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JULY 15, 1870.]

ENGLISH MECHANIC AND MIRROR OF SCIENCE.

minus £87) £95 13s., and principal, £91 7s.; in the third
the further diminished debt)
year, interest (on
£91 18. 7d., and principal £95 18s. 5d., and so on; the in-
terest diminishing every year, and the further payment
of principal correspondingly increasing. It will be seen
that this "problem" is certainly capable of solution
(whatever shorter methods may be used) by the very

simplest rules of arithmetic.-R. M.

[4129.]-NETS.-I think a polite note with a stamp enclosed, addressed to Mr. James McQueen, the landlord of the hotel at Tighna Brinagh Kyles, of Bute, near Greenock, will enable "Scolopendrum" to get a barrel of old nets, quite good enough for garden purposes. They stand well, and I used to get my supply at about As to the 1d. or 2d. per pound-in fact, the price the papermaker pays for them to bleach into pulp. oak bark; since it has risen so high in price, I learn preservation mixture-time past the fishermen used their modus operandi is to boil a proper quantity of catchen, put the nets in while the water is hot, and let them rest till they think they are duly saturated, then lift them and stretch in open air to dry. It's labour lost cannot compete with machinery at net-making; the cost now-a-days to make your own nets, for human fingers If our friend "S." will look in your London One, Directory he will find plenty of Al makers. Allen, about Euston-square, can give a first-class job; I do not know him, but I can speak confidently as to his work.-JOE.

too is low.

[4134.]-STAINS ON CLOTH.-Let "H. A." take two ounces of the best logwood (ground) and boil it in Also, in one quart of rain water for five minutes. another vessel, dissolve one ounce of soft soap in half a Then mix the two solutions topint of boiling water. gether. Then strain through a cotton cloth, to remove Whilst the the logwood grounds from the solution. solution is hot sponge the parts affected with it very freely. Then hang it up to dry, when he will find his trousers no longer spotted but jet black.-W. L.,

Turton.

[4148.)-RAMSBOTTOM'S PISTONS.-I send you a sketch of a piston which will do for "One in Need." It is It is made simply with a block simple and efficient. ring, to take out of the cylinder to change the rings. I

also send you a sketch of a cylinder and valves in the
place of Carnish valves. It is simple, with one face with
piston above working in a cylinder ring, which can be
made by screwing under the valve cover with a joint
It will require little or no packing. There
steam-tight.
should be a small pipe to each valve to take the water
should there be any. d d valve spindles, c c pistons, bb
valves, a steam pipe, e e piston rod of cylinder, f cylinder.
Further information will oblige.-WM. HARRISON.

[4150.]-BOILER FEEDING.-I think "Amicus " might feed his boiler by the old method, which was to have a pipe (say 10ft. long) fixed upright on his boiler, over a hole over which a valve fits, opening outwards. When it is required to let water into his boiler he must raise the valve by means of a rod passed up the pipethe water in seeking its own level will pour into the boiler (in spite of the pressure) until the air can counterbalance the water, which, when it has done, more water should be poured into the pipe, if it is required to have more in the boiler.-W. H. THORPE, Reading.

work

children of the sun or their glittering, flashing rivals,
the myriad insects of every hue, enjoyed the apple-har-
But now for the vinegar. I found my
vest most.
friends, who had had a cooper at work for some weeks,
had no other idea but to fill their casks and allow them
to stand for months under a shed until the vinegar
should become fully aged. This part of the process
fairly exhausted my patience, and I at once set to work,
with the assistance of the cooper and a couple of negroes,
to construct an apparatus which now, after this long
preface, I shall describe in a few words for the delectation
of "E. H." Take a barrel of goodly size, put in the
bung, drill the bottom full of in. holes with a centre-bit,
a lip to conduct into stock casks at a lower level. Fill
set it on end 6in. above a kind of hopper, the latter with
the cask loosely with shavings, pat in the head, also
the latter holes, so that the fluid can trickle down upon
drilled full of holes; hang a lot of worsted threads through
the shavings. Now elevate the cask containing the
means of an ordinary tap to regulate the flow, allow the
vinous fluid sufficiently high upon a gantree, and, by
fluid to percolate slowly through the fermenting-cask. As
action of the air as the latter rushes up in the opposite
the fluid passes over a vast surface, it is exposed to the
acetous fermentation proceeds at a rapid rate, the process
direction (a good deal of heat being evolved).
being repeated f necessary.-ALEXANDRA.
[4167.]-EMIGRATION-." Kansas Emigrant "should
Catalogue of Scientific Works;"
send for Trübner's "
should enquire.
he will there find names of books such as he requires.
I have seen a small work on Kansas recently in a book-
seller's. I forget the author-he

ALEXANDRA.

The

[4169.]-RUST JOINTS.-There are various recipes
for the treatment of cast iron borings, of which a so-
called "Rust Joint" is to be made. In all such opera-
tions simplicity is to be commended for many reasons.
Let " Amo Vobis" first prepare his joint by bringing the
inner joint rings of the flanges together-screwing up
the bolts firmly in this condition there should be an
annular space between the flanges of from fin. to in. in
width, a strand of rope-yarn or any soft fibre should now
be stuffed to the bottom of the joint, so as to prevent the
cess of calking. A good hammer, a calking-iron rather
jointing material from being driven through in the pro-
thinner than the joint, and a flat piece of wood or sheet
Now take a suitable
iron should be in readiness.
quantity of fine cast-iron borings, free from dust, and
which may be passed through a sieve to remove large
pieces; next dissolve a very small piece of sal ammoniac
(chloride of ammonium) in water, say a drachm to a
quart, (in the absence of sal ammoniac to mix up the
borings with, the urine of any animal does quite as well).
Now mix upon a flat board, or in a pot or pan, the borings,
with sufficient of the fluid to cause them to adhere to-
gether in lumps when compressed in the hand. It is
now ready for use. By means of the calking iron, and
the piece of board or plate, stuff the moist material into
the joint to a depth of lin. or so from the bottom, all
round; now calk it down with the iron and hammer until
it sounds perfectly solid, as though it struck against solid
iron (this is the most important of all). Now again repeat
the process of filling, then the calking, and so on, until
the joint is filled to the very surface. It requires a con-
siderable time, and the most careful hammering, to make
a perfect joint, as, if there is the slightest trace of soft-
ness, steam is sure to escape, and gradually increase the
leak. The joint should rest for at least twelve hours
before being put under pressure. It will be observed
that immediately after mixing the borings with the
saline fluid it becomes quite hot, showing that powerful
chemical action has been set up, the fact being that the
immense surface of the innumerable particles of iron
already in contact with the atmosphere, at once, through
the presence of the moisture, and the destruction of
the balance by the presence of an unstable salt, begins
to absorb the oxygen of the air. Now it must be ob-
served that as the oxide of iron is being formed, it is
held in solution by the still undecomposed chloride of
ammonium, which accounts for the mixture remaining
black for a time. This is useful in so far that it gives
time for the operator to complete his joint before the
solid oxide is really deposited. At this particular
stage, were steam or water turned upon the joint under
pressure, it is clear that the solution of iron-oxide would
all be washed out and leave the clean borings all but
useless; but when time is given for the complete de-
evaporation of the component gases, the oxide is as it
composition of the ammonia chloride, and the gradual
were precipitated, and forms a solid cement between the
Rust joints very often prove a
particles of iron.
failure through a neglect of principles. It is evident
that an over-dose of sal ammoniac, a very common error,
must be a source of failure-that the rust cannot form
during the presence of the free salt.-MATRIX.

[4183.]-CHARCOAL BISCUITS.-An easy way to
make them is to subject ordinary biscuits to a current
of superheated steam between 500 and 600° Fahr. Pro-
vided an issue is kept open for the steam as large as the
area of the pipe introducing it, I know of no danger
attending its use. Steam of the temperature above given
will carbonize a piece of deal in. square, in a uniform
manner to its centre. The substances carbonized should
of course be protected from the air until they get cool.

[4191.]-DOG-MUZZLE.-I enclose a sketch of dog. muzzle that would suit "Bunting" (4191). It will allow the dog that wears it to drink easily and prevent him

[4159.]-VINEGAR.-If "E. H." will look up any on brewing, or any good cookery-book which treats of the same, he will find the proportion of malt required to the gallon of water for the production of good ale. The same proportion would answer for his vinegar. The first stage in the production of vinegar from wort, or the juice of any fruit or vegetable containing sugar or starch, is to induce the vinous fermentation. This can be brought about by a free exposure to atmospheric air at a suitable temperature, but can be at once induced by the addition of a little yeast. To convert the vinous fluid into vinegar in the ordinary way is a very tedious process, and consists in allowing the bungless casks containing it to stand for a period, it may be of many months, under a free circulation of air, until the fermentation entirely ceases. A number of years ago, in a-ASSOCIATE. foreign southern land, I happened to be sojourning with a family having large and noble possessions, amongst which were three immense orchards entirely of appletrees. (The peach-trees were of too small a value to be so congregated, and were planted in the fields and by the roadside.) It was the time of autumn, and it was a puzzle to any one to make out what was to be done with all the apples, as there was no possible market for them, the estate being far inland. At last the fruit-harvest came; the orchard gates were thrown open, and the whole available population, biped and quadruped, was utilized to reap the fruits. Scores of bushels lay wasting on the green turf, and the very pigs would often split up the fruit merely to recover the seeds it contained. Well, the apple mill and cider press having been put in order, dray-load after dray-load was carted away to be ground and squeezed and boiled and bottled or casked into cider, apple-butter, and, last and largest of all, vinegar. Of course those to be dried were peeled, cut, and cored by a little machine for the purpose. I can assure "E. H." it was a jolly time for the negroes-the slaves, I mean. They were excellent judges as to the progress of the first stage, the vinous fermentation; and it was difficult to determine as to whether those dark

N 2

L

[blocks in formation]

biting. No. 1 is a side view; A, wirework, s s s face and
cheek-straps; C, bottom strap, split 3in. or 5in., accord-
ing to size of dog; B, neck-strap; D, ring made of
rather stronger wire round the jaw; E, space between
SADDLER.
two bottom wires, to allow dog's tongue to lap up the
water. I have strapped many of them, and know they
answer the required purposes very well.

[4193].-COINS.-No. 1 is a curious blundered production of probably some English die sinkers; for "Hispaniola" is the name of Cuba, a Spanish possession, and [4195.]-SENSITIVE FLAMES.-"F. W." asks for inhas nothing to do with the Brazils.-D. T. BATTY. formation regarding sensitive flames, and the apparatus used in producing them. The latter is simple, the former not quite so simple; for it will require considerable space to enumerate all the properties of these remarkable phenomena. The apparatus would consist of a gasholder, or bag for containing the gas (hydrogen, carbonic monoxide, &c.), a burner with suitable tubing attached, successive explosions produced by the intermittent ally accepted for the production of singing flames is the and a series of different sized tubes. The theory genercombination of the atmospheric oxygen with the issuing jet of hydrogen gas. The note produced by the appathe length of the tube used-it is influenced also by the size ratus, when in action, does not essentially depend on of flame, as the following experiment will show:-A note of the tube. A tube, 19 in. long (half the size of the tube, 25in. long, was placed over an ignited jet of sound was obtainable. The flame was lowered, in order previous one) was brought over the same flame, but no hydrogen; the sound produced was the fundamental to make it as small as possible, and the tube last mentioned was again brought over it. It gave a clear melodious note, the octave of that obtained with the 25in. tube. The 25in. tube was now brought over the same its length; thus we see that although the speed with flame; it no longer gave its fundamental note, but exwhich the explosions succeed each other depends upon actly the same as that produced from the tube of half the length of the tube, the flame has also a voice in the matter-that to produce a musical sound, its size must be such as to enable it to explode in unison, either with the fundamental pulses of the tube, or with the pulses of its harmonic divisions. M. Von Schaffgotsh's experiments form the subject of a very interesting followed in his steps with (as might be expected) adpaper upon sensitive flames, and Prof. Tyndall has He says, "In the first experiditional results, which were published in the Philosophical Magazine for July, 1857, a few extracts from which I will subjoin pro verba. long, having a superior orifice, about 1-20th of an inch ments, I made use of a tapering brass burner, 10 in. in diameter. The shaking of the singing flame within the glass tube, when the voice was properly pitched, was so manifest as to be seen by several hundred I placed a syren within a few feet of people at once. As the sounds of the the singing flame, and gradually heightened the note produced by the instrument. flame and syren approached perfect unison, the flame shook, jumping up and down within the tube. The interval between the jumps became greater, until the unison was perfect, when the motion ceased for an instant. The syren still increasing in pitch, the motion of the flame again appeared, the jumping became quicker and quicker, until it finally ceased to be discernible. While repeating and varying these experi ments, I once had a silent flame within a tube, and on pitching my voice to the note produced by the syren in the tube, the flame, to my great surprise, instantly started into song. Placing the finger on the end of the tube, and silencing the melody, on repeating the exThat the periment the same result was obtained." shaking of the flame to which Prof. Tyndall refers proceeds in exact accordance with the beats is beautifully shown by a tuning fork, which gives the same note as the flame. If the tuning fork is loaded, so as to throw it slightly out of unison with the flame, when the former are seen at exactly the same intervals as those in which is sounded and brought near the flame the jumpings the beats are heard. When the tuning fork is brought over a resonant jar or bottle, the beats may be heard and the jumping seen by a thousand people at once. By changing the load upon the tuning fork, or by slightly altering the size of the flame, the quickness with which the beats succeed each other may be changed, but in all cases the jumpings address the eye at the same moment that the beats address the ear.-A. E. TUCKER.

[4199.]-IRRIGATION.-The most economical expe

dient I could suggest to "George" for raising a supply

of water for his meadow is represented in the accompany-
ing rough sketch. I have seen it in operation, the little-
buckets formed of bullocks horns, working away day
and night, quietly and gracefully, far from any habita
The sketch requires no
tion, and giving no trouble.
description. If " Robert" cannot fall in with a party
near home to undertake the construction, and he fur-
nishes me with his address through the Editor, I will
forward estimate.-MATRIX.

[4206.]-CHROMATIC FAIRY FOUNTAIN.-This is
produced by dissolving various salts in strong spirits
of wine. Chloride of copper, which gives green, and
chloride of strontian producing red, are chiefly used
but chloride of calcium and other salts may be used
Sulphates do not answer because they are mostl
insoluble in spirits. The spirit is forced out of ta
jet, either by heat, or better by means of strong pres
produces the well-known beautiful effect.-SIGMA.
sure by condensed air, and spreading over the wall
or ceiling to which it is directed is there fired, an

[4218.]-LEVEL.-" Apprentice" can fix his glass tube with whitelead or plaster of Paris, or gum-water thickened with plaster of Paris. Of course, it is as well to fix it as nearly true as you can at first, but it will require adjusting, by scraping the bottom of the wood true after the cement has thoroughly set.-J. K. P.

[4223.]-DEFECTIVE BATTERY.-The silver is to be soldered to a strip of copper at the top by the usual tinman's solder and chloride of zinc. If the silver is coated with mercury, it must be heated red-hot with a Bunsen's burner or otherwise; platinizing is a most simple process if carefully conducted, but it is usually done too quickly, and then it is soon destroyed. It is possible, however, that zinc may be deposited on the when one cell has neutralized its acid; in this case, the silver, which often happens in compound batteries only way to remove it is to dissolve it off in acid, placing it in contact with one or two clear silver plates. SIGMA.

[4227.]-PIKE-FISHING.-I am afraid an amateur angler out for only a day's pike-fishing is not likely to obtain much sport unless he has a friend who knows the water. But as "Citizen" wishes for apparently complete instructions I will do my best to help him. If the water is fairly clear of weeds spinning is the most killing, as it is likewise the most attractive, method of angling for pike. The requisites are a rather stiff rod, a reel, and runaing line of about 60 or 80 yards of plaited silk, with a stained gimp trace. Now take a nice medium-sized gudgeon, and insert the tail-hook of your spinning-flight through the fleshy part of the tail bringing it out as near the tail-fin as possible. Draw the tail up till it nearly forms a right angle and fasten in position with the sinall reversed hook. Pass the lip-hook through both lips-the upper one first, as the bait is a gudgeon-and you are ready to try whether there is a fish that will be tempted. The flying triangle of hooks should lie loose alongside the bait, and not be hooked into the fish in any manner. I presume "Citizen " will purchase a spinning-flight, and does not therefore require information as to the method of making it; but I would advise him not to have one with too many hooks. Now let him take the rod in his right hand, and unwinding some yards of line, which will lie loose at his feet, with a swinging motion send his bait into the stream and holding his rod near the surface, begin drawing in the line with his left hand, and between each draw make a backward inotion of the rod with the right hand. The object of this is to keep the bait constantly moving. Don't take the bait out of the water until it is quite close to the bank, as Mr. Jack will often make a rush for it just as the tempting morsel is about to be withdrawn. In hot weather work near the top of the water, in cold at the bottom. Supposing a fish makes a bite you had better strike at once; as the matter is still disputed (some anglers say you ought to let the pike retire with his prize and not strike till he has shook the bait") you may try both methods. When once your fish is hooked never allow the line to be slack, but keep a strain always on it, and if he gets amongst weeds the line being tight may cut its way through them, but if slack you will be sure to lose your fish. When your fish is exhausted draw him gently to the bank and gaff him if you have that implement; if not, grasp him tightly behind the shoulders and pitch him on the bank, but be careful, as a pike has very sharp teeth, and will let you feel them if you give him a chance. The haunts of pike vary according to the season of the year and with the nature of the water; but it usually prefers a still unfrequented spot, plentifully supplied with weeds and flags. The neighbourhoods of reeds, docks, bulrushes, and the broad-leaved waterlily are its favourite resorts. The pike spawns generally about March or April, and in rivers they begin to get into condition again about June; but in still waters they are some time longer. On the Thames pike-fishing is illegal between the 1st of March and the 31st of May. Trolling differs from spinning in being the only method in which you can fish for pike in water that is so overrun with weeds or bushes and stumps that a spinningbait cannot be worked. For trolling, a pair of looks are placed close together so as to lie on either side of the bait's head; their shanks are weighted with lead and affixed to a gimp trace, which is passed through the body of the bait and made fast to the line. The motion of the gorge-bait in trolling is principally produced by its descent headforemost when thrown in, and the subsequent raising and lowering in circles; but, in fact, the bait should never be allowed to remain still. In "trolling," time must be given the pike for swallowing or pouching the bait before striking, which will sometimes occupy him as much as 10 or even 15 minutes, according to some authorities; but it is just as well to try a gentle reminder now and then, in case it should not be a fish after all. It is rather ludicrous to see a man with his hook fast in a stump, waiting for the pike to pouch "before he strikes.-A. T., Staines.

the ferrule should be covered with brass, but also the
plug at the bottom or extreme end of the joint. The
number of rings on the various joints is a matter of in-
dividual taste, but the "trolling" should certainly have
more than the other tops.-HAMPTON WICK.
>14241.]-BRICK OIL. Brande says: "These,
(fat) oils cannot be volatilized without decomposition
which takes place at a temperature of about 600... If
the vapour be collected, it is found acrid, sour, and
empyreumatic; it was formerly employed in pharmacy
under the name of "philosopher's oil," and as it was
often obtained by steeping a brick in oil and submitting
it to distillation, it was also called "oil of bricks."
(Brande's "Manual of Chemistry," page 1129.) Lapida-
powder, according to Holtzapffel (see Vol. III, passim.)
ries and gem engravers use it with their diamond
He says it is obtained by putting a red-hot brick into
oil, but I cannot find the passage.-J. K. P.
[4249.]-COIN.-Austrian medal of Francis I. and
Maria Theresa.-BERNARDIN.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

and most practical way for a person with an equa-
[4259.]-LONGITUDE.-What would be the simplest
torial, unfurnished with a transit instrument of any
kind, of ascertaining his longitude with any degree of
correctness?-H. A. C.

[4260.]-MAGNITUDE OF STAR.-Has not the star
of magnitude in the last two or three years; for I see it,
the 3rd of the triple 5 ( 2379) Aquile increased in point
with 8 in. aperture and power of 240, considerably brighter
than the debilissima of H between el and Lyre,
though Webb speaks of one as of the 14m. and the other

two 18m.-H. A. C.

[4261.]-COTTON SPINNING.-I want to know what
the distance should be from centre to centre between the
1st and 2nd, 2nd and 3rd, 3rd and 4th rollers of a drawing
frame, to work fair open Egyptian cotton, to spin 80's and
90's weft; also how a draught of eight ought to be
divided between them. Perhaps some of your corres-
pondents interested in cotton spinning will favour me
with their opinions. I wish "B. W. R." would favour us
with a rule for equalising draughts. I have thought
over the matter but must confess I cannot find out what
he means.-COUNTRY LAD.

his answer to my query; it was the engine valves I
[4262.]-CORNISH ENGINE.-I thank " J. K. P." for
wanted to understand, and I do now. I should like the
drawing of cataracts if he will send it to the ENGLISH
MECHANIC. Another thing I want to know is the rule
in some engines to carry the plug-rods.-F. P.
for the parallel motion, especially the extra piece used

[4263.]-ENGINEERING.-Will some kind brother
reader answer the following question:-What steam
power would be required to drive one pair of 4ft. stones
in a mill in order to grind five bushels per hour?-A
PROVINCIAL MILLER.

if some one will answer this question:-" The water in a
[4264.]-MATHEMATICAL.-I shall feel very thankful
canal lock rises to a height of 18ft. against a gate whose
breadth is 11ft., calculate the total pressure against it."—
SCHOOLBOY II.

LALLA ROOкн.

[4266.]-WATER GILDING.-Would some

practicable method of cupelling ?-STUDENT. [4274.)-CUPELLING.-What is the best and most

[4275.]-TESTING GOLD.-Is there a better method to ascertain the purity, &c., of gold than simply testing it by the application of pure nitric acid to its surface?STUDENT.

4276.1-GUTTA PERCHA.-Will any of our kind corres pondents inform me if it is possible to dissolve gutta perch to a liquid state, and if so, and I pour it upon or into anything, will it become as hard as it was before dissolving it.-A POTTER.

[4278.]-FRENCH METHOD OF DETECTING method for detecting the adulteration of oils. He would ADULTERATION OF OILS.-TO "BERNARDIN." In his note on vegetable oils, Bernardin speaks of a French oblige me by explaining it more fully.-E. V. D. S.

[4279.]-Why are dry gas meters preferred in this country to wet ones, whereas on the Continent the latter are generally used ?-E. V. D. S.

[4380.)-AQUARIUM.-Could any correspondent of the MECHANIC tell me how to prevent the water of an aquarium from getting greenish, and what kind of plants would grow in it ?-E. V. D. S.

[4281.]-MAP PROJECTION.-Will any brother subscriber kindly give the rule for projecting the world ac

cording to Mercator's projection ?-IGNORAMUS. limited income, and not being myself engaged in any [4282.] - CONTINENTAL SCHOOLS. - Having a business, would any of your numerous readers kindly numerous family of boys to educate, with a certain but obtain a first-class mercantile education on the most assist by informing me where on the continent I could myself remove to and reside, where house rents and economical terms, in a healthy situation, where I could living are cheap.-ANXIETY.

[4283.]-WARPED CABINET LID.-I have in my possession a veneered stationery cabinet, the lid of which is slightly warped. Can any brother reader inform me the wood to crack?-J. B. how to get it back to its original state without causing

cester be kind enough to put me in the way of making [4284.]-ALABASTER GLASS.-Would Mr. J. Leialabaster glass, as the recipe given on page 408, Vol. X., turned out a very hard green glass, I also want to know how I can analyze glass, or where I can get it analyzed?

-J.

[4285.]-GAS MUFFLE FURNACE.-Could any correspondent give me a sketch of a gas muffle furnace? J.

[4286.]-ALLOYS FOR TIN FOIL.-Will some reader inform me the composition of the alloys for tin foil, the same as they wrap tobacco, cocoa, &c., in ?-E. S. WOOLLETT.

[4287.]-COTTON SPINNING.-Can any of your sult for the building of a mule head stock for cotton numerous readers inform me what work I should conspinning ?-J. P.

[4281.]-FORCE PUMP FOR IRRIGATION.-My son is a tea planter in India, and is sadly in want of some means of watering his tea plants in a dry season. Can force pump, and what kind of hose is most suitable to an any brother reader inform me what is the best portable Indian climate? Also, the price, and how far the water can be thrown ?-W. B.

[4265.]-FIXING AND COLOURING PRINTS ON [4289.]-DANIELL'S BATTERY.-I should feel much best method of fixing prints on glass, and then painting for keeping a common Daniell's battery in good working GLASS.--Will some of your correspondents tell me the obliged if "Sigma" them from the back, giving them the appearance of order. I believe it is similar to those used at telegraph would kindly give me instructions painting on glass, and should it be oil or water colour.- stations-copper and zinc plates, with plain water, and crystals of sulphate of copper. My use for it is to control reader refer me to a good practical work on water gilding, I find that the zinc plates soon get foul, and the action brother my transit clock in the observatory here by the astronomical clock fixed in the cellar of the dwelling house. naming the publisher and price ?-J. C. S. [4267.)-RE-WORKING VULCANIZED RUBBER.-time past. At one time the permanent magnets are in is uncertain. It has given me some trouble for a long re-work into sheets, say lin. thick, a quantity of old would save me all this annoyance, would be very Can any brother reader inform me if I can dissolve and fault, at another the battery; and any instructions that vulcanized rubber? I have noticed other correspondents valuable.-H. C. K. seeking information respecting this popular material. Could not some of our London friends give us a good description of the treatment in manufacturing vulcanized rubber, and oblige.-ECONOMY.

[4268.]-GILDING.-Will any of your numerous
correspondents kindly inform me of a receipt that will
of gold, by simply dipping them in the solution, also
cover brass or other metallic ornaments with a thin coat
what will clean them fit for that purpose?-A. W. F.
[4269.]-ASSOCIATE OF ART DEGREE.-Will Mr.
J. Harrison, A.A., kindly favour me with further par-
ticulars, or where I am to apply for them, in respect of
this degree, as to when, were, and what forms, &c. &c.,
are necessary at each examination, and whether it is
open to public competition or not?-A. W. T.

me the simplest way of reducing caustic magnesia, car-
[4270.]-CHEMICAL.-Will some kind subscriber tell
bonate soda, and caustic potash to the metals magnesium,
sodium, potassium ?-XENOPHON.

4271.-A TRIGONOMETRICAL DIFFICULTY.-Will

any gentleman be kind enough to assist me out of the
following difficulty? Mr. Todhunter, in Trigonometry
for Beginners, p. 35, says:--
3 (3 log. 3

[4230.]-A GENERAL ROD.-I do not think "Pedestrian" can have a better rod than the one recommended by Mr. Pennell, which he has proved. It consists of two ash butts, 3ft. 2 in. long; the one 3gin. in circumference at the thickest part, the other, 3 in.; at the top, just below the ferrule, they should be respectively 2 5-16ths and 1fin. in oircumference. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd joints should each be 8ft. 24in. long, with circumferences at thick ends of 12, 18, and lin., tapering to 18, 13-16ths, and respectively. The "trolling" top should be 2ft. 10in., with a circumference at thick end of lin., whilst the fly top should not measure more than 11 16ths round. The bottom-fishing top may be 2ft. 3in. long, with the same thickness, but the spinning top should be only Ift. 34in. in length. The total lengths of the various rods that can be made out of these joints will be as follows:-a double- handed fly rod, 15ft. lin.; a single handed fly rod, 12ft. 4in.; a trolling rod, 12ft. 4in. By changing the top joint of the double-handed fly rod for the "bottom" top, it forms an excellent rod for worm or creeper 16 fishing; and by substituting the spinning top it does 5 admirably for trout fishing with the minnow. By taking away the large joint and butt, and using the smaller butt, a useful single-handed fly rod is formed, which Mr. Pennell prefers to any other in his possession. The joints and tops should be made of greenheart, and the butts of ash; ase hammered brass ferrules, as they are much the cheapest in the long run, and not liable to break; and by all means have the bottoms of the joints double brazed to prevent sticking from damp. By donlde brazing I mean not only that the part which fits into

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work on food. [4290.]-FOOD.-Can any reader recommend a good I mean as regards its action and value in cases of dyspepsia. I remember seeing a book advertised called (I think) the "Dyspeptic's Hand Book," which I believe would suit my purpose very well

TAU TAU.

[4291.]-MAGNETIC BATTERY.-Our ever ready and obliging editor, in reply to my query on How to Make or numbers; but the only information I obtained was from Construct a Magnetic Battery, reteired me to back Raymond Willis, p. 209, Vol. X, Magnetism," but who further express his hopes in the magnetic battery being one day invented. I have always u the "Utility of been under the impression that such did exist, but if any of your scientific princes can set me on the right track, at the same time how to obtain a strong current. I shall esteem it an exceeding great favour; and -BERIRO,

P. Jensen, whose able articles on the "Friction in Steam [4292].-FRICTION IN STEAM CYLINDERS.-Mr. Cylinders" are now appearing in our columns, will much oblige me if he would explain how the formulæ given on (2 log. 3+1) Page 294 are derived, or refer me to any book where Mr. McFarlane Gay's formule are given. On page 345 Mr. Jensen describes several lubricators-Ramsbottom's, Roscoe's, Wilson's, Clement's, and Schauwecker's-without, however, giving illustrations of them. He (or some reader acquainted with these different forms) will greatly favour me, and I have no doubt many readers of the cators with letters of reference attached to the different parts.-A CONSTANT READER.

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fishing Now I cannot understand the process by which he gets ENGLISH MECHANIC, by sending sections of these lubri

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dusty brethren who would favour by giving their expe [4293.]-MILLERS.-I should be obliged to any of my rience on the comparative merits of balance versus fixed rynds.-2. Information as to the most approved apparatus for cleaning and preparing Ghirka and similar wheats.-J. S.H.

how to brew a small quantity of ale. I have tried his [4294.]-BREWING.-A brother reader gave a plan plan, but it is no finer now than when it was brewed

some weeks ago. Will any one oblige me by saying how it can be brewed so that it will fine without the use of finings, as they so soon turn it sour.-W. WOOD.

[4295.]-HARMONIUM.-IMPERFECT TUNING.Will Mr. Hermann Smith kindly tell me the true cause and remedy for the following defect, which I find to be almost invariably the case in harmoniums. octave for instance, tune it quite perfect with medium pressure of wind, then with greater pressure, lower note will betoo flat, and with less pressure, lower note will be too sharp. With the double octave, this is still more perceptible and mostly worst from middle of key-board It is the same with other intervals down to base. besides the octaves, but not so easily detected because of the tempering of thirds, fifths, &c. AMATEUR 3842

TUNEE.

[4296.]-GALVANIC BATTERIES.-Will " Sigma," or some kind fellow-reader, tell me the relative proportion of surface that bichromate, Smee's, Bunsen's, and carbon, and zinc-in-sulphuric-acid batteries must have to give off the same quantity of electricity as Grove's battery. -J. S.

[4297.-GALVANOMETERS.-I shall feel very grate-3872 ful if "Sigma" will tell me the best form of galvano. meter or other instrument for showing the strength of the secondary current in ordinary induction coils that give no spark.-J. S.

E. H.

STEEL AND IRON RAILS.- A correspondent of Engineering, writing on the advantage of steel over iron rails, after describing the condition of a steel rail which had undergone two years and nine months of almost incessant shunting operations, where iron lasted only from three to six months, says:-"No small advantage of steel over iron side-rails to points consists in the gradual wearing down of the former, which permits the adjacent point rail to lie close, whereas side-rails of the latter material often crush inwards, causing points to be out of gauge.

SOFT SOLDER, AND SILVER SOLDER.-A strong easy-flowing and white solder for jewellers' use (according to a correspondent of the Scientific American) is com

Steel Wire. To the Harmonious Blacksmith," 237. posed of lead one part, and tin two parts. When the

8789 Aviary, 214.

3795

Vulcanizing Rubber, 214.

3806

3807

Polishing Faceted Gold Chains, 215.
Painting Stones in Jewellery, 215.

3808

To" Senex," 215.

3812

Condensing Engine, 215.

3814

Mendoza Pulley, 215.

Take the

3815

Fastening Emery to Leather, 215.

3816

Pressing Ladles and Shovels into Shape, 215.

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Wire Covering, 215.

3831

3832

3838

Printers' Furniture, 237.

Plant for Starch and Corn-flour Manufacture, 215.
Burnishing Plate, 215.

3840

Mushet's Steel, 287.

3841

Grinding Drug Seeds, 237.

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I find this [4302.-MADAGASCAR MATTING. matting advertised in several papers by MM. Bontor and Collins, 185, Oxford-street, but have not seen it. I wish to know the material it is made of? I suppose is the same as the Rabannes matting made with the fibres of the palm-tree (Jagus raffia).-BERNARDIN. [4303.]-CAST IRON.-Is there existing a special work on the different sorts of cast iron? Particulars will oblige.-Z. D.

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3968 Kiln, 263.

3969

Copper Boilers, 263.

USEFUL AND SCIENTIFIC NOTES.

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THE DANGERS OF CHEAP CONFECTIONERY.Why is it that, after eating a few only of these beautifully coloured sweets, our child should always suffer the pangs of colic, although he often surreptitiously abstracts twice the quantity of loaf sugar from the cupboard, and is none the worse for it? The answer has already been given by many authorities, to the effect that there is no more ununscrupulous manufacturer of cheap confectionery. FLIES ON HORSES.-The Journal of Chemistry gives the following as a preventative of horses being teased by flies:-Take two or three small handfuls of walnut leaves, upon which pour two or three quarts of cold water; let it infuse one night, and pour the whole next morning into a kettle, and let it boil for a quarter of an hour. moisten a sponge, and before the horse goes out of the stable, let those parts which are most irritable be smeared over with the liquor, namely, between and upon the ears, the neck, the flanks, etc. Not only the gentleman or lady who rides out for pleasure will derive pleasure from the walnut leaves thus prepared, but the coachman, the wagoner, and all others who use horses during the hot months.

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THE CONTINUOUS CURRENT IN HEMIPLEGIA. -Dr. Althaus mentions the case of a man, aged fiftytwo, who, whilst writing, suddenly lost the use of the right arm. There was complete paralysis of forearm and hand, and nearly complete anaesthesia of hand and fingers. A current of twenty-two cells of Daniell's battery was applied to the left hemisphere for one minute on several occasions, and the same was applied to the radial and ulnar nerves, with the effect of restoring the power of the affected arm completely.

REPOLISHING JEWELLERY, ETC.-Mr. A. Allan, writing to the Scientific American says that after making a number of experiments he is convinced that a solution of cyanide of potassium in water is equal if not superior to any compound that can be used for cleaning jewellery, the liquid cleaning all those parts of the work which neither brush, buff, nor thread could reach. Here is the method: dissolve one ounce of cyanide of potassium in three gills of soft water, turn up the end of a piece of brass or iron wire into a hook, attach to it the article to be cleaned, and immerse it in the solution, shaking it backward and forward for a second or two, then take it out and rinse well in clean water. Wash it with warm water and soap to remove any film of cyanide that may remain; rinse again, dip into spirits of wine, and dry in boxwood sawdust. The advantage of dipping in spirits of wine is the immediate drying of the work without any tion, put it in a bottle and cork tightly. It may be used again and again for some months. Care should be taken not to wet the fingers with the solution and not to inhale the odour, as the cyanide is a violent poison.

3780 Fog Horn. To the "Harmonious Blacksmith," 214. sticking of the sawdust to it. When done with the solu

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lead is melted put in the tin and then throw in a small piece of resin as a flux. In soldering fine work wet the parts to be joined with muriatic acid in which as much zinc has been dissolved as the acid will take up. It is cleaner than the old method of using Venice turpentine or resin. To make silver solder, put into a clean crucible pure silver two parts, clean brass one part, with a small piece of borax-melt and pour into ingot. The solder flows easily and clean.

THE EYE.-One of those "facts not generally known' is mentioned by Dr. Baden in a recent communication to one of the Parisian journal. It is that in every eye there is a spot necessarily afflicted with blindnessthat where the nervous fibres of the retina join in a bunch to make their way to the brain. The truth of this is easily ascertained; draw a small cross on a piece of paper, then, to the right, at a distance of about two inches and a half, make a blot of about the size of a common wafer; close your left eye and fix your right one on the cross; now bring the paper slowly nearer and nearer to the eye; when it is at the distance of about eight inches the black spot will become invisible, but on continuing to approximate the paper it will appear again.

IMPROVED "DOBEREINER" HYDROGEN LAMP. -Dobereiner's hydrogen lamp, though not exactly & novelty, may be welcomed by many of our readers as an attractive and useful piece of apparatus for the classroom or laboratory. A glass bell of air is connected with the cover of the vessel, which is also of glass, and contains water acidulated with sulphuric acid. The cover being attached, the bell becomes surrounded by water, which rises in it when the air is allowed to escape. This is effected by pressing down the small lever (c) at the top. In the bell a piece of zinc (B) is suspended, which decomposes the water when it is reached, and thus in a few minutes hydrogen gas has taken the place of air in the bell. The lever being now pressed down, the hydrogen is forced on to a piece of spongy platinum in a cage (D), which, becoming red hot, inflames the gas, and by the same movement the wick of the lamp is brought into the current and instantly lighted. (A) is a protecting shield for the platinum. Messrs. Mottershead & Co., of Manchester, have recently imported from France a number of these lamps.

FINE VARNISH FOR WOOD.-The varnish applied to Connecticut clock-cases, wooden picture-frames, and other cheap objects, is made by mixing two pounds of copal varnish with half an ounce of linseed-oil varnish, and the mixture is shaken often to mix it well. The wood is prepared with a thin coat of glue-water, rubbed down with fine pumice-stone. In light-coloured wood, a light pigment, such as chalk, is added to the glue-water; in dark wood, an equally dark pigment is added. drying, the articles are rubbed with a solution of wax in ether, thereby acquiring a high polish.

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THE VALUE OF CHLORAL.-This comparatively recently discovered anesthetic has been found of great As a hypnotic it value in the treatment of the insane. deservedly ranks with opium, and often procures refreshing sleep when the latter remedy has failed. Its use has proved most beneficial in mania, especially of the recurrent form with absence of sleep and restlessness. Patients who have passed sleepless nights, in spite of the ordinary treatment of opium, henbane, &c., have after a dose of chloral hydrate passed a tranquil night, One of its great advantages with undisturbed rest. consists in the fact that it does not cause headache, loss of appetite, or sickness.

DRYING TIMBER.-M. Violette, in a recent report on some experiments in which he has lately been engaged, says that steam at a temperature of 4820 Fah., is capable of taking up a considerable quantity of water. he exposed several sorts of wood for a period of two hours, to a current of steam at 7 lb. pressure to the square inch, but which was raised to a temperature of 482° before the experiment was finished. The wood was weighed before and after it was exposed to the steam, and it was found that elm and oak decreased in weight 1-2, ash and walnut 2-5, and pine 1-3. The wood showed a change of colour during the process. The walnut became very dark, and showed a tarry matter formed in the wood, which was found to have a preserving effect on it. It was found that wood thus exposed to steam at a high temperature, became stronger, and that its power to resist fracture was increased. Oak was increased in strength 5-9th, walnut, pine 3-5th and elm 1-5th. By this process the fibres of the wood were drawn closer together, and maple and pine treated by steam at a temperature of 487°, were rendered far more valuable for musical instruments, than by any process heretofore known.

AMOUNT OF DYES YIELDED BY COAL.-Accordto Chateau, 100lb. of coal tar yield 3lb. of commercial and 1-5lb. of pure benzole, from which 3lb. of commercial nitro-benzole are obtainable. These 3lb of nitrobenzole yield 2-25lb. of rosaniline, from which 3:371b. crude aniline red and 1.121b. of pure fuchsine may be produced. As, therefore, 100lb. of tar give 1.121b. of pure fuchsine, and 100lb. of coal only 3lb. of tar, 3,000lb. of coal are required to produce ilb. of fuchsine. The total consumption of coal in Europe for the manufacture of gas, being about 160,000,000 cwts., this quantity might furnish 53,000 cwts. of fuchsine.

MORE CONGRATULATIONS. (Continued from page 312.)

3. THE following is the concluding portion of a letter from Mr. Proctor in the last number of Scientific Opinion:

"A word as to the journal into which Scientific Opinion is to be merged. I believe a great career lies before the ENGLISH MECHANIC. It has long had an enormous circulation; and amongst its subscribers I could name many of the leading men of science of the day. But some time ago it was not doing so well as could be wished. Excellent letters from a Fellow of the Astronomical Society, and other thoughtful students of science, wore swamped by a number of silly articles and letters calculated to ruin the journal, despite the large array of its supporters. All this has now changed. Not suddenly, but with care and forethought, the whole tone of the publication has been modified. The natural result has followed. Men of science are no longer ashamed, as a year ago they might well be, to appear in the columns of this widely circulating journal. On the contrary, they feel that it supplies them with the oppor tuulty of supplying useful information to an enormous eirolo of readers. And thus it has happened that, referring only to the subject in which I personally take chief interest, letters or papers have appeared, within the last two or three weeks alone, from such well-known astronomers as Webb, Penrose, Lockyer, and Birt; while *F.R.A.S.' continues to supply his valuable contribu

tions.

The Exotisu MECHANIC deserves success by its pluck and energy, and by the care and skill with which (at least during the last few months) it has been conducted."

"JOURNALISTIC AMALGAMATION.-It is announced that there is to be an amalgamation of our contempo rarios Scientise Opinion and the ENGLISH MECHANIC, or rather that the former is to be absorbed into the

latter. In repeating this announcement we gladly bear testimony to the great ability and tact displayed by Dr. Henry Lawson in editing Scientiße Opinion, the third volume of which is nearly completed. Of the ENGLISH MECHANIC We have merely to say that it has recently beau so improved, and in general style and management has been so altered, that, except in name, it is totally changed from what it was little less than a year ago. It bears evidence of having a masterly hand at the helm.” --British Journal of Photography.

"I have long been a silent lover of the ENGLISH MKORANIC, and think it quite time to congratulate you on the very able manner in which it has been conducted of late.”—J, W. DINSDALE, Feversham, near Cambridge.

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"Allow me to congratulate you on the way in which you merge all the lesser scientific publications in yourself, and thereby benefit both your and their subscribers,” – AurRUR UNDERHILL, Carlton Chambers, D. Regent Street,

"Your paper is worth taking in and reading now, which, for the amount and scope of scientifle reading of all kinds, makes it at once the cheapest, the most useful, most interesting, and most impartial of the scientific | periodicals." -- CORNELIUS E. CARDEW, 27, Eglinton terrace, Crosshill, Glasgow.

"You are a perfect python, sir, in the manner of your swallowing. I see another journal, and from what I can judge a good one, tax, is incorporated. Without exception yours is the cheapest and best scientific journalismod. I am sure that I simply utter the feckings of all war readers when I say that I hope your journal may live long to grace the scientific literature of Great Kruisin. May the EvGLISH MECHANIC and the san never set over her reale - CSERLAIN, S Mount Vernon, Ouernsey,

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preserving milk is given in a French technical journal PRESERVATION OF MILK.-The following method of as discovered by MM. Graphin and Rogier. To each litre (1) pint) of new milk add 14 ounce of bicarbonate of soda or potash, then close the bottle and place it for about four hours in a hot water bath, heated to just below 194 Fahrenheit. When the bottles are withdrawn from the bath, dip them in melted pitch, and the milk will keep for a long time without alteration.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE REMNANTS.-Many prescrip. tions have been given for the employment of the cold Brisse, we offer a new method likely to produce a more remains of a joint; but, with the assistance of Baron tasty result:-Cut some mushrooms in small slices and steep them in butter. They must then be boiled in stock with a bouquet of herbs, containing a head of garlic in the centre. When the mushrooms are cooked, and a very little vinegar or chopped pickled cucumber. skim the fat off the sauce, and add capers, anchovy, Thin slices of cold roast beef must then be placed in the sauce, and warmed, though boiling should be carefully avoided. When these injunctions have been strictly executed, it is then incumbent on the cook to taste the sauce, and sprinkle the quantity of salt and pepper necessary to insure a good flavour. In serving, let the pieces of meat be placed on the dish in the shape of a crown, and the gravy poured over the whole. The bouquet is of course carefully removed.

We will, in a future number, give other recipes for utilizing cold joints.]

SAGO JELLY-Boil well a teacupful of sago in 34 pints of water; when cold, mix pint of the juice of fresh fruit or raspberry syrup (rhubarb syrup will do); boil five minutes, and sugar to taste.

JUGGED HARE OF COLD MUTTON.-Cut up the mutton into thick, square pieces, resembling the back of a hare; season with pepper, salt, allspice, pounded mace, and a little nutmeg; put into a jar, with an onion, a clove or two, a bundle of sweet herbs, a piece of coarse beef, and a tumbler of porter. Tie the jar down with a bladder, or strong paper; put it into a saucepan of water, up to the neck, but no higher; keep the water boiling tive hours; before serving, boil the gravy up with a piece of butter and some flour; if the meat gets cold, warm it in this, but do not let it boil.

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Drach, A. Varley, Light Parse, C. H. B. A Working
Smith, H. G. Newton, R. P., R. W. M. S. Shaw, Good
Words Easy Back, H. A. C., T. Fletcher, C. Brandon,
Artemas Ward. A. S.. A zuidas, T. C... Antomeden, J. B.,
A Praachtsman, Cyanide, Omega, Capt. Baster, Sans
Chemia Leverant, C. A. S., R. P. S. J. Dronkers, W.
Hazes R. S. J. Edgell, Nobody, J. W. Asheroft and
C. Rev. E. Kerman, T. P. LN, F. H. L. Veritas, J.
Harwood H. M. W, Jos. Rrvadhesi, E. T. S., G. S.
C86. J. G. Miller, 1. A. Bali, J. E. R. Gea Davis A.
Gandebert J. Cooper, M. and Ca--S
A. G. P. E. M. W. C. H. A. Atkinson, W. Uppinidam.
J. M. F. C., J. Tarner, W. B., R. H. T., T. M.RRRS.
W. HEA. Underhill, F. & S. E. Hatchlase2,
J. H. HOT. R. Brett. J. Hastings, H. P.ASC.J.K
“Maroscopica Jettings in Town and Country:
- Its Formation and Antiquity: Revis
ef Mr. Proctor's “ Star Atlas:” Macara. Amateur Fai-
lesogber, Lacidas, Satarm &c. by F. RA. S..
Oil F. H. Mar. Student. A Socker. Water J.
Nichols Gea, Hammocks J. P. S. Frod. Daries. 7. &
Conisbee, Gea Richardson, G. C. John Barv. 7. Bros
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the greater the libel. In our endeavour to protect our readers from dishonest advertisers we have recently been put to trouble and expense. All we can promise to do now is to caution our readers not to part with their money unless they have the goods on satisfactory reference or security. Let us have proof that our advertiser is dishonest, and we will no longer insert his advertisement.

THE MICROSCOPE.-C. C. Smith says "Having noticed the comparative absence of answers to microscopie questions in the MECHANIC, I beg to intimate iny willingness to afford any information in my power on the mechanical manipulation of the microscope as the result of many years' experience." Mr. Smith has our thanks for his kind offer.

TH. B.-We should be glad to hear from you on the bee question. No. 152 can be had of the publisher. ELECTRON.-The first Atlantic Cable (of 1857) contained seven wires, was 6-10ths of an inch in diameter, and weighed one ton per mile. The cable of 1865 is 1-16th of an inch in diameter, contains seven wires, and weighs 35 cwt. per mile. The cable of 1866 contains seven wires, is 1-16 of an inch in diameter, and weighs 3lcwt. per mile.

JOE-Plaster of Paris is not so generally used now for stereotyping because of the inconvenience to which compositors are put by its employment. It is still, however, used for electros. Your second query can be answered by enquiring at any respectable stationer's. A NEW SUBSCRIBER.-Be sure our readers will judge your receipt by its merits and not by opinions passed on it by other contributors.

YOUNG ASTRONOMER.—We do not know the respective merits of the telescope you mention. The maker you name, however, is a good one and reliable, and if you wrote him, stating your wants and means, he would probably advise you as to which was most suitable.

YORK. We don't know such a book, and scarcely see what you want with one, if, as you say, you have our back numbers.

R. V. GOULD.-The question has been asked and answered before in our eciams Paraffin was recommended among remedies for destroying ants.

275.

E. T. Scorr.-Your advertisement did appear in No. INDUCTORIUM.—A Cication from Mr. D. Forbes in this week's Sixpenny Sale Coinma," requires your attention. We shota be glad to describe your coil, as it would save you and our readers trouble.

A. SEPHTON.-Try J. R. W Minories, London. J. S. H. AND OTHERS.-Mr. Sebvim. Uzen's address is 21, Mark-lane, London.

A FIVE YEARS' SUBSCRIBER—Technical Serfes" would suit you.

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W. LEFFLER-The Patent Office L buildings, W.C., is open day 1 the public, the only formally signature in a book at the door as you eztem. ANXIETY.-The question has been asked before, and the opinions elicited seemed to agree that it was in sible to eradicate “tatooed marks” from the ska T. RUSSELL-Ventriloquism can only be improved sal developed, and not acquired. It is a natural gift. DELICATE. We cannot understand your query. do you mean by Essence of Composition ?" To MILLERS-Mr. Thomas Evans writes to say that nothing was farther from his intention than to sy anything offensive to a stonemason, and he considers the editor rather too sensitive;" perhaps so. At al events Mr. Evans did not, in any way, mean to offend ENGLISH MECHANIC COLONY.-J. W. Dinsdale, of Feversham, near Cambridge, wishes to inform "Alexandra" that he should be happy to assist him in forming the new colony. ENGLISH MECHANICS' SOCIETY. MANCHESTER.-The Secretary writes "I have pleasure in informing you, Mr. Editor, that we have, with your permission, elected you an honorary member of car new society." INDUCTORITM would oblige by sending the proffered information on the intensity bull at his earliest convenience, as a large number of ectrespondents are asking for it. Space is at his disposal

ANDEN-AS we said last week. Mr. Pient's succes tion for a bicycle was an impractical con sent photograph.

J. F. CAUSPANS says he will send as farans in a fre days which will settle the question as to the one VELİT of the earth. We thracht it was settled MATHEMATICS-We have severs! elaborate pader mathematics and algebra, includiak two that CE Blues and two or three from Ginel and las ta J. n. T. tt we shrink from men them is. a acrozma of the space that eliberate mathem demonstratives zerossanly occ27 12 secc socoast of the diralty of pointing thơm rc vider Loving time fre the subles t procis, which is not easily dume in a map. weekly pa PEZ.

J. KR-Ver warm congratulatios a the theo & Sets Open have been echoed 15 dizes other correspondents. We shall have ani CHER porstila to announce SOCI

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The English Mechanic

AND

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1870.

NOTICE.

E have no sooner incorporated Scientific Wpinion than we have another announce

ment to make.

Next week the British and Foreign Mechanic will be amalgamated with the

ENGLISH MECHANIC AND MIRROR OF SCIENCE.

THE WORKMEN'S INTERNATIONAL

EXHIBITION.

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that a person trained as a wheelwright should than the old-fashioned watchmaker's mandril. not try his skill upon the manufacture of a piano, Indeed, this brings us to a promise that we shall and yet it seems an obstacle in the workman's carefully present to our readers an account of the way that he should go out of his path, and, while tools exhibited now at the Agricultural Hall. This he is bound to make bricks, devote his intuitive department is of an interest which can scarcely instincts to cathedral clocks and towers. A be over-stated. It comprises mandrils of the MIRROR OF SCIENCE AND ART. large proportion, we are sorry to say, of the newest form, improved drills, specimens of glass talent proved in industrial exhibitions has been and china riveted, ratchet braces, turning thus, if not wasted, misdirected, at any rate so engines for ivory, moulding apparatus, gold far as the exhibitors themselves are concerned. beaters' skin, and especially benches and tables But the council, most judiciously, have restrained at which tailors and shoemakers can stand to within legitimate limits the ambition of eccen- their work. The habitual sitting of men in this tric genius. The eighteen industrial denomina- department of industry has been productive of tions are the inventive, machinery, decorative consequences most fatal to their class. It is imart, furniture, ornamental metal-work, glass and possible, although it would be pleasant, to enumechina, building appliances, fancy work, articles rate by name the artisans whose works are confor personal and domestic use, cutlery and arms, spicuous, in this series particularly. It is a scries scientific apparatus, watches, saddlery, and mis- which comes rarely before the eye of the general cellaneous leather work, food, raw materials, and public, but the sight of a tool ought to tell us miscellaneous, followed by a horrible confusion of much of the life which is led, and of the educathe Fine Arts. With the object, patently, of those tion which is required, and of the intelligence who exhibit in a complete understanding of the which is given by the artisan to his work. How Exhibition and its meaning, we cannot but cordially many of us in Our common ways undersympathize, and with pleasure we notice that stand laying down the draught lines of millmany exhibitors who have travelled over half stones, the dressing of these stones, the Europe with their inventions without satisfactory manipulation of the spirograph, the mortising THIS Exhibition was opened by his Royal success come here, undiscouraged, to persevere chisel, the filesmith's rasp, the bloodstone burHighness the Prince of Wales, at the Agri- with them. Mr. George Warriner, for example, nisher, the Irish contrivance for breaking flax cultural Hall, Islington, on Saturday last. It is is indomitable in his claims; and should England straw, or, let us say, as a more simple instance, actually, as it has been described to be, a tho-be dragged or driven into war he would be the the sculptor's stool. Some of these are reckoned roughly artistic and industrial show, perfectly unchallengeable cook of the British army. In as tools, and some as machinery. In the latter cosmopolitan in its arrangements, abundant in anticipation of a day when politics shall be made class we look abroad, and we do not find anything interest, varied and attractive in its contents. secret, several gentlemen suggest patent ballot which is equal to the workmanship of our own The original idea, we believe, was due to a man boxes. In expectation of a time when women's countrymen, although there are characteristic who has ever been the friend of the industrial rights shall be conceded in full, labourers are peculiarities in the foreign manufacture. order, a nobleman of high taste and great sym- provided with the means of cooking their dinners Italy has a railway carriage with a first and a pathy with labour-the Earl of Lichfield, who in the field, having no resources at home; and, as second floor; a raft with a safety cord for rivers; has manifested an intellectual understanding of if prophetic of the recent weather, Mr. John engines for crushing olives; wire-drawing mathe interests involved through his positive com- Wilkins has designed "a summer pillow." We chines for the envied work of Genoa, and little prehension of the relations that exist between have to note, moreover, Mr. George Galloway's model factories, exhibited by the Castellani of technics and science. We have no space to be- plan for crossing streets with safety;" Mr. Rome, to produce those Roman jewels which were stow upon compliments, or we should advert to the Robert Hatt's " 'gent's ankle shield," whatever worn, at least in their similitude, by the Imperial generous manner in which the whole undertaking that may mean; and, with the deepest gratitude, wantons of Nero's time, and are now equally prized, has been favoured by those who are not person- Mr. Charles Loton's "mutes for subduing the although, perhaps, not equally understood, by the ally concerned in it, and the admirable style in tones of the cornet." It will be remarked that in less critical connoisseurs of the Corso Sterner; which the organization of the operative class has all these competitions there is a total of curious and more directly interesting to the mechanic are been employed to complete its success; but in the and not very practical ingenuity pitted against the illustrations of the application of cast first instance the goodwill of those engaged has another total of that which is capable of being and wrought iron to building purposes, a study been its own reward, and in the second the works turned into value. It should be remembered by which is exhausted, if exhaustion be possible to exhibited are more triumphal as tests than any exhibitors who, disengaging themselves from their any branch of science, in the fourth edition of Sir indiscriminate laudations that could be awarded actual class, venture upon new experiments, that William Fairbairn's standard book. That "the to them. We think it right, however, to signalise they have to learn from these very exhibitions how literature of the forge and the foundry is not less for future example this distinctive Exhibition. far their personal speculations may serve them. important to national progress than the literaIt was projected at a meeting of London artisans, It would speedily be found that the toil of years ture of art," is a sound axiom; but art can never but it was promoted also by their employers. devoted to complicated yet useless purposes will be divorced from true industry. Whatever men They did not desire to occupy their Field of the not avail them so far to procure even a certificate love they will seek to beautify. It is only in crude Cloth of Gold alone; but they invited-let us not of merit, whereas an improved safety lamp colonising days that buildings without symmetry, say challenged the first ingenuities of Europe, warning the approach of gas, an easy workman's wood without paint or polish, and a general disthe artisans whom circumstances only pre- shoe, a cottage cooking apparatus, a washing, or dain of luxury are tolerated. And beauty is vent from being artists, and who, indeed, a life-saving, or a smoke-consuming apparatus, is luxury, whether it be simple or cheap, or costly are artists if Cellini was one, to compete worth ten times more than a steam-boat, rat-trap, and ostentatious. What work can be imagined with them in that which is a great and dis-or a bicycle telemeter, or a cylindrical revolving more enjoyable than that of these Italian artisans tinctive object of our time-to make indus- rampart, or an electro-magnetic music leaf turner. cutting shells and stones into cameos, in the style try at once most capaciously useful for man- In the world of theory and speculation we reach of the great Donatello, master of Michael Angelo, kind in regard to its necessities, and also beautiful a great many impossibilities; and in the world of shaping, chasing, even weaving gold and silver, in relation to something higher than mere facilities mechanics we arrive at a great many more. striving to purify every outline, soften every touch, of use. The Exhibition at the Agricultural Hall Thus, if we were to put faith in all the mechani- make tender every tint, and, if so we may speak, includes eighteen classes additional to the fine cal geniuses who exhibit themselves at Islington, hallow their labours by practical poetry! Ferdiarts department. With reference to the last, we we might believe even in such a monster as Mr. nand Vechi, G. B. Gatti, J. Vaselli, and M. de may at once say that it involves a serious mistake. Ireland's Prince of Wales's "Trotting Horse Lama, representing the Gatti firm, though himThe number of pictures, which, if genuine, would Perambulator; " but if, on the other hand, we, self conspicuous as a photographer, may be enube gems, is perfectly irreconcilable with what being impartial and only interested in the pro- merated: others, indeed, including a large list of we know of the works purporting to be displayed. gress and prosperity of men and classes devoted English names, deserve personal recognition; It is quite idle to tell us that those famous to industrial pursuits, could persuade them at but admirably as the council have carried out Michael Angelos, Titians, Raffaelles, Giorgiones, all, we should urge them not to apply their per- their plan, they have committed a strange blunder Tintorettos, Correggios, Vandykes, and Murillos, severance, or that which may even be styled the in the catalogue issued on Saturday last. We Caraccios, and Da Vincis, have been brought to poetry of their conceptions, to forms or improve- trust that no copy of it in gorgeous binding was the Liverpool-road, Islington, from Dalston and ments of things now utterly and Epping. In point of fact, a single glance at obsolete. for ever presented to the Prince of Wales. It is literally It is astonishing to see in the same worse than worthless, and does justice-we emthem shows that they are copies or replicas. But department with the most perfect breech-loading ploy a mild phrase-neither to the exhibitors nor this was not the fault of the Working Men's small arins, patterns of lances, boarding pikes, to the public. Now, there is no excuse for shortCommittee. Their intention was, and it has javelins, the barbarous Danish gun, the comings of this kind. The council could not been well carried out, to display the degrees of matchett, which has gone out of use for a hun- insist upon Belgium being in time with her coninventive ingenuity and of manipulating dexterity dred years; specimens of letting in gunlocks by tributions, or France (which has other matters which individual artisans, without capital and hand, equally out of use; and, as if the contrast to think of), or Denmark (which may also be often without credit, can illustrate through their could not be made forcible enough, side by slightly preoccupied); but they might surely have own unaided ideas-unaided, we mean, except by side with central-fire and the vertical grip. It insisted upon a summary of the exhibition, their serious, patient, personal studies. We would almost appear as if some of our working-classified and indexed, which, pretending to be trust that the men who exhibit at Islington, after class exhibitors would wish to retain a great deal official, should not be a deception. Upon one point, surveying the competition between themselves of that which is old, while approving of that which however, we are bound to offer, on the part of the meand others, will be enabled more sagaciously to is new. The sewing machine, for example, is en- chanical exhibitors, an explanation. In the first judge about the comparative value of their notions. tirely novel. That exhibited by the Messrs. class, or that of inventions, they are all British Thus there are two classes of exhibitors at the Judkins is as new as the last eclipse of the moon; subjects, and we were requested to state Agricultural Hall who illustrate different views and yet here are exhibitors going back in gunnery that the objects not displayed are merely of the value attaching to such emulations. The to the ancient days of cleaning rods and feather- kept under a veil until the bill for proone appears to regard complex ingenuity as the ing paddle wheels, and cramp keys and black tecting them from piracy shall have the Royal height of excellence, while the other looks upon stocks, and, credat Judeus, flint locks! Now Assent. This might have been procured in ten industry as being worthless, unless practically as an antiquity, this may be interesting, but minutes, but, in such matters, there appears to applied. We confess to a difficulty in deciding as a matter of practical value the mechanical con- have existed no management whatever. Even upon all cases between the two. It seems hard coctions of this kind are of no more importance the orchestra platform was empty, because

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