practical application of the theory of rifled cannon and projectiles, the theory itself is, nevertheless, a philosophical rather than a mechanical question. It will require systematic and well-conducted experiments, extending over a course of many years, before a sufficient knowledge can be acquired of all the circumstances attending the application of the principle of the rifle to cannon, to enable us to decide upon the best practical system for the construction either of the gun or the projectile. The different methods of applying the principle of the ride to cannon-as, by having the gun to load at the breech, or the muzzle; or, having a compound, or a homogeneous projectile, will each have to be the subject of numerous experiments.

To produce any great and useful results, a combination of sound theoretical and practical knowledge is necessary, and this can only be obtained by a long and close study of the subject, and by numerous experiments carried on with unremitting attention.

No single invention-as of a projectile-a method of loading at the breech-a peculiar form of groove, or any other mechanical contrivanceis of the least use in itself, unless a perfect combination-such as the proper length of the gunof the turn-the most suitable metal for the gun, &c.-is obtained for rendering it effective. If each of these be not adapted to the others, the whole must inevitably fail in practice. It is the difficulty of effecting this combination which It is all the more imperative that these experi- renders experiments with rifled guns so compliments should be undertaken by the Government, cated and costly. If properly conducted experiinasmuch as no person-so small is the knowledgements had been at first undertaken by the Governwhich has as yet been generally acquired of this ment at their own expense, instead of relying subject-is at present really competent to give an upon the inventive and pecuniary resources of opinion upon anything new in connection with it private individuals for the acquisition of their which may be brought before their notice. I think data-which, to say the least, is a rather pitiful I should not be far wrong in asserting that only a course to adopt; for, if a new thing is worth very few persoas connected with the War Depart- trying, it must surely be worth the cost of the ment are yet fully aware either of the compre-trial-the public would have been spared the hensive nature of the subject of rifled cannon, or expense (amounting to between three and four of their want of knowledge in everything relating hundred thousand pounds) of the Lancaster gun to it. To stand by and witness the trial, at factory. Woolwich or Shoeburyness, of a number of projectiles, or a new gun-the result, in general, of private experiment-teaches little or nothing. Much more is learned by firing a single shotmade expressly for the purpose of ascertaining some particular effect-and by a thorough examination and careful study of all the circumstances attending its projection, than by merely witnessing the firing of twenty thousand projectiles devised by other persons. The results obtained with the latter may be apparent enough, but the train of reasoning (the fruit of personal experience) which produces these results, remains altogether unknown; for although a man may communicate the result of his experiments, yet he cannot furnish another with his personal experience; and without this it is perfectly impossible to effect, or even to suggest, any important improvement.*

Notwithstanding, therefore, the numerous experiments which have been made in gunnery, and the immense mass of data which must have resulted from them; yet, owing to the desultory manner in which the experiments have been carried on, they have been productive of much fewer practical results than we might reasonably have expected. Experiments with rifled cannon not only require to be conducted systematically; but, to be productive of real benefit, they also require to be conducted by properly qualified persons.

The questions which constantly arise in gunnery experiments are sometimes so complicated and difficult of solution, that none but a mathematician of the highest order can really ascertain the value of the results which are obtained. To conduct experiments in gunnery, therefore, in a proper manner, it is of the first importance to have a good mathematician to collect and arrange the data, and to ascertain the exact numerical value of the results obtained.

rifled ordnance, in a much shorter time and more satisfactorily than could otherwise be the case. To conduct experiments in a desultory manner is invariably a useless expenditure of both time and

money.

It is impossible for a private individual to undertake such experiments on a sufficiently large scale to be productive of conclusive results; they should be conducted somewhat after the manner of Hutton's experiments, only on a much larger scale, each with a view to some well-defined object. The following are amongst the chief circumstances in connection with rifled ordnance, respecting which some certain data are required, and each should therefore be the subject of a separate course of experiments.

1. Experiments with the ballistic pendulum for finding the different velocities of rifle shot under various circumstances; so that both the initial velocities given by different charges of powder, and the loss of velocity-occasioned by the resistance of the air-which the shot suffers in passing through different spaces, shall be thoroughly ascertained. At present literally nothing (certain) is known with respect to these points.

These experiments in the case of rifled shot ought to be attended with better than ordinary results, as the pendulum could be placed at a greater distance than usual, on account of the superior accuracy of flight of rifled shot.

2. The different quantities of friction in the case of both compound and iron shot of different kinds; and the loss of range occasioned by it.

shot by any alteration in the position of the centre 3. The effect produced upon the flight of long of gravity.

4. The effect produced by a difference in the form of projectiles.*

5. The difference in the ranges and deflection different lengths. produced by different elevations with shot of

6. The circumstances attending the penetration of long projectiles into various substances.

7. The angular velocity required for shot of different sizes, forms, and density, when fired with different velocities and elevations.

compound projectiles,) which shall produce the 8. The form of groove, (both for iron and necessary effect with the least amount of friction. 9. The strength of metal required in the gun, whether it be destined for the employment of iron or of compound projectiles.

There is scarcely a question-if, indeed, there be one-in the whole subject of dynamics, or the laws which relate to a body in motion, which is not involved in the investigation of the circum- It will be also necessary to have a practised exstances attending the flight of elongated projec-perimentalist to profit by these results; one who, tiles; these require to be thoroughly investigated with a proper knowledge of cause and effect, is and known before any decided opinion can be capable of suggesting the best method for the at-long projectiles; in order to ascertain the best 10. The curves, and also the times of flight, of given as to the best practical method for containment of certain objects. A clever mechanician, method for securing the greatest amount of structing rifled cannon. A system founded upon to invent and judge of the means which can best mere guess-work would have a very unsound be employed for carrying out the plans suggested, efficiency in firing them at high elevations. should also assist in conducting such experiments, 11. The effect of windage, especially with iron to ensure their being attended with the most projectiles. useful results.*

basis.

It has been too much the custom to speak slightingly of theory in gunnery. This is probably owing to the unsatisfactory state of the ordinary theory of gunnery; but the acquisition, in this instance, of a sound theory is of the highest importance. The stride which has been made in the practice of gunnery since Robins's experiments were made known, resulted from his discoveries respecting the laws which govern the flight of projectiles, and respecting the nature of the projecting force. When once a theory had been framed, based upon sound principles, the mechanical improvements followed as a matter of

course.

Sufficient attention has not hitherto been paid to the correctness of the principles upon which the cannon and projectile should be constructed. To this chiefly must be attributed the failure of the Lancaster and Whitworth guns-the projectile in the former case acting like a wedge; in the latter like a lever in the bore of the gun.

The truth of this remark is exemplified in a striking

manner by the fact that the rifled cannon and projectiles produced at Woolwich by artillery officers, who had before them the results of all the experiments made from time to time at Shoeburyness, proved most signal failures. This fact also affords a proof of the defective nature of the ordinary theory of gunnery, and of its small utility in estimating the comparative results to be produced with ong projectiles,

The whole of these qualifications are rarely
combined in a single individual. Robins was a
remarkable exception, and his experiments, in
consequence, formed an era in gunnery.

found in one person, there is no reason why
But although the necessary qualities are seldom
several persons should not be selected, who would,
collectively, possess them; and who might either
be placed on the Rifled Ordnance Committee, or
act with it in such a manner that their services
would always be at its disposal, or at that of the
office, for which no one could be better qualified
presiding officer at Shoeburyness (an important
than the gentleman who now fills it); the results
of their operations to be finally submitted to a
committee of experienced military men of all
services, who would be able to judge of their
practical value.

A systematic course of experiments conducted
under such joint superintendence would be the
right course to take for acquiring the proper data
respecting all the circumstances connected with

The appointment (since this was written) of Sir W. Armstrong, as Engineer to the Rifled Ordnance Committee, will no doubt prove highly beneficial; in that he appears to possess the last-named qualifications in a very eminent degree.

12. The effect produced by altering the length of the bore of the gun.

Besides those which I have enumerated, there data must be fully acquired before unerring reare many other points relative to which sufficient sults can be obtained. Those who, like myself, have acquired sufficient data, perhaps, to form by have made many experiments on a smaller scale, comparison a general opinion upon all these questions, and (assisted by some acquaintance nery) may even have arrived at the power of with the ordinary theory and practice of gunestimating their effects with a certain degree of fired with different charges, the friction, and accuracy; but the velocities of rifled shot when many other points, can only be ascertained by a and gun pendulums, and by other means of much regular course of experiments with the ballistic too extensive a nature for a private person to undertake.

carried on, there is no reason why the country Whilst the necessary experiments are being should be deprived of the use of rifled cannon.

It would be a great advantage if the establishment at Shoeburyness were furnished with the means-at least on a small scale-of casting, forging, or altering experi mental projectiles, so that they might be tried without delay. It would be a great saving in time, and, eventually, in expense.

The manufacture of the Armstrong gun may be proceeded with; but we need not confine ourselves exclusively to guns of this particular description. There are several methods by which a supply of very efficient rifled cannon may be obtained without going to an exorbitant outlay in the exclusive adoption of cannon of the most expensive kind, previously to a thorough trial of their merits in actual service, or before the utmost simplicity in their construction is attained. Enough has been said to show that the knowledge which has already been obtained bears but a small proportion to that which remains to be acquired, and that further experiments are therefore necessary.

The accuracy attained with the Armstrong gun is a beautiful mechanical feat, but one which will be commonly performed (and by much simpler means) when a better knowledge of the subject has been acquired; it has shown what can be effected with this particular combination, but little else has been learned from it; and until the truth concerning all the points which I have enumerated, and many others, be clearly ascertained, it will be impossible to decide as to which is positively the best system for the construction of ritled cannon.

To give an example of the change in opinion which experiment will effect, it is a remarkable fact that almost all the circumstances which the Ordnance Select Committee objected to three or four years since, as perfectly inadmissible in the practical adaption of the principle of the rifle to cannon-such as a compound projectile-a projectile composed of many pieces-a breech-loading gun-a gun constructed of wrought iron, especially in such a manner as not to be homogeneous-are united in the Armstrong gun.

In like manner, it will probably happen, when further experiments are made, that the description of rifled gun which will be finally adopted will differ as much from the experimental (for the whole are but experimental) guns which have been tried up to the present period, as these differ from the earlier attempts which were made; for as yet experiment has been directed almost solely to improvement in the mechanical application of a principle of which really very little (certain) is known; instead of being directed to the acquirement of a knowledge of what relates to the principle itself.

vote of thanks rewarded Mr. Hayes for imparting | tons, and presents an appearance (with the exception
some valuable information on an interesting subject. of the present calibre) similar to one of our 68-
Prior to the reading of the paper it may be stated pounders. The charge will consist of 16 lb. of
that several honorary members were elected and powder, and a conically-shaped shot, weighted with
others proposed. The anniversary dinner of the lead to 9 lb., and hollowed, similarly to the Minié
Society, postponed many months by reason of the bullet, which it is presumed will be propelled 15 or
death of the late Chairman, Mr. Sheaves, too, was 20 miles. Mr. Jeffries, it is stated, has asserted his
announced to take place at the above-named place on conviction that it would carry from Dover to Calais.
Saturday, 17th instant, at 6.30 p.m.
It is the intention of the authorities to carry out a
Mr. Newton presided.
varied and complicated course of experiments under
the inspection of the Select Committee of Woolwich
Arsenal. After being satisfied of its power in its
present form, the bore will be progressively increased
to a 68-pounder. To enable the gunners to point the
gun, the trunnions will be fitted with a couple of tele-
scopes, to assist the eye over the enormous range pre-

Our Weekly Gossip.

THE following note has been addressed to the Times
and Notes and Queries:-" In the Times of yesterday
I observe that as soon as the breaking up of the
Tartar frigate is completed in Chatham Dockyard,
taken into the same dock and broken up.' The St.
'the St. Lawrence, one of the 46-gun frigates, will be
Lawrence is, I believe, no other than that famous old
Shannon which fought and captured the Chesapeake
in the American war. Her name, having taken an
imperishable place in history, was transferred some
few years since to the large screw frigate which now
bears it, and the renowned old hull has since been
lost sight of under the name of the St. Lawrence.'
If I am not mistaken respecting these facts-and I can
hardly be many will doubtless be glad to learn that
a last look may yet be taken of this famous old vessel.

-R."

dicted."

A very curious atmospheric phenomenon is said to have been produced on Friday morning on the railway wires round Paris. "At 7 o'clock, when the service commences in the various stations, it was remarked Minister of the Interior, that some of the instruments at the central station, placed at the hotel of the were charged with electricity, as if the corresponding station had sent a constant current. It was soon found that the fact was general, the wires at all the stations being in the same state. By interrupting the circuit of the wires strong sparks were obtained. The same thing was produced at the same time on all the telegraphic wires throughout France, the stations placed between two lines receiving the current from cach side. At half-past nine the electricity, in place of being permanent, showed itself only at intervals. The scientific authorities were consulted as to the cause of this phenomenon. In stormy weather atmospheric electricity produces many discharges, which set in motion the telegraphic machines, but these discharges are instantaneous, and have not a permanent character." So the paragraph runs.

A curious experiment is now being tried at Lyons for laying the dust in public promenades, and has so far been attended with success. A chemist of that city having accidentally spilt some hydrochloride acid on a terrace of his found that it hardened the spot on which it had fallen, and maintained it in a state of permanent moisture. This led him to think that by macadamised roads might be laid, or rather prevented much of the attention of engineers and architects, watering the streets with this acid the dust on large The production of solid bricks has of late received from rising. Experiments were first made on the with a view of their being produced more economically, Cours Napoleon between the Rhone and the Perrache of a better quality, and with greater facility, than by station. The success was complete, and has also the time-honoured means known as "hand-mouldproved durable, the carriage-way having now beening;" and although many mechanical contrivances several months free from dust; and another experi- for making bricks have been introduced, not one has ment is now being made on the Place Bellecour. realised the requirement practically, or been considered During the hottest part of the day the ground, worthy of adoption, until Mr. Henry Clayton, of the although dry and gravelly, has the appearance of Atlas Works, London, produced and patented his being as consistent and damp as if it had been brickmaking machine. Its simple and effective watered half an hour before. But as evening ap- character has lately attracted the notice of the able proaches the moisture becomes more and more per- engineer of the South Eastern Railway Company, the ceptible. Every morning the ground is stiffer and directors of which have now had erected a set of more comfortable to walk on. This may easily be Clayton's patent brickmaking machinery on their accounted for; the acid, decomposing the gravel or premises adjoining the railway station at Folkestone stone, forms one or several deliquescent salts, which, for the manufacture of bricks for the use of the comtherefore, attract the moisture of the air. The pany. On an average 20,000 to 25,000 good bricks question as to whether roads thus watered are likely are made daily by each of Clayton's large machines, to last as long as they ought, can only be decided by with the attention of two men and four boys. time.

This it is which gives rise to such expensive blunders as the Lancaster gun factory; a greater blander, however, will be committed if we adopt The following paragraph appeared a week ago in breech-loading guns to the exclusion of all others. the morning papers:-The Trinity steam yacht Fortunately, there is to be found amongst the Argus arrived at Harwich from London at about members of each branch of our service a fund of half-past 9 p.in. on Saturday, and had on board an sound common sense, which (and this, upon inves-experimental model of Maillard's patent mechanical tigation, will be found, I believe, correct) always leads, eventually, to the adoption of the best thing of its kind, when its superiority has been properly established; although, in most cases, it is effected by a very roundabout and expensive process.

By neglecting, therefore, in this instance, to make proper experiments, we throw away advantages which would enable us to acquire the superiority with regard to projectile effect, the possession of which (especially in a country like our own, the confines of which are all coast) should be a matter of primary importance.

ASSOCIATION OF FOREMEN ENGINEERS. THIS Association held their usual monthly meeting at their assembly rooms, 35 St. Swithin's-lane, City, on Saturday, the 3rd instant. Mr. C. F. Hayes read on the occasion a paper on the Manufacture of Rifles. He described with great minuteness many of the proesses connected with the completion of these extraordinary armes de précision, as carried on at Enfield, and by contractors in various parts of England, Belgium, and America. A large attendance of members, considerable applause, and a unanimous

The advantage of the breech-loading system, in allowing the men who serve the gun to be less exposed, is not so prominent with long-range guns as with others; since the former would more frequently be out of the range of musketry.

pass for steering ships without needles or magnets.

The instrument was merely lashed in the rudest
manner to the after part of the paddle-box, and, not-
withstanding the great disturbing force thrown and
acting on the steering shaft of the instrument, which
is immersed in the water, it worked and gave the
ship's course with sufficient accuracy to establish the
entire success of the principle on which the compass
is constructed, and to justify the inventor's guaran-
teeing the perfect efficiency of his invention. These
instruments are meant to be used in the stern of the
vessel, and to stand on deck, where the ordinary com-
pass stands at present; but the inventor selected the
position in which his compass was placed on board
the Argus, in order to put it to the severest test, and
to see it in operation under every imaginable disad-
vantage. This compass can be used on land, and bids
fair to supersede the magnetised needle wherever
true bearings are required." We are rather curious
to know, and to make known, more of Mr. Maillard's
extraordinary compass. His application for the
patent has, however, been made so recently that we
fear we shall not be able to gratify ourselves and our
readers on this head.

The Times Woolwich correspondent (who is not
averse to marvels) writes:-" A most wonderful long-
range cannon, invented by Mr. Jeffries, patentee of
the well-known marine glue, is in course of being
mounted in the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, for ex-
periments at Shoeburyness. Its range or flight of
shot is spoken of as certain to eclipse every other
weapon hitherto known. The gun, with its present
bore-namely, a three-inch diameter-weighs seven

The following is extracted from the foreign correspondence of the Star:-" M. Jobard, of Brussels, who has almost suffered himself to be forgotten, from the lengthened and unusual silence he has maintained for some time past, has come out again as enthusiastic

and vivacious as ever with his invention of artificial statuary marble-not the veiny, greasy stuff in use for chimneys and vases, but the pure and spotless Carrara, transparent, polished, and hard as the real substance taken from the quarry. This marble, which is to be prepared for the sculptors in a liquid state, will, like many other artificial inventions, possess an immense advantage over the natural production itself. It can be moulded on the plaster figure, and thus instead of having to hack and hew a shapeless block with great pains and labour, the artist will henceforth realise the genuine impression of his cast at once, and, with scarcely any further exertion, bring out his creation with all the freshness and vigour of the first idea. The invention, which has created an immense sensation in the world of art, is due to a practical chemist of Brussels, of the name of Changy, the same skilful practitioner who discovered the divisibility of the electric light, and the miraculous draught of fishes by means of the chemical light which is sunk at the bottom of the sea. M. Jobard, whose word cannot be doubted, pledges his honour that the table on which he writes has been composed by M. Changy's process, and possesses every quality of the finest marble-and that, after having submitted various specimens of the substance, both black and white, to every chemical test in us he has come to the conclusion that the composition of marble is no longer a secret of Dame Nature, and that man has at length learnt to rival her in the most cunning of her works, while Art will rejoice at beholding her sons freed from the laborious toil which has hitherto rendered the sculptor's profession so diflicult of pursuit."

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 for 32 insertions, 3d. per line.

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

Special Arrangements for larger or Serial Advertisements To ensure insertion, Advertisements must reach the Office by 5 o'clock on Thursday evening each week. None can be received after that time for the ensuing number.

Patents for Inventions.

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF PATENTS.

THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE.

[SEPTEMBER 9, 1859. wool and other fibrous substances." "Improve-machinery or apparatus for preparing and spinning 1859.

217. A. WARNER and W. TooтH.
ments in the manufacture of iron, and gases for such
and other uses." Dated Jan. 24, 1859.

cupola furnaces jets of liquid hydro-carbons are
Here in the manufacture of iron in blast and
pressure of a column. The invention also consists in
forced in by forcing pumps or apparatus, or by the
forcing in jets or streams of hydrogen gas into pud-
dling furnaces. To manufacture hydrogen gas a com-
bination of apparatus is employed, consisting of a
generator, an instrument to drop water into the
produced. Patent completed.
generator, and a receiver of the hydrogen gas as it is

"Improve

218. J. G. PROGER and D. DAVIES.
ments in lanterns used on board ship to signal to the
steersman." Dated Jan. 24, 1859.

A lantern has a single lens turned towards the
steersman; it is lighted up at night, and has its cover
replaced by a plate of glass in the day. It has also

a green and a red glass, the one indicating port, the
other starboard. By showing either of these wholly
or partially, the steersman is instructed how to put
his helm. Patent completed.

219. EARL OF CAITHNESS.
parts of the permanent way of railways." Dated Jan.
"Improvements in
24, 1859.

This consists in making a portion of one or both of
the rails at the joints or change of line slide along
inclined parallel slots, the two ends of such sliding
being inclined or bevilled to correspond to the incline
rails and the ends of the stationary abutting rails
obtained. Patent abandoned.
or bevil of the slots, whereby an overlap bevil joint is

THE abridged Specifications of Patents given below are
classified, according to the subjects to which the respective
ventions 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-ships." Dated Jan. 24, 1859.
tors of this Magazine. Other papers are hereby warned not
to produce them without acknowledgement:-
STEAM ENGINES, &c., 213, 299, 309, 312.
BOʻLERS AND THEIR FURNACES, &c., 260, 261, 282, 281.
ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and car-
riages, saddlery and harness, &c., 219, 220, 239, 257, 281,
307.
SHIPS AND BOATs, including their fittings, 218, 237, 213,
250, 269, 278.

applicable also to the extinguishing fires on board
220. M. SWAN. "Improvements in ballasting ships,

CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural and hor-
ticultural implements and machines, 216, 221.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including apparatus for preparing

food for men and animals, 240, 241, 244, 251, 306. FIBROUS FABRICS, including machinery for treating fibres, pulp, paper, &c., 214, 223, 226, 246, 249, 250, 252, 254, 202, 274, 280, 252, 304, 305.

BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS, including sewers,
drain-pipes, brick and tile machines, &c., 255, 282, 297.
LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING, 232, 266, 268, 277,
DUS.

FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils,
tae-keepers, jewellery, musical instruments, &c., 229,
231, 23, 2341, 283, 287, 288, 302, 303, 308.

METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture, 217,

201, 270, 279, 292.

CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY, 224, 253, 293.
ELECTRICAL APPARATUS, 228, 263.

WARFARE, 236, 212, 259, 275, 286, 300.
LETTER PRESS PRINTING &c., 273.

MISCELLANEOUS, 215, 223, 227, 230, 235, 238, 243, 245, 247,

122

This consists in the use of an endless belt of supporting and conducting the fibrous substances leather forming a continuous travelling surface for Patent abandoned. from the drawing rollers to the guides of the bobbins.

227. J. WHITE.

apparatus to facilitate respiration under water, or under the influence of fire, or in other situations "Improvements in means or where an artificial supply of air may be required, part of which improvements is also adapted to facilitate movements in or upon the surface of water." Dated Jan. 25, 1859.

mouth and nose, and also a water and air or a fireHere the patentee provides a close covering for the proof covering for the whole body. In connection with this covering to the nose and mouth there are inlet valve for the supply of fresh air, the other with two pipes each provided with a valve, one with an an outlet valve. The pipe for inhaling fresh air may be in connection with a reservoir, or it may be exnication with the atmosphere. Patent completed. tended above the surface of the water in free commu telegraphs." Dated Jan. 25, 1959. 228. W. ANDREWS. 66 Improvements in electric return or induced current from interfering with the This consists in arrangements for preventing the abandoned. proper action of the relay instrument.

Patent

"An improvement in shirt

229. F. J. JONES. fronts." Dated Jan. 25, 1859. This applies to those shirt fronts known as Dickeys," and consists in a new arrangement of of securing the false front on the neck of the wearer. neck-band and collar, which also affords the means Patent abandoned.

230. H. BRECKNELL and J. DYER.
ments in cocks and valves." Dated Jan. 25, 1859.
"Improve
Here the passage of the cock or valve is closed by
a vulcanized india-rubber washer or disc, having an
annular lip or projection moulded thereon, which lip
completed.
washer when the cock or valve is closed. Patent
or projection forms the actual contact surface of the

and thermometer dials." Dated Jan. 25, 1859.
231. I. WOODCOCK. "Improvements in barometer
paper, card-board, &c. Patent abandoned.
This consists in forming those dials of enamelled

generating and regulating gas, and for impregnating
232. B.SPEDDING. "Improvements in apparatus for
the same with volatile hydro-carbon fluids." Dated
Jan. 25, 1859.

This invention, so far as it relates to the ballasting of ships, consists in constructing the ship with double sides and bottom, that is to say, with an entire inner shell, leaving an air-tight space for water and air at the bottom and sides thereof, forming the ballast shaped compartment may be made longitudinally over chamber or chambers. A semi-circular or other the keel along the bottom of the inner shell, such being open on its under side so as to receive water compartment, which may be sub-divided into a series, from below, and thus form another ballast chamber This compartment is in direct communication with a or set of chambers whilst it adds strength to the ship. valve which admits water through the ship's bottom up to any desired height in the sides, according to the amount of the ballast required, and is also in ship with the ship's pump. Patent abandoned. connection by pipes passing up the inner sides of the ploughs." Dated Jan. 21, 1859. 221. W. TASKER, jun. "Improvements in The patentee claims, 1, the moveable syphon, or This relates to fixed headed ploughs, and consists with different parts of the interior of the retort. the principle of bringing the oily matter in contact in a construction and arrangement of the parts in connection with the front end of the beam and head lead. 3. The form of retort by which the chimney 2. The lid, moveable in a groove filled with molten gear, whereby the plough may be turned at the head-passes through its centre with an oval or conical lands without having to be carried round by the bottom. 4. The application of a regulator and apvapour of hydro-carbon fluids. paratus for further impregnating the gas with the proved escapement for chronometers and other timemaking the diaphragm, together with general arrange5. The mode of ment of parts. Patent abandoned. keepers." Dated Jan. 25, 1859. 233. C. G. KELVEY and W. HOLLAND. "An im

255, 265, 267, 271, 272, 276, 283, 290, 291, 204, 295, 296, ploughman. Patent completed. 301, 310, 311, 313, 314.

"Improvements in air

"Improvements in stockings."

222. H. OwEN. 213. J. LAUBEREAU. Dated Jan. 24, 1859. engines." Dated Jan. 21, 1859. This consists in arrangements of machinery for the worn parts may be removed and replaced by new This consists in constructing hose, half-hose, &c., with seams or selvage courses about the foot, so that producing the alternate expansion and contraction of air, and in causing the stroke of a piston to be effected pieces made for the purpose, whereby no overlapping by the expanded air, while the return is effected by the pressure of the atmosphere aided by a partial in the seams is required. Patent completed. 223. J. H. JOHNSON. vacuum obtained at the back of the piston. Patentnery or apparatus for cutting and shaping wood." (A "Improvements in machicommunication.) Dated Jan. 25, 1859, The stick of timber is held stationary, being rigidly "Certain improve-tapered spars, but is applicable to other purposes. This more especially relates to turning masts and fixed in the machine, whilst cutters supported in a carriage traverse from end to end of the machine, the cutters revolving at the same time round the stick. Patent completed.

completed.

211. J. and W. H. SMITH.

ments in manufacturing paper, and in producing watermarks, patterns, figures, letters, and devices thereon, and in the construction of the mechanism employed therein." Dated Jan. 24, 1859.

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

215. J. SAVORY and W. R. BARKER. "Improve ments in bottles for medicines and poisons." Dated Jan. 24, 1859.

These bottles are formed with six, eight, or more sides, and are fluted vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. The neck of the bottle is formed so that the liquid will flow but slowly or in drops. Patent completed.

216. J. FOWLER, jun., R. BURTON, D. GREIG, and J. HEAD. "Improvements in agricultural impleinents, and in apparatus used for hauling agricultural implements by steam power." Dated Jan. 24,

1859.

Here the patentees employ a wire-rope and a winding drun so constructed as to hold the rope firmly, and draw the implement steadily forward, notwithstanding that the rope only passes partially round the drumi. Patent completed.

substances." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 25, 1859.
224. R. BODMER. "Improved resin and resinous
This relates to a former patent dated 27th April,
1858. To get rid of the colour the inventor reduces the
temperature at an earlier stage of the process. This
modification consists in the addition of a jacket or
case to the issue pipe, and the arrangement in con-
nection of apparatus furnishing therewith a constant
supply of water or other refrigeratory medium. Pa-
tent completed.
facture of bobbins, spools, and cop tubes, and in the
machinery employed therein." Dated Jan. 25, 1859.
Improvements in the manu-
This consists in manufacturing such articles of
being pressed into the form required. The paper
paper pulp or other such plastic substance capable of
pulp, &c., is run into apertures and compressed by
punches. Patent abandoned.

225. W. CUTTS. 66

This relates to vests for ordinary wear, but which are furnished with a float of india-rubber, &c., that the removal of the vest from the person. can be inflated at pleasure in a few moments without completed.

Patent

235. W. R. ALEXANDER. furnaces, and apparatus for the manufacture of "Improvements in sugar, and for the consumption or prevention of smoke. Dated Jan. 27, 1859.

This consists in effecting the perfect combustion of the fuel, and preventing the discharge of smoke, by an efficient supply of highly-heated air, subdivided into numerous minute jets. Patent completed. loading fire-arms, and in cartridges to be used there. 236. I. HAMMOND. with." Dated Jan. 27, 1859. "Improvements in breech

drawings. Patent completed. This invention is not described apart from the 226. W. and H. HODGSON. "Improvements instruction of ships' blocks." 237. O. HUSSEY. "Improvements in the Dated Jan. 27, 1859.

con

the fore and hind parts of the under surface of the shoe is attained. These parts of the shoe are attached Here the fibre is first conducted between a pair of to an outer frame or wall rising up the hoof, and exfeeding rollers which carry it forward at a uniform tending from the front backwards. The shoes are atspeed; after passing the feeding rollers, the fibres tached to the hoof in a manner similar to that desenter amongst teeth which travel with it. These mo-cribed in the specification of a previous patent, dated tions cause the teeth first to enter the fibre, then to Feb. 1, 1858. Patent abandoned. travel away from the feeding rollers, and afterwards 258. C. E. AMOS and J. FRANCIS. "Improvements to pass out of the fibre. The patentee prefers to ac- in water pressure engines, and their application to tuate the teeth by a screw gill. In front of the tra- pumping machinery." Dated Jan. 28, 1859. velling teeth is a plate or frame having a vibratory This invention is not described apart from the motion imparted to it in a direction to and from the drawings. Patent completed. travelling teeth, and such plate or frame has openings 259. F. PRINCE. "A new breech-loading gun." through it for the passage of the teeth of a comb. Dated Jan. 28, 1859. This comb travels with the plate or frame, and each time that the latter moves from the travelling teeth, the teeth of the comb are projected up through it into the fibre. Patent completed.

250. J. BUCKINGHAM and G. SALT. "Improve-pleted.
ments in the construction and adaptation of drawing
and other rollers employed in drawing and compress-
ing fibres, which improved construction of rollers is
also applicable in compressing fabrics." Dated Jan.

261. R. GRIFFITHS. "Improvements in regulating the pressure of steam in boilers, and in preventing the accumulation of deposit therein." (Partly a boilers, the steam is caused to act upon apparatus "Im-communication.) Dated Jan. 28, 1859. in connection with the damper, so that the apparatus may partially open or close it according as the pres. sure is less or greater than that which it is wished to maintain. The accumulation of deposit is prevented by a number of balls being placed in the boiler and kept in motion by the action of the water. Patent abandoned.

Here, to regulate the pressure of steam in steam

This consists in an arrangement of self-acting me-
ebanism to be applied to the ordinary shuttles em-
ployed in weaving textile fabrics, whereby the stop- This consists in the use of an endless chain or
page of the loom will be accomplished by the break-chains passing over pulleys so fixed and arranged
ing of the weft thread whenever a float or imperfect
shed occurs. Patent completed.
247. J. MEACHAM. Improvements in pens and
penholders." Dated Jan. 27, 1859.

"A new or improved process for treating metallic state. The consistency of the mass is next reduced sulphurets, phosphurets, arseniurets, antimoniurets, by adding hot water thereto, and the motion of the maand particularly sulphuretted ores of lead, anti-chine continued until the globules of mercury collect mony, copper, silver, zinc." Dated Jan. 29, 1859. in a body. The mercury is then drawn off, and the residuum washed, after which the mercury may be separated from the gold by any process now known. Patent abandoned.