Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

Fig. 2 is a similar one for block printing. I have written in the angles of the different slopes, so that any one can set one out for himself. If block printing is not upright it should slope the reverse way to hand writing, else it looks very bad.-J. K. P. [2557.)-OLD COIN.-I have pleasure in informing "Flint." from information just gained, that his coin is a Nurnberg counter, copied from a historical jetton of the Low Countries, of the 15th century, particulars of which may be found in Van Mieri's "History of the Princes of the Netherlands." The oby. contains the arms of Burgundy slightly varied. The rev. represents Fortuna. The legend has no meaning.-D. T. BATTY. [2574.]-BRONZING MODEL VESSEL.-Varnish, and when nearly dry rub on the copper bronze varnish again to preserve the bronze from changing colour.

-J. F.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

And solids of whole cone = 87-9648 + 12:5664 100.5312.

Now solids are to each other as the cubes of their similar sides, hence we have two simple proportion sums.

To find diameter of smaller end

As 100-5312: 32 9300: 43 to cube of

diam. To find height of cone which is being cut off

As 100-5312: 32-9300: 243 to cube of H.-R. WILSON.

[2583.] -"ENGLISH" VELOCIPEDE, &c. If "C. T. W." takes good dry wood, fits the spokes well in nave, just weft the tenant of spoke when driving, he will find that quite sufficient for a small nave. -F. J. D.

- [2584.] SULPHATE OF LEAD BATTERY. In reply to respondent

your cor

"Carfax,' and others,

[blocks in formation]

did not amalgamate the zincs in the sulphate of lead battery, though I think from what I have read it is better to amalgamate all zinc plates, no matter what form of battery it may be. I find my zincs very little worse than when they were put in. I mixed my sulphate of lead with water to about the consistency of cream, and filled each porous pot within half an inch of the top. A friend of mine has a manganese battery of 6 cells, which he says has been in constant use for ringing electric bells in his warehouse for the last eighteen months without requiring one penny outlay or a moment's attention, and is as good now as at first. When next I require a battery I shall try my hand at a manganese, as I believe they are by far the best for any kind of communicating purposes, such as short lines of telegraph or electric bells and indicators. I notice Cox's price is 5%. per cell, but my friend says he did not pay near so much for his.-A GOOD BOY. [2587.)-CHINA GRASS.-If "Katka," will publish his address, I think I can get him what he wants in a week or two.

[2593.]-DEFECTIVE BATTERY.-I presume that "G. F. L." is using a medical coil, though he calls it an "electric machine." The fault he complains of most likely lies in the imperfect connections of the battery. When he bent the silver plate straight again did he see that it was properly connected with its binding screw, and the pair of zinc plates with theirs? it may have been torn away from the binding screw As the silver is doubtless very thin, it is possible that in the accident that occurred, and that would explain the stoppage of the action. I should advise him to look carefully at his plates, and to see that he has the circuit complete, that each pair of zinc plates are connected with the binding screw of the silver in the next trough, and so on throughout the series, but I expect he has only 2 or 3 troughs. If the plates require platinising, it certainly would render the action more feeble, but it would not stop it altogether. He can easily tell by a look at them; if they are smooth in patches he may be sure that they require it. It is not done with mercury, but by an application of the electrotype process. If he wishes it I will send him the mode of procedure. If he attempts to put mercury to silver plates he will spoil them.-AP-RHYS.

[2594.]-BORING WOODEN HANDLES.-" A. B." can make and bore his handles in the following manner :-First turn a cylinder in the usual way between centres, then turn down the end nearest the poppet head, and fit on the ferrule and turn it true; next turn the handle any shape required, leaving the end like A, Fig. 1; now substitute a boring collar for

FIC

[2595.]-WORK ON PROJECTION, &c.-An "Elementary Treatise on Descriptive Geometry, &c., to which is added a Description of the Principles and Practice of Isometrical Projection, by T. F. Heather, M.A., Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. London: Virtue and Co., 26, Ivy-lane.-BERNARDIN.

[2598.)-ELECTRIC.-Let "Slasher" at once drop his notions about glass tubing as an electric. This is my experience:-Being of an amateur turn, I love to have everything on a miniature scale. For instance, I have a Grove battery with fin. by in. platinum foil, a Wollaston element about the same size, &c. I made a small Leyden jar with an ounce medicine bottle, and succeeded with a glass tube and a piece of amalgamated leather in obtaining perceptible shocks (if you can call them shocks), and in exploding hydrogen and oxygen mixed The jar was made thus: The outside was covered with tin foil, and the inside I filled to the required height with brass filings. The top of the wire is bent in a ring. Holding the jar with the thumb and first finger, and the leather (amalgamated) on the palm of the hand and the other three fingers, I moved the tube (in. diameter) backward and forward through the ring. If Slasher" will be at a little trouble and make an electropher about 12" diameter. he will be able to charge a moderate-sized jar so that he will not want a second shock very quickly.TANGENT.

[2600.]-CLEANING OF DIATOMS.-After washing away the acids, pour some cold caustic ammonia on the fine sediment, let it stand for a day or two (the mouth of the vessel being closed to prevent the escapeof the ammosia); then decant off the ammonia and wash the sediment with water before examination. The diatoms are heavy, therefore the washing waters may be decanted off before the whole of the flocculent matter has settled. Would "Beaten " kindly state from what sort of places he gathers his fresh diatoms, and what forms he has found?-R. G. ANDERSON.

[2600.]-OLD COIN.-Is a Roman coin struck to commemorate the taking of Jerusalem by Titus, then general to Vespasian, Emp. It is thus descried by Hobler," Vol. 1, p. 163, No.298:-Obv.: "IMP. CAES. VESPASIAN. AVG. P.M.TR.P.P.P. Cos. III. The laureate head of Vespasian to the right. Rev.: IVDAEA. CAPTA. In the exergue, S.C. A palm tree rising in the middle of the field, on the left side of which a female captive is seated upon armour, her head reclining upon her left hand in the attitude of grief. The emperor is standing on the right side, bare headed, and in military costume; in his right hand he holds a spear erect, and in the left hand a parazonium; his left foot rests on a helmet lying at the foot of the palm tree; struck about A.D. 71 and 72." He mentions several varieties. It is a coin of some rarity, and is much sought after by most collectors on account of its biblical interest, and is consequently of corresponding value.-D. T. BATTY, 9, Fennell-street, Manchester.

[2615.]-BICYCLE WHEEL.-The less the number of joints in a wheel the better. I do not see whas drawing is wanted, or would send one.-F. J. D. [2623]-SCIENCE QUESTION.

A

H

[graphic]

3

12

=

Μπ

[merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

FIC.2

ED=1 AB = 2

AH = HB = 2 HE = √ D

ARX 2FA = 4}

with tranverse axis F G and conjugate

1871

2 ER

describe ellipse F C H, cutting C D in C join A C,

C B, then A C+CB 4 2 E F.-J. K. P. [2582.]-WRIGHT OF FRUSTUM.-Let A B C D be the given frustum complete the cone CD E, then weight of frustum equals

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

the poppet head, and bring the hand rest round and turn an indent for the augur to enter, and he can then (if the augur is properly entered) bore a hole any 21-9912+ by H length without fear of it being out of truth; the part A, Fig. 1, can then be turned, and the handle cut off. The above is the way I turn long soft wood, turning handles 11t. or so long; but short handles can be turned quicker without the aid of the poppet head or boring collar. Fix a piece of wood in a wooden cup chuck in the usual way, turn down the end farthest from the chuck, and fit on the ferrule; then turn an indent and bore the hole: afterwards turn the handles the required shape, finishing at A, Fig. 2, where it can be cut off. I shall be happy to answer "A. B." if there is any part he does not quite understand.KENNINGTON AMATEUR.

As D G 1: BG 12: BO 1 to A 0 12 or solidity of annexed part-22 x 7854 x 4 = 12.5664, to which add 20-3636 cubic feet, this represents 4 tons. Therefore the part to be cut off from the whole cone = 12 5664 + 20 3636 = 32.9300

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

[2623.] - SCIENCE QUESTIONS. To

construct

[ocr errors]

C

triangle AB C, given base, height and sum of the sides AC+ CB = L

Solution : Draw KF parallel to A B at a distance height, with A as centre and as radius draw are D E; mark I symmetrical of B. and with F (ad libitum on KF) as centre, draw I BE, hree point G and from Ga Tangent to the arc D E, bence H, constructing circle through HIB, we have C vertex of the triangle; proof easy by Fuc. iii., 86 (vide my reply to Query 2604-another solugion on the left side of A B.BERNARDIN.

π D3

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

2624.1-PROPORTIONS OF SPACE. CUBE AND SPHERE. I suppose a sphere tangent to all the faces of the cube; edge of the cube being D, the volume of the spheres will be If now I divide the edge in a equal parts, I can have n3 spheres tangent to each other and to the cube, volume of each sphere will be

π D3

6

T D3

6

and total volume of the n3 spheres = 6 n3 the same as the first sphere inscribed in the cube; this sphere is equal to the volume of the cube x 0.5236; all this is theory: in practice we must account with the more or less sinking of the substance.-BERNARDIN. [2625.]-BIRDS' EGGS.-Blow out the inside carefully, and then boil them for 10 or 15 minutes; they will then keep many years.-SEMPER PACE.

12625.1-PRESERVING EGGS.-If "Rustic" will procure some corrosive sublimate dissolved in alcohol, and insert a small quantity into the egg, and shake it after drying, he will find no insect destroy it. If he wishes his eggs to appear bright, he must brush over them very sparingly a little mastic varnish; but if for blue or green eggs, gum arabic must be used, as the varnish is apt to slightly change the colour.-OISEAUX. [2628]-DIMENSIONS OF ENGINE.-I think the following dimensions will give Cam" satisfactory results:-The steamways should be in. wide and 1in. long, or exactly of a square inch, the exhaust just twice this size, or of a square inch. The steam-pipe ought to be gin. diameter (inside of course), the exhaust pipe fin. diameter.-W. H. THORPE.

a commutator arrangement for throwing either length into the circuit; at the centre of the circle is a pivot earrying a spring which may be moved in contact with either stud, from which it carries the current to the binding screw P. Of course separate binding screws may be employed for each length instead of this commutator. The core is shown with a handle, by which it can be drawn out partially, to regulate the shocks. The lines formed of dashes show the primary circuit, and those of dots that of the secondary or induced current. Any battery will serve to work such a coil, even a single Smee cell.-SIGMA. [2644.]-ADULTERATION OF TURPENTINE.Apart from the evidence of colour and smell, the use of a specific gravity glass is a certain test for the purity of turpentine. They may be procured at auy optician's. The gravity of genuine American turpentine is, of course, the standard to be taken. If petroleum is added, the mixture will show a lighter gravity. If Russian," "German," "Polish," or other turpentines of a rougher kind, are added, the mixture can be detected and approximated by the increased gravity figures. Field, optician, Birmingham, supplied my gravity glass.-LLAH.

[2645.]-IMPERFECT ORGAN.-I am very doubtful whether by any alteration the clarion stop will be made perfect. I would not recommend" Anti Discord" to go to any expense in attempting to do so, but he might ask a pipe-maker for what he will supply him with a new one, taking the old pipe as part payment, A wooden flute from tenor E upwards would cost voiced about 45s. The cost of applying them need not be much; any handy carpenter or cabinet-maker could do it in a day or less. Cannot "Anti Discord" do that himself?-MILES JENNINGS.

[2651.] LECLANCHE BATTERY. "Telos" should write to the Patent Office, and enclose 9 stamps for the specification. It was patented 10th Oct., 1866 (No. 2623) in the name of Brandon. I have a specifieation of it which I was recommended to procure by a well-known electrician, who assured me that the system must ultimately supersede all others, but I have tried in vain to understand it. The battery consists of two parts, the "generator" and the "accumulator," both of which have porous cells differently charged. A little light thrown on this matter would much oblige-VIATOR.

[2656]-BOOKS.-I know of no book better than Culley's "Practical Telegraphy" to Much-in-Want." LLAN. [2656]-TELEGRAPHIC BOOKS-Cully's" Handbook" is perhaps the best, and Clark's Electrical Measurement" would be a valuable addition.-SIGMA. [2663.]-QUICKSILVER.-There is no solvent which could be used; heat alone will succeed in driving it off. 12667.-PAINT TO COVER TARRED WOOD.I know of no paint that will effectually cover tarred wood, certainly not a light paint. I would recommend your correspondent to clean the posts as much as possible, and then limewash them with a wash having This will whiten the plenty of size or grease in it. post as he required, and the lime would, I think, eventually "eat up " the tar, after which it may be painted. [2667.]-PAINT TO COVER TARRED WOOD.-If "Associate," No. 2967, mix some red lead with boiled oil and paint his posts with it, he will find the tar will not burn through. (I speak from experience, having found it stand the hot sun for years.) He can then paint them white, or oxide of iron will answer the samé purpose.-C. H.

(2634.]-PAPER HANGINGS.-There are three modes of producing the required effect. 1st. Wooden-SIGMA. blocks are carved representing in relief the outlines of the figure; an impression is taken from these blocks, and the device is completed by painting with a pencil. 2nd. A sheet of paper, leather, tin, or copper, is cut out into the required pattern, and laid on the paper to be stained; a brush dipped in a coloured pigment and worked over the surface of the perforated plate, conveys the pigment through all the perforations, and forms a pattern on the paper. 3rd. A block is carved-LLAH. for each of the colours to be employed, and an impression from all the blocks in succession fills up the design on the paper. The first of those methods is too slow and costly for ordinary use; the second produces imperfect outlines; and the third is the method chiefly employed at the present day.-A. BOUGHEY.

RISON.

(2641)-MEDICAL COIL.-I send diagram, which I hope will make the description at p. 513 of last vol. perfectly clear. The battery circuit is from the binding

[2636.]-CEMENT FOR JOINING BOARDS.-
Marine glue will join boards so as to resist water.-J. F.
[2671]-CANOE BUILDING.-" C. D. R." wishes to
[2639.]-OPINIONS WANTED-I think John W. know how the planks of a canoe are kept to the proper
Bedford, of May 6, Vol. II., page 166, will find a remedy shape while building. He will find that the strakes
for his engines if he will look to his links. When his must be so cut and fitted to each other, that there is
lever is in the centre notch, his links ought to hang so no tendency to buckle or twist, and in this adaptation
that the valve spindle will be in centre of eccentric rod of flat surfaces with curved edges lies the whole mys-
ends. If they are so at present, then the eccentrics tery and art of boet-building. The skin of a boat may
are not fixed properly. When they are properly set be divided into three parts-the floor, the bilge strakes,
the links ought to vibrate on the valve spindle or stud and the side. On the shape of the floor depends the
without imparting any motion to either spindle or
form of the boat. The strake next the keel on each
stud, when his lever is in the centre notch. By attend-side (called the garboard strake) fits the rabbet in the
ing to these he will make a perfect cure.-J. HAR- keel. Thus we trace the modelling of the boat to the
starting point. If the rabbet is not continued well fore
and aft, but bridled up into the stem and sternpost,
the canoe will be sharp and crank. The edges of the
strakes should be lapped or in., and fastened with
copper boat-nails about 2in. apart. The hole must be
bored right through, the nail driven, and then a copper
burr punched on the point. With a pair of cutting
pliers then cut the nail just inside the burr, and rivet.
This draws the work together without caulking or any
intermediate substance being necessary. The upper
edge of the strake is chamfered to the angle formed
by the strake above; but this is only required in some
parts. When "C. D. R." has his frame ready, he will
find it best to get an 13in. board, rather longer than
the frame; fasten the board on its edge near the
ground, and "lay down" the canoe on it. As he says
he is totally ignorant of the art, I recommend him to
set up three or four moulds on his keel to work to,
taking care that the strakes do not press too heavily
on them.-BOAT BUILDER.

P'

N'

Ν

screw P to S, the stem which carries the screw of the contact breaker, thence along the spring to its stem , thence by wire to the electro magnet 5, 6, and to the inner end of the primary of the coil 1, and from its other end 2 to the binding screw N. The secondary circuit, which is screwed in the coil, goes from binding screw N to 5, in order to utilise the action of the magnet, or it might go to 1 direct, through the primary to 2, and thence to a stud; the secondary wire which is attached to the termination of the primary has its outer end 3 led to a similar stud, and if great force is required several layers may thus be formed, all in a continuous length, but with branches thus led to separate studs arranged on an arc of a circle; this is

[2679.]-UNANSWERED QUERY.-One method of preparing curled hair is as follows:-It is cut from the rumps, washed and dried, It is then spun up into ropes and put into a baker's oven for a while, care being taken that it is not burned by the heat being too strong, It is then teazed out by the hand, and is then ready for use,-MILES JENNINGS.

[2683.]-IRON PALISADINGS.-To this general If the question only a general answer can be given. palisades are painted with the most suitable class of paints, and all the other materials are good, and the work is carefully done, it should stand and look well for at least seven years, and with re-varnishing 10 to 14 years. The most important matter is ts have the paint for the first coat of the right kind.-LLAH.

[2685. AMATEUR TURNERS' CLUB.-In reply to Mr. H. Hume's inquiry, I beg to state that the Amateur Mechanical Society was originated in January, 1869; admission by introduction of a member on personal knowledge. I shall be pleased to send a prospectus, &c., to any of your readers on application.-J. W. BoORD, Hon. Sec., 180, Belsize-road, Kilburn, N.W.

[2688.)-RENDERING WOOD INCOMBUSTIBLE. I do not know of any preparation that will render wood absolutely fireproof. Alum will, however, if the wood is impregnated with a solution of it, prevent the wood from flaming.-LLAH.

[2692.]-BOTANY.-Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis), root stock short and perennial, stem erect, leaves primate, the segments of the lower radicle ones ovate, the terminal segment being largest. Flowers sometimes pure white, but more frequently tinged with a faint purple, sepals 4, petals 4, stamens 6. Pistils short, almost wanting, seed pod flat, grows in meadows and on the banks of brooks. Hedge mustard (Sisymbrinya officinale), an erect annual, about 4ft high, flowers very small and yellow, sepals 4, petals 4. stamens 6; leaves deeply pumatifid, seed in a pod about in. long, tapering to a point, hairy, and in long slen ler racemes.-AUTOMEDON.

[2695.]-GEOGRAPHICAL QUERY-Might "key" not have the meaning of "quay " in these words? netherset is evidently an Anglo-Saxon word meaning to lay down." Hence the quay, where goods are stored keyhouse, where duty is paid; key-spink, warehouse.-FRANCK.

[2696.]-CLEANING FLAGS.-Use mineral naphtha Let and a hard brush on a piece of pumice stone. the naphtha lie upon the tar for some time if it has been long there. Mind the fire, or a light.-LLAH.

[2697.]-CANARY.-In reply to "Minehaha," I copy the following from "Bechotein's Natural History of Cage Birds":"Asthma or hard breathing, which arises from an oppressed stomach, generally yields to plantain and rape seeds moistened with water as the sole food."-EL HAKIM.

[3701.]-KOLA-NUT.-I do not know where to procure it. I asked for it at many places without result last year.-Bernardin.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

[3706.]-PANCRATIC TUBES.-Will "Amateur," p. 139, describe the manner of using the pancratic tubes which he employs with his eyepieces: where they may be obtained, and the cost of making ?-T. J.

[3707.]-TWISTING POWER OF METAL.-Will any of your numerous readers kindly give me a rule by which I can find the relative twisting power of metal, iron, and steel shafts; or what diameter a steel or iron shaft should be to be equal to a given-sized metal one?-P. P. W.

[3708.]-CARBONIC MONOXIDE, &c.-How can this gas be prepared otherwise than by depriving carbonic acid of half its oxygen, or by adding carbon to it?-CARBON.

[3709.]-TURNING.-Will some of my brother turners inform me the following:-How the sandy surface is taken off metal before turning? I turned some metal, and it continually kept blunting, my tools although they were good steel, and left at, I think, about a straw colour. How are cylinders bored out in the lathe? A sketch would greatly assist me, and I How are think some of my brother readers also. cylinder covers turned, both sides and edge (hind ones); they will have no hole in them for a mandrel to go into ?-AMATEUR TURNRR.

[3710.]-ARITHMETICAL QUERY.-Will any of your numerous readers kindly inform me, through the medium of your valuable paper, how the decimal 7854 is arrived at as a multiplier for converting areas of circles into squares; also, how the multiplier 3,1416 is made out so as when multiplied by the diameter of a circle it will give the circumference of the same?FALCON.

[3711.]-CUSTOMS EXAMINATION PAPER.Could any of your readers inform me where I could get a copy of the examination papers (last time, or last but one), for the Customs service.-R. P.

[3712.]-POWERS OF TELESCOPES.-As no one has noticed my communication on the above subject in Vol. X, No. 258. p. 606, I should take it as a great favour if your obliging correspondent "F.R.A.S," would tell me if the method there suggested for the determination of telescopic powers is correct, and if not, to what extent the results so obtained would differ from the true results ?-R. G. ANDERSON.

[[3713.-TELESCOPIC.-Will "F.R.A.S," or some gentleman, reply to these queries:-I have been endeavouring to make a 4in. achromatic object glass for a telescope, in the following manner, but at present with slight success; I am acquainted with the theoretical portion of the subject, but I am not yet able to realise my wishes practically. I have used for a grinding tool a piece of glass, lin. thick, and the same diameter as the lens, 4in., and in this I have ground the convex side of the flint glass with different finenesses of emer, till I thought it was fine enough for polishing. I then covered the glass tool with black pitch, about 4th of an inch thick, and commenced polishing with putty power, but I found that the glass would only polish in the centre, the edges remaining untouched (I worked the lens across the tool, and not more than lin. over the edge); I removed the pitch, re-ground the lens, covered the glass tool with a piece of fine calico, and commenced polishing in the same way as I had done when polishing on the pitch, but the result was still the same. I could not get the edges to polish, and I shall not be satisfied unless I can get a good spherical figure. I have come to the conclusion that the error lies in my grinding tool not being large enough, and I, therefore, wish "F.R.A.S.", or some other gentleman, will tell me whether this is the reason, and give me the I wish they would diamater of tools for a 4in. lens? also tell me of what metal they should be made, whether it is necessary to use brass ones, or would iron do as well? I should also like to know how to tell when my lense is ground fine enough to begin the polishing; and whether it should be ground with anything else besides emery before commencing to polish, and on what it should be polished on, pitch or linen and lastly, whether putty powder is the proper polishing material to use?- DIOPTRICS.

[ocr errors]

FIG. 2

I sup

[3714]-BACK DRAUGHT IN ENGINE.-Would have not been able to find out how they are consome kind brother reader inform me how to prevent structed; could any of my fellow readers explain it what is generally termed back draught in a steam to me, a drawing will be much appreciated? boiler? Ours is an ordinary two flued boiler, and we have a good draught, so much so that the damper is seldom needed to be drawn above one-half, but whenever the coals are thrown on it makes a very oppressive humming noise, and causes the boiler shake very much, and consequently breaks the joints very often, as we have to carry 601b pressure of steam. There is a good draught under the furnace, but still it blows out of the apertures in the furnace doors.-ONE IN A FIX.

[8715.]-COIL.-Many thanks to Messrs. Conisbee and Tucker for their kindness in replying to my last questions, and as I have made up my mind not to touch the old coil, but make a complete new one, I think I can not do better than ask the gentlemen above mentioned, if they know of anything new in the construction of coils, I made my last one, 12in. loug, of gutta-perch, with a disc in the centre dividing the secondary in two, joined by a piece of copper at the bottom of the centre disc going through the disc; the primary I wound on a small reel of lignum vitæ, same length as large reel, with in. hole through for iron core. I covered the primary well with gutta-percha tissue, and pushed it tight into the large reel. Now can any of my two friends suggest anything new? I mean to put 4lb. No. 36 secondary; what will be the best for primary? I intend making the reel 12in. long.

-D. FORBES.

[3716] RELACQUERING BRASS WORK. Would W. Seabrook, p. 18, No. 1929, kindly say if there is any peculiar pickle or solution for immersing brass work in before dipping in nitric acid, as I have some old brass work I wish to relacquer, and have gone to work as directed, but the work not come clean enough from the boiling in soda process, and I find the acid will turn the brass nearly black if in for 2 or 3 seconds. How is that? I should also like to hear, through our MECHANIC, how "Inquirer" has succeeded? A reply on the above will, I have no doubt, oblige many besides myself.-PRO BONO.

[3717.)-COPPER AND SILVER COINS.-Will either of our kind friends, Mr. Henfrey or Mr. Batty, give me any information relative to the two coins of which I send attempts at representations? Of the small

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors]

pose the flutes round the sides are to grasp it while
the work or drill is fixed?-W. T.

[3729.]-SEAMLESS FELT SKIRTS.-I want a
machine for making seamless felt skirts, a description
would oblige.-C. F. J

[3730]-PAPER COLLARS AND CUFFS.-A deseription of the apparatus used for finishing paper collars and cuffs would be welcome ?-C. F. J.

[3731.]-BLOCKING BLACK LEAD.-Will some
kind friend inform me how to make black lead into
blocks and medallions with devices on; all the informa-
tion to enable me to make them up will very much
oblige?-AN AMATEUR.

of your many readers kindly inform me how I can
[3732.-TRANSPARENT PARAFFIN.-Will any
take pink, green, blue, and mauve colour out of hard
paraffin, so as to make it white, or nearly white, and
transparent again?-GREEN.

letter on the "Earth's Rotation," p. 131, seems to imply that the amount of centrifugal force depends, not on the size of the revolving body, but upon the rate at which it revolves, which seems to me to be correct, though I never thought of it before-and that the amount of tendency which bodies on the earth's surface have to fly off is precisely the same as that of the filings on his iron globe, because the revolution of his iron globe occupies the same length of time as that of the earth. Seeing, then, that the centrifugal force of the earth is so small, how is it that its circumference at the equator is so much greater than its circumference at the poles-I believe 25 miles. This is, I have heard, owing to centrifugal force. I wish some one who knows something about it would enlighten me?-SALOPIAN.

[3750-SILVER COIN.-Could Mr. H. W. Heofrey, or any other kind correspondent, inform

[ocr errors]

me

what the silver coin is of which I enclose a full size copy; and if it is of any value; weight 19gr. ?-A BEGINNER.

What power

inform "F.R.A.S." that I did turn my 240 eyepiece [3571.]-ASTRONOMICAL QUERIES.-I beg to round in the tube, while watching the planet Venus, snd my "supposititious moon" did not describe an or[3733.]-COTTON SPINNING.-Can an reader in- bit round its primary. Will some kind friend give me ning, price and name, and where to obtain ?-Oscar. form me of a good new German book on cotton spin- some information on the following:-Has D'Arrest's comet been picked up by any one, and whereabouts [3734]-THE GOAT AND THE GRASS PLOTrench of an 8in. silvered glass reflector? is it now? Is that the only comes now that is within circumference, I want to tether a goat to a peg driven R. A. and D. for any day of the year? I have a circular grass plot in my grounds, 45 yards I find the position of any of the asteroids given in Where can into the edge of the plot in order that the goat may feed over only half the ground. What must be the with an sin. With mirror, would be necessary to divide length of the tether?--CAPTAIN BAXTER. με Bootis? What is the apparent diameter of the sun, moon, Venus, and Jupiter, to the unassisted eye in inches or parts of inches, and how can such be ascertained from their diameters in minutes and seconds, given monthly in the "Nautical Almanac "?-H. A. C. I shall be glad if any of your chemical correspondents [3752.]-DEPOSIT FROM SODA CRYSTALS.can answer the following:-In dissolving a quantity of soda crystals without water, and by either fire or pan which, when cold, is a hard brittle mass which steam, there is a sediment left at the bottom of the dees not mix with the other part of the soda even if cooled in the same pan, but seems to be quite another material, although the same in colour. know what it is, and can it be prevented; I have used I wish to the best Newcastle soda ?-NATRUM.

[3735.] ENGLISH VELOCIPEDE. Will "A
Thinker" kindly say how his machine is steered, and
whether the cranks are set at a quarter circle or both
or both in one plane?-GARIBALDI.

[3736.]-GENEVA CYLINDER-I thank "Nobody'
for the information given, but would like to know the
kind of callipers used, and if there is not a Swiss tool
used for the purpose of taking the height?-CYL.
[3737.]-HARDENING PLASTER. The plaster
on the walls of a mill staircase is being continually
knocked off with the boxes and other things that are
carried up and down the steps, will some obliging
reader inform me of a cheap and simple method of
keeping it in its proper place, either by hardening
the surface of the plaster or any other plan ?-COTTON
SPINNER.

[3738.]-UNNOTICED QUERY.-Having a
Fitzroy barometer tubes, quite new, but covered with
few
a film inside, would some friend tell me in what way
to remove it before filling them ?-T. FORTY.

[3739.]-CHLORIDE OF TIN.-I find great difficulty in obtaining chloride of tin, I have tried at several chemists, and each have given me different

[3753.]-BOTANY.-Would some one of your correspondents who is interested in botanical pursuits, botany, or guide to the indigenous plants of Great kindly inform me what is the best handbook of Britain, for field use? I have used an old edition (the 7th) of Macgillivray's "Abridgment of Withering," but have often found it difficult to determine the species from the short descriptions given.-D. N. E. [3754]-ELECTRO.-Will Mr. Chapman, or any dithculties:-I have a large Smee's battery for depositing copper. I want to get a deposit on a nonmetallic surface a foot square, which I cannot get in less than 30 hours, and not then with any degree of certainty? How can I quicken the deposit? What is used for removing the wax from a shell taken from

copper taken, there are two varieties. the other specimen has the date under the G 1. I have had one speci-things. Is it better known by some other name ?-other obliging reader help me out of the following

men many years (17), the other was sent to me a few days since. Of the silver coin 1 know nothing, but should be glad to learn?-S. SMITH.

[3718.] TALL CHIMNEYS.-Can any of our brother readers inform me the height, with size at bottom and top, of the large chimney at the chemical works of Messrs. Tennant and Co., Glasgow, or one at any other works? A sketch with full particulars through the ENGLISH MECHANIC would be esteemed. -GAINSBORO.

AMATOR SCIENTIÆ.

[3740.]-FLOAT FOR BOILER.-Perhaps some of your correspondents could inform me if there is any material a solid float could be made with to carry its own weight in a steam boiler, pressed say from 30 to 40lb., or can a hollow float be made strong enough to keep from filling with water?-J. K. [3741]-TURBINE.-Can any oue inform me where a turbine is to be seen working in Eugland ? M.R.C.S. [3719]-LACE AND BUTTONS.-I wish to know if [3742.]-SEASONING WOOD.-Would any of your there is any way of cleaning tarnished silver lace on readers kindly tell me the best method of quickly a uniform, and also a reeipe for a dark bronze for seasoning small pieces of wood for carving or turnbuttons which have become bright through wearing, I think I saw some recipe or direction in a former REX. number, but cannot find it now?-BRUIN.

[3720.]-BONE BLEACHING.-Will some brother reader kindly inform me how to bleach bone so as to make it like ivory, I have tried hot lime, but did not find it answer?-Os.

[3721]-GRINDING.-I would be greatly obliged if

some of our miller friends would answer my query on the above, 2277, p. 45, to which I beg to add, the small stones 'eing driven at 200 revolutions, and the others at 120 per minute.-SERGIUS.

[3722.J-OLD COINAGE.-Can any reader inform me if there is any means of getting rid of the old copper coinage, now out of circulation, either for its full value or otherwise ?-SERGIUS.

(3723]-GLAZE FOR POTTERY.-Could any fellow reader inform me how to make the different colours of glaze to put on common clay pots ?-X. N. [3724.]-COTTON.- Some time ago Dr. Forbes WatSOD, reporter of East India products, published one or two engravings which show the various lengths of different classes of cotton, if any brother reader would kindly say where they can be got, and price, he would confer a great favour.-GOSSYPIUM.

[3743.]-SYPHON PIPES.-Will any reader kindly
give me a rule to calculate the quantity of water a
syphon will discharge in a given time, diameter of
pipe, height water rises to in syphon, and length of
discharge end being known ?--CALCULUS.
[3744)-SILVER COIN.-Will some fellow subscri-
ber kindly tell me what coin this is, and its value?
About the size of a threepenny piece, on one side a
rose, crowned, inscription-G. ROSA. SINE. SPINA;
VIT. DEVS.-J. NASH.
other side a thistle, crowned, inscription-ATVR.

[3745-STEAM PIPE JOINTS.-Will some brother
subscriber be kind enough to inform me what quantity
borings to make steam pipe joints?-J. E. S.
of salammoniac should be mixed with lewt. of metal
[3746.]-TESTING BOILER.-Could any of my
boiler without taking it out of its bed?
brother readers inform me of the best way to test a
are 6-h p., and I want to work them up to more pres
My boilers
should like to test them before adding more weight to
sure, but the safety valve blows off at 10lb., and I
my lever.-THOMAS EDWARDS.

a wax mould ?-J. D.

[3755]-TURBINE WHEEL.-Will "Senex," or any other practical person, oblige me by answering a few questions respecting turbines-What is the quantity of water per minute required to drive a one-horse power turbine wheel, the neight of the fall, diameter of feed pipe or jet, diam ter of wheel outside, number of revolutions per minute, or any information concerning the machine.-A. B.

[2756.]-LAMENESS IN HORS S.-Having seen a paragraph in your valuable paper 1t week" Amateur Farming," that a "Country Vet."ould at any time be happy to render help towards the advancement of a column respecting the breeding, rearing, and diseases of dogs, &c., I think that a few hints upon the above subject would be very instructive to many. Would the "Country Vet" be kind enough to give me his opinion lameness which the horse is so much subject to in this and a little information respecting that troublesome country-ramely, laminitis or founder of the feet, and -J. O. DUFFRYN, Neath. also the best method of shoeing for chronic laminitis?

mens.

[3757.)-BOOKBINDER'S PLOUGH.-Thanks to "Ab Initio" for his answer to my query. 1 have shown some samples of books to a printer and a bookseller, and they say they are very fair speciI should be obliged if he would describe how to make a plough ?-MASCHIL. [598]-EMIGRANTS' INQUIRIES.-"F.R.G.S." kindly effers to give some information to those of your readers who require it, and which will most FR.A.S." In what constellation or sign of the [3747.] SITUATION certainly be useful to all of us. OF PLANETS. As an intended TO emigrant, I shall esteem it a great favour to obtain Zodiac is Saturn and Mars at the present time; is colony of South Australia. I am a carpenter, been some geographical and general information of the Herschel still in Gemini, although, of course, it is not RAM. discernable to the naked eye!-SECUNDUM NATUused to railway work, and desire to fix on some town in that part where the climate would be cougenial (as [3748]-DENTISTRY.-Will "Portsmouth Chemist" trade would be likely to be brisk. I am not very robust in constitution), and where my oblige by informning me where I can procure a copy of would kindly assist me in my choice of a destination If "F.R.G.S. publishers, Lindsay and Blakiston, carry on business?CHANIC, I should consider it a Richardson's Mechanical Dentistry," or where the through the medium of your vain ble ENGLISH ME(3728)-CURIOUS CHUCK S.-I have seen in tool FRANCIS. great boon.-J. makers' shops, lathe chucks like figures 1 and 2, but EARTIFS ROTATION.-" C. R. O., Hants." in n [3749.)-CENTRIFUGAL FORCE AND TH' [3751.]-ASCARIDES.-Can one, out of the very many obliging, correspondents of the ENGLISH ME

[8725.-OILED PAPER-Will any of your readers suggest to me a method of preparing paper to receive oil similar to that sold by artists' colourmen, which is too costly for my purpose?-AMATEUR ARTIST. [3726.]-CHROME BLACK.-Can any kind reader inforin me how chrome black is produced?-MOR

DANT.

[3727.]-WIRE TACKS AND NAILS.-Can any reader give me a description of a good machine for manfacturing the above ?--C. F. J.

-F. W.

FERER,

by a pair of mitre wheels from the crank shaft. I may state that the engine only indicates about 91b. on the vacuum gauge. Any hints how to understand the diagram properly, and to make the engine work better will greatly oblige.-NIMROD.

[3772.]-KAPPER'S FIRES.-On page 17 there is a drawing of Kapper's improved fires, given by a Mr. Geo. Huart. Would he be so good as to give us a little more explanation as to Figs. 2 and 3, what cokes they use, and how they hammer the iron, as he says it is more for beams? He says there is no turning the work on edge. G. H. will greatly oblige by giving us a little more about the said fires.-BENDER.

CHANIC, answer me the whole or any one of the following questions:-1. What is the primary cause of 2. What is a safe and ascarides, or thread worms? certain cure for these parasites? 3. What is the best preventive against their future generation? 4. What is the cause of their being so seldom felt during the day, but chiefly towards evening ?-A GREAT SUF(3760.-CONTRIVANCE FOR HOLDING IRON RODS.-Can any of your correspondents favour me with a sketch of a contrivance for holding round iron rods-in. thickness. The rods are passed up a hollow spindle into the machine for turning. I want a contrivance at the end of hollow spindle, to lock and un-spondent would, with your permission, give a detail lock as the rods are drawn in. The pieces turned off rods at each stroke will be about fin. long. The rods vary a little in thickness, The lock must take up as little space as possible, but must be very strong. The machine is self-acting?-RAYMOND.

5

16

Will the [8761.] EMIGRANTS INQUIRIES. learned "F.R.G.S." please say whether the climate of Natal is usually much hotter in summer than in England, and whether or not dangerous wild beasts and snakes might be met with there in the woods. I have read denials of this, but the statements of paid advocates, and otherwise interested persons, on all drawbacks, are, of course, worthless, and their silence confirms belief, hence I have been led to believe those drawbacks exist there, though I only doubted it before. The productions of Natal indicate a hot climate. Dangerous animals, including the lion, seem to have been common there some years ago. What will be the best mode of my getting the MECHANIC there if I go?-EMIGRANT.

[The ENGLISH MECHANIC can be had in postal districts at Natal, postage 2d.]

[3762.]-PAINTING AND DECORATION.-Can any of our readers recommend a good book on ornamental painting and house decoration? If so, I should esteem it a favour.-C. H.

[There is a series of articles now being inserted in the Building News on this question.] [3763-THEINE.-I have tried several times to isolate the above from various samples of tea, but have failed. I proceed as follows:-Make an aqueous infusion from a sample of good tea, and when cold, precipitate the tannin with plumbic acetate; then remove the excess of lead with sulphuretted hydrogen, filter the solution and neutralise the excess of acetic acid contained in the filtrate with ammonia. I now evaporate the solution to about one-sixth of its original volume with heat, and leave the residue to evaporate at the ordinary atmospheric temperature. By this process I obtain the long needle-shaped crystals, but not thoroughly isolated, for with them I get a gum-like residne, which I can collect and roll up like a pill. Will some of your chemical correspondents kindly point out where my manipulation is defective, or inform me of a process by which I n ay obtain my obtain my desire in a more effective manner?—A. A. ATTWOOD.

[3764.]-EBONITE.-Can some one of your readers give me any information as to the manipulation of ebonite? Is it possible, without injuring the quality of the substance, to convert a sheet into a cubical block, and if so, how is this done ?-S. T. P.

[3765.]-NAVAL ARCHITECTURE.-Will some one give me some information as to joining the evening class for studying naval architecture at South Kensington ?-G. E. J.

[3766.]-CLEANING AND REFILLING BAROMETER TUBES.-Can any of your numerous readers inform me the best method for cleaning the inside of barometer tubes and refilling them with mercury? WATCHMAKER.

[3767.]-FLY WHEEL ARMS-Why are the arms of a ty wheel made gradually smaller as they recede from the centre of motion ?-C. B.

[3768]-POISONING BY CANTHARIDES.-Will any of your medical renders kindly advise what course should be therapeutically pursued to neutralise the exhausting and debilitating effects presumed to have ensued from surreptitious administration of can-, tharidian poison ?—Ï. I. D.

[3769]-STREET TEE ESCOPES.-Will G. F. (2580), inform me in what localities in London I should be likely to see a "street telescope?" I am curious to see one. "G. F." should say where he resides, and he would probably meet with a friendly possessor of a good instrument ?-F. Fothergill.

[3770.]-SILVERING DIAGONAL PLANES.-I can endorse all Mr. James Gray says in No. 267, page 164, with reference to his difficulty in silvering diagonal planes. I have failed in exactly the same manner, after trying many strengths and temperatures of solutions, and under a variety of changes in the method of manipulation, but always in vain, for I never could get a film other than what he describes. I understand Browning's formula is also most uncertain with amateurs, in spite of the usual precautions with regard to purity of chemicals, &c. Can any reader in the chemical line give a hint or two ?-INTERESTED. [3771)-FAULTY ENGINE.-Will any of your readers tell me what is wrong with the engine which the enclosed diagrams have been taken from (A taken from the crank cud, and B from the back end). The

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

[3773]-PLATE PHOTOGRAPHIC CAMERA.I should be glad if "Mus" or some other corresketch with measurements of the above, Stating what size, with probable cost of lens, and any other information he thinks an artisan would require in constructI should like to ing one, so as to obtain good results. know if this is the most suitable size for a beginner, and for future use ?-SNATCH BLOCK.

USEFUL AND SCIENTIFIC NOTES.

HONEY.-From Queensland we have an interesting note upon ho ney, which in that colony, and indeed throughout Australia generally, forms an industry of considerable value. A centrifugal machine is used for extracting honey from the combs, the caps being first removed by a sharp kuife, so that in less than a minute The combs are every particle of honey is taken out. then turned, and the cells on the other side treated in the same manner. The advantages claimed for this process are, that the larvæ, which are frequently very troublesome, remain in the comb, and that when the latter is replaced in the hives, the bees readily use it over again.

of eggs.

THE SUNFLOWER.-The following description is an extract from the Agri- Horticultural Society of the Pungal on the sunflower :-It is an annuai plant. Its seed has an edible kernel, and affords 15 per cent. of a mild oil, which is equally good for food or for burning. If the onter skin is removed it would give a still larger proportion of oil. Although little cultivated as an oil-seed, it deserves to be better known, especially as its seed is very useful for nourishing and fattening poultry. It is said to increase the number The roasted kernels are used instead of coffee. The foliage, which is abundant, and may be partially removed without injury to the seeds, forms a good fodder for cows. The stems, which will do for sticks for peas or beans, may be burnt, and their ashes abound in potash. Sunflowers require good and fertile soil if they are to produce much seed, but they will succeed in very indifferent soil, or even in very moist Indian corn. They may be sown from April to May ground. Their cultivation is very similar to that of plantations of suuflowers are useful in marshes or in lines or broadcast. It has often been said that large

places where malarious fever is common, as this plant is a decided remover of malaria.

DOMESTIC RECIPES.

SCOTCH BROSE.-This favourite Scotch dish is generally made with the liquor in which meat has been boiled. Pat half a pint of oatmeal into a porringer with a little salt, if there be not enough in the broth, of which add as much as will mix it to the consistence of hasty-pudding, or a little thicker. Lastly, take some of the fat that swims on the broth, put it on the crowdie, and eat in the same way as hasty-pudding.

MADRAS DRY CURRY.-Cut one pound of meat into small pieces, slice one onion and fry it in butter to a light brown, then add one tablespoonful of Madras curry powder, one teacupful of water, one breakfastcupful of gravy, the juice of one lemon, and a little salt; stew all together till nearly dry, and send it up quite hot.

CONGRATULATIONS.

SINCE the alteration in our form we have received from all quarters thanks and congratulations. We have, in fact, only received one letter expressing anything like sorrow or disappointment. We need scarcely say that our circulation, since the commencement of the present volume, has increased several thousand copies weekly. Any one may verify this statement by inquiring of any of the principal booksellers or newsagents in any of our large towns. It is not, however, merely in our large towns where our influence and

circulation has increased, as may be seen from the few extracts from letters given below, which have been taken at random from a host of communications of the same character:

EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE. "I beg to congratulate you on the enlargement of the ENGLISH MECHANIC, and also on its great improvement in every way. I also beg to assure you that I shall always take great pleasure in answering all questions in numismatics that appear in its columns."HENRY W. HENFREY, Markham House, Brighton.

"What a vast improvement in a few months! Then "dodges" and "fads" were repeatedly solicited as well as inserted; now the "Notes and Queries" are sifted and classified, trivial correspondence expunged, more and better original matter inserted; in fact, something like a revolution has been effected."-JAMES BELL.

"Not only the biggest but the best scientific paper published."-SUBURBAN,

"I need scarcely say I wish you success. The marvel to me is how it pays. The secret exists, I suppose, in its immense circulation,"-KAPPA.

Too much cannot be said or written in praise of the ENGLISH MECHANIC."-J. B. COCKBURN, 4, Mossstreet, Paisley.

"I look on our' MECHANIC as the leading scientific periodical."-W. BAGULEY, 5, Garden-place, Tutbary-street, Manchester..

"The success of our MECHANIC is now so complete that it will be a bold venture on the part of any one to attempt to surpass it."-J. H. JOHNSTONE, 17, Crownstreet, Aberdeen.

"I believe the ENGLISH MECHANIC serves its pur

pose better than any similar paper in existence."-R. A. SCOTT, St. Neots, Hunts.

of the ENGLISH MECHANIC, and think it worth three "I certainly must congratulate you on the progress Margate." times its price."-R. W. PARAMER, Steam Saw Mills,

"I congratulate you, Sir, on the improved appearance of the ENGLISH MECHANIC. In fact, it is a most voracious monster, this of ours. Long may its health and appetite improve! I wonder what other journal will it gobble up next!"-C. FALLON, Bathgate, Edinburgh.

"I congratulate you on the great improvement in the appearance of your journal, and on its intrinsic value and interest. I file it each week with undiminished satisfaction."-C. F. JESSEN, Bradford.

"I have taken a great interest in the journal, and particularly since the management was transferred to the new Editor, under whom it has much improved." -ISAAC K. CLAYTON, Stalybridge.

"I am delighted to see such an improvement in our since, when I began to think it would come to grief." MECHANIC from what it was eight or nine months -H. D. FOOT, The Parsonage, Lytchett Minster, Poole,

Dorset.

"An exceedingly valuable work for all classes of society."-J. H. MORGANS, Parklands, Clifton.

"Allow me to congratulate you on the improvement of your excellent ENGLISH MECHANIC, which is becom

"The various and multitudinous contents of the ENGLISH MECHANIC make it, as I think, the most interesting and valuable scientific publication extant." J. H. SYMES, Torquay.

Cheshire.

FOR PREPARING INDIAN MEAL.-While the maize is yet green in the car, it becomes by boiling a delicious vegetable for the table; and wheu ripe it is capable, before it is ground, of being prepared for food in a great variety of ways. It makes its appearance in every form,-from gruel, stirabout, and pancakes, to bread in twenty different shapes. In no form in which it is ever used in America is it eaten cold.ing a great favourite here."-W. WILSON, Surveyor, When wanted in the shape of bread, no more is baked 9, Orange-street, Canterbury. than is necessary for the time being; it is never baked in large quantities, and in the shape of loaves, as ordinary flour is baked into bread. Nor is it mixed with any kind of flour or meal. Indian corn is always ingredients as eggs, butter, milk, sugar, etc., which best when used by itself, with the exception of such "I am quite surprised at the wide circulation our are frequently added in its preparation, to give it richI frequently receive communicaness and flavour. It is really never so sweet as when paper has attained. I have made in the simplest way. In preparing it for their tions from places thousands of miles distant. own nses, the negro women generally mix it with water just received one from the Antipodes respecting and a little salt, the dough which is thus formed being the geometric chuck."-GEORGE PLANT, Alsager, made up into a roll about the size and shape of a sodawater bottle without the neck. This is enveloped in the hot ashes of a wood fire, which is the simple process by which it is baked. When ready, it is taken to the pump, and, whilst yet hot, the ashes are washed off it. When they wish to be a little particular, they protect it by wrapping it in leaves before covering it with the ashes. The bread produced by this means is, whilst warm, exceedingly sweet. Indian meal should never be ground to fine. It should not have much salt, which spoils its native flavour. It requires a hot oven, or, if baked upon a girdle, a hot, clear fire. It takes longer to bake than wheaten flour bread; and, if boiled, much longer time than oatmeal. For boiling, the more coarsely it is ground the better, if it is long enough boiled. It is sufficient that it is husked. For hominy (a good substitute for rice) the corn is "The last real improvements, commencing with Vol. simply hulled or cracked at the mill, and any inevi-II., seem to leave nothing farther to be desired by table meal is afterwards sifted out; or the skins are correspondents or subscribers."-E. A. CROUCH, 239, Brooklyn, New York. got rid of by pounding the corn in a mortar and siftog it-a tedious process Indian corn roughly ground may be used for force-meat, instead of bread-crumbs. It makes tolerable gruel.

[ocr errors]

"I have just heard that a wealthy and influential gentleman near here made the remark that he could not live without the MECHANIC,' a proof positive, I think, of how much it is liked."-J. M. PROCTOR, 11, Holt-street, Wrexham.

"I beg to assure you that your valuable paper is much read and esteemed here."-E. HALMSHAW, 9, Grove-square, Gomersal, near Leeds.

What a good thick handful of useful matter it is! "'— "Your ENGLISH MECHANIC is most flourishing! Rev. E. LUKIN, Stetchworth, near Newmarket.

from our MECHANIC as I have never before enjoyed! May I just add that I derive such hours of pleasure -C. E. CESAR, 3, Raglan-terrace, Highbury.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

All communications should be addressed to the EDITOR of the ENGLISH MECHANIC, 31, Tavistockstreet, Covent Garden, W.C.

The following are the initials, &c., of letters to hand up to first post, Friday, May 6:

J. Taylor, P. V., J. G., Ashworth Bros., T. Brown, J. McG., G. G. R., W. G., A. T., J. and H. S., T. J., Dioptrics, C. E Gordon, R. A. Proctor, J. A. Sales, Elliptic, J. P. H., J. A. F., Rev. E. J., Capt. O. H. S., Hopeful, Jas. Melhune, R. W., Jas. Mansergh, W. Soper, J. Scott, Junr., Pisa, J. Beardsley, Geo. Plant, W. B. D., R. Thomas, J. Grylls, W. M. B., J. T., J. E. T., Rev. R. C. H., S. Taylor, Veritas, S. T. D., J. B. and Son, S. T. D., Charles Kennedy. J. T. W., H. S., H.. C. B., H. N. Henfrey with MS., E. E. L., J. B. H., W. C., W. Pearson and Co., Marine, Sidney Beddell, W. Pickering, jun., S. Taylor, S. Bruce, W. Taylor, J. Williams, P. Makin, W. Corbett, Beta, J. H. Twitchell, J. T. Batley, J. N., Valex, Photo, Loder, J. L. Hawkings, Juvenile, E. Y. Herbert, Harmonious Cotton Spinner, M.A., One in Need, E. A., Jas. Linton, H. G. Salop, J. Steel, Exchange, R. A. Proctor, W. Rees, F. T. Henbest, Arthur W. Blacklock, A. Stringer, J. Dyer, C. and C.

THE SALE AND EXCHANGE COLUMNS.-Correspondents are respectfully requested when sending their advertisements to consult the scale of charges prefixed to each of the above columns. Several announcements have been received lately accompanied by an insufficient number of stamps. In all such cases stamps and advertisement are at once returned to the senders. This of course causes delay and disappointment, for whieh, however, we are not responsible. CAUTION.-R. Passmore, of Sidmouth, complains that he sent £5 2s. 6d. to a T. Norris for a lathe, and got a miserable mandrel for his money. On demanding either the lathe or his money, he is treated with contempt. ROTHERWOOD.-Not received. Should be glad to have it. J. KING.-No room.

J. S. A.-At the Patent Office.

H. M.-See back numbers.

Mr. ROBERTSON.-Letter forwarded.

C. SLAGG.-Not suitable.

J. SMITH.-Write the Secretary of the Society of Arts, John-street, Adelphi, W.C.

A. TOLHAUSEN, 18, Waterloo-road Manchester.-We do not know the number of copies of the ENGLISH MECHANIC which circulates weekly in Manchester. As John Heywood, of 143, Deansgate, takes more than 1200 copies of "ours" weekly, we should say that at least four times that number sell in Manchester and the neighbourhood. J. L. EWEN-Returned as requested. FALCON. Search at the Patent Office. Second query inserted with this signature. Do not assume the name of one of our frequent correspondents, as it may lead to confusion. SANS AIDE.-Only a portion of our space can be devoted to mathematical queries, and we therefore endeavour to make the best selection. In the present instance you doubt our judgment, but you must give us credit for good intentions. Thanks for good wishes.

A CONSTANT READER-We cannot give an opinion. The value of an "old dictionary" is probably, like any other thing, "just as much as it will bring."

GEORGE TEMPLETON.-We do not consider ourselves bound to officiate as "referee," or to decide disputes. We are always ready to answer, or to lay before our readers questions of practical interest; besides, your query only supposes" a variety of circumstances.

J. ENTWISTLE.-There is no such member of Parliament. F. FOTHERGILL.-W cannot insert queries containing lists of books like yours. An inquiry at some London bookseller's, will procure you the information, and save our space. ONE IN A FIX.-You or your friends had better consult a lawyer, or better still, get some mutual friend fairly to represent your position to your master. The latter can of course be compelled to act up to his covenants in your

dentures.

in

[blocks in formation]

A. LINTON.-A good grammar and a dictionary. De Lille's grammar is a good one; can be procured through any

bookseller.

J. H.-The Dialectical Society meets fortnightly, at 1, Adamstreet, Adelphi. The annual subscription is 10s. There will be no difficulty in your getting nominated, if you like. JAMES WARD.-Thanks for your good wishes. Since the commencement of our present volume, the circulation has increased several thousands weekly. MARINE.-Yes.

H. DOLAN. Most of them are in print.

W. M. THORPE.-We have no wish for a discussion on loss of power by the use of the crank. We are aware that the crank is a favourite object of abuse with some mechanicians, but we have not seen many successful attempts to do without it. ALVECHURCH.-We never heard of such a feat.

J. Hoops.-Rivington and Co., Waterloo-place, Pall Mall, 68. 6d., or small edition, 3s. 6d. POMPEY.-We illustrated several wire-covering machines in last vol. All queries respecting addresses of vendors of chemical apparatus, &c., must appear in Sixpenny Sale Column.

H. W. S.-A popular error. For a good account of its origin, and information on the whole subject, see No. 252. LLAH.-We have repeated your advertisement this week. We hardly expect to be called on to give reasons for our rules, but we may repeat what we have stated many times, that we do not give the addresses of our correspondents, for three very good reasons; first, because many of them object to it secondly, because in many cases we don't know their addresses; and thirdly, because the ENGLISH MECHANIC is the proper medium for all intercommunication. W. R. S.-We considered the two queries unnecessary, especially the second. The other query had already been replied to by several correspondents.

THE SIXPENNY SALE COLUMN is the only place in which
can appear queries sent by "A. B. (glass pens), John Brown,
"A Bird Fancier," Strong Bow," "F. W.," "Constant
Subscriber, Bath (also see back numbers), "Over Sixty," J.
Bell, "Inquirer," Samuel Hill.
ELECTRO.-The latter phrase.

W. HALL-It was a printer's blunder.
THE FORM OF THE EARTH-We will try to find room for
Mr. Beardsley's concluding letter next week.

J. H. E.-Yes, we saw it. Threats are generally the offspring of weak and mean minds.

F. R. A. S.-It is all right.

W. STEVENS.-We will forward a letter to "A Practical Man." We studiously protect the incog. of correspondents who desire it.

A BRICK.-Your correspondence is labour lost. Try and work to more advantage in future.

W. WINDHAM.-We have no model of springs.

J. R. B.-A good suggestion-shall have attention.

THE ENGLISH MECHANIC LIFE-BOAT

FUND

1230 J. M. Clark, Aberdeen, apparatus for solderinti enses or canisters

1231 T. Empson, Birmingham improvel button

and handles to spindles, and in the manufacture of door and 1232 E. W. Ruller, Hanley, attacing door and other knobs other knobs and handles

1233 F. Ransome, 2, Queen-street-place, Cannon-stree", artificial stone

1234 H. E. Curtis, Llansantffraid, machinery for entting slate, inarble, and other like materials

1235 R. H. Collver, Lille, France, breaking, softening, and preparing flax and other fibrous materials 1286 W. Sketchley, Melcombe Regis. Dorset, propelling hosts 1237 D. Mills, New York, U.S., apparatus for supporting and guiding the work in machines for sewing boots and shoes 1238 T. Battinson and G. Battinson, Halifax, machinery to be employed for combing wool, silk, flax, and other bres 1230 A. C. Henderson, 31, Charing-cross. apparatus for breaking and crushing stones.-A communication 1210 V. Bablon. 40, Rue du Roi de Sicile, Paris, apparatus for regulating the pressure of gas in burners

1241 A. Evans, Wolverhampton, automaton vase or depot for holding coals

1212 C. Massi. 1A, Bassett-street, Malden-road, Kentishtown, locks and keys

1243 W. H. Gosling. Calthorpe-street, improvements in sewing machines

fastening for securing purses.-A communication 1244 W. R. Lake, Southampton-buildings, improved spring 1245 O. Murrell, Bethnal-green-road, apparatus for generating and heating steam in steam boilers and other vessels counting machines.-A communication 1216 C. N. A. Collett, 21, Cockspur-street, Westminster.

1247 J. H. Kidd, Bangor Iscoyd, improvements in shoes for horses and other animals

1248 J. Christie, Paisley, apparatus for cutting or shearing and ripping and clipping the whip" of lappet cloth or other

fabrics

1240 S. W. Stanbridge, Canal Bank, Camberwell, preparation of malt for brewing, colouring, flavon ring. and keeping ales 1250 E. Lowe and H. J. Farnol. New-street. Aston-juxtaBirmingham, brass-heaced nails, screw-rings, and rivets 1251 T. Paton and T. Winder, Livernool, improvements in compound steam and atmospheric engines

1252 W. R Lake, Southampton-buildings, improved valve or stopcock.-A communication

1253 W. Nunn, 67, St. George-street East, improvements in ships' and other signal lamps

[blocks in formation]

3151 J. C. Mewharn, a new or improved photographic process for preparing printing surfaces.-A communication

3167 J. Hargreaves and T. Robinson, treatment of pyrites and in obtaining products therefrom

3168 A. Thornton and B. Senior, of Heckwondwike, im

Subscriptions to be forwarded to the EDITOR, at the office, 31, provements in carding engines or machinery for carding wool
Tavistock-street, Covent-garden, W.C.

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

1100 T. Wright and I. Fox, Nottingham, manufacture of lace made on bobbin net or twist lace machines

1200 L. Schad, Warrington, improvements in treating human excrement

tingham, manufacture of ornamented net or lace 1201 R. Birkin, jun., Newdigate-street, Alfreton-road, Not

1202 Sir W. F. Cooke, Brankses Lodge, Tooting, and G. Hunter, Aberdovey, Merioneth, stone-cutting apparatus 1208 H. Fletcher, Upper Baker-street, Regent's-park, boot and shoe heels and tips, and shoes for horses

1204 H. Y. D. Scott, Ealing, improved mode of manufacturing cement

stoves

1205 H. Y. D. Scott, Ealing, mortar, concrete, and bricks 1206 J. Palmer, 10, Koyal Promenade, Bristol, gas cooking 1207 A. Browne, 85, Gracechurch-street, construction multitubular steam boilers.-A communication

of

1208 T. Wrigley, Manchester, looms for weaving
1209 W. E. Gedge, 11. Wellington-street, Strand, rolling mills
or machines for manufacturing bar iron.-A communication
1210 H. Atkinson. Wharf-road, City-road, breech-loading
1211 W. Hart, Norwich, heels for boots and shoes
provements in steam engines
1212 E. Wigzell and J. Pollit, Sowerby-bridge, York, im-

DISPUTE. BICYCLE.-Can you not write to the company
whose advertisement appears in our pages, without occupy-needle guns.-A communication
ing our space witn so trivial a matter?

W. P. MORGANS.-No charge of any kind for inserting queries

or letters.

CANTAB.-See back numbers.

E. WILLARS (Leicester).- We cannot say; we have, however, little faith in any such apparently philanthropic announcements. If the advertiser you refer toreally desires to benefit suffering humanity there are many cheaper and surer ways of doing it than by advertising his panacea "free gratis for nothing." for one stamp.

J. H. MORGAN.-The photos. did not come to hand. We have written to the Post Office authorities about them. C. RANDALL-We said, say yes."

W. ROBINSON.-No stamps enclosed.

S. BENNETT, who takes in the monthly part, complains "that Astronomical Notes for April,' are handed over to the first of May." The best way would be to take in the publication weekly. There are comparatively few monthly parts published.

MINNEHAHA.-Erratum too slight for notice. HEYWOOD-Your suggestion may be adopted when we make some other improvements.

[blocks in formation]

1213 F. J. Ortner, 73, Great Titchfleld-street, Portland-place, arrangement of pipes for drawing liquids from casks 1214 E. Vimeux. 1. Station-road. High-street, Clapham, musical instruments

flow of oil in lamps.-A communication 1215 C. Wood, Birmingham, apparatus for absorbing the over

1216 H. E. Curtis, Llansantifraid, North Wales, oscillating cylinder engines 1217 J. Burnley and W. Nichols, Leeds, steam boilers and furnaces

1218 J. Underwood, 5, Archway-road. Highgate, closing necks, mouths, or openings of botties, jars, and other vessels 1219 W. R. Lake, Southampton-buildings, improved process for cleaning wool or hair.-A communication

1220 R. H. Kay and A. T. Richardson, Mobberly, manufacture of crape

1221 W. Germain, Brighton, improvement in or an addition to earrings

stitch sewing machines 1222 W. J. Blinkhorn. St. Helen's, improved spool for lock

1223 J. Lee, Hipperholme, near Halifax, apparatus for obtaining motive power

1224 P. Smith, J. H. Leather, and E. D. A. Marriner, Keighley, apparatas for preparing wool for combing

1225 R. B. Hamel and J. B. Holden, Jersey, State of New Jersey, U.S., mechanism for transmitting power

1226 A. V. Newton, 66, Chanc ry-lane, apparatus for starting treadle motions, applicable to sewing machines.-A commu. nication

1217 C. W. Alden, Charlestown, Massachusetts, U.S., improvements in pipe wrenches.-A communication

1228 M. Jefferson, Bradford, apparatus for preparing and combing wool or other fibrous substances

1220 T. Thorpe, Manchester, improvements in the manufacture of piled fabrics

3169 W. Birch, Improvements applicable to sewing machines 3173 C. G. Gumpel, improvements in ships' rudders and steering gear therefore

3177 W. Connell, improvements in water-closets

3180 C. E. Cawley and J. Newton, improvements in tramways, and in carriages to run thereon

3182 S. Leoni, apparatus for cooking and lighting by gas 3183 A. Grothe, apparatus for registering number of passengers travelling in public conveyances

3185 F. F. Samier, and A. Anthoine, metallic vessels intended to prevent all liquid or solid imflammable substances from igniting

3186 H. J. H. King, apparatus for measuring, indicating, and regulating the flow or passage of liquids

3191 J. McDowall, machinery for sawing and entting timber 3192 W. Gardner, mechanism or tools for the manufacture of parts of watches or timekeepers

3207 J. Turnbull, improved cut-off gears for steam engines 3212 R. Douglas and L. Grant, motive power engines 3219 J. C. Heywood, U.S.A., improvements in weighing machines or scales.--A communication

3246 M. Tuthill, improvements in horse gear

3299 G. Cherpit, construction of healds for looms 3518 W. R. Lake, improvements in harness for draught animals.-A communication

3620 W. K. Lake, apparatus for making and breaking electromagnetic circuits.-A communication

3697 W. R. Lake, manufacture of steel, and of steel bars, rails. and plates.-A communication

108 J. Greenshields, obtaining oil from carbonaceons substances in utilising the bye products and residues, and in making manure and moulder's blackening

281 C. Mahler, an improved windmill, which can also be used as a water wheel or as a ship's propeller

665 E. Wood, improvements in potters' glazes

744 W. R. Lake, apparatus for indicating a deficiency of water in steam boilers, and for regulating the supply of water thereto.-A communication

3204 C. Crockford, treating metallic ores and materials, and obtaining metallic and chemical products therefrom 3205 J. Maiden, lubricators

3206 J. M. Stanley, furnaces and crucibles for melting steel

3213 F. Taylor, sewing and embroidering machines 3230 J. Tracy and H. Tracy, improved stick or stem for umbrellas, parasols, &c

3231 A. Bohlken, improvements in terriers or ground angers 3238 J. Ingleton, improvements in waterclosets

3267 W. Gorman, manufacture of iron and steel, and in apparatust herefor

3208 J. G. Jones, apparatus for breaking down coal

3343 W. and J. Edmondson, and R. Cunliffe, machinery for engraving cylinders used in printing

3355 T. F. Lynch, bottles for holding poisons and other preparations

334 K. Wilson, hydraulic presses and other hydraulic machinery

3373 J. Thomlinson, cements

3306 D. Miles, apparatus for lighting and extinguishing gas by electricity.-A communication

3407 E. F. Goodall, excise ink bottles and other ink bottles and inkstands

3517 A. Ripley, and J. Wormald, pipe wrench

3520 S. Chatwood and J. Crompton, valve for drawing off condensed fluids from steam engines, pipes, and other steam vessels

3582 W. R. Lake, improvements in vices.-A communication 3512 W. E. Newton, apparatus for folding printed she es of paper as they issue from the printing machine.-A comu unication

3610 B. B. De Morell, method of raising navigable vessels or other heavy bodies above the surface of the water

521 G. H. Ellis, apparatus for washing, wringing, and mangling

553 H. Bessemer, apparatus employed for the botter accommodation of passengers on board vessels and for lessening or preventing sea sickness

550 W. B. Leachman, hydraulic apparatus for raising and forcing water

509 J. Saxby and J. S. Farmer, apparatus for working railway points and signals

592 A. V. Newton, 66, Chancery-lane, improvements in sewing machines.-A communication

591 C. W. Siemens, treating iron ores

621 G. H. Ellis, improvements in ladders

658 M. Steveus, utensils employed with apparatus used in Cooking

696 J. Neilson, manufacture of hollow cast-iron cooking

utensils

736 J. Polson, application of machinery for treating grain

« ZurückWeiter »