IRON STEAM-SHIPS.

THE following remarks on iron steam-ships, by Mr. W. Litchfield, deserve consideration:"The awful catastrophe of the loss of the Royal Charter, and her speedy breaking up on the rocks in Molfre Bay, has recalled to my mind certain discoveries which have of late been made by the officials of Her Majesty's Dockyard at Portsmouth in relation to iron vessels, which I think cannot be too widely known, and may possibly have some connection with the speedy breaking up of the Royal Charter. Iron steam-vessels have arrived home from foreign stations to a certain extent leaky, and after being paid off and cleared out have been taken in hand for the necessary repairs. On the insides of the vessel's plates being examined it has invariably been found that the whole of the rivet herds, where the wash of the bilge-water reached, had been worn off as cleanly as if cut by a hammer and chisel. This has lead to a composi

tion or cement being used over the surface of the plates of sufficient thickness to raise the surface of the plate to an equality with the head of the rivet, and in some cases bricks have been laid on the top of this cement, thus presenting a smooth surface to the wash of the bilge-water, and preventing its action on the heads of the rivets. In every case where this has been tried, the results have been perfectly successful, the heads of the rivets, after considerable service, being as sound as the first day they were made. On the contrary, where the rivets have not been protected, but left to the action of the water and grit, in every case have the heads of the rivets been destroyed, and with nothing to prevent their falling out the first

severe strain the vessel should meet with at sea. Her Majesty's troop-ship Magara, now in the steam-basin at Portsmouth, and lately returned home from foreign service, is an illustration of what I have stated, and thousands of rivets are now in her bottom which can be knocked out by a common punch from the inside. The plates of the Royal Charter may have been protected in a manner that would preserve their fastenings, or they may not have been. The fact could very easily be ascertained, and its importance will, I trust, be sufficient excuse for my addressing you on the subject."

STEAM TOWAGE ON CANALS.

THE following letter relates to Mr. Spence's paper on Robertson's Chain Propeller published in our last number :—

Sir,-In your Journal (of the Society of Arts of the 30th ult. is an article describing an inven; tion by Mr. W. Robertson, of Strangeways, Manchester for the traction of barges on canals, and an experiment said to have been made on the Bridgewater Canal. The paragraph states that various attempts have been made to employ upon canals steam-tugs propelled by paddles or screws, in place of traction by horses, and says the objection against them is always the same-that the waves created by the propelling surface injure the banks, &c It then proceeds to describe the invention, and concludes by saying that the experiments proved highly satisfactory.

In the first place, the experiment can hardly be considered satisfactory when there is a loss of 25 per cent. in drawing an empty canal-boat; but the chief objection is, that the difficulty of steam traction for canals is not fairly stated. That the waves created by the propelling surfaces injure the banks, when the screw is used, is simply untrue. The injury to the banks is caused by the increased speed of the vessels, which, in a narrow canal, lowers the water when each boat is passing about eighteen inches, and the sudden return of this does the injury complained of. When the speed is less than four miles an hour it is not observable, but beyond this the injurious effect is very apparent, without any perceptible wave from the action of the screw.

Some years since an experiment was made on the canal between Wigan and Liverpool, in the presence of several of the directors of the canal

Rosherville, 31st October.

J. NORTON.

Leeds, Oct. 11, 1859.

BARNETT BLAKE.

PATENT LAW. TO THE EDITORS OF THE " MECHANICS' MAGAZINE." GENTLEMEN, The question of the patent law is always unfairly argued; if talent is to be protected as a stimulant to exertion, why is one description of talent, literature, to be protected for twenty-one years at a mere nominal charge, a few copies of the work, which is attended with no greater outlay than the price of a few quires of paper on which the manuscript is written. while the mechanician in many cases must expend large, aye, enormous sums, in making and remaking models and experiments, to be repeated afterwards on a large scale, and even then, however successful he may be, though he attain the most valuable results, if its adoption depend on Government officials or public companies, he may apply to them in vain-insult will be his only recompense, as he will, to a certainty, be treated with silent contempt, even though the sacrifice of human life depends upon their decision. And here is a case in point. Numerous lives have been needlessly sacrificed at railway stations through travellers entering or quitting the carriages while in motion, for which there is not a shadow of excuse, because I could easily and effectually prevent a repetition of those fearful scenes; and yet on three different occasions I immediately wrote to the chairman of the company, stating that it could easily and cheaply be avoided, when they showed such a brutal indifference to the excruciating agonies of their victims that, will it be believed, they did not even deign me a reply! with shipwrecks on our coast, the greater number of which I could, to a certainty prevent; but official indifference heartlessly consigns them, their crews and passengers, to d siruction. The plan I suggest, and no one could justly complain of such an arrangement, is a per-centage on the article sup plied, when he, the patentee, would only pay in proportion to his gains, and at the close of, say the seventh year, he might then be justly required to purchase a renewal of his term, if just it be, or even politic, to tax science while literature is free! J. C. DE LA FONS.

13 Carlton Hill, St. John's Wood.

The same

CONCUSSION AND PERCUSSION SHELLS. TO THE EDITORS OF THE "MECHANICS' MAGAZINE." GENTLEMEN,-In reference to my communication on the above heading in your number for last week, I beg to add that the different inventors or projectors of percussion and concussion shells were allowed to have a trial of their respective shells on board the Excellent, at Portsmouth. Captain Moorsom, R.N., then lieutenant, was the gunnery officer when the experiments were made; the plan of each projector was kept secret from all but the captain commanding and Lieutenant Moorsom After a time, when the different reports were made to the Admiralty, a shell called the Moorsom percussion shell was adopted, and kept a

THE STELLA LAMP. of 150 Drury-lane, posse-ses several features of Tis lamp, patented in 1857 by Mr. James Broad, interest which renders it worthy of the attention of those to whom a cheap light is of consequence. In this category may be, of course, included the whole race of economic housekeepers, and for that class it may be of service to add that it is of great is safe, clean, and healthy. This Stella oil, indeed, brilliancy, and that the "Stella" oil prepared for it appears to us to be of greater importance than the lamp itself, although there are curious mechanical features in the lamp-and also in the method of applying the wick, which is new, and extremely simple. Stella oil will not light like camphine or naphtha, and other dangerous substances now used for burning, and hence one great element of its harmless nature, to which is added the fact of there is none) being of a healthful character. Nor the absence of odour when not inflamed (for then does it evaporate, freeze, corrode, or thicken, but on the contrary, as far as experience goes, it keeps its liquid character intact throughout all temperaresult of experiment shows a saving of one half It, moreover, lights very quickly, and the after longer acquaintance. over colza oil. We may have more to say of it

tures.

THE INTENDED NEW COPPER OR BRONZE COINAGE.

It is known that the Government intend to issue a new coinage of a bronze alloy, to replace the existing copper coinage; and we may now state that the arrangements have advanced so far that in Manchester there have been constructed the engines to drive the stamping presses to be used, and also the boilers needed for that purpose. The engines and boilers have been made by Messrs. R. Ormerod and Son, of the St. George's Ironworks, Chester-road, Hulme. The latter have already been forwarded to their destination, and the former will follow next week. That destination is the works of Messrs. H. Heaton and Sons. of Biru.ingham, who have, we are told, executed all the copper coins struck for this country for many years, and who also successfully competed for the execution of the new French currency issued by Nepoleon III. The pair of engines are upon an improved direct action principle, and f 50 horses' power; some patented arrangements of Mr. W. B. Johnson (who is connected with Messis. Ormerod's establishment) being introduced. The frames are vertical instead of horizontal; it being supposed that strength and some other advantages are thus gained. The cylinders are of 20 inches diameter, the stroke being 4 feet. The fly-wheel has a diameter of 18 feet and weighs 13 tons; and the engines being intended to make from 36 to 10 revolutions a minute. the wheel will be specded to 60 revolutions. The power will be given off from the axle, close to the fly-wheel, so that little or no checking strain should fall upon the engines. But as the metal to be used for the new coinage

will be very much harder than copper, and as in striking coins from the latter metal the resistance will sometimes check, and even stop, the ma chinery, there have been special appliances added to these engines, which, by means of levers, will enable wheels to be slipped and the engines in effect thrown out of gear, while other levers will enable the working arrangement to be gradually and easily restored. The engines are beautifully finished. The two boilers are each 25 feet long and 5 feet 6 inches in diameter; with a 2 feet 9 inch circular flue, fitted for firing at each end, so as to secure more rapid production of steam, and an almost complete burning of smoke. The steam pressure is to be 60lb. It is estimated that two

"I have very carefully examined into the claim made by General Sir Howard Douglas in regard to his being the first to devise the screw propeller blade of the particular form shown and described at 61 page of his work on Naval Warfare with Steam? This propeller blade consists in a modification of the Admiralty screw propeller, each blade of which was formerly made of about one-sixth of a helix or complete screw, with the forward or leading edge, and also the after edge, perpendicular to the shaft, consequently, such a blade increased in width the further it proceeded from the axis, and was widest at its outermost edge or periphery.

Sir Howard Douglas, as I understand his claim, alters this propeller blade in respect to its leading or forward edge only; and he does so by removing parts of such forward edge, so that, in place of its being a straight line, he makes it into a convex curved line; and he leaves the after edge of the blade as here

tofore.

"If the above be the correct expression of Sir Howard Douglas's claim, I am clearly of opinion that he was the first to devise and publish that particular form of screw propeller; and I am further of opinion that, whatever be the advantages which may arise from the use of that propeller blade, to Sir Howard Douglas will be due the merit of having originated it. "I am intimately acquainted with Mr. Griffiths' screw propeller blades; and I can only imagine that that gentleman, when he wrote the letter to the Times newspaper on the 30th August last, was uninformed of the precise nature of Sir Howard Douglas's claim, or he would not have fallen into the error of supposing that Sir Howard Douglas claimed his (Mr. Grif fiths) previous invention. It is of the essence of Mr. Griffiths' invention and of his patent, that screw propeller blades should become 'narrower or tapered towards their outside extremities, in contradistinction to the form hitherto adopted of increasing the width of that part of the blade.' Now, Sir Howard Douglas's propeller blade does go on increasing in width as it proceeds outward from the axis, and it is widest at the periphery; consequently, his blade is the reverse of that invented by Mr. Griffiths.

"I would further state that the giving a convex curved form to the forward or leading edge of a screw propeller was not new either to Sir Howard Douglas or to Mr. Griffiths; Lowe and others having used and published descriptions of screw propeller blades with curved forward or leading edges; but these propellers differed in other respects both from those of Mr. Griffiths and also from those of Sir Howard Douglas. "(Signed)

WILLIAM CARPMAEL,

"27th September, 1859.

"21 Southampton-buildings.

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OUR APPEAL.

W., 10s.; H. A. G., 103.; S. L. T., 103.; J. N., 10s."; B., 5s.; T. L., 5s.; T. B. D., 5s.; J. G., 5s.; J. P., 2s. 6d. Anon (Norwich), 2s. We shall have others to announce next week-we hope many others.

Our Weekly Gossip.

Mr. John Macgregor, of the Temple, Barrister-atlaw, has published the following memoranda in the Journal of the Society of Arts:" In the matter of the broken bell at Westminster, perhaps we might possibly learn from the Russians what is to be done in making a better job of the next casting. Every person knows how celebrated Russia is for the size, the tone, and the numbers of its church bells. Some

weeks ago I was at Kimra, a small town on the Volga, had been lately consumed by fire, and the bell had in the centre of Russia. Part of the church tower fallen from a height of fifty feet, and embedded its edge about two feet in the stone pavement below. This bell weighs more than sixteen tons, that is, it is two tons heavier than the Westminster bell, yet it survived this fall, and is still sound, without even a crack. Let us bring this bell to London, and let it toll the time until the clockmakers settle their squabbles, and a better Big Ben is cast." We must add, we do not think it necessary to go to Russia for enlightenment on this question, nor need we wait "until the clockmakers settle their squabbles," because "clockmakers" have no squabbles to settle. The one thing to be done is to get the matter out of Mr. E. B.

Denison's meddling hands, then all things will probably go rightly.

The same gentleman in the same place says:-" Mr. J. W. Carlile calls attention to the large quantity of sawdust and wood-cuttings wasted or burned without effective purpose. This is an important subject, when we consider the enormous heaps of sawdust found near timber-works in Europe and America, the danger from fire if they are left near the mills, the expense of carting them to a distance, the valuable space they occupy, the destruction of fish caused by casting the sawdust into the rivers, and the trouble of burning this material to avoid these disadvantages. I was much struck with this when passing through Sweden last week; and it occurs to me that it may be well to mention that I saw a boiler-furnace burning crude sawdust, entirely unprepared and unmixed, in successful operation last summer, at St. John's, New Brunswick. I do not recollect exactly the construction of this furnace, but I think that Mr. J. Robinson, the proprietor of the extensive saw-mills where it is used, would gladly send a description to any person who may apply for it." Mr. Macgregor deserves thanks for these suggestions.

Captain Norton writes :-"I beg leave to enclose the copy of a letter from the Count Stuart d'Albini, on the subject of my gossamer cartridge, samples of which I had the pleasure of leaving at your office on the 24th instant

"Dear Sir,-I have the pleasure to acknowledge your obliging letter, and the gratifying samples of your admirable and valuable cartridges. I thank you very much for the opportunity of judging of them by inspection. I perceive at once all their value, and appreciate entirely their admirable inge. nuity, efficiency, and simplicity. Their practical operation in the field will be of the highest value, and

ing apparatus, with the high-pressure locomotive engines, so arranged as to permit the vessel to steer either way with equal facility, the paddles or screws working within a groove in the vessel's bottom. Watson's ventilators would insure a supply of air; bull's-eyes set in the deck, and plate-glass sliding panes covering the ports or embrasures, when the vessel was not in action, would yield light; otherwise, the ports should be covered with folding iron shutters, equally strong with the vessel's sides, to be closed at night, or in heavy weather and during action, only opening in full when the guns were run out for discharge. At night, the electric light would shed a brilliant light on the surrounding darkness, while, at the same time, it might be obscured on the side of danger, or even extinguished at pleasure. These batteries would act à fleur d'eau, or at the water level, the most efficient position of any; they would be on the watch day and night, and at all hours. By having a sufficient number, the crews of men and boys would not be unduly harassed by too prolonged duty. As the present coast-guard, as at present arranged, would be no longer needed, the men comprising it would go far to man the boats on duty As the crews might spend half their time on shore, the men would not be too long separated from their families. They would be efficiently trained to the use of heavy ordnance; and as the rafts or floating batteries, by telegraphic signals, could be concentrated on the point or points of danger, the result, I submit, bering, inefficient ships of war on which we now alone would be an infinite improvement on the heavy, lumbe realised for our shores, not neglecting other effec too much depend, while a degree of security would force or wily snare on the part of any opponent or tive measures, that might well bid defiance to open

opponents whatsoever."

The following note is curious:

12 Newport Street, L Square, 1859. GENTLEMEN,-Will you be kind enough to accept the following supposition? I believe that I have found out the means to take respiration under water, and that I can remain any time I like; and also that the water will not affect any part of the body of the diver, -similar to the invention which enables a man to walk intend to put it to the test, which if it answers to through a flame of fire without receiving hurt. I my idea, without doubt it will be beneficial to the divers. I spoke to Mr. Heincke of the Polytechnic Institution yesterday on the subject.

Your obedient servant,

LAURO CECCONI. An old subscriber may fairly have space for the following letter:Elm Cottage, Oct. 28, 1859. GENTLEMEN.-I have just read in August 19, 1859, No. of your Magazine p. 113, middle column, from the bottom 13 lines, that many officers " are inclined to recommend a recurrence to the old paddle wheel." I have taken the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE from the very first number. I have for many years frequently set forth what I consider a desirable alteration; that is, placing the paddle wheels amidships under an air-tight case, the float board working between an inner and outer bottom of the ship. Some of the first engineers in the king. dom have pronounced the principle sound if it could be reduced to practice. It occurred to me a few days ago, when on board the Great Eastern, that to fill arge a space as the two paddle wheels would occupy, with compressed air of sufficient elastic force to resist

a column of water from the load line to the inner bottom would take a large air pump, and consequently require great engine power; to obviate this it occurred to me that the paddle boards might be fixed to an air-tight drum, such as proposed by Captain Selwyn to pay out the Atlantic cable, and that this would so limit the space in the paddle case, that a comparatively small air pump would be required. If the plan is feasible, the motive power would be free from all danger from fouling, or shot, and the point of propulsion would be near the centre of gravity, and do away with much of the unpleasant vibratory motion felt in paddle ships. Yours most obediently, C. P. BANKS.

Tickets of admission to the public to view the Franklin relics at the United Service Institution will be issued this week for Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday in next week and the weeks following, in limited numbers, as the accommodation that can be furnished by the institution is inadequate to meet a large number of visitors. The tickets are to be obtained from Stanford, Charing-cross; Graves, Pall-mall; Mitchell, Charing-cross; Parker, West Strand; Potter, Poultry; and Byefield, Charing-cross.

Patents for Inventions.

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF PATENTS

THE abridged Specifications of Patents given below are classified, according to the subjects to which the respective nventions 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 exelusively for this Magazine from official copies supplied by the Government, and are therefore the property of the proprietors of this Magazine. Other papers are hereby warned not to produce them without acknowledgement :STEAM ENGINES, &c., 800, 805, 821. BOILERS AND THEIR FURNACES, &c., 806, 812. ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and carriages, saddlery and harness, &c., None. SHIPS AND BOATS, including their fittings, 798, 807, 822. CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural and hortieultural implements and machines, 797, 804. FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including apparatus for preparing -food for men and animals, 803, 811, 814.

FIBROUS FABRICS, including machinery for treating fibres, pulp, paper, &c., 802.

BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS, including sewers, drain-pipes, brick and tile machines, &c., 810. LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING, 823. FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils, time-keepers, jewellery, musical instruments, None.

&c.,

METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture, 826.
CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY, 799, 819.
ELECTRICAL APPARATUS. None.

WARFARE, 798.

LETTER PRESS PRINTING &c. None. MISCELLANEOus, 801, 807, 808, 809, 813, 815, 816, 817, 818, 820, 824, 825.

797. J. CARTWRIGHT. "An improved implement for crushing clods and pulverising the surface soil, also convertible into a press wheel roller." Dated March 30, 1859.

The patentee claims the use of the rings or sections with serrated or saw-formed teeth, and the concentric rings, whether used separately or in combination with each other, as well as the method of converting the implement into a press wheel roller by reversing the frame and shafts. Patent completed.

798. C. P. COLES. "An apparatus for defending guns and gunners in ships of war, gun boats, and land batteries." Dated March 30, 1859. This consists of a large convex shield covered with thick metal, and mounted upon a platform which is capable of revolving and which carries the gun or guns. Apertures are formed in the shield to allow the muzzles of the guns to pass through. Patent completed.

799. W. GoSSAGE. "Improvements in the manufacture of certain alkaline silicates, and in the production therefrom of liquor silicis or liquid flint." Dated March 30, 1859.

This consists, 1, in using carbornate of potash, which has been previously deprived of sulphate of potash or sulphate of soda, and thereby obtaining soluble glass of such quality that the solution or "liquid flint " produced from it is free or nearly free from alkaline sulphuret. 2. In purifying liquid flint made from soluble glass, so as to destroy such alkaline sulphuret as may be present therein. The inventor effects such purification by means of oxidising agents.

Patent abandoned.

800. A. V. NEWTON. "An improved governor for marine and other steam-engines." (A communication.) Dated March 30, 1859.

This consists in the use of a small steam-engine working independently of the engine whose speed is to be governed, the same being so applied as to drive certain mechanism which effects an unvarying resistance to its motion, and is combined with mechanism driven by the engine to be governed, the whole being so arranged as to work a regulating valve which controls the supply of steam to the last-named engine. Patent completed.

801. W. SMITH and E. SMITH.

in means or apparatus for the purpose of regulating "Improvements the flow or passage of fluids." Dated March 30, 1859. This relates to cocks in which the closing of the passage is aided by the pressure of the fluid acting upon a valve. The valve is formed at its inner surface somewhat egg-shaped, and it is recessed on the opposite surface to receive and form a sort of rim round the india-rubber packing, which is thereby prevented from spreading. The stem of the valve passes through a hole formed for it in the case of the cock or tap, where it may have a head to open it, or be connected to a lever formed and weighted to aid the closing of the valve. There are modifications included. Patent completed.

"Cer

802. J. LACY, S. SIMPSON, and H. SMITH. tain improvements in machinery for preparing and spinning cotton and other fibrous materials." Dated March 31, 1859.

This particularly applies to roving frames and to mules and throstles, and consists in unwinding the bobbins by rollers, or other friction surfaces, to avoid the strain on the fibrous material, and to effect a uniform delivery of the slubbings or rovings. Patent completed.

803. C. PICKERING. 66 'Improved apparatus for brewing." Dated March 31, 1859.

This relates to a portable apparatus for brewing. It is proposed, 1, to make the copper case fluted or corrugated, to hold fire clay or cement. 2. To make the mashing tun square; also to form a chamber round the mashing tun into which hot liquor is to be admitted for maintaining the heat of the wort. Also to adopt a novel arrangement of gear to the mashing tun. 3. To make the cooler in two parts. 4. To make the circulating channels or conduits of corrugated metal. 5. To fit the working squares or "gyle-tuns' in the mechanical agitators; also the balm separator to separate the yeast from the beer. Patent abandoned.

804. R. C. Ross. "Improved apparatus for culti vating soil." Dated March 31, 1859.

Under one modification, the digging or cultivating details are carried upon a simple rectangular frame or carriage mounted upon wheels, and arranged so as to be drawn by horses or ropes. The digging mechananism is of the rotatory kind, a series of digging blades or forks being mounted upon a revolving drum or frame, which is driven by a strap or otherwise from one of the axles of the supporting wheels. abandoned.

Patent

805. T. IVORY. "Improvements in rotary engines.' Dated March 31, 1859.

This consists, 1, in causing the impelling fluid while admitted at the circumference, to act directly on an area near the centre of the circle of revolution, and

in so arranging the parts of an impulse rotary engine as to produce this effect. 2. In an arrangement for working expansively the steam, or other elastic fluid. which a solid piston is made to travel within a steam 3. In adapting and applying to rotary engines in channel, the arrangements appertaining to the first and second heads of the invention. 4. In adapting and applying the same arrangements to the recoil engines described in a previous patent, dated 30th July, 1857. 5. In obtaining an increased effect from the motive fluid in engines on the "Barker's mill" principle by the arrangements above alluded to. In obtaining the expansive rise of elastic fluids in impulse rotary engines, by means of a hollow arm or chamber opening into a steam channel at the circumference. Patent completed.

6.

806. T. IVORY. "Improvements in steam-boilers, and furnaces for the same.' Dated March 31, 1859. This invention comprises various features. We cannot quote the specification at sufficient length for an intelligible abstract. Patent completed.

807. A. MORTON. "Improvements in sextants or quadrants for nautical purposes, and which are also adapted to the measuring of altitudes or angular distances." Dated March 31, 1859.

This relates more particularly to the construction of strained fences, and the object of this part of the invention is to draw the strands, cords, wires, &c., up to tension, and to keep them tightly strained, and also to allow of their being slackened with facility. This the patentee effects by passing the strands, cords, wires, &c., through rollers, barrels, or pulleys, provided with any contrivance whereby rotary motion may be communicated to them. Patent completed. for cleaning rice." (A communication.) Dated March 811. W. E. NEWTON. Improvements in mills

31, 1859.

This relates to a mill composed principally of a pestle and mortar, and consists in attaching the pestle to a rod which passes through the bottom of the mortar containing the rice. To this rod a recip rocating motion is imparted in a vertical direction, power being applied from a crank to the rod, which extends through the bottom and projects below the mortar. Patent completed.

812. A. V. NEWTON.

struction of steam boiler and other furnaces. (A com. Improvements in the conmunication.) Dated March 31, 1859. fire chamber forming one part of the reverberatory This consists, 1, in constructing the curve next the combustion chambers, by continuing it upward and in a curve of increased radius, so as to cause the two towards the opposite curve which extends towards it curves, enclosing in part the combustion chamber, to terminate in their overhanging projections in such relation to each other as to ensure a more perfect rotathe fire-chamber in the combustion chamber, and thus tion or eddying of the gases and other products from enable them to mix intimately with the air admitted to the combustion chamber. The gases thus mixed as to ensure their complete combustion. 2. In formwill be so presented to the incoming current of lame ing the curves of metal protected from the extreme heat of the fire-chamber by an additional segmental or curved plate which shall form a heating chamber (having a horizontal orifice above) for heating the air before passing into the combustion chamber. Patent completed.

813. D. K. CLARK. "Feed-water heating appa ratus." Dated April 1, 1859.

The patentee claims a method of heating the feedwater of steam boilers by the introduction of the water in one or more currents or jets, into one or more confined channels, and the injection of one or more jets of passages in immediate contact with the water, so steam from the exhaust or otherwise into the same forcibly to impinge upon, and to draw, suck, or pro ject the water through the passages, and to imme diately disperse and intermix with it on the way, thereby effecting the immediate condensation of the whole or part of the steam, and consequently the heating of the water within the passages. completed.

Patent 814. F. P. A. AUBURTIN. "An improved prepa ration of food for herbivorous animals." Dated April 1, 1859.

This consists, 1, in the application of mucilage of the cactus opuntius in combination with chopped hay, straw, lucern, bruised oats, barley, or other grain or seeds usually employed in the preparation of food for horses. Patent completed.

815. I. SIGISMUND. "Certain improvements in the manufacture of artificial teeth, and in the apparatus connected therewith." Dated April 1, 1859. (Partly a communication)

The inventor uses the tusk of the morse or walrus in the manufacture of artificial teeth. Patent aban

816. R A. BROOMAN. "Improvements in machinery for solidifying, pressing, and moulding." (A communication.) Dated April 1, 1859.

This relates to a previous patent, dated April 14, 1857, and consists in driving plungers forward directly

817. R. A. BROOMAN. "A new preparation of indigo for dyeing." (A communication.) Dated April 1, 1859.

This new preparation is obtained by treating indigo with alkaline earths partly saturated with such acids as sulphurous, phosphorus, cyanhydrous. Patent abandoned.

818. W. E. NEWTON. Improvements in cricket bats." (A communication). Dated April 1, 1859. This consists in constructing the blade of the bat with a mere shell of wood, and a filling of cork or other elastic material, and in constructing the handle of a hollow tube of wood, with a strip of whalebone, or other flexible or elastic material running through

the centre and down into the blade. Patent completed.

819. W. E. NEWTON. "An improved process of manufacturing sulphate of lead, carbonate of lead, nitrate of potash, and sulphate of soda." (A communication.) Dated April 1, 1859.

This consists, 1, in dissolving the lead in acetic or nitric acids, and in decomposing the soluble nitrate, or acetate thus formed by means of sulphuric acid, by which an insoluble precipitate of sulphate of lead is formed, the nitric or acetic acids being set free to be used in dissolving another portion of the lead. 2. In decomposing the sulphate of lead, as above obtained, by means of carbonate of potash, and nitrate of soda, whereby are obtained carbonate of lead, nitrate of potash, and sulphate of soda. Patent completed.

820. J. J. DAVIS. "An improved pad, applicable for inking, damping, and other like purposes by hand." Dated April 1, 1859.

This relates to the application of a pad mounted on an axis so that it can be turned to present different surfaces, as may be required for the inking or colouring of stamping surfaces, and for damping or gumming stamps, envelopes, &c., by hand. Patent abandoned.

821. W. TOD. Improvements in marine steam engines." Dated April 1, 1859.

This comprises a variety of detail to which we can. not here give space. Patent completed.

822. Y. THOMAS. "An improved propeller for ships, vessels, boats, and water wheels." Dated April 1, 1859.

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

823. J. DESMET - SEAUT.

"An improved gasburning and lighting apparatus." Dated April 2,

1859.

This consists in a peculiar arrangement of apparatus having rotatory burners, suitable for ordinary and ornamental gas-lighting purposes. The apparatus consists of a closed cup or vessel of glass, or other suitable material, within which a recipient is fixed containing water for purifying the gas on its passage through openings in a supply pipe, to a rotating pipe, which is partly immersed in water; this latter pipe turns on a pivot and is caused to rotate by the pressure of the gas on its passage through it, and communicates such rotatory motion to the branches or burners in communication with it, and which may be in a spiral or other form. Patent abandoned.

824. A. RIPLY and J. ROBERTS. "Improvements in machinery for striking or scraping leather and tanned or untanned hides." Dated April 2, 1859.

The main object of this invention is the production of a machine which will approach as near as possible the action of the hand-that is, to give to the knives which act upon the hide a direct backward and forward horizontal motion over the surface of it, and at the same time a motion of rotation on their edges in plane nearly at right angles to the former, and by means of these compounded motions to excel the effects produced by the knife when guided by the hand. The patentees produce three distinct motions within the knife or knives, two of these motions may be said to result from effects transferred to the knives, the third, from the action within them, the resultant of the whole three being the twisting or oscillating motion before alluded to. Patent completed.

825. J. HALL and J. S. SPARKES. "An improved application of machinery for the purpose of hoisting, kwering, pulling, or drawing weights." Dated April 2, 1859.

This consists in the application of what is called in mechanics' the endless screw in combination with the wheel and axle to crabs, cranes, windlasses, and that class of machines. Patent abandoned,

Dated Sept. 13, 1859.

Dated Oct. 10, 1859.

2297. J. S. Parfitt. A registering nautical velocimeter, for measuring the speed of ships, and also of currents of water.

2299. C. A. Shaw. Improvements in machinery for shaping or bending tinned sheet iron, and other sheet metal. (A communication.)

2300. T. and J. Knowles and A. Rigg. Improve

2252. F. J. Dove. Iron clasped bonding plates for joints and other building purposes.

2256. W. G. S. Mockford. Improvements in the manufacture of starch.

2260. T. H. Dodd. Improvements in portable apparatuses for the use of smiths, carpenters, and other workmen.

2262. W. E. Newton. Improvements in blankets used for printing calicoes and other fabrics, and in the mode of washing or cleaning the same. (A communication.)

2264. J. Prichard. Improvements in spurs. 2266. J. Webster. An improved construction of spring for carriages and other purposes. 2268. J. Turpie. Improvements in the fore and aft gaff and boom sails of ships.

2270. G. Long and J. Archer. Improvements in the manufacture of manure.

punching, and drilling metals, which improvements are also applicable to presses.

2301. G. White. Improvements in frames for spinning and twisting yarn of any description of textile materials. (A communication.)

2303. S. B. Parker. A method of, and apparatus for, revivifying oxide of iron and other agents for purifying gas containing metallic particles.

2304. W. Martin, jun. An improved method of damping linen and other textile fabrics..

Dated Oct. 11, 1859.

2305. L. J. Jeannin. A new system of pumps. 2306. C. F. Beyer. Improvements in machinery for boring and drilling.

2307. J. L. Tenting. Improvements in the construction of buffers for railway and other carriages, also applicable to other purposes where springs are employed.

2308. J. L. Tenting. Improvements in the construction of the axles of railway and other carriages 2309. J. Earl. Improvements in arranging and applying harness to the draft of carriages.

2310. W. D. Hart. Improvements in pressure regulating apparatus for gas burners.

2311. J. Smith. Improvements in breech-loading fire-arms aud ordnance.

2312. P. G. Cunningham. Improvements in the construction of artificial teeth and gums.

2313. A. Whytock. Improvements in coating sheets of metal with other metals and other substances.

2314. A. V. Newton. An improved mode of clarifying and defecating saccharine solutions and juices. (A communication.)

2315. F. A. Lohage. An improved construction of water-wheel. (A communication.)

Dated Oct. 12, 1859.

2316. J. Skertehly. Improvements in the manufacture of mosaic and other ornamental tiles and slabs, and in apparatus connected therewith.

2317. G. Scott. Improvements in generating elastic fluids and in the apparatus for that purpose. 2318. W. Day. A direct-action rotary steamengine.

2319. A. A D. Hely. Certain improvements in the manufacture of tobacco for smoking purposes.

2320. J. Carrick. Improvements in commodes, water-closets, and other sanitary appliances. 2321. Z. Nuttall. Improvements in looms for weaving.

2322. J. Thomson. An improved form of hydraulic valve and apparatus to be used in the manufacture of gas.

2323. T. Rothwell. Improvements applicable to warehouses and other buildings in which "well-holes" are constructed for the purposes of light and ventilation.

2324. E. H. Baron, J. Wheater, and L. Tatley. Certain improvements in carding engines for carding cotton, wool, and other fibrous materials.

2325. J. Tangye. A new or improved method of actuating certain kinds of motive power engines, and in the distribution of motive power.

2326. E. H. Taylor. Improvements in apparatus applicable to the permanent-way of railways.

2327. C. H. Southall. An improved apparatus for making and finishing boots and shoes.

2328. C. P. Moody. A method of, and apparatus for, raising grass and other crops on to stacks, which apparatus is also applicable to raising and transferring weights.

2329. T. B. Daft. Improvements in flexible valves. 2330. H. Bright. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for navigating the air.

2331. T. Twells. Improvements in machinery and apparatus connected therewith for embroidering or ornamenting woven, looped, or laced fabrics. Dated Oct. 13, 1859.

2333. J. Rhone. An indicating meter tap. 2335. J. Hunter. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for ploughing or cultivating land. 2337. L. H. Rousseau. Improvements in steam engines.

Dated Oct. 14, 1859.

2341. F. Levick. An improvement or improvements in the manufacture of iron.

2345. J. Jack. Certain improvements in steam engines and boilers for marine and land purposes. 2347. T. Robinson. Improvements in annealing or softening wire.

Dated Oct. 15, 1859.

2319. W. E. Newton. An improvement in the mode of applying india-rubber, gutta percha, or other elastic substances to give clasticity between the tires or outer rims and the hubs or naves of railway or other wheels and between other metallic bodies. (A communication.)

2351. F.A. Leigh. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for the manufacture of screws, bolts, and nuts. (A communication.)

2353. R. Bates. Improvements in engines for carding cotton and other fibrous substances. (A communication.)

2355. J. Échard. Improvements in machines and apparatus for ploughing and sowing. (A communication.)

2357. J. H. Brown. Improvements in the preparation of gunpowder for loading ordnance and fire arms. Dated Oct. 17, 1859.

2361. G. Berry. Improvements in the construction of glass and earthenware vessels for containing fluids, particularly such vessels as are intended to contain fluids which may exert dynamic force on the stoppers of such vessels.

2363. L. Vidie. Improvements in transmitting the motion of steam engines.

2365. G. W. Reynolds and E. Dance. A new or improved manufacture of baskets and other articles usually made of wicker work, and new or improved machinery to be employed in the said manufacture.

2367. W. E. Newton. Improvements in preserving and disinfecting organic substances. (A communication.)

2369. J. Bernard. Improvements in the manufac ture or production of boots and shoes, and other coverings for the feet, and in the machinery, apparatus, and means connected with such manufacture.

2371. D. Jones. Improvements in self-acting breaks to be used on railways.

2373. W. Hall and A. Wells. Improvements in the manufacture of ropes and cords.

Dated Oct. 18, 1859.

1492. J. Meikle. Coating ships with asphalte. 1499. A. Barclay. Steam hammers. 1504. W. Russell. Wheels. 1514. H Doulton. Jars and bottles. 1517. J. Mills. Keys and gibs. 1524. T. Howard. Condensing steam.. 1526. C. W. Williams. Steam boilers. 1531. W. Coppin. Raising weights and bodies. 1531. D. J. Fleetwood. Shaping metals. 1535. B. Burton. Fire-arms.

1550. G. Chapman. Knitting machines. 1554. A. Gueyton. Enamelling. 1557. R. A. Brooman. Lithographic presses. (A communication.)

1562. J. A. Wilkinson. Printing presses. 1564. J. Bernard. Boots and shoes. 1574. R. Royds and A. Harcourt. Composition for protecting structures of iron.

1583. C. H. G. Williams. Dyeing. 1586. J. Simon. Composition to replace lead, &c. 1701. H. Parent. Looms.

1712. G. Welch. Frames for mirrors, &c. 1733. J. King. Distillation of spirits. 1895. R. A. Brooman. Locks and keys. (A communication.)

2038. E. R. Dann and E. Goldschmidt. fronts.

2112. J. Beck.

Stereoscopes.

Bonnet

2166. J. Gedge. Stamp holder and cutter. (A LIST OF MISCELLANEOUS TENDERS IN communication.)

2199. M. L. J. Lavater. Injection bottles. 2214. E. Sonneborn.

Cement.

2276. E. O. Tindall. Crushing grain, &c. 2278. A. M. Ferry. Oil and lamps. 2309. J. Earl. Harness. 2331. T. Twells. Embroidering. 2363. L. Vidie. Steam engines. 2371. D. Jones. Railway breaks. 2377. J. Reynolds. munication.)

Wrought nails. (A com

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

Dated Oct. 19, 1859.

2387. G. Worssam. An improvement in non-condensing steam-engines.

2389. J. Gordon. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for pulping coffee.

2391. T. Spencer. Improvements in the manufacture of carbonate of soda.

2393. C. Cowper. Improvements in photographing on uneven surfaces, and in apparatus for that purpose. (A communication.)

2395. J. J. Bowen. Improvements in manufac turing the pots for containing liquids used by publicans and others.

2397. W. Warne, J. A. Jaques, and J. A. Fanshawe. Improvements in the manufacture of elastic hoops or bands and other analogous elastic articles, applicable to various parts of ladies' and gentlemen's wearing apparel, and in the machinery employed in such manu

facture.

2399. J. R. Palmer. Improvements in the manufacture of printing ink and paints and varnishes, and also in the manufacture of lacquers, japans, and blacking.

PATENT APPLIED FOR WITH COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.

2413. J. Avery. Improvements in railroad weighlocks and other platform scales. (A communication.)

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO PROCEED WITH PATENTS.

(From the London Gazette, Nov. 1, 1859.) 1463. C. F. Vasserot. Stereoscopes. (A communication.)

1487. A. P. How. Distilling apparatus.

LIST OF SEALED PATENTS. Sealed Oct. 27, 1859.

1157. J. Ramsbottom. 1174. M. Henry. 1176. W. O. Bourne. 1185. W. Spence. 1188. J. B. Lyall and F. W. Campin.

1193. T. R. Oswald.
1223. J. Brown, jun.
1237. J. H. Johnson,
1239. J. Childs.

1242. R. Wilson. 1257. W. H. Perkin and M. Gray.

1305. W. H. Nevill.
1308. J. C. Bent.
1320. W. H. Graveley.
1327. E. Breffit.
1419. A. V. Newton.
1440. S. Levy.

1540. A. V. Newton. 1560. J. Lawson and S. Cotton.

1628. J. H. Johnson. 1661. J. Combs. 1731. W. E. Newton. 1742. J. Davies. 1812. W. R. Drake. 1836. J. Cannon. 1840. G. T. Bousfield. 1860. De la Rue and H. Muller.

1919. Hon. W. Talbot. 1930. T. Richardson. 1965. D. Todd. 2001. W. Brown, jun., and S. Bathgate. 2032. J. J. Sieber.

VITED, AND ENGAGEMENTS OPEN. The tenders and vacancies which appear in this weekly list are not repeated in succeeding numbers. ENGINE, Kingston-upon-Hull.-Construction and erection of an expansive condensing pumping engine, 85-in. cylinder, at their waterworks at Stoneferry, near Hull. A specification and drawing of Mr. R. A. Marillier, 73 Sowgate, Hull, to November 15th. Tenders to November 23rd, marked "Tender for Engine," Mr. Wells, townclerk, Hull. RAILWAY BUILDINGS, Great Northern Railway. - At King's Cross Station, extension of provender store, trellis bridge, and conversion of straw store into stables. Plans of Mr. W. M. Brydone, the company's engineer, at King's Cross; and the specification and form of tender on payment of 5s. Tenders sealed and marked "Tender for extension of provender store," must be lodged at Secretary's office, King's Cross station, on Tuesday, November 8th, when parties tendering must be in attendance.

RYDE PIER, Isle of Wight.-For the eulargement and improvement of the pier. Drawings, specifications, particulars, and forms of tender, Mr. W. C. Rateliffe, solicitor to the directors of the pier company, to whom tenders, November 15.

WAGGON-WAY, Newcastle-upon Tyne.-For the excavation and other works required in the construction of a line of waggon-way for the Ayre's Quay Bottle Company. Plans, &c., 22 Bridge-street. Tenders, November 7th. CHURCH, Ripley, Derby.-New tower, chancel, and vestry, extension of nave, &c., to the parish church of Ripley. Plans, Mr. R. Barber, architect, Eastwood, Nottingham, after November 28th. Tenders, December 17th. CEMETERY, Barnsley.-For forming and stoning the roads and walks, and also laying out and performing the labour in planting, &c., at the cemetery at Barnsley. Drawings and specifications to Mr. W. H. Peacock, Clerk to the Burial Board, Church-street, Barnsley. Tenders to November 14th.

RESIDENCE, Patersham, Surrey.-For J. P. Murrough, Esq. Specifications, &c., Mr. J. H. Fowler, architect, 32 Fleetstreet, London.

HOUSES, Shipley, Leeds.-For the several works to be done in the erection of three houses to be built at Victoria Park, Shipley, Drawings, &c., at the office of Mr. S. Jackson, Kirkgate, Bradford. Tenders to November 7. SURVEY, Wortley, Leeds.-For a new survey, plan, and valuation of the township. The plan to be on a scale of three chains to the inch. The township contains 1,036 acres, including about 2.000 dwelling houses. The overscers do not pledge themselves to take the lowest, or any tender. Tenders and testimonials for the above, or for a valuation without survey, may be sent to Mr. J. Stones, assistant overseer. Tenders to November 16. SUPERINTENDENT OF PERMANENT WAY.-For the Punjab Railway. Will be required to undergo a medical exami nation, and to proceed to India immediately. Salary £100 per annum. Apply by letter only, stating age, and enclosing copies of testimonials to T. A. Yarrow, Esq., consulting engineer, Gresham House, Old Broad-street, London, E.C.

MINING SECRETARY.-With influence, for a proposed company. Apply to M'Ewen and Glover, C. E., York Chambers, King-street, Manchester.

MECHANICAL DRAUGHTSMAN.-As an assistant to an engi neer engaged on works in the country. Must have a good knowledge of accounts, and be able to prepare scale and working drawings from sketches. One who has been brought up in the work-hop preferred. Apply with all particulars, to T. W. W. Glynneath, Glamor ganshire. MILLWRIGHT.-For a forge and mill.

He must be a thorough good workman, and one who may be fully relied upon to keep the works in repair. No one need apply who cannot produce good testimonials. Applica tion to Mr. Parke, bookseller, High-street, Wolver hampton.

A MILLWRIGHT, AN ENGINE-FITTER, AND AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT-FITTER.-Apply to Mr. Mellard, Kent Foun dry, Rugeley, Staffordshire.