to overcome such resistance.
ing invented by Captain Kynaston" mentioned in
the sentence immediately preceding, and not the

The "vibration" complained of in lowering could only arise from the gear being improperly rove,

and the pendants being passed round the sides or cheeks of the blocks, preventing a fair and even run. This would account for "sundry of the crew" being required to overhaul the pendants and for ropes being cut. Cases can be substantiated where this has happened. Rope, moreover, has been supplied from one yard of a character entrary to my printed instructions, and it is this cause, and not the nip on the rope, that has led to their breaking. The attention of their lordships will be officially directed to this point, as it is only with the rope in question that any fracture has ever occurred. After three years (compulsory use) in all Government emigrant and transport ships no single case of rope breaking has been reported to the authorities.

My plan does not pretend to do more than lower evenly and safely and disengage at the same time, by one man, and I cannot help drawing attention to the testimony "Nauticus" bears to its efficiency, in the facility which he says it affords for suddenly leaving a ship-the very purpose for which it was intended-and which has been officialy declared a "desideratum wanted throughout the naval service." This very admission is the best contradiction to the objections that have been previously urged. The occasional abuse, however, of a public good cannot be urged as a reason for its suppression. Besides, in times of danger, when the power of lowering is in the

hands of one person, any trustworthy man ordered to the command of such a means by the captain or officer on watch, in having the entire control of everything connected with the lowering and disengaging in his own hand, can stop desertion and prevent the mischief arising from hurry and confusion, or take advantage of the instantaneous action that such a system would afford to escape at the proper moment.

As to a stopper being necessary for taking the strain off the pendants when the boat is hanging at the davis heads, "Nauticus" must know something of the kind is always used to relieve the falls.

various missiles, I never conversed with. In sup-
port of my preference for the Lancaster rifle as
a military arm, I will state that I lately met a
sergeant of the 96th Regiment, now stationed at
Plymouth, who informed me that he had fired
forty rounds in succession from the Lancaster
rifle, using pure suct or tallow for the lubricating
matter, without finding the slightest inconvenience
from loading. The sergeant had received honours
and increased pay for his excellence as a marks-
man, and therefore must be a good authority on
the superior efficiency of the Lancaster rifle.

As regards breech-loading rifles, I have a high
opinion of that invented by Mr. Leetch, of 68
Margaret-street, Regent-street. As a proof that
I think well of it, I have ordered one to be made
for me, to use when I become a guerilla, in con-
junction with some hundreds of thousands of the
"bone and sinew" of the land. It is a source of
pride to me in my advanced stage of life, to be able
truly to say that as far back as the year 1823, I
had perfected my elongated rifle shot and shell,
and thus evoked "the strength that slumbered'
in a rifled arm. I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
J. NORTON.

Rosherville, June 25.

UTILISING THE MILLIONS.

TO THE EDITORS OF THE " MECHANICS' MAGAZINE."
GENTLEMEN,-As it appears there is no use now
made of the fifty millions of iron cups for in-
serting in the hollow base of the Minić rifle shot,
which were manufactured by Mr. Greenfield by
order of the War Department, I make use of
gated rifle shells. I am, yours obediently,
them in forming the head and front of my elon-

Rosherville, 28th June.

J. NORTON.

Proceedings of Societies.

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

the best Report on the Agriculture of the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark, be awarded to the author of the essay bearing the motto "Prac tical." The sealed envelope having been opened by the President, the author was declared to be C. P. Le Corme (Honorary Secretary to the Royal Jersey Agricultural Society), Beaumont, Jersey,

Law Case.

COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH, Westminster, June 23. -(Sitting at Nisi Prius, before Mr. Justice Hill and a Special Jury.)

DOULTON v. STIFF.

Mr. Bovill, Q.C., Mr. Lush, Q.C., and Mr. Webster appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. Knowles, Q.C., and Mr. Hindmarch for the defendant.

The plaintiff in this action, Henry Doulton, was one of the partners in the firm of Doulton and Co., of the James Stiff, also a Lambeth potter, to recover damages Lambeth Pottery Works, and he sued the defendant, for the infringement of a patent granted to the plaintiff on the 11th of May, 1854, for "improvements in kilns used in the manufacture of stoneware, earthenware, and china," and described in a former volume of the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. The defendant pleaded several pleas, denying the infringement, and also the novelty of the plaintiff's invention.

The object of the plaintiff's invention, as described in his specification, was so to arrange the fireplaces or furnaces of kilns used in the manufacture of stoneware, earthenware, and china, as to prevent as much as possible the evolution of smoke into the atmosphere. For that purpose, over each fireplace or furnace, a fire-tile or thick plate, perforated with chamber was formed to receive air, there being a slide numerous holes, was placed or fixed, and over that a or other means of regulating the flow of air into the chamber. By that arrangement the perforated tile or plate became highly heated by the fire below, and the draught of the fire being inward to the kiln, the air would pass down through the perforations and become still more highly heated than when in the chamber above; and the heating of the air in the chamber might be assisted by having perforated or other plates or surfaces in the chamber, so that the air might be June 15.-Prof. J. Phillips, President, in the chair. such means of obtaining a supply of heated air to that come heated by passing in contact therewith. By Special General Meeting. It was resolved that class of flues, it was stated the fuel would be better persons proposed after November 2nd, 1859, for elec- burnt and the evolution of smoke into the atmosphere tion as Non-resident Fellows of the Society should pay an entrance-fee of £6 6s., and an annual sub-prevented. The plaintiff then described the arrangements by which he effected his object, and stated that by those arrangements the perforated tiles would become heated in passing from the chamber downbecome highly heated, and the atmospheric air would wards through the perforated tiles into the upper part of the furnace or fireplace, and would enter above the fuel therein, and thence pass into the kiln through the opening, where it would meet with the products passing off from the fuel, and become ignited with them as they entered the kiln. The parts of the kiln the drawings were similar to those in ordinary use, and the parts of the fireplaces or furnaces shown by and the novelty consisted in the application and arrangement of the parts shown and described for admitting and heating the air.

Written correspondence must always be an unsatisfactory way of solving the mechanical objections urged in favour of rival inventions, and I know I have already trespassed on your indulgence; but if "Nauticus," or any officer in Herscription of £1 11s. 6d. Ordinary General Meeting. Majesty's service, will tell me of any position, either by day or night, from a ship at anchor or under way, from the lee or weather side, in smooth water or a heavy rolling sea, when a boat fitted with my plan could not safely be lowered, I will myself attend in person, and try it against any other system or invention that can be brought gainst it for effecting a like end. It is after such times and occasions that judgment should be assed, and it is such practical tests that Nauticus" should endeavour to bring about, as well for the public good as to settle the question of the competing ideas of himself and Yours obediently,

Temple, June 20, 1859.

C. CLIFFORD.

RIFLES FOR VOLUNTEER CORPS.
TO THE EDITORS OF THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE."

66

GENTLEMEN,--At a numerous meeting held by the gentry of Sussex at the Hayward-heath station, on the 22nd inst., Lieutenant Busk, of the Victoria Rifle Corps, read a most lucid paper on the properties of the rifle, which was received with reiterated plaudits, and most deservedly so. I had the happiness to be present, and can safely say that the enthusiasm manifested by the gentle men composing the meeting will find an echo throughout all England. The choice of the proper rifle for volunteers is now a matter for grave consideration. I do not hesitate to prefer the Lancaster muzzle-loader to the Enfield. A most clear description of the practical results of both weapons, as evinced from their use in the late war in India, appeared recently in the Times. It was written, I believe, by Sergeant Sturrock, of the Royal Engineers, than whom a more perfect master on the subject of the rifle, and its now

Southwell, Notts, was elected a Fellow. The follow-
Major W. E. Warrand, Bengal Engineers, Westhorpe,
ing communications were read:-1. "Notes on Spitz-
bergen." By J. Lamont, Esq. Communicated by
Sir C. Lyell, V.P.G.S. 2. "On the Formation of
Gypsums and Dolomites." By T. S. Hunt, Esq., of
the Geol. Surv. Canada. Communicated by Prof.
A. C. Ramsay, F.G.S. 3. "On the Tertiary Deposits,
associated with Trap-rocks, in the East Indies."
the Rev. S. Hislop. With descriptions of the Shells
Murray, Esq. Communicated by the President.
by the Rev. S. Hislop; and of the insects by A.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL OF ENGLAND.

By

Several witnesses were examined on the part of the plaintiff, to show the novelty of his invention, and its testimony the effect of the invention when it had been infringement by the defendant. According to their adopted had been, by producing a more perfect combustion, to abolish smoke, and so to do away with the nuisance which was formerly caused by the Pottery

Works.

On the part of the defendant several witnesses were called, who did not deny that by the plaintiff's method smoke was prevented; but they said there was no novelty in his invention, and that the same arrangeFerguson's patent of 1853, which had been abandoned. ments were already in use, and were shown in They also went so far as to say that even with the old Staffordshire kiln it entirely depended on the fireman whether or not there should be any smoke.

June 22.-At a Special Council, his Grace the Duke of Marlborough, President, in the chair. The report of the Special Committee appointed to examine the past accounts of the Society was read, received, and confirmed. It was moved by the Hon. Col. Hood, and seconded by Lord Berners, "That Mr. Hudson be dismissed from the office of Secretary." On the motion of Mr. Brandreth, seconded by Col. Challoner, it was resolved, "That a Committee be appointed consisting of the President, Vice-presidents, Trustees, and the following members of the Council: the Hon. Col. Hood, Mr. Barnett, Mr. Jonas Webb, Mr. Wren Hoskyns, Mr. Torr, Mr. Fisher Hobbs, Mr. Milward, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, Mr. Amos, and Mr. Brandreth, to take into consideration and report to the next general Council what in their opinion should be the general and particular duties of the secretary and the mode of his appointCommittee, presented the report recommending the ment." Col. Challoner, Chairman of the Implement The learned Judge summed up, and said there were judges of implements for the Warwick Show. Mr. two points for the consideration of the jury-first, Milward, Chairman of the Live Stock Judges Com-whether the defendant had infringed the plaintiffs mittee, presented the report recommending the judges of live stock, cheese, and wool. These reports were received and confirmed. Mr. H. S. Thompson, Chairman of the Journal Committee, reported the recommendation that the Prize of 25 Sovereigns for

Described and illustrated in our last number.-
EDS, M. M,

Mr. Knowles and Mr. Bovill having addressed the jury for their respective clients,

patent; and secondly, whether the plaintiff's invention was new. Both those questions would require to be answered by the jury. The first question, in fact, involved the second." The plaintiff's patent was not for one machine, or a single arrangement, but for a combination. There was no doubt that the defendant had not used all the combination put forward by the plaintiff, but it was alleged by the plaintiff that the

defendant had used a portion of the combination, and he had to tell them that in point of law, that might be the case if the part of the combination was new and material. If the defendant had used an immaterial part of the combination, then the defendant had not infringed the patent; if he had used that which was not new, it was no infringement of the patent. The jury must be satisfied that the defendant had used a part of the combination which was invented by the plaintiff, and which was new and material. The learned judge then proceeded to read over the whole of the mass of evidence. Mr. Carpmael had stated that, in his opinion, it was impossible for the old Staffordshire kiln to consume the smoke, and yet there were three witnesses who had tried the experiment, and they positively swore that it did consume the smoke. That was a fact against scientific opinion. The plaintiff appeared to put great stress on the perforated tiles, and those the defendant had not used.

The jury retired for some time, and then said the defendant had infringed the patent, but that the combinations used by the defendant were not new. The Judge: Then this is a verdict for the defendant.

Our Weekly Gossip.

WE have frequently given a word of commendation
to the Photographic News, and had both hoped and
heard that its success as an organ of photographic
science and art was assured. We now fear, however,
that it must be otherwise. We judge so from the
fact that its managers are beginning to nibble at sub-
jects on which it has not the shadow of a claim to
peak, and which its title in no way includes a sure
sign, we presume, of a want of success in its own
sphere. For example, in its last number the greater
part of a page is devoted to gossiping remarks on a
method of ventilating public buildings, and especially
hospitals-a
-a pretty topic for elaborate treatment in a
Photographic" journal! With how little sense the
subject is treated may be inferred from the fact that
while the person of the inventor himself is minutely
described, not a word affording any clue to the nature
of the invention itself is given. We venture to re-
commend "Photography" rather than "Ventilation"
to the attention of the editor.

P

This week's Number of All the Year Round contains an article entitled "Change for Nuggets," upon the processes of money-making at the Royal Mint. The account which it gives of the several processes is, as might be expected, very meagre, as compared with the elaborate articles on this interesting topic now in course of publication by ourselves. This will be seen on comparing the following description of the weighing-room with the account of the same apartment given in our last number. The close resemblance between some of the reflections in this

week's article of All the Year Round and our last

year 1858 has been published. It shows that of so.
vereigns there were coined 803,234, representing, of
course, an equal value; of half-sovereigns, 855,578,
value, £427,789 58. 9d.; where the 5s. and 9d. are
here obtained to us, however, does not appear; of
florins, 2,239,380 - value, £223,938; of shillings,
3,108,600-value, £155,430; of sixpences, 1,933,480
value, £48,312; of groats, nil; of threepences,
1,415,928-value, £18,074 2s.; of Maundy monies,
consisting of silver fourpences, threepences, twopences,
and pence, and distributed by Her Majesty's almoner
on Maundy Thursday to certain pensioners at the
Almonry, Westminster, 20,988; value, £193 11s. 6d.
Of copper monies, there were struck, of pence,
1,559,040 value, £6,496; of halfpence, 2,472,960-
value, £5,152; of farthings-neglected farthings-
1,720,320-value, €1,792. In addition to these items,
and which do not figure in the return alluded to, we
are in a position to state that the Mint produced
during the last year 15,000 Persian, Indian, and
Kaffir medals, and rather over four millions of 20-
cent., 10-cent., 5-cent. silver and one cent. bronze
coins for Canada. In another part of our journal will
be found a note on the workings of the Mint at pre-
sent. All tends to prove that that place requires ex-
panding if it is to keep pace with the demands made
upon it. Why not have a second exclusively copper
mint, like Calcutta is doing?

Mr. B. L. Phillips writes:-"Your readers may re-
member some particulars were given in July and
August, 1854, relative to my discovery for purifying
iron. I have not till recently had an opportunity to
make further trials at the Monkbridge Works, Leeds
(Messrs. Jas. Kitson and Sons); but I now hand you
the results of some experiments there in the puddle-
furnace. The effect produced on the metal appears
astonishing. Part of the experiment No. 2 was made
into and in. rods, and submitted to most severe
tests, by bending, twisting, and tying into the treble
knot, all of which it stood without the least deflection,
and it was pronounced fully equal to the wellknown
make S. G. The metal made by this process when
struck vibrates like steel, thereby showing its purity
and strength. For rails, electric wire, springs,
chain cables, and indeed for all work requiring
good, sound, and pure metal, I think this make
will prove invaluable, and be an ultimate saving
of 15 to 25 per cent., from its superior tenacity
and durability. Not being practically engaged in the
trade, I labour under every disadvantage, in not being
able fully to carry out the required experiments in the
puddle and blast-furnace, and also in the make of
steel, but I am willing to treat with any respectable
firm for that purpose, and call the attention of the
trade to the following particulars, being convinced
that my invention will prove the most important
discovery of our time, should its further development
carry out the facts which the specimens indicate."
We do not think it necessary to publish the results of
experiments.

CAPTAIN KYNASTON'S DISENGAGING HOOKS.

week's article will also be apparent. The writer
says: From the noise and clatter of the cutting The United Service Gazette says: "The Cadmus,
Nom I was conducted to the elegant calmness of the 21, screw, Captain Hillyar, made a trial trip outside
weighing-room, a department handsomely fitted up, Plymouth Sound on Monday. Her engines, which
and looking like a show-room for elaborate chro- are by Penn, worked admirably, and the speed ob-
Dometers. Here is performed one of the most inte- tained was 11 knots. The first cutter fitted with
resting and delicate operations throughout the whole Kynaston's life-hooks was lowered while the ship was
Mint. Upon the counter, on ornamental iron stands, going nine knots, having besides her proper crew,
is a silent council of thirteen automaton balances, Admiral Kingcome, and Mr. Ward, Assistant to the
who pass judgment, individually, upon the work in
Chief Engineer at Keyham; and subsequently when
the foregoing departments, and decide with unerring going ten knots, the other cutter with two lieutenants
exactness upon the weight of the golden dumps. and some young ladies, in all sixteen persons. The
These automaton judges sit under glass cases, to pre-process of disengaging was so simple and easy, that
werve them from damp and dust, and they have the the party could scarcely believe they were clear of the
appearance of being a row of French skeleton clocks. ship until they saw her a hundred yards away from
The golden dumps that are passed into the weighing them. The Cadmus sailed on Wednesday for the
room, still looking like the aforesaid Irishman's brass Mediterranean.
button, are distributed amongst the balances, passing Mason, at Plymouth, has had her quarter-boats fitted
The Curacoa, 31, screw, Captain
down a receiving slide on to a strip of steel. This with Kynaston's life-hooks, in lieu of the patent boat-
strip of steel is made to advance and recede at certain lowering gear previously in use."
intervals, perhaps of a quarter of a minute, and at
each advance it pushes a blank on to a beautifully
poised scale table, sensitive to the slightest variations
of weight. For a few seconds the machine appears
to reflect, and then the golden dump is gently pushed
of the scale by the arrival of another piece on the
steel slide for judgment. The first, if "heavy," dis-
appears down the outer one of three flattened tubes;
it hight," down the inner one; and, if quite correct
in weight, down the centre compartment. By careful
manipulation much of the work is now made to fall
in the medium boxes, thereby effecting much saving
in the annual expenses of the Mint-a reform that is
stributable to the present working master and his
eperintendents."

The Government return of " gold, silver, and copper monies of the realm" struck at the Mint during the

NOTICES.

THE letters of Mr. Baker (Inland Revenue Department),
and of Mr. J. P. Drake, are unavoidably left over until

next week, as are the notices of several publications also.

The MECHANICS' MAGAZINE will be sent free by post to all subscribers of £1 1s. 8d., annually, payable in advance. Post Office Orders to be made payable to R. A. Brooman, at the Post Office, Fleet Street, London, E.C.

TO ADVERTISERS.

All Advertisements occupying less than half-a-column are charged at the rate of 5d. per line for any number of insertions less than 13; for 13 insertions, 4d. per line; and or 52 insertions, 3d. per line.

two.

Each line consists of 10 words, the first line counting as Wood-cuts are charged at the same rate as type for the space occupied.

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 abridgements 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 acknowledgement :-
STEAM ENGINES, &c., 2624, 2625, 2634.
BOILERS AND THEIR FURNACES, 2641.

ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and car-
riages, saddlery and harness, &c., 2597, 2605, 2637.
SHIPS AND BOATS, including their fittings, 2596, 2627.
CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural and hor-
ticultural implements and machines, 2607, 2635.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including apparatus for preparing
food for men and animals. None.
FIBROUS FABRICs, including machinery for treating fibres,
pulp, paper, &c., 2599, 2603, 2606, 2611, 2612, 2614, 2618.
BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS, including sewers,
drain-pipes, brick and tile machines, &c. None.
LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING, 2604, 2613, 2632.
FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils,
time-keepers, jewellery, musical instruments, &c., 2598,
2608, 2609, 2615, 2623.

METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture. None,
CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY, 2600, 2622.

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS, 2001, 2616, 2626.

WARFARE, 2619, 2631, 2633.
LETTER PRESS PRINTING &c. None.
MISCELLANEOUS, 2610, 2613, 2617, 2618, 2620, 2621, 2627,
2628, 2629, 2630, 2636, 2638, 2639.

2596. H. DOUGLAS. Improvements in screw propellers. Dated Nov. 17, 1858.

Here the inventor forms the advance edge of the propel

ler blades of a convex curved form so that the curve of the edge of the blade at the extreme end or periphery will be in the rear (as regards its position in the screw) of the inner termination of the curve, or that next the centres the curve is such that it produces an easy cleaving action in the water. The leading edges of the propeller blades are sharpened or serrated so as to clear the propeller from cordage, &c. Patent abandoned.

2597. W. CLARK. An improved bit or bridle for horses. (A communication.) Dated November 17, 1858. This bit is composed of a system of levers terminated by spoonbills or blades, which, by suitable reins, will approach and close the nostrils of the horse and suspend his respiration, and thus compel him to obey. Patent abandoned.

2598. S. RILEY. Improvements in the manufacture of hats, bonnets, and caps. Dated November 18, 1858. material to any part of the body or brim, either outside This consists in the application of any kind of elastic or inside of either hats, caps, or bonnets. Patent completed.

2599. C. COWPER. Improvements in assorting and separating combed fibres, and in machinery for that purpose. (A communication.) Dated November 18, 1858.

This invention is similar to those formerly patented by Mr. De Jongh. The present invention, however, is adapted for operating on fibres, when in the form of a sliver or band, instead of being in separate stricks or bundles. One or more slivers of combed fibres are fed into the assorting machine by a feeding apparatus composed of a gill or fibres, so that their projecting ends may be lashed into a porcupine roller, which brings forward and delivers such travelling comb, where the ends of the fibres so lashed

are held by a suitable apparatus, so that, by the back motion of the feeding apparatus, the fibres so held or nipped shall be drawn through the teeth of the feeding apparatus and detached from the sliver and left in the travelling comb. The travelling comb or holding surface will then carry forward such detached fibres, the projecting ends of which should be supported and held up in their proper one or more travelling combs working parallel to, and at jecting ends of the fibres, so as to leave projecting beyond the same speed as, the first-mentioned one, enter the prothe outermost travelling comb a length of the said fibres

position by suitable holders or guiders, until the needles of

sufficient to be taken hold of by the first drawing-off or nipping apparatus, after which, as the travelling combs go ready to be taken hold of and drawn off by a second forward, the outermost travelling comb goes away from and leaves the fibres, and so presents a fresh projecting end drawing-off or nipping apparatus, which is set nearer to the first-mentioned travelling holding comb, into which the fibres were lashed, and so on for each travelling comb, of which there may be one, two, or more, till the shortest fibres are drawn off from the first travelling holding comb. Patent completed.

2600. E. BRIOLLET. The obtaining of caloric by a new chemical and mechanical process. (A communication.) Dated Nov. 18, 1858.

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

2601. SIR C. T. BRIGHT. Improvements in insulators, and an improved mode of connecting insulators to posts and other supports. Dated Nov. 18, 1858.

This invention was described and illustrated at page 364, No. 23, of the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE (New Series). Patent completed.

2602. J. and H. SHARP. Improvements in Jacquard machines employed in weaving. Dated Nov. 18, 1858. This relates to working the cylinders or producing the oscillating motion thereof required in jacquard machinery, and the improvements consist in causing the cylinder to

beat up the cards thereon, to act upon the needles at such time only as they are free to move, or when the "grifes' or lifters have not hold of the hooks. Patent abandoned. 2603. H. STOTT. Improvements in warping mills, or apparatus connected therewith. Dated Nov. 18, 1858.

This consists in the use of a heck or apparatus for separating or "taking the lays" at the tail end of the warp. It is formed similar to the heck now in use for taking the lays at the head end of the warp, but instead of having eyes or holes for the threads to pass through, forks or slots open at the top, so that the separate lays can be lifted out at the openings thereof, are employed. Patent completed. 2004. J. LESLIE. Improvements in the manufacture of gas. Dated November 18, 1858.

This consists in subjecting mineral bituminous matters to distillation at low temperatures to obtain the products distilled over in a condensed liquid form, and then to subject such liquids to processes of purification, in order to fix or remove the ammonia, sulphur, &c., and then to subject the purified liquids to destructive distillation, by which a very pure gas is obtained. Patent completed.

2605. J. OAKES. Improvements in the manufacture of spurs. Dated November 18, 1858.

This consists in manufacturing spurs by striking or stamping them into form in suitable dies. Patent completed. 2006. J. M. MILLER and J. FEAR. Improvements in machinery for winding fibrous substances or materials when in the form of thread or yarn, on to the bobbins or wheels used in lace machinery. Dated November 18, 1858.

The object here is to enable a number of bobbins or reels to be wound at one time independently of each other under the superintendence of one person, so that each may be equally filled, that the thread or yarn may be kept steady while being wound on, and be readily cut, and that the reel may be prevented from overrunning. The patentees employ a revolving knife for cutting the thread, &c., at the proper time. They prevent overrunning by effecting the stoppage of the reel by pressure on the reel itself when the thread, &c., is cut or broken, and they keep the thread, &c., in a constant state of tension, steady it and prevent vibration by a peculiar contrivance. We cannot afford space for the details of the invention. Patent completed.

2607. D. STOTEN. Improvements in ploughshares. Dated November 18, 1858.

This consists in the application of hardened steel to the points of ploughshares. Patent abandoned.

2608. E. T. ARCHER. Improvements in hat ventilators, and appliances connected therewith. Dated Nov. 18, 1858. This consists in a method of making and fixing a brass ventilator in hats, in connection with which is a steel spring for holding railway tickets, cards, &c. Patent completed.

2609. B. RIDER. Improvements in ventilating hats and caps, and in the preparation or manufacture of the material of which those articles are made. Dated November 18, 1858.

This consists in ventilating hats, &c., by perforating the bodies before the silk or other covering is applied. The covering hides the perforations, but permits of the passage of air. It also consists in combining with paper, while in a state of pulp, long fibres of any fibrous material, or fibres or threads of cork for the production of material for the manufacture of hats, &c. Patent completed.

2610. P., E., and J. MARCHAND. A new process for refining lamp oil. Dated November 19, 1858.

The inventors take ten hectolitres of the oil of sessame, or linseed, or any other sort, which, being clarified, is poured into a boiler heated by steam or hot water. When heated to 75°, 5 per cent. of alkali at 282, mixed with onethird of salt, is poured in, and a pale oil, without smell or taste, is the result. This oil is next mixed with a certain quantity of waste or cake of native rape seed, turnip seed, or mustard seed of China, the whole put under the stompers, and subsequently submitted to the hydraulic press. The oil thus produced is boiled with per cent. of sulphuric acid and 10 per cent. of water; and, after being left to stand, is passed through a filter of charcoal or sawdust. Patent abandoned.

2611. J. Baown. Certain improvements in index and Jacquard machines. Dated November 19, 1858.

The object here is to dispense with the weights and springs in index and Jacquard machines to draw down the healds or harness. For this purpose the inventors make use of two grifes, one of which raises the hooks up and the other depresses them. These grifes act upon a double hook of an improved shape, or upon two hooks of the usual shape: the hooks are connected to top and bottom jacks. It also consists in a mode of turning round the Jacquard cylinder. To the Jacquard cylinder is fixed a bevil-wheel, gearing into another bevil-wheel, loose on a shaft, which is driven by the crank-shaft or tappet-shaft of the loom. This wheel has catches taking into a catchbox fixed on the said shaft, and sufficient play is left between the catches to allow the cylinder to be moved from the needles before it is turned round. There are modifications included. Patent abandoned.

2612. W. S. HAYWARD. Improvements in the minufacture of a glutinous and viscous substance or dextrine to be used in the manufacture of paper, and in dressing tertile fabrics, by which greater tenaciousness, smoothness of surface and body are obtained. Dated November 19, 1858.

Here the patentee first subjects the starch to the action of a weak solution of nitric or nitro-sulphuric acid, sprinkling the latter over it; the strength of this solution will vary and depend upon the quality of the starch used; generally a useful preparation will be one of acid to 25 of water, and the quantity of solution used may be about an eighth or tenth of the mass of starch operated upon. He then subjects the whole mass to the action of heat, and this preferably by an arrangement so that an equable tempertaure may be maintained, as by a sand, air, or steam bath. He continues the action of the bath until the liquor is evaporated, and so long as no change takes place in the colour of the resulting product. He then removes it, and grinds it down to a powder. Patent completed.

2613. G. Howe and J. NORTON. An improved method of boiling water or worts for breweries, distilleries, &c., by steam, or for heating rooms, public buildings, churches, chapels, factories, &c. Dated November 19, 1858.

The patentees fix their apparatus to any ordinary boiler, by attaching an outlet-pipe to the same, with taps and valves, which pipe connects the water or steam with a coil pipe, which coil pipe is introduced into a boiling pan or vat, thereby causing the liquid in the pan or vat to boil quickly. The pipe is then carried from the pan or vat into the boiler, thereby returning any condensed or waste steam. Patent completed.

2614. S. C. and J. LEACH. Certain improvements in the construction of "self-acting temples," to be employed in looms for wearing. Dated November 19, 1858.

This consists in the use of wooden rollers revolving upon an axis, each furnished with pins or points, and with guards or covers moving upon the same axis. These rollers or temples are mounted at each end of a horizontal bar, which extends across the loom (its upper surface being level with the peripheries of the temples), and is jointed near the middle of its length to be adjustable to the width of the loom, and also at each end for the adjustment of the temples. The horizontal bar is riveted or hinge-jointed upon brackets, so that it may vibrate laterally upon such brackets, which are secured to the framing of the loom. The fabric is distended between the temples, and bears upon the upper surface of the bar, which has the effect of distending the fabric in a direct line across the loom, and of preventing the usual curving thereof, as when any uneven strain is exerted upon the fabric, the temples and bar move laterally, and thereby equalize the tension of the fabric. Patent abandoned.

2615. J. EDWARDS. Improvements in the manufacture of trouser buttons. Dated November 19, 1858. This relates to the use of prepared paper, &c., to the manufacture of trouser buttons, so arranged as to form the front of the buttons, or placed between the back and front after the front has been ornamented by piercing, so as to allow the paper to show through the opening, and for colouring the same in the way that steel pens are coloured. Patent abandoned.

2616. W. HANCOCK. Improvements in the manufacture of electric telegraph wires and cables. Dated Nov. 19, 1858. This consists in the use, as an insulating material, of a compound composed of gutta-percha, or india-rubber, of a shellac, resin, Venice turpentine, &c. Also, in the preparation of the conducting wire by passing it through a cement composed of asphalte or bitumen, and Venice turpentine, either with or without the addition of shellac, resin, &c. Patent completed.

2617. C. F. VASSEROT. An improved apparatus for condensing and cooling vapours and liquids. (A communication.) Dated November 19, 1858.

This consists of a cylindrical vessel divided into two portions, an inner and an outer, each possessing nearly the same sectional area. A pair of copper sheets is placed parallel, having a small space between their surfaces; these sheets are then wound spirally within the outer portion of the cylindrical vessel. At one extremity of the said vessel is a series of tubes, communicating at one end with the spaces between each of the convolutions of the copper plates, and with their other ends terminating in a vessel of cold water, which is applied for the condensing purpose. Another vessel serves to receive the condensed liquid. A similar arrangement of tubes and vessels is placed at the other extremity of the apparatus, the tubes serving to carry off the water which has condensed or cooled the liquid, and the vessels to receive the fluid to be condensed and to distribute it between the surfaces of the copper plates. Patent abandoned.

2618. H. H. HENSON. Improvements in waterproofing fabrics or materials. Dated November 19, 1858.

This relates to a former patent, and consists in the use in connection with any fabric treated with adhesive materials of solutions of chloride of zinc, a mixture of solutions of hydrated protoxide of lead, and sulphate or acetate of alumina, or both, or any soluble salt of alumina, or a mixture of a solution of silicate of soda, or silicate of potash and hydrated oxide of lead, or a mixture of solutions of nitrate of lead, acetate of lead, and sulphate of alumina, or soda, alum, manganese, or any of the double sulphates, or the elements or equivalents thereof, for rendering fabrics surface water-proof by immersion, pressure, or exhaustion. Patent completed.

2619. W. RAMSCAR AND J. G. SCOTT. Improvements in fire-arms. Dated November 19, 1858.

Here the patentees bore the breech end of the barrel so as to admit a metal case for holding the charge, or to admit any prepared cartridge having its exterior of the same size and shape as the metal case, which latter is furnished with a nipple for percussion caps, and the cartridge with a pin communicating with the explosive compound. Or they make the breech of the same diameter as the barrel, without any recess, so that the cartridge may go with the charge. The case or cartridge is kept in its place by a droplid turning upon a joint at the side, and held when required by a locker. In the lid there is a moveable plug furnished with a spring, one end of the plug corresponding with the nipple, or pin, and the other with the hammer. They raise the lid by hand, or cause it to be acted upon by one or more springs, so that it may be lifted immediately after the piece has been fired. When the piece is at full cock, and the drop-lid pulled back, the case or cartridge can be placed in or withdrawn from the recess with great facility. When the charged case with its nipple, covered with a cap, is placed in the recess, and the drop-lid locked, the piece is ready for firing, the hammer striking the plug, which acts on the percussion cap, or upon the pin when the prepared cartridge is used instead of the case. Patent completed.

2620. E. A. PONTIFEX. Improvements in external surface condensers. Dated Nov. 19, 1858.

This consists in fixing the transverse tubes in surface condensers at one end only, and in uniting the tubes to the

[blocks in formation]

This relates to a former patent, dated 25th Sept., 1858. For quickening the decomposition of the carbonate of lime, instead of utilizing the action only of but one chemical affinity, two chemical affinities are here developed, which act in the same manner for producing a similar decomposition of carbonate of lime. Patent completed.

2623. A. FELTON. Improvements in fastening buttons and studs to dress and other articles. Dated Nov. 19, 1858.

This consists in securing the buttons, studs, &c., by a hollow stem projected through the substance to which it is to be fastened, and the edge turned down and spread out in the form of a lip or flange, and in the manner of forming eyelets. Patent abandoned.

2624 J. E. F. LUEDEKE. Improvements in motive power-engines. Dated Nov. 19, 1858.

Here the inventor employs the power of magnetism to sustain a column or columns of fluid in a chamber or chambers, and above its natural level in a reservoir below. Patent abandoned.

2625. W. MARSHALL. Improvements in steam engines. Dated Nov. 19, 1858.

According to this invention, as applied for marine purand small inverted steam cylinder disposed in line athwart poses in screw propelling, each engine consists of a large ship. The larger cylinder is inverted upon the top of an open supporting frame, the connecting rod working down direct to the crank or screw propeller shaft. To the piston rod joint there is also connected the inner end of a horizontal lever working upon a fixed centre, the other end of such lever being jointed to the top of a connecting rod working the air-pump bucket or piston. The air pump is disposed on the engine sole plate, or foundation to one side of the keel line of the ship, and directly above it is placed the small inverted steam cylinder carried on a suitable open frame or pedestal. The piston rod of this smaller cylinder is connected to the air-pump lever beneath, so that the piston moves in concert with the air-pump bucket. The steam at its normal pressure is primarily supplied to the smaller or high-pressure steam cylinder, and it is then exported into the larger one in the usual manner of doublecylinder expansive engines. There are modifications included. Patent completed.

2626. J. H. JOHNSON. Improvements in the construction of telegraph cables or conductors. (A communication.) Dated Nov. 19, 1858.

This consists in covering the conductors with plaited, braided, or interwoven strands of hemp, flax, &c. Patent completed.

2627. A. J. THORMAN. Improvements in chain cables and chains. Dated November 19, 1858.

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

2623. J. EASTON, sen., and C. E. Amos. Improved apparatus applicable to drains, sewers, and water-courses for the purpose of removing extraneous solid matters therefrom. Dated November 19, 1858.

This invention was described at page 363, No. 23 of the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE (New Series). Patent completed. 2629. A. V. NEWTON. Improved apparatus for transmitting motive power. (A communication.) Dated Nov. 19, 1858.

This relates to the use of a peculiar arrangement of balance or fly-wheel and cranks for transmitting motion in machinery, and rendering the momentum of the fly-wheel more effective in carrying the cranks past their dead points than when a wheel is applied in the ordinary manner in combination with cranks, whereby, in connection with the use of a load at one point in the periphery of the wheel, the centrifugal force generated in the wheel is rendered available as motive power. The invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

2630. T. S. CRESSEY. Improvements in machinery used in the manufacture of casks. Dated Nov. 19, 1858. To cut the edges of a stave to the proper curve and bevil, a circular saw-bench is used, on which a bar is fixed longitudinally, and to this bar is applied a flexible template of steel by screws and nuts, so as to admit of the flexible template being varied in its curvature to suit the size and make of cask desired. The wood for making a stave is fixed on a carriage, which is caused to move past the circular saw. This carriage has an arm at each end, to each of which a roller or truck is applied, which comes against the flexible template as the carriage is moved past the circular saw. The upper surface of the carriage is hinged at its inner edge to the bed-plate or frame of the carriage so that it may be made to assume an inclined position according to the degree of bevil desired to be given to the edge of a stave, and the degree of inclination of the upper surface of the carriage is adjusted by a wedge-formed gauge, which is graduated for different sizes of casks; and according as such guage is passed more or less under the upper surface of the carriage in which the wood for a stave is fixed, so will be the degree of bevil produced on the wood when it has been moved past the circular saw. The wood is held in the upper surface of the carriage by its ends in any suitable way, and it is correctly placed in the carriage by the aid of an adjustable stop or stops on the saw-bench, and a spring and adjusting frame on the upper surface of the carriage. Patent completed.

2631. R. WARRY. Loading cannon at the breech. Dated Nov. 20, 1858.

Here the cannon is cast solid and bored from muzzle to breech through the cascable. Midway between the cascable and trunnions is a conical cylindrical plug or tumbler which is fastened to the left side of the gun by a steel

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