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Patents for Inventions.

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF PATENTS

THE abridged Specifications of Patents given below are
classified, according to the subjects to which the respective
aventions refer, in the following table. By the system of
classification adopted, the numerical and chronological
order of the specifications is preserved, and combined with
all the advantages of a division into classes. It should be
understood that these abridgements are prepared exclu-
sively for this Magazine from official copies supplied by the
Government, and are therefore the property of the proprie-
tors of this Magazine. Other papers are hereby warned not
to produce them without acknowledgement :-
STEAM ENGINES, &c., 472.

BOILERS AND THEIR FURNACES, &c., 409.

ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and car-
riages, saddlery and harness, &c., 424, 448, 460.
SHIPS AND BOATS, including their fittings, 425, 437, 449,
461.

CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural and hor
ticultural implements and machines, 431.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including apparatus for preparing
food for men and animals, 451.

FIBROUS FABRICS, including machinery for treating fibres,
pulp, paper, &c., 407, 457, 463, 465, 466, 468, 470.
BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS, including sewers,
drain-pipes, brick and tile machines, &c., 427, 433, 443,
445, 462.

of the distance towards the opposite side of the fire-
box, by which the direct current of the gases is di-
verted from the entrance to the transverse partitions
or flues, and thrown towards the fire-door plate
through which, or the side plates, atmospheric air is
admitted to ensure the prevention of smoke. Patent
completed.

410. C. SANDERS. "Certain improvements in or-
namenting English passe-partouts for photographic
pictures, also the glasses used with the same, and
which said modes of ornamenting are also applicable
to ornamenting photographic frames generally."
Dated Feb. 14. 1859.

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416. E. H. ALDRICH. "Improvements in ladies' dress caps." Dated Feb. 15, 1859.

This consists in securing the ordinary materials, such as lace, &c., to the common bobbin net foundation by cement, through the medium of heat and This consists in applying to photographic mounts pressure by suitable blocks, and attaching flowers, the well-known process or processes of gilding, paint-&c., thereto by metallic ties or fastenings. Patent ing, staining, etching, or printing, singly or combined, abandoned. the inner side of the front glass, around that portion that does not intercept the picture or the moulding that surrounds it. Patent completed.

411. J. WRIGHT "Improvements in reducing and rolling steel and iron wire, and other forms of those metals in long lengths." Dated Feb. 14, 1859.

This consists in winding the wire to be reduced on a cast-iron bobbin or reel, which is then placed on a box of the same metal, and the whole placed in a furnace and heated to the required degree. The wire while heated is passed through rolls and rolled flat, as for watch springs or crinoline steel. There are modifications included. Patent completed. FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils, of working railway signals and switches." Dated 412. J. L. CLARK. "Improvements in the means Feb. 14, 1859.

LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING, 413, 441, 467.

time-keepers, jewellery, musical instruments, &c., 416, 421, 422, 450.

METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture, 418, 419, 447.

CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY, 444.

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS, 434, 458.
WARFARE, 406, 471.

LETTER PRESS PRINTING &c., 453.
MISCELLANEOus, 408, 410, 411, 412, 414, 415, 417, 420, 423,
428, 429, 430, 432, 435, 436, 438, 439, 440, 446, 452, 454,
155, 456, 459, 464, 469, 473, 474, 475, 476.

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

407. W. E. NEWTON. "Improvements in sewing machines." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 12, 1859. This relates, 1, to the manner of drawing the thread through the fabric after the stitch has been completed, and the required tension given to it; and to effect this end the needle used is of the kind known as the double-pointed needle, which is made to pass back and forth through the fabric, and is caught and held at each operation by suitable holding instruments. The loose or free end of the thread is drawn through the fabric by a hook or hooks attached to a travelling endless band. It consists, 2, in alternately gripping and releasing the needle from the needle bars as it passes back and forth through the fabric, carrying with it the thread to form the stitches. It consists, 3, in the arrangement of an adjustable presser foot, to answer the twofold purpose of guiding the needle to the upper needle bar, and to press the thread against the needle to give the necessary tension to the stitch. Patent abandoned.

408. J. PARKINSON. "Certain improvements in coffins." Dated Feb. 14, 1859.

This consists in manufacturing coffins or burial cases of earthenware, such as the brown ware made of ordinary clays, or of finer descriptions, such as china elays, or other similar plastic material; or they may be made of ordinary clay, and veneered with clays or cements of finer qualities, and they may be coated both inside and out with a vitreous enamel or glass. Patent completed.

400. T. HUST. "Improvements in steam-boilers er generators, and in the prevention or combustion of smoke." Dated Feb. 14, 1859.

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417. C. L. ROBERTS. "The manufacture of an im. proved cigar." Dated Feb. 15, 1859.

This consists in enclosing within the ends of cigars during manufacture tubes or mouth-pieces of glass, &c., so formed as to admit of one end being readily held within the mouth of the smoker whilst the other is firmly imbedded in the cigar. Patent abandoned. 418. R. MUSHET. "Improvements in the manu facture of steel, iron, and cast-steel." Dated Feb. 15, 1859.

This consists in combining cast-iron, decarbonised or partially decarbonised, by passing air through it whilst in the fluid state, with welding cast-steel pots or crucibles heated in ordinary steel melting obtained by melting suitable materials in meltingfurnaces, the union of the said welding cast-steel and decarbonised cast-iron being effected by mixing them together whilst both of them are in a melted state, to obtain thereby malleable steel iron or steel suited for commercial purposes. Patent completed.

419. F. WALTERS. "The application of the waste heat from puddling furnaces." Dated Feb. 15, 1859. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent abandoned.

420. W. RAYMOND. Dated Feb. 15, 1859.

"An improved life-raft."

In order to work railway signals and switches, the patentee arranges at or near the foot of the signal post, or at or near the switch, two hydraulic cylinders, each furnished with a pipe leading to the place from whence the signal switch is to be actuated, and at this place is a force pump or pumps, by which water may be forced through one or other of the pipes into one or other of the hydraulic cylinders. The pistons or plungers within the cylinders are connected with the signal or switch to be worked in any convenient manner; and they are also connected together so that The inventor employs two semi-cylindrical vessels of when the piston or plunger of one of them is forced corrugated sheet iron, with tapering round ends, the forward by water being injected into the cylinder concave portions to be filled in with cork, &c., attached the plunger or piston of the other cylinder is pushed thereto with marine glue, over which he places a comback to its original position, and the water which the plete covering of cork. He then places a covering cylinder contained is caused to flow back by the pipe of canvas, secured by a casing of cork, the whole to the place where the force pump is situated, and to be secured by corrugated galvanized iron bands at there it is caused to flow into a measuring vessel, so intervals. There are various other details in connecthat the person working the force pumps may know tion with the fittings of the raft. Patent completed. by the quantity of water returned by the pipe when 421. J. PATERSON. Improvements in brace the required amount has been produced. The employ-buckles and loops, and in braces." Dated Feb. 15, ment of the return water to give this indication is the peculiar feature of the arrangement which renders it superior to the systems heretofore proposed for actuating signals and switches at a distance by hydraulic power. Patent completed.

413. J. COPCUTT. "Improvements in obtaining light from gases." Dated Feb. 14, 1859.

In obtaining what is called oxy-hydrogen light by directing a jet of ignited gas on to lime or a prepared material, the patentee has found that a better effect is obtained by employing the gases at a far greater pressure than the apparatus now employed will admit of. Patent completed.

414. R. CLEGG, F. ANGERSTEIN, and J. W. PAGE. "Improvements in making soap." Dated Feb. 14,

1859.

The patentees take one cwt. of the silicate of alumina, and half-cwt. of carbonate of soda in crystals, boil in the water of crystals till on dropping a test quantity on a cool slab it shall appear quite hard; call this A. Then they take one cwt. of the silicate of alumina, 100 cwt. of carbonate of soda, and 10 gallons of water, boil them together for half-an-hour, when they will become amalgamated. Then add of brown resin one cwt., and continue the boiling, when the whole will become a homogeneous mass; then add 56 lbs. of the product of the first process called A, and when sufficiently stiff, pour into moulds, and cut into bars. Take of tallow 14 lbs., caustic soda or potash 14 lbs., boil together, adding fresh alkali from time to time, till the soap is perfected; or of this add as much as the quality or character of the soap requires; while hot incorporate, and pour into moulds. Patent completed.

This consists, 1, in the use of transverse flue spaces or chambers having one or more openings made through each, but so arranged that the openings in one chamber are not exactly opposite to those of the next chamber, the whole being placed in the barrel of the boiler of a locomotive engine, or in that portion of a multitubular boiler usually occupied by the tubes and flues. 2. In combining these transverse chambers with tubes, the latter being fixed at the end of the boiler, or flues, or transverse chambers, next the chimney. 3. In arranging the transverse flue spaces m boilers having two or more furnaces or flues, so that one set of transverse chambers may be used in common to all the furnaces, or have a soparate series of chambers to each. 4. In constructing the fire-boxes The objects of this invention are effected by means of maltitubular or locomotive boilers with a water of a hollow vessel in the form of a magnet. The space or midfeather attached to the tube plate and to action of this vessel is regulated for draining land by the crown plate, such water space projecting a portion | the ebbing and flowing of the tide. In discharging

415. A. B. CLARK. "Improvements in discharging sewage and water from lands into tidal rivers, and in flooding lands therefrom, also conveying sewage and other waters or liquids across canals and over structures, part of which said improvements being applicable as a substitute for sluice cocks and valves." Dated Feb. 14, 1859.

1859.

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This consists in carrying down a piece of metal from the lower bar of the buckle or loop, and in turning up this piece of metal towards the bar so as to form a pipe or tube for the chain or catgut carrying the cords to run in. It also consists in attaching leather tabs to tab chains by eyelets, and a piece of metal attached to each end of the chain. Patent completed.

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422. J.T. JONES. Improvements in sewing machines." Dated Feb. 15, 1859.

This comprises various improvements in sewing machines, the details of which are too voluminous for us to quote them at sufficient length for an intelligible abstract. Patent completed.

423. G. BEDSON. "Improvements in joining wire for telegraphic and other purposes." Dated Feb. 15, 1859.

This consists in placing the ends of the wires to be joined within a short tube, which the inventor then strikes with a punch. He prefers to galvanize the joints, or otherwise to apply molten metal, whereby the parts become soldered together. There are various modifications included. Patent completed. 424. J. F. TOURRIER. "Preventing oscillation of the last carriage of a railway train, and giving rigidity and steadiness throughout the train." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

Oscillation is here prevented by placing the action of drawing at the two third back of the carriage, and a secondary or slight action of drawing at the one. third part of the same carriage. The whole is connected by chains or rods with the shackles now in use. The rigidity and steadiness is obtained by coupling chains fitting so as to assist the shackles and supporters to the carriage in case of need. Patent abandoned.

425. M. CRawford. "An improved anti-fouling metallic varnish, applicable to ships' bottoms and other similar purposes." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

The inventor mixes in suitable proportions plumbago or black lead, fine or gum varnish, arsenic, and spirits of turpentine. Patent abandoned.

426. S. BAILEY. "Certain apparatus for preventing the skip in mine operations being pulled over the

pulley on which the rope or chain works, to which such skip or cage may be attached, as well as prevent ing the skip or cage re-descending until put in motion for that purpose." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

The objects indicated in the title of this invention are effected by certain apparatus, the details of which are too elaborate to be quoted here. Patent completed.

427. R. COOKSON and C. W. HOMER. "Improvements in machinery for making bricks, tiles, tubes, and other articles of plastic materials, and in the mode of joining drain pipes." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

This consists in a combination of machinery by which clay or other plastic material is supplied to a box furnished with a double-acting piston, from which it is forced through dies of the proper shapes for making bricks, tiles, tubes, and other articles. "Patent completed.

428. C. E. WRIGHT. "Improvements in means or apparatus employed in the nursing or treatment of infants." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

Here the child is placed in a basket or other receiver, and supported by bands connected to rings and a spring hook. Patent completed.

429. B. J. S. PEARCE. "Improvements in weighing and dynamic machines." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

This relates to the application of a weight on a pendant lever, as the counterbalance to determine the weight of any body, in combination with a lever or series of levers and a circular dial and index-hand, showing the result of the weighing operation. Patent completed.

430. P. M. P. BOURJEAURD. "An improved apparatus for supporting the womb." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

This consists of a mushroom-shaped vessel in caoutchouc with an aperture through the centre thereof, and connected to india-rubber or other straps for securing it to the body of the wearer. The vessel is hollow, and may be permanently sealed, or it may be connected with a pipe fitted with taps, and an airbag for the purpose of inflating and letting out the air from the mushroom-shaped vessel as required.

Patent abandoned.

431. W. E. NEWTON. "An improved mowing machine or grass harvester." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 16, 1859. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

432. A. V. NEWTON. "An improvement in the construction of brushes." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

This consists principally of a method of fitting and fixing the bristles of cylindrical and other like brushes, which method is not described apart from the draw. ings. Patent completed.

433. W. E. NEWTON. "Improved machinery for making bricks." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

Here a wooden drum is mounted horizontally in bearings, and actuates an endless cloth, which is passed round it and extends down to the ground, and is supported beneath by small rollers so that it may move with facility, and carry forward to the upper or feeding parts of the machinery the clay that is placed thereon. A chain-wheel on the axle of the drum is driven by a chain which passes round a smaller chain wheel on the axle of the feeding or crushing rollers which crush the clay and feed it forward to the pug mill. These rollers are so mounted and arranged that should stones, &c., be found in the clay the rollers will yield, but will be brought back to their original position by springs or counter-weights. The clay is conducted down to a horizontal cylinder, around which are arranged moulds for the bricks, each mould being fitted with a moveable piston. By the rotation of the mould drum, the moulds are brought under the action of a presser wheel, which forces the clay into the interstices of the moulds. The clay is submitted to a second presser, while the pistons are also pressed from behind. The bricks are forced out of the moulds by causing the rods at the back of the pistons to be brought against a wheel which will force them out wards, and deliver the bricks on to a plank or board placed on a travelling belt or cloth whereby they are carried out of the machine. Patent abandoned.

434. W. H. HORSTMANN. "Telegraphic cables and the mode of constructing the same and laying them down." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

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

435. J. J. RUSSELL. "Improvements in machinery used for heating and welding the edges of the plates used in the manufacture of cylinders and other articles." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

Here a standard framing is used from which project two arms. These arms at their outer ends are arranged to receive dies or tools. The upper tool

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slides up and down between guides, and is actuated by | bined, some of the pieces being flat and others un-
a cam on a suitable axis, on which there is a cog-wheel dulated, placed one edge juxtaposed and rivetted at
driven by a pinion on the main axis of the machine, the points of contact. Patent completed.
which is put in motion by a steam engine. There are 446. T. CATTELL. Improvements in treating
two fires suitably placed for heating the edges of the and purifying gutta-percha." Dated Feb. 17, 1859.
plates to be welded. When the overlapping edges are This consists in submitting gutta percha to the
sufficiently heated they are brought between the two action of volatile solvents of two classes, in the pro-
dies and pressed between them. Patent completed. portion of one part by weight to about fifteen parts of
436. W. A. O'DOHERTY. "An improvement in solvent. The details are voluminous. Patent com
black-lead pencils and pencil cases." (A communica-pleted.
tion.) Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

This consists in manufacturing black-lead pencils with the lead running half way through, and indiarubber the other half. Also, in applying a piece of india-rubber to one end of a pencil case. Patent abandoned.

437. J. SEGUIN. "Improvements relating to the employment of moving power arising from the tides, and its application to manufacturing, agricultural, and other purposes." Dated Feb. 16, 1859. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

438. J. S. BENSON. "A new or improved method of silvering glass." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

This consists in the use of a solution in water of nitrate of silver and tartrate of ammonia. Patent abandoned.

439. J. BREEDEN. "New or improved machinery for the manufacture of taps or stopcocks, and fittings for gas, steam, and water-pipes." Dated Feb. 18,

1859.

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

440. J. EASON. Improvements in apparatus applicable to tanning, dyeing, and obtaining extracts from vegetable, animal, and mineral substances." Dated Feb. 16, 1859.

This consists of machinery for the tanning of skins, hides, &c., by exhaustion and repletion, caused by hydraulic and hydrostatic pressure. The vessels or tanks the patentee uses for this purpose are composed of iron, wood, or other suitable material, either square or cylindrical, the former in ordinary cases being preferable if of sufficient strength to bear a pressure of from 100 lbs. to 1000 lbs. to the square inch, and are lined with marine glue, gutta percha, lead, copper, or wood as may be required, as the liquor used for tanning in coming into contact with the iron would tend to destroy its tanning properties. Patent completed. "Improvements in the use and application of artificial light.” Dated Feb. 17, 1859.

441. S. T. COOPER.

The essential condition of this invention is the instantaneous ignition of jets of gas as they issue from a burner, by one or some of them inpinging upon and coming in contact with a fixed flame (which may be that of gas or of an oil or other lamp) kept continually burning, in combination with an arrangement whereby the gas is supplied from the main through a branch pipe and turned on to, or cut off from, the burner by the action of an ordinary shut-off cock placed at a distance from it. Patent abandoned.

442. G. GRAY. "An improvement in screw wrenches." (A communication) Dated Feb. 17, 1859. The short-threaded screw which gears into the bar revolves on a shaft, the end of which shaft is made with a projecting thumb-piece, having a centre pin passing through both, and on one side of the shaft, so that by moving the excentric shaft round half a revolution the short screw is raised out of gear, thereby allowing the jaws to be opened to their fullest extent without the trouble of the continuous motion of the screw, which is merely pushed into gear for tightening the object to be held. There are other features included. Patent abandoned.

443. H. Y. D. Scort. "An improvement in the manufacture of cement." Dated Feb. 17, 1859. In carrying out this invention, which is an improvement upon Scott's patent cement, as patented April 17, 1858, and Feb. 19, 1857, the patentee takes the above-named cement, if it is in lump, which he prefers, and grinds it down in an ordinary cement mill with an equal quantity by measure of chalk, using less or more of that material as desired. Patent completed.

444. B. SAILLARD. "An improved mode of obtaining printing-plates from collodion pictures." Dated Feb. 17, 1859.

447. F. W. EMERSON. "Improvements in the treatment of certain ores of lead, and obtaining from them valuable primary and secondary products." Dated Feb. 17, 1859.

This consists in the treatment of certain ores of lead known as mendipite or oxchloride of lead, phosphate of lead, and the arsenio-chlorides and arsenio phosphates of lead, native sulphated and carbonates of lead, and all those ores of lead, contain ing any combination of chlorine, phosphoric acid, arsenous or arsenic acid, carbonic acid, sulphuric acid, or any mixture of the same, so as to produce therefrom oxide of lead for the preparation of its various salts, as the acetate, nitrate, &c., and the various uses for which litharge is now employed, red lead, or minium carbonate of lead, and metallic or pig lead, and from the mendipite or oxchloride of lead a very durable and anticorrosive paint is obtained. Patent completed.

418. C. FAY. "Improvements in apparatus for working railway breaks." Dated Feb. 17, 1859.

This invention relates in great part to a former patent dated 18th Dec., 1856, and consists of various peculiar arrangements of mechanism for imparting a rotary motion to the longitudinal break rods of the train, whereby the breaks may be made partly selfacting and self-adjusting, so as to compensate for the wear of the blocks, whilst they are still free to be applied by the hand wheel of the guard when requisite. Patent completed.

449. J. H. JOHNSON. "Improvements in apparatus for propelling and steering vessels and other floating craft." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 17,

1859.

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This consists in the application and use to and in the propelling or steering of vessels of a scroll-shaped box placed in a horizontal position beneath the sur. face of the water, and connected to the stern or other convenient part of the vessel. Within this box works a rotary fan or series of vanes attached to a vertical shaft which extends upwards into the vessel, and is driven by a steam engine or other power. discharge mouth is made on one side of the circumference of the box, and an outlet aperture is made on the upper and under side of the same, both apertures being covered over by a hood or box having a mouth or opening in the contrary direction to the discharge mouth in the circumference of the fan-box or casing. To steer the vessel it is simply necessary to turn the main box round more or less, so as to alter the direction of the jet. Patent abandoned.

450. J. J. COLE. "Improvements in Venetian and other suspended blinds, and in the method of hanging and working them." Dated Feb. 18, 1859.

This consists in having a balance so made and hung as to counterpoise the weight of the blind to which it is attached, and in fixing or hanging the said weight to the lines which pass in the ordinary way over pulleys and through the laths of a Venetian blind, or through the rings, loops, or eyes of a blind of a flexible

material. Patent abandoned.

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451. C. GARTON. An improved method of treating cane sugar, in order to render it fitter to be enployed in brewing, distilling, and wine and vinegar making." Dated Feb. 18, 1859.

This consists in assimilating the properties of cane sugar to those of malt saccharum and fruit sugar prior to its being employed in brewing, distilling, or wine or vinegar making by heating it according to a certain process. Patent completed.

452. H. SWAISLAND. "Improvements in box sextants." Dated Feb. 18, 1859.

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This consists in the combination of a compass card or needle with an ordinary or other box sextant, that the bearings as well as the angles of lines may be simultaneously indicated, whilst the advantages of a pocket compass are combined with the sextant. Patent abandoned.

453. G. WALLIS. "A new or improved method of engraving, applicable to the production of printing This relates to the obtaining by the aid of the elec-surfaces and the ornamentation of metallic and other trotype process metal printing plates from collodion surfaces." Dated Feb. 18, 1859. pictures. Patent abandoned.

445. P. E. FRAISSINET. "A new or improved structure of iron, applicable to paving, flooring, bridges, gratings, girders, and other like purposes." Dated Feb. 17, 1859.

This structure is formed of hoop or other iron com

Here the inventor prepares a drawing upon paper of the design to be produced. The drawing is made with ink or composition containing gum arabic. lie applies to the drawing emery powder or sand, which attaches itself to the adhesive ink, &c., and causes mil | the lines of the design to stand out in relief.

He

places the relief drawing between the metal plates, that plate upon the face of the drawing being the one to be impressed, and submits the whole to pressure. Patent abandoned.

454. G. KAMMERER. " 'Improved gearing for gins or horse mills, applicable for grinding, winnowing, and other purposes requiring motive power. (A communication.) Dated Feb. 18, 1859.

This consists of a central base or pedestal suitably bolted down, and on which is erected a central column the frame and pole of which the horse or other animal actuates. The mill is mounted and moves round on the lower part of this column. It carries a wheel or rim having internal teeth, and this wheel gears with a pinion fixed in a vertical shaft mounted on bearings supported by a central column; a wheel keyed on to the upper end of this shaft gears with a pinion mounted on a stud in the top of the column. This pinion is fixed to or cast of a piece with a bevil wheel also rotating on the same stud, which bevil wheel gears into a pinion whose axis is in direct communication with the shaft by which the motive power is to be transmitted. Patent abandoned.

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455. W. CLARK. Improvements in emptying cesspools, and in raising other fluid and semi-fluid matters." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 18, 1859. Here the inventor projects steam into a metallic capacity, which by valves may be perfectly closed; the steam drives the air from the capacity, and the steam then fills the chamber. When the chamber is so filled all the valves are shut, and the steam thus enclosed condenses and produces a vacuum, and the vacuum chamber being by means of pipes in connection with the space from which the muddy matters, &c., are to be drawn, the said matters are thereby raised and enter the chamber. Patent abandoned.

456. W. CLARK. "Improvements in pressure gauges." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 18, 1859. Here by the movement of a train the dial plate works two needles which move together as the pressure gauge is acted on by the steam, but these two needles do not return together to zero if the engineer has allowed the maximum pressure which he should keep in the boiler to be exceeded. The needle which remains to indicate the excessive pressure is furnished with a small wheel which rests on a fixed ratchet. The wheel has, 1, teeth at one part of its circumference in a certain position; 2, a smooth surface round its circumference. The parts are mounted so that when the maximum pressure is arrived at, the fixed ratchet gears one tooth, whereby the second needle is prevented returning with the first when the pressure of steam diminishes, which second needle will indicate on the dial plate that the regulation pressure has been exceeded, and to what extent. The invention also consists in a new kind of piston for the manometer. Also in a new application of indiarubber for closing the issue of steam in the manometer. Patent completed.

457. J. H. JOHNSON. "Improvements in the manufacture of textile fabrics, and in the machinery or apparatus employed therein." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 18, 1859.

This consists in the production of a new species of woven fabric wherein the weft threads are beaten up at various angles to the warp, or in undulating lines. Also in undulating certain of the warp threads in the production of these fabrics. Patent abandoned. 458. P. A. J. DUJARDIN. 'Improvements in the printing apparatus of railway telegraphs." Dated Feb. 18, 1859.

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

459. A. R. L. DE NORMANDY. "Improvements in apparatus for obtaining fresh water from salt water. Dated Feb. 19, 1859.

This relates to a former patent dated 20th August, 1856, and the improvement consists in using a float composed of pottery, earthen, delfe, or glass ware. It also relates to the priming box, and consists in making the priming and feed box into one vessel. It also consists in a different method of constructing the sheaf, bundles, or series of pipes used for evaporating the sea water. Patent completed. 460. T. EARLE. "Improved apparatus for conveying signals to railway trains in motion." Dated Feb. 19, 1859.

This apparatus is constructed with a lever or levers, cam or cams, which when the train is in motion will be so pressed on or against as to act on some part of the engine or tender, or other part of the train, and cause a whistle to be blown or a bell to be rung. Patent abandoned.

481. W. CLAY. "Improvements in the manufacture of deck and other beams, and of angular and other bars of various forms." Dated Feb. 19, 1859.

Here the inventor takes the puddled steel in the form of a bloom or billet, and subjects it to the action

of suitable rolls, whereby the blooms are rolled out into bars of the desired form. In preparing the pile he arranges the metal bars so as to have the fewest practicable number of external joints. There are modifications included. Patent completed.

262. W. BASFORD. " Improvements in the method of, and means for, drying bricks and tiles preparatory to their being burnt, and also in the construction of kilns or ovens for burning such bricks, tiles, pipes, pottery, or earthenware, and in the mode of charging or placing these said articles therein to be burnt or fired, and in certain appliances for regulating the heat therein." Dated Feb. 19, 1859.

The specification of this invention is too elaborate to be quoted here at sufficient length for an intelligible abstract. Patent completed. 463. S. WHEATCROFT. Improvements in the method of, and the means for, uniting lace to blond and other fabrics, and also in the apparatus used in manufacturing or converting the same into bonnet and cap fronts, rouches, and such like similar articles of millinery." Dated Feb. 19, 1859.

Here to unite lace and blond the materials are wound on separate reels, and then unwound from these, the blond travelling in one place, the lace in another more elevated. The former in its course passes one of its edges under a little slot guide, and is then carried beneath a piece of sponge fixed in the narrow end of a bent funnel which supplies water to it, so as to moisten and wet the edge of the blond, and dissolve the softening material with which it is dressed. Travelling on from this they then pass under a guide, which has a lateral adjustment for different sizes of fabrics, and into which the lace passes, and is by means of it caused to overlap the adjoining edge of the blond. The two fabrics afterwards come in contact with heated rollers suitably arranged. Patent completed.

464. C. F. VASSEROT. "An improved apparatus for manufacturing the strands of wire ropes." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 19, 1859.

This chiefly consists in mounting upon a common axis three rings or wheels of cast-iron, placed parallel and behind each other, the diameters of each regularly decreasing. Upon each of these wheels are mounted a number of bobbins, the number on each being proportionate to the number of strands or wires of which the composing strand is to be made. Upon each bobbin is mounted a wire, and all the wires are wound off the bobbins, and are all drawn and passed through an eye or converging guide, by which they are brought together. The combined mass is then fixed to a hooked rotatory spindle, and the required twist given to it; the bobbins are put in motion by pulleys and wheels. The strands being formed in this manner, a rope is then formed of a certain number of these strands as before. Patent completed.

465. C. F. Vasserot. "An improved carding machine." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 19, 1859.

Here it is proposed to augment the carding surface by adding a third cylinder between the two now employed. This cylinder having a less surface than the large card, has a greater speed. Patent abandoned. 466. R. A. BROOMAN. Improvements in machinery for doubling threads." (A communication.) Dated Feb. 19, 1859.

This apparatus is applicable to all descriptions of doubling machines or frames, whether the bobbins are set in a vertical or a horizontal position. To every bobbin in which the doubled threads are wound, there must be a separate apparatus. Any one of the bobbins in the frame may be stopped without interfering with the rotation of the others. The apparatus consists of three parts, one a pulley or toothed wheel fitted to turn loosely on the bobbin spindle, upon receiving motion from a strap, or from toothed gearing as the case may be; this pulley or wheel is provided with a projecting stud, which, when the parts are all in working order, is caught by a hook in which one end of a curved lever is made to terminate, the opposite extremity of which terminates in a projecting spur; this lever forms the second of the three parts, and is secured to the remaining part by a screw upon which it is free to oscillate. The third and remaining part is a collar terminating in a disc by means of a feather and pressure screw; the collar and disc are fixed on and revolve with the spindle. Each of the threads to be doubled passes through an eye on the outer end of a small lever, and while the threads are whole they keep the outer ends of the lever raised. The inner ends of the levers are turned up, and as long as no thread breaks the turned-up ends of the levers pass free of the projecting spur, and the apparatus, spindle, and bobbin rotate together; but upon the breaking of any one of the threads the inner end of the lever, through the eye of

which the broken thread passed, tilts up and coming in contact with the projecting spur throws the hooked end of the curved lever free from the projecting stud, when the pulley or wheel will cease to carry round the other parts of the apparatus, and will revolve loose on the spindle. Patent abandoned.

467. F. P. J. VAN DEN OUWELANT. "Improvements in apparatuses to be applied to fire-places, for obtaining a more complete combustion of the fuel employed therein." Dated Feb. 19, 1859.

This consists in providing the said fire-places with one or more apparatuses through which either steam or air, or both, is caused to pass, and afterwards injected by a sort of screen in the fuel, in order to obtain thereby a better combustion of the gases evolved. Pa. tent completed.

468. G. PAUL. "Improvements in spindles and flyers." Dated Feb. 21, 1859.

The mode of fixing the spindle and flyer together, which forms the subject of this invention, is suscept ible of various modifications, according to one of which the spindle end is formed with a taper fitting or tapered socket formed in the flyer boss, the flyer being held in its place by a pin fixed in the end of the spindle, and which pin is passed through a groove in the socket of the flyer boss, and then turned round so as to lock it. The outer edge of the flyer boss which bears against the pin is inclined in opposite directions on each side of the groove, so that the turning round of the spindle in the flyer boss in either direction causes the pin to jam or wedge the flyer fast on the spindle. This mode of fixing is thus equally secure in whichever direction the strain upon the flyer may act. Patent completed. "Improved machinery or apparatus used in the manufacture of glass." Dated Feb. 21, 1859.

469. O. BLAKE.

The patentee performs the whole of the manufac ture of glass from its rough state to its finish, by one set of machinery or apparatus, and on one bed or table. The improved machinery is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

470. G. McCULLOCH. "Improvements in macht nery or apparatus for spinning, doubling, and throwing silk, and doubling other fibrous materials." Dated Feb. 21, 1859.

The inventor gives motion to the bobbins and spindles at any required difference in order to wind on, and also to obtain the desired twist, by attaching the spindle and bobbin to toothed wheels of different numbers of teeth, which difference is determined by the twist required. The said toothed wheels are put in motion by other toothed wheels having discs of leather resting upon the circumference of plain wheels placed upon a shaft extending from one end of the machine to the other. Patent abandoned. 471. T. WILSON. Improvements in the manufacture and construction of ordnance." Dated Feb. 21, 1859.

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This consists in making the barrels of ordnance of hollow cylinders or tubes of annealed cast-iron, the said tubes being of progressively increasing diameter, and fitted upon and connected with one another by the process of shrinking. Also in closing the breech end of ordnance by means of a screw carried by a bow strap or frame jointed to the ordnance, so as to permit the said screw being turned aside or out of the line of the fire when loading the ordnance. Patent completed.

472. A. BELPAIRE. "Improvements in the reversing gear of locomotive and other steam engines. Dated Feb. 21, 1859.

Here the reversing lever of the engine has a bearing piece which turns on two pivots or journals, and it has also two ears through which the screw passes, and by which it is held at the bottom of the bearing piece. A piece sliding in grooves in the bearing piece has a screw thread at its lower part, and gears into the screw from which it can also be disconnected according as it is raised or lowered by the catch. When the engine driver wishes to work the lever without the aid of the screw, he presses the catch, and when he wishes to displace the lever by means of the screw, he turns a wheel properly arranged in the required direction. The screw is mounted on a piece moving on pivots so that it can accommodate itself to any inclination corresponding with the position of the lever. Patent abandoned.

473. G. HUMPHREY. "Improvements in meters for measuring fluids and gases." Dated Feb. 21, 1859.

This consists of a case containing a circular plate or wheel revolving on an axis, and from which a number of fans or blades project, and travel in a race or course formed by corresponding projections in the case. The passage of the fluid or gas from the inlet to the outlet pipe gives motion to the fans or blades of the wheel, and thence to the ordinary registering dials. Patent abandoned.

474. T. SPENCE. "Improvements in the manufac ture of alum, and in the mode of, and apparatus for, condensing and destroying gases arising therefrom." Dated Feb. 21, 1859.

This relates to a former patent dated Nov. 27, 1845, and consists of admitting ammonia during the digestion of shale, so that the whole may be conducted in one vessel. The gases evolved are conducted into a condenser of a peculiar arrangement. Patent completed.

475. R. JOBSON. "Improvements in supplying water or other fluids to axletree boxes and other journal bearings to lubricate the same." Dated Feb. 21, 1859.

Here a close vessel to contain the lubricating fluid is connected with the axletree box by a suitable tube, so that when the fluid lubricator is at the desired level in the box the outlet end of the tube is covered by the fluid. By these means there will be no supply of the lubricating fluid from the close vessel into the box or bearing so long as such outlet from the supply tube is closed or covered by the water, &c., but so soon as the level of the water, &c., in the box or bearing descends below the outlet, and air can pass into the close vessel, the water, &c., will flow into the box or bearing until the outlet of the tube is again covered. Patent completed.

476. A. TAPERELL. "Improvements in compositions or compounds used when cleaning glass." Dated Feb. 21, 1859.

Here a decoction is made of Brazil wood, peach wood, and alum, which is mixed with sifted whitening, and also with a composition of soap and chalk. tent abandoned.

PROVISIONAL

Pa

PROTECTIONS.

Dated Sept. 1, 1859.

1993. J. A. Simpson. Improvements applicable to hats and other coverings for the head.

1995. T. Aveling. Improvements in locomotive engines.

1997. R. H. Collyer. Improvements in preparing materials for the manufacture of paper.

Dated Sept. 2, 1859.

1999. J. Bernard. Improvements in the manufac ture or production of boots and shoes, in the machinery, apparatus, and means employed in such manufacture.

2001. W. Brown, jun., and S. Bathgate. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for grinding or sharpening the card teeth of carding engines for carding fibrous materials.

2003. W. Fearn. An improved construction of buoys.

2005. S. D. Goff, H. Davis, S. Strangman, and E. Strangman. An improved method of, and apparatus for, drying malt, corn, and other articles.

2007. E. Button. Improved apparatus for raising sunken vessels.

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2017. J. C. Nixon. Improvements in kitchen ranges with combined steamer and hot closets, for cooking, warming, drying, or other purposes.

2019. C. Schiele. Improvements in weighingmachines.

2021. B. Lauth. Improvements in the manufac ture of rollers or cylinders for calico printers, and of tubes of copper and brass, or mixtures of those metals. Dated Sept. 5, 1859.

2023. W. Bush. Manufacturing granulated scidleitz powder.

2025. J. W. P. Field. Improvements in breechloading fire-arms.

2027. V. Tomell. Improvements in the manufacture of yeast.

2020. A. V. Newton. Improvements in weighing machines. (A communication.)

Dated Sept. 6, 1859.

2031. R. K. Geldard. Improvements in the method of, and apparatus for making pharmaceutical or other infusions.

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2037. J. J. Lyons. Improvements in the manufac ture of sugar.

2039. G. Lawrence. Improvements in the con. struction of wheeled vehicles.

2011. W. J. J. Varillat. An apparatus indicating the level of water in steam caldrons or boilers.

2013. J. P. Joule. Improvements in apparatus for refrigerating and condensing steam or other vapours, which said improvements are applicable to refrigerating or heating liquids.

2015. A. V. Newton. Improvements in the manufacture of ladies' hooped skirts. (A communication.)

2017. E. T. Hughes. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for forging metals. (A communication.)

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1227. J. Nasmyth. 1229. R. Romaine. 1232. S. N. Evans. 1237. J. H. Johnson.

munication.)

Motive power.
Cultivating the soil.
Preventing accidents at mines.
Lubricating. (A com-

1239. J. Childs. India-rubber and gutta-percha. 1245. R. V. Leach. Iron.

1262. R. V. Leach and T. W. Willett. Tin and terne plates.

1346. J. J. Lundy. Cartridges and wads. 1407. M. J. Haines. Driving straps. 1419. A. V. Newton.

tion.)

1489. E. Gwyn.. Fire-arms. (A communication.) 1683. C. Pottinger. Excavating and driving piles. 1731. W. E. Newton. Extracting oil. (A communication.)

1742. J. Davies. Ventilating apparatus. 1930. T. Richardson. Treating copper ores. 1937. J. Murray. Aërated liquids.

1951. F. Wrigley. Permanent way.

LIST OF SEALED PATENTS.

Sealed Sept. 15, 1859.

660. I. Ash. 661. W. Avery.

671. T. W. Miller,

672. C. Defries.

676. R. A. Brooman.
7678. A. G. Hutchinson.
679. P. Larochette.
681. A. Warner and W.
H. Tooth.

684. W. B. Taylor.
690. R. Mushet.
691. R. Mushet.
692. A. L. Thirion.
693. C. Lambert.
694. J. W. Duncan and
J. E. A. Gwynne.

696. W. B. Gingell.
700. J. W. Hart.
702. J. Howden and A.
Morton.

703. R. Mushet.
707. W. Haggett.

712. J. Roberts.

713. 8. Leoni. 714. J. Bickerton. 717. W. Rhodes.

727. D. L. Banks. 736. W. Adamson. 790. W. Brown. 792. J. W. Hadwen. 795. T. D. Shipman. 802. J. Lacy, S. Simp son, and H. Smith. 805. T. Ivory. 806. T. Ivory. 857. N. Libotte. 942. W. Sinnock. 1028. W. Stevenson. 1038. W. E. Newton. 1162. A. V. Newton. 1180. T. P. Bennett. 1493. A. Parkes. 1647. W. E. Newton. 1687. W. M. Smith.

PATENTS ON WHICH THE THIRD YEAR'S STAMP DUTY HAS BEEN PAID.

2059. J. M. Hayes. 2115. S. White. 2124. P. A. Balestrini. 2142. E. Green. 2147. F. D. Monod. 2157. G. C. T. Cranstoun, G. Young, and J. Lovell.

2159. S. Chodzko.

2174. D. Crichton and

J. Cathcart.

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

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2005. S. D Goff, H. Davis, S. Strangman, and E. Strangman. Drying malt.

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2015. W. Neilson. Steam hammers. 2017. J. C. Nixon. Kitchen ranges. 2072. M. A. F. Mennons. Piston packing. communication.) 2073. M. A. F. Mennons. Hydraulic pumps. communication.)

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

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

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THE

MECHANICS' MAGAZINE.

LONDON, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1859.

PATENT LAW REFORM. ONE of the most unpatriotic things which a man of influence can do in this country is to originate or take part in a needless agitation. The doctrine that our society is based upon a system of compromises is no fiction of the. Conservatives, but a manifest and unquestionable fact. It is by the toleration of small evils that we manage to live the peaceable lives that we in Great Britain enjoy. We cannot afford to rush to the Legislature for the suppression of every trivial wrong we see, or the correction of every little abuse which chagrins us. We are content to bear with many evils simply because the attempt to get rid of them would entail greater evils upon us.

Not only, then, do we personally deprecate all that agitation which is carried on for the mere sake of agitation, but we are also averse to every movement that is instituted on insufficient or mistaken grounds. We believe that such movements cause us incalculable harm. They do more to check the progress of useful reforms, and to evoke a spirit adverse to all reform, than any traditionary ideas or aristocratic feelings can possibly do. Statesmen who would gladly concede a proper thing, refuse almost everything because things both proper and improper are clamoured for in the same breath-the latter the more loudly of the two. Wisdom cries, but she is not heard, because folly screams so confoundingly; understanding lifts up her voice, but ignorance bawls and drowns it. We really sometimes wonder that the still small voice of reason is ever heeded, or even beard, among us.

With these feelings, we look with anxiety upon the efforts which are from time to time being made by a few individuals in reference to the reform of our Patent Laws. The Patent Law Amendment Act of 1852 was scarcely pissed before attempts to get up an agitation for changing it were commenced, and these attempts have been renewed at intervals ever since. A committee has for the last year or two been appointed by a section of the British Association to inquire into and report upon the subject; and the report which that committee recently presented to the Association at Aberdeen will be found on another page of this number. It bears the signatures of W. FairLairn, E. Sabine, and T. Webster, but, judging from its character, we can hardly believe that any one even of those gentlemen had much to do with its production. It is a clumsily drawn document, at any rate, for in its earliest sentences it tells us that the committee have done nothing decisive in furtherance of their "im"portant objects"-although "those objects "have not been lost sight of"-and that the Commissioners of Patents have made no sort of reply to the committee's memorials. These observations can scarcely give the reader any very high opinion of the committee and its Labours. A committee that does nothing decisive, and gets no notice taken of what it does do, but inerely congratulates itself upon not Laving gone to sleep and "lost sight of its "objects," is neither a very brilliant nor a very nseful body, no matter under what auspices it may lave organised itself, or whose names it pats to its musings. The British Association Lembers, however, seem to rather like that Byle of thing, for the meeting at which the ed report was read, resolved-and resolved animously, too—" that the committee on the

"Patent Laws be re-appointed, for the fur"therance of the objects set forth in their "report."

it altogether if they cannot bring greater zeal and intelligence to bear upon it. We want to see the law reformed in due time; but we fear the committee will hinder rather than hasten useful changes. They are injuring a good cause by loose advocacy, mixing up small and great things, and we call upon them either to resign their work or rouse themselves and set about it heartily.

It would be well if the members of the British Association, when they talk and resolve about the furtherance of "objects," would take some little pains to let us know, precisely and clearly, what those objects are. Unfortunately, however, they have not done so in the present instance. The report contains no definite and It is plain that the committee are not so succinct statement of the committee's objects, decidedly awake as they suppose. If they have but leaves us to dig them out one by one for not fallen asleep sufficiently to lose sight of ourselves, as best we may. They appear to be: their objects, they have dozed so far as to see 1, A reduction in the fees paid upon patents; some things in a very vague and dreamy man2, The application of a portion of the patentner. They pass over, almost silently, the grave funds to the purpose of arresting the progress fact that patentees are being sadly bamboozled, of some patents, with the consent of the appli- not to say cheated, either by the Commissioners, cants; 3, The reward of meritorious inventors or by the Treasury, or by some official schemer who fail to profit by their inventions; 4, The that comes between the two. The committee application of the surplus patent funds exclu- tell us that one thing the Government propose sively to the advancement of science. to do is to build suitable offices for the Commis

if we

Now, some of these objects appear to us to sioners, "including a free library of consultarequire great consideration. Of course, "tion" for patentees upon an extensive scale. are to set up some narrow class-interest as the They tell us this, we say, somnolently; but they only thing to be looked to, it will be easy omit to tell us indeed, they do not seem even enough to dispose of them. But such questions to know that Mr. Gladstone has put his pen as these must be considered with a view to the through the proposal, and so rendered the thing public interest in general, and not to that of impossible, for a year at least. But this is a simple inventors, or of patentees, or of patent matter which ought not to be passed lightly lawyers, or of patent agents, or of any other over. That library in Southampton Buildings class. This, men like Mr. Fairbairn and his is a disgrace to the country, and the committee colleagues will unhesitatingly admit. Indeed, might have taken the trouble to find out who they seem so much alive to the fact that they it is that has induced its continuance in its scarcely attempt to argue their several points, present state. We strongly suspect we know lest they should put themselves into the posi- the man; and if we can but thoroughly assure tion of partisans. We think, with them, that ourselves that we do, the mere fact of his holdthe fees on patents might be reduced with ad-ing half-a-dozen offices, and grasping as many vantage-that, in fact, the seventh year's stamp salaries, will certainly not save him from the duty of £100, which is just about beginning to exposure which his ignorance or his superfall due, might be taken off altogether. As to ciliousness merits. the first of these objects we are therefore agreed. But as to the second, we differ altogether. The proposition appears to us to amount simply to this that a portion of the patent funds should be absorbed in paying some functionary to do that for inventors which they may be too lazy to do for themselves; or, viewed in another light, it appears to be a plan for making a few more good places under Government for dissatisfied people to get into. At the present moment every man who invents an improvement of any kind can go--thanks to Mr. Woodcroft and the Commissioners-to a Free Library and read for himself the specification of every invention ever before patented in the same branch of manufacture, and thus satisfy himself whether his idea is new or not. And this is all that a paid functionary could do for him. Why, then, should not patents be arrested by the inventors theinselves, instead of being arrested by a paid officer with the inventor's consent? As to the committee's third object-if it can be shown how unrewarded but meritorious inventors can be easily and economically recompensed, without opening a door to any attendant abuses, we will cordially second the committee's proposal when it is properly brought forward. But as to their last object-the use of the surplus patent funds exclusively for scientific purposes-we must again differ from them. We have yet to learn why the general revenue of the country should not be contributed to by patentees, many of whom make handsome fortunes out of their patents, and all of whom hope to make a good deal more than they spend upon them.

THE HOT-BLAST IRON QUESTION. In our articles upon the Report of the Admiralty Committee on Marine Engines, published in May last, we stated that Admiral Ramsay, Mr. Nasmyth, and Mr. Ward (who composed the Committee), recommended the entire exclusion of hot-blast iron from all future specifications for new engines, and also mentioned the opposition which the Surveyor of the Navy offered to the recommendation. We have now before us the official report of a speech made a month or two since at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Birmingham, by Mr. Neilson, the distinguished inventor of the hot-blast, in which speech we find a trenchant criticism of the Admiralty Committee's proceedings in connection with this matter.

It will be recollected that the experiments upon which the Committee based their recommendation were confined (so far as the Report shows) to a single pig of hot-blast and another of cold-blast iron, these being beaten by sledge hammers, and thrown upon the ground. These experiments, Mr. Neilson asserts, afforded very inadequate data for the judgment of the Committee. They were, he says, a very unsatisfactory mode of ascertaining the relative qualities of hot and cold-blast iron, and not sufficient to afford any ground whatever for so serious a conclusion: "for it was evident that the compari

66

son had been made between a good cold-blast "pig and a hot-blast cinder pig,' which being "made of very inferior materials was far re"moved in quality from the first class hot-blast "pig iron."

We have thus glanced at the proposals of It is undoubtedly important, as Mr. Neilthe committee in order to show with how little son says, that the mistaken views advanced care they are conducting this agitation. The in the Report should be discussed and set reform of our Patent Laws is a subject deserv-right, as the question is one closely affecting ing more attention than they seem prepared to the ironmasters, and also the country at large; give it, and we should be glad to see them drop | for if the quality of hot-blast iron is as good as

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