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1873. K. Bühring. An improvement in obtaining spring power, and in its application to various purposes.

1874. R. L. Watts, J. Offord, and J. R. Thomas. A method of condensing and consuming smoke and other products of coals, ores, and similar substances, and reducing them to useful materials.

1875. H. T. Lambert. Improved apparatus to be adapted to ships' tackle or boats, for the purpose of facilitating the disengaging of ships' boats when lowered into the water. A communication.

1876. E. Sloman. An improved feed water and heating apparatus. A communication.

1877. J. R. Rostron. Improvements in locomotive

furnaces.

1878. C. MATHER. Improvements in machinery for stretching, drying, and finishing fabrics.

Dated Aug. 15, 1859.

1879. S. Harrison. Broiling of chops or any other kind of meat.

1880. J. Jeyes. An improvement in the manufac ture of boots and shoes.

1881. C. Kisky and W. Jones. Improvements in the construction of sideboards.

1882. C. Glassbrow. Improvements in pianos. 1883. J. Chanter and D. Annan. Improvements in apparatus for supplying air to furnaces.

1884. E. Stone. Improvements in machinery for cutting veneers. A communication.

1885. J. Poupard. A certain elastic combination to be used for blackleading stoves and other ironwork. Dated Aug. 16, 1859.

1887. H. Batchelor. Improvements in steam and other motive power engines.

1889. W. Gossage. Improvements in the treatment of certain offensive liquids and of noxious gases liberated from such liquids.

1890. J. C. Haddan. Improvements in wads for projectiles, and in projectiles to be used therewith. 1891. J. C. Haddan. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for rifling cannon.

Dated Aug. 17, 1859.

1893. H. Medlock. Improvements in Portland and Roman cement, lime, and other similar kilns or furnaces.

1895. R. A. Brooman. Improvements in locks and keys. A communication.

1897. A. Yockney. Improvements in refining and compounding oils or fatty matters with other stances for lubricating and other purposes.

Dated Aug. 18, 1859.

1443. J. Luis. Gas burners. A communication. 1444. L. Barroux. Railroad. 1500. G. T. Bousfield. Winding. A communication.

1572. E. A. Wood. Raising and lowering boats. 1601. J. Luis. Washing wool. A communication. 1749. C. W. Smith. Electric telegraphs. 1774. W. Campbell and G. Worstenholm. Nails. Partly a communication.

1840. G. T. Bousfield. Vulcanizable gums. A communication.

1843. J. D. Bryant. Lime. 1872. J. Stuart. Nets.

1903. W. Wilson. Earthenware.

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.

PATENTS ON WHICH THE THIRD YEAR'S STAMP

DUTY HAS BEEN PAID. 2006. B. A. Graautoff and C. H. W. Albrecht.

2007. T. Watson.

2023. J. Gregory. 2058. G. Anderson. 2102. C. Brook, jun.

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150 0 10
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153 2 9 1680 10 1830 3 1980 10 2140 8 2290 3
1540 4 169 0 3 1840 3 1990 3 2150 3 2300 6
1550 10 1700 10 1850 10 1900 3 2162 8 2310 3
156 0 10 1710 7 1860 3 2010 3 217 1 1 2320 3
157,0 3 1720 4 1870 3 202,0 6 2181 6 2330 3
1580 3 1730 3 1880 3 2030 10 2190 3 2340 6
15910 6
1740 3 1890 7 2040 3 2200 3

NOTE. Specifications will be forwarded by post from the Great Seal Patent Office (publishing department) on resub-ceipt of the amount of price and postage. Sums exceeding 5s. must be remitted by Post Office Order, made pavable at the Post Office, High Holborn, to Mr. Bennet Woodcroft, Great Seal Patent Office.

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NOTICES OF INTENTION TO PROCEED WITH PATENTS.

(From the London Gazette, Aug. 30, 1859.) 949. G. Ashcroft. Hydraulic machines. 954. J. Glasgow and S. Hand. Circular motion. 967. J. Luis. Raising water. A communication. 992. Q. Beck. Stoves. A communication. 1008. E. Clark. Sewing machinery. A communication.

1020. P. L. M. Debain. Motive power. 1024. R. A. Brooman. Manufacture of cloth. A communication.

1025. J. Marshall, jun. Filtering fluids. 1036. A. W. Gadesden. Sugar.

1037. E. Humphrys. Steering.

1039. H. C. Hurry. Motive power. 1045. W. E. Newton.

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1050. J. H. Johnson. Fibrous substances. A communication.

1061. T. Lacey. Gas regulators.

1062. Sir T. T. Grant. Cooking apparatus. 1067. R. Harrington. Umbrellas and parasols. 1072. J. Wheat. Drilling machines. 1076. W. Corbett and W. Carmont. Furnaces. 1079. E. A. Porteus and W. H. Burke. Presses. 1107. W. Clark. Alkalies. A communication. 1129. W. Clark. Drills. A communication. 1259. E. Pasquier. Drying wool.

1318. T. Wilson. Fire-arms and ordnance. 1440. S. Levy. Coverings for the head.

LIST OF MISCELLANEOUS TENDERS IN VITED, AND ENGAGEMENTS OPEN. The tenders and vacancies which appear in this weekly list are not repeated in succeeding numbers. HARBOUR WORK, Scotland.-For the Elgin and Lossiemouth Harbour Company. Contractors are wanted for the excavation and completion of a new bason, and for building a sea-wall, according to plans, sections, and specifications prepared by J. Abernethy, Esq., C.E., London; to be seen at the Town Clerk's Office, Elgin; or at the Harbour Office, Lossiemouth. Tenders with Mr. Duff, Town Clerk, Elgin, noon, September 10. RAILWAY, Ireland.-The plans, sections, working drawings, and specifications of the extension from Newtonards to Donaghadee, with branch to Bangor, of the Belfast and County Down Railway, are now for inspection at the office of the Company, Queen's Quay, Belfast. "The day for receiving and opening tenders will be stated in the specification," the advertisement says. WROUGHT-IRON BRIDGE, Victoria Railway--Tenders are invited for the girders of a wrought-iron bridge for the above railway. Specifications, 4 Abchurch-lane, and further information J. K. Brunel, Esq., 18 Duke-street, Westminster. Tenders to De Pass and Sons, 4 Abchurchlane, September 6, before 3 o'clock.

ROLLING STOCK, Victoria Railway.-For 4 first-class carriages, 4 second-class and 1 break van. Specifications, 4 Abchurch-lane, Tenders before 4 o'clock September 12, to Messrs. De Pass and Sons. RAILS, London, Brighton, and South Coast.--For the supply of 1,000 tons of double-headed rails, 75 lbs. per yard. Specifications and forms of the Storekeeper, Mr. W. Walker, Railway Terminus, Brighton. Tenders to Mr. Frederick Slight. Secretary, London-bridge Terminus, by 10 a.m., September 8. WATER WORKS, Skipton.-For the construction of a Reservoir, Filter Beds, Grating Tank, Regulating Tank, Pine Water Tank, Bye Wash, and other works connected, Plans. &c., of Mr. T. Curley, C.E., Local Board of Health Engineer's office, Skipton. Tenders, Mr. Calvert, Skipton, Clerk to Skipton Water Works Company. CAST-IRON SCRUBBERS, Burnley.-For the erection of 4 cast-iron scrubbers, with 15 inch slides, valves, forcepump, and connections complete, for the Burnley Improvement Commissioners. Plans and specifications at the Gas Works, Burnley. Tenders to W. M. Coultate, Esq., Burnley, Chairman, September 5. WATER-PIPES, Cheshire.-The directors of the Wirral Water Works Company are prepared to receive tenders for the delivery of water-pipes, according to specifications for the townships of Oxton, Tranmere, Prenton,

Rock Ferry, in Bebington, &c. Specifications, Mr. Cunningham, Engineer, 5 Cook-street, Liverpool. No date given.

SEWERING, PAVING, &c., Manchester.-For sewering, levelling, paving, flagging, channeling, and completing the parts of 4 streets within the Newton district. Particulars, Messrs. Corbett and Raby, Surveyors to the Newton Heath Local Board of Health, Queen's Chamber, Market-street, Manchester, September 15. STONE BRIDGE, Blackburn.-For the erection of a stone bridge across the river Ribble, in the jurisdiction of the Blackburn and Preston Turnpike Road and Bridge Trustees. Plans, &c., with printed forms, Clerk of the Trustees, Sharrock Fold, Blackburn; to whom tenders, September 14. NEW SEWERS, Derby.-Also the construction of flushing cisterns, side entrances, &c., in several roads and streets. Plans and drawings, Offices of the Local Board of Health, Full-street, Derby. Tenders to September 6th. CEMETERY WORK, Bacup.-For the draining, excavating, and boundary-walling at the new cemetery, Fairwell. Plans, &c., Office of Mr. S. Hall, Clerk to the Burial Board, Irwell Terrace, Bacup, on September 12. Tenders. FOUR COTTAGES, Staffordshire.-For the erection of four cottages at Gnosal, belonging to the trustees of charities. Plans, &c., at the school-house. Tenders, Rev. J. Fill, Gnosal Parsonage, September 8.

BUILDINGS, Spaldington, near Howden, East Yorkshire.For various buildings upon the estate of Sir H. Mervyn Vavasour, Bart. Plans, &c., after Monday next at the residence of Mr. Carmichael, Spaldington; and a duplicate copy at 22 Sackville-street, London, up to Sept. 8; afterward at 17 Tenant-street, Derby; at which two last-named places bills and forms, the architects being Messrs. Stevens and Robinson, of Derby and London. Tenders by noon, Sept. 12, to Sir Henry M. Vayasour. SCHOOL AND MASTER'S RESIDENCE, Llanairk, near Aberayton.-Plans, &c., Rev. D. J. Jones, Vicar of Llanaith, or at Mr. Withers, Architect, 51 Doughty-street, London. Tenders to Sept. 10th.

PEWTER WARE, Nary.-The contract for period of 4 years certain, commencing January 1, 1860. Forms and information, Steward's Office, Greenwich. Tenders, Sept. 8, at Greenwich Hospital.

MARKS OF DISTINCTION, Nary.-For supplying and delivering into Her Majesty's Victualling Stores at Deptford, Gosport, and Plymouth, all such marks of distinction for petty officers and leading seamen of Her Majesty's Navy as shall from time to time be demanded under a contract for 12 months certain, and further until the expiration of 12 months' warning. Patterns at the office of Comptroller for Victualling, and at the Victualling Yards at Gosport and Plymouth, where may be seen the recent modification of the conditions of the contract, to which particular attention is drawn. Tenders, Sept. 8. ROAD SURVEYOR -The trustees of the Yoker and Great Western Roads will elect a Surveyor to fill a vacancy that has just occurred, on the 14th inst., at two o'clock, at the George Hotel, George Square, Glasgow. Applications to the Clerk of the Roads, Glasgow, Sept. 14. MANAGER FOR TAR AND AMMONIA WORKS.-For the country. One with a practical knowledge of artificial manure making will be liberally treated with. Address, Walmsley and Co., Advertising Agents, 4 Old Millgate, Manchester.

SETTER OF CARDING ENGINES.-Composed of rollers, clearers, and flats. A man with a knowledge of roving frames preferred. Victoria Mills, Pacricroft, Manchester. FOREMAN ENGINEER.- Competent to take charge of erecters and fitters, and assist in the general management of an engine works of about 40 hands. Address, in confidence, stating qualifications and terms expected, C. 30 Office of the Manchester Examiner. ENGINE FITTER.-Accustomed to locomotive work. Constant employment. No club-man need apply. Address, F. 55, Office Manchester Examiner.

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THE

MECHANICS' MAGAZINE.

LONDON, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1859.

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the writer goes on to say, "The impression | held by a class whose sympathies are not ex-
"left in our mind by the experiments on board
"the screw frigates is, that there is a consider-
"able excess of power developed, which is, in
"fact, wasted, and that the waste retards rather
"than accelerates the speed." "We see no
reason to doubt that the Orlando would attain
"a higher rate of speed with 500 or 600 horse
How a sensible man could write such nonsense
"power, moderately used, than with 1,000."
as this, we are at a loss to conceive. Is it ne-
cessary to tell any of our readers that the power
of an engine can be reduced at a moment's
notice, as much as ever we please? Why, the
ordinary steaming of the Orlando, and of every
ship in the Royal Navy, is performed with only
one-half the real power of the engines, and
it is only on extraordinary occasions that their
full power is called out. The officers of the

OUR SCREW SHIPS. "THERE is," says the old proverb, "( no royal "road to learning," nor is there, we are persuaded, to excellence or worth of any kind. We nearly always estimate the value of any production of hand or brain by the amount of manual or mental labour which has been bestowed upon it. The capacity to toil and to endure is our human capital, and is the source of nearly all human success. Perhaps none are more sensible of this than literary men. They know it to be possible to spin out a few new ideas or facts into lines and columns, and even to reproduce old ones with soine show of fresh-ship may always discover what effect a reduc-have not always been unsuccessful, and rumours

ness; but they know also that, even commercially, the value of what they write is dependent upon the amount of useful material embodied in it. A new fact is the virgin ore of the journalist, which is made to assume a thousand forms, and serve a thousand purposes, as it passes on from hand to hand. But "all is not gold that glitters" much base metal is turned to account by unscrupulous or ignorant workren, and may long escape detection. We have instances of this constantly before our eyes in our periodical literature, especially with regard to scientific matters; and we think it our duty to notice a recent case, not only because it appears in a journal which has some pretensions to authority in the matters of which it treats, but because the article in question has been transferred to the columns of the Times, and may work mischief. We refer to a leading article which appeared in the United Service Gazette of the 3rd inst., on 66 Our Screw Ships." It is asserted that "we go on building and "altering" our ships of war "without any visi"ble improvement. Ships and engines are con"structed at an enormous cost, and when "completed we find no perceptible gain." To support this statement they say: "The Agamemnon, a two-decker, one of the first ships "built for the screw, steamed 13 knots with “650 horse power; the Mersey, a single-decked "ship, nearly 100 feet longer, and with 1,000 "horse power, goes very little faster, while the "Orlando, another single-decked ship, 50 feet longer than the Mersey, with power working "up to 4,000 horses, has only been propelled "about a half knot more than the Agamemnon. "On the other hand, we have the Himalaya "doing 16 knots with 700-horse power, only "partially exerted."

Now, this is an entire tissue of mis-statements. The Mersey is 70 feet longer than the Agamemnon, instead of 100 feet; and the Orlando is exactly the same length as the Mersey, instead of being 50 feet longer; so that while the Orlando is made out to be nearly 150 feet longer than the Agamemnon, she is really but 70 feet longer. The Agamemnon of 600, not 650, nominal horse power has, we believe, never obtained a greater speed than that recorded in the Admiralty Tables, recently published by us, viz, 11 knots, while both the Mersey and the Orlando have reached 13 knots or 15 miles per hour. Again, the nominal horse power of the Himalaya is 700, but when the engines were worked up to 2,014 horses power the speed was 12922 knots instead of "16 knots "with 700-horse power, partially exerted!" With the piece of gossip that the "General "Admiral is said to go 15 knots," we have nothing to do; we can only say we do not believe it.

After making these remarkable statements,

tion of engine power would have upon her, even
for the difference in the draught of water caused
taking into account the reduction in weight;
by taking out the coals will generally be much
greater than by any reduction which could be
made in the weight of engines; so that by re-
gulating the quantity of coals in the bunkers
While we possess such a simple means of ex-
they can assume what conditions they please.
perimenting, and while, moreover, we have such
a mass of experiments already made, it is idle
to discuss such cases as that of the Vectis, which,
with 400 horse power," but "goes 14 with
we are informed, "would only steam 14 knots
"250." For anything we know to the con-
the small engines, and therefore the quantity of
trary the effective horses' power developed by
fuel consumed, may have been greater than by

the large ones.

tended to the worker, whether he be right or wrong in his struggle against capital; but they must lower the press in the eyes of many men who perforce have had this theme before them during long weeks of anxiety-perhaps of privation. In poverty and hunger these men have stronger appeals to urge the present expediency of submission than any they can receive from the Times or from the Globe. We believe they are ready to learn their own interests from those who are capable of teaching, and who they have reason to think will advocate the same. But they must see, in presence of past experience, the absurdity of condemning without qualification the course they have followed, or of accusing them of folly upon other premises than that of ultimate failure. Nor can this premise be assumed without contradiction. Strikes of strikes have not always been without benefit. and labour remain unaltered, the strike of the So long as the present relations between capital workman on the one hand, and the discharge of the labourer when no longer required on the other, must be converse and necessary phenomena in the history of supply and demand.

of the question, it is evident that the ultimate Leaving all other questions of expediency out result of success or non-success can alone decide the policy of this particular movement. To tell the working men that they are wrong in their it can be fairly asserted one way or the otherpolicy before this result is proved-before even is a presumption and a fallacy. We believe selves, are necessary only in rare and exceptional ourselves that "strikes," so detrimental in themcases. In the present instance, if unsuccessful,

it will be evident that the strike was not called There is really no ground whatever for the for by the conditions of the labour market. assertion that we find " no perceptible gain" in But, on the other hand, the principle which has Orlando is, reasoning from the Agamemnon, as ducive to the ultimate interests of the employed our ships of war. The speed of the Mersey and led to this manifestation is probably more conhigh as could be expected when the difference in than would be a tame submission to the dictates the immersion of the screw is taken into acof capital. The value of labour, like that of is known to be defective, the indicated horse agreement between the buyer and the seller; count. According to the ordinary theory, which any other commodity, must be fixed by mutual varies as the cube of the speed. We should without dispute. When the true value cannot power in the same ship, or in similar ships, and this agreement cannot always be arrived at therefore conclude that if 1,839 horses' power be recognized, and a misunderstanding arises, gave 11 knots in the Agamemnon, as they did, the difference of opinion may be prejudicial to knots. No one at all acquainted with the sub-than if the question had been left in the hands 4,000 horses' power would give a little over 14 both buyer and seller; but less so to the latter ject would have expected to realise this in the of the former alone. Nor are there any grounds miralty are very well satisfied with the results of a quarrel, or the occasion of vindictive feelMersey and Orlando, and we believe the Ad- to make this difference of opinion the subject they have obtained in those ships.

THE BUILDERS' STRIKE AND

LOCK-OUT.

ing. It is to be observed, in opposition to the argument of a distinguished contemporary,* that what in this case occurs individually may also occur collectively; for competition alone can by no means always determine the actual value of a commodity, and, indeed, often tends to lower the price in undue measure.

IT must be with some degree of diffidence and
caution that an impartial writer will treat such
a question as the strike in the building trades
which for some time has engaged public atten-
Among those who would insist upon the sub-
tion. In the first instance, it is a question serviency of labour to the dictum of capital,
which mainly regards the masters and the men, there may be many who consider it as a neces-
and can be decided by them alone. Hitherto sary principle, and conducive to the interests of
the law has pronounced neither to be aggrieved. the employed. A portion of those who hold
Both parties may be presumed in practice to be this view may be capable of sympathy with
the best judges of their own position and in-labour, and willing to recognize its claims. But
terests. And consequently there is no occasion these cannot go so far as to ascribe moral wrong
for any violent intermeddling on the part of the to the artizan who would raise the commercial
public or of the press. Newspaper articles such value of his labour by carrying out in practice
as we have lately seen-flippant and somewhat the opposite opinion. Those who would meet
arrogant in their tone, upholding capital on
the assertion of a natural right with the oppro-
principle, and blaming the workmen on the in-brium bestowed upon the disturbers of "order,"
adequate grounds that he disturbs the conve-
or the disciples of democratic notions, must be
nience of his late employers in adopting what influenced by the selfish and illiberal prejudice
he considers the most effectual means of ad- of class, which is equally incompetent to form
vancing his own interests-can only serve to
an unbiassed judgment and unworthy to take
irritate and strengthen the mutual opposition. part in a discussion involving the interests of
They may harmonize with the ideas of "order"

The Saturday Review,

the working classes. The sympathies of such men must ever be adverse to the cause of labour, and their opinion is worthy of little respect or consideration. If sympathy, instead of calm and practical discrimination, were called for, it should be due to those men who are engaged in an unequal struggle to maintain their convictions, rather than to the possessors of that capital which has been accumulated by means of their toil, and which, intrenched in the "Three per cents.," can cry-Vae victis, starved be the vanquished!

The above considerations have, we think, been too much neglected in the discussions which the press has set up respecting the present labour dispute. A former article of ours will have been sufficient to show that we are far from sympathizing with the despotic tendencies of trades' unions, and other like associations. At the same time we should grieve to have it thought that we are insensible to facts of an opposite complexion; for we are fairly persuaded that no good can come from any advocacy in which either master or man is denied what is due to him.

THE WOOLWICH EXPERIMENTS ON CAST IRON.

A "BLUE BOOK" nearly two inches thick, consisting mainly of complicated tables, is not a pleasant thing to write upon; but such a book is the topic of the present article. We cannot hope, therefore, to make ourselves particularly agreeable in what we are about to say; at the same time we hope, by aid of the Report before us, to make ourselves instructive.

On the 5th of June, 1856, Lieut.-Colonel F. Eardley-Wilmot, superintendent of our Royal gun factories, wrote to the Right Hon. W. Monsell, M.P., Under Secretary of State for War, as follows:-"I beg," he said, "to call "attention to the desirableness of enlarging the "series of experiments as to the best quality of "iron for cannon. The question is one of great importance as regards the public service, and "the improvement of an important branch of "British industry. A true and valuable result "can only be arrived at by the possession of "satisfactory data; we are now in a position to “make the necessary experiments. The cost of "procuring the sample of iron as proposed in "the accompanying advertisement, will be "small compared with the magnitude and value "of the results, in a national point of view. I beg to suggest that the enclosed advertisement "be put in the public papers herein detailed, "and that the replies and communications be "forwarded to me when received. By this means Her Majesty's Government will furnish "for their own use, and for the nation, a series "of data of the highest value and importance." The "advertisement" alluded to in this letter was published in the public prints on the 9th of June, 1856, and announced that the inquiries would comprise chemical analyses, specific gravity, tenacity, torsion, transverse strain, compressibility, impact, rending, and elasticity. Samples of not less than five cwt. of pig iron, with a small quantity of the fuel, flux, and ore employed, were to be sent in. A statement was also to accompany the samples, giving all particulars, and specifying that the sample of iron was of the first or second melting, as the case might be; also that the samples had been taken at random, and that similar iron can be produced in quantity. None that had been melted more than twice was to be received.

66

A great number of ironmasters responded to the invitation thus given, and a series of experiments, of an extensive and laborious character, was at once commenced, under the superinten

|

dence of Colonel Wilmot. The specimens have with large masses of iron of several tons, the all been tested by Mr. M'Kinlay (the proof-effect produced is not so marked. It would master) and his assistants, who conducted the appear, we are told, that without any considertrials. They were roughly prepared in the fac-able diminution of the impurities in the metal, tory, and accurately finished by Robert as silicon, sulphur, and phosphorus, a consiM'Kenzie; the specific gravities were taken by derable increase of tenacity and specific gravity George Simm; and the necessary computations can be obtained. The graphite is partially were by Robert Smith, computer. The subject expelled, and some of it is converted into comis one of considerable interest and difficulty; bined carbon, and the contraction and crystaland the publication of the results will, it is lisation is more energetic and complete. This justly hoped, be followed by the careful ex- combined carbon can, it is thought by some, on amination of them "by many of those able men again re-melting the mass and very slowly coolwhose writings on subjects of cast iron, and ing it, be re-converted to graphite, rendering "the strength of materials generally, are well the iron soft and fusible. This is undoubtedly "known." the case with the product of the refinery prothis principle, formed the subject of a patent, cess known as "metal," the use of which, on by Dr. Price, in 1856.

66

The term "cast iron," as describing any specific material, does not (we are told in the report) convey to the mind of those connected with such experiments any more positive There is a point not, probably, accurately quality than what may be gathered from the determined, at which the maximum hardness use of the term "wood" in speaking of that corresponding to the maximum tenacity may be material. The remarkable range of the various found. In an iron cannon there is, however, qualities of different samples is scarcely more required an elasticity in addition to other quamarked in the latter than in the former; and, lities, when these qualities are not in excess to in addition, the same iron treated in a different such an extraordinary degree as to render the manner, as regards the apparently simple pro- mass so strong and rigid as to obviate any cess of melting or cooling, assuines a different danger of disruption. It has been found in the character. The general result of a considerable various experiments made at Woolwich, that number of experiments made on this point is in most cases where the specific gravity is 73 shown in the Table given in the foot-note or upwards, the metal is unsuited to gun purbelow. In the Woolwich experiments there poses, on account of its hardness and want of has been no intention of ascertaining any data elasticity; while the same iron, treated in the relative to the most suitable mixtures of various furnace for a shorter time, and being when cast brands of iron, or of making experiments as to of a lower specific gravity and less tenacity, the treatment of any particular iron with re- would have resisted more satisfactorily the exference to improving its quality; the object has plosion of the powder. "In the case of a cylin been simply to ascertain which quality as pur- "drical round bar 26 feet long and 7 inches chasable in the market, or when specially sup- "diameter, cast vertically, the following speciplied, is suitable for the particular purpose of (6 mens were taken. The mixture is similar to making cannon. The iron has all, therefore, "that used at the time for making guns, and been treated in a precisely similar manner, and was melted in a single furnace charged with with few exceptions in the same furnace, which "33 cwt. 2 qrs., and occupied 2 hours 15 was kept free for the purpose. The pigs were "minutes in melting. Two discs in immediate broken, and where a variety of appearance was 66 contact with one another, cach furnishing two found turnings of each were mingled together "tensile specimens, were cut off from the top, and examined as a mean sample for analysis." the bottom, and the centre, i.e., at intervals of And here we are at once met, as the Report" 11 feet 11 inches asunder." very properly says, by questions which indicate the magnitude of this inquiry, if carried to its full extent. Does not almost every variety of iron require some treatment peculiar to itself? Top. and, to effect an object with any particular iron, must there not be a definite dimension suitable to that iron? It is thought that it is so; and that in a gun, for instance, the form and dimensions offering the greatest strength with one iron, are not those best suited to another.

The results already obtained by various experiments ou the subject of re-melting cast iron are well known, and have been repeated at various times in the works of the War Department; when, however, the experiment is made

TABLE showing the comparative qualities of Cast Iron; also the ratio of their strength (deduced from the general mean) as shown by the different tests.

Maximum..

Minimum

Jo

Specific Gravity

850 Specimens.

Tensile of 850

Specimens.

Transverse of 561 Specimens.

Torsion of 276

Specimens.

Crushing of 273

Specimens.

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Tensile. Specific gravity.

Tensile.

Specific gravity.

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It would require a longer series of experi ments than the Woolwich anthorities have had time to institute, to establish accurately the relation between the amount of fluid pressure and the resulting tenacity and density. The result here given would appear to be in confor mity with the opinion that increasing the length of the dead-head does not add to the resisting power of the metal when used for a gun, all that is required being to afford an ample allowance for feeding in shrinking, in consequence of the strength not being due to pressure or condensation, but to the contraction and crystallisation of the mass. In bronze or brass gun metal, the material being of a comsamples. samples, samples, samples, samples. pressible character, a very decided result is ob

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General mean. Ratio in terms of Tensile the Ditto

7.140

23.257 7.102 6,056

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Transverse..

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⚫260 +852

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3.915 12.821

tained, as is shown in the following experiment upon specimens cut from the base, the muzzle, and the dead-head of a six-pounder brass gun, 15-053 having about 30 inches in vertical depth between each:

1.000

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The most decided features to be observed in the results obtained in the recent experiments are the universal and very marked superiority of the bars in the cases where they have been cast horizontally over those cast vertically; and the superiority, but in a less marked degree, of the bars cooled quickly over those cooled gradually or slowly. This is almost universally found to be the case in the experiments hitherto made with a portion of metal taken from the dead-head, close to the muzzle of the gun, as compared with the bar cast at the time of making the gun. The contrast as regards appearance is equally marked. In the bar, a close, grey, rigid appearance; in the dead-head, a large grain with graphitic masses joined or cemented together with a whiter and harder material.

Certain supplies of iron ordered in consequence of the results obtained in these experiments have, on examination, unfortunately given results differing much, both chemically and mechanically, showing superiority in some cases and inferiority of a marked character in others. The demand for the manufacture of iron ordnance, and "the necessity for the supply of a "certain number to meet what is expected in "this country of a new Government establish"ment," has, we are significantly told, prevented such various experiments being made as are desirable. At a new Government foundry on the Continent, established about the same time, two years were allowed for experiments before a

"supply" was demanded. It would appear

sults have been obtained from cast material

may not be taken as infallible guides to the true | sheets. A Victoria penny weighing two-thirds
doctrines of political economy, are at least sug- of an ounce is, we doubt not, as acceptable in
gestive and valuable aids to the study of that exchange for a Telegraph as one of George III.'s
science. As promoters of sound moral senti- "cart-wheel" pence, weighing one ounce.
ments-with, possibly, some occasional excep- What becomes, then, of the charges of "inno-
tions, the results of inadvertency-the penny "vation" and "imposture," bandied freely in
newspapers of London may be pronounced the article complained of?
faultless. As media, too, for introducing to
classes of society who would never otherwise
have the advantage conferred upon them, the
opinions and the deductions of men of science,
and with the records of discoveries and inven-
tions resulting from their theories and their
labours, there is much reason to be satisfied with
them. Their published extracts from expensive
and first-class publications, and their reports of
the proceedings of learned societies, notes of
whose doings would never otherwise extend
beyond the immediate circle of savans in which
they take place, are invaluable to the public;
and on all these accounts and on many others
we are pleased to be able to bear testimony to
their value.

appearance.

The

"wheel coinage" of George III., why so much the more advantageous for the people who in the shape of Civil Service Estimates must pay all the expenses attending their production.

Will it not be infinitely more convenient that three thousand tons of metal should-in the form of, we trust, beautiful coins-represent the six thousand tons of the "ugliest coins in "existence," which now circulate throughout the British Isles? Is there any reason why "slabs" of soft and nasty copper should be carried to and fro when neat, hard, and cleanly discs of bronze would answer every purpose and be infinitely more convenient? If in the one case a ton of copper, costing in the market say £100, is coined into £224 worth of pence, halfpence, or farthings, in the name of common sense we ask how will the public be losers by coining a ton of bronze whose value in the market is taken at £110, into £448 worth of This general approval of the spirit and concoins? The profit on the coinage will be duct of the penny press, which we unhesitat-greater, we admit, but the Mint is a public ingly and conscientiously give, will guard us institution, and the public must inevitably be from having imputed to us hostile motives when gainers by the operation. If we were dealing we take the liberty of criticising unfavourably with private manufacturers the case, of course, a particular article in the Daily Telegraph-we would be widely different, and the strictures of believe the oldest journal in the category. As the the Daily Telegraph would be justified. As it MECHANICS' MAGAZINE will be acknowledged to is, the inferior coinage of the realm is got up have been the first mover for a reformation of the for public convenience at the public expense, inferior coinage of the realm, and as prepara- and the problems to be solved in the renewal tions are, according to Mr. Gladstone's recent of it are, the best metal, the most portable statement in the House, being made to accom- forms, and the handsomest in plish that reformation, it will be accorded to us weight of the individual pieces is clearly a matto speak out when what we think fallacious ter of indifference, and if they be made more views respecting the principles upon which the economically and more durable than the "cart that a great deal is still to be done on this subnew coinage of bronze vice copper should be ject, and that we are only now at the commence-based. In the Daily Telegraph of Saturday ment of vast improvements in the manufacture last there appeared a leading article upon the of cast iron and cast steel. Some very fine re- projected change, wherein the writer, with pen more trenchant than just, hurls indignant epithets at the entire metallic currency of the kingdom and those who created it, and denounces the coining improvement as a cheat! "If the present idea be carried out"-that of issuing small coins of bronze-"the coinage "will be simply worth nothing at all. In fact, "it will be a mongrel metal, glittering and worthless, like the civilisation it represents." These are harsh assertions. Are they borne out by reason or experience? We imagine by neither. We have explained before that ever since the year 1799, when the last coinage of what are called the "ring pence" of George III. were struck at Soho, the copper coinage of England has been completely on the token system. Ever since that period-with the exception of a coinage for Ireland of more reduced weight still-the pound avoirdupoise of copper has been coined into twenty-four pence, and the subordinate coins in the same proportions relatively to their value, namely, half-pence 48 to the 1 lb., and farthings 96. This makes a ton of coined copper worth in round numbers £224. Does the Telegraph writer require to be told that the average market price of "tile" copper, of which those coins have hitherto been manufactured, has not been over £100, and that consequently neither he nor any of his fellow-subjects, even though they may have had the satisfaction of having their pockets weighed down by the "clumsy "slabs of copper" of a former generation, ever possessed copper coins whose intrinsic value and weight were equal? The whole of the copper coinages of the last three reigns were therefore palpably tokens of value and nothing more; and we certainly should not expect to find a pair of scales and weights placed on the counter of the Telegraph office to test the pennies tendered in exchange for its valuable and broad |

prepared by Mr. Bessemer, which promise well; and, generally, the attention of those connected with the manufacture and use of iron is being directed to the subject.

It cannot be too strongly urged, says the Report, that the possession of a machine such as that in use in the Royal gun factories would greatly assist inquiries. A drawing of it is given in the United States "Reports of Experi"ments on Metals for Cannon," Trübner & Co., Paternoster-row; and the use of it, with several additions, can be seen at the Arsenal. The manufacture of similar or improved machines, and the distribution of them through the country, would be attended with great results. In the above remarks we have, as will be observed, had to draw largely upon the official Report, and even with the aid of this we must still leave much unsaid respecting the results of these elaborate experiments. For the deduction of information from those results we, like the Woolwich authorities, look to those "able men before referred to. On another page, however, we have the satisfaction of printing a very able and interesting paper on the chemical results of the inquiry, from the pen of Mr. Abel, the accomplished chemist of the War Depart

ment.

THE PENNY PRESS AND THE NEW
COINAGE.

THERE can be no doubt that the penny press
of this country is effecting a vast amount of
good. It is adding imperceptibly, perhaps,
but not the less certainly to the general intel-
Eigence of the community at large. Politically,
its articles we refer more especially to the
Metropolitan section of the cheap press-are
written in an enlightened spirit, and where they

Again, if our friend of the Telegraph were to induce the Chancellor of the Exchequer to adopt his plan of giving equal weight and value in the new coinage, what would be the consequence? and that, probably, before the coinage was a month old. Why, that a rise of £10 per ton in the market price of copper-and fluctuations wider are of constant occurrence-would consign the whole of the newly-minted money sans ceremonie into the furnace of the manufacturer and we should all become in the "twinkling of an eye" literally penniless. But enough must have been said to convince our readers that this portion of the plan of the Telegraph writer would never answer. It is painful to be obliged to dissent also from almost all his other propositions.

For example, as touching the device to be imprinted on the forthcoming coins, we cannot think that in imitation of the ancient "Romans" we should give them impressions illustrative of the progress of our arms and of our great achievments in various quarters of the world. It would be difficult to convince us that "symbols of captured Lucknow and Delhi"places whose names are better forgotten-of the

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annihilation of Sebastopol, of the conquest of "Scinde and Pegu, of the colonisation of Australasia, and a hundred other events," should figure on the new coins. We are rather disposed to think, on the contrary, that such a proceeding would lead to inextricable confusion, and open a door for the wholesale introduction of counterfeits. A uniform, chaste, and appropriate device, characteristic of the insular position and maritime greatness of the kingdom governed so well by our Queen, should, in our opinion, decorate one side of each piece of the new money, whilst the "image and superscrip

tion" of Her Majesty should enrich the other.

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As regards our friend's criticism of the present gold and silver coinages, there again we are at issue. We never saw "something meant, we believe, to be a cross flinging about its "arms like the fans of a windmill on one side "of our silver pieces," although the writer of the Telegraph may. As to what the "mean and "pitiful" designs complained of may be we are equally in the dark. Of the engraving of the coins generally, although others may think it "abominably executed," the Wyons, whose work it is, may rest assured that there are those, whose opinions are worth having, too, who say

that on the whole it is excellent.

The reckless remarks of the journal in question on this particular subject are so exceptional to the general care and truthfulness displayed in its articles, that we are compelled

o notice the matter.

WHERE WILL THE BRONZE BE

COINED?

and silver coin, and that from the fluctuations we are aware of that; the manufacturers of Bir-
of the continental markets and other disturbing mingham especially are a go-a-head people, but
causes at home, much has frequently to be that is not quite the thing. A little of the
struck off in a short time, it becomes obvious that "go-a-head" principle must be instilled into
the Mint would be as unable to accomplish the the Government mind. Thirty thousand pounds,
work required of it as would the stage coaches vide Civil Service Estimates, are voted annually
running five-and-twenty years ago to convey for the expenses of the Mint, including coinage,
the passengers of the railway trains of to-day. and if, as we believe, without an augmentation
Doubtless this fact is patent to the Chancellor of any but the dead stock-the mechanical plant
of the Exchequer, who is no unworthy disciple-it can be made to do all the work of the
of "Cocker;" but how does the right hon. country, there can be no use in calling in con-
gentleman mean to remedy it?
tractors' aid at all, and the reformation of the
coinage should begin with a reformation of the

sury

Mint.

In 1810 the establishment was as efficient,

it the making of hats, or of money, or both-had
A private manufacturer, whose business-were
outgrown his premises, would inevitably increase,
if he could, his facilities for doing work. Surely speaking of machines, as it is in 1860. Half-
the same course will suggest itself to the Trea-a-century has not added to its stature, whilst
and the Mint people. Like other manu-
all around it has grown to majestic proportions.
factories, the Tower-hill establishment served Calcutta, we are told, will shortly be armed
its purpose and met all its demands for many them being of much improved construction, and
with twenty-four stamping presses-twelve of
years, but, like them, it feels now the pressure each capable of stamping twice as many coins per
of a new state of things, and it must be ex-
panded so as to divide that pressure over a
minute as those at the Mint. Why should the
wider area.
The Californian and Australian Indian outstrip and eclipse the Home Empire!
gold discoveries have, as the Mint returns to
Let our ministers look to this; it is of importance,
the House of Commons demonstrate, served to and the national credit is involved. Either no
keep the stamping presses at work for a consider contract work in coining, or all contract would
able part of the past nine years; and although delicate a matter, and in the hands of con-
seem to be right; but money-making being
the Sydney Mint relieves it to some extent now, tractors so likely to lead to serious irregulari-
yet that extent is barely appreciable. There
are only two presses, we believe, at Sydney, and ties, it seems to us that it should be retained
their production is small and exclusively colo-jealously in Government hands.
nial. Advancing commerce, increasing trade,
widening speculation, and growing emigra-
tion, make it certain that more and more We observe with much satisfaction that the
of coin with the British stamp upon it will
be wanted. Why, then, is there any supine-
"International Association for obtaining a
ness in observing the "signs of the times,"
"Uniform Decimal System of Measure.
or in preparing for the duty to be done? Once
“Weights, and Coins," will hold their fourt'
a marvel of ship-building and engineering
the "Great Western" steam-ship was considered
skill, but what was she in comparison with the
"Great Eastern," which will presently as-
tonish our Transatlantic cousins? Progress in art,
progress in science, progress in mechanical skill
and mechanical devices, are the rule of the
day, and why should Her Majesty's Mint prove
an exception to the rule? Why should that
numerous body of soldiers and policemen whom

DECIMAL COINAGE.

comprising this society voted a resolution on general meeting at Bradford, on the 10th of October next. The noblemen and gentlemen the 28th November, 1855, to the effect that the "adoption of a uniform decimal system of “measures, weights, and coins would be cond""cive to the manufacturing and commercial

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many other benefits; and it must be permitted prosperity of the United Kingdom," and of the resolution to be based on truth. The inde us to say that there is good ground for believing and abroad, to the investigation of this imporfatigability with which the members of the Association have devoted themselves, at home

UPON further examination and reflection it seems to us that one of the very first questions relative to the new coinage which should be considered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is that of the capabilities, mechanical and otherwise, of the Mint. A tardy and gradual introduction of the bronze coins would produce a mischievous effect. Already there are innumerable representatives of copper tokens floating in the channels of circulation, and which pass current simply because they approach the size of the orthodox pence, halfpence, and farthings. To add to this "variety," which is the reverse of being "charming," by slowly and timidly comingling with them another set of speciing confusion. The reform adopted and to be mens, would be but to increase the existcarried out by the Government to be effectual must be rapid. Unlike political reforms, which are usually of very, very slow growth, this must be sharply and suddenly matured. There should be in the Mint stores a large accumulation of the miniature bronze pieces before any are issued to supplant the giant copper coins. A simultaneous publication of the one and withdrawal of the other might then be made without diffione sees on duty" at the portals of the culty or annoyance. railways, in all large towns of the kingdom, the mechanical improvement, and to roll back the In London, and, by aid of money factory appear to shut out from it exchange of bronze for copper might go on at tide of scientific invention ? Is the area of once, and within a week millions of beautiful ground inclosed by its boundary walls insuffi-tant subject makes it certain that the Bradford light coins would be jingling in the pockets of cient for the increased plant of machinery remeeting will be of great interest. We shall the people in lieu of the absurd "slabs" of quisite to deal with the new coinage. If so, have the opinion of scientific men of all countries metal which now weigh their pockets down and and the purchase of more property adjoining it upon the decimal system, whilst there can be wear them out. It is evident, indeed, that a is impossible, why then the sooner a migratory no doubt that Lord Overstone's adverse report quick transformation must be effected. Mr. movement of the whole "concern" takes place well qualified to detect any sophistries or falwill receive some attention at the hands of men Gladstone cannot fail to perceive its necessity, the better. If the Mint as it stands is not lacious arguments it may contain. The names and probably is adopting means for its accom- capable of meeting the wants of the time, and of Richard Cobden, William Ewart, Williama plishment. But he must inquire primarily, one is not large enough to receive from the engineer- Fairbairn, Esq., C.E., and the Right Hon. Thos should think, into the productive powers of the ing works of London or elsewhere the means Mint. At all events, we have done so, and and appliances which would make it Milner Gibson, figure amongst others as memSo, why our conclusion is, that they are at present in the sooner its site is made over to the dockbers of the Council of the International Decimal adequate to the "great occasion." For the company for a great warehouse the better. New Association; and with these sturdy champions manipulation of all the gold, silver, and inferior machinery of improved character, and a buildto support the decimal plans of measurement, metal coins for England and many of the colonies ing of larger dimensions, might soon be found weight, and value, we think that some little the Mint possesses only six pairs of rolls, a dozen for Her Majesty's coiners, and England might wordy fighting must take place before those cutting-out or punching presses, thirteen of the boast a national Mint competent to coin all the plans are abandoned. It will afford us sincere Cotton-Napier weighing machines, and eight national monies. Seriously, it is not credit- pleasure to observe the progress made by the Soho stamping presses. Now, taking the maxi-able that the demand for money should have Association, and to endeavour to obtain for it mum rate of production of these latter, as given outstripped the Mint's producing power-as a fair hearing, and for its propositions due conin the Parliamentary blue-books by Mint ausideration. our witness, the blue-book, proves it has-and thorities, at 240,000 coins per day, how long it is urgent that Mr. Gladstone takes steps to would it take to strike off five hundred millions? mitigate the evil. Of course, it will be said, We need not stop to answer the question; it is Well, there is private enterprise to fall back clear that by devoting the whole resources of upon, and contractors at Birmingham or Manthe money factory to the creation of the new chester will be found ready, for a sufficient When it is known additionally, too, that the other machinery for carrying on the coiner's money it would still be a work of many years. "consideration," to erect rollers, punches, and Bank of England is incessantly demanding gold art and producing money at any speed. Yes,

The Gazette des Chemins de Fer announces that a new break for railway trains has been invented by a M. Rigolier. From trials made it appears that 2 carriage driven at the rate of 20 kilometres per var did not run more than 10 metres after the break hal that a locomotive could not drag M. Rigolier's waggon been applied; and that at a speed of 65 kilometres per hour it only ran 30 metres. It was also found when his break was applied to the wheels.

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