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England, but it is known that hundreds of lives are every year lost from wrecked vessels on the coasts of France. France has an extent of sea-border from Dunkirk to Bayonne of nearly a thousand miles, yet, with the exception of one or two places, there is hardly a single efficient lifeboat on the whole of this extensive and dangerous line of coast, and, as for the mortar and rocket life-preserving apparatus, such things are very little known, perhaps never heard of. Saving human life is as noble a task as destroying it, even for an idea,' and the Emperor of the French could not carry out a better one than by ordering some practical and immediate steps to be taken to remedy the evil, and to provide efficient means for saving the lives of thousands of his subjects, and those of other countries, who are shipwrecked on the French coast, and who too frequently perish for the want of such means.

Patents for Inventions.

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF PATENTS

Ta abridged Specifications of Patents given below are classified, according to the subjects to which the respective aveations 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 exclusively 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. None.

BOILERS AND THEIR FURNACES, &c., 745. ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and carriages, saddlery and harness, &c., 740, 759, 793, 794. ERIPS AND BOATS, including their fittings, 732, 736, 738. CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural and hor tieultural implements and machines, 743, 778, 786. FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including apparatus for preparing food for men and animals, 753, 758, 764. FIBROUS FABRICs, including machinery for treating fibres pulp, paper, &c., 789, 751, 771, 774, 776. BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS, including sewers, drain-pipes, brick and tile machines, &c., 741, 772. LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING, 737, 742, 719, 763,

772, 781, 782.

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731. R. A. BROOMAN. "Improvements in firearms and ordnance, and in projectiles and apparatuses to be employed therewith." (A communication.) Dated March 22, 1859.

The patentee claims, 1, the construction of breechloading arms described with reference to the drawings. 2. The use of a cartridge with a preliminary priming which is discharged by a pin or needle fitted in a hole of two different diameters. 3. The forming of a bullet to answer the purpose of an ordinary bullet and cartridge. 4. The application of the foregoing improve ments in small arms to revolving fire-arms. 5. The construction of breech-loading cannons, described with reference to the drawings. 6. The construction of a non-recoil carriage for cannons, described with reference to the drawings. 7. The forming of projectiles for rided small arms or cannons with wooden projating plugs, either let partially into, or passing entirely through the projectile. 8. The construction of a rod with spring arms for cleaning out the bore and grooves of breech-loading cannon, all as described with reference to the drawings. Patent completed. 732. J. TYSSEN. "An improved apparatus for indicating the speed of ships and other vessels." Dated March 22, 1859.

This consists of an apparatus to be fitted to a ship to show inboard the speed at which the ship is passing through the water. The inventor fits on the axis of a three-bladed screw, which is placed outside the vessel, A wheel inboard, which wheel gears into one or more wheels, and causes the last in a train to make say the revolution when the vessel is progressing at say en kasts an hour, which revolution is shown upon an indicating dial. Patent completed.

733. C.A. WATKINS. "Improvements in the manufacture of brushes." Dated March 22, 1859. The patentee claims, 1, a method of securing hair in circular and oval brushes by means of certain metal

bindings. 2. The manufacture of socket brushes and sockets for brushes with a binding formed of wire rods or strips of metal, such binding being employed as the socket itself or to form only part of the socket. 3. The holding of the binding for brushes together while being formed, and the binding after being formed, to the block or cap by strips of metal. 4. The use of a pin for securing the block of socket brushes to the handle. 5. The securing of wire bound brushes generally by soldering the wires together after the brushes are made all as described with reference to the drawings. Patent completed.

734. J. MACINTOSH and G. RHODES. "Improvements in tents and such like coverings for shelter against the weather.” Dated March 24, 1859. This invention has been described and illustrated in the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. See pages 201 and 220, Vol. 1 (New Series). Patent completed. 735. S. ORAM. Improvements in pipes or tubes for generating and superheating steam." Dated March 23, 1859.

The improved pipes are made of spiral, corrugated, undulated, or indented forms to give increased heating surface. Patent completed.

736. W. ADAMSON. "Improvements in apparatus for propelling vessels." Dated March 23, 1859. This is applicable to vessels of light draught. The patentee places on the under side of the vessel a flap which turns at one of its ends on an axis parallel with the keel. This flap works water tight within a chamrevolution on its axis. The chamber is open at its ber of a suitable form to permit it to make a partial after end, and in the sides of the chamber there are valves which alternately open and permit water to flow into the chamber when the flap is moved away from the side in which they are situated, and close when the flap is moved towards them, the water being thus forced out at the open end of the chamber, by which means the vessel is propelled forward. Patent completed.

737. S. CLARKE. "Improvements in the manufacture of candles." Dated March 23, 1859.

This consists in manufacturing candles with their lower ends composed of plaster of Paris or other cement, which, in addition to extending the lengths of the candles, also sustains the wicks whilst the lower portions of the candles are being consumed. Patent

abandoned.

738. W. MIDDLESHIP. "Improvements in propelling vessels." Dated March 23, 1859.

Here the screw is to be made hollow, or open at the centre, so that its interior space may communicate with the interior of a hollow shaft on which the screw is mounted. Water is to be admitted to the central hollow shaft, and allowed to flow to the ends of the

arins, blades, or plates of which the screw is composed The water will be discharged obliquely at the periphery of the screw, and if desired it may be arranged to deliver the water from suitable openings at either side of the blades. The reactionary force of the effluent water rushing from the openings in the blades will cause the screw to rotate. Patent completed.

739. J. EVANS. "Improvements in the manufacture of paper." Dated March 23, 1859.

Here the paper is burnished by bringing it into contact with one or more polished rolls, driven rapidly as compared with the surface speed of the paper, the paper being supported by other hard and polished rolls. Patent completed.

710. B. BROWNE. "A new method of working or operating switches and signals on railways by improved apparatus for such purpose." (A communica. tion.) Dated March 23, 1859.

This consists in working switches and disc signals by causing the flanges of the running wheels of the carriages and levers connected to the engine to actuate mechanism fixed at certain parts of a line of railway. The mechanism consists of a hydro-pneumatic swing table, connected with which are pumps in which oil is placed. An important feature in this invention consists in employing oils of a non-siccative character, or not capable of congealing in cold weather. Patent completed.

71. J. V. HIELAKKER. "Improved apparatus for pressing or moulding artificial or patent fuel, firebricks, and similar articles." Dated March 23, 1859. This consists of certain new mechanical arrangements constituting an apparatus in which percussion force is to be employed for effecting compression of the materials to be moulded. Patent abandoned.

742. G. NEAL. "Certain improvements in apparatus or fittings connected with the burning of gas for regulating and economizing its consumption." Dated March 23, 1859.

In this description of regulator the chamber or cavity containing the principle of regulation forms the base of the part that extends up, surrounding the base of the burner. This cavity the inventor tills with

sponge or other like porous homogeneous matter, in a balk, or in separate layers, so arranged that by a perforated plate, or by wire gauze dises suitably strengthened, he is enabled to compress such porous matter so as to regulate or allow the gas to penetrate through it at such a rate that when lit it shall be enabled to commingle with and consume a due proportion of atmospheric air to produce silent and perfect combustion in the burning of gas, and consequent purity and brilliancy of light. Patent completed.

713. W. DELANY. Improvements in ploughs for tilling land." Dated March 23, 1859.

This consists in the use of a number of wheels fixed upon stationary horizontal axles carried in a rectangular frame. A cam groove is formed in the periphery of each wheel, which groove is in a plane at right angles to the axle, excepting at one part where it is made to diverge slightly out of its course, and to return to it again. These wheels are each enclosed by a pair of discs formed with flanges at their periphe ries, and rotating loosely upon the axles, the flanges surrounding and enclosing the wheels. These discs carry at their peripheries a series of cutters or knifeedged plates which radiate from the axles, and revolve with the disc so as to cut the surface of the soil into strips, and then to turn such strips over after the manner of the ordinary mould board of the plough. Patent abandoned."

744. J. H. JOHNSON. "Improvements in ma chinery or apparatus for the manufacture of sheet tin.” (A communication.) Dated March 23, 1859.

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This consists in combining a set of reciprocating into splints) with a knife or cutter for slicing off the lances or cutters (for grooving the block to be cut grooved portions, so that the cut of the slicing knife shall take place at right angles, or nearly so, to the cut of the grooving instruments. Patent completed.

747. W. and J. GARFORTH. "A certain improvement in metallic pistons." Dated March 21, 1859.

This consists of an outer ring or rings of ordinary construction which are to be expanded against the cylinder by an internal V-ring made in sections, each of which sections being provided with a small piston or pistons, one end of which acts upon the ring, and the other receives the direct pressure of steam which is supplied and conveyed to an angular space in the interior of the piston by a steam pipe which rises and descends through a stuffing box in the cylinder cover with the action of the piston. Patent completed.

748. W. E. WILEY. "Improvements in the manufacture of boxes or cases used for holding needles, pens, matches, pencils, and for other like purposes." Dated March 24, 1859.

This invention embraces various modifications, and is not fully described apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

749. W. E. WILEY. "New or improved instruments to be used in burning and supporting candles." Dated March 24, 1859.

This consists principally of a cap, or a tube terminated by a cap, which cap or tube is placed upon the candle while burning. The wick of the candle protrudes through a hole in the summit of the cap or tube, and the said cap or tube, resting on the top of the candle, descends as the candle burns. Patent abandoned.

750. F. E. SHARP. "Improvements in machinery for corking bottles." Dated March 24, 1859.

This consists in the use of a table moving on a centre axis, in connection with which are certain wheels and levers, which upon being actuated either by steam or other power effects the working of the bottles. Patent completed

751. E. S. TEBBUTT. 66

Improvements in the

manufacture of elastic fabrics." Dated March 21, 1859.

The inventor cements in the ordinary way the inner surfaces of the fabrics which are to be united to form the compound elastic fabric, and inserts between them bands or tapes of india-rubber, the tapes being at tension at the time of the joining of the fabrics in order to produce the puckering or corrugations. Patent abandoned.

752. C. SANDERSON. "Improvements in preparing, tempering, and covering or coating thin strips or sheets of steel." Dated March 24, 1859.

One of these improvements consists in hardening the strip or sheet of steel when in the full or normal size, as it comes from the cold rolls, and before it is cut up into the narrow strips which constitute crinoline steel. The strip or sheet is coiled round so that a small space is left between each coil. This is effected by coiling along with the strip of steel a piece of wire of a thickness cerresponding to the distance required between the coil of the sheet. When the sheet of steel is coiled in this manner the oil in which it will be plunged to harden it will circulate over the whole surface of the strip. After removal from the muffle in which it has been treated a spindle is passed through the centre of the coil, and the strip of steel being removed therefrom is gradually passed between a pair of metal dics which are kept at a red heat. Patent completed.

753. W. CLARK. "A machine for separating oats from their husks or chaff." (A communication.) Dated March 24, 1859.

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

754. H. RIGBY. "Improvements in machinery or apparatus for obtaining motive power, applicable to hoists, and all other purposes to which motive power can be applied." Dated March 25, 1859.

The patentee employs an upper reservoir of water, and by a regulating valve allows the water to fall upon the buckets of a water-wheel or turbine, the water being delivered into a similar reservoir below. The water-wheel or turbine gives motion to a series of hydraulic pumps for forcing the water into one or more hydraulic rams, to each of which a larger pump bucket is attached, working in a suitable barrel, the bottom of which is placed in the lower reservoir. As the turbine turns from the supply of water, and gives motion to the series of pumps, the ram or rams rise and raise the larger bucket or buckets, the effect of which is to raise the surplus water from the lower reservoir to the upper. Patent completed.

755. C. COWPER. "Improvements in telegraphic cables." (A communication.) Dated March 25, 1859. Here copper wire is first covered with a coating of gutta-percha, &c., and then with a mixture composed of caoutchouc, gum lac, tar, and cork reduced to powder, in such proportions that the cable shall be but slightly heavier than the water. Patent aban

doned.

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This consists in constructing the escapement of chronometers, watches, &c., with a balanced detent lever carrying a pin which enters a groove in a piece or block carried by the balance, except at the point where the impulse is to be given. Patent completed. 757. J. H. JOHNSON. "Improvements in fire arms." (A communication.) Dated March 25, 1859. This relates more particularly to that class of selfprimers wherein the magazine is contained in the hammer of the lock. It is proposed to combine suitable mechanical devices with the slide which pushes forward the individual primers (which are of the flat or wafer kind) into the striking part of the hammer, by which combination the slide can be kept rigidly in position over the mouth of the magazine chamber, so as to intercept all communication with the latter. Patent completed.

758. W. E. NEWTON. "Improvements in ovens for baking bread and other substances." (A communication.) Dated March 25, 1859.

This relates to an arrangement of parts whereby the oven is rendered automatic, and consists in a system of screws and endless chains in combination with a system of permanent ways or tracks leading from "end to end of the interior, and through the doorways of a horizontal oven. The invention is not fully described apart from the drawings. Patent com. pleted.

759. C. HILL. "Improvements in the permanent way of railways." Dated March 25, 1859.

When supporting the rails by side bearing plates having flanges on one or both sides, the inventor forms the rail with a web or keel which projects downwards below the bearing plates, strengthening the rail itself, and preventing it and the bearing plates

from moving sideways; the lower end of this web or keel may be formed with a flange or rest projecting on each of its sides. There are various modifications included. Patent abandoned.

760. H. HUMPHREYS, Sen. "An improvement in unhairing hides and skins, and in the manufacture of leather." Dated March 25, 1859.

This consists in the application of the ashes of spent tanners' bark in the unhairing process. The spent tanners' bark is burnt to an ash, the ash combined with water, and is then used. Patent abandoned. 761. G. HASELTINE. "Improvements in the manufacture of small metallic chains." (A communication.) Dated March 26, 1859.

the larger bulge serving as the base, and the smaller one to take hold of. He forms a hole through the body of the glass from top to bottom, such hole being largest at the ends and small in the middle. Thus a cylindrical piece of lead or other soft metal may be inserted and pressure applied above and below, which will fix the lead or soft metal firmly in the glass. Patent abandoned.

770. B. and C. L. SMITH. "Improvements in the preparation of certain colouring matter, applicable for dyeing and printing." Dated March 26, 1859.

This consists in precipitating the colouring matter from ordinary archil liquors of commerce, so as to obtain from them the colouring matter in a concen trated or solid form. Patent completed.

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This relates to the construction of a chain composed of domed or cup-shaped links, the several operations 771. J. BUCKLEY, O. GREENHALGH, and R. being performed by certain novel mechanical devices. HUTCHINSON. Improvements in machinery or apThe invention is not described apart from the draw-paratus for printing woven fabrics." Dated March ings. Patent completed. 26, 1859.

762. W. REDGRAVE. "An improved pillow travelling cap." Dated March 26, 1859.

The inventor describes a tube of air-tight material. Patent abandoned.

This consists of an apparatus for printing both sides of a fabric at once. It is not described apart from the drawings Patent completed.

772. C. J. RICHARDSON. Improvements in ap

763. E. STEANE. "An improved means or apparatus to be applied to chimneys or flues of buildings, paratus for preventing candles dropping or guttering." for preventing down draught or return smoke, for Dated March 26, 1859. their insuring upward ventilation, and for reducing the quantity of smoke or the blacks from the smoke passing into the atmosphere." Dated March 28, 1859.

This consists in a protecting hood, cap, or cover, to fit over the top of the candle, descending as the candle burns away. Patent completed.

764. S. DREYFOUS, G. RICHER, and E. CORNIER. "Improvements in preserving eggs." Dated March 26, 1859.

This consists in introducing the eggs into boxes moulded of plaster of Paris, and hermetrically sealing the boxes, the eggs being wrapped in paper and surrounded with charcoal powder. Patent abandoned. 765. M. FIRTH. 66 Improvements in machinery for grinding saws and flat plates of steel." (A com munication.) Dated March 26, 1859.

Here the patentee arranges beneath a grinding stone an adjustable table, supported at one end by a short shaft forming a hinge, which rests on a casting or pan. To this casting or pan set screws are fixed for regulating the table that it may grind the saws thinner on the back if required. The other end of the table rests on a screw attached to a wheel, by which the table can be raised to the face of the grinding stone, or withdrawn from it at pleasure. On top of the said table he places a carriage on which the saw to be ground is placed, and is made to travel backwards and forwards in a direction transverse to the axis of the stone, or nearly so. To prevent the saw from coming off the carriage while in the process of grinding he affixes a plate of metal at one end of the car. riage, of nearly the same thickness as the saw to be ground. One end of the saw coming against the said plate prevents it from coming off the carriage while grinding. He also places a cover over the saw to prevent it from spinning off the carriage. The table and carriage rest in a wooden frame, to which are attached two standards for supporting the brackets in which the shaft supporting the grinding stone revolves. Patent completed.

766. G. NAYLOR. "An apparatus for measuring and indicating the distance passed over or travelled by the same." Dated March 26, 1859.

This consists in the combination of a graduated "motive or running wheel," a "toothed wheel moving in trundle gear," a dial-plate, and a hand or pointer. Patent abandoned.

767. J. C. EVANS and P. SOAMES. "Improvements in apparatus for superheating steam." Dated March 28, 1859.

This consists, 1, in the use of a set of superheating pipes in front of the tube-plate. 2 In the employ ment of a superheating chamber, heated by a separate fire. 3. In the use of superheated pipes, heated by a highly heated fluid, or by molten metal. 4. In the general arrangement of apparatus, shown in drawings. Patent completed.

768. M. A. MUIR and J. McILWHAM. "Improvements in moulding or shaping metals." Dated March 26, 1859.

This relates to a system of mechanically moulding various moderately-sized articles in metal, but in particular railway chairs. The mechanical arrangements consist essentially of two separate divisions, viz., that relating to the ramming of the moulding sand upon the pattern, and that comprising the removal of the pattern from the moulded sand, or the "drawing" of the pattern. We cannot quote the details of the in. vention here at sufficient length for an intelligible abstract. Patent completed.

This consists in a contrivance for the prevention of down draught, called the "wind cap," in a contrivance for securing ventilation called the "iron stack flue," and in a contrivance for reducing the quantity of dense smoke or blacks passing into the atmosphere called the "rain vase.' We cannot devote space to the details of the invention. Patent completed.

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773. C. F. VASSEROT. "An improved diving apparatus." (A communication.) Dated March 28,

1859.

This consists of a garment formed of metallic framework, the joints of which are covered with a waterproof coating. By means of this garment a body sunk at the bottom of the sea may be visited, and chains fixed to for raising it. Each chain enters an iron tube which passes at different inclinations through a large cylinder of sheet iron, and the upper part of each tube is furnished with a check for holding the chain when it is drawn up. This cylinder is connected by caoutchouc pipes with an air pump, and has valves for the admission and effluxion of water. Patent abandoned.

774. J. BUCKINGHAM. "Improvements in machinery or apparatus employed in drawing fibrous substances." Dated March 28, 1859.

This consists in the application to the surface of the leather coverings of covered rollers of "a varnish or solution of gutta-percha, or other similar gum, non-soluble in oil, dissolved in any suitable solvent. Patent completed.

775. A. V. NEWTON. "An improved construction of furnace for reheating steel, preparatory to the hardening, tempering, or annealing process." (A communication.) Dated March 28, 1859.

This consists in so arranging the furnace as to cause the flame and heat to act upon a closed oven or chamber in which the metal to be operated upon is placed, so as to distribute the heat under, above, and in the back of the oven or chamber, and to communicate a powerful and steady heat to the interior of the oven or chambers, while such interior and its contents have no communication with the flame or gases of combustion, and as little as possible with the external atmosphere. Patent abandoned.

776. A. TURNER. "Improvements in the mannfacture of elastic fabrics." Dated March 28, 1858.

This consists in the use of threads or yarns composed of wool in combination with some other fibrous material, such as silk, cotton, flax, &c. These compound threads are chiefly intended to be used as warp threads. Strands of india-rubber may be combined with the

above. Patent abandoned.

777. A. V. NEWTON. "Improved apparatus for retaining the oil or other fluid used for annealing. tempering, and hardening steel at any equable low temperature." (A communication.) Dated March 28, 1859.

The apparatus here employed consists of two large iron cylindrical tanks placed side by side at a short distance from each other in a timber framing. The tanks are connected by a pipe near the bottom to allow the fluid to run freely from one vessel to the other. Within each tank is a worm or coil of metal pipe through which water circulates to keep the oil CDL. A space is left in the centre of the coil in one of the tanks for a well in which the springs or metal may be plunged and withdrawn without interfering with the Here the inventor forms glass weights of any suit-coils. These tanks have moveable covers perforated able shape, but for the large ones he prefers them with small holes, and the cover of the immersion tank vircular with a double bulge and flat at the bottom, | has a circular opening at the centre, large enougla

769. E. DowLING. "Improvements in weights." Dated March 26, 1859.

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admit the springs or pieces of steel with facility. The small holes in the cover act as strainers for the oil from the springs, &c., placed upon them. Over and upon the central part of the other tank there is a metallic cylindrical chamber which contains a central tube and a series of horizontal perforated dises. In connection with this chamber is a pumping apparatus whereby the heated oil is drawn from the immersion tank through a suitable pipe and delivered into the perforated discs of the upper chamber from which it descends in a shower, and is cooled by cur. rents of air. The cooled oil runs through the perfo rated cover of the tank below into the said tank and from thence into the immersion tank. Patent abandoned.

778. T. CARR. "Improvements in machinery for disintegrating artificial manures, and various other substances." Dated March 29, 1859.

This consists of a series of circular cages, arranged on an axis concentrically, the outer periphery of each cage being composed of bars having open spaces between them. The material is placed in the central cage, and it is by centrifugal force thrown through the bars of the several cages. The cages move in contrary directions. Patent completed.

779. C. L. ROBERTS. "Improvements in cigars." Dated March 29, 1859.

This consists in enclosing within the ends of cigars month-pieces of glass, earthenware, wood, &c., having inner tubes or linings of straw, and so placed as to admit of one end being held within the mouth whilst the other is embedded in the cigar. Patent completed.

780. W. MOSSMAN. "Improvements in machinery applied to embossing or cutting presses, for the better and more expeditious manner of manufacturing ornamental, cut out and embossed work in paper, leather, parchment, cloth, foil and other materials." Dated March 29, 1859.

This consists in affixing a plate or block to the dab of the embossing or cutting press, or placing between the dab and the die a plate or block of metal adapted so as to press or bear equally on all the cutting edges of the die or dies. Also using in the manufacture of such ornamental work thin plates of metal, especially zinc, for the cutting edges of the dies to press against; also for the sliding framework and moveable point or points, to the lid or cover for the paper or other substances when cut remaining in the die until embossed. Patent completed.

781. J. W. KELLY. "Improvements in gasburners." Dated March 29, 1859.

This consists, 1, in the application of a small cylindrical tube or ring of brass or other metal to the outside or top of the burner, whereby a more complete combustion of the gas is obtained. 2. In making a small number of apertures immediately above or on the burner side of the cock, which apertures are to be of various sizes, and in covering or enclosing these apertures in a small bell-shaped or other form of chamher, at the top of which is to be inserted a burner of larger apertures than any of those enclosed beneath. By this means, and with the aid of an external index or dial, the key of the cock may be turned so as to lead to the gas through any of the apertures mentioned, and thus let pass to the burner a quantity of gas corresponding exactly to that which would be issued by any one of the burners now in use. Patent completed.

782. E. DE CARANZA. "A new system of gas lighting through new apparatuses and matters richer in gas than pit-coal." Dated March 29, 1859.

Here the inventor obtains gas from boghead or compile clay, greasy sawdust obtained from wood that has been used in refining or cleansing fatty matters, pit-coal, and the fatty residues left in the extraction of schistie oils. The invention comprises an arrangement of cylinders, retorts, and furnaces, specially ap. plicable for use in private establishments. Patent abandoned.

783. E. N. NORMINTON. "The cleansing and remanufacturing of old used dirty railway grease for the manufacturing of new railway grease, for the cleansing and re-manufacturing of old used cotton waste, tow, or any other textile fabric, and for the purifying of oils, or any fatty matter." Dated March 29, 1859.

This consists in the combination of carbonate of soda, sulphate of soda, or sulphuric acid, with palm oil, or other fatty matter for the manufacture of railway grease. It also comprises various operations for effecting the objects indicated in the title. Patent abandoned.

78. T. W. MEEKINS. "The production of a motive power and of a projectile and explosive force to be used in instruments of war." Dated March 29, 1859.

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same, or in separate vessels, by electricity, or by other means, and the invention consists in their introduction into a cylinder in a mixed or separate state, to be there combined by an electric spark, or by other means. The invention is applicable to various purposes. Provisional protection was not granted for this invention.

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785. R. SEARLE. Improvements in apparatus used for transmitting signals by electricity for telegraphic purposes, and in the construction of telegraphic cables." Dated March 29, 1859.

The patentee claims, 1, the mode of manufacturing telegraphic cables with a core centre or foundation formed of bamboo or rattan canes spliced together so as to form a support of the required length. 2. Placing the wire band or ribbon in a spiral form round or upon the core or support, by which means the patentee removes the tension or strain of the cable from the conducting medium. 3. Increasing the surface of the metallic conducting medium by forming it into three bands or ribbons, or grooved or corrugated wires. Patent completed.

786. I. SPIGHT. Improvements in horse-hoes." Dated March 29, 1859.

Here the hoes are attached to levers connected with a revolving shaft near the front of the machine. This revolving shaft works in bearings in a slide frame, and is moved by turning a handle attached to a shaft working a rack or worm thread, by means of which all the hoes work on the same level. One end of each of the levers, to which the hoes or hoe shanks are attached, being fixed to this revolving shaft by sockets or otherwise, instead of hanging loosely as heretofore, the hoes will all cut level, and not be liable to clip on one side. The depth to which the hoes penetrate the ground is regulated by the height of the revolving shaft in the slide frame. At the top of each of the hoe shanks is a socket which slides upon the lever connected with the revolving shaft, and which may be fixed in any position required for different kinds of corn or roots by set screws, clasps, or otherwise. Patent completed.

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787. T. TAYLOR. Improved means of giving in. creased strength to paper." Dated March 29, 1859. This consists in soaking paper when dry in a concentrated neutral or nearly neutral solution of chloride of zinc, either at the natural temperature of the air, or moderately heated, and afterwards thoroughly washing the paper in water. Patent completed. 788. H. P. BURT. "Improvements in apparatus for preparing and preserving timber." Dated March 29, 1859.

This relates to apparatus for impregnating railway sleepers and other timber with creosote or other preservative liquids or solutions, which apparatus may also be used for impregnating timber with liquids or solutions for clearing the wood, or for rendering it incombustible. Patent completed.

789. H. Moss and T. WEST. "A machine for the cutting of leather for every purpose, and cutting cloths, linen, and other fabrics and materials." Dated March 29, 1859.

This relates to regulating the feed, and consists in the use of a self-acting table, on which, by means of a cam motion, is worked a knife, constructed so as to cut a square edge; the machine may be worked with or without a self-acting feed. The knife is so constructed, from its being larger at the top than at the bottom, that when applied without the self-acting feed it may be discharged from the top, so that it gives a facility for cutting some six or seven shapes before it requires emptying; it is also so constructed that when the self-acting feed is applied by the ap: plication of springs, it leaves the material which is being cut quite clear of the knife or stamp. Patent completed.

790. W. BROWN. "Improvements in manufacturing clog soles, and in the machinery employed therein." Dated March 30, 1859.

This consists in the use of certain cutters having a rotary or reciprocating motion given to them by steam, or other power. Patent completed.

791. J. H. LINSEY. "Certain improvements in binding or covering books." Dated March 30, 1859.

This consists in fixing to the back of the leaves of the book a strong cloth or leather hinge, as is usually employed, which is secured to the cover by plates of metal, one of which is fixed to each cover; two other metal plates clip or confine the loose sides or flaps of the hinge between them, so that a new set of leaves may be securely fixed without injury to the book or covers. Patent abandoned.

792. J. W. HADWEN. "A new art or manufacture for converting certain kinds of silk waste into yarns or threads." Dated March 30, 1859.

The patentee claims the combination of the several processes of dressing, drawing, doubling, roving, and The object here is the evolution of gases in the spinning applied in the manner set forth to the

| manufacture of yarns or threads from uncut and long fibred soft silk waste, and also the combination of the several processes of drawing, doubling, woving, and spinning, applied as described to the manufac ture of yarns or threads from uncut and long fibred soft silk, after the said waste has been dressed, combed out, cleared, &c., &c. Patent completed.

793. W. V. EDWARDS. "Improvements in the construction of ways and apparatus to facilitate the conveyance of mails, goods, and passengers. Dated March 30, 1859.

Here a tunnel or enclosed passage is constructed between distant places. At the lower part of such tunnel two parallel trams or rails are formed in longitudinal grooves or recesses. Arrangements are made for a train of carriages to be brought to rest by means of valves which are caused to descend and close a given section or length of the tunnel, and passages are opened to admit air into such closed sections, in order that there may be no pressure of air acting on the carriages in one direction, whilst the tunnel is exhausted in advance of the carriages. A piston is applied in advance of or behind the train, and the tunnel is kept exhausted in advance of the carriages when they are required to be in motion. Patent abandoned. 794. G. T. Bousfield. "Improvements in preventing explosions in steam boilers." (A communication.) Dated March 30, 1859.

This consists in the application to various kinds of engines, of an apparatus for stopping entirely or partially the flow of steam, &c., to the engine when the pressure becomes too high, and by this means to stop or retard the engine. Patent abandoned.

795. T. D. SHIPMAN. Improvements in appa ratus for stamping and printing." (Partly a com. munication.) Dated March 30, 1859.

Here the printing surface is fixed in a suitable frame, which is affixed to and slides with an upright bar or rod, which moves in suitable guides. The rod or bar is attached to one end of a lever, and the other end of the lever is constantly drawn downwards by a suitable spring, so as to raise the printing surface when allowed to do so. An inking roller is carried by the forked end of a lever which has its axis or fulcrum above the lever before mentioned. The other or back end of the forked lever is constantly drawn on by a suitable spring, so as to cause the inking roller to pass under the printing surface. The back end of the forked lever is attached by a link or connecting rod to the fore part of the lever, which acts on the printing surface, by which the movement of the forked lever is caused to depend on the movement of the other lever; by this means at each movement an impression is produced. There are also arrangements in connection with the inking process. Under the printing surface there is an elastic bed of vulcanized india-rubber. Patent completed.

796. H. JEFFERIES. "Improvements in castors for furniture." Dated March 30, 1859.

Here, in making a castor of that description where a sphere is used as the roller, the frame or body of the castor is made of one piece of glass, china or earthenware, with a recess at its under side to receive the spherical roller. Patent abandoned.

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Dated Oct. 1, 1859. hardening of saws and steel plates generally. 2225. S. Ward. An apparatus to be used in the 2227. C. Brown. Improvements in inkstands and date indicator.

Dated Oct. 4, 1859. 2249. J. Rawlings. An improved construction of boot-tree. Dated Oct. 6, 1859. 2271. G. A. Smith. Improvements in shot and shells, and other projectiles.

2273. W. Hopkins. A new or improved steam engine.

2275. G. Freeman and J. Royle. Improvements in looms.

2277. W. Macfarlane. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for drawing off or discharging liquids, and in fountains, baths, and similar receptacles for liquids.

2279 W. Benson. Improvements in projectiles for muzzle-loading rifled ordnance.

2281. W. Barron. Improvements in boilers applicable to heating and steam generating purposes.

2283. W. E. Newton. Improvements in the construction and manufacture of casks, barrels, and such like vessels, and in the machinery or apparatus to be employed for such manufacture. (A communication.)

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2291. W. Irlam. Improvements in the construction of railway turntables and cranes.

2293. J. Brough. An improved waterproof dress for protecting and saving life at sea or in any other situa tions where a waterproof dress may be required, as also in the apparatus to be attached to or used with the same, for assisting the wearer to hoist or make signals, by night or by day, and to inflate, propel, and guide or direct himself as desired, the waterproofing principle of which being also applicable to other useful

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LIST OF SPECIFICATIONS, &c., Published during the week ending Oct. 21, 1859.

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

LIST OF DESIGNS FOR ARTICLES OF UTILITY REGISTERED.

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LIST OF MISCELLANEOUS TENDERS IN VITED, AND ENGAGEMENTS OPEN. The tenders and vacancies which appear in this weekly list are not repeated in succeeding numbers. BATTERY, Limp's Fort, near Portmouth.-Parties desiring to tender are required to attend at the Royal Engineer Office, Portsmouth, 31st October, at 10 o'clock, to appoint a surveyor to take out the quanties in conjunction with the Government surveyor. Each party is required to pay two guineas for the quantities. RAILWAY BUILDINGS, Scotland.-For the Maybole and Girvan Railway. For the erection of timber stationhouse at Maybole; timber booking office for Crosshill; cottage for level-crossing lodge at Kilkerran; stone-built goods shed for Girvan; timber station-house for Girvan; and tank, engine, and carriage shed of same material. Plans and specifications, secretary's office in Girvan. Further information from Mr. J. Miller, 25 Northumber land-street, Edinburgh. Tenders, Nov. 7. RAILWAY CARRIAGES, South Eastern. -For the supply of 80 new first-class, 20 new composite, and 25 new Second class carriages, and 25 new brake luggage vans. Drawings, specifications, and patterns at station master's office, Bricklayer's Arms railway station, Old Kent-road, or further information of the company's carriage and Scaled tenders waggon superintendent, Ashford, Kent. endorsed Tenders for Carriage Stock," to be delivered to S. Smiles, secretary to the Company. No date given. FILTER BEDS.-A filter is required to be made. Apply to J. H. and R. C. Rawlins, Hope Mills, Wrerham. SEWERAGE WORKS, Scotland.-Execution of the sewerage works within the burgh of Portobello. Plans and speci fications of the works may be seen at the othce of the Commissioners of Police, Portobello, and schedules of measurement, and any information required from Mr. Paterson, C.E., surveyor, 20 St. Andrew-square, Edinburgh. Tenders with Mr. A. Paterson, clerk to the commissioners, Nov. 5.

SEWERING, PAVING, &c., Manchester.-For the draining, paving, and flagging of Smedley-road, from its junetion with the Queen's-road to the river. Sealed tenders to chairman of committee, Tuesday, Nov. 1st, at the Town Hall, York-street, Cheetham. Plans, forms of tender, &c., Mr. William Francis, surveyor, Town Hall. CHURCH, Margate.-For the erection of a new congregational church, Margate. Plans, &c., J. Denby, Esq., 3 Union-crescent. Margate. Information and bills of quanties, Messrs. Poulton and Woodman, architects, Reading. Tenders to Nov. 1st.

CORN EXCHANGE, Wellinborough, Northamptonshire.For the erection and completion of a corn exchange and public rooms at Wellinborough. Drawings, &c., at the office of E. Sharman, Esq., architect, Wellinborough, Further information Messrs. Bellamy and Hardy, architects, 30 Broadgate, Lincoln. Tenders, Nov. 8th. ROADS. New Whittington, near Chesterfield.-For the whole of the works required to be done in the formation and construction of certain roads and sewers at Now Whittington. Specifications and copies of quantities at the Wellington Hotel, Whittington, or Mesars, Seier and Wade's office, Barnsley, to the 30th Oct. Tenders,

Oct. 31st.

CEMETERY, Bath.-For opening the ground for a cemetery in a piece of land situated behind the toll-house in the Lower Bristol-road, seven feet deep, and providing and placing in side drains 4-inch, and in the main dra) 6-inch stoneware socket pipe. There will be about 20 yards of side and 250 yards of main drain. Tender- to Mr. J. G. Hayden, clerk to the burial board, No. 3 Johastreet, Bath, to Nov. 5th.

DESIGNS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATES FOR REBUILDING THE PARISH CHURCH, Stroud.-An organ, chapel, and vestry to be constructed at the side or sides of th chancel. A premium of £20 for the design approval. Plans to Messrs. Sidney, Biddell, and G. Edwards, Hoa. Sees., Stroud, by Nov. 1st.

DESIGNS AND ESTIMATES FOR CEMETERY, CHAPEL, AND LODGE. With entrance gateway and boundary wal Bath. £10 10s, for the selected design should the are tect not be employed to superintend the works. An &c., to be seen Mr. J. G. Hayden, 3 John-street, Batas Designs and estimates to Nov. 5th.

FOR THE PURCHASE OF TIMBER.--Larch, spruce, ash, beesh, and other timber, and the underwood, in the paris f Millington, near Pocklington, belonging to St. Jo College, Cambridge, to be pointed out by Mr. G. Brigham, of Millington. Tenders to the Bursar, of St. John's College, Cambridge to Nov. 7th. BOILER INSPECTOR.-Wanted, a sound practical mechine thoroughly acquainted with the details of steam engine, and boilers, to act as a district sub-inspector. A knowledge of indicating engines required. Salary, £12) p 1 anaum-Apply by letter, before 1st Nov. next, enclos testimonials, to II. W. Harman, Esq., C.E., the Ass ciation for Prevention of Boiler Explosious, Manchest, SMITH AND ENGINEER for the Industrid Scheol at Wes Ham. Married man preferred. Wages 36s. a W without rations or residence. Apply in hand-wrtn and with testimonials to guardians of Whitehor Union Workhouse, Charles-street, Mile End, New [ow! by 6 p.m., Nov 1. Personal attendance also. IRON MERCHANTS' TRAVELLER-An experienced man wh can give satisfactory reference and security. ENGINEER'S BOOKEEPER.-To keep a sets of books in a engineering factory where from 50 to 100 mcu are e ployed.-Must be qualified to take out quantities, k stock,, and price cost book Apply, stating age, sa required, and reference to Mr. G. Bower, St. Neot Buntingdonshire.

Two ENGINE KEEPERS, at the weekly wages of £len with the usual rewards for the Vestry of St. M Islington. Applications on or before Juday, 31st 1 nt 6 p.m. Personal attendance at that time, at the vest

office.

THE

MECHANICS' MAGAZINE.

LONDON, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1859.

THE WRECK OF THE ROYAL

CHARTER.

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Tuesday evening the ship was 66 abreast of the Skerries, distant about a mile and a-half." The wind had been so high all the latter part of the day that Holyhead had been held in sight for seven hours, and at this time (8 p.m.) so strong a gale was blowing that the ship made little or no progress, but was being carried by the wind and tide towards the shore. The MANY circumstances conspire to make the Times correspondent at Holyhead, in his acwreck of the Royal Charter one of the most count of the Great Eastern's dangers, tells us melancholy disasters on record. Not only are that there the wind was east at eight o'clock on there the facts which must strike every mind Tuesday evening; and on comparing all the -the unexampled quickness of the passage reported statements, it appears that the gale from Melbourne; her loss almost within hail blew from about the north-east upon the Royal | both of a harbour of refuge (Holyhead) which Charter. Now, had the Captain put his ship she had just passed and of the port for which round at this time, riving her as much sail as she was destined; the wholesale swallowing up she could well bear, here was nothing whatever of almost all on board, and so forth; but there to prevent him from 1nning either back into are other facts which are not so well known, the open Channel, or into Holyhead harbour, but which add greatly to the sadness of the with perfect safety. With no pilot on board event. The Royal Charter, it will be recol- he could not hope to enter the Mersey, and to lected, was the ship in which the late Dr. go on, under such circumstances, with the gale Scoresby made a voyage to Australia and back growing to a hurricane, was mere madness. expressly to observe and correct the errors of Yet on he went, actually seeking the lee shore her compasses, so that the risk which iron ships which he might have avoided-beating along run from compass errors was probably reduced the perilous north coast of Anglesey, until in her case below that of every other vessel in point lianus (or 'Lynus) was passed, and a our mercantile navy. Then again, the Captain dead lee shore, of the cruellest kind, was well who had command of the ship when she met behind him. Nothing now was left but to her fate possessed the rare advantage of having "withstand the elemental rage," and anchor made a long voyage in the vessel simply as a was accordingly cast. All the rest followed passenger, and therefore with ample leisure to naturally enough. The anchors or the cables study her qualities; for in 1856 Captain Taylor failed, the masts were cut away, the screw was was sent to Melbourne in the Royal Charter by thus fouled, and the ship went on the rocks. Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, & Co., to fit and bring There are, it is true, some discrepancies in the home the William Monies, an old East India various published narratives as to these occurship, and he made the voyage in her accord-rences, some stating the masts were cut away ingly. Again, while it appears from the narrative of her first voyage that her complement of men and officers was then only about 85, at the time of her loss it was no less than 112, and she therefore had a most excellent chance of being handled efficiently. It was in despite of all these advantages that the Royal Charter

came to grief.

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and the screw fouled before the ship struck,
and others alleging that when she struck the
screw was not fouled, but was put on at full
speed to harden the wreck on shore; but these
details are of no great moment. The fouling
of the screw is always a very sure consequence
of the cutting away of the masts, whether it
occurred sooner or later in the present case.

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66

It will not do to dismiss this event as a Another false conclusion which has been pure piece of misfortune altogether beyond the drawn from the loss of the ship is, that the use prevention of man, as some writers have done. of the auxiliary screw in passenger ships is One of our London morning journals tells us, baneful. The writer of a leading article in a for example, that "this melancholy catastrophe respectable morning journal says, "we are was not the result of negligence or over- "guilty of no presumption in drawing one confidence on the part of any one. No "conclusion, and that is the worse than useless"paudence could have averted the disaster." "ness, the absolutely fatal mischief, of the soThis view of the matter may appear correct to "called auxiliary' screw." This remark is some minds, but it certainly is not borne out supported by the reflection that had there been by facts. The Times of Saturday last doubtless no auxiliary steam power in the Royal Charter gave the true view when it said, "the origin of "she would never have been permitted to hug "the calunity seems to have been that in a a lee shore at night in search of a pilot, with "wild night, with a gale blowing that soon a hurricane dead on her weather bow, and a "became a hurricane, the ship was brought up "strong in-draught to the shore." The reflecdangerously near a lee shore." It was doubt- tion may be sound, but the conclusion is neverless graceful and generous of the Times to add, theless untenable. We cannot afford to give "let it be remembered, however, that Captain up the advantage of steam power because here "Taylor was the last man seen alive on board;" and there a man relies too much upon it. In but gallantry in his death cannot atone for un- the Royal Charter herself the auxiliary screw skilfulness in the life of a man to whose hands has proved of immense advantage. Dr. Scoresby, 500 other lives are committed. It is necessary in his narrative of her first voyage, says, to remind the public of this, because we cannot "Our quick transit across the first two belts of light hold Captain Taylor innocent of error without "winds and calms (on the journey out) by the drawing absurd and dangerous conclusions from "aid of our auxiliary steam power, is a result, the loss of his ship. The writer whom we first "being one generally to be relied on, which quoted, for instance, goes on to lament "that "must give special advantage and popularity no application of human ingenuity is able to "in Australian voyages to ships possessing this "withstand the elemental rage," which, in "appliance, of far more consequence in passage itself, may be true, but which, nevertheless," ships, as a relief from protracted oppressiveimplies an untruth. The Royal Charter may have been unable to "withstand" the elemental" than even from the gain of time in the geneness, risk of sickness, and actual suffering, rage, but she was quite capable of retiring "ral passage." Again, he says, "Three or four before it, and seeking shelter from it, had her "times an attempt was made (during a calm on journey not been persisted in after it became the voyage home) to improve our progress by pilous. The evidence of the boatswain's-mate "setting the lower topsails, but in all cases the of the ship shows that at about eight o'clock on "disadvantage in direction was far more than

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66

"the gain in speed. They seldom remained on trial for more than an hour or two. The "steam-power, small as it was, was our grand "resource, giving us generally a six-knot speed, "and ordinarily yielding us a progress of 140 "miles or more in distance, and a gain of 2° or "2° in north latitude." And in another place the Dr. states that the Royal Charter overtook a vessel on the homeward voyage, and found that her own steam power had enabled her to gain 4,000 miles upon the other vessel in 40 days; "the great advantage of possessing this peculiar appliance admits," he adds, "of per" petually recurring proofs."

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sacrifice to an undue passion for short voyages. The fact is, the Royal Charter has fallen a A too great eagerness to reach the Mersey carried her on to the rocks of Anglesey. But few know what risks are now run in these in this respect. "fast ships" in order to secure distinction This fact also may be illustrated by reference to a former voyage of this very ship. The first gale that ever blew upon her, and which lasted with variations for 40 days, was made to drive her through more than 8,000 miles of distance, under a pressure of sail which would have proved fatal to her and all on board had any failure in the steering-gear, or any defect in its No one experienced management, occurred. "in scudding before a fierce gale and a heavy "sea, and knowing how the safety of the ship then on board of her, himself formerly a depended on the steering," said a passenger captain of merchantmen, "could contemplate "the possible failure in apparatus, gear, or "when so scudding under the violence of this management of the helm of the Royal Charter, "terrible cyclone and tremendous sea, without "much anxiety." This is the sort of thing that is happening every day, the sole reason being that men in these days make so much unhappy haste to be rich, forgetting the proverb, "He that maketh haste to be rich shall

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There is another consideration which we dare that the Royal Charter was really a very innot suppress. There seems great reason to fear ferior ship-inferior, we mean, in point of strength. It is difficult to believe that a well-constructed and well-built ship-a ship formed of good material well put togethercould have become so utter a wreck as she became in so short a time. This is a matter which may be, and should be, inquired into. Portions of the iron of her hull may be obtained and examined, and the detailed drawings of the ship may be got at. Let this be done. Let, also, as much information relating to her actual construction as can be obtained be secured, that we may ascertain, if possible, why she yielded so swiftly to seas which some ships, some iron ships even, would have withstood for many hours, not to say days. There are other facts, beside that of her rapid break-up, which indicate great weakness in the Royal Charter. On her very first voyage she had to put back to Falmouth, after being six days out, in order not only to improve her trim, but to make her sound and water-tight if possible. "From the day "after our sailing," says a passenger, “much "wet had passed through the seams of the deck, "by the skylights and bulls'-eye lights, screw"bolts, &c. After the commencement of the westerly gale, the water had flowed down in such quantities that all the third-class, and most of the second-class, and some of the first"class cabins were more or less flooded." This looks like the result of weakness. Moreover, on this and the return voyage her straining was much complained of. On the latter she leaked very considerably in the foremost compartment,

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