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trap, mats, portmanteau, and other appliances neces-
sary for a larger craft, but no use in this case; also a
rudder, which a canoe has no business with, as the
paddle answers the purpose much better.-MATY.
[2531]-BAZING CAST-IRON-Cast-iron will not
braze, if well tinned it can be burnt with brass in the
manner described by "Blue Ruin," if " Reciprocity"
will inquire he will find it was done so.-N. L.
[2563]-VENEERS FOR HARMONIUM PANS.-
In response to the hint conveyed in "Eleve's" most

[2679.]-CURLING HORSE HAIR.-The hair must first be washed in lime and water to cleanse it from the filth and impunities that adhere to it, then dried, [2645.]-IMPERFECT TWO MANUAL ORGAN.Rees stops are usually troublesome, especially the afterwards it is spun into a rope of one fold dia., upper notes, which in some measure accounts for the when that is done the rope must be twisted very hard Reed stops will till it is kinked from end to end, so that it appears 14" extra tuning the clarion requires. have a settling point in spite of the tuner. If Anti-dia.. (it is the kinking that makes the curl), it is then discord" will first tune the reeds with the wire, and use put in an oven on a wooden frame and roasted or dried the organ a few hours, until the reeds are thoroughly for 24 hours at a heat about 2120, but experience is the settled; tune again (say next day) with shades, which best guide. Feathers are washed in lime and water, must be soldered on the pipe tops for the purpose, a satisfactory result will be had.-T. TAYLOR, Leicester. [2646.] GILDING PLATE-GLASS.-I would advise Blackburn " to prepare size from some of the cleanest filtered water boiled in a small pan, and a few shreds of best isinglass dropped in and kept boiling until the same is dissolved, Remove any scum from the top of size, and it is then ready for use. See that the glass, brush, and size is clean-perfectly so. When this is done apply the size with camel-hair tool, and gold-leaf to follow at once. Put aside till dry, and piece up imperfections, as stated above.-PAINTER. [2648.]-CARDING ENGINE.-I presume your correspondent wishes to know which is preferable, the hand strickle or the roller. For my own part, I think that both claim a share of our patronage. The hand strickle is a very easy, cheap, and (with care) an efficlent way of grinding; yet however careful the person may be, he cannot avoid putting it on heavier in some places than others, therefore the roller is a useful-1 inay say indispensable-commodity for keeping the wires perfectly true-the one great desideratum in grinding. The system I adopt, is to have the cards ground every morning with the hand strickle, and the roller put on once a week, and I find it to act better than anything I have yet tried.-THE HARMONIOUS COTTON SPINNER.

[2682.]-TO "OMICRON."-I have never been a double
star measurer, and my micrometer would be quite
unequal, for want of power, to cope with so minute an
object; all I can say is, that with a power of 450, I
caught occasionally a momentary black separation
between A and B Cancri, on March 29 and 33, which
in the better air of March 31 and April 4, was quite
evident. I believe B lay in the s p quadrant; the dis-
tance I estimated about 07, but this would be worthy
of very little confidence, probably it might be less. I
have never looked at Herculis, since the re-appear-
ance of the companion, in weather fine enough to
show it with any certainty.-T. W. WEBB.
[2687.]-DUSTING BRASS MOULDS.-Charcoal
will do if you use facing sand, but it makes the cast-
ings look black, like iron, different places use different
stuffs. The commonest are common flour, potato flour,
and peameal, if the castings are heavy it is a good
thing to use weak facing sand to face them, say about
the half of the coaldust that is used for iron; for
cores, dry sand, and loam work, use'charcoal blackwash
the same as for iron, only thinner, just black water
merely.--N. L

+ SviO,Ho2 = CO + Svio2Ho2+ OH2 Ho

method, the hydric sulphate remains unaltered. In this reaction, as also in the reaction of the first Chloride of tin can obtained from Jackson and Townson's 89, Bishopsgate Within, for 4d. an ounce.EDWARD HEARD, A.A.

[3709.]-TURNING.-An amateur never will find a coarse sharp new file remove the scale from his castings, which ought to have been first pickled, but from his description, I fancy that the castings are not good, and that the interior of the metal is full of the oxide of zinc, which has a much worse action on the tools than any sandy surface. The rest of his question is obscure.-Q. YORKE.

[3710.]-ARITHMETICAL QUESTIONS.- Every circle is equal to a parallelogram whose length is equal to half the circumference, and the breadth equal to half the diameter; and as the area of a parallelogram is found by multiplying the length by the breadth multiplying half the circumference by half the it is evident that the area of a circle will be found by diameter, and as 31416 is the circumference when the diameter is 1, therefore if half 3 1416, which is 1-5708 be multiplied by 5 (half of 1, the diameter), the produc will be 7854, the area of circle whose diameter is 1.J. SHARP.

[3711.]-CUSTOMS EXAMINATION PAPER"R. P." should obtain the Report of the Civ:1 Servic Commissioners, or obtain the information from som friend who has passed the examination. Further in AND SILVER COINS.-I [3717.1-COPPER formation will be gladly given.-R. HODDEK. him that his large silver coin is very similar to a answer to my friend Mr. Samuel Smith, I beg to infor Indian rupee, though, not having studied foreign coin very much, I cannot speak possibly on the subjec Mr. Batty, whose speciality is the knowledge of token the copper one.-HENRY W. HENFRE will no doubt be able to give some information con cerning

[3718.] - TALL CHIMNEYS. ST. ROLLOX CHEMICAL WORKS, GLASGOW.-Heigt (total) 447) 6 n; height (above surface), 432ft. 6in.; diameter ness at top, 1 bricks; internal flue 260ft. high; p base, 45ft.; diameter at surface, 40ft.; diameter ectly vertical.-"Engineer and Contractor's Pock top, 13ft. 6in.: thickness at bottom, 3 bricks; thic I have a working drawing of Book for 1858." of it, and return it soon.-J. K. P. chimney about 120ft. high above surface which I c lend" Gainsboro," if he will promise to be very care

[3718.]-TALL CHIMNEYS.-The dimensions the tallest chimney in the world, that at Townsen Sin ;thickness at bottom 7 bricks, and at top 14 bric Chemical Works, Glasgow, are as follows:-Heig The St. Rollox Chemical Works stalk is 425ft. hi 168ft., outside diam., at bottom 32ft., and at top 1

and 30ft. outside diam. at base; the rest of the sizes I do not know.-R. H. M.

[3720.]-BONE BLEACHING. "O. S." will find frying his bones in turpentine bleach them entirely, but make them more brittle by so dissolving the albumen. For small pieces, take a common fryingpan and provide a lid to it, say a piece of sheet iron or tin plate, which have handy to apply instantly in case the turpentine takes fire, which would be bad to allow to proceed for many reasons. The time for keeping the bones in the turpentine depends much on their condition, and experience alone would teach.Q. YORKE

[3728.]-CURIOUS CHUCKS, BY" W. J."-I have never seen one of these chucks, but I have no doubt but that the three pinsor catches in the centre are forced out by a spring on the unscrewing of the half of the chuck (a cut for which I perceive in the engraving), and thus admitting the piece of iron, &c., which on being rescrewed forces the said catches by the hollow in the centre of the said half being formed in the shape of a cone, and thus rendering it a true centre chuckA GUERNSEY AMATEUR.

[3755. TURBINE WHEEL.-" A. B." must give some data to start upon-say height of fall or quantity of water available as the speed and size of the wheel depend upon these entirely; for the greater the fall, the less quantity of water required, the smaller the wheel, and the greater number of revolutions; and inversely, viz., the lower the fall, the greater the body of water, the larger the wheel, and the lesser speed obtained.-SENEX.

[3761.]-EMIGRANTS' INQUIRIES.-"Emigrant" couches his query in such peculiar language that "the learned F.R.G.S." has nearly determined to let him gain the information he seeks from some other source. "F.R.G.S." has a " doubt" whether the use of such an unsought-for expression was really meant as a sarcastic rally on the part of the writer or not, and therefore "Emigrant" gets the benefit of the doubt. To his question I answer, the noxious animals, &c., he mentions are to be met with in Natal-vide "African Hunting from Natal to the Zambesi," by W. C. Baldwin; Bentley.-F.R.G.S.

[3763.]-THEINE.-A. A. Attwood should try again. He may next time succeed, or he may, after evaporating, add alcohol, and crystallise from the alcoholic solution. I have obtained them many times by the above process.-R. HODDER,

[3786.] GENEVA CYLINDER. In reply to "Cyl," the callipers used are similar to the smaller pair of comp asses that have a tail or handle, usually contained in a superior case of drawing instruments; only where the points draw out to be replaced by the pen or pencil, a screw with a nut on one end of it passes through holes in both the legs. The legs are flat instead of triangular, and spring like a pair of sugar-tongs where the compass opens and shuts with a joint. I do not know how any other cool could be made on take these heights, or how it could be used supposing one made. "Cyl" could take his height on a slip of paper, or wood, or wire, and send it through-J. the post to the tool shop, stating at the same time it was the height from the 'scape wheel to the end of the pivot-NOBODY.

[3739.]-CHLORIDE OF TIN.-"Amator Scientiæ "

may succeed by asking for muriate of tin, salts of tin,
or butter of tin. He can easily make it by dissolving
tin in hydrochloric acid. (best in a copper vessel),
having the tin in excess. On evaporating the liquid
the salt crystallises out in prismatic needles.-R.
HODDER.
[3741.]-TURBINE.-A turbine was a few years since
at work at the paper mills, Chafford, near Tunbridge
Wells, A letter addressed to the proprietor,
Turner, Esq., will no doubt enable " M. R. C. S." to have
a view of the same.-R. HODDER.

[3744-SILVER COIN-In reply to Mr. Nash, his coin is an English silver half-groat, or twopence of James I.'s 2nd coinage. The observe legend is I. D. G. ROSA. SINE SPINA (James, by the grace of God, or a rose without a thorn). The reverse inscription is TVEATVR VNITA DEVS (may God uphold them in union). A common coin, worth about Is. It is described in my "Guide to English Coins," part II., page 76. Some half-groats of Charles I. are exactly like it, differing only in having "C." instead of "I." in the obverse legend. See page 89 of the same work.-HENRY W. HENFREY. M.N.S.. &c., &c.

[3767.]-FLY WHEEL ARMS.-They are properly made so, as the thick part is where the strain comes. The arms are merely so many levers for transmitting to the heavy rim and back again the balance of work that the engine does at one part of the stroke over and above the resistances, and at another part of the stroke-viz., the dead points, work accumulated in the rim of the wheel, ready to be given back again when the engine power falls short of those resistances. K. P.

[3768.]-POISONING BY CANTHARIDES.-Cam phor is the antidote.-J. NASH.

could some kind brother inform me the best mode of catching the centre of pinion to replace the pivot?J. A. E.

[3785.]-PRICES FOR SAWING TIMBER-Can any brother reader inform me what is the price of sawing beech wood by machinery in England; also the apppoximate price of turning the same into 2in cylinders, 6ft. long?-WIFITIN.

[3786.]-AREA OF SAFETY VALVES.-What is the difference of the area of two safety valves, the one having a flat surface, and the other having a coucave surface, the concave valve being concaved in.

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[8787.]-TEMPERING BUFFER SPRINGS. — I [3769.]-STREET TELESCOPE.-He may see a should be glad if you, or any of your correspondents, bone-road, near the Portland-road Railway Station, Springs, those that are tapered at the ends ?—C. Y. "street telescope" of 5in. aperture in the Maryle-could inform me of a method to temper worm or buffer on any fine night when either the Moon, Venus, [3788.]-BONE BREAKING.-May I ask one or Jupiter, or Saturn are conspicuous objects, and (also more of your medical correspondents how it is that occasionally pick up some astounding bits of astremen employed daily breaking and reducing to powder nomical information. The old gentleman who exwith a hammer, large quantities of bones for manure, hibits the instrument informs me that the moon is with flesh and blood adhering to them in a state of dethe best paying object (excepting a good comet). composition, do not suffer in health; surely they canDouble stars and clusters do not "take." Nor the not derive any benefit from the minute particles they spots on the sun; they are not big enough to satisfy inhale. To one unaccustomed to the work, the smell his customers. I have also seen street telescopes is most offensive, but those employed do not, appain Hampstead-road, near Ampthill-square, also near rently suffer any inconvenience, but the real stingo is when the vitriol is poured over the bones ?-C. T. the Elephant and Castle, and in the Whitechapelroad, but do not know if they are to be seen regularly.-G. F.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

[3774.-LOOSE PULLEYS, &c. What is the
best way to bush cast-iron loose pulleys or other cast
wheels that have got worn in the holes on the shaft;
would it do to bore the hole larger and fill round the
shaft with some composition? If so, what is the best
composition, and how prepared?-WM. CORLETT.
[3775.]-EMERY GRINDSTONES.-A few replies
have appeared, but none satisfactory to me. Will
some one who knows give the best for sharpening reap-
ing machine knives, &c., how prepared, and where the
emery may be purchased, and whether fine or coarse?

-WM. CORLETT.

[3776.]-CASE FOR FERNS AND MOSS.-I wish to make a Wardian case for ferns and moss, about 3ft. long by 18in. broad, would some brother reader give me a handsome design, with instructions how to stock it, and what sort of soil to use; also treatment for the plants?-SCOLOPENDRIUM.

[3777.]-EAR BORING.-When a boy I was induced
to have my ears pierced, and for some time wore ear-
rings, I have now abandoned such a foolish practice,
but the holes in my ears are plainly visible; can any
one advise me how to make them less conspicuous ?-
REPENTANT.

formation on the subject of lighthouses, their history,
[3778.]-LIGHTHOUSES.-Where can I obtain in-
construction, and management, as I am about to pre-
pare a little lecture with diagrams?-RYD.

[3746.].-PROVING STEAM BOILERS.-There are two methods of proving steam boilers without unseating them, each of which is effectual, and at the same time safe to the operator. In the first case, by cold pressure having drawn the fire and allowed everything to cool down, run the boiler full of water and put extra weights on the safety valve in order to prevent all escape: then disconnect the feed pump from the pipe, and attach an ordinary boiler-maker's force pump, and pump up the pressure until you find your steam gauge indicates at least 2 or 3 times the pressure you are likely to require under steam. Of course I am here taking your own figures-10lb. on the inch-and unless your boilers are very old indeed, you ought to pump them up to, say 50lb., good new boilers being generally proved up to 120lb. Having got the required pressure, let some one go into the flues and see if there is any leakage; if not, your boiler may be worked with safety, but if there is, have in a boiler-maker to set you right. The other way is to fill your boiler quite full, fasten down the safety valve, attach a pressure gauge, and then light a fire underneath. As the water expands by the warmth you will find the gauge will indicate the pressure, and when it is high enough examine the boiler carefully in the same manner as before directed while the pressure is on. I need scarcely say that the [3779.]-BOILER-Having a boiler with safety valve heat must not be carried far enough to generate steam, 3in. diameter, distance from fulcrum to centre of valve or the result may be very serious. In the latter planin., length of levers from centre of valve, 20in., the boiler must be, as I have before said, quite full, or weight of valve and lever 71b. 1toz., what will be the the experiment will not succeed.-T. S. CONISBEE. weight required at the end of lever for 60lb. per square [3751,]-ASCARIDES.-Worms are mainly occasioned by poor living, too much fruit and sugar, eating under-done meat, &c. Certain unhealthy states of the constitution favour worms, as indigestion, &c. Cure: -The best is an injection consisting of tincture of perchloride of iron dr. infusion of quassia 8oz.; inject a sixth part every night, or take a dose of cammony powdered 6gr., rhubarb 6gr., jalap 6gr., calomel 4gr. Better still, and more simple, a dose of rhubarb and magnesia, about 30 gr. of the former to 20 of the latter. To prevent their re-appearance, eat good wholesome food, and live in a healthy, well-ventilated house; take plenty of exercise. The cause of their being felt more at the close of the day is no doubt due to their being carried down with the contents of the intestines.-R. HODDER.

[3751.] ASCARIDES.-Get a bottle of Cina Anthelmintica from any homeopathic chemist. Take 2 pilules 4 times a day, (not within 1 hour of meals), till realieved, then less frequently.-J. NASH.

has

[3751.]-ASCARIDES.-"A Great Sufferer my sincere sympathy. Many years ago I was nearly frantic with those tormenting pests. Having a " Graham's Domestic Medicine" to bind, I consulted its pages, and followed the advice there given-viz., to use an abundance of salt, and to take a teaspoonful of salt every day in water. It is a nauseous remedy, but I strongly recommend "A Great Sufferer" to persevere in taking it, and I am certain that the Ascarides will soon cease to trouble him, as they do not relish the salt at all. I hope to hear that he is relieved.AB INITIO.

inch?-ONE in Need.

Blacksmith" have the kindness to inform me how the
[3780.]-FOG HORN-Would the "Harmonious
fog horn is made, and if it would do to be blown by
steam? A sketch with dimensions would greatly
oblige, and no doubt would confer a favour upon more
than one brother reader.-E. A.

[3781.]-PHOTOGRAPHY.—I should be glad if a
brother photographer could inform me how to con-
struct an exchange box for the dry process, explaining
it with diagrams; and also give his experience in
working a vertical developing bath?-P. MAKIN.
[3782.]-POWER OF BOILER-Will “J. K. P.,”
or any other kind brother reader,
please favour me by giving me the
following explanation:-1st. What
power could I obtain from a boiler,
having the same dimensions as in
the drawing? 2nd. Also what thick-
ness plates should I require for the
above?-HYDRAULICAN.

16.INS DIAMETER

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[3783.]-TO "FORTUNATUS."-
Will Fortunatus" be kind enough
to say if the mixture as well
the ointment for which he gave re-
cipe in Reply 1871, p. 66, of No.
263, is for external application only;
and if not, in what quantity, and
how often should it be taken

T. B.

[3789.]-AVIARY.-I wish to make an aviary about 3ft. high, and would feel obliged if some kind reader will inform me how to set about it, and the approximate cost?-A LOVER OF BIRDS.

[3790.]-THE VELOCIPEDE ROUNDABOUT.Can anyone inform me whether the velocipede roundabout is patented, and what it would cost to make one, say for 24 riders?-AN OLD SUBSCRIBER.

[The description given in our pages about twelve months since, was that of an American arrangement. An "Old Subscriber" may obtain a number if he likes.

[3791.]-CLIMATE, &c., OF OUR AFRICAN AND AUSTRALIAN COLONIES.-I observe with much pleasure "ours is to be enriched with geographical notes by F.R.G.S.," and have no doubt but that many, like myself, will feel greatly interested in this feature of our valuable paper. I fear I must seek out a milder climate before the return of another winter. What I want from "F.R.G.S." is some information ou colonies, with the advantages offered by each to a the climate of our different Australian and African person of delicate constitution, but I hope as yet withand commercial state of the colonies brought under out disease. At same time a few facts as to the social notice will be highly esteemed? I may mention I can carry with me a moderate amount of capital.-NAG

NATA.

[3792.]-SEPARATING CHALK FROM WATER. -Can any reader of the ENGLISH MECHANIC give me the construction of Dr. Cask's apparatus for separating chalk from ordinary pump water; and whether such water filtered through the chalk hills of Kent give a apparatus can be adapted for private houses? The proportion of 160z. 17gr. of carbonate of lime in solution to the gallon, thus impairing the quality of the water both for cleansing and infusing purposes.-J. GRAYLING, M.D.

[3793.]-COOKING BY GAS.-Will any of your numerous readers inform me whether the meat cooked in a gas stove (say roasted) is considered as wholesome and good as if roasted before a tire or baked in the whether gas at 38. 2d. per 1000ft., or coals at 233. per ordinary oven; also the best shape for usefulness, and ten, is the most economical?-J. M. D.

[3794.]-TO "NOBODY."-POLISHING STEEL.I return my sincere thanks to "Nobody" for his great kindness in replying so minutely and clearly to my A

query respecting a Geneva cylinder, and also for the excellent diagram accompanying it; I shall now be able to proceed without difficulty. I should feel greatly obliged if he would help me out of another dilemmapolishing steel. I use oilstone dust and red stuff, but cannot succeed in imparting that beautiful black polish thing flat I attempt is of a light grey colour, and which is seen in a good watch. Anycovered with minute scratches. Again, in trying forming. I use a brass centre, is there anything to polish pivots, I cannot prevent rings better than that; I notice in balance staffs, two different shapes for the pivots A and B, as per sketch. Will "Nobody "give me his opinion which he thinks the best shape, and how they are made?CYLINDER.

from

issue of the 29th inst., information respecting the [3795.]-VULCANISING RUBBER.-I see in your ?-about to write, The above not being sufficient, I beg system of vulcanising rubber, for which I was just to ask a few more questions. 1st. In what state shall I purchase the rubber, and where can it be obtained; also the very lowest price per pound, taking a quantity

[3784.] TO WATCHMAKERS.
When a pivot is broken off.

of the rubber, to be of the A 1 quality? 2nd. I want to put the rubber into an iron mould previous to_vulcanising it, would a cast iron steam chest with loose top do to put the mould and rubber in and close the same up; if so, please say how many pounds' pressure of steam should be put in and for what length of time, as I want the rubber stiff, and at the same time to stretch freely? Information will be thankfully received from "Dentist," or any other experienced friend.-X. Y. [3796.]-PROBLEMS.-I. N T is the diameter of a circle, the centre of which is M. Through R, a fixed point on this diameter, a straight line is drawn cutting the circle in O and S. It is required to prove tan. TM O, tan. TMS = constant. II. In a spherical triangle prove that a sin. (B C) b sin. (C +tan.3

that

A)

2

+tan. sin. C, sin. A

tan.

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108

where and

m = a + c — at b? —a2 c2 - b2 c2,

n = 4 { (2a2 — b2 — c2) (2ba — a2 — c2) (202 — a: — b2) IV. Find the equation whose roots are the differences p xs + q x 2 + rx + s = 0.

of the roots of

V. If two diagonals of a spherical quadrilateral be quadrants, prove that the third is also; and state the well-known theorem of which this is the reciprocal.READER.

[3797. TELESCOPE STAND.-I am under great obligation to "F.R.A.S." for his admirable letters on the telescope, also to "Hipparchus" (p. 505, Vol. X.), and to Mr. Purkiss (p. 604, Vol. X), for their letters; but I want a little more detailed information about the construction of a good stand for a refractor. Will one of the gentlemen above referred to oblige me. "Hipparchus" refers to the Varley stand-what is it like? He also mentions "the simple apparatus for moving the telescope in right ascension," recommended by Lord Rosse-where can I find a description or illustrations of this? I have a stand of the ordinary construction, but want some means of getting a slow, steady motion, both for finding and following stars?TURTON.

[3798.]-TUBE FOR 9IN. TELESCOPE.-Will any of your correspondents who have mounted specula, inform me what thickness of sheet iron it is necessary to use for the tube of a 9in. telescope of 6 or 7ft. focus? -C. 8. G.

[3799]-BRASS COINS.-Can any of my brother readers inform me what coin this is, of which I send a drawing half size? It was found by me at Dalkey,

co. Dublin, near a Danish castle. I observed one nearly the same in one of the recent numbers of the ENGLISH MECHANIC. Made of brass and very thin.F. B. K.

(3800]-PHOTOGRAPHY.-Can any of your subscribers inform me if a good vignette carte-de-visites can be taken in a room with an ordinary window, about 4ft. wide, and facing the north; if so, what apparatus would be best for the purpose?-WOULD-BE AN ARTIST.

[3801]-LEVER ESCAPEMENT.-Allow me to thank "Nobody" for his instruction for Geneva cylinder; would he now kindly give me plain instructions to plant a lever escapement, in converting or new work, proper dimensions, &c. ?-GRACCHUS.

[3802.]-TO "SIGMA."-I beg to thank "Sigma" for his kind answer to my query (gilding battery), but would he give me plain instructions, quantities, &c., how to work my battery successfully, how to suspend the sulphate, &c.? I don't think he uuderstood quite the kind of battery I have. First is a copper call, inside that stands a porous Wedgewood pot, then suspended by a cross piece of wood in that, the zinc pole, set screw, &c., fastened in the pole.-ONE IN A FOG

STILL.

[303]-PRIMROSES.-Can any of your gardening correspondents tell me how to change the colour of primroses?-J. D. MORGAN,

[3804.-WATCH CLEANING.-Would any correspondent oblige by telling on who doce not know, how to take to pieces, clean, and put together again, one of those old watches; also a list of the tools required? This query appeared about a month ago, but i have seen no answer to it. A paper how to doctor disabled watches, like the one we had on clocks, would be very useful.-J. D. MORGAN.

[3807.]-PAINTING STONES IN JEWELLERY. What method is used in giving that brilliant colour to pale stones to make them a deep colour; there is some kind of paint used besides tin foil ?-T. G. [3808.]-TO "SENEX."-Has "Senex seen my suggestions for attaining an increased amount of power from an ordinary four-armed turbine, suited to low water falls, illustrated in the latter part of the late Penny Mechanic? Will he be kind enough to give a calculation of the power attainable by it, as described; and what power he finds attainable from a current of 200 cubic feet per minute by it, fall 7ft., diameter of table 14ft.? What I mean by no pressure, is no pend head of water required, but a sufficient amount that may flow from a conduit or rivulet.-J C. SHEWAN.

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[3809.]-MODERATOR LAMPS-ADDLEPATED NONSENSE. Can you or any of your correspondents give me the address of a manufacturer of moderator lamps? I congratulate you and my fellow subscribers on the sterling merits of your magazine. If I might suggest one improvement, it would be the consignment to the waste paper basket of the letters of those gentlemen who, too lazy or too conceited to study what they talk about, have the assurance to ask us to join with them in dissent from Newton, Herschel, and a few others of similar calibre, and in pronouncing them cheats and swindlers. It is not fair to call upon us to expose their addlepated nonsense. In order to discuss the matter with such smatterers, one must first teach them the sciences on which the subject depends, of which they are sublimely ignorant, and next a little modesty, a quality with which they are less acquainted still.-F. H. N.

[3810.]-PATTERN OF CYLINDER, &c.-I should be very much obliged if any pattern-maker would oblige me with a sketch and how to make a pattern for a steam engine cylinder, which, no doubt, would be serviceable to many readers, and how the piece of girder is made mentioned in the Whitworth scholarship.—AMATEUR.

[3811.]-GUIACUM.-Can any brother reader tell me what the medicinal properties are of the guiacum plant, and whether infusing or distilling is the best way to obtain all the medicinal properties of herbs; and how much water is used per oz. of herbs, so that a wineglass full can be taken three times a day.-Fox.

[3812.]-CONDENSING ENGINE.-Can any reader inform me why all condensing engines make such an unpleasant noise upon finish of up-stroke of air-pump, and a remedy for it.-A VERY OLD SUBSCRIBER.

[8813.]-CLEAN CASTINGS.-Will any reader suggest a plan to get clean castings, free from cleaned up and polished, and which is a great annoy sullage and airholes, which look very bad after being ance to one who wants his work to look well.-A VERY OLD SUBSCRIBER.

[3814.]-MENDOZA PULLEY.-I would feel very

much obliged if any of your readers could give a sketch and particulars of the manner of constructing and working a kind of pulley used in the jenny mule in spinning. It is for driving the spindles as they wind on the thread, and has a double or rather a continuous groove for a band, the object being probably to give more bite on a small diameter. It was called (if not still in use) a Mendoza pulley.-J. B.,

Bath.

[3815.]-FAST ENING EMERY TO LEATHER.— Could any reader inform me how to make emery stick into leather to go round two pulleys at a good speed? I have tried glue and white lead paint, but both wear off very soon.-A. T.

[3816]-PRESSING LADLES OR SHOVELS INTO SHAPE.-Could any of your numerous readers inform me if there is any machine in use for pressing ladles or shovel plates into shape. If he could favour me with a sketch, I shall feel greatly obliged.SHOVEL PLATER.

[3817.]-STEAMING WOOD.-Will any reader of the ENGLISH MECHANIC give me the practical way to steam wood for bending; how long to be cut down before it is steamed; and how long after before it is fit to use? The wood will be ash, elm, and oak.W. B.

[3818.]-TO "SIGMA."-Will "Sigma" please say if he considers a quart cell of his battery to be equal in power, quantity, and constancy to a bichromate or Bunsen's of the same size, and also if he thinks such a battery capable of exciting an intensity coil?-W. BARBER.

[3819.]-CHEAP GAS.-Can any reader tell me of a plan for lightening my gas bills (which often come very heavy to myself and a widowed mother) by (for instance) causing the gas to pass through a reservoir filled with some hydrocarbon on its way frors the meter, and thus causing an increase of light with less gas? Any information given in this journal relative to increasing the light of our London gas, at the same time (if possible) reducing the cost, would, I am sure, prove acceptable to hundreds of its readers.-CHEAP

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[2805.]-REDNESS.-I am troubled with a very red face, especially while in a hot room, and it burns very much, if any kind reader of our journal would name the cause, or if there is any remedy for it, would the pitch-viz., outside the pitch line, and 63 greatly oblige? I take scarcely any malt liquors or spirits-ROUGE.

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15

within the pitch line (that would be), the working depth of in. I think he would not clear well at the points of the tooth, being so very deep.-J. K. ENGLAND.

15

[3822]-FORCE PUMP FOR BOILER.-What would be the size of a force pump to supply the boiler

of an engine with a cylinder 2in. diameter and sin. stroke, the water to come from above? I should like to see a print of one as simple as possible, the print in No. 267 being too complicated and not sufficiently explained to my unprofessional eyes.-A GUERNSEY AMATEUR.

to

[3823.-SLOT CUTTING.-To "J. K. P."-Two weeks ago a slot-cutting tool was shown in "our journal." Several amateurs, including myself, could not understand the shape of the tool and cutting edges, and we should esteem it a favour if "J. K. P. would give another illustration if it is for the lathe. I give the result of my attempt at slot-cutting in the lathe. Having a tin. American twist drill, with lin. of the fluted part only left. 1 eased off the back along the two flutes, and sharpened edges to cut, drilled a fin. hole through strap iron in. thick, entered the altered drill, fixed iron in tool holder of slide rest (lathe 5in. centre), and with a speed ordinarily used for cutting wrought iron, cut a slot by feeding up to the cutter at the rate of lin. in. 5 J. K. P.," but numerous amtaeurs will doubtless minutes. There may be nothing new in this gladly avail themselves of this plan unless a better can be shown. The drill I think originally cost 18., and the alteration may be made in 10 minutes.-J. F. [3824-GOVERNORS.-Will any reader say what is the greatest variation of speed allowed by the best steam engine governor, and give description of governor. I presume there must be an increase of speed before the governor ean act, and speed then rise in proportion to the work thrown off the engine If, when the engine carries its full complement, a shaft runs at the rate of 60 revolutions per minute, how many revolutious per minute will the said shaft be allowed to make if more than half the complement be thrown off? also can the principle be applied, to govern water wheels.-EXPECTANT.

[3825.]-FROM "ROTHERWOOD" TO "JOHAN NES-I am very sorry that the reply to Johannes should have been lost on its way to your office; but if he will have the kindnes to inform me how he is prceeding with his gas works, and what information he now requires respecting the, I will endeavour to set him [Rotherwood's reply referred to above, did not reach us, which we regret for the sake of Johannes.-Ed.

right.-ROTHERWOOD.

E. M.]

kindly give me a description of a pancratic eyepiece [3826.] THE TELESCOPE. Will "F.R.A.S." and tube, and how it is fitted to a Newtonian reflector. Also, if the lenses of the Ramsden eyepiece are the same diameter ?-E. M. B.

[3827.]-NITRATE OF SILVER STAINS.-How can I effectually remove nitrate of silver, and stains of

developers from deal floors, &c.? I have tried cya

nide of potassium, but it only takes up the newest spots.-OLD SCRUB.

[3828.]-KID BOOTS.-Could any kind reader give me a good receipt for preserving the new and soft appearance of ladies' kid boots, as most of the recipes have the effect of making the kid hard.-OLD SCRUB.

[3829]-SOLDERING.-How can I solder metal feet to cylinder bottom, which are of cast iron, so as they will hold firma; and what must I use for it when the cylinder gets heated by working; will it effect the soldering ?-THOS. STRINGER, JUN.

[3830.]-WIRE COVERING.-The wire covering machines hitherto illustrated do not suit my purpose. Will any reader give a design for one for covering fine copper wire with cotton. The machines given in back numbers do not, moreover, provide for drawing off the wire when covered in a regular and even manuer.

POMPEY,

[3831.]-PLANT FOR STARCH AND CORN FLOUR MANUFACTURE.-Can any of your readers give me particulars of the machinery or plant used in the manufacture of the best quality of starch, corn flour, arabica, and maizena foods, with description of the processes, or refer me to any work treating on the subject-HOTSPUR.

[3832.]-BURNISHING PLATE.-Can any correspondent give me instructions for burnishing silver spoons and forks that are badly scratched, and describe the tool to be used?-G. H.

[3833.—TO “BOATBUILDER."-I should be greatly obliged to "Boatbuilder" if he would send me a drawing, say about lin. to the foot scale, as I am one who contemplates" attempting this pretty art?"-J. F. O'BRIEN.

[3834.]-DUMB BELLS.-Will some reader kindly tell me of a good reliable book on dumb bells and Indian clubs. State publisher's name and price? An answer will oblige-ÁN APPRENTICE.

scriber inform me how to clean old coins so as to [3835.-CLEANING COINS.- Can any fellow-subdiscover their inscriptions, &c.-J. NASH.

[3836]-SCREW PROPELLER-Will some brother calculating the pitch of a screw propeller? Perhaps reader kindly tell me the shortest and best method for Mr. T. Brown will kindly assist.-T. J. O'C.

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[3837.]-TO ADEPT.'-I am much obliged to finishing my sound-board and wind-chest, so could Adept" for his answer to my query. I am just not make the change he advocates. I shall therefore have to rely upon iny pedal organ for bass. Perhaps use, what scale, and whether metal or wood? he would give me an idea as to what pipes I should Would it be an improvement if I inserted a viola di gamba LITTLE. or hautboy in place of the 12th and 13th ?-GEO. M.

NUMISMATISTS are reminded by the Athenæum, to be quick in securing specimens of the Roumain coinage, because the Porte has protested against it as being in defiance of the firmau of investiture, bearing, as it does, only the effigy of the Prince without any recognition of the suzerainty of the Porte.

A SUM of money subscribed in Germany for preseutation to Baron Liebig has, by his request, been devoted to the foundation of a prize, to be called toe Liebig Medal, and to be given from time to time for scientific investigations in subjects connected with agriculture.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

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

ADVERTISERS' TESTIMONIES.

SIR-In answer to my advertisement in last week's MECHANIC, I received replies from London, Stockton-on-Tees Ireland, and Scotland, and in less than a week obtained what I required. GEORGE BAZLEY. Clinton-cottage, Church-terrace, Leamington.

WE wish our advertisement enlarged, as we are encouraged by the success we have met with through your columas. ORME BROS., Elgin Works, Wolverhampton.

THE following are initials, &c., of letters to hand up to Friday morning, May 13, unacknowledged elsewhere:

H. Stephenson, M. A. H., W. B., Ignoramus, Veritas, Patermilias, J. D. Fresenius, Tim Bobbin, Jaundice, W. R. C.. Capt. Selwyn, Letts, Son & Co., Orme Bros., J. H., E. W. T., T. M. ., Ashworth Bros., E. S. (Burnley), G. W. A., Steersman, C. H. W. B., Scorpio, Anti-Egyptian, A. Tolhausen, Cotton Clerk, J. M o, R. F. C. W. B., H. F., J. M., Old Subscriber, W. H, Thorpe, B. H. R., J. Bloomfield, O. P. Q., J, H. D., Painter, T. J. O'C., F. W., G. S., J. E. P., Rev. C. H., Edwin Baker, Rev. J. F., Henry Pecher, R. K. P., W. T. D., J. E. F., J. II. and Son, S. T., P. C. V., B, S., J. E. L. B., A. S., R.A. Proctor, J. Jebb, J. and G.. R. Burnside, J. T. W., W. Nicholas, Dr. Z., T. R., S., J. B. D. W. K., W. N., J. E. Phillips, A. Gray, T. W. W., John Dutton, H. W. Henfrey, E. J. Jones, John Taylor, (letter forwarded), T.A., T. N., L. and Co., G. S. and G.. John Meywood, D. Hermann, S. C. and Sons, N. S. Heineken.

HERMANN. Refer to the page quoted.
SAM MUNDY.-A postage stamp will not do.
SNAKESTONE,-We know of none. Some good information
was given by a practical man in our last Volume; see
Index,

T. H. S.-See recent back numbers.

A. SOLOMON.--Directions have appeared in back numbers for making inks of all colours.

WM. BATEY.-We do not favour private communications. Can you not make your directions plain to "Little Charley by means of a sketch? Then all will benefit, and not he alone.

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J. P. SMITH.-Consult the first elementary engineering book you can pick up.

AQUAMBULATOR says he has invented an arrangement whereby he can walk on the water without the use of balancing poles, inflated bags, &c., and he wants an enterprising person with money to insure its immediate introduction. He must advertise.

J. L.-Your letter, in fact, was so badly written that we could not make head or tail of it, and hence its nonappearance.

EQUATOREAL. Your letter contains nothing new. We have given enough space to the subject by inserting Mr. Beardsley's letters.

J. R. JAMES.-In due time.

O. H. S.-We have a partiality for the arts of peace, hence the delay in publishing articles on war vessels. Besides, as a rule, we have more respect for facts than notions, and particularly in matters relating to vessels of war. We edited for some years the Mechanic's Magazine, which at the time devoted much of its space to gunnery and war vessels. In fact, we took the management of that publication, when Mr. E. J. Reed left it to become Chief Constructor of the Navy. The number of projects suggested for building and improving iron and iron-clad ships was amazingprojects which are now sleeping in oblivion. Let it not be supposed we eschew notions when they may relate to war. But as our space is limited, and the demands on it are numerous, we prefer verification to speculation. W. MORRIS says he can endorse the statement of "F.R.A.S.," page 159, that "there appears to be fashion with people who have nothing else to give to offer prizes." He says he was sufficiently lucky on a recent occasion, to win a prize, but by some means or other it never came to hand, though he has written several letters about it. He, however, consoles himself with the thought that if it came to hand, it would not, in all probability, be worth the carriage or houseroom.

on

a recent

EDWARD MALBON.-Our former decision must be adhered to with regard to your letter, simply because it is best for all parties. We cannot reply to your first query. With regard to the stone-breaker, you would have to be careful that you did not add anything contained in his specification. G. EDWARDS.-The drawings and description not good enough.

J. R. T. As you expected. "The Editor's capacious waste basket has swallowed up your letter." One Beardsley at a time is enough.

R. B. SAUL. The reason was that we could not even read your signature. Names and addresses should at all events be readable. But some of us are so familiar with our writing, and particularly with our own signatures, that we fancy others must be also. This is a mistake. L. Y. in a letter suggests that a mode of propulsion for the velocipede might be applied after the principle of the oar, but with the fulcrum differently situated, the free end having a purchase on the ground. A method of guidance may be made by the feet, and other means." Suppose it would act, what on earth would be gained? W. T., DELTA, AND T. SAVAGE.-No stamps enclosed. R. T. S.-A good suggestion. Thanks. TRUST. It is somewhat beyond our province to point out or to recommend any particular manufacturer's goods. J. R. T.-The insertion of your letter would only advertise the journal, which has for months been trying in vain to get a circulation. It is well known to be a signal failure, and we are not going to assist it by holding a controversy which it is so desirous to provoke; besides, we believe "J. R. T.` is too magnanimous to strike a man when he is down.

Q. YORKE.-Your writing on one side of the paper is sufficient. It is well to put the number and the title of the query answered. Thanks.

J. H. TWITCHELL.-We cannot give more space to the subject.

THE Sixpenny Sale Column" is the only place in which can appear queries sent by Joseph Taylor, Photo, M.A., Oxford, J. Brow, H. H. Fry, A Brass Moulder, Amateur (Welsh books), J. Nash (second query), Colour.

JUVENILE had better consult a good optician. We can hardly trouble F.R.AS." with many of such queries; they take up time which is valuable to him and our readers. JAMES LINTON.-We have no space for problems of the kind you send.

MECHANIC-See back numbers.

E. G. F.-We very much fear no such scheme will ever be found practicable. Looking at the size and power required to move the spring of an ordinary barrel organ, we cannot bat remain incredulous.

DAMIEL KEAT.-See pp. 210, 460, 475, Vol. X.
POMPEY.-Your second letter warrants the appearance of the
A NEW SUBSCRIBER.-Buy the indexes.
query; inserted accordingly.

STITCHER." Practical Man" will doubtless deal with the subject in due course.

T. DIGNEY.-See reply to " E G. F."

CHARLES NOYES.- Feu Follet" is either unable or unwilling to reply, or he would not have neglected the query, which has now been asked three times. ENGLISH MECHANIC. - We cannot ask for directions to enable you to manufacture a patented article. UPSILON.-We have the numbers; they were sent to you last week addressed Mr. R. B. Lane, which appeared to be your name from your signature. Perhaps they may be lying at your post office.

FALSTAFF.-A good series of articles on painting and decoration is at present appearing in the BUILDING NEWS. Inquire of F. J. Cox, who advertises in our pages. THANKFUL.-If you turn to page 143, you will see that another querist has anticipated you by asking "Fortunatus" the same question. His reply is not yet to hand, and you had better watch for it than write grumbling letters without

cause.

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1290 T. Ellis, Coatbridge, improvements in furnaces and bollers 1991 E. Hart, Bourton, planes for chamfering and moulding 1292 J May, New Wortley, apparatus for spinning wool and other fibres into yarn

1293 W. Thornton, Nottingham, manufacture of gaiters. cuffs, mitts, or other similar articles

1294 W. Brough, sen. and W. Brough, jun. Keele, construction of ovens and kilns

1295 A. Ripley. 34. West-square, Southwark, a new or improved pipe wrench

1296 E. Clark, 5. Westminster Chambers, constructing piers. breakwaters. wharfs, cofferdams, river and set walls, an↑ other works in water

1297 R. Leake, Manchester, improvements in machinery fo etching or engraving rollers for calico printers

1298 J. Tester, Hurst Green, Sussex, machinery for cutting chaff and other vegetable substances

1299 D. Walker, Leith, apparatus for preventing or reducing the production of smoke in furnaces

1300 E. T. Kirkpatrick, Brussels, improved mode of producing oxygen gas

1301 W. Thompson. No. 8, Cloak-lane, London, apparatus for recording electric telegraph signals

1302 S. C. Lister, Bradford, aud J, Robinson, improvements in double-pile fabrics

1303 A. H. Macnair, No. 2. Prince Consort-place, Leith. improvements in the permanent way of railways

1301 T. Don, Redhill, improvements in obtaining and applying heat 1305 W. T. Blake. 237, City-road, and M. Hyams, 55, Bathstreet, tobacco pipes

subsoil drain 1366 H. Brooke, Huddersfield, improved drain-pipe rest ant 1307 F. K. A. Glover, Isle of Wight, steering or manoeuvring ships and other vessels

tape-dressing or sizing machines 1508 W. S. Lowe, Torr Vale Mills, Disley, improvements in

1300 J. Ninon and J. Winterbotham. Sheffield. improved machinery for piercing and drilling tangs and scales for table knives and forks

1310 J. Bullough, Accrington, improvements in sizing machines 1311 R. Weare. Newcastle-under-Lyme, apparatus for recelving and treating sewage 1312 L. Mond Farnworth-within-Widnes, and J. Hargreaves. Appleton-within-Widnes, improvements in the manufacture of chlorine 1313 W. R. Lake, Southampton-buildings, London, an improved stamping apparatus.-A communication

1814 A. P. Price, 47. Lincoln's-inn-fields, improvements in the treatment of sewage

1315 E. Guenin, Henrietta-street, Covent-zarden, manufac ture of mustard and other plasters

1316 B. Bert, No. 1, Place Richelieu, Bordeaux, a basin for the breeding of oysters,

1317 D. Brown, Belfast, machinery for dressing flax, hemp, auf other analogous materials

131 G. S. Penny, Cheltenham, improvements applicable to cabinet stereoscopes

1319 J. Speight, Bradford, improvements in machinery or apparatus for spinning, twisting, and roving worsted

1329 J. I. Evans, Merthyr Tydvil, improved brushing machine for cleaning tin plates

1321 E. Whitworth, Groombridge, in Sass, improvemente in rotary engines

1322 T. Banks, Redditch, an improved neelle wrapper

1323 B. Hunt, 1, Serle-street, Lincoln's-inn, securing or locking screw bolts and nuts.-A communication

1324 J. Pepper, Lake Village, Belknap, New Hampshire, U.S.A., machinery for knitting looped fabrics

1325 H. M. Ward, Ballymaconaghy Ce Down machinery for spinning or twisting flax. hemp, jute, and other fibre as substanets 1325 C. Brook. Huddersfield, improvement in the aafacsare of sewing thread

PATENTS SEALED.

0 1

0 0 6

0 0 6

0 1 0

£180

1 4

3216 P. Walker and A. Walker, an improved gas meter 3217 T. Perkins, apparatus for ploughing or cultivating land 8223 R. Jones, a special and general piper, card, or holder

form

IN obedience to the suggestions of a number of readers, we

have decided on appropriating a portion of our space to a condensed list of patents as nearly as possible up to the date of

our issue.

APPLICATIONS FOR LETTERS PATENT DURING THE WEEK ENDING MAY 9, 1870.

1260 A. Barlow, Albion-road, Dalston, and H. Br owne textile fabrics for book covers

1261 F. J. Livsey, Manchester, machinery for printing upon spools used for holding thread and like materials.-A communication

gases, or air

shields, apparatus for lifting, forcing, or conducting liquids, 1262 J. A. Emslie, Tarbert, Argyll, and J. T. Enslie, North 1203 H. Belmont, Romford, apparatus for cultivating land 1204 T. Bradbury, Shrewsbury, and J. Bamford, Manchester, cominunicating between passengers, guard, and engine driver

1265 J. Ormerod, Whaley-bridge, Chester, looms

1266 8. Taylor, Birmingham, rack pulleys for the cords of window blinds

adjusting umbrellas 1207 E. P. North, Birmingham, supports for supporting and

1268 W. H. Preece and W. E. Langdon, Southampton, working railway signals

railway carriages running off the line 1260 J. Tiranoff, S. Petersburgh, apparatus for preventing

1270 A. M. Clark, 53, Chancery-lane, improvements in traction and locomotive engines.-A communication

1271 J. Guy, C. J. Guy, and F. S. Guy, South-street, Finsbury, copying letters

1272 G. Wright, Masborough, brick-making machines 1273 A. M. Clark, 53, Chancery-lane, steam carriages for common road locomotion.-A communication

1274 W. Woodward and A. Woodward, Manchester, apparatus to be used in connection with retorts for the manufacture of gas

1275 C. P. Matthews, Grantham, preparation to be applied to the insides of casks

1276 W. N. Hutchinson, Wellesbourne, Devon, improvements in the existing iron rails of railways and tramways, and in the construction of rails for future lines of railways and tramways

1277 W. C. Rawlins and A. Knowles, Liverpool, improve. ments in reversing gear for engines

1778 C. Exter, Munich, Bavaria, an improved brake applicable to the rolling stock of railways

1279 H. Kinsey, Nottingham, improvements in wheels for carriages

1280 B. Walker and J. F. A. Pflaum, Leeds, machinery for puddling 1281 J. Campbell, Belfast, improvements in drawing flax and other fibrous substances. 1282 F. M. Blyth, Norwich, harvesting machines

1283 B. Burton, 46, Leidenhall-street, breech-loading firearms and cartridges therefor

1284 G. Ingram, 37, Marylebone-road, regulating the lift of carriage windows

1285 J. B. Hickmott, Carlisle, maufacture of gas and coke 1280 W. R. Lake, Sonthampton-buildings, improvements in steam engines.-A communication

1287 A. V. Newton, 606, Chancery-lane, apparatus for cleaning grain and seeds.-A communication

1288 J. H. Johnson. 47. Lincoln's-inn-fields, treatment of maize.-A communication

1289 J. H. Johnson, 47, Lincoln's-inn-fields, improvements in safes, chests, bank vaults, and other like structures.-A communication

3223 E. Thomas, miners' safety lamps.

3233 W. Donhavand, improvements in balances for weighing 3241 L Battinson G. Battinson, and T. Whitehead and H. W. Whitehead, machinery for combing wool, cotton, flax, and other fibrous substances

3252 G. Simpson, and L. Strauss, arrangements or apparatus for withdrawing beverages or other liquids from casks.

3253 J. M. Rowan and T. & Horton, improvements in steam engines and boilers

3257 P. Wilson, improvements in locks and latches

3258 H. Rochatte, improvements in breech-loading fire-arms with central percussion

3261 B. Shaw, improvements in machinery for cutting soan. 3268 T. Snow, an improved column for exhibiting notices at railway stations

3272 G. H. Hannaford, improvements in apparatus for working, locking, and controlling railway switches

3274 W. E. Gedge, composition to be used as a coating for preserving metal.-A communication

3275 W. E. Gedge, machine for cutting, drilling, and shaping wood and metals.-A communication

3280 F. Ciarbour and W. E. Teale, improvements in mining

lamps

3292 C. D. Abel, a new or improved process for refining and desil. vering lead.-A communication

3310 C. Ching, improvements in the boilers of hot-water apparatus

3327 R. K. Miller and A. B. Herbert, improvements in pumos 3344 C. D. Abel, improvements in the means and apparatus for utilizing streams, motive power.-A communication 3419 J. Fletcher, sen., J. Fletcher, jun., and W. Fletcher, improvements in mortar mills and other machines of the like nature

3416 G. B. McFarland, a new and improved convertible double-centre rotary engine

3629 T. Parry, and J. McHardy, an improved drag or brake applicable to wheeled vehicles

3718 C. H. Roeckner, and W. H Northcott, improvements in the process and method of disintegrating wood

408 J. Thompson, an improved spindle for door-handles 711 J. Jeavons, improvements in the manufacture of armour plates

3263 C. Brakel, improvements in obtaining and applying

motive power

3255 O. Rose, improvements in pistons for steam engines 3256 G.D. Edmeston, improvements in hammers to be worked by steam or other elastic fluid

3269 W. E. Dobson and F. Dobson, improvements in shawls made on lace machines

3271 H. R. Minas, improvements in letter pillar posts 3281 T. A. Dillon, an improved safety lamp

3282 W. Richardson, improvements applicabla to valves of steam engine cylinders

3283 H. H. Grierson and J. M. Rigby, improvements in machinery for cutting or dressing stone

3290 F. Brampton, improvements in locks

3302 W. Srigley, a new or improved friction engine 3317 E. Bazin, A. Ruiz, and E. Le Pelletier, improvements in spinning looms

3556 H. Byk, refining and bleaching paraffin

3612 W. McGee and W. McGee, doubling and winding fibrous materials

767 P. W. Spencer, improvements in limekilns 780 J. T. Walker, horseshoes

781 W. R. Lake, an improved machine for forming trenches or ditches.-A communication

806 J. H. Johnson, improvements in crimping machines 850 C. J. Eyre, apparatus for producing motive power 870 W. R. Lake, improvement's in turbine water wheels.-1 communication

872 W. R. Lake, improvements in the preparation of ammoniated sulphuric acid for the manufacture of manure. Com munication

885 W. R. Lake, improvements in the valves of steam engines. and in the mechanism for operating the same.-A communicatin

SO R. Smith, improvements in machinery for doubling and winding cotton.

The English Mechanic

AND

MIRROR OF SCIENCE AND ART.

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1870.

WHAT STRIPES THE SUNBEAM.
BY A FELLOW OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL
SOCIETY.

(Continued from page 14.)

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And here we may say that no one can | bright orange. Carrying on this same system ef As we have seen that it is to the joint research the stars. of the two German philosophers, Bünsen and ever view a fixed star in this instrument without research, Huggins ascertained that in those pairs Kirchhoff, that we owe our first knowledge of the the greatest astonishment a', and admiration for, of stars conspicuous for the beautiful contrasts of the labours of those (amongst whom Mr. Huggins colour they present, the same explanation applies chemical constitution of the Sun, so it is to the is facile princeps) who have obtained such re--that is to say, that a star whose spectrum was combined investigation of two eminent English-markable results as those of which we are now thickly ruled with dark lines in the red, yellow, men, Mr. William Huggins, F.R.S., and Dr. W. about to speak: the extreme relative faintness of and green, would appear of a vivid blue, while a A. Miller, F.R.S., that we are indebted for nearly the spectrum of a fixed star; the difficulty of corresponding shading at the more refrangible, or maintaining its image accurately upon the slit violet and blue, end of the spectrum of a star all that we know about the chemistry of the stars, of the spectroscope; the undulation and confusion would cause it to appear to the eye as of a red nebulæ, and comets. of the lines from the twinkling of the object hue. Father Secchi, of the Observatory of the viewed, and other noticeable causes, combine to College at Rome, in his "Catalogo delle Stella di render the mere observation of the spectrum of a cui si é Determinato lo Spettro Luminoso," pubstar an undertaking of the most laborious and lished in 1867, divides all the stars into three difficult nature. What, then, must we think of groups: Firstly, the white stars, Sirius, Vega, the task of measuring accurately the position of 3, y, d, e, Z, and n Ursa Majoris, &c., having four lines in it? well-marked black lines coinciding with the hydrogen oues. His next group comprises the yellow stars, such as Arcturus, Pollux. a Ceti, our own Sun, &c.; thirdly, the red and orange stars, a Herculis, a Orionis, Antares, &c., the spectra of which are cut up into a series of bright and dark bands, increasing in intensity towards the red. Since then, Secchi has added a fourth group, consisting of small red stars, whose spectra present three bright zones increasing in intensity towards the violet.

In order that we may identify the substances to the absorptive action of whose vapour the dark lines in the spectrum of any given star are referable, it is necessary, as we have before explained, that we should possess the means of bringing the spectra of the suspected substances into juxtaposition with that of the star itself. The little prism D in Fig. 8 supplies us with the means of doing this, as it enables us to see at a glance whether the bright lines of the incandescent vapour which we are producing in our observatory, concide with, or appear to be prolongatious of, the dark ones of the star spectrum.

Considering that our own moon and the planets merely reflect to us the light of the Sun, it might, at the first blush, be imagined that nothing as to their own chemical constitution could be learned by a spectroscopic examination of them; but, remeinbering what we have previously said about certain dark lines which are very conspicuous in the Solar spectrum when the Sun is near the horizon, and which certainly have their origin in the absorptive action of the Earth's atmosphere, a little reflection will suffice to show us that, if the Moon or any of the planets possessed a similar atmosphere to ours, this would intensify the absorption lines to an extent which would be very perceptible. As far as the Moon is concerned, the spectroscope only serves to add to the vast mass of negative evidence we possess, and to increase the moral probability almost to a certainty that she has no When this is done, we shall be struck with the appreciable atmosphere of any sort or description diversity which exists in the spectra of various whatever. An experimental observation of Mr. stars. Huggins gives a description of the spectra Huggins's, as beautiful and ingenious as it was of the two stars Aldebaran and a Oriouis for the purconclusive, may be held to have set this matter at pose of comparison, and has made a marvellously rest. It is well known that the Moon, in the course accurate drawing (too delicate and complicated of a lunar month, describes what is, in effect, a for reproduction here) of the dark lines which great circle in the Heavens. In doing so, she they respectively exhibit. In one thing, however, must, of course, pass over and hide the infinitely they and other stars obviously agree, and that is dist nt stars which lie in her path, so that they in their light yielding a continuous spectrum will disappear at her advancing limb, and reap-striped by dark lines or bands; so that we can pear at the opposite one as she travels on. These only infer that they are Suns, resembling our own phenomena are called occultations, and are familar in having brilliantly white-hot nuclei, the light to all who take the smallest interest in the face from which passes through atmospheres contain of the night-sky. In fact we give a list every ing absorbing elements. With regard to the two month, in our " Astronomical Notes," of all occul- stars which we have just specially mentioned, we tations up to stars of the sixth magnitude. Now, may say that the two hydrogen lines C and F suppose that the Moon had an atmosphere, we (Fig. 7, p. 172) are present in the spectrum of should see the star by refraction after it was Aldebaran, but absent from that of a Orionis; so actually behind the Moon and it would seem to that we see that the atmosphere of Aldebaran reappear at the opposite limb, from the same does (like that of our own Sun) contain hydrogen, cause, before it had in reality emerged; just as we while it has no existence in that of a Orionis. see the Sun before it has really risen, and after it Four lines of calcium, also a solar metal, are has really set. But the differently-coloured rays present in both stars, as is our old friend sodium; are differently refrangible-the violet the most, in fact, Huggins and Miller have detected nine and the red the least; so that if the Moon had elements at least in Aldebaran alone. We have an atmosphere, the red end of the spectrum would just said that hydrogen is absent from a Orionis. die out first, and the spectrum would fade away So far as we know, it is wanting in only one other up to the violet, which would be the last to disap-star, ẞ Pegasi. All the other stars which have pear. On the 4th of January, 1865, then, Mr. been examined contain this element, which plays Huggins observed the occultation of the star a part of such extraordinary importance in our Piscium with the spectroscope, with the special own Sun's atmosphere. Sodium, magnesium, and purpose of detecting any gradual fading out of the iron also would seem to be present in a large propectrum, should such exist; but, says that gentle- portion of the stars. We may well stand appalled man, "The advance of darkness upon the spectrum, at the grandeur of the conception thus realised, since it occurred precisely in the direction of its that the whole of the visible universe is knit breadth, swallowed up the rays of different re- together by the identity of the elements of which frangibilities throughout the whole extent of the it is composed! visible spectrum at the same instant."

The next question which Huggins set himself to Jupiter, however, shows lines in his spectrum determine was, will the spectroscope throw any indicative of an absorbing atmosphere, and one light on the cause of the diversity of colour in the band, notably, does not correspon with any of the fixed stars? and he had not long to wait for an lines of absorption in the terrestrial atmosphere, answer. Commencing with that brilliantly white and, therefore, is a sign of some gas or vapour star, Sirius, he found that the dark lines of its which is foreign to our air. Saturn has, probably spectrum were equally distributed all over it; so aqueous vapour in his atmosphere; and Mars seems to have a gaseous envelope exceedingly like No intensification of the atmospheric lines is perceptible in Venus at all. Leaving, however, our own system, let us see what the spectroscope has revealed to us of the constitution of those almost infinitely remote bodies which spangle the dim depths of space,

our own.

that rays of all refrangibilities or colours,
being equably obscured, the light appeared to
the eye to be colourless. Turuing now to the
larger component of that lovely double star, a
Herculis, he found its spectrum crossed by nume-
rous dark lines in the deep red, green, and blue,
leaving the yellow and orange relatively free from
shading; so that the light affected the eye as a

η

And here, before passing to the next division of our subject, we must, parenthetically, tell the story of the m rvellous result of the application of the spectroscope to the examination of an otherwise unaccountable phenomenon observed in the Heavens in the year 1866. On the night of May the 12th in that year, an Irish gentleman, Mr. John Birmingham, of Tuam, saw a perfectly new star, which he described as "very brilliant, of about the second magnitude," next to & in the constellation Corona Borealis (vide Vol. X., p. 65). This star was observed by Mr. Baxendell, of Manchester, on the 15th, and afterwards by numerous observers in various parts of the country. We have called it a perfectly new star, but in fact it was only so in the sense of its appearance as a large and brilliant object, where nothing but a star of the 95th magnitude had previously been known to exist. It had arrived at its greatest brilliancy per saltum, or by a jump, for there would appear to be abundant negative evidence that it was not visible to the naked eye prior to the night of Mr. Birmingham's discovery of it, when it vied with the brightest of its eighbours in lustre. From the time that it was first seen it began steadily to decline in brightness until about the middle of August, when it had diminished nearly to the 10th magnitude. Four nights after it was first detected by Mr. Birmingham, Mr. Huggins and Dr. Miller examined it with the spectroscope. The results they obtained are so extremely remarkable, that we shall give them, to a great extent, in Mr. Huggins's own words. He says: "The light of the star is compound, and has emanated from two different sources; each light forms its own spectrum. The principal_spectrum is analogous to the light of the Sun. The portion of the star's light represented by this spectrum was emitted by an incandescent solid or liquid photosphere, and suffered partial absorption by passing through an atmo sphere of vapours existing at a temperature lower than that of the photosphere." Omitting the description of this absorptive spectrum, which does not here concern us, we proceed to quote Mr. H.'s account of the other: "The second spectrum, which in the instrument appears to be superposed upon the one already described, consists of five bright lines. This order of spectrum shows that the light by which it was formed was emitted in the shape of gas." It only remains now to say that these bright lines coincided with those of the spectrum of hydrogen; and the reader, if he have thoroughly comprehended what we have said on pp. 146 and 127, will be able to draw for himself the true inference from these appearances. It is simple this, that we were looking at some sudden and

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