tear is extremely small. As far as can be ascertained after six months’ use of the cells, there seems to be very little doubt but that they will last as long as the original Plante cells, many of which have been in use for twenty years or more without any visible deterioration.

On Saturday week we had an opportunity of seeing a complete installation at work lighting a private house at Bush Hill Park, between Edmonton and Enfield, about nine miles from Liverpool-street. This park has been built upon most judiciously by Mr. Tayler Smith, and is one of the most beautiful places near London. Mr. Smith determined that the place should be made to retain its rural character as much as possible, and no gas is laid on, the intention being to ultimately light the whole by electricity. There is a private waterworks, with a pumping station about three quarters of a mile from Mr. Smith’s house. The pumping engines are sufficiently powerful to pump, in a couple of days, a week’s supply of water, and it has been determined to utilise these engines in lighting all the houses in the park. As a preliminary, an Edison D machine was put down at the waterworks, and Messrs. Edison fitted up Mr. Smith’s house with wires; but it was quickly found that the fluctuations in the current were so great, owing to the irregular action of the engines when pumping, that the lights rose and fell, and it became

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THE ELWELL-PARKER ACCUMULATOR.

The Wolverhampton Electric Light, Storage, and Engi. neering Company is now manufacturing and selling a new storage battery, of which very little has yet been heard. This battery appears, as far as can be judged, to promise well.

We assume that our readers are familiar with the general theory of the storage battery—which has, indeed, been very fully set forth in our pages by Professor Oliver Lodge. It will suffice to add here that augmentation of surface in the lead plates is most desirable, and has been earnestly sought for by all recent inventors of storage batteries.

Some time ago M. Plante made the remarkable discovery that lead will absorb nitric acid. It not merely attacks the outside of the plates, but penetrates their substance, and a lead plate, after immersion in nitric acid, and being subsequently apparently quite dried, will for hours give off nitrous acid fumes if placed before the fire. The effect of the acid is to render the lead porous, although no considerable increase in bulk is apparent; and in this way the effective surface of the plates is enormously increased.

About the same time that M. Plante made this discovery, Mr. Bedford El well and Mr. Parker, of Wolverhampton, hit on nearly the same thing. They found that by immersing lead plates in a dilute mixture of nitric and sulphuric acid, very important advantages were secured. M. Plante and Messrs. Elwell and Parker patented their inventions about the same time, and now work together.

The method of making the Elwell-Parker secondary battery may be thus described :—Strips of sheet lead 9in. wide and any convenient length, weighing 21b. to the square foot, are passed through a machine which first punches holes entirely through them and then impresses them with indentations, which act as distance pieces to keep the layers of each plate apart. The holes seeure a free circulation to the electrolyte. These strips are then rolled spirally into cylinders containing, in the small cells, three thicknesses of plate each, the joints being made secure by fusing with a soldering iron, and an anode of much thicker lead being fused on at the same time. Each cell contains eight of these cylinders jin. apart. The lead cylinders are first placed in a bath containing a dilute solution of nitric and sulphuric acid, and left there for twenty-four hours. The effect of this bath is to minutely honeycomb the lead plates, putting them into the most favourable condition for “ formation ” by the electric current. There is also formed upon the surface of the plates a deposit of sulphate of lead, the greater part of which is subsequently reduced to peroxide, part of it being first washed off. The plates on being taken from the bath are washed, and then placed in the ordinary dilute sulphuric acid solution in the cell. They are then charged in one direction for six hours with a current of 12 amperes, discharged in about three hours through ten Swan 45 volt, 20-candle lamps—twenty-two cells give 45 volts—and charged again in the reverse direction. They are then ready for use. There is then no sulphate visible, the peroxide plate being a rich, dark brown colour, of smooth, hard, crystalline appearance, and the negative plate presenting a clean surface of ordinary lead colour. The accompanying engraving shows one cell and a portion I of another, coupled by clamping the electrodes together. The plates or cylinders are retained in position by notched vulcanite frames underneath, and notched distance pieces of the same material on the top, thus leaving the entire space between the plates and a space underneath them open for the free circulation of the electrolyte. The period occupied from the cutting up of the lead strips to the complete charging of the battery ready to send out is only 48 hours. Earthenware cells are generally used, but the company manufacturing under the patent also uses wood cells, coated inside with a position of gutta-percha, which are preferable where strength and lightness are required. The quantity these cells will give out at an electro-motive force of 2 volts or rather more—same as the original Plante cell—is about 40 ampere hours when sent from the works, that is, supposing an accumulator is required to give a current at an electro-motive force of 45 volts, twenty-two of these cells will give a current of 10 amperes for four hours before any of the cells “ give out.” But the capacity of the cell may be greatly increased by occasionally reversing the charging current, as in the original Plante cell. The cells are packed in small cases of three cells, carpet being slipped between the plates. They seem to travel safely thus.

In Mr. Elwell’s country house at Albrighton, near Wolverhampton, there are two sets of twenty-four cells each, placed in the corner of the cellar, and charged twice a week during the daytime by a Siemens dynamo S D 1, worked direct by Elwell and Parker’s 3-horse power high-speed engine, giving 120 revolutions per minute at a steam pressure of 35 lb. About this curious engine we shall have more to say. The gardener attends to the fire, which requires stoking twice an hour, no other attention being required, as the engine is self-oiling, and the boiler is fed by a regulated injector. In case the boiler be forgotten, and the steam goes down, there is a simple self-acting arrangement in the circuit, by means of which the current is cut off the battery and shunted through a resistance coil. As soon as the steam rises again the current is shunted back again. This also acts in case the engine be stopped without first breaking the circuit. Five hours’ work of the engine twice a week—once a week at this time of the year—is sufficient for the lighting of the whole house on ordinary occasions, and a single lamp is often kept on all night. There are about sixty 20-candle lamps wired, and, when required, the whole sixty can be kept up for two or three hours at once by means of engine and accumulators working together, but, as a rule, five or six 20-candle lamps suffice. The working expenses of this installation cannot exceed 4s. a week, common slack being used in the boiler, and the wear and

removed to the drawing-room subsequently. When the family retire for the night, each takes a lamp with him, and striking a match when he reaches his room, he finds the place whereon to hang his lamp, and he has immediately a light of twenty, sixteen, or eight candles, as the case may be. Each lamp is provided with the usual thumb spring, so that it may be extinguished without taking it off the wall. Should a dishonest householder attempt to use more than the legitimate number of lights, he will fuse the safety plug under lock and key, and defeat his own object. We need scarcely say that we have done no more than give an inadequate idea of the system ; the success of it depends on details, and these have all been worked out in a way which is full of promise. The whole principle is excellent.

We have thus a complete installation, suitable for lighting a house of any dimensions from a central station, within easy distance of London. We have had, of course, no opportunity of testing the Elwell-Parker battery for months, but we have no reason to doubt the strict accuracy of the statements which have been made to us concerning it, and what we saw has very favourably impressed us. That the system has the approbation of the veteran electrician M. Plante is, of course, a strong point in its favour. As to the cost of the battery and rate of produc-

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tion, we may say that the company is at present turning out not more than 100 cells weekly, but is preparing its works for making three or four times this quantity. The company is trying some cells upon a very large scale with suspended plates—taking care, of course, that the weight is not sufficient to cause the plates to stretch. These plates it is proposed to place in brick cisterns lined with the same composition used in coating the wood cells, which the company lately discovered to be very valuable for the purpose.

GRAPHICS, OR THE ART OF MAKING CALCULATIONS BY DRAWING LINES.

By Professor R. H. Smith.

No. I.

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evident that some kind of storage must be used, if for no other purpose than as a regulator. As an experiment Mr.

Smith has fitted his house with an installation of fifty-four Elwell-Parker cells. These are arranged on shelves in a species of small pantry opening into the garden. This pantry is about 8ft. long, 6ft. wide, and 8ft. high. One side and the end opposite the door are fitted with shelves,

On the remaining wall is placed a switch board, controlling the flow of electricity from the waterworks, and from the battery into the dwelling house. By the aid of a multiple switch any number of cells may be used as required, from half-a-dozen up to the whole fifty-four.

A cell was taken to pieces for our inspection, and we found the lead plates presenting clear, clean smooth surfaces, while the “ made” plates, as we may call them, were, as we have stated, coated with a thick brown deposit of peroxide of lead strongly adherent and showing no tendency to fall off. The arrangement of the battery is Advantages and disadvantages of the method.—In the very workman-like and convenient. A cell can be taken present series of articles on “ Graphics ” it is intended to to pieces and put together again in about two minutes, and explain and illustrate the principles and the most useful the way in which the cylinders are put together gives great applications of the subject. The principles according to stiffness and prevents deflection or bending, while the which stress diagrams are drawn out, are stated in a very plates being free to expand or contract can do so without complete and general manner in a paper entitled “ Recip-losing their shape, which is much more than can be rocal Figures and Stiff Frames,” by Clerk Maxwell, in said of some other batteries. Tests showed that the vol. xxvii., of the Philosophical Magazine, 1864; but this electro-motive force is rather in excess of 2 volts per cell, paper is quite useless to the ordinary engineer who wishes The lamps used for us by Mr. Smith are 110 volts Edison, to know how to apply these principles. The theoretical but he has also 8-candle Edison, and many kinds of Swan development of the subject is chiefly due to Cremona, an lamps in his house.    Italian, and to Culmann, a German. A very great

Mr. Tayler Smith has devised a virtually new system of advance in adapting the method to practical requirements, lighting, and the fittings which he uses are extremely and in simplifying the comprehension and construction of ingenious. At another time we shall describe them more the figures, was made by the introduction of the elegant minutely. It must suffice for the present to say that they system of marking the diagrams, commonly known as are all movable, and that various points of attachment are Bow’s Notation, the earlier invention of which is, however, provided throughout the house. In this way the also ascribed to Professor Henrici.

difficulty of knowing what to charge the con- Believing, as I do, that none of the books published is got over. A safety cut-out under lock on the subject in the English language is at all adapted to and key is provided by the company supplying the the needs of the engineering student who wishes to fit current. The consumer is supplied with a certain himself for the use of the method in business practice, I number of lights—say twenty—and he pays so much a have thought it well to attempt to supply this deficiency, year per light, but there may be as many as a hundred To succeed in doing so it is absolutely necessary to illus-points of attachment provided, and the twenty lights can trate every new statement of general applicability by an be distributed at wilL Thus, for example, let us suppose abundance of examples worked out in accurately drawn that eight lights are used in the dining and drawing-room, diagrams; and this will accordingly be done. I may also One light in each room is a fixture. The remaining six say that it is just as essential for the student who wishes may all be hung up in the dining-room during dinner, and to profit by these lessons to draw out for himself similar

examples as accurately and carefully as he can. There is no subject in which it is more easy to imagine that one understands a problem or theorem, and to find, when one comes to the practical application of it, unexpected difficulties cropping up which bar progress even at the outset These difficulties are found out only by experience in the art. The way out of such difficulties—which might be imagined to be entirely non-existent as far as any mention of them in the existing treatises is concerned—will as far as possible be pointed out in the course of the present articles.

The great importance and convenience to engineers of this method of calculation have become very generally recognised of late years, but it may be well to make clear what are the grounds upon which, and in what respects, it can claim superiority to the more time-honoured algebraic, trigonometric, and arithmetric methods. The following advantages may be easily recognised:—All the things that engineers deal with have magnitudes, or quantities, which vary “ continuously ”—that is, one magnitude may differ from another by an indefinitely small quantity. Designers who never mark on their drawings dimensions involving a fraction of Jgin., may be apt to forget this, but the workman who has to file down the piece to the exact Tw to which it has been designed, is in no danger of forgetting it. But numerical representation of continuous increase of magnitude is impossible; to represent a very small difference a very long decimal fraction must be used, and to represent an excessively minute difference is practically impossible by numbers. A line, however, is continuous in magnitude in the same way as all the quantities to be calculated are— the difference between two lines may be indefinitely small. It is, therefore, a very suitable vehicle upon which to mark off the magnitudes to be dealt with.

Again, the graphic method brings into strong prominence before the mind the important fact that all “ scales ” are essentially artificial, and that no two scales for quantities of different kinds can be alike in any respect. The magnitudes of all sorts of things of different kinds are plotted off along lines. Sometimes an inch length along the line means so many tons, or pounds, or kilogrammes; sometimes so many cubic feet; sometimes a quantity of energy, or of momentum, or a linear velocity; it may even mean so many degrees of angular space, or, perhaps, an angular velocity. No confusion of mind is more common than that of thinking that a quantity of one of these kinds may be in some sense equal to a quantity of another kind, and that both may be represented to the same scale. At first sight the habit of marking off all such quantities as lengths along lines might seem to tend to confirm this confusion of mind. No commoner mistake is made by learners on the threshold of the subject than to ask if they should mark off moments, for example, to the same scale as they have employed for forces, or forces to the same scale as has been used for feet. But they cannot work out thoroughly to the end a single problem in graphic calculation without having this absurd idea very much weakened in its hold on their minds, and it will be driven entirely away before they have completed half a dozen examples.

Also, the accuracy of the measurements that can be made in this method is in a certain sense proportioned to that actually attainable in quantitative knowledge of facts. It becomes at once apparent to the calculator that absolute accuracy in his results is impossible, and he becomes familiar with the true and important idea that all engineering calculations—and, indeed, all physical calculations—possess only a certain degree of accuracy, and are burdened with a certain amount of unavoidable probable error. Nothing is more silly than the statements we often unfortunately meet with in reports from engineers who ought to know better, of results calculated to a nicety sometimes a thousand, or even a hundred thousand, times greater than is at all possible in fact. The tensile strength of a material may be stated to five or six figures, when actually it is not known within 5 per cent. The breaking strength of a girder may be stated by three or four figures, when it really cannot be certainly known within 10 per cent. The horse-power of an engine may be stated to within TVth per cent, when it has been calculated from half-a-dozen measurements, each of which may be subject to a probable error of from i per cent, to 5 per cent. Such mistaken exactitude in calculation is in the first place purely deceptive, and thereby injurious, and in the second place it most surely reveals the calculator in a most ridiculous light to the eyes of those who know better.

Fourthly, a very large proportion of the quantities engineers have to calculate are quantities having direction, and if these are represented by lines which have corresponding directions as well as magnitudes, the comprehension of the relations between the different elements of the problem becomes much more natural and easy.

graphic method is necessarily the best. With skilful draughtsmanship, however—the special points to be attended to will be mentioned hereafter—an accuracy of To Per cent, in nearly all cases, and very frequently of TXo Per cent., may be obtained. To get at all good results exact drawing is needful, and the endeavour after this exactitude is in itself a good training to every engineer of whatever class. Regarding accuracy, also, there is one very important advantage the graphic method possesses, namely, that in a large variety of most important problems the drawing always furnishes a very easy test of its accuracy, so that it becomes absolutely impossible to make a large mistake without its being discovered. As regards rapidity, graphic calculation is in a great number of the most rapid method that can be adopted, provided certain obvious conditions are fulfilled. These are that the calculator has his drawing instruments, pen, paper, pencil, and ink always at hand and in good condition ready for immediate If he takes half-an-hour to get his instruments ready in order to make a small calculation which when these preparations have been completed takes ten minutes more to finish, he must not be surprised if his arithmetical or trigonometrical competitor has beaten him as regards time, and he must not blame the method for his want of success. As paper, drawing board and instruments cannot always be ready at hand, this points to a class of calculations for which the graphic method offers no sort of advantage; namely, short, easy calculations. I have heard of the product 4x5 being found with the help of logarithms. I do not admire the method, although I remain fully convinced of the advantages obtained from using logarithms. If one has to make a single multiplication, say (3471:) ⁴ x *7854, there is no utility in putting down a piece of paper on a board, sharpening a pencil, and getting out one’s scale, in order to find the product. It may be found by ordinary arithmetic, or by reference to a table of areas of circles, in the time that must be spent in sharpening the pencil. If, however, fifty or a hundred multiplications of odd factors have to be performed, it may be worth while to spend the time necessary for the above preparations. In these last hundred calculations it is also an important consideration that they involve much less mental fatigue when performed graphically than by any other method. This is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, advantage offered by graphics. In scientific designing, and, indeed, in nearly all engineers’ head-work, a large amount of wear and tear of brain power occurs through the need of performing lengthy and laborious calculations that are to a large extent mere mental drudgery. Nothing is more fatiguing to the eyes, and through the eyes to the brain, than dealing with interminable arrays of figures., Graphic calculation does away with such fatigue to a very great extent, and in fact a moderate amount of such exercise is felt to be pleasant and enjoyable—merits which few will venture to ascribe to numerical arithmetic. No universal superiority, then, can be ascribed to this art over its rivals. It should be used in such circumstances as bring into prominence its peculiar advantages. Adherence to it under all conditions, and to the entire exclusion of assistance from other modes of reckoning, is to be avoided as dogmatic and irrational, while a denial to it of very great superiority in innumerable practical problems would show equally unreasonable prejudice.

own

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good conductor, which was soon removed, as the electricity dissociated the. water, and then an arc was formed as the current strove to maintain itself. Pure rain water is a very poor conductor of electricity, but in trickling over plaster or whitewash it takes enough lime or salt into solution to increase its conductivity many times. In some instances the water connected two wires of different potential. "We see the same action when the current is let on an arc-lighting system. When the carbons touch there is little resistance, and would be no light, if the feeding apparatus was not arranged so as to draw the carbons apart, and thus present the resistance of the space of the distance between the two carbons. In the early application of electric-lighting apparatus, ground return circuits were used, as in other electrical circuits; but there were, so many difficulties that it was abandoned, and metallic circuits are now universally used. I believe Professor Edwin J. Houston, of Philadelphia, was the first one to indicate the dangers of using electric-lighting circuits with ground returns. If an electric-lighting plant is well constructed, and installed in a proper manner, there is no certainty that it will remain in a satisfactory condition, on aceount of the numerous changes, blunders, and accidents to which it is subjected. It is important that each circuit should be provided with some apparatus for the purpose of making frequent tests of the insulation of the whole system. The most precise method is to use a galvanometer, with a rheostat and battery; but this involves delicate and expensive apparatus, which cannot be used by anyone except an electrician, while the weight and bulk of galvanometer, rheostat, and ten cells of battery renders

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PORTABLE ELECTRIC TESTING APPARATUS*

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The word “graphic” etymologically means “ by line drawing,” and it is in this sense that it is used in the title that has been given by common consent .to this art; but in its popular sense of “ peculiarly representative and calculated to assist the imagination ” the word graphic ” may, for the above reason also, be sidered particularly appropriate and descriptive, such directed quantities the general name “ vector ” has been given. Examples are:—Distances between two positions, ie., ordinary dimensions, motions, velocities, momenta, forces.

These are general considerations in favour of the graphic method, but so far as business utility is concerned they might easily, and in fact are frequently, overbalanced by more practical necessities, such as, for example, rapidity and accuracy. Absolute accuracy, as has been already said, is never attainable, and the pretence of it is in most cases ridiculous; but in many special circumstances it may be essential to obtain as high a degree of accuracy as is at all possible. In such special circumstances it not unfrequently happens that the capability of ordinary arithmetic for the attainment of exactitude quite outdoes that of any graphic method. It is, therefore, a mistake to suppose that in every case the

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By C. J. H. Woodbury, of Boston, Mass.

The use of electricity for lighting purposes has introduced .. element in the matter of testing such systems. Hitherto the sole object in testing telephone, telegraph and other signal lines : confined to purposes connected with the operation or repair of the apparatus. Electric faults in the telegraph never injured person or property. Contact with telephone lines never robbed a fire department of its right arm by destroying the fire alarm boxes. There is no instance of these weak currents ever setting fires or causing severe personal injuries like those which have been traced to electric lighting currents. The difficulties connected with the introduction of the electric light have been inseparable with the use of a new form of energy, for the currents have been so much greater than those hitherto used that their application was virtually a new science. Twenty years after illuminating gas was known, the architect of the House of Commons specified that no woodwork should approach within 6in. of a gas pipe. Whenever an electric lighting current has been diverted from the system, it has generally given unwelcome evidence of its energy. Such occurrences, considered as an accidental loss of energy, are comparable to the bursting of a boiler, or the yielding of a dam; but there is no chance of such extensive injuries to life and property from any mishaps resulting from the use of electric-lighting apparatus. Wherever the use of a large amount of power is involved, the safety is dependent upon the facility with which the whole is held under control, whether it be the head of water against the waterwheel, the steam in the boiler, or the electricity in the circuit. The experience with the electric light is showing that these currents are more easily controlled than other forms of energy, as far as any elements of danger are concerned. It is not necessary at this time to recount any of the fires caused by electric lighting, but I am not aware of a single fire of this nature which, in the j light of present knowledge upon the subject, is not to be considered as a preventable fire. With proper and continual attention to insulation, construction of lamps and of switches, and in the incandescent system also the proper size of conducting wires and closed safety catches, there can be so little opportunity for fire from electric lights that, under these conditions, it forms the safest method of illumination. Most of the fires and other difficulties with electric lighting apparatus have been caused by the diversion of the current from the system at distant points, each leading to the earth, and very few accidents due to a conductor making a cross between two adjacent wires. Two contacts required in order to form the complete circuit necessary to establish an electric current. If a single conductor leads to the earth, only a second one is necessary to divert a portion of the current from the system to the earth, the relative quantities of the current seeking the two paths being inversely proportional to their electrical resistances of the conductors. Such a diversion of the electricity causes first the commercial loss of electricity. If the contacts are of a nature to diminish the resistance of the circuit, then there is great liability of injury to the armature or commutator in most dynamo machines. The fires have been produced where the electricity met with a conductor of sufficiently high resistance to convert the electricity into heat whose temperature is high enough to burn any combustible substance. The instances usually occurred on a circuit where one ground connection already existed, and a stream of water leaking during storms, or from washing floors, running over the wires and to the earth formed a * Read before the Franklin Institute, April 18th, 1883.

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it impracticable for portable use. The above engraving shows a portable instrument forthe purpose of electiic testing, made from my designs by Charles Williams, jun., of Boston. It consists of a Siemens’ armature in the field of a battery of five permanent magnets. There is no commutator, and the alternating current passes through the coils of a polarised electro-magnet which vibrates a striker between two gong bells whenever the circuit is electrically complete. The armature is revolved from a driving wheel by means of a quarter-turn belt which passes around an adjustable guide pulley, whose position can be changed so as to give any desired tension to the belt. At the end of the case are two reels, each of which contain steel tapes 30ft. in length, forming flexible conductors, which are provided with spring clamps at their ends. The driving wheel and the reels are turned by means of a crank, which fits with square dowels, like a clock key, and when not in use is held by a spring clip, as shown in the engraving. The armature is wound with 6000ft. of No. 40 wire, and measures lin. in diameter by 3in. in length. The whole is contained in a hard rubber case, Gin. thick., 4in, wide, and 8in. long, and weighs 3 lb. The bell will ring through an external resistance of seven thousand ohms, when the crank is being turned about two hundred times a minute. When the crank is turned more rapidly, the bells can be made to ring through a greater resistance, the limit being about ten thousand ohms when the crank is revolved as rapidly as one is able to turn. As a basis of comparison between the limits of this instrument and other methods commonly used in testing, I made some experiments with a vibrating bell, called a jingler, and a compass galvanometer of low resistance. The resistance of the coils on the electro-magnet of the vibrating bell was two ohms; and with one cell of Leclanche battery, the bell would ring through a resistance of ten ohms. With a cell of bichromate of potash battery, the bell would ring through a resistance of twenty ohms. The compass galvanometer was one of those used for testing circuits, the resistance of the coils being eighteen-hundredths of an ohm. The diameter of the graduated circle around the needle was llin., and ten degrees was about the smallest deflection which could be noted under ordinary circumstances. With one cell of Leclanche battery, the needle of the galvanometer would deflect ten degrees through a resistance of seventy ohms. With a cell of bichromate of potash battery, it would make a similar deflection through a resistance of one hundred ohms. More delicate results could have been obtained with galvanometers of higher resistance, but care was taken to use the exact kind of galvanometer made and sold for such purposes. In comparison with this, my testing magneto will operate through a resistance three hundred and fifty times as great as the vibrating bell with bichromate of potash battery, and seventy times that of the compass galvanometer with the same battery; when a Leclanche cell is used, the ratio is doubled. These quantities represent the relative delicacy of operation between the vibrating bell and the portable galvanometer with battery as described, and my testing magneto, which requires neither battery nor coils of conducting wires, being complete within itself. One of the armatures was provided with a commutator, and the following measurements taken with the resistance of the armature amounting to four hundred ohms as the only resistance in the circuit:—

Revolutions of crank per minute.

120

180

240

Electro-motive force in volts.

7'96

Current in amperes.

various

THE EDINBURGH WATERWORKS.

At the Meeting on the 22nd of May, Mr. Brunlees,

President, in the chair, the first paper read “ The Edinburgh Waterworks,” by Mr. Alexander Leslie, M. Inst. C.E.

The water supply of Edinburgh was derived in almost equal portions from two main sources, the Pentland Hills and the Moorfoot Hills. In 1621 an Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament for the introduction of the first gravitation supply of water, previous to which time the inhabitants had to depend entirely upon wells. This supply was derived from Comiston Springs, about three miles from Edinburgh. It introduced in 1681, and amounted to about 135,000 gallons per day. An additional supply was brought in nearly twenty years later. Again, a further supply was introduced from the east end of the Pentland Hills in 1761. After several reports from Mr. John Smeaton,

Mr. Thomas Telford, and others, an Act was obtained for introducing the water of the Crawley Springs, the works for which were completed in 1822. By means of this a supply of about 2,500,000 gallons per day throughout the year was rendered available at a cost of £229,000. This scheme included the construction of the Glencorse reservoir, and the laying of a pipe eight and a-half miles in length and 15in. in diameter. Previous to the introduction of this water, the works were handed over by the town to a company, who administered the water affairs of the city until 1870. The next application to Parliament was in 1843, when the Bavelaw, Listonshields, and Black springs on the north side of the Pentland s were introduced. This work was completed in 1848, giving additional supply of 2,000,000 gallons per day at a cost of £100,000. The Act also included the construction of the Threipmuir and Harlaw reservoirs, for compensating the water of Leith and Bavelaw burn for the abstraction of the spring water. In 1847 ] an arrangement of piping, which led away the water from a aUj ^ WalS °”tamed construct Clubbie Dean, Torduff, Loganlea, regulating tank constructed on the lower side of the main embank -and Bonally reservoirs, and also to increase the capacity of Glencorse ’

the introduction of the Colzium springs, and the construction of compensation reservoir at Harperrig, on the water of Leith.

...    ^    _____ ment of the service reservoir. These filter beds were each about

by raising it 4fL In 1856 another Act was passed, authorising half an acre in extent, and were designed to pass 9,000,000 gallons :    1    J " 'a of water a day, supposing three of them to be working, and the

*    — -------- A remaining one being cleaned. The water was drawn from these

still further supply was obtained from the _ Crosswood springs, an filters through fire-clay pipes varying from 6in. to 22in. in Act for which was passed in 1863, and this included the construe- [ diameter, and was admitted into a clear-water reservoir through a tion of a compensation reservoir on the Crosswood burn. The : regulating well, by means of which the rate of filtration could be water was introduced in 1868, and this was the last work carried ¹ increased or diminished. There was also a pipe by which the water out by the water company. The total available amount for the 1 district of Edinburgh, Leith, and Portobello, was about 8,000,000

was equal to 34 gallons per

could be admitted direct from the service reservoir without filtra-

n-------j-------e-i ^ »*.u ivimrucm., vroa a mu uo o,mu,wu tion. The clear-water reservoir had a capacity of 4,500,000

gallons per day, which, at that time, was equal to 34 gallons per gallons. It was 335ft. in length and 120ft. wide. The outer walls Lead per day, for the then estimated population of 230,000. About were of ashlar masonry backed with rubble, and it was covered it per cent, of this was used for manufacturing purposes, and the with brick arching carried by four rows of piers, each of which was o al cost of the works, up to that time, was about £500,000. 5ft. by 2Jft. in area. These piers supported four rows of longi-An Act or Parliament was passed in 1869 tranferring the water tudinal arching, 15ft. span and 2Jft. wide, which were coped with works trom the company to a trust composed of representa- springers of ashlar, from which rose the main arches forming the lives trom Edinburgh, Leith, and Portobello. The trust came roof of the structure. The piers were founded upon ashlar blocks into power on VVhit-Sunday of the following year. Their let into recesses in the concrete floor of the buildings. They were nrst proceedings consisted in an application to Parliament for constructed of pressed composition bricks set in Portland cement power to introduce the water of St. Mary’s Loch, which Bill, mortar. The longitudinal roof arches consisted of three rings of after having passed the House of Commons, was ultimately brick of 22ft. span, with rejected by the    House of Lords. The opinion of the ratepayers    Above the roof arch

was then taken    as    to the proper course to pursue by means of    in thickness, and between the haunches of the    arches drain-tile

a plebiscitum, and it was determined to apply to Parliament pipes were laid to convey away the rain-water. The top was levelled for power to introduce water from the Moorfoot district, over with earthwork and provided with ventilators, and was dressed fans were lodged for this Bill in the autumn of 1873, and off and laid out as a garden. From this clear-water reservoir the parliamentary sanction was obtained for it in the following water passed through a measuring tank, 40ft. by 22ft. The pipe session. the watershed of the Moorfoot district consists communicating between these two chambers was furnished with a mainly of the Moorfoot Hills, forming a portion of the long swiftly-shutting sluice, by means of which the rate of discharge ana of buurian uplands which stretch across Scotland, from St. could be readily ascertained by observing the rate at which a float-f6aCl •ortpatnek, and being a satisfactory gathering- indicator descended. The cost of the service reservoir filters and grouna tor obtaining water for domestic supply. This scheme clear-water tank was £66,000. To complete the scheme, two com-consis ea m the utilisation of a drainage area amounting to 14,500 | pensation reservoirs were required; one of them, termed the Edge-Cr+S’ h    ?,cres were included in the portion of the i    law reservoir, was constructed on the Fullerton    burn, to compen-

w ed 0t    r e burn, above the site of the reservoir I    sate for the abstraction of the Tweeddale burn and    Portmore waters,

oi tnat name; 1.337 acres formed the drainage area of the Tweeddale This reservoir had a capacity of 275,000,000 gallons, a depth of Tfiiri"’ together with Portmore Loch, with its drainage area j 80ft., and a surface area of 37 acres; its cost was £35,000, being ot biu acres, were the portions available for town supply. [ £795 per 1,000,000 cubic feet. The Rosebery reservoir was being

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The whole efficiency of the testing apparatus depends upon its ability to detect any ground which could, under any circumstances, become an element of danger. The resistance of the arc lighting circuits —cold—is very variable, owing to the irregular resistance between the tips of the carbons. A number of measurements of long arc lighting circuits show that one and a-half ohms to a lamp is a fair estimate for the external circuit, as the connections are usually made. This, on a forty-light Brush circuit, would be sixty ohms, and when the bell of the testing magneto can ring through a resistance of seven thousand ohms, it is able to indicate a possible escape of six-sevenths of one per cent, of the current, which, in the Brush system, amounts to nine-hundredths of an ampere, or about four and a-half times the quantity generated by the testing magneto, an amount of energy too small to cause any damage whatsoever. The same method applied to other circuits shows still smaller results, as the resistance of a Brush forty-light circuit is greater than that of the circuit from any other dynamo. With the low resistances used in incandescent lighting systems, the limit of measurement is still greater. In a one hundred-light Edison incandescent plant, this tester would detect a leakage of less than one twenty-fifth of one per cent, of the current used in the whole circuit, or, in this instance, it would show a leakage of one twenty-fifth of the current required for a sixteen candle power Edison lamp, which would amount to twice the amount of current generated by the testing magneto. The method of using the instrument to test for ground connections is to fasten one of the spring clamps to a conductor leading to the earth, such as the stop-cock to a gas pipe, or preferably to a water pipe, and the other spring clamp to the lighting system. When resistance of the insulation between the system and the earth is less than seven thousand ohms, the bells will ring. If the crank is turned slowly, the bells will ring only through less resistances, and by standardising these testing magnetos by measuring the limits at various speeds by means of a rheostat, they can be used to approximately measure resistances by counting the speed of the crank necessary to ring the bells. For testing the insulation of arc lamps, if one clamp is attached to one of the binding posts of the lamp, and the other clamp placed in contact with the various parts of the frame while the armature is revolving, the ringing of the bells will indicate imperfect insulation. Whenever it is desired to test incandescent systems for crosses, this apparatus can be used for the purpose by disconnecting one of the main conductors from the dynamo and turning every lamp switch on the circuit; if the lamp sockets are not provided with independent switches, then such lamps must be removed. Care must be taken that the resistance box does not close the circuit. Then attach one of the spring clamps of the testing magneto to each main conductor, and a ring will detect the presence of a cross conductor. By switching off the branches and testing in sections, any fault can be located to that single branch, and the safety boxes furnish means for further divisions of the circuit. This apparatus requires no electrical skill for its use, is not affected by time or temperature, and can be used in any position. They have stood the test of over a year’s constant use, without accident or deterioration of any nature.

INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEEES.

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The scheme was laid out on the assumption that compensation should be provided in the proportion of one-third of the yield of the district operated on, leaving two-thirds of the yield for town supply, and reservoirs had been provided with storage equal to six months of the annual yield. Gladhouse reservoir had a capacity of 1,700,000,000 gallons, with a surface area of 399 acres, and its greatest depth was 68Jft. The crest of the waste-weir was 150ft. long, and the weir cost was £63,400, or £231 per 1,000,000 cubic feet of storage. Into this reservoir the flood waters of the Tweeddale burn were conducted by a segmental open aqueduct formed of concrete, which cost £12,000. A reservoir was constructed on the site of Portmore Loch, by means of which its surface area was increased from 82 to 106 acres, and an available depth of water of 10ft. was obtained, at a cost of £12,500. The water from this reservoir was conveyed by a fireclay pipe, 24in. in diameter, to a measuring cistern below Gladhouse embankment, from which it, along with the water from Gladhouse reservoir, was led towards Edinburgh by a conduit, 4ft. 6in. by 3ft., three miles in length, which discharged into a circular well 12ft. in diameter and 16ft. deep. At this point pressure was put on to the main pipe which led to Edinburgh; the pipe was partly 24in. and partly 22in. in diameter, and was 8J miles long. Several important works, such as bridges and tunnels, occurred on the line of this track. There were also various branch pipes for the supply of the districts lying to the east of this, including Dalkeith, Musselburgh, Gilmerton, &c. The water was discharged into a large service reservoir, constructed at Alnwick Hill, within three miles of Edinburgh, at which pi the purification filters had also been erected. The service reservoir had an area of 5 acres; it was 900ft. long, 240ft. wide, and contained 20,000,000 gallons. There were four filter beds, fed by

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rise of 5Jft., having a radius of 14ft. layer of Portland cement concrete 6in.

constructed across the South Esk, about two miles below the site of the Gladhouse reservoir, and would have a surface area of 52J acres, with a depth of 75ft. and a capacity of 381,250,000 gallons. It was estimated to cost £33,000. The total cost of the water supply of Edinburgh, amounting to 16,000,000 gallons a day, was about £1,000,000.

THE WATERWORKS OF FORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA.

The second paper read was on The Waterworks of Port Elizabeth, South Africa,” by Mr. J. G. Gamble, M.A., M. Inst. C.E.

It was stated that the water supply of Port Elizabeth, the principal commercial port of South Africa, had, until recently, been very scanty, an indifferent supply, to the extent of 50,000 gallons per day, having been drawn from a main leading along the beach to Shark’s River. This served the lower part of the town; the houses in the upper part of the town were dependent on underground tanks, in which rain water from the roofs was stored. During droughts the lack of water was severely felt, and it was to remedy this evil that the existing waterworks were undertaken. After several unsuccessful attempts, the most promising of which was to procure the surplus water from a spring belonging to Uitenhage, twenty miles distant from Port Elizabeth, the Van Staaden’s river, whose basin was inland of the W itteklip ridge, a spur of the Winterhoek range, was selected as the source of supply. The rainfall there was more copious and equable than at either Port Elizabeth or Uitenhage, and the minimum discharge of the feeder chosen for the Port Elizabeth supply was never less than 350,000 gallons per day. The pipe track, from the intake above the “ Waterfall ” to Port Elizabeth, a distance of twenty-eight miles, and the general feature of the work, were then described, as carried out by the late Mr. J. H. Wick-steed, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., who arrived in the colony as resident engineer in January, 1878. These consisted of a small intake weir in the mountains, from which a cast iron main was laid to Port Elizabeth, communicating with and passing by a service reservoir at the highest point of the suburbs of the town. From actual measurement, the main gave on one occasion at the rate of 930,000 gallons, on another 960,000 gallons in the twenty-four hours. The diameter of the main varied from 12in. to 9Jin., the inclination of the gradients from lin 90'8 to 1 in 394‘3. The main from the service reservoir to the town was 16in. in diameter, to give a greatly increased discharge in case of fire. The works were carried out under seven contracts. Contract 1 was the manufacture of the pipes and special castings for the main from the intake to the town, and the delivery of them on the beach at Port Elizabeth. It was let to Messrs. Hopkins, Gilkes, and Co., now the Teesside Iron and Engine Works Company. The amount paid was £37,701, of which a sum of £35,148 was for straight pipes. The pipes were of hard Cleveland metal, and having been badly stowed on board the vessels in which they were conveyed, 32 per cent, were found to be cracked when landed, and the damaged portions were removed by hammer and chisel, pipes were tested on the beach; they were mostly in 12ft. and 9ft. lengths, and they and other castings were coated with Dr. Angus Smith’s composition. Contract 2 was for the transport of the pipes and fittings from the beach to their destination, for laying and jointing the main, for constructing the intake work, breakpressure tanks, valve holes, and fixing the valves. It was let to Messrs. John Mackay and F. W. Nortli for £26,999. The pipe line crossed the principal stream three times, the pipes being buried in concrete under the bed of the river. At some points the pipes were carried along the faces of precipices by iron brackets let into the rock. As a rule they were laid with the sockets pointing up hill. Sluice valves, with a relief valve behind, were placed about every mile, and provision was made for the insertion of pipe scrapers. The break pressure tanks were lift, square, and rather less than 6ft. deep, of Portland cement concrete. The actual amount paid under this contract was £33,487. Contract 3, for the valves and fittings, was let to the Glenfield Company, Kilmarnock, the total amount paid being £7142. The relief valves were partially balanced double-beat valves, with gun-metal beats on both valve and seating. There was still room for improvement in them. The sluice valves were of the usual pattern, except that there was an arrangement whereby the stuffing-boxes might be packed while the valves were under pressure. The air valves and the hydrant valves were modifications of Messrs. Bateman and Moore’s pattern. Of the balls used, gutta-percha with cork found liable to be squeezed out of shape at high-pressure. Kennedy’s meters and taps were adopted; and a self-recording river gauge for measuring the water passing through notches in a weir above the intake pool, two rain gauges and one evaporation gauge were fitted up. Contract 4, for the manufacture of pipes for town distribution, was let to Messrs. Cochrane, Grove, and Co. The total amount paid under this contract was £13,728. Ordinary pipes were delivered on the beach for from £7    2s. 6d. to £7 5s.. per ton,

special pipes for £10 15s.    per ton. The pipes were

9ft. long, and varied from lOin. to ljin. in dia-The breakages    only amounted to 4 per

cent. Contract 5, for laying and jointing the distribution pipes and for fixing the hydrants and public fountains, was let    to Messrs. Getliffe and Frames,    local contractors. As soon

as    the pipes, valves, &c., were    laid, a strict system of

testing the mains was organised to detect imperfect workmanship, &c. The total amount paid under this contract was £11,223. Contract 6, which in the rapidly-growing town of Port Elizabeth had become an annual one, was for fixing the house services. The Town Council provided all the fittings, and sold them to the contractor at slightly over cost price. No cisterns were required, as the constant service was adopted. The mains were never tapped for house services, but distributing pipes were laid alongside the mains. With the view of apportioning the size of house service pipes, some experiments were made on the discharge of lead pipes and fittings, and it was ascertained that the friction caused by the stop taps was very great. Contract 7, for the service reservoir, was let to Mr. John Mackay for £10,987, but the total cost ultimately reached £15,392. The site was about two miles north-west of the Town Hall. Its capacity was 1,250,000 gallons, and the whole was executed in Portland cement concrete, generally in the proportion of 1 part of cement,

2 parts of sand, and 4 of broken stone, and carried up in layers 6in. thick. In conclusion, the author stated that the water was extremely good; it was soft, and contained no ammonia or lime, the only ingredient being a minute quantity of common salt. Hitherto neither storage nor filtration had been thought necessary. The total of the several contracts amounted to £118,673. In addition, the Council had to pay for the preliminary surveys, _ the Customs’ duties of 11 per cent, ad valorem, on all imported ironwork, the freight and the cost of testing, &c.; against which there was a slight set-off for the sale of fittings. The total cost up to date had been £132,212.

THE WATER SUPPLY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The third paper was on “ The Water Supply of Peterborough,” by Mr. John Addy, M. Inst. C.E.

Previous to the incorporation of Peterborough in 1874, the Local Improvement Commissioners had been compelled, by frequent zymotic invasions, to consider the advisability of providing a supply of water of quality superior to that derived from.

Cm

Per cent max static load.

Time under stress.

Hard wire (unannealed).

95

80 days 35 days

17 months, unbroken 91 days Unbroken

90

85

80

75

70

65

60

55

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The Modern United States Lighthouse Lamp.—For a long time it was deemed impossible to use mineral oil in lighthouse lamps, and it is only recently that improvements in the burners have been made which render it available. We find in the Telegram of New York, an interesting account of the modern American lighthouse lamp. We quote:—“ A description of this first-order lamp, in this age of light and lightning, cannot fail to interest many. The reservoir, formerly above, is now under the lamp. It is a drum-shaped brass vessel, 14in. diameter, 18in. high, and contains 8J gallons of mineral oil. A plunger or piston, wound up by a crank, and a chain connected with a steel arbor, has a valve in the centre for admitting the oil. The weight of the descending plunger presses the oil beneath it, and forces it through a tube which leads to the float chamber, a small glass vessel, on a level with the burner, which it feeds in a uniform flow. The float is the invention of Mr. Funck, and passes every previous experiment for regulating the flow. Nothing could be more simple. It is a cone of light sheet brass, with a hole through its vertical axis. A strap or bridge at the vertex receives the threaded stem of a smooth little steel plug or valve. The stem has two vertical channels which insure

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the existing shallow wells. Immediately on obtaining their charter, the new corporation instituted an inquiry into the subject, which resulted in the choice of the Oolite limestone at Brace-borough as the fittest source of supply, and the author was instructed to prepare the necessary plans. The works so designed, and subsequently carried out, consisted of a well, duplicate pumping plant, a rising main, a reservoir, the supply main from the reservoir to Peterborough, and the distributing mains and services in the city. For the site of the well the corporation purchased two acres of land at Braceborough, and sinking commenced in February, 1877. For this purpose cast iron cylinders, 5|ft. in internal diameter, were put down in lengths of 7ft. to the so-called “water-rock,” when, at a depth of 50ft. from the surface, an abundant supply was reached. For the upper part of the well cylinders of larger diameter—7ft.—were used in lengths of 5ft. each, continued above the surface of the ground, and terminating in an iron dome, furnished with a manhole. The total cost of the well was £955 5s. The pumping station consisted of one block of buildings, containing the engine-house, boiler-house, and stores department, 114ft. 9in. in extreme length, and 44ft. in width, excluding the chimney shaft. It was erected by the contractor for the reservoir, and cost £5985 16s. 4d. Two beam engines were provided, each operating two pumps, and capable of delivering 750,000 gallons in twelve hours when working at a speed of eighteen revolutions per minute, that quantity being the daily supply required for an assumed population of 25,000, receiving 30 gallons a head. The engine cylinders were 32in. diameter, with a stroke of 6ft. The pumps, of the bucket and plunger type, were each 174in. in diameter, the plunger diameter being 12|in., with a stroke of 3ft. Steam was raised by two Galloway boilers, each 26ft. long and 7ft. in diameter. The contract for the supply and erection of the engines and pumps amounted to £9000. The pumps discharged into an 18in. delivery main of cast iron, which conveyed the water to the main supply pipe, also 18in. in diameter, at a distance of 1563 yards from the pumping station. The total length of the 18in. main was 20,532 yards. The pipes were laid in 12ft. lengths with bored and turned joints for the straight sections, the other lengths having the ordinary lead joint. To carry the water toihe actual centre of distribution at Westgate, a Biin. main, 2449 yards long, was used in extension of the 18in. main. The cost of the 18in. main, including laying, fittings, and compensation where it passed through private property, was £33,233 12s. 6d., and of the 16in. main £3223 0s. lOd. The reservoir was constructed on the summit of Obthorpe Hill, a rounded mass of Oxford clay, about 7 furlongs distant from the well. The site, which was at a greater elevation than any ground in the immediate neighbourhood, was 160'2 above Ordnance datum, and had been purchased by the corporation. The reservoir was partly above ground. It was rectangular in plan, the interior length being 120ft., with a breadth of 89ft. Bin., affording a storage capacity of about 1,000,000 gallons. It consisted of an inner shell of brickwork encased in concrete, and made water-tight by an outer shell of puddle. The roof consisted of segmental brick arches springing from 18in. transverse walls. The floor was of concrete coated with cement. A standpipe, 53ft. high, afforded an additional head when required. The level in the reservoir was shown in the engine-house by a telegraphic indicator. The cost of the reservoir was £7356 12s. 6d. For distribution within the city a total length of 43,393 yards of mains was laid, consisting of trunk, rider, branch, and service mains, and varying from 12in, to 4in. diameter. The cost of this system of piping was £16,654 Is. Id. A constant supply was afforded, and ample provision existed for rendering the water easily available in case of fire, as also for sanitary and other purposes. The corporation undertook the work of laying and fitting the house services as between the mains and the property of the consumers, the work upon the latter being executed by plumbers who were “authorised,” after signing an agreement, to work in accordance with regulations issued by the corporation. A detailed table of cost was given, from which it appeared that the total expenditure upon the scheme amounted to £87,568 4s., or about £4T27 per head within the municipal boundary; but this capitation was expected to be materially reduced when the outlying populations should avail themselves of the facilities afforded by the works for sharing in the benefits of a better water supply.

NOTE RELATING TO A PECULIARITY DISTINGUISHING ANNEALED FROM UNANNEALED IRON.*

By Prof. R. H. Thurston.

The writer has had occasion recently to study the effect of prolonged stress upon the various materials in common use in the arts, and, among others, upon the finer qualities of iron. The well-known experiment of Vicat, made half a century ago, had never, so far as the writer was aware, been repeated. The extreme importance of the results obtained by him had apparently not been realised by either physicists or engineers, and it seemed advisable that the experiment be repeated, and should the results obtained by Vicat.be again reached, that the attention of both scientific and practical men should be again called to the subject. The repetition of Vicat’s experiment has not only confirmed his conclusion, but has led to the discovery of a new and important, as well as peculiarly interesting, difference in the effect of prolonged stress upon annealed and unannealed iron. In the autumn of the year 1881 the writer procured two lots of the best Swedish iron wire from Mr. Wm. Hewitt, vice-president of the Trenton Iron and Steel Works, who very kindly had the wire drawn for the purpose. This wire was divided into two parts, one being carefully annealed, the other being left hard-drawn as it came from the blocks. These were tested in the usual way, and it was found that the hard wire had about double the strength of the soft. Nine pieces were taken from each reel for test under prolonged static stress and were suspended from hooks, in the study of the writer, attached to springs in order that the effect of jar should not enter into the experiment. They were then loaded with respectively, in each set, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55 per cent, of the average ultimate strength, as already determined. This was done in November, 1881. Since that date a number have broken, as follows:—

Effect of Prolonged Stress.—Swedish Iron Wire.

Soft (annealed).

8 minutes 5 minutes 1 day 266 days 17 days 455 days 455 days Unbroken

ii

Thus, wire loaded with but 60 per cent, of the breaking load, as usually determined, broke after being subjected to stress for a period of fifteen months when annealed, while hard wire carrying 85 per cent, of the maximum temporary load remains unbroken after seventeen months. It is seen that these results are the same in kind as those obtained by Vicat, and confirm the conclusion that heavily loaded iron, as well as other metals and the woods, are likely to yield ultimately under loads that are sustained for short periods of time without apparent injury. The fact has been amply proven by earlier investigators, as well as by the writer, but the difference, above observed, between hard and soft iron has, so far as the writer has been able to learn, never until now been discovered. Although the experiments, of which this is the first, are not yet concluded, this discovery, if such it prove, has seemed to be of sufficient importance to justify this note.

* From advance sheets of Science.

THE ENGINEER.

LETTEES TO THE EDIT0K.

[We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our correspondents. J

STRAINS ON SHEAR LEGS.

Sir,—I am much obliged for the replies to my queries about the necessary sizes of shear legs for definite loads, but these replies show that authors are far from agreed as to the proper proportions of such simple-looking structures as shear legs. “ E. M. R.” gives a full and clear demonstration of the problem, according to Trautwine, and the result does not differ much from Unwin’s, the timbers, being 14'7in. square, can be readily procured. Your other correspondent “ N. D. Y.” gives Stoney as his authority, and timbers 18in. to 20in. square as a result—that is 50 to 85 per cent, larger in section than given by “ E. M. R.,” and with this disadvantage, that such large sections of logs could not be had. It would appear that “ N. D. Y.” adds about 9 tons as the down haul stress on the legs. I cannot see how he arrives at this. It is usual to have sheave or pulley blocks used with such shear legs, and if there were four rising sheaves in the lower block the stress on the fall end of chain would be only 2J tons. If some readers would give particulars of examples that have come under their notice, specifying the loads lifted and section of legs, kind of timber used, formulae might be deduced that would be reliable.

Leith, June 4th.    Reader.

Sir,—I have read with much interest the letters of “E. M. R.” and “ N. D. Y.” in your last impression. They can know very little of the real use of shear legs or they would not suggest dimensions which are simply impracticable. I have lifted 14 tons dead weight with three ordinary larch scaffold poles about 9in. diameter at the butt and 20ft. long, and any one has who had much experience in moving heavy weights knows that the book rules are quite useless, but there is not one man in ten who knows how to put up and use a three-legs. It is an art in itself. I fear to make this letter longer or I might say a good deal on this point if your correspondents would care to hear it.    Foreman.

London, June 6th.    _

SIR EDWARD REED’S NEW SHIPS.

Sir,—Your sketches published in last week’s “Engineer” do not quite represent Sir Edward Reed’s idea as set forth in the Times. You will find an “ armour dome ” there spoken of, and I fancy it will turn out that the new ship is really a species of Popoffka with a light structure added fore and aft and all round. The idea is closely akin to one of the late John Elder’s, unless I am much mistaken. Perhaps some of your readers who know all about the circular ironclads can enlighten us.

Westminster, June 7th.

WATER SUPPLY OF SMALL TOWNS.

Sir,—We have noticed in your articles on “ Water Supply for Small Towns,” and therein describing the works at Congleton and Bradford, Wilts, that you give the names of one or two firms of contractors only in connection therewith, whereas there were several, as in both the above instances we contracted for and supplied all the sluice valves, air valves, hydrants, and other fittings required. Perhaps you may notice this.

Brighouse, June 12th.    J. Blakeborough and Sons.

TRIPLE EXPANSION ENGINES.

^ Sir,—In answer to your correspondent “A.” in your issue of last Friday, the boilers used with the three-cylinder expansion engines of the ordinary circular, multitubular, marine type, made to Lloyd’s present requirements. If it would interest your readers I could send you a tracing for illustration, or even send a complete boiler specification detailing the fittings.    A. Taylor.

25, Queen-street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, June 12th.

[We shall be pleased to receive the tracing in question.—Ed. E.]

The Value of Exhibitions as Aids to Engineering Progress. —At a meeting of the Society of Engineers held on Monday evening, June 4th, in the Society’s Hall, Westminster, Mr. Charles Gandon, vice-president, in the chair, a paper was read by Mr. Samson Barnett, jun., M.S.E., on “The Value of Exhibitions as Aids to Engineering Progress.” After pointing out that the amount of our exports in iron and machinery, and the number of patents taken out since the great Exhibition of 1851, had increased fivefold, the author said it was evident that enterprises that stimulated and trained the intellect both of manufacturers and chasers were necessitated by the continual improvements and processes of manufacture, and that the direct consultation of producers and consumers lessened the friction of business; important inventions were at once brought before those most interested in them; students could see theory reduced to practice, and at a single glance could grasp what in many cases elaborate drawings and deep reading would not convey.

sur-steady stream

and hold the float at a constant level. Briefly, when the oil enters the float chamber it lifts the float, and the point of it plugs the vent. The burner has seven concentric rings and five wicks, the outside wick being 4£in. diameter, and the inside one lT\in. The outside wick has two air spaces, and the seventh ring, or core of the flame, is a conical tube for a central current of air. Outside the burner are two perforated jackets, the inner holes oblique to the outer, to equalise and control the supply of air. Five ratchets and pinions, worked by buttons, raise and lower the wicks. The wicks are trimmed by wiping off the crust -with a rag. The chimney is of the brass-bound order, 5£in. at the base, with obtuse shoulder, and 18in. high. Clasping the top of this is the damper tube, of copper, and of conico-funnel shape, passing up through the piece of the magnificent lens, which, with its annular prisms and dioptric zones of French glass, surrounds the whole, as with a crystal. cloak, from floor to ceiling. If the damper tube were cylindrical, the too rapid rarefaction of the air would unsteady flame. The damper, which cuts off surplus draught and insures adequate combustion, is worked by a handle and cog-wheels. The difference between lard and kerosene oils is thus shown : The lard gives an illumination of 400 sperm candles ; the kerosene gives 425. The consumption of lard was one quart per hour; kerosene, two quarts. The cost of the lard this year is 82 cents per gallon; of kerosene only 17 cents. The heat thrown out by the first order lamp may be inferred when the normal temperature was 60 deg.; at 4ft. from the lamp the thermometer stood at 85 deg. The lard was liable to coagulation; the mineral is ever limpid.

Examination of Local Surveyors and Inspectors of Nuisances.—At an examination by the Sanitary Institute of Great Britain, June 7th and 8th, ten candidates presented themselves. The institute’s certificate of competency to discharge the duties of local surveyors was awarded to P. F. Comber and E. G. Mawbey, and the institute’s certificate of competency to discharge the duties of inspectors of nuisances was awarded to W. Dent, S. Edmondson, W. Hearne, G. Johnson, A. W. Merrie. and S. F. Wells.

How a Locomotive was Raised from a River.—The Elevated Railroad Journal relates how the feat of raising a huge freight engine from the mud in Bush River, on the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad, below Havre de Grace, was successfully accomplished a few days ago. The engine fell through the drawbridge some time ago. The difficulties of the feat may be imagined when it is understood that the engine was several feet below the water’s surface, and completely buried in the mud. The wreckers have been at work a week, the first thing accomplished being the placing of heavy chains beneath the great mass of iron. Two divers, sent down for the purpose, were compelled to dig several feet under the soft mud at the bottom of the river. The chains were made taut to four heavy scows, which were filled with water at low tide. Everything being satisfactory, the pumped out of the scows, thus tightening the chains about the engine. When the tide began to rise, the engine was pulled a few feet from the mud. Then other scows were brought, and when the tide was again low, water was pumped in and the chains fastened to them. The tide went up again, and so did the engine, which came to the surface. After this had been repeated a number of times, the engine was swinging clear of the water, and was then placed on a large float, only slightly damaged, and wanting but few repairs to make it as good as before its tumble into the river. The railroad will now take charge of its fished-up property, and tow it to the river bank near the railroad track. To that point, when the tide is high, a temporary track will be built connecting with the railroad, and when the tide has fallen sufficiently to place the wheels of the engine on a level with the temporary structure, the engine will then be run on the wharf and to the main track. It will be taken to Wilmington and repaired; it cost 1000 dols. to fish the engine out.

The Gas Institute.—The twentieth annual general meeting of the Gas Institute commenced at Firth College, Sheffield, on Tuesday, Mr. Roberts Ormiston Paterson in the chair. The president, in his opening address, referred to the recent International Exhibition at the Crystal Palace as having shown of what development gas was capable. As Mr. Paterson was referring to lighting, the reference was, we fear, rather unfortunate for the gas, for if that exhibition was supposed to show to what extent gas could go, then it must be said “ save us in some places from gas.” Mr. Paterson thought, however, that if that display had preceded the electric light exhibition it would have prevented the ruinous launching of gas stock upon the market by timid owners which then took place. The practical failure of the electric light up to the present time as a competitor with coal gas had operated potently in favour of the latter; but while gas had a successful history in the past, there were indications that the future would bring with it far severer trials than anything it had yet experienced. It appeared to him that the events of the past year had brought about a crisis in their history, and that unless they took the tide at the flood they must sooner or later give place to others. The claims of vested interest, which at one time were considered sacred, were no longer so. The Electric Lighting Act passed since their last annual meeting might be instanced as a striking example of the spirit of the times. In face of the almighty power of the popular cry, “ The greatest good for the greatest number,” no property was quite safe now-a-days, least of all gas property. The president, in conclusion—who, like so many gas engineers when dealing with the electric light, seems to have become enthusiastically pugnacious—stated that “with regard to the electric light, Parliament had invited electricians to lay siege to them, but they did not advance. The gas manufacturers waited their attack, and when they did come the electricians must be prepared to meet a well-equipped and stubborn foe. The gas interest would not yield one inch to them. If the electricians sought for it they might find a place for themselves.” This, some electricians say, is found, namely, interior illumination; while gas will do for streets and for cooking.

Launches.—On Thursday, the 7th inst., the s.s. Lincoln was taken on her trial trip off Withernsea. This is the second vessel completed this year for the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway Company’s service from Grimsby to the Continent, by Messrs. Earle’s Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Limited, Hull. The dimensions are as follows:—length, p.p. 250ft.; beam, 32ft.; depth of hold, 16ft. The engines are inverted compound surface-condensing, of 185N.H.P. The mean speed obtained on the measured mile was 12| knots. On Saturday, the 9th inst., the s.s. Bolama, the first of three steamers building for the Em-preza Nacional—of Lisbon—line of steamers, was also tried on the measured mile at Withernsea. This vessel is intended for the mail service between the Cape Yerde Islands and Bolama, a port on the west coast of Africa. The dimensions are as follows:—Length p.p. 180ft. ; breadth, 26ft. ; depth of hold, 13ft. Gin. The engines compound inverted surface-condensing, of 90 N.H.P. The speed obtained on the mile was llj- knots. This vessel has been built by Messrs. Earle’s Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Limited, Hull. On Wednesday morning, Messrs. Robt. Thompson and Sons launched from their Southwick yard an iron screw steamer, 250ft. by 34ft. by 24|ft. depth to spar deck, the fourth they have built for Cie Havraise Peninsulaire de Navigation a Vapeur, Havre, under Lloyd’s special survey for the highest class, and French Veritas. The engines, of 160-horse power, to be fitted by Mr. Geo. Clark, Southwick. On Tuesday, the 5th, the Barrow Shipbuilding Company launched from their yard the s.s. Takapuna, for the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand. Her dimensions are as follows:—220ft. between perpendiculars; breadth, moulded, 32ft.; depth of hold, 17ft. 6in.; class 100 A 1 at Lloyd’s. She will have a pair of compound surface condensing engines, and is expected to steam the high speed of 15 knots. The Palmer Shipbuilding and Iron Company, Jarrow, launched their five-hundredth iron screw steamer last week from the stocks in the Jarrow yard, in the presence of a numerous company. The five-hundredth steamer is named the Linares, and is built to the order of Messrs. Scott Brothers, of Newcastle, and forms the fourth steamer built by the Palmer Company, for the same owners. Her dimensions are:—Length, 275ft.; breadth, 36ft.; depth of hold, 18ft.; carrying capacity, 2270 tons dead weight. She is classed 100 A1 at Lloyd’s, having been built under special survey. The Newcastle Chronicle says:— “ The ceremony of naming the s.s. Linares was performed by Miss Scott, daughter of Mr. Fife Scott, one of the managing After the launch the company adjourned to the general manager’s office, where an elegant table was laid out. The chair was occupied by Mr. Geo. R. Palmer, in the absence from ill-health of Mr. John Price, the general manager. The chairman, in proposing ‘ Success to the good vessel s.s. Linares, and the health of Miss Scott, who had so successfully and gracefully launched it,’ said he gave the toast, with peculiar and more than ordinary pleasure on that occasion, owing to the fact that the Linares was the five-hundredth vessel launched by the firm since its establishment in 1852 by his father. He looked upon the ceremony as marking an epoch in the history of the Palmer Shipbuilding and Iron Company, and seeing that he was present at the launch of the first steamer—the John Bowes—which was launched from where the smith’s forge was now, he had peculiar and great pleasure in being present that day, and in proposing the toast. In connection with the toast, he had to ask Miss Scott to accept a small present as a souvenir of the interesting day, and for the kindly and graceful way in which she performed the ceremony of christening the s.s. Linares. Mr. Palmer then handed Miss Scott a beautiful and valuable gold bracelet in a case.

armour.

the coroner would have been better advised bad be either contented himself with the assistance of the Board of Trade officer, or had engaged an independent engineer having no connection whatever with boiler insurance companies or associations. In the interests of the public it is most desirable that investigations of this nature should be conducted with all possible fairness.

From the evidence of the several witnesses, it appears that the boiler in question — the right furnace crown of which had collapsed — was the second in a range of four, and was of the ordinary Lancashire type, 36ft. long and 7ft. diameter, with flue tubes 2ft. 11 £in. diameter; the thickness of the shell plates was Min-, and those of the flues iVn- The end plates were -fgin. thick, supported by longitudinal and gusset stays. The flues were stiffened by having two angle iron hoops rivetted around the left flue, and two similar hoops had also been rivetted round the right flue, but the upper half of the hoop nearest to the front end of the latter had been removed. The boiler was provided with a pressure gauge, one water-gauge glass, two safety-valves, and the other mountings common to boilers of this kind. The working pressure was 44 lb. per square inch, and the boiler was insured by the Boiler Insurance and Steam Power Company, Limited, Manchester, to work at a pressure of 45 lb. The boiler was extensively and substantially repaired a few weeks since, and during these repairs it waa partially examined by the inspector of the Boiler Insurance Company. On the 29th ultimo, after completion of the repairs, and before the blow-off pipe, the feed pipe, and the water-gauge fittings were attached, he made an entire examination of it, and from the report sent to the firm it appears the boiler was then found to be in a generally satisfactory condition. It was put to work on the afternoon of the 31st, but owing to one of the steam joints on the top giving way, the fires had to be drawn, steam let down, and the joint re-made, after which steam was again raised, and the boiler coupled with the others, but in a few hours afterwards the crown of the right furnace collapsed to the level of the bars, rending the plates through the line of rivets at the second and third circular seams. On examining the boiler after the explosion, the top passage to the water gauge was found to be partially choked with deposit, and there had been considerable leakage at the joint of the blow-off pipe, which was not detected until after the accident.

There was no doubt in the minds of the scientific witnesses as to the cause of the explosion ; the colour of the plates, the form they had taken, the deep impression made on the crown plates of the right furnace by the brickwork of the bridge as the plate came down upon it, and the fact that the crown of the left furnace was also depressed at one part to the extent of 2|in., all pointed clearly to shortness of water, whilst the crown of the right furnace giving way before that of the left, is accounted for by the boiler having been set so that the former was l|in. higher than the latter, and would consequently be a longer time exposed to the heat. It appears that the stoker was a steady man and attentive to his duties. He may possibly have been deceived, however, with regard to the water level as shown by the gauge, the passage to which, as stated above, appears to have been obstructed.

The jury apparently considered that no blame was attachable to any person, for after a short deliberation they returned a verdict of “ accidental death,” without any remark as to the cause of the accident, there being not sufficient evidence to show in what manner the boiler had become short of water.

THE ROYAL SOCIETY SOIREE.

The conversazione of the Royal Society, to which ladie3 are invited, was given last week, on the evening of the 6th June, and was numerously attended. In the unavoidable absence of the president, Dr. Spottiswoode, who was unwell, the visitors were received by Mr. John Evans, D.C.L., LL.D., treasurer and vice-president. Room V. contained the chief objects of interest, and amongst them were new forms of electric shunts, contributed by the President for Use with currents of high tension and large quantity, such as are produced from an induction coil excited by an alternating current; and of especial historical interest were the original telephone of Philipp Reis, modelled on the human ear, dated 1861; the original telephone shown by Philipp Reis to the Physical Society of Frankfort-on-tlie-Main, October 26th, 1861 ; and an original telephone of Philipp Reis, with its receiver, dated 1863 — these were shown by Professor S. P. Thompson. A rain - band spectroscope and a star spectroscope with universal slip, and an Academy camera, were among the novelties provided by Mr. John Browning, Messrs. Tisley and Co. exhibited Maxwell’s mechanical model for illustrating the production of induction currents. A very interesting contribution, provided by Sir Joseph Hooker, director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, were garlands from the tombs of Rameses II., Amenhotep I., and Aahmes I, (1000-1500 B.c.) Some of them are formed of leaves of Mimusops Schimperi and petals of Nymphaea ocerulea and Nymphaea Lotus, sewn together with fibres of date-leaf ; others of leaves of Salix Safras, with pods and flowers of Acacia nilotica, Sesbania Egyptiaca, and Carthamus tinctorius, and petals of Aloea ficifolia. They were sent to this country by Dr. Schweinfurth, of Cairo, The buds and flowers of the Nymphaea, though for the most part brown, still retain an appreciable quantity of colour, which is easily recognisable even after the lapse of so many centuries. Two most excellent medallion portraits in copper were also shown, by Sir Joseph Hooker, of Admiral Sir James Ross, R.A., F.R.S., and Sir John Richardson, C.B., M.D., F.R.S. Near them were a number of water-colour drawings by Mr. Geo. Barnard, and exhibited by him. In two rooms there were exhibited a number of excellent photographic landscapes and studies by Vernon Heath, of Piccadilly, and large photographs from modern paintings, published by the Berlin Photographic Company, and sent to the exhibition by Mr. Gerson, of Rathbone-place. In Room IV. were shown a large number of drawings and sketches taken during a few months’ visit to the North American States and return by Canada and Nova Scotia by the artist, Mr. Alexander Blaikley, of Edith-road, West Kensington ; and in Room II. were some interesting astronomical views, lent by Dr. C. J. B. Williams, one of the oldest living members of the Society, of the comet of 1882, as seen from Cannes on October 21st and November 21st.; and a telescopic view of the transit of Venus at sunset over the mountains of the Esterels, at Cannes. In this room also were shown specimens < f iron ores from Shetland and Devonshire, exhibited by Sir Francis Knowles, F.R.S.

On Tuesday last the coroner for the Barnsley district held an adjourned inquiry concerning the deaths of two men who were

injured by the explosion of a steam boiler which occurred at ^    . .

the Paper Works of Mr. Thomas Marsden, Smithies, near Metropolitan Sewage Discharge.-The Royal Commission on

Barnsley, on the morning of the 1st inst. The coroner was    ™a ♦“ rli wLteill PreSni

assisted in his investigation by Mr Ramsay, from the Board of ^rd^BramVell, F.R.S.’, in the chair, Sir’John Coode, Colonel trade office, and Mr. Waugh, chief engineer of the Yorkshire C. B Ewart, O.B., R.E., Professor A. W. Williamson, F.R.S., Boiler Insurance Company, Limited, w'as engaged by the coroner Dr. de Chaumont, F.R.S., Dr. Stevenson, Mr. James Abernethy, as an independent witness. The boiler, however, being F.R.S.E., and Dr. W. Pole, F.R S., secretary. Further evidence insured with another company, we should ourselves consider that ‘ was given on the part of the Metropolitan Board of Works,

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COMPOUND ARMOUR PLATES AT SPEZIA.

The following conclusions from the results of further experiments at Spezia with pieces of the steel and compound plates fired at last autumn with the 100-ton gun are translated from the Revista Marittima, May, 1883:—

From the experiments made at Spezia in March last against fragments of Schneider 48 cm. armour plates, it might be concluded that the metal behaves under test in an analogous manner to wrought iron, which at first was generally adopted for The resistance to penetration in these plates is gradual, and in the metal which surrounds the point of impact there almost always appears a swelling with a versed sine in proportion to the quantity of metal of the projectile which has penetrated. Moreover, the cracks which result from the shot all present a radial aspect due to the wedging action of the projectile, and these cracks, in the case of great penetration, develope also in the direction of the axis of the projectile, and result in a force tending to open the plate in the direction of the point struck. The penetrations obtained in the trials are somewhat remarkable, although inferior to those which would have happened to rolled iron plates, for which, according to the Muggiano formula, should have shown the guns of 15 and 25 No. 1, a result between 23 and 24 and 32 and 33 cm. respectively.

It is true, however, when treating of fragments already damaged by previous shots from the 45 cm. gun, and struck at times at points presenting a great deficiency of resistance, either through want of support or from pre-existing cracks, such blows should not be reckoned; but we must consider that other shots have been fired against blocks in a good state of resistance, and of such relative sizes as to retain the proportion of weight between the 45 cm. projectile and the entire plate as tested in November last. In such a case the shot may be said to be sufficiently significant. At any rate, the continual occurrence of such phenomena, and their resemblance to those at Ochta, Gavre, and at Shoeburyness, give much weight to the information now collected. With these premises the experiments indicate that in firing against Schneider plates, projectiles of 15 cm. had about an average penetration of 94 mm., and projectiles of 25 cm., No. 1, a penetration of 163 mm. The behaviour of the compound is very different from that of the Schneider plates ; the hardness and the special tenacity of the steel-faced stratum tends to produce the breaking up of the most resisting projectiles, so that the resistance to the shot, instead of being gradual, may be considered almost instantaneous.

The penetration is, therefore, much less than in the Schneider plates, and if we omit the blows upon points already much weakened, and by way of compensation those made with experimental projectiles, which were too weak in proportion to their energy, the average penetration is found to be 58 mm. for the 15a R.C. gun, and 74 mm. for the 25 gun, or 27 and 50 per cent, respectively less than in Schneider’s. Nor do these figures fully represent the advantages as to penetration that may be expected from compound plates, since there is still included in the calculation the shot with the 25 gun against the Cammell fragment, in which, besides being excessively weakened, there was at the point struck a diminution of almost 4 cm. in the thickness of steel.

Excluding the result of the 25 cm. No. 1 gun, the average penetration against the composite plates was barely 58 mm., or the same as with the 15 cm. gun. This is remarkable, since it seems to indicate that in the composite plates the penetration remains always almost nil, whatever be the calibre of the projectile. The superiority of resistance of the compound plates depends certainly upon the high degree of hardness of their face, and it would appear it is not yet known how this can be given to hammered armour. But this excessive hardness would become a defect if there were not a stratum of rolled iron underneath. In fact with plates of one metal only, whenever a very hard quality is chosen the penetration of the projectile is diminished; but, on the other hand, most serious consequences arise by having too brittle armour. If, on the other hand, the metal is soft, much greater local effects are produced. For the plate of one metal only, the question is therefore reduced to finding a maximum limit of hardness compatible with a structure which is not brittle. The data that we have up to the present time are not sufficient for judging whether this limit was arrived at with the experimental Schneider plates, but we may assume with some foundation that it was not far off, since in all the blows struck it was remarked that the plates continued to crack for some minutes after the shots, an internal crackling being heard, and at intervals those metallic sounds which denote the process of separation of the metal.

The cracks in the case of composite differ considerably from those of the Schneider armour, Besides those in radial directions there were sometimes circular cracks, having their centre at the point of impact analogous to those produced in a vitreous mass when struck. These cracks by vibrations are, however, very slight, and are only found in the steel. The only case in which a compound plate cracked completely was when,being imperfectly supported, it was subjected to a powerful bending force. One last remark seems necessary as to the bruising effects of firing upon armour plates of varying degrees of hardness. The method of fastening the plate contributes in no slight degree to modify the resistance that it presents to the effects of bruising. A plate of hard metal supported on a yielding backing is under very inferior conditions for resisting the force of the projectile to those of a plate of some non-ductile metal fixed in the same way. The former when not fastened in a rigid manner, if struck by a projectile, will be subject to a bending force tending to its fracture, and proportional to the distance between the point of impact and the edge of the plate. In the case of armour plates of large dimensions not fixed in rigidly, whenever the blow takes place towards the centre the force we have mentioned is very considerable. This is why the Experimental Commission has wisely proposed a blow in the centre as a test for the reception of the compound plate. With a more malleable metal the reaction of the plate upon a pliable backing would, to an extent, do away with the bruising power of the blow. This difference in the behaviour of plates of different hardness depending upon the special manner in which they are fixed, has no importance for plates intended for ships, since in this case the system of support may be considered as perfectly rigid, and therefore absolutely favourable to compound armour.

BOILER EXPLOSION NEAR BARNSLEY.

JAMES EDWARD McCONNELL.

We announce with much regret the death of Mr. J. E. McConnell, which took place at Great Missenden, Bucks, on the 11th inst. Mr. McConnell’s nameis inseparably connected with the history of the locomotive, and his loss has deprived us of another of those men to whom the world owes a great deal, and whose presence carried the minds of the younger generation of engineers back to the past, when difficulties were overcome of which the existing generation can form but an inadequate idea.

Mr. McConnell was born in 1815, and served his apprenticeship to Messrs. Girdwood and Co., of Glasgow, and became there a competent workman. He was subsequently appointed foreman in the shops of Messrs. Bury, Curtis, and Co., of Liverpool, where he may be said to have made his first practical acquaintance with the construction of the locomotive. We next find him with Messrs. Vernon and Co,, of Liverpool; and he was subsequently manager of a machine shop in Manchester.

In 1842, when he was but twenty-seven, his railway career began. In that year he was appointed locomotive superintendent of the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway, which he held until 1847, when he was made locomotive superintendent of the Southern Division of the London and North-Western Railway, which responsible post he filled for fifteen years—that is to say, up to 1862, when he retired from railway life, and thence up to the time of his death took private practice as a consulting engineer, He was elected an associate of the Institution in March, 1845, and was transferred to the class of member in February, 1851. He was one of the founders of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Mr. McConnell gave much attention to the introduction of coal as a locomotive fuel, and the peculiar type of double furnace boiler which he designed is well known. The Chronicle of March the 13th, 1862, contains the following account of the presentation of a testimonial to Mr. McConnell on his retirement from the London and North-Western Railway :—.

“ The officers and workmen employed in the locomotive department of the London and North-Western Railway have just presented a handsome testimonial to their late superintendent, upon his retirement from office. The testimonial consists of an elegant and massive silver 6pergne or candelabrum with cut-glass centre dish for flowers, and six branches supporting cut-glass dishes, which may be removed for the purpose of holding candles. . The stem represents the vine with leaves and grapes, beautifully modelled and arranged; the base is triangular; on one compartment is engraved the inscription as given herewith; in the second the arms, crest, and motto of Mr. McConnell; and on the third a locomotive engine and tender, being a correct representation of one belonging to the London and North-Western Railway Company. The candelabrum stands upon a very massive silver-ted plateau, with vine ornaments. The other part of the testimonial consists of a pair of very elegant silver flower stands, with cut-glass dishes, to match with the centre piece, each engraved with the arms, crest, and motto of Mr. McConnell. The following is the inscription :—‘Presented to James Edward McConnell, Esq., C.E., by the officers and workmen employed in the locomotive department of the Southern Division of the London and North-Western Railway, upon his retirement from the office of superintendent, as a testimonial of the regard and esteem in which he is held, and of their grateful appreciation of the great interest he has invariably taken in their welfare.—Wolver-ton, March 8, 1862.’ This was accompanied by an appropriate address, bearing 1966 signatures. On the occasion of the presentation, which took place at Wolverton, the meeting was presided over by the rural dean, the Rev. R. M. Russell. In the course of the various speeches delivered allusions were made to the labours of Mr. McConnell for the welfare of the workmen under his charge, and their wives and families, by the establishment of schools, classes, and other educational means, the erection of churches, the foundation of a savings bank, a sick and benefit society, and other local institutions, amongst which, and not the least important, was the Mechanics’ Institution, the foundation stone of which was laid in May last in the presence of the directors and principal officers of the company by his Grace the Duke of Sutherland.”

ENGLISH’S BORING MACHINE.

At page 456 we illustrate the boring machine used in the Channel Tunnel. The engraving is copied from a photograph, placed at our disposal by Mr. Thomas English, the patentee of the invention. It is an improvement on a modification of Beaumont’s tunnelling machine, patented in December, 1875. In that machine a revolving head fitted with cutters is used, and the English patent has for its object means for mounting firmly the revolving head, and of effecting its step-by-step advance a3 the excavation proceeds. The main framing of. the machine consists of two parts. The under frame or bed is of trough-like form, fitting the lower part of the circular tunnel, and having at its upper edges suitable guides parallel.to the axis of the tunnel, along which the upper part of the fr aming is fitted to slide longitudinally. On the upper frame the axis of the boring head is mounted in bearings with gearing and an engine worked by compressed air, so as to cause the boring head to revolve slowly. The axis of the boring head extending backwards, is made tubular and fitted with a piston, the rod of which projects backwards and i3 fixed at its end to the under frame or bed. An air engine works hydraulic pumps, whose throw can.be varied at will, forcing water into the hollow axis of the boring head through a channel provided within the piston-rod, and thus causing it to advance while it revolves. When it has advanced as far as the length of the guides permits, the gearing by which it is revolved is disconnected from the engine, its axis is relieved from the hydraulic pressure, and by means of four hydraulic jacks projecting down from the upper framing and made to bear against the lower part of the tunnel, the whole machine is slightly raised. The waterunder pressure is then admittedinto the annular space round the piston-rod, and while the upper frame remains stationary the under frame or bed is caused to advance under it, after which the lifting jacks being relieved from pressure allow the bed to take its bearing in its advanced position, and the boring head is again put in motion forwards. The boring head consists of two strong radial arms projecting in opposite directions from the axis, each arm having through it a number of cylindrical holes to receive tool holders which are clamped therein by keys, and any of which can be withdrawn backwards for the purpose of repairing or replacing their tools. The cutting tools arranged as to cut concentric annular chases in the face of the rock, leaving between them narrow portions of the material which can be readily broken away, or which crumble away while the machine is at work. Within the trough hollow of the bed are arranged inclined worms which cause the excavated material to travel backwards and upwards, so that it i3 delivered behind the machine into trucks, by which it is removed from the tunnel.

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FOREIGN AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF THE ENGINEER.

mm-

lliF

D. N. W.

J. G. N.

Delta.

England?

Blackburn, June 7th.

any

W. D. G.

£0 14s. 6 d. £1 9s. Od.

The

If the

FOREIGN AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF THE ENGINEER.

PARIS.—Madame Boyveau, Rue de la Banque.

BERLIN.—Asher and Co., 5, Unter den Linden.

VIENNA.—Messrs. Gerold and Co., Booksellers.

LEIPSIC.—A. Twietmeyer, Bookseller.

NEW YORK.—The Willmer and Rogers News Company, 31, Beekman-street.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*** In order to avoid trouble and confusion, we find it necessary to inform correspondents that letters of inquiry addressed to the public, and intended for insertion in this column, must, in all cases, be accompanied by a large envelope legibly directed by the writer to himself, and bearing a Id. postage stamp, in order that answers received by us may be forwarded to their destination. No notice will be taken of communications which do not comply with these instructions.

*** We cannot undertake to return dr a,wings or manuscripts; we must therefore request correspondents to keep copies.

*** All letters intended for insertion in The Engineer, or containing questions, must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but as a proof of good faith. No notice whatever will be taken of anonymous communications.

H. B.— We fancy that Mr. D. K. Clark's “ Rules, Tables, and Memoranda for Engineers," will answer your purvose We are not aware of the existence of any book by which you could unaided teach yourself high mathematics.

DIAL TELEGRAPH CASTINGS.

{To the Editor of The Engineer.)

Sir,—Can any reader tell me where I can obtain castings for making dial telegraphs of the ABC type ?

Clonmel, Ireland, June 12th.

STONE DREDGING MACHINE.

{To the Editor of The Engineer.)

Sir,—Can any reader give me the name of a maker of powerful dredges which will tear up a rocky river bed and so deepen it ?

Barcelona, June 6th.

CONTINUOUS LEAD PIPING.

{To the Editor of The Engineer.)

Sir,—I shall be obliged to any of your readers who will give me the name of makers of machinery for squirting lead piping? J. E. N. Barcelona, June 6th.

THE HEATING OF SOLENOIDS.

(To the Editor of The Engineer.)

Sir,—Can any reader tell me whether the heating of solenoid coils properly made is or is not alone due to the heating of the core ?

London, June 13th.

HORSESHOE MAGNETS.

(To the Editor of The Engineer.)

Sir,—I should be greatly obliged if any of your subscribers could inform me, or direct me where I could be informed, as to the cheapest and best way of manufacturing in quantity small horseshoe and bar permanent magnets. I believe some firms make them so strong as to lift ten times their own weight, and I should like to obtain this result if possible. Could they tell me who are the best makers of celluloid in

Omicron.

SEPARATING FIBRE FROM COTTON-SEED CAKE.

(To the Editor of The Engineer.)

Sir,—I should be glad if any of your readers would kindly tell me what kind of machine is used by oilcake manufacturers for separating the fibre from the cotton-seed. I think they have a machine into which they throw cotton-seed, &c., and grind it down fine, and then separate the fibre by putting the whole thing into water and letting the seed and dust settle. Would such a process do for separating the cotton-seed and dust from the cotton refuse from the openers at the mills, or is there any special machine for this purpose ? I should be thankful for information as to cost, out-turn, horse-power required, weight, <fcc.

Liverpool, June Iltli.

SUBSCRIPTIONS.

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ADVERTISEMENTS.

*** The charge for Advertisements of four lines and under is three shillings ; for every two lines afterwards one shilling and sixpence; odd lines are charged one shilling. The line averages seven words. When an advertisement measures an inch or more the charge is ten shillings per inch. All single advertisements from the country must be accompanied by a post-office order in payment. Alternate advertisements will be inserted with all practical regularity, but regularity cannot be guaranteed in any such case. All except weekly advertisements are taken subject to this condition.

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Letters relating to Advertisements and the Publishing Department of the

paper are to be addressed to the Publisher, Mr. George Leopold Riche ; all

other letters to be addressed to the Editor of The Engineer, 163, Strand.

MEETING NEXT WEEK.

Chemical Society.—Thursday, June 21st, at 8 pm.: Ballot for the election of Fellows. “On Evaporation in Vacuo,” by Professor H. M'Leod, F.R.S. “Note on Hydrocarbons from Camphor;” “Note on some Substitution Derivatives of Camphor,” by Professor H. E. Armstrong, F.R.S. “On the Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate: an Investigation into the Rate of Chemical Changes,” by Mr. V. H. Veley.

The Meteorological Society.—Wednesday, June 20th, at 7 p.m., the following papers will be read:—“ On the Structure of the Ice-Cloud Disposed in Threads Proposed to be Called ‘ Cirro-filum,’ ” by the Rev. W. Clement Ley, M.A , F.M.S. “ Notes on a Second Series of Experiments on the Distribution of Pressure upon Flat Surfaces Perpendicularly Exposed to the Wind,” by Richard H. Curtis, F.M.S. “On the Reduction of Wind Records,” by the Hon. Ralph Abercromby, F.M.S. “ Spectroscope as an Aid to Forecasting Weather," by Mr. Frederic W. Cory, M.R.C.S., F.M.S. “ Note on River Temperatures as Compared with Air Temperatures at Greenwich and Bremen,” by Mr. Robert H. Scott, M.A., F.R.S. “On the Influence of the Moon on the Height of the Barometer within the Tropics,” by Mr. Robert Lawson, Inspector-General of Hospitals,

DEATH.

On the 11th inst., at the Woodlands, Great Missenden, Bucks, Mr. Hws Bpwabd MoCoiwm, C.E., J,P,, in bis 08th year.

THE ENGINEER.

JUNE 15, 1883.

THE VENTILATION OF THE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT RAILWAY.

It may be regarded as settled that the ventilators erected by the Metropolitan District Railway Company in Westminster and London are to be removed. The railway company will have to adopt some other means of securing the objects to attain which the “ blow-holes,” as they have not inaptly been termed, were constructed. Although public opinion seems to be unanimous in condemning the railway company and rejoicing in its defeat, we have noticed in one quarter a certain desire to make out that the railway company has been badly treated; and it has been urged that the real sufferers will be not the railway company, but the hundreds of thousands of passengers carried over its lines. On this point we think it well that no false sentiment should find expression. The ventilators are not gone yet, and it is an old aphorism, the value of which has always been fully appreciated by railway companies, that possession is nine points of the law. The Dictrict Company is in possession of the ventilators, and no doubt before they are demolished a fervent appeal will be made for their preservation, on the score of the benefit they confer on passengers. It is as well that the facts should be kept perfectly clear. It is to be borne in mind that we have already put them before the world, and that our assertions have never been contradicted. Nor can it be urged that what we have said did not obtain sufficient notoriety. Our words were quoted in Parliament as an argument against the ventilators, and were suffered to pass uncontradicted. We re-assert now that the ventilators have been put in by the railway company in the hope of getting rid by their aid of some of the steam discharged into the tuunel by the locomotives which do not carry cold water enough for condensing purposes; and nothing that the company can do if the ventilators are closed will get over this difficulty, save providing more cold water.

It may be taken as proved that a railway company never does anything out of sheer good nature. It has been forced on the attention of directors that good accommodation attracts traffic, and that handsome, roomy carriages, smooth roads, high speeds, and commodious stations are all excellent investments, companies did not know this, the travelling public would have a great deal about which to complain. The ventilators on the Embankment and in Queen Yictoria-street have cost, in one way or another, a large sum of money; but it would be a mistake to suppose that this outlay has been incurred solely to please those who use the District Railway. Some time ago it was stated at a shareholders’ meeting that people avoided the railway because the ventilation was so bad; and it has been held by many persons that the ventilators were put in in order to satisfy the public that the ventilation of the line was so much improved that a trip from the Mansion House to Victoria became a species of pleasure excursion. It is easy to see, however, that nothing can possibly be done in the way of boring holes in the tunnel that would render the atmosphere clear and sweet; and the probability is that the existence or non-existence of the ventilators does not make the difference of one penny in the receipts of the railway company. We have already explained that the true reason why the ventilators have been put in, is because clouds of steam obscure the tunnel from the Mansion House to the Temple, and the chances that an accident may occur when signals cannot be seen until the engines are beside them are of course very considerable. If the engines did not give out steam in the tunnel nothing would have been heard from the railway company concerning foul air.

It remains to be seen what will be done when the ventilators are shut up. The company has so persistently decried its own work, and so thoroughly denounced the character of the atmosphere which it provides for its customers, that it cannot now leave matters as they are. It cannot eat its own words. It is consequently bound to ameliorate matters to some extent. Probably the improvement will be confined to the taking in of a fresh supply of water at Kensington. There is a junction there, and trains to the City usually wait from one to two minutes. It would not be difficult to make arrangements by which a couple of tons at all events of heated water might be discharged from the tanks and replaced by cold water during the short interval we have named. By this means the steam in the tunnel difficulty would be effectually obviated. The engines making the Earl’s Court trip might fill up at Earl’s Court, which they do not do now. The company’s bill for water would no doubt be augmented, but this seems to be unavoidable, so long as the present absurdly heavy rolling stock is retained. A considerable improvement might be effected in the condition of the atmosphere if the company resorted to the use of well washed coke absolutely free from sulphur. For a long time past only Welsh coal has been burned on the Metropolitan lines; and while we do not dispute its purity or excellence, yet we must insist that coal never did, and never will, give so clean and pure a heat as coke. With this last the presence of soot and sulphur ought to be quite unknown in the tunnel; but it is impossible to burn coal without the evolution of sulphurous acid gas and ammonia, both of which are far more distressing to the traveller than carbonic acid or oxide gas. It may be worth while too, to point out that analyses of the air within the tunnel may be extremely misleading. Thus no one passing through the tunnel on the foot-plate of an engine, with the trailing end of the engine running first, would imagine that the air is very bad. The passengers are immersed in the torrent of products of combustion poured forth by the engine, and hardly diluted at all. If the sample of gas for analysis were collected in a carriage while the train was running, the truth would be reached;

but it is inaccessible while the chemist has to deal with samples taken in the tunnel long after a train has passed, and when dilution is complete. If the company obstinately adheres to a scant water supply and coal as fuel, but one resource remains open, namely, the use of fan ventilation; and probably it might be as well if it turned its attention to this expedient without further delay.

CONTINUOUS BRAKES IN AUSTRALIA.

We have received from Melbourne a copy of a very curious Government paper. It appears that continuous brakes—at all events in two forms—have reached Victoria, and for some months past the Westinghouse automatic and Woods’ automatic hydraulic brake have been on trial on the railroads of Victoria. A Board was appointed to test and report on the merits and demerits of both brakes, and the document to which we refer is this report, and the minutes of the evidence taken; and we call it a curious document, because the verdict pronounced by the Board is flatly opposed to the evidence. The investigation, so far as we can gather, seems to have been very searching and complete. Not only were trials carried out of the kind so well known in this country, but the evidence of engine-drivers, firemen, guards, passengers, engineers, fitters, and others was carefully taken, and minutes of this evidence are appended to the report. The trials appear to have been carried out with much care and honesty of purpose, and the results were uniformly in favour of the Westinghouse brake. The evidence of all the witnesses examined, without exception, is that the Westinghouse brake is the best, never breaking down or giving the slightest trouble, while the Woods brake seems to have failed repeatedly, and caused a good deal of worry ; and yet, in the face of all this, the Board recommend the adoption of the Woods brake as best suited to the wants of Victorian railways.

We have no detailed information as to the construction of the Woods brake, but it appears to be substantially the same as Barker’s ; that is to say, it is a hydraulic brake, water pressure being obtained by an accumulator worked by a donkey pump on the engine. The Westinghouse brake is too well known to require description here. The Board state that the two brakes submitted for their inspection were tested by running thirty trips, each trip so designed as to illustrate the practical qualities of the brake for every-day duty, and the whole of the trials appear to have been carried out during January and February, 1883, which we need scarcely point out are summer months in Victoria. The programme of experiments, and the results obtained, do not call here for special remark. They closely resemble what has been done in England over and over again. The whole work done in retarding the train has been reduced to foot-tons, and we find, and the Board admit, that in all cases the Westinghouse brake was better than its rival. For example: for all the experiments where the speed of the train was under 49 miles per hour, the foot-tons of work done per second by the Westinghouse brake were 571, 568, 535, 544, 650, 725, 509,488, 453, and 478, while under similar conditions of speed the work done by the Woods brake in foot-tons per second was 730, 470, 486, 451, 492, 607, 481, 548, 434, 416, and 266. At high speeds the superiority of the Westinghouse brake was more strongly marked, its efficiency being represented by 751 and 756 foot-second-tons, while the efficiency of the Woods brake for the same speeds is represented by 540 and 376 foot-second-tons. When the carriages alone without engines and tenders were worked, the figures for Westinghouse were 359, 556, 551 foot-second-tons, whereas the Woods brake gave 212 and 431 foot-second-tons. As to the distances run the figures are yet more startling and conclusive. The speeds being all reduced to the common standard of 50 miles an hour, the distances for the Westinghouse brake are 898, 437, and 483ft., whereas the Woods train under the same conditions would have run 1653ft. and 556ft. The reason why for all this deserves to be set forth very clearly, and the Board appear to have fully mastered this point, and we reproduce what they have said on the subject:—“The results of the tests made under Clauses 4 and 5 of the second programme fully demonstrate that instantaneous contact between brake blocks and wheels and instantaneous release of such contact are produced equally by both brakes; but the results obtained from the trials made under Clause 3 of the same programme indicated that, in the Woods brake, although instantaneous contact followed application, yet the full pressure of contact was not instantaneous, and that it was not nearly so rapid in arriving at the maximum pressure as seemed to be the case with the Westinghouse apparatus. This particular difference appeared to be very generally illustrated by all the other tests made. The Woods brake made contact and began its work instantaneously, but did not—by virtue of its design—instantaneously apply its maximum retarding power, and this graduation of power, for the first few seconds of application, seemed to be the cause of the contrast experienced by the Board, and very generally remarked by the spectators, between the smooth running of the Woods brake trains and the rough running of those with the Westinghouse brake just after the brakes were first applied. With the Woods apparatus the times occupied in stopping, and the distances run after application, were sacrificed to smoothness of motion, and the prevention of jerks to passengers. In the Westinghouse brake, on the other hand, the full pressure of contact, between the blocks and the wheels, can be instantaneously secured at the option of the driver, and this was done in the trials, so as to obtain stops in the shortest distances and the shortest times; but such instantaneous applications of full force caused very perceptible jerks and shocks— sometimes violent—at the moment of application, and greatly differing from the smooth action of the Woods brake. In the Westinghouse trials, smoothness and easy retardation were sacrificed to the times occupied, and the distances run in stopping. The Westinghouse apparatus can be gradually applied, and in ordinary working this is doubtless done. The Woods brake, on the other hand, cannot be applied with greater or lesser forces, at the option of the driver; the graduation above spoken

maintaining the large garrison of troops required to them even in times of peace, would far outweigh y advantages the islands might offer as a coaling station. This adverse decision need not of necessity entirely prevent their employment commercially with the object we have indicated ; but it is a question of serious Imperial import if large accumulations of coal can with propriety be permitted in situations which render those accumulations liable at any moment to be seized upon by any nationality with which England might chance to be at war. Such a seizure would most dangerously affect our maritime superiority in waters where it is entirely imperative that such a superiority should be maintained. The fleets of that nation which can the longest keep the seas must in these days possess advantages which would largely counterbalance any preponderance those of other nations might possess in number of ships or weight of armament. It is not likely, therefore, we should say, that the British Government is likely to lend its aid or countenance to the establishment, by private commercial firms of such a stock of coal upon Diego Garcia as would be likely to ensure a steady supplv for passing vessels.

It is stated, however, that a step in this last direction has already been made, and that some coal has been landed upon these little known islands. Now it unfortunately happens that Diego Garcia does not possess those natural guarantees against successful attack, which, although they militate against commercial utility in one sense, have a most decided bearing on that utility from the defensive point of view we have alluded to. We refer to the coral reefs which fringe most of the shores of detached island groups in Eastern waters. These low-lying islands of Diego Garcia, although of coral formation, are not fringed by the outlying reefs usual in such cases. As a consequence of this, approach.

be made with safety by any

case

men

we can do no more

efficiency of a brake that the blocks should take hold of the Woods brake ; but he admitted that he never attempted wheels at once throughout the length of a train; and that to use it until he had first reduced the speed of his train by the power of graduating that force should rest with the the aid of the hand brake, only employing the Woods brake driver. The fact that the Woods brake worked very for the final stop. Asked, As an engine driver having smoothly would hardly compensate passengers for the experience of both these brakes, which do you think results of a violent collision; and it is worth notice that the inspires the greatest confidence m the drivers coming 1 witnesses examined stated that in every-day work the a station, which do-you consider the brake^that^hedrwe Woods brake worked “rougher” than the Westinghouse can put most confidence in? I should say the Westing-brake causing, indeed, in many instances, such dis- house.” Thomas Prior, another driver, had two practica comfort that passengers refused to travel by the trains failures” withthe Woods brake J    heTad

fitted with it • but this fact the Board quietly ignore in their speaking of Melbourne suburban traffic, said that he had ncieu wnai it, out    i j a    known the Woods brake out of order, but had not gone

^ We come now to the reasons assigned by the Board for into the matter. He found that the Woods brake could rejecting the Westinghouse and recommending the adop- not be got off now and then. Do you ever find, he was rtion of °the Woods brake. “Simplicity of design, and    asked    that the    ^Yes^    “Whv?”

stability of parts, are essential to the endurance, the    road-side station withthe Woods brake?    Yes    Why!

economy and to the certainty of prolonged action in    “Well,    they do not. seem to be able    to get    the brake

mechanical appliances which move about. Therefore we    off. It    takes some time for the water    to pass    through I

are of opinion that on the structural differences of these suppose.’ Asked if there was any difference between two brakes a great deal depends, as to which of them is the vibration caused by the two brakes ke rep ed d es the most suitable for the Victorian railways. In looking the passengers were the first to notice it In the van you at the question from this point of view, it becomes of the do not feel it so much. The passengers first drew my first importance to appreciate fully the great difference attention to it, that when the Woods tram stopped there which exists between automatic and non-automatic action was, always a nasty jar. Concerning the valves ^ the in continuous railway brakes. In the latter case the Woods brakewhich according t(> the

complete and u^aliW con« owthemotion o a    ?%£?££%

guards⁶fa¹ the Vans; *but "Ihll trouble. Thus, W. Trott engine-driver smd that be had a conditional control only remains with these twice found the brake to fail because of dirt getting into , and the absolute control resides with self-acting, the valves and affecting their actiom br’ke hum •irresponsible machinery. So long as that machinery per- drivers state that^ the engines, using Woods brake burn forms its allotted functions, and no other, all goes well,    move fuel, and the firemen    say    that    they haie much

but should it refuse to move with precision, or move when    harder work to keep steam.

mot required, all soon goes wrong, and trains most probably It will, of course, be understood V    voluminous

would in such cases be stopped suddenly, and against the than give a few limited extracts from the very vohiminous intention of the men in charge of them. This may happen evidence taken This evidence indeed, occupies no less in busv station yards, or on obscured portions of main than fifty-six closely printed folio pages It is all to the

lines, where collisions may occur with other trains moving same effect. The -Wltn®?^ 7™ ’    C<[r ^hakei^ There

junctions or crossings, or with trains following rapidly, examined, but the'i' testmiony remamed m s iake lhere of the obstruction in front of them. Hence the were no failures with the We^nghouse brake the Woods importance of employing machinery in automatic brakes, brake ailed repeatedly.    the

so simple and so strong as will reduce the chances of failure smoothly, the Woods br:ake ™ughly-so roug^y that th« to a minimum. Hence, also, the importance of the recom-    passengers avoided trains fitted    with    it The Westing

mendation, with which we commenced this report, as to    house brake hardly required    any    moie    fuel or water the

the desirability of employing automatic brakes only in Woods brake needed a great deal more of ^^h-oim wit-con junction with the best block system. We have carefully "ess stated that he examined the details to the construction of both brate -unof ^

“oving ££Tuny apparatus Je tlL Most liable to inefficientasa disorder. The moving parts of the Woods brake appara- takj and Jet m the: ac

S'SXe d»wi»£ and a,r assumed simplicity and

by ordinary skilled mechanics not specially trained. There have been cleverly planned to bring out the truth shou d

y ten moling pieces in the Woods apparatus, all simple have » ^fe    k? ifvZniie    in ex-

and strong; and in the Westinghouse brake there are add that m this coun rs    1- tested on several

thirty-three moving pieces to effect the same purpose, many tremely ingenious shapes haa been fully'tested^ on sev^ .of them complicated and frail. The question before us railways, and it^ has> been finally rejected on jlL We thus seems to'resolve itself into a choice between superior cannot find that the    £e?s golS Son to

retarding power combined with complex mechanism, fig much worse and yet this is the System that the Board the one hand and inferior retarding power, com- ^““Cgtorightto recommend for adoption in one of

Horniblow, locomotive superintendent, Queensland ; and Mr. W. F. Batchelor, locomotive superintendent Tasmania.

EASTERN COALING STATIONS.

on

tion.

to the shore at all points can vessel or vessels having hostile intent. The mere guarding a passage of entrance, such as suffices in so many instances to ward off the possibility of attack, would not suffice in the case of Diego Garcia, and we fear, therefore, that there be no prospect of the utilisation of this group for the to which this article has reference, and that,

can

over unaware

ini

purpose

although stray shipping may in case of necessity reckon on obtaining small supplies there, it can never be made a point cL’appui to be reckoned upon under all cir-The multiplication of our ocean coaling stations, is, however, a duty the authorities are likely to overlook, and they have not come to their present decision in the case under notice without repeated examination by naval and military experts.. The question of such provision is one that more particularly. applies

Between America and

cumstances.

never

to the Eastern ocean routes.

England the distance is comparatively so short that coaling can never be a matter of difficulty; and we possess in our West India Islands, St. Helena, and other places in the North and South Atlantic, ample opportunities for the supply of our fleets in. case of war. But on the extended routes across the Pacific Oceans we cannot be said to be so well provided. At the Cape, and points on the East African coast, we should not, probably, feel any pinch; but there are long breaks between these last-named stations, the Mauritius, Seychelles, Trincomalee, and thence still further to the eastward,, that are unprovided with the means of replenishing a ship’s stock of fuel. In the course of time it is not unlikely that the present somewhat unsuccessful attempt, commercially speaking, to conduct our Australian trade by the Cape route, may receive a profitable impetus. Steamers following that route naturally keep to the southward as much as possible to reap the advantage of the shortened degrees of longitude ; and to ensure their safety under all circumstances it is very desirable that localities where coal can be obtained, should be available much further to the southward than any that at present exist. The rocky islands „ of St. Paul, Amsterdam, and some other scattered.points, , may in the future be fixed upon as offering possibilities for such a purpose; but we cannot say the prospects of life in such places is likely to offer any temptation to the most ardent of commercial speculators, or to the possible Alexander Selkirks in our army or navy,

are

are

.on

band.

Victorian railways, especially as we action and its reliability may be further improved by very slight modifications in its design and materials, without in any way reducing its simplicity. It has power to arrest moving trains very quickly, as the best results

obtained from it at the trials sufficiently testify; but it is    ,    .    .    .    , .

wanting in uniformity of action, and this, we believe, may Although recent improvements m steam machinery follow the improvement indicated. There are lesser ad van- have enabled steamers to traverse much greater distances tages possessed by the Woods brake, amongst which may without calling in for coals than until, the few last years be mentioned the ready way in which it shows defective was possible, the question of the provision of stations on joints, by the escaping of water, thus calling for attention our great ocean routes where such supplies can m case ot and remedy. In air brakes serious escapes may occur necessity be obtained, does not the less demand the fullest unnoticed, at the expense of economy and utility, unless consideration. We regret to learn that the Admiralty extra cost is entailed for additional and unusual inspection.” has decided that the hopeful anticipations of forming such Now if our readers will turn to The Engineer for a station at Diego Garcia, a group of small islands lying m May 11th, they will there find data, compiled from the direct route between India and our further possessions the returns of the railway companies of Great Britain in the East, must be to a great extent abandoned. o and Ireland to the Board of Trade, which prove in the that coal could not be stored there and vessels supplied if most unmistakeable manner that, no matter what the needful; but there are other important factors m the complication of the Westinghouse brake may seem to be, question to be considered by a Government, which militate it is really in operation one of the most trustworthy strongly against the establishment of a coaling station on mechanical combinations ever put together. It is possible these islands. One of the primary points which a Govern-that such facts as those we allude to have not been brought ment has to bear in mind when fixing upon such an esta-before the Board; but they might, we think, have blishment is its invulnerability to attack in case ot war. attached some weight to the evidence of facts stated to During such an eventuality it is absolutely necessary that the them by their own witnesses. We have carefully gone position on which our great commercial steamers or vessels over the evidence, and we fail to find that the Westing- of war depend for the means of keeping the seas s ou house brake ever broke down or gave the smallest trouble be free of all danger from seizure by inimical ee s.

the Victorian railways; while, on the other hand, Were a sudden descent to be made in sufficient force upon every driver and fireman examined reported troubles our stores of fuel accumulated for the purpose ot rep ems -with the Woods brake — either running past stations, ing our fleets guarding the eastern seas to ensure their or to use a well-known Australian phrase, “ sticking them capture or destruction, results would follow, the gravity ot up on the road.” We can only cite here a few examples which it is scarcely necessary for us to point out to our taken at haphazard. Thus, George Lormer, the fitter who readers; and we are informed that the naval and military had put the Westingliouse brake on four engines, fourteen officers instructed by our authorities to examine and repci t coaches, and two brake vans, said that the brake had never upon the qualifications possessed by Diego Garcia or failed once since it was put on. Edward Mathers, engine- defence against any such sudden descent o an enemy driver at Sandridge, 3aid of the same brake after five have stated them to be of the most unsatisfactory descnp-montlis’ experience with it, “ It works all right, and never gave me anytroubleata.il.” M. Bradford, another driver,

“never knew the Westinghouse brake fail,” “never knew it stick on the road in any way,” and so on. The evidence throughout is all the same on this point. If we turn to the Woods brake we find a very different current of testimony—the drivers do not like it, because it useg pmfe ooal

These officers state, in fact, that to ensure security to almost line the coasts of

it would be necessary the several islands — islets would perhaps be a more correct term—with forts capable from their contiguity of giving support to one another. The cost of constructing such a chain of forts, independent of that of

even

ON THE ACTION OF CHLORINE ON CERTAIN METALS.

Mr. Richard Cowper, of the Royal Naval College, has just recorded the results of some experiments on this action, especially that of dry chlorine on sodium, which are of considerable interest. He calls attention to the original, observation of Wanklyn published a considerable time ago in the Chemical Neivi, but up to this time never repeated or further inquired into, although, as it appeared to us at the time of the.announcement, sufficiently curious to have attracted the attention of. chemists. He it was who first noticed the inability of dry chlorine to act

__sodium. Cowper had noticed that on attempting to burn

sodium in an unusually dry sample of the gas that the bright surface of the melted metal tarnished very slowly. He placed a piece of sodium in a glass tube and passed over, chlorine which had first been subjected to the drying action of calcium chloride; the metal was heated to dull redness. It was then allowed to cool in the current of the gas, and the tube was sealed. The sodium was then raised to the melting point and shaken so as to cause the metal to flow from its slag-like envelope. At first it became dulled, but after several times causing a fresh surface to be exposed to the chlorine, it remained bright, the atmosphere in the tube being at the same time quite yellow, showing that very little chlorine had been absorbed. The action observed on first exposing a bright surface of melted sodium to the chlorine is no doubt due to the gas being imperfectly dried. If dried chlorine be. passed over a piece of potassium, the latter catches fire. This is, however, probably due to the heat caused by the action of the chlorine on the envelope of KHO, which surrounds the piece of potassium. Some potassium was next sealed up in a tube containing dry air. The metal was then heated until all the oxygen was absorbed and a bright surface of potassium obtained. The tube was then filled with dry chlorine—dried by passage first through chloride of calcium tubes, and then through a tube packed with thin zinc-foil. The potassium at first remained bright, but slowly became covered by a film of a rich purple colour! This is no doubt the sub-chloride described by Rose. The action was much accelerated by raising the metal to its melting point; the potassium did pot, however, burn until

Oil

(Last day far filing opposition, 3rd July, 1883.)

651. Raising, Ac., Weights, H. C. Symons, London.— 6th February, 1883.

654. Prevention of Explosions, Ac., in Steam Boilers, T. C. Fawcett and J. C. Hargreaves, Leeds. —6th February, 1883.

666. Facilitating Hearing, Ac., H. Marlow, London. —6th February, 1883.

674. Preparing, Ac., Castings, D. P. G. Matthews, Newport.—7th February, 1883.

684. Supplying, Flushing, Ac., Arrangements for Sanitary Purposes, J. G. Stidder, London.—7th February, 1883.

729. Fastenings for Gloves, Ac., J. Pitt and J. Wor-mington, Birmingham.—9t/i February, 1883.

731.    Preparing Malt, J. H. Johnson—A communication from E. Kokosinski and E. Bernet, Paris.— 9th February, 1883.

732.    Treating Mineral Phosphates, W. G. Strype, Ireland.—9th February, 1883.

734.    Unhairing Skins, W. H. Beck.—A communication from A. Laure, Paris.—9th February, 1883.

735.    Rinsing the Wool upon the Skins of Sheep, W.

H.    Beck.—A communication from A. Laure, Paris. —9th February, 1883.

745. Points for Tramways, H. Scott, Liverpool.— 10th February, 1883.

775. Consuming Smoke in Furnaces, J. H. Johnson.— A communication from La Compagnie du Chauffage Industriel, Paris.—12th February, 1883.

781. Motor Engines, H. Townsend and E. and E. C.

Davies, Bradford.—13(4 February, 1883.

797. Dynamo-electric, Ac., Machinery, F. Wynne, London. —13(4 February, 1883.

799.    Smutting, Ac., Blackened Leather, W. Morgan-Brown. — A communication from C. B. Bryant, Woburn, U.S. -14th February, 1883.

800.    Planing Machines, W. Morgan-Brown.—A communication from H. F. Campbell, Concord Merrimac, U.S.—14th February, 1883.

802. Butter Workers, T. Bradford, Manchester.— 14tA February, 1883.

814. Locks and Latches, J. Kaye, London.—14th February, 1883.

816. Single-acting Engines, P. B. Elwell and T.

Parker, Wolverhampton.— 14(4 February, 1883.

830. Treating the Waste Liquor Produced in Pickling Iron, L. Howell, Glamorganshire.—15(4 February. 1883.

840. Bending or Forming Lead,

Huddersfield.—15th February, 1883.

889. Cooking Stoves, T. Fletcher, Warrington.—17th February, 1883.

991. Furnaces, W. E. Gedge.—Com. from L. A. Perrin and J. E. A. Servel, France.—23rd February, 1883. 1024. Cribs for Children, A. M. Clark.—Com. from

I.    R. Opdyke, Plainfield, U.S.—24th February, 1883. 1064. Heating Air, W. Brierley.—A communication

from R. Tungler, Prussia.— 27th February, 1883.

1067. Holder for Ribbon, Ac., A. M. Clark.—Com.

from J. Mellettee, Winamac.—97th February, 1883. 1098. Gas Engines, E. G. Wastfield, Liverpool.—1st March, 18£3.

1133. Spools and Bobbins, F. Wirth.—A communica-¹ tion from A. Abegg, Germany. —2nd March, 1883. 1492. Union Joints, J. T. Garratt, Camberwell.—21st March, 1883.

1502. Ventilating, W. P. Buchan, Glasgow.—22nd March, 1883.

1602. Utilising Slags, C. Pieper.—A communication from C. Scheibler, Berlin.— 20th March, 1883.

1686. Ventilators, A. Meehan, Glasgow.—4(7i April, 1883.

1768. Treating Plants of the Genus Genista, W. A. Barlow.—A communication from F. Globotsching, Italy, andM. Muller, Vienna.—7th April, 1883.

1955. Door Furniture, E. V. Bailey, Birmingham.— 18tA April, 1883.

2169. Jet Nozzles of Garden Engines, Ac., E. Haines, Horsmonden.—28th April, 1883.

2197. Tennis Balls, A. W. Phillips, Atlierstone.—1st May, 1883.

2209. Flues, Ac., for Steam Boilers, J. A. Hopkinson, Huddersfield.—1st May, 1883.

2222. Extinguishing Fire, W. R. Lake.—Com. from W. H. Thompson, New York.—1st May, 1883.

2261. Boxes and Barrels, G. D. Terry, London.—3rd May, 1883.

2273. Governors for Steam Engines, J. Musgrave and R. Gregory, jun., Bolton.—4th May, 1883.

2280. Dynamo-electric Machines, Ac., C. T. Bright, London.—4(4 May, 1883.

2296. Dyes, G. A. Bang.—A communication from G.

A., E., and R. Dahl, Germany.—bth May, 1883.

2337. Electric Lamps, A. Shedlock, New York.—8th May, 1883.

2339.    Dynamo-electric Machines, H. H. Lake.—A communication from C. H. Palmer and A. M. Loryea, New York.-8(4 May, 1883.

2340.    Self-levelling Ships’ Sleeping Berths, H. H. Lake.—A communication from W. T. Milligan, Boston.—8(4 May, 1883.

2347. Removable Protecting Cover for Account Books, H. J. Fitch, London.—8th May, 1883.

2384. Treating Ores, Ac., J. Cross and G. I. J. Wells, Widnes.—10th May, 1883.

2386. Extracting Silver, Ac., from Ores, J. Cross and G. I. J. Wells, Widnes.—10th May, 1883.

2389.    Shearing, Ac., Metal Plates, A. J. Lehmann, West Hartlepool.—10(4 May, 1883.

2390.    Obtaining Gold and other Metals from their Ores, C. D. Abel.—A communication from M. Body, Belgium.—19th May, 1883.

2400. Looms for Weaving Wire, E. Lucas, Balsall Heath.—11(4 May, 1883.

2411. Colouring Matters, J. Erskine.—Com. from C.

Rumpff, Germany.— 12th May, 1883.

2413. Spacing and Marking Rivet, Ac., Holes on Metal Surfaces, R. K. Jones, Birkenhead.—12(7i May, 1883.

2416. Extracting Sugar from Molasses, Ac., C.

Steffen, Vienna. -12(4 May, 1883.

2431. Compound Maintaining Pressure Apparatus

llthM ’. ^1883r UIDa' ^ ®^evenson> Liverpool.—

2700. Banjos, W. R. Lake.—A communication from H.

McCord, St Louis, U.S.— 30tA May, 1883.

2768. Generating Electric Currents, II. H. Lake.— Com. from E. Ball, New York.— ±th June, 1883.

2789. Disintegrating Fibrous Plants, W. L. Wise.— Com. from D. Prieto, Washington.—5(4 June, 1883.

5429. Storing, Ac., Grain, K. J. Dance, Kent.—14(4 November, 1882.

5944.    Covers for Bottles, Ac., E. Edwards, London.— 13th December, 1882.

5945.    Cup and Screw Hooks, Ac., A. H. Adams, Handsworth.— 12th December, 1882.

5950. Railway Signal Apparatus, W. R. Sykes, Nun-head.—13(4 December, 1882.

6959. Tanning Skins and Hides, P. Jensen, London.— 13th December, 1882.

5961. Dynamo, Ac., Machines, G. L. Anders and J. B. Henck, jun., London.—13th December, 1882.

5972.    Igniting Gas, T. Rowan, London, and S. Williams, Newport.— 14(4 December, 1882.

5973.    Spinning Fibres, F. Ripley, Bradford.—11th December, 1882.

5982. Brackets or Supports for Curtain Rods, T.

Smith and J. Drewitt, London.—14(4 December, 1882. 5987. Hydraulic Steering Gear, C. Stout, Hofal Wen Conway, and C. H. Hillcoat, Liverpool.—15(4 December, 1882.

5992. Stove Grates, H. Hoyles, Sheffield.—15(4 December, 1882.

6000. Lighting and Distributing Light, C. L. A.

Baatsch, London.—15(4 December, 1882.

6002. Generating, Ac., Electric Currents, A. M. Clark, London.—15(4 December, 1882.

Patents Sealed.    6006. Miners’ Safety Lamps, D. Ballardie, Glasgow.—

(List of Utters Patent whicKpaged the Great Seal on the J^d^e 'Calling Apparatus, J. Steven and

■>    T. Burt, Glasgow.—16(4 December, 1882.

5233. Bathing Apparatus, Ac., F.    J. Drewry,    Burton-    6024. Screw Nuts, A. S. Paterson,    London.—16(4

CTnt'~2nrf November' ¹⁸⁸²-    December, 1882.

Horseshoes, F. J. Drewry, Burton-on-Trent.— 6025. Sewing Machines, T. Chadwick and T. Sugden, *rd November, 1882.    Oldham.-18(4 December, 1882.

5418. Fastening Buttons with Eyes to Boots, Ac., F. 6054. Saddle-bar, J. Pearse, Cheltenham.—19(4 De-__Drewry, Burton-on-Trent.—14(4 November, 1882, cember, 1882.

⁶TA'J™MPooOIj⁰vthe Human Head, A. G. Klugh, 6061. Treating Fibrous Materials, T. Routledge, imo    November,    1882.    Sunderland.-19(4 December, 1882.

L;icST882 AND’ A' B°Ult’ London-    Ac- E. Marshall, Birmingham.-19(4

^9(4 December/1882.ENT    K WaWl' Halifax’“ ⁶¹^eS^₂ APPARATU8’ J’ Im™?' L°ndon.-22nd

6127. Railway Fog Signal Apparatus, J. Coleman and I. Henson, Derby.—22nd December, 1882.

6163. Removing, Ac., Smoke, D. C. Green, London.— 23rd December, 1882.

6240. Indicating the Pressure, Ac., of the Wind, L.

M. Cassella, London.—30th December, 1882.

145. Breech-loading Small-arm*, J. F. Swinburn, Birmingham.—10(4 January. 1883.

173. Hygienic Pillows, H. T. Baesehlin, France.— 11(7. January, 1883.

195. Tobacco, W. E. Gedge, London.—26th January, 1883.

464. Indices for Gas, Ac., Meters, S. Grey, Chelsea.— 27th January, 1883.

591. Horizontal Steam Boilers, A. H. B. Sharpe, Lincoln.—3rd February, 1883.

875. Reducing Metals, J. Clark, London. — 17(4 February, 1883.

1254. Steam Generators, H. Gerner, New York, U.S. —8th March, 1883.

1323. Purifying Gas, W. W. Box, Crayford, and G.

Waller, London —13(4 March, 1883.

1336. Baking Ovens, F. Smith, London.—13(4 March, 1883.

1659. Lead and Crayon Holders, J. H. Johnson, London.—3rd April, 1883.

postage.

Post-offi

2344. Signalling Mechanically in Mines, Ac., R.

Chipperfield, London.—8th May, 1883.

2361 Constructing Dry Docks, Ac., J. Walsh, Cardiff.—9(/i May, 1883.

2408. Organs, Ac., A. Gern, London.—11(4 May, 1883. 2651. Laying Electrical Wires in the Ground, H. J. Allison.—A communication from J. Greives and J. H. Bleoo, Paterson, U.S.—29th May, 1883.

2780.    Automatic Momentum Railway Car, Ac., Brakes, H. J. Allison.—A communication from the American and Foreign Automatic Car Brake Company, Limited, New York.—bth June, 1883.

2781.    Carburbtting Air, Ac., J. S. Muir, London.— 5th June, 1883.

Ac., T. Drake,

5879. Joints, &c., for Roofing, J. E. Walsh, Halifax.

— 9th December, 1882.

5882. Velocipedes, J. R. Trigwell, London. — 9(4 December, 1882.

5904. Looms for Weaving, A. Smith, Bingley.—11(4 December, 1882.

5912. Breech-loading Fire-arms, Ac., J. S. Jarmann, London.—11(4 December, 1882.

5920. Air Pumps, J. C. Baker, Liverpool. —12th December, 1882.

5929 Collapsible Tubes for Containing Colours, Ac.,

C. E H. Cheswright, London.—12th December, 1882. 5931. Capsules for Bottles, C. E. H. Cheswright, London.—12th December, 1882.

5933. Ornamenting Glass, R. E. Frank, London.— 12(4 December, 1882.

5958. Combing Wool, &c., J. H. Whitehead, Leeds.— 13th December, 1882.

5963.    Engraving Machines, F. Wirth, Germany.— 13th December, 1882.

5964.    Shedding Apparatus of Looms, J. Irving, Barnsley —13th December, 1882.

5998. Breaking, Ac., Stones, L. L. Loizeau, Paris.— 15th December, 1882.

6033. Coupling, Ac., Vehicles, J. Graham, Abergavenny, and T. J. Graham, Birmingham.—18(4 December, 1882.

6045. Coupling Apparatus for Shafts, H. H. Lake, London.—18th December, 1882.

6069. Safety Valve for Kitchen Boilers, J. Williams, London.—£0(4 December, 1882.

6089. Treating Fermented Liquors, A. G. Salamon, Clapham Park.— 20(4 December, 1882.

6117. Cutting Pearls, Ac., J. Imray, London—22nd December, 1882.

6137. Printing on both Sides of a Moving Web, Ac., W. Conquest, London.—23rd December, 1882.

6185. Electric Arc Lamp, A. M. Clark, London.—27(4 December, 1882.

6196. Insulating Conductors, W. Smith, London.— 28(4 December, 1832.

6211. Turning Leaves of Music, J. C. Mewburn, London.—29(4 December, 1882.

6215. Registering the Mileage of Vehicles, J. Imray, London.—29th December, 1882.

22. Indicating Apparatus for Public Vehicles, W. L.

Wise, London.—1st January, 1883.

65. Motive-power Engines, C. Ingrey, London, and W. Adlam, Clifton.—1th January, 1883.

92. Carpet Looms, G. W. Grosvenor and J. Bedford, Kidderminster.—6th January, 1883.

106. Petroleum Lamp, H. H. Lake, London.—8(4 January, 1883.

116. Two-wheeled Vehicles, H. E. Newton, London.

9th January, 1883.

379. Treating Sugar Cane, W. L. Wise, London.— 23rd January, 1883.

401. Apparatus for Expressing the Juice from Sugar Cane, W. L. Wise, London.—24(4 January, 1883.

538. Cable Stoppers, A. M. Clark, London.—31st January, 1883.

554. Coke Ovens, H. Simon, Manchester.—1st February, 1888.

822. Cooling Apparatus for Railway Vehicles, W.

R. Lake, London.—14(4 February, 1883.

1100. Weather Bar, C. A. Wheeler, Swindon.—1st March, 1883.

1121.    Obtaining Materials and Elements to be used in Constructing, Ac., Voltaic Batteries, G. D. Fitz-Gerald, and T. J. Jones, London.—1st March, 1883.

1122.    Secondary Batteries, Ac., G. D. Fitz-Gerald, London.—1st March, 1883.

1164. Handles of Knives, Ac., R. E. Sawtell, Sheffield.—5th March, 1883.

1202. Electric Arc Lamps, E. and A. E. Jones, Battersea.—6th March, 1883.

1225. Straightening Bars, W. F. Gilmer, Gosforth.— 7th March, 1883.

1434. Screw Propellers, E. G. Vaugham, London.— 19th March, 1883.

1443. Pen-holders, C. E. Orrell, Kidsgrove.—19tit March, 1883.

1451. Portland Cement, J. H. Johnson, London.— 20th March, 1883.

1457. Portable Conservatories, E. H. Harris, London.—20(4 March, 1883.

1464. Utilising the Currents of Rivers for Motive Power, C. D. Able, London.—20f/i March, 1883.

1475. Voltaic Batteries, J. Gray, Gateshead-on-Tyne. —21st March, 1883.

1527. Knitting Machines, F. and S. Keywood, Nottingham.—21th March, 1883.

1555. Extracting Cobalt, Ac., from their Ores, J.

Imray, London —27th March, 1883.

1561. Fluid Meters, W. R. Lake, London.—27t/i Mareh, 1883.

1563. Ventilating Railway Tunnels, C. E. Walter, Yangley, near Wokingham.—27th March, 1883.

1567. Preventing Down Draught in Chimneys, W.

Lord, Middlesbrough.—28(4 March, 1883.

1570. Ventilators and Chimney Exhausters, R. A.

Hunter, Dublin.—28(4 March, 1883.

1573. Shuttles, T. Brooks and T. Tweedale, Crawshaw-booth.— 28th March, 1883.

1586. Dating and Stamping Tickets, J. B. Edmondson and J. Carson, Manchester.—29t/i March, 1883.

1601. Tanning Hides or Skins, W. R. Lake, London.--29th March, 1883.

1622. Producing Carbonate of Strontium, Ac., W. L.

Wise, London.—31st March, 1883.

1666. Manufacture of Spirits, A. Mandre, London.— 3rd April, 1883.

1680.    Utilising the Exhaust Steam of Steam Engines, A. J. Boult, London.—3rd April, 1883.

1681.    Utilising the Exhaust Steam of Steam Engines, A. J. Boult, London.—3rd April, 1883.

(List of Letters Patent which passed the Great Seal on the 12th June, 1883.)

List of Specifications published, during the week ending June 9th, 1883.

5416, 6d.; 5428, 6d.; 5430, 6d.; 704, 6d.; 742, 4d.; 1051, Is.; 1053, 6d.

*** Specifications will be forwarded by post from the Patent-office on receipt of the amount of price and Sums exceeding Is. must be remitted by ce order, made payable at the Post-office, 5, High Holbom, to Mr. H. Reader Lack, her Majesty’s Patent-office, Southampton-buildings, Chancery-lane, London.

ABSTRACTS OP SPECIFICATIONS.

Prepared by ourselves expressly for The Engineer at the office of Her Majesty’s Commissioners of Patents.

1618. Improved Arrangement of Incandescent or other Electric Lamp, J. B. Rogers, Holborn Viaduct.—3rd April, 1882. 6d.

Relates to an improved arrangement of lamp whereby it is rendered portable and capable of being fitted temporarily and removed at will.

4600. Suspending Pictures, Ac., W. R. Lake, London. —27th September, 1882.—(A communication from H. R. Heyl, Philadelphia.) 6d.

This relates to a device for supporting pictures, and which can be readily secured to the wall without the use of nails or screws. It consists of a plate with a hook projecting from its outer face, the back of the plate being coated with glue or other adhesive material for securing it to the wall.

4699. Prevention of Sea Sickness, 6. M. Tagore, South Kensington.—3rd October, 1882.—(Provisional protection not allowed ) 2d.

This consists in applying a plaster of belladonna and opium to the pit of the stomach.

4743. Fastenings for Doors and Window Sashes, H. Hancock, Kensington.—5th October, 1882.—(Void.) 2d.

This consists in the application of an automatic spring bolt to the window or door, suitable means being provided for withdrawing the bolt when necessary.

4817. Production of Clear or Transparent Block Ice in Moulds, T. Doiorie, sen., Egypt.—10th October, 1882.    6d.

In order to liberate the air from water during congelation the moulds containing the water are mounted on pivots in the congealing tank, and a rocking shaft actuated by any suitable means causes them to swing to and fro on their pivots.

4821. Vessel and Apparatus for Transporting Afloat Barges, Ac., C. D. Abel, London.—10th October, 1882.—(A communication from C. G. Viehoff, Paris.)—(Void.) 4 d.

This consists in combining with a structure similar in form to an ordinary ship suitable arrangements similar to those of a floating dock—namely, the provision of means for lowering and raising the vessel in the water by the introduction or expulsion of water ballast, and of means whereby the barges or other floating structures to be transported can be floated into their place in the vessel without requiring to be raised and lowered.

4827. Treatment of Steel Ingots before Rolling, Ac., H. J. Kennard, London.—11th October, 1882.— (Void.) 2d.

This relates to means for preventing the ingots losing their initial heat between the time of casting and rolling, and it consists in placing over the ingot as soon as it is removed from the mould a cover of metal lined with refractory material previously heated to the required temperature.

4841. Balance Valve, W. Teague, jun., Poole.—11th October, 1882.—< Void.) 2d.

This relates specially to the outlet valve for air compressors, and consists in fitting the valve in the receiver communicating with the compressor by an aperture, the valve working in suitable guides. The air entering by the aperture forces the valve up, a rod being provided to adjust the valve, and also a set screw to regulate the lift.

4880. Electric Arc Lamps, A. M. Clark, Chancery-lane.—13(4 October. 1882.— (A’f communication from IV. S. Parker, Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York.) 6d.

The object of this invention is to obviate the extreme variations in the arc when the lamp is feed-

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until the branch circuit polarises the iron bobbin of shunt magnet C throughout its length, so that both ends repel the adjacent ends of its core, thereby moving lever D back, releasing the clutch E, and allowing carbon holder K to drop.

4884. Systems of Electrical Distribution. T. J. Handford, Southampton-buildings. — 14(4 October, 1882.    (A communication from T. A. Edison, Menlo

Park, New Jersey, U.S.) 6d.

The object of this invention is so to arrange the system of conductors supplying a district with electricity, that the supply in the various localities of the district will be proportioned to the demand, and so that all the lamps throughout the district will have practically the same candle power. In a district where the consumption of electricity is irregular, more here and less there, the number of lamps, Ac., in particular localities is calculated so as to arrive at the centres of consumption. To each of these centres a “ feeding ” circuit, as the inventor calls it, is run from the central station. This circuit consists of a positive and negative conductor, each of which is connected at the proper point to a similar conductor of the main system. The dynamos supplying these feed circuits are provided with means for throwing resistances into and out of their field circuits.

4889.    Apparatus for the Development of Electricity, J. Whitley, Lieds.—14(4 October, 1882. id.

Instead of forming helices of copper wire the inventor casts them in a mould of the required shape, or punches them from sheets or plates, or by other In the grooves of the helices he inserts a suitable non-conducting substance.

4890.    Fluid Pumping, Measuring, and Exhausting Apparatus, B. W. Davis, Lambeth.—14(4 October, 1882. 6d.

The object is to construct rotary pumps so as to increase the capacity and to discharge constantly, evenly, and without shock, enabling them to be run easily at high velocities and to reduce the leakage A pair of drums A are mounted with their axes B parallel to each other, in a case C, having inlet D and outlet E. The drums have two or more projections F, which touch the interior of the case and also the end covers.

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The axes B are geared together, so as to cause them to revolve in opposite directions, and recesses L are formed in' each drum to receive the teeth of the other drum. The flanks of the teeth are set out by two epicycloidal curves meeting in a point generated by the corner of the recess in the drums rolling upon the other drum. The curve of the recess in the drums is generated by the point of the epicycloidal tooth on the neighbouring drums.

4906. Locomotive and other Steam Engines, W-Crook, Preston.—16tA October, 1882.—(A communica* tion from W. and H. Monk, Canada.) 6d.

This relates to compound steam engines, and consists in placing the high and low-pressure cylinders A and B in the same plane, but at an angle to each other

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and the current consequently too strong, B’s magnetism is increased and its core repelled in an upward direction (B is a thick wire magnet in the arc circuit.) This tilts the lever D, causing clutch lever E to grip carbon holder K and raise it. When the arc has been increased to a certain extent its resistance increases

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the piston-rod of tho large cylinder being connected directly by a rod with the crank shaft, and that of tho small cylinder to the connecting rod of the former mg. The inventor utilises tho repulsive action of near the crank pin. The valve chest for both cylinders magnets in place of their attractive action to separate is formed between the two, and one doublo valve D the carbons and maintain the arc. The action of the acts between two facings to regulate the admission of lamp is shown in the accompanying illustration, the steam to and its exhaustion from both cylinders. When the carbons are in contact or the arc too short, I Other improvements are described.

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4944. Boilers or Vessels for Treating Wood, foe., in Paper Making, J. H. Johnson, London.—17(7i October, 1882.—(A communication from J. Evans, Copenhagen )—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This consists in lining boilers or vessels in which sulphurous or sulphuric acid or other acid solutions are employed, with rubber or rubber compounds instead of lead.

4945 Blasting Coal, Rock, &c., M. Settle, Bolton.— Vlth October, 1882. 6d.

_ This relates especially to an improved water cartridge, in which the case containing the blasting substance is completely surrounded by water, so that the flame from the explosion is extinguished immediately the charge is fired.

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4967.    Illuminating Composition or Grease for Miners’ Lamps, &c., J. Darling, Glasgow.—187/i October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

The object is to supply the wick with a composition which will produce a flame capable of withstanding draughts, and will give a good light; and it consists in the use of a mixture of tallow, such as cow tallow and paraffine wax.

4968.    Manufacture of Razor Blades, IF. R. Lake, London. — (A communication from J. D. Frary, Bridgeport, U.S.)—18th October, 1882. 6d.

The object is to construct double concave razors with a sheet metal blade; and it consists principally in a blank for the blade cut from sheet steel, tempered, and having a back or upper part and shank cast thereon, the back extending down on to the blank, so that the sides may be ground and attain the usual double concave shape.

or windows with be cut, crossed, or grounded without breaking an electric circuit and giving alarm.

means

4984. Chloride of Lime, G. W. von Nawrocki, Berlin.—19th October, 1882.— (A communication from C. Opl, Austria-Hungary.) 2d.

This consists in the manufacture of chloride of lime by causing chlorine gas to pass through lime by suction or pressure, and in the purification of chlorine gas by causing it to pass through a layer of lime.

charged. The inventors also claim the use of finely divided spongy lead and the formation of spicules of lead chemically produced in the electrodes in order to increase their conductivity.

4993.    Cocks and Taps, J. Hayes, London.—20th October, 1882.—(A communication from E. Remy, Paris.) —(Not proceeded with.) id.

The cock consists as usual of a conical plug working in a shell provided with inlet and outlet openings, but on the plug a screw is formed and works a female screw in the shell, so that when the plug is turned it will be lifted a certain distance from its seat, and the cutting and grooving which usually occurs and which causes the cock to leak is minimised if not entirely prevented.

4994.    Apparatus Employed in Roving, Spinning, and Twisting Fibrous Substances by Cap Frames, H. Illingworth, Bradford.— 20th October, 1882.— (Not proceeded with.) 2d.

The object is to make yarns prepared on cap frames have the same appearance as when spun on the flyer frame, and it consists in increasing the extent of the

4897- Materials for Charging Cartridges used in Mining Operations, &c., IV. Smethurst, near Wigan, and J. Collins, Bolton.—14tA October, 1882. —(Void.) 2d.

The cartridges are charged with caustic baryta or strontia and placed in bore-holes in the minerals to be blasted, suitable means being provided for saturating the same with hydrate of ammonium or caustic liquid ammonia, whereby steam is generated and ammonia gas evolved, and sufficient force produced to break down the minerals.

4910.    Fuel Economisers, S. Elson and V. Eastwood, Castleton, Lancs.—Kith October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates to fuel economisers in which water is conveyed into vessels exposed to the heated gases by a tube of small diameter extending to near the bottom of the vessel, and it consists in so arranging the tube that it may be readily inserted in place, and removed and cleared or be replaced by a fresh pipe.

4911.    Electric Lamp3, J. Allmann, Manchester.—16th October, 1882.—(A communication from L. E Schwerd and L. Scharnweber, Karlsruhe, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany.)—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

Relates to an arc lamp in which the arc is regulated by a solenoid, but the feeding is accomplished by separate means.

4915.    Switches for Electric Lamps, T. W. Cowan, Rotherham.—16th October, 1882. (id.

This relates to an improved switch in which one conducting wire is led up through the body of the switch and insulated from it. The socket of the switch which fits into the bracket or electrolier is in connection with the other conductor, and the part on which the electric lamp is fitted is in metallic contact with the lamp. A lever working in an insulated body which separates these two sockets is in contact with the lower one, and makes contact with the upper one on being turned in one direction, breaking contact again in being turned the reverse way.

4916.    Looms for Weaving, J. Bywater, C. Bedford, and T. Kershaw, Birstal.—16th October, 1882. (id.

This relates to apparatus for removing the pr of the stop-rod finger from the shuttle-box swell, to ease the shuttle in the box and render it easier to be removed during the operation of picking the shuttle from the box which occurs during the backward movement of the stay-board. The stop-rod is caused to oscillate on its axis at the proper time. The invention further relates to forming the head of metal-pickers in two parts, between which india-rubber or buffalo hide is inserted; and also to the construction of jacquard apparatus so as to prevent “jack drops.”

4917.    Weather-proof Explosive Compounds and Cartridges, P. Jensen. London.—Kith October, 1882. —(A communication from J. Schulhof, Vienna.)— (Void.) 2d.

The compounds consist mainly of spun gun-cotton coated with collodion, and having a horny or hard surface.

4919. Synchronising or Controlling Standard and other Clocks, foe., J. A. Lund, Queen Victoria-street.—16th October, 1882. 8d.

The objects of this invention are to control standard and other clocks by time signals, so as to synchronise them to fractions of a second, no matter what the size of the clocks may be. The inventor accomplishes this by means of a current acting through a resistance coil and permanent magnet, in accordance with the plan adopted by Sir George Airey for the Greenwich clock,

d adapts this plan to the clock in such a way that it automatically brings the current into play only when required, and for so long as required. The second object of the invention is to utilise time signal wires as telephonic or telegraphic wires.

4921. Voltaic Batteries, J. L. Henderson, Selhurst.— 16th October, 1882.—(A communication from A. Blondin, Abbeville, France.)—(Not proceeded with.)

Relates to a small battery for giving great power, and to a simple method of effecting the depolarisation by re-oxidation of the liberated hydrogen, and the continuous supply of fresh exciting liquid and removal of the spent liquid.

4923. Velocipedes, E. H. Hodgkinson, London.—16th October, 1882. 8d.

This relates more especially to velocipedes in which the weight is carried on one large driving wheel as described in patent No. 1256, a.d. 1880, and it consists in fixing the fork of the front guiding wheel in the backbone and causing a portion of the front of the latter to turn, and coupling it to the large driving wheel. It also relates to a flat anti-frictional ball head, in which the top of the fork turns between two circles of balls, and to an arrangement for holding the back wheel attached to the backbone, and capable of being regulated so as to lightly touch the ground whether the front guiding wheel is down or not, thus ensuring greater precision in steering.

4928 Dynamo-electric Machine, A. C. Elliott, Chea.pside.—17th October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

Relates to a dynamo so constructed that no magnetic changes or reversals occur in any part of the machine after it has assumed a constant speed. The inventor dispenses with commutators and brushes. 4931. Elfctric Motors, A. G. de Neeff and E. Des-fosstfs. Paris.—17th October, 1882. id.

This relates to a motor in which are coils united at top and bottom by soft iron bars. These bars are also connected to other soft iron bars, between which revolve a number of bobbins wound on the Siemens principle. They are coupled at right angles, so as to overcome the dead point.

4947.    Casting of Pig Metal, J. T. King, Liverpool.— 18th October, 1882.—(A communication from G. A. Leishman, Pittsburgh, U.S.) 6d.

This consists in casting the pig metal in dolomite or equivalent basic calcareous sand, and covering the metal so cast with such sand.

4948.    Motive Power Engines Worked by Com

bustible Gas or Vapour, D. Clerk, Glasgow.— 18th October, 1882.    8d.

The object is to construct engines worked by combustible gas or vapour, so as to develope power both during each instroke and each outstroke. In one modification an ignition cylinder has working in it a plunger piston connected to the crank shaft. At the back of this cylinder is a second larger cylinder, with a piston connected to that of the first cylinder. The second cylinder acts as a compressing pump at the further end, and forces the explosive mixture into a reservoir. Between the cylinders is a casing with passages and valves, and also water spaces. During the first part of the outstroke of the ignition piston the gaseous mixture enters from tho reservoir into the ignition cylinder, and being cut off at a variable point of the stroke, is ignited preferably at about half-stroke. At the end of the outstroke a valve opens communication with the near end of the second or expansion cylinder, in which the heated gases then act expansively.

4949. Fluids and Compositions for Washing Sheep, &c., B. Nickels, London.—18th October, 1882. id.

This consists of a solution of the basic compounds known as the pyridine and lencoline series, or of shale oil containing such basic compounds, for washing sheep or other animals, or as an insecticide for plants For the preparation of an anti-fouling composition the basic compounds or shale oils are mixed with substances capable of forming paints or varnishes.

4951.    Automatic Registering Apparatus for

Closet Doors, &c., J. M. Hart, London.—18th October, 1882.    6d.

A number of indicating dials are fixed in a case fixed to the door, and an arm on the door frame actuates the same each time the door is opened or closed. A double locking latch is fitted to the door and actuated by a key, so that the attendant may half open the door to give him access to the closet without actuating the registering mechanism.

4952.    Pulley Blocks, C. J. Gullyes, Glamorgan.—18<A October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates to pulley blocks in which the bearings consist of a series of rollers, and consists in forming the flange by which the socket enclosing the rollers is secured to the sheave with a recess to receive a cover, to be secured to the flange by screws, and by removing which the rollers may be withdrawn for cleaning or renewal.

4953.    Tenter Hooks, A. E. Gorse, Birmingham.—18th October, 1882. —(Wot proceeded with.) 2d.

This consists in forming such hooks with an exceedingly sharp outline by passing a bar of steel of suitable section through a machine, which cuts it diagonally at a very considerable slant. The point is then bent round with the sheared edge under the bend, and the rod fed forward the necessary length to form the stem when the cutter severs the completed hook.

4954.    Utilising Balloons for Photography, &c., J. Tempter, London.—18th October, 1882.—(A communication f rom H. Blsdale, Nova Scotia.) id.

This consists. First, in the use of captive or free balloons containing a camera, the exposure of the plate being effected either by an automatic apparatus set to time or by electricity under control of the operator on the ground; and Secondly, in forming a special aperture in the envelope of the balloons for the escape of gas, so as to ensure the descent of the same after a given period of time.

4956. Steam Boiler, G. G. M. Hardingham, London. —18th October, 1882. 6d.

This relates to “sectional” boilers, in which the major portions are composed of a number of units arranged to work in unison, and it consists, First, in constructing each section of an outer or water tube of malleable metal, communicating at each end with a cast metal chamber, and having a malleable metal inner or fire tube or tubes passing longitudinally through the outer tube and the end chambers, the latter of one section being connected to those of another by separable packed joints; Secondly, in jointing the outer tubes to their terminal chambers with cup-packing, their junctions being secured by the inner tubes acting as stay tubes; and Thirdly, constructing each terminal chamber in three parts, two of which are connected respectively to parts of the chambers of the sections below and above by packed joints on faces perpendicular to the axis of the tubes.

4957- Road Vehicles, J. Macdonald, Wimbledon.— 18JA October, 1882. 6cf.

An electric motor and battery are attached to an ordinary tricycle, velocipede, or tramcar, and connected with the driving wheels by suitable gearing.

4958.    Adjustable Coverings or Casings for Locks or Latches, H. Fleming, Halifax.—18th October, 1882. (id.

The case of the lock is provided with a cover or lid hinged or pivotted to it, so as when opened the works of the lock are exposed, and may be cleaned, repaired, or oiled with facility. The cover may, if desired, be arranged to slide.

4959.    Combing Machinery, P. Kelly, Bradford.—18th October, 1882. 6d.

The object is to adapt “Lister combs” to the combing of wool of shorter fibre than the machine has been generally used for; and it consists, First, in an improved construction of the intersecting comb described in patent No. 3469, a.d. 1876, and in the mode of working same; and Secondly, in the arrangement of the dividing motion to suit the necessarily reduced traverse of the nip head, on account of the shortness of the fibre to be combed. The pins of the comb are made to lie against the inside angle of the curved angle of metal, and are secured by solder or brazing. The speed of the machine is increased, and the action of the nip cams ensured, by introducing springs between the cross-bar of the nip and the cross-bar over the tappet runner.

4960.    Tricycles, A. H. Alldridge, Birmingham.—18th October, 1882. —(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates, First, to the construction of tricycles so as to enable them to be folded up or reduced in width; Secondly, to forming the bearings with V or U-shaped raised surfaces, so as to reduce the wearing surfaces; and Thirdly, to fitting the cranks to the crank arms by spring pins.

4961.    Oil Cans, J. Kaye, Kirkstall.—18thfletober, 1882.

The object is to increase the strength of the casing of oil cans by corrugating the same.

4962. Cocks or Valves, J. N. Sperryn, Brixton Hill.

—18<7i October, 1882. id.

This relates to push cocks or valves, the object being to enable them to close automatically when the spindle is released. The spindle carries two pistons, one placed between the inlet and outlet, and the barrel of the cock is formed with a spherical enlargement, into which the plunger pushes when the spindle is pushed in, thus leaving a free passage for the liquid. The pressure of the fluid acts on this plunger, and raises the spindle when released, thus closing the cock.

4963. Grinding Mills, H. J. Haddan, Kensington.—

18th October, 1882—(A communication from E.

Schmeja, Austria-Hungary.) 8d.

This relates particularly to disc mills, and consists, First, in separating the feed chamber from the chamber in which the discs are situated by a movable slide, by closing which the material already therein may be rapidly ground fine; also in providing a stirring device in the feed chamber in front of the slide, so as to secure a regular and continuous supply; also in making the case enclosing the discs in two parts, one hinged to the other, so as to facilitate inspection and repairs; and lastly, in adjusting the position of the discs against each other so as to regulate the fineness of the product by fixing the rotary disc on its shaft, which is guided by two bushed bearings, between which is a handle wheel with a hub forming a nut to work on the extremity of one of the bushes, while a portion of the hub is held between washers on the shaft, so that the motion of the hand wheel is transmitted to the latter.

4964.    Beverages, A. M. Hogk, Scarborough, and M. Gingell, Essex.—18th October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This consists in mixing with 9 gallons of water J lb. of hops, 7 lb. moist sugar, J pint of yeast, \ of isinglass, •J pint of vinegar, and the whites of two eggs, and allowing the mixture to stand and get clear, when it may be bottled.

4965.    Looms, II. J. Haddan, Kensington.—18<7t October, 1882.— (A communication from H. Vassart, France.)—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This consists, First, in a new system of suspending and drawing the leaves, combined with a new arrangement of the needles; Secondly, in a system of levers with counterweights and Thirdly, in a system of arms opening like a pair of compasses for the purpose of an easier opening of the sheets.

4960. Wheels for Traction Engines, <fcc., J. and H.

McLaren and C. Morris, Leeds.—18JA October, 1882.

6 d.

The object is to form wheels which will give a springing action, the springs employed not being submitted to the driving strain. The rim A is of ordinary construction, and boss B has arms X, to which are bolted curved or bowed steel plates or springs C, of such width in proportion to their thickness that while

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yielding in a vertical direction, they maintain the wheel in an upright position without the aid of guiding plates. In order to impart the driving motion to the rim, and thereby relieve the springs of driving strain, plates D are fixed on the sides of the boss, and are tied together near the rim by bolts and distance pieces. To drive the rim a pin E passes through the plates D, and works in a slot between lugs F secured to the rim A.

4969. Inverted Direct-acting Marine Engines, W. Allan, Sunderland.—18tft October, 1882. 6cJ.

The surface condenser is fixed on the port or starboard side of the engine, such condenser being a separate casting attached to the columns, so as to be easily removed, and a vacuum is produced therein and water caused to circulate through the tubes by the following means:—To the piston-rod of each of the two cylinders of the engine is attached a crosshead, to which a wrought iron slab is secured, and the rods of an air and circulating pump attached to its ends. The two circulating pumps are at one side of the bed and the two air pumps at the other. Four box-shaped passages pass across from one side portion of the bed to the other, and carry the main bearings. The circulating pumps draw water from the injection valve through two passages and lift it up into top of pump chamber, and then discharge it into the annular space between the working barrels of the pumps and an outer case by which they are surrounded. The water then flows from the bottom of this case through the other two passages into the condenser tubes, and thence overboard. The passages keep the bearings cool, and two of the columns serve as air vessels to the circulating pumps. The air pumps are similarly constructed.

4970. Compounds for Use as a Sheep Wash and Insecticide, IF. G. Little, Sleaford.—18th October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This consists of 60 parts bone oil or shale oil and 40 parts of the following mixture:—100 lb. resin oil, 621b. resin, 501b. oleate of potash, and 331b. caustic soda or potash solution—20 parts water to 5 parts pure caustic soda or potash.

4971- Electric Alarm Apparatus for the Detection of Burglars, M. H. Kemer, New York and Queen Victoria-street.—182A. October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

The inventor provides walls, doors, a system of conductors which cannot

4972.    Railway Brake, E. C. and T. Blackmore, Cardiff. —19th October, 1882. 6d.

This consists mainly in the automatic actuation of the brake mechanism through the medium of the draw-bar, which mechanism is also capable of being actuated by hand. When the outward strain is relaxed the brakes are applied through the action of a spring and suitable mechanism.

4973.    Paper-cutting Machines, &c., IF. Crosland,

Newton Heath, Lancashire.—19th October, 1882.    6d.

This consists, First, in securing the knife in position, so that it can be readily removed, by causing a dovetailed projection from the knife to engage with a corresponding groove in the stock or holder; Secondly, in the means for raising and lowering the presser bar, and for putting and retaining the requisite nip upon the same whilst the cutting operation is being performed. The bar is mounted in guides, and with it racks are connected and gear with pinions on each extremity of a cross shaft to which a balance weight is attached. The invention further relates to a clutch-box and a self-acting stopping motion for paper-cutting and other machines.

4974.    Reduction of Iron Ore, TF. E. Gedge, London. —19th October, 1882.—(A communication from L. Durand and D. H. Walker, New York.) 8d.

This relates to the reduction of iron ores to the state of pulverulent metal or sponge, and consists, First, in a method of reducing the ore to the metallic state by means of gaseous reducing agents exclusively; Secondly, in the production of steel direct from the ore as incident to the reduction of the ore to the state of sponge iron, either or both of the processes being effected by the use of either vegetable or mineral fuel; Thirdly, in the latter case, the method of freeing the reducing agents from the presence of constituents which would otherwise injure the product; and Fourthly, in the apparatus used. Carbonic oxide is employed as the reducing agent.

4975.    Stringed Musical Instruments, F. C. Glaser, Berlin.—19th " October, 1882.—(A communication from F. Steinbrecher, Germany. — (Not proceeded with.) id.

This relates to an instrument with strings and a key board, the sounds being produced by a stroking action resembling that of the bow of a violin.

4970. Ships’ Binnacles and Compasses, R. E. Melsheimer, London.—19th October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

The bowl of the binnacle containing the compass is made to revolve about a central vertical axis, by being fixed on a pivot supported in bearings in the stand of the binnacle and stepped in the deck. To this pivot a short arm is fixed in the same vertical plane as the “lubber line,” and opposite to it. To this arm a rope of sufficient length is made fast and towed astern. To the fixed part of the binnacle a fine wire is attached and bent inside the bowl clear of the gimbals, so as to constitute a fixed lubber line in line with the ship’s head.

4977. Shives or Bungs and Vent Pegs for Barrels, W. Rose, Worcester.—19(A October, 1882.

The shive or bung consists of two parts, a bush fixed in the hole in the barrel, and which receives a stopper capable of being fixed in and removed from the bush.

4978 Feed Pumps of Steam Engines, A. W. Robertson, Essex.—19th October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates to the construction of such pumps, so as to be able to dispense with suction valves, and consists in forming same so that the water flows direct into the barrel through a port in the side, in such a manner that after the piston has passed the port the water in the barrel will be forced through delivery valves.

4979.    Machines for Preparing Flax, Hemp, Jute, &c., C. and C. W. Murland and J. Montgomery, Ireland.—19th October, 1882. 6d.

This relates to improvements in machines in which traversing fallers fitted with gill pins, spikes, or heckle pins are used in drawing out the fibre, and it consists in means for automatically clearing or cleansing such pins. For this purpose a brush is arranged with its bristles at an angle, so as to pass through the gill pins the faller descends. Lock spring-holders of novel construction are employed to maintain in position both the brush and the rubber or felt-covered rubber board, which bears against and clears the usual under drawing roller of the machine.

4980.    Cooking Ranges, H. McRuer, Glasgow.—19th October, 1882. 4d.

This relates to improved ventilating arrangements to be fitted to cooking ranges for the purpose of carrying off vapours and odours arising from the cooking operations, and it consists in the application of a grating to the back of the range.

4981.    Governing or Regulating the Pressure of Illuminating Gas, &c., W. Key, Glasgow.—19th October, 1882. 6d.

The governor consists essentially of a valve chamber with inlet and outlet, an open annular valve fitted therein and adapted to a seat in such chamber, and a bell or holder actuating such valve.

4982. Gas-heated Furnaces, C. Madge, Swansea.— 19<A. October, 1882. 6<Z.

The object is to produce a more uniform heat in gas-heated furnaces, and to increase the length of the smolting campaign, thereby effecting economy in the cost of repairs, and it consists, First, in dividing each culvert or channel below the regenerators into two parts by a partition, so that the stream of air or gas passing through it is divided; and Secondly, in to enable the heat to be at times increased in the culverts to liquefy slag accumulated therein, and for running off the slag so liquefied.

4983. Lamp Glasses or Globes, H. J. Haddan, Kensington.—19th October, 1882.—(A communication from Stelzig, Kittel, and Co., Austria-Hungary.— (Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates to the production of lamp globes from opaque, white, or bone glass, on which the continents and oceans are represented in transparent vitrifiable colours, so as to represent the globe.

4985. Motive Power Apparatus for Sewing Machines, J. Templeton and J. Hilson, London.— 19th October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates to a coiled spring motor for driving sewing machines.

4987- Obtaining or Recovering Salts in Mineral Waters, A. J. Boult, London.—19th October, 1882.— (A communication from E. Kuhn, France.) 6d.

This consists in recovering the salts contained in mineral waters, which also contain carbonic acid, by the employment of an ice-making machine, whereby the water only is caused to freeze, the salts separating therefrom as a concentrated solution in the form of mother liquid, such salts being then used for improving articles of food.

4988.    Electric Arc Lamps, A. Serraillier, South Kensington.—19th October, 1883. 6d.

The inventor feeds his carbon or carbons by means of a set of elastic grippers made fast to the frame of the the lamp, and between which the carbon is inserted, and a corresponding set of elastic grippers carried by a horizontal plate which surrounds the carbon. By giving this plate an up-and-down motion its grippers alternately bite the carbon and force it between the fixed grippers, and then slip back over the carbon to take a fresh grip. This motion of the gripper plate may be obtained by moans of a solenoid in a shunt circuit acting on a core carried by a lever, the rocking of which will pull down the gripper plate against the upward pressure of bearing springs, or in other ways.

4989.    Lamps for Bicycles, Tricycles, and other Velocipedes, /. A. Slater, Birmingham.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

The object is to make such lamps capable of opening and closing without hinges, and it consists in making the front plate to slide in guides on the sides of the case, a spring catch being provided to secure the front plate in position when closed.

4990.    Moulds for Casting Hollow-ware, J. V. Hope, Wednesbury.—19(/i October, 1882. 4d.

This consists in the use of metallic or composition moulds for casting hollow-ware, such moulds being coated with a mixture of plumbago and oil, or other material capable of adhering to the mould without melting, disintegrating, or combining with the molten metal when run in. The moulds are arranged so as to slide or fall mechanically into place concentrically round the core.

4991.    Secondary Batteries, J. E. Liardet, Brockley, and T. Donnithome, Gracechurch-st.rect.—19th October, 1882. id.

The inventors use very thin plates of lead. These plates are coated with one or more of the oxides of lead mixed into a creamy state with dilute sulphuric acid, or this acid saturated with chloride of calcium or chloride of sodium. The plates are placed in porous pots of circular or other shape, and constructed so as to fit one inside the other. The battery is then

2d.

5006. Application of Lids or Covers to Cake Baskets or Boxes, Ac., W. Staniforth, Sheffield.— —21st October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This consists in the use of covers arranged so that -when raised they can be turned with a pivotted centre-piece to which they are attached, so as to leave the opening of the receptacle to which they are applied free for access to the interior, while at the same time the lid is so formed as to conform to or form a certain design with the part against which it is turned back.

that

er at the on to the

5031. Velocipedes, E. A. Brydges, Berlin.—23rd October, 1882.—(A communication from J. Ring, Vienna.) — (Not proceeded with.) 2d.

Instead of cranks a system of racks and pinions is employed, and the motion transmitted to the driving wheels by means of ratchet wheels.

2d.

2d.

24th October.

1882. 6d. stand or

Davies, London.—94th October, 1882. 6d.

The object is to utilise “spent hops” so that they may be used again, and the bitters, Ac., they contain utilised, and it consists in submitting them to the action of a drying machine, and then to that of a loosening or separating machine, after which the hops can be bagged ready for use.

5068. Liquid Meters, J. C. Mewburn, London.—2Uh October, 1882.—(A communication from A. S. St. Albin, Paris.) 6d.

An important feature of the invention consists in the employment of a measuring device in the form of a cylindrical caoutchouc bellows applied against a partition dividing the capacity of the meter into two compartments, in which the liquid circulates. A valve distribution mechanism is actuated by the bellows by means of a spring workinga small link, and a lever which comes alternately against projections on the rod which works the valves. The movements of the bellows are transmitted to counting mechanism.

6a.

rubbing surface on the yarn as it passes the edge of the cap to the bobbin.

4995. Warming and Heating Rooms, &c., T. Kay, Stockport.—20th October, 1882. 6d.

This relates to the use of a spherical heater to be applied over gas or other flames for the purpose of intercepting the heat emitted by such flames, and to utilise the same for heating or warming rooms.

4996.    Compound Armour Plates, T. B. Clare, Handsworth, Stafford.—20th October, 1882.—(A communication from F. Yates, Prussia.) 6d.

The plates consist of a soft wrought iron or steel section or face either wrought or cast, but in certain combinations and constructions of hard steel with wrought iron or soft steel for the back section, with a middle principally composed of soft cast steel, hard cast steel, or other cast metal. In the front or outer portions of the face plate, conical or other holes are formed with their frustra or largest diameter at the front, the smaller diameter of the cone joining into the crown of a hemispherical arched, conical, ogival, or other kindred recess, the base of which is always towards the centre portion and forming a part of the centre portion of the plate at the back of the front section.

4997.    Appliance for Coupling and Uncoupling Railway Carriages, J. Anderson and J. Barling. Glasgow.—20th October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.)

A projection on one carriage is caused to enter a recess in the adjoining carriage, and is retained by a pin connected with a cross shaft extending to the sides, so that it can be raised for the purpose of releasing the projection without having to get between the carriages.

4998.    Lamps or Lanterns, A. W. Kershaw, Lancaster.—20th October, 1882. 6d.

This consists in effecting a more equal distribution of light by forming the upper part of the lamp as a reflector, while the lower part is made of flint or other glass having transparent refractive properties.

4999.    Apparatus for the Administration of Alimentary Fluids, &c., L. A. V. Pellegrin, France.— 20th October, 1882. 6d.

This relates to an improved form and construction of feeding bottle, and consists principally in the means for connecting the flexible tube thereto.

5000.    Confectionery, C. F. Muller, Germany.—20th October, 1882. 6d.

The mass to be made into confectionery is placed in a receptacle above, suitable form plates with openings corresponding to the product required, and through which the mass is forced by pressure suitably applied, and falls upon a baking tray supported by a platform beneath the form plate.

5001.    Telephonic Instruments, G. L. Anders, Queen

Victoria-street.—20th October, 1882.    6d.

This relates to improvements whereby the sensitiveness of telephonic instruments is increased, and all harshness of sound when the voice is raised to a high pitch prevented. The invention consists in the employment of a thin box or chamber partially or wholly exhausted of air, in place of the diaphragm heretofore used in some transmitters as a medium for taking up the vibrations of the air, and conveying them to the microphonic contact surfaces.

5003. Producing Audible Signals on Tramcars, Bicycles, &c., A. S. Clerk and F. Dowling, London. —20th October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates to the use of a pump capable of being worked by the motion of the vehicle, so as to compress air which is utilised for sounding an audible signal.

-5004. Type-composing Machines, E. P. Alexander, London.—20th October, 1882.—(A communication from B. Saule and M. Durozoi, Paris.)—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates, First, to the use of a peculiar arrangement of pusher for distributing type into different conducting channels; Secondly to forming the inclined conducting channels of rectilinear form; and Thirdly, to arranging the central inclined channel so that it communicates with a horizontal channel leading to the compositor by means of a vertically-curved passage, which conducts the type in a vertical position and with its head upwards into the horizontal channel, where they are acted upon by a pusher and pushed against those already therein.

5005. Rope Tramways, H. H. M. Smith, London.—20th October, 1882.—(A communication from A. S. Hallidie, San Francisco.) 6d.

A frame is attached to the car and contains the gripper, and has a wheel with a flange to run in the groove or slot of the tube in advance of the shank of the gripper. To give additional strength to the tubes which contain the ropes in tramways where there two tracks, the tie or sleeper is extended across the space between the two tubes and secured thereto. Four or more rollers are used at the end of the gripper, and over them passes an endless chain, the links of which are shaped to fit the rope. Other improvements are also described.

5007- Looms for Weaving, F. M. Sykes and J. Hinch-life, Holmjirth, Yorkshire.—21st October, 1882.— (Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates to the lags and pegs of jacquards, and it ■consists in forming the pegs with a shoulder to rest on the upper surface of the lag through which the lower portion passes, and is secured by a pin inserted in a groove in the under surface of the lag, and which passes through a hole in the peg.

5008. Filters, F. G. Lynde, Melton Mowbray.—21st October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

The body of an open filter is made open at top, and has a flange inside to receive a vessel closed at bottom and open at top, within which is a longer vessel open at top and bottom. In the space between the vessels a filtering medium is introduced, and the open vessel contains fine sand.

5009.    Apparatus for Destroying Solid Impurities from Textile Materials, 0. Imray, London.—2lst October, 1882.—(A communication from La Society Harmel Freres, France.) id.

This relates to an apparatus in which beaters are caused to vibrate rapidly and exert blows upon the textile material as it passes over a hard substance, by which means any hard impurities contained in such material will be destroyed and removed.

5010.    Tramways, F. Nowell and A. K. Smith, Shepherd’s Bush.—21st October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This consists in securing the rails of tramways to their supports by bending flanges formed on the rails round and under heads formed on the supports.

5011.    Slide Valves for Steam Engines, J. Dunbar, Southampton.—21st October, 1882.—(Void.) 2d.

This object is to prevent the cutting of slide valve faces, and yet to ensure close contact between such valves and their seats. The valve is made hollow, and has a flat face with ports, and a central recess for exhaust steam. At right angles to the steam ports is a third port also opening into the hollow shell, and serving to receive steam from a port of about half its length in the cylinder face and in connection with the boiler. The length of the longitudinal port is such that steam will always be admitted to the valve; connected with the valve chest is an arrangement of valves to admit steam direct from boiler to the back of the valve. The supply to the passage leading to the valve chest is governed by a loaded valve, subjected to the pressure of the boiler.

5012.    Ploughs, E. Edwards, London.—21*t October, 1882. — (A communication from P. P. Jacotot, France.) 6d.

The object is to form ploughs which will operate without being held, and automatically enter and leave the beginning and end of each furrow. On the axle of the front wheels is supported a socket, through which the main beam slides, such beam having longitudinal grooves formed on its upper edge. Surrounding the beam in an inclined position is a disc carried by a cross bar and hollow square socket supported by the carriage, so that it can be raised or lowered as desired, and into a conical hole in this socket fits a conical bar, on the upper end of which is fixed the socket through which the main beam passes. The two grooves in the beam unite at the end, and a front socket sliding on the bar be adjusted to cause a key in it to fit either groove. The beam has holes to enable the socket to be fixed to it by pins. The front socket has a transverse bar with a wheel mounted on a pivot at each end, and revolving in contact with the inclined disc.

5013.    Wheels for Vehicles, E. Hora, Camberwell. —21st October, 1882.—(A'ot proceeded with.) 2d.

This consists in arranging some of the spokes so their outer ends are opposite the abutting ends of each two adjacent felloes, and those of the other spokes come opposite the centre of each felloe. The spokes are connected to the felloes by metallic sockets.

5014.    Regulating Electric Currents and Electromotive Force, &c., L. Campbell, Glasgow.—21st October, 1882. 4d.

In carrying out this invention with a series dynamo, the inventor first runs it at any convenient constant speed with the object of obtaining an electro-motive force equal to the total constant resistance of the circuit and the current circulating in the field magnet coils. Having arranged the winding of the field magnets so that the dynamo gives a constant electromotive force between the consumer’s supply and return conductors, but less than that required, the inventor winds round the magnets a second coil, the ends of which terminate in the consumer’s supply and return conductors. This gives rise to an additional amount of constant electro-motive force.

5015.    Electro - magnetic and Magneto - electric Engines, C. F. Varley, Bexley Heath.—21st October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

Relates to a combination of hollow iron cylinders, one wound with wire and the others not, and so arranged that one rotates on its axis.

5016.    Electro - magnetic and Magneto - electric Engines, C. F. Varley, Bexley Heath.—21»t October, 1882.— (Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This invention is designed for the production of rotary motion from electric currents, or vice versa, and for getting rid of the burning at the places of contact.

5017- Electro - magnetic and Magneto - electric Engines, C. F. Varley, Bexley Heath.—21st October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

The object of this invention is to get a conductor moving between the poles of magnets, so as to generate currents of electricity.

5018.    Appliances for the Treatment of Small Coal, &c., C. E. Hall, Sheffield.—21sf October, 1882. 6d.

This consists, First, in a coal washing machine, the combination of inner and outer tanks witharecipro-cating piston and open cylinder in the wall of the inner tank, and a foot valve in outer tank, to effect a constant circulation in the outer tank, and over the coal alternately, with a constant pulsation of the water in the inner tank through the coal; Secondly, the combination with such a compound washing tank of a perforated metal bucket wheel or creeper to carry away and strain the washed coal automatically; Thirdly, the construction of a link for such a creeper -with a flat or a round stirrup bar or male joint, and the female joint so formed that the links will only disengage when at right angles to one another ; and Fourthly, in apparatus for the washing and treatment of small coal, the construction of a differential crusher, one roll running at a higher speed than the other two.

5019.    Iron and Steel Tubular Telegraph Poles, <fec., J. C. Johnson, Wednesbury, and R. Martin, West Bromwich.—21st October, 1882. 6d.

This consists, First, in strengthening iron and steel tubular telegraph poles by the use of an internal supporting bar, with three or four equidistant radial webs; and Secondly, in the processes for making tubes wholly or partly tapered and corrugated longitudinally by means of corrugated rolls.

5021.    Combining Salicylic Acid and Glycerine for Admixture with W ines and Spirituous Liquors, J. Prosser, Upper Clapton. — 21st October, 1882. Id.

Preferably 16 oz. salicylic acid and 30 oz. glycerine are mixed in a mortar or mill, and treated with 1 gallon pure spirit, to dissolve the acid to bring the compound to a liquid form. The mixture is sufficient to add to 250 gallons of wine or spirituous liquors, and is then passed through charcoal filters, to keep back any flocculent matter formed by the fermentation ensuing by the admixture of the ingredients.

5022.    Harrows, A. Clarke, Stevenage, Herts.—21st

October, 1882.    6d.

This consists in forming the longitudinal bars of narrow frames so as to provide recesses to receive the heads of the tines, which are secured therein by bolts passing through holes in the bars and the heads of the tines, and through tubular stretchers or distance pieces.

5023.    Carbons for Incandescent Electric Lamps, M. Bailey, King’s-cross.—21 st October, 1882. Id.

The inventor makes his carbon of a tubular shape with a hollow or perforated and enlarged part in its centre. This enlarged part is pierced by several perforations. The carbon is supported at right angles to the leading-in wires. The light shines out of the perforations.

5024.    Machinery for Shearing Steel Ingots, B. Walker, Leeds.—21si October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2 d.

This consists in making- the engine which drives the cutting machine reversible, so as to permit the workmen to stop the knife in any position and at any moment.

5025.    Separating Copper from Matt or Regulus, &c., J. Plaisted (Lord Penzance), Grosvenor-square. —21 st October, 1882.—{Void.) 2d.

The regulus is granulated or pulverised and treated with concentrated sulphuric acid, the regulus and acid being then submitted to heat until the regulus is quite dry, the whole being constantly stirred to prevent caking. The mass when cold is treated with water, when the copper salt formed will dissolve with ease.

5026.    Tips for the Heels and Toes of Boots, &c., G. Chambers, Brixton.—2Tst October, 1882. id.

These tips are formed with recesses larg bottom than at the top, so that when secured leather (which is cut so as to fit the recesses) the tips will be held securely in position.

5027.    Regulating the Supply of Water to Water-closets, &c., G. A. Biddis, Newbury.—21s< October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d..

This consists in a container of a certain capacity supported upon an axis within a cistern, so as to be rocked by connections with the pull handle and discharge its contents into the outer cistern connected by a pipe with the pan of the closet. A ball valve refills the container.

5028.    Improved Surgical Appliance for Use in Cases of Fractured Patella, H. Parson, Guild-lord.—21sf October, 1882. — (Not proceeded with.) 2d.

A pair of jaws covered with wash leather are connected together and curved to fit above and below the patella ; such jaws being provided with straps passing round the side bars or supports of a splint, and serving to hold the appliance in position when applied to the injured part.

5029. Envelopes, R. B. Hayward, London.—23rd October, 1882.— (Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates to the construction of envelopes so as to prevent the same being surreptitiously opened without the possibility of detection.

5032.    Dry Distillation, J. Jameson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.—23rd October, 1882. id.

This consists in effecting dry distillation by exposing the materials to be distilled to surface heat from a separate furnace or fire, and extracting the distillates from the lower part of the containing vessel, pan, or chamber.

5033.    Stopping or Controlling Runaway or Restive Horses, J. C. Mewburn, London.—23rd October, 1882.—(A communication from C. von Schwarz, Vienna.)—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates to the use of a cap or hood which can be drawn over the horse’s eyes by the coachman pulling a strap.

5034.    Manufacture of a New Product from Coffee Beans, II. J. Haddan, KensVngton.—23rd October, 1882.—(A communication from E. Charnaux, France.)— (Not proceeded with.) 2d.

The object is to treat coffee beans so that all their constituents may be utilised; and it consists in grinding the coffee to powder and compressing it into tablets, which may be either eaten or dissolved in water or milk to produce a beverage.

5035.    Lightning Conductors, H. J. Haddan, Kensington.—23rd October, 1882.—(A communication from J. Kernaul, Munich.—(Not proceeded with.)

2d.

This consists chiefly in placing the conducting wires in grooves applied externally or internally to the conducting rod. The conductor proper consists of a massive copper point, and the conducting wires of copper, both of which are pressed together by a copper sleeve. The hollow iron rod serves as a support for the point and a protecting tube for the conducting wires.

5036.    Water Purifiers for Steam Boilers, G. F. Redfern, London.—23rd October, 1882.—(A communication from D. Hanna, New York.) 6d.

A spraying device is attached to the feed pipe and arranged within the steam chamber, such device having an upper and an under conical plate, the latter provided with openings increasing from the centre to the circumference. A circumferential rim extends downwards towards a sediment collecting basin, from the lower end of which a pipe passes outside the boiler, and is fitted with a blow-off cock.

5037.    Governors for Steam Engines, W. P. Thompson, Liverpool.—23rd October, 1882.—(A communication from F. D. Cumnver, Detroit, U.S.)—(Complete.) 6d.

This consists of a governor in which a shaft is arranged to operate a main steam supply valve, and upon which a sleeve and excentric are arranged to rotate, a pair of flying weights being pivotted to a support projecting from the shaft, means being provided for communicating a rocking motion to the sleeve from the weights, and a thrust rod arranged loosely and centrally within the shaft, and also actuated from the weights, a variable resistance being arranged to oppose the thrust of such rod.

5038.    Railways and Tramways, J. Morison and R. Armstrong, Dalkeith, N.B.—23rd October, 1882. 6d.

This relates to means for securing rails to their sleepers, and it consists in the combination of fixed brackets and swivelling brackets gripping the rail between them.

5039.    Parallel Rulers, C. R. Baillie-Hamilton, Kent.—23rd October, 1882. 6d.

This consists in converting the lateral motion of the proceeding blade into a direct continuous vertical motion perpendicular to ihe stationary blade, and thereby enabling lines to be drawn whose ends all line in the same straight line perpendicular to the proceeding blade. Two sets of arms are jointed to each blade, and their inner ends pivotted together to a slotted centre bar placed between the blades. A third jointed link is fitted to the blades between the others, the outer extremities being pivotted to the outer extremities of one of the side links, and the inner extremities having a pin, which works in the slot in the centre bar. Means are provided to indicate the intervals between the lines.

5040.    Apparatus Employed in Treating Silk, Rags, Ac., B. P. Hepworth, near Leeds.—23rd October, 1882. —(Not proceeded with.)

This relates to apparatus for tearing up woven fabrics, and consists of a pair of rollers through which the material is fed upon a travelling apron. A roller with strong hooked or L-shaped teeth acts upon the materials so as to tear them from the first roller. A series of such rollers may be used, and the rags when torn into waste are placed in a scribbler or carding machine.

5041.    Sewage Trap or Gulley, Ac., E. Green, Halifax.—23rd October, 1882. 6d.

The exterior of the trap may be square, and the interior is provided with two traps, one at top where the inlet pipe is introduced, and one at bottom where the outlet is formed. A hinged grate allows easy access for cleaning. An opening is formed in the outlet and provided with a lid, by removing which cleaning rod may be introduced.

5042.    Rotary Gas Engines, W. E. Gedge, London.— 23rd October, 1882.—(A communication from F. Martin and J. Quaglio, Paris.)—(Not proceeded with.)

This consists of a gas motor with an inner excentric cylinder carrying blades, and in which are utilised motive power the pressure produced by the combination of a mixture of air and gas, and the vacuum resulting from the contraction of these products of combustion suitably cooled, whether pressure and vacuum may be used conjointly or separately.

5044. Cleaning Fat Oils and Fats, F. C. Glaser, Berlin, Germany.—23rd October, 1882.—(Acommunication from H. Schlinck, Germany.) 4d.

This consists, First, in purifying fat oils and fats from unpleasant flavour and smell by the consecutive treatment of the same with sulphuric acid, or chloride of zinc, or other oxidising substances, with steam and with animal charcoal; and Secondly, purifying fat oils and fats from unpleasant flavour and smell by the consecutive treatment thereof with alcohol and with animal charcoal.

5046. Carriage Bodies, Ac., J. S. G. F. Ilorcher, Prussia.—23 rd October, 1882. 6d.

This relates to carriage bodies in which two seats are arranged one behind another, and the objects are, First, to facilitate communication inside the carriage ; Secondly, to combine the back seat with the carriage door; and Thirdly, to construct a folding back seat which unfolds automatically.

5049. Looms for Weaving, T. Singleton, Over Darwen. — 23rd October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates, First, to regulating the tension of the beam by passing a chain or rope around each ruffle and over a runner on a dead bracket, the chain being regulated by a screw, and its other end passing down to a weighted lever. A link embraces the chains, nd by shifting it the tension is regulated ; Secondly, to an improved arrangement of feeler for automatically regulating the weight on to the back beam, so that the weight may slide down the lever and take off the weight at any required speed ; Thirdly, to an improved wing rod ; Fourthly, to an improved strap fork joint; Fifthly, to the swivel; Sixthly, to the brake lever; Seventhly, to the pinion wheel stud for the taking-up motion; Eighthly, to the stud for the taking-up wheel; and Ninthly, to the spindle stud.

5050.    Electric Lighting Apparatus, H. H. Lake, Southampton-buildings. — 23rd October, 1882. — (A communication from S. F. van Choate, New York.) Is. 2d.

Relates to electric lighting and the regulation of currents therefor, and comprises also improvements in arc and incandescent lamps, carbons, globe fittings, current meters, Ac. There are fifty-two claims.

5051.    Automatic Registering and Controlling Apparatus for Carriages, IV. H. Beck, London.— 23rd October, 1882.—(A communication from X. Portafax, Paris.) 8d.

This relates to a suitable arrangement of mechanism whereby the time that the vehicle is occupied is registered upon an endless band, to which a uniform traversing motion is imparted, such mechanism being brought into operation by the passenger taking his seat.

5052.    Radial Axle-boxes for Locomotives and other Rail or Tramway Vehicles, F. W. Webb, Crewe.—24th October, 1882. 6d.

The object is to permit lateral motion of the axle of such vehicles, and a corresponding lateral swing of the frame to facilitate working around carves in the track. The later movements in either direction operate to compress a spring or a nest of springs placed in the axle-box midway between the wheels, and which impart a tension and elasticity to the parts, and tend always to return them to their normal central position.

5053.    Bedsteads, M. Lawson, Ayr.

1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This consists in making bedsteads partly of iron and partly of wood, so that they may be ornamented by carving or turning.

5054.    Retorts for Obtaining Gas, Oil, Coke, &c.i from Coal, &c., J. Hislop, Glasgow.—24th October> 1882.—(Not proceeded with.)

This consists in forming fire-brick retorts with their upper parts vertical and their lower parts inclined to facilitate the withdrawal of coke. The retorts are of oblong cross section, and a passage is formed inside by a small angular partition near one of the narrow sides. The partition is perforated, so that the gas generated can pass into the side passage without passing through all the materials above it.

5056. Stands or Frames for Liquor or Scent Bottles, J. Hall, Sheffield.—24i/t October,

This relates to a special arrangement of frame to enable the bottles to be locked therein, and prevent their removal until the locking mechanism is unfastened.

5057- Machinery for Serving Rope with Yarn, J. H. Nute, New Glasgow, Canada.—2Ath October, 1882. 6d.

This consists of a tubular stem divided longitudinally and hinged together to open to receive the rope to be served, and provided with a hand-driving gear wheel, meshing with a sub-divided gear wheel on a subdivided hub axially rotating on said stem, and provided with an adjustable spiral feed hook and shaft having a pointer to indicate the pitch of the hook according to the size of the serving yarn or twine, such, hub carrying a divided spool head provided with a brake and tension bar to adjust the tension of the yarn, so that by steadying the machine with one hand and turning the driving wheel with the other, the spool head is rotated axially around the rope to be served, the serving yarn unwinding from the spool and winding around the rope.

5059. Apparatus for Applying Electricity to Rotary Hair Brushes, N. J. Holmes, Great Winchester-street.—24th October, 1882. id.

Relates to means whereby the circuit through the rotary brush is only completed on contact with the hair of the person operated on.

5063.    Continuous Fleece Dividing Machines, L. A. Groth, London.—24<Zi October, 1882.—(A communication from J. H. Gilljam, Germany.) 6d.

The fleece taken from the doffer by the comb passes between dividing cylinders and dividing bands, one set of which takes half the divided fleece upwards over an upper tension roller, while the other set takes the other half downwards under a lower tension roller. The strips of fleece are taken off opposite these tension rollers by taking off and rubbing apparatus, each empty set of bands returning to the cylinders over suitable guide rollers.

5064.    Parallel Vices, H. F. Read, Brooklyn, U.S.— 24th October, 1882.—{Complete.) 6d.

This relates to vices in which the movable jaw is adapted for parallel movement in relation to the fixed jaw by a screw working in a sliding rack-nut automatically engaged with and disengaged from a rack of the fixed jaw, and it consists of means for making the action of the sliding rack-nut more effective and certain, and maintaining it in position to effect an immediate engagement with the fixed nut.

5067. Treatment of Certain Waste Materials, E.

5069. Combination Shoe-horn and Button-hook, S.

Pulzer, London.—2ith October, 1882. Ad.

The end of the button-hook is hinged to the top of the shoe-horn, so that it may be folded up.

5071- Manufacture of Sugar, TV. R. Lake, London.

—24th October, 1882.—(A communication from L.

May, Austria.) 6d.

The object is to produce cube sugar in moulds directly from the sugar liquor, such moulds being preferably capable of being taken to pieces so that the cubes will fall out.

5073.    Velocipedes, E. R. Settle, Coventry.—24th October, 1882.—(Not proceeded with.) 2d.

This relates, First, to means for steering tricycles having a large wheel at one side and two smaller wheels at the other; and Secondly, to a ball bearing for the cranks of velocipedes.

5074.    Machinery for Manoeuvring and Steering Ships, TV. M. Walters, Bristol.—2ith October, 1882.

A pipe or tube passes from one side of the vessel to the other, as low down and as near the end as practicable, and in the deadwood and at right angles to the fore and aft line of the vessel. 'Within this tube a screw is arranged, and can be actuated by suitable means, so as to facilitate the steering of the vessel. 5077. Pneumatic Elevators for Railways, A. TV. L. Reddie, London.—2Ath October, 1882.—(A communication from C. A. Needham, New York.) 6d.

This relates to an elevator for lifting or lowering passengers to or from an elevated station, and it consists in the combination with an air shaft, an elevator car fitting therein and working as a piston, and a railway track, of a pump operated by passing trains to compress air, which is led by a tube to the air shaft

below the car. valves being provided for controlling the admission and egress of the air.

Watches, &c., W. Clark, London.—‘14th October, 1882 —(A communication fromJ. IF. Bell, Maryland, U.S.) 6d.

This relates to an improvement in watch hands to enable the wearer to see the different times of the place he is leaving and the place to which he is going, or to keep both standard and local time, and it consists in the combination of a pair of hands, one having a split ring, which is sprung on to the hub of the other, so as to create sufficient friction to move with it, and yet allow of its separate adjustment when required.

5081.    Railway Signatling Apparatus, J. Boustead, H. Neville, and J. Holt, London.—24th October, 1882. —{Not proceeded with.) 2d.

The trains in passing a signal station are caused to actuate the semaphore or other signals, which are kept raised until the train has passed the next signal, which it raises, the raising of the latter automatically lowering the previous signal.

5082.    Bit Stocks, G. F. Redfern, London.—2ith October, 1882.—{A communication from J. P. Lawrence, Philadelphia, U.S.) 2d.

This relates to bit stocks in which a screw is used to obtain rotary motion, and the object is to effect a quick continuous though intermittent rotary motion in one direction. A spirally threaded spindle works in a tube with a nut at its lower end, and two hand pieces are provided, one fast and the other loose on the tube, for the purpose of causing the chuck holding the tool to revolve always in the same direction.

5080

so as

the machine and the other at the point where it is a rope, with the interstices filled or buUt up and coated the snindle to form the tube. The with a suitable cement or size, or the interstices may machinery employed is distinguished, First, by the be filled up as described and tied or bri<^d over by emulovment of a turning or pivotting nipper to give longitudinally laid and felted short fibres. T e an obliquity to the paper, which can be varied accord- asbestos rope may be twisted round a centra infr to the cone of [the tubes. The use of this nipper saturated with a solution of india-rubber, permits the lower blade of the cutter for the head to 5420. Caps for Securing the Ends of the Rib3 of be fixed, and of separating therefrom the cutter which Umbrellas, &c., C. A. Allison, London.—14th Octo-effects the rectilinear oblique cut, which can thus be    ber, 1882.—{A communication from Quyon et Dyrofj,

made from the outer side of the lower blade, and so    Paris.) 2d.

allow the corner cut off to fall without further This relates to an improved cap for securing the manipulation ; and Secondly, the arrangement of the ends of the ribs of umbrellas and parasols, and con-cutter for the base which has its edge directed con- ₈i₈ts of a flexible cup with a rigid ring at its upper trary to the direction of the travel of the paper.    edge, and secured to the runner by which the umbrella

5153 Antiseptic for Preserving Alimentary Sub- is opened and closed.

C M. Pielsticker, Kilbum.—99th October, | 5430. Bottles for Containing Liquid Blacking,

&c., S. M. Brixby, New York.—14th November, 1882.

core

277 831. Apparatus for Making Bessemer Steel, Thos. H. Burridge, St. Louis, Mo.—Filed January 30th, 1883.    ,    , .

Claim.—(1) In an apparatus for making Bessemer steel, one or more converters mounted on a turntable, in combination with one or more furnaces and spiegeleisen cupolas located around the table, and suitable receptacles for transferring the metal from the furnace or furnaces to the converters, substantially as set forth. (2) One or more converters mounted

1 277.831 1

5096. Apparatus for Cutting Cigars, Ac , G. Weston, Sheffield.—22th October, 1882.    2d.

This consists in the use of a revolving cutter, the edge of which advances from the centre by rotation.

5100.    Securing, Ac., Window Curtains, H. M.

Tarratt, Stoke Newington.—22th October, 1882.—{Not \proceeded with.) 2d.    ...    .

Tills relates to appliances for maintaining window curtains stretched, and for adjusting the height of the rod as desired. The edge of the curtain is inserted in a slot in a tube, the ends of which are inserted in sockets placed at each side of the window, and made adjustable by racks and pinions.

5101.    Rotary Engines and Pumps, T. S. Greenaway, Bermondsey, and A. Kitt, Pimlico.—22th October, 1882. 2d.

This relates to rotary engines and pumps in which blades or slides are protected radially from an inner cylinder placed excentrically of a main cylinder. An even number of blades or slides is employed, and are of same length as the inner cylinder and of a depth equal to about one-third its diameter. The slides work in radial grooves in the inner cylinder and fit accurately, their outer edge being fitted with nose slips pressed outwards by flat springs. The slides arranged in pairs, and to keep each pair the proper distance apart and up the inner face of the outer cylinder two or more pins working in holes bored and fitted through the axle are employed, and against the opposite ends of which the inner edge of each slide of the pair rests.

5102.    Manufacture of Studded Chains, T. H. Ward,

Tipton.—25th October, 1882.    2d.

This relates to studded chains or chains strengthened with a stud or strut piece between the links, the object being to enable much smaller chains of this kind to be manufactured. The studs or struts are made of wrought iron, and the links are then heated and hammered or pressed upon the struts or studs, so that the sides of the links engage with grooves formed in struts or studs.

5103.    Velocipedes, Perambulators, Ac., G. H. C-Hughes, Birmingham.—22th October, 1882. 2d.

This relates to means for lubricating the tension wheels of velocipedes or other vehicles, also of preventing the shifting of the rubber tire, and to retard the wear of the heads of the spokes of such wheels. A lubricating box is made in one piece with the hub. The rim is formed with a circumferential groove with outwardly projecting flanges. The tire is formed with serrations or projecting ridges, arranged transversely at the part to fit the groove in the tire. 5106. Window Rashes, IF. H. Lindsay, Paddington.— 22th October. 1882. 2d.

The object is to provide a simple means of constructing window sashes from iron sash bars, and consists essentially in the use of junction pieces to unite the bars by hammering their edges over the edges of the sash bars, or by the use of pins.

5110. Apparatus Employed in the Manufacture of and Printing upon Blanks for Paper Boxes, Ac., S. Cropper, London.—27th October, 1882.—{Partly a communication from Cornell and Shelton, Connecticut, U.S.) 2d.

This consists essentially in forming the dies to cut out and score the blanks to form paper boxes, by marking upon a piece of wood the lines required, and then cutting out such lines by a jig or scroll saw and inserting in the cuts the proper lengths of sharp cutting rule. The die thus formed can be used in combination with a counter die.

5111. Timepieces, C. D. Abel, London.—27th October, 1882.—{A communication from F. Reuleaux, Berlin.)

2d,

This relates to means for comparing “ local ” solar time at any place and the mean general solar time at any selected meridian, and it consists in the use of a timepiece with two dials, one marked in the usual way and the hands of which indicate local time, while the other is marked up to twenty-four hours, and its hands indicate “general'’ time at the selected meridian. Both sets of hands are moved by the same works.

5112. Separating Glycerine from Fatty Matters, J. Imray, London.—27th October, 1882.—{A communication from C. F. E. Poullain and E. F. and E. N. Michaud, Paris.) 2d.

This consists in separating glycerine from neutral fatty matter, and producing acid fat ready for soap or stearine manufacture, by subjecting the matter to the action of high-pressure steam in presence of water, and of zinc white or zinc grey.

5129. New or Improved Compositions for Insulating Conductors of Electricity, C. W. Torr, Birmingham.—27th October, 1882. 4d.

The inventor mixes pitch, rosin, and Calais sand, in the proportions of one part by weight of pitch, one part rosin, and two parts sand. The mixture is heated to melting point and stirred till thoroughly incorporated.

5143. Adjusting the Brasses of Locomotive and other Engine Connecting Rods, W. L. Hunt, Westminster.—30th October, 1882. 6c?.

This consists in forming the brasses so as to leave a vertically arranged dovetailed space between their eting edges on each side, and for the centre length of the bearing. On each side, in the flanges of the brasses, a dovetail piece or wedge is inserted, those on opposite sides being connected by a cross piece, and capable of being adjusted by means of sorew nuts, so as to be able to take up wear without disconnecting the rods.

5150. Apparatus for Drawing Corks from Bottles, A. Olsson, Sweden.—99th October, 1882. 2d.

According to one form a corkscrew is attached to a spirally twisted rod supported by a frame running along guides, the rod being caused to rotate by a nut fastened to a movable cross-piece provided with handles, and also running along guides,

me

STANCES,

1882.    4d.

This consists, First, of an antiseptic salt for pre- ....

serving alimentary substances containing boracic acid, The bottle has a neck increasing in size upwards, phosphate of soda, and formiate of soda, in such pro- and the smaller part of which is less in diameter than portions as to render the boracic acid completely a compressible vehicle employed for removing the soluble, and to produce a practically tasteless salt; and blacking or other liquid, while the larger part is greater Secondly, placing alimentary substances previously in diameter than such vehicle. An enlargement or air treated with the antiseptic described in air-tight chamber is formed below the neck, and connects it vessels exhausted of air and filled with a mixture of with the body—which is also conical —the base being carbonic acid and carbonic oxide.    largest in diameter. The vehicle to remove the liquid

5155 Butt Hinges, J. Dyer, Birmingham.—20th Octo- is preferably connected to the stopper.

ber 1882. 6d.    5467. Basting Meat, Poultry, &c., J. Reynolds, near

The object is to strengthen the knuckles of butt    Worcester.—17 th November, 1882.—{Complete.) 4d.

hinges. An oblong blank is cut from sheet brass of a I This consists in the use of a can with a perforated length more than double the breadth of the flap to be bottom to receive the basting fat, such can being made. The blank is pierced near one end so as to secured to the roasting jack by a rotating hook, and leave pieces to form the knuckles which divide the also having a rotating hook at the bottom to receive blank into two unequal parts. The knuckle pieces are the meat, poultry, or game to be roasted, bent by suitable tools to a circular figure, and the two 5505. Cocoa and Chocolate, S. P. Wilding, London. portions of the blank are bent over so as to form a flap I    —20th November, 1882.—{A communication    from    Q.

of double the thickness of metal used.    |    StolUoerck, Cologne.) 4d.

5158. Apparatus for Producing and Regulating I This consists in producing a readily soluble cocoa Electricity, J. D. F. Andrews, Glasgoic.—30th Octo- product or article of food by mixing cocoa beans, prefer 1882.    6d.    I    viously ground and freed from as much oleaginous

This ’relates to a dynamo in    which    the    armature    is    I    substances as possible, or not, with 10 per cent, or 20

constructed of a cylindrical barrel of non-conducting per cent, water, alone or combined with milk and material, on the circumference of which are fixed, side sugar, and then drying and pulverising or otherwise by side, a number of copper bars. These are connected I treating the mass.

together in series, and at each end of the barrel is a 55^7. Ornamental Nails, Buttons, &c., A. J. Boult, commutator consisting of half as many insulated plates I    London.—20th November, 1882.— {A communication

as there are bars, and each plate is connected to a    . m G ^ Bailey and W. R.    Talbot,    Providence,

junction of the armature bars. Other arrangements    u.S.)-(Complete.) 4d.

for coupling up the bars are described, as well as a I ipjq3 con8i₈ts in forming nails, buttons, &c., for means for automatically or otherwise regulating the I Up}₁₀lstering and decorative purposes with heads of production of the current.    I    leather or other suitable material secured to metal

5168. Steam Boilers, S.    P.    Wilding,    London.—20th    I    shanks and coloured to produce any desired effect.

October, 1882.—(A communication from Stollwerck 5540. Cooling Apparatus, S. P. Wilding, London.— Brothers, Cologne.) 6d.    I    22nd November, 1882.—(A communication from G.

The object is to prevent incrustation of those parts I    Stollwerck, Cologne.) 6d.

of steam boilers which are in contact with the fire and I This relates to the cooling or setting of heated choco-not easily accessible, and further to effect the better I or COCOa, or other vegetable products which require utilisation of the gases of combustion. The apparatus to be 000ie(j at a constant and moderate temperature, consists of a system of feed-heating tubes formed of I an(j jn a qry atmosphere, and it consists in the use of two parallel tubes leading to a transverse one, and all I a fan^ the current of air from which is caused to pass placed in the furnace flues to be heated by the waste I over a system of pipes, in which water or other liquid gases. The feed-water passes to an upper separating I at the required constant temperature is caused to chamber consisting of one or more cylindrical shells circuiate, so that the air always enters the cooling inclined obliquely and placed side by side. The water | chamber at the required temperature, enters at on j end through a pipe directed to war ds^t he j ^505. Nails and Spikes and Nail-making Ma-opposite end. The steam from the boiler below is    CHinery, S. Watkins, Wolverhampton.—25th No-

directed into this chamber, so as to jeet 'the flow of    1882.-(A communication from W. Taylor,

feed-water. The chamber is provided with sieves and    putshurah US ) lOd

plates for separating solid particles from the ee - I    nail ha8’ a triangular shank with transverse or

water.    I diagonal nicks on one or all sides at or near the point,

5182. Telegraph Printing and Time Regulating I wj₁j₀j₁ j₈ round, tapering, and conical. The machine Apparatus, J. Imray, Southampton-buildings.—21st {or mapjng naii₈ has a heading ram, having a slow October, 1882.—(A communication from A. A. Knud- backward movement, in combination with extended son. Brooklyn, U.S.)    2d.    rods at the rear end, around which are powerful springs,

This relates to improvements on patent bo. 2428, that when pressed back are held by a dog or clutch, 23rd May, 1882, granted to the same inventor, by which and when liberated shoot the ram end foremost against a single conducting wire suffices to effect the several the enq ₀{ the wire projecting from dies and form a operations of moving the type wheel, the impression head. Pointing and cutting-off tools are also provided lever, and the time corrector in the apparatus.    and operated from the main shaft.

5246. Wagons. R. Hudson, Gildei-some, Yorkshire.—9rd 5335, Utilising Slags obtained in the Dephos-November, 1882. 2d.    _    I phorisation of Iron, C. Pieper, Berlin.—7th

This relates particularly to side tipping wagons December, 1882.—(.4 communication from C. Scheibler, capable of tipping on either side. A pedestal is fixed    Berlin.) 4d.

at each end of the under frame, and has three fork- rphig consists in roasting the powdered slags by like openings. The wagon body has three studs or I oxidising flame, submitting it to the action of muriatic trunnions at each end, the centre one. of which, when acjd jn 8llfhcient quantity only to dissolve caustic lime in the normal position, rests in the middle opening in an(j. magnesia, together with the silicates and phos-the pedestals. When the body is tipped to one side plates thereof, and the strength of which is that the stud on that side enters one of the side openings in I obtained by adding 9 parts water to 1 of the acid of the pedestals, and tips thereon. Locking mechanism I commerce t,f 20 deg. Beaume, and finally precipitating is provided for securing the body in the normal posi- | phosphate of lime or magnesia, or both, by addition to tion.    the liquor separated from the residue of lime or mag-

5297. Treatment of Fibre Bearing Leaves and nesia, whether caustic, or in the state of carbonate, or Plants, H. C. Smith, Richmond.—2th November, | of a mixture or combination thereof.

1882. 2d.

This relates to a mode of separating the glutinous matter from fibre-bearing leaves and stalks, and. consists in submitting theta to the combined and simul- . U S) 2d taneous action of beaters or scutchers, a current of air    slate’s to berths which automatically adapt

and a jet or jets of water or bleaching liquor , further I themselves to the motions of a vessel so as to remain to the apparatus to carry on the operation.    in a horizontal position, the objects being to economise

5365.    Treating Certain Vegetable Fibrous Sub- space and enable the berth to be locked in any position stances FOR Producing Fibres for Spinning, | when necessary to get in and out.

Paper Making, 6c., J. A. Graham, London.—lOfA November, 1882. 4d.

This relates to improvements on the known pro-for preparing fibres from vegetable substances by treating them with sulphurous acid alone or in combination with a suitable base, and consists in first treating them with a normal or277,644. Dynamo - electric Machine, Edward suitable base, and after the gases contained therein Veston, New York, N. Y.-Filed January 9th, 1883. have been dnven out by heat and allow    p.    claim—{1) The combination, with an armature

injecting into the vessel employed ® P ,    . core 0f a system of conductors composed of massed

either alone or m combination with a suita    | ₈^ran(js or g^ps ₀f conducting materials, substantially

„    , as described. (2) The combination, with a cylindrical

5366.    Bleaching the Fibres Obtained from V ege- arrQature core, of a system of conductors wound

table Fibrous Substances, &c., J. A. Graham, I thereon, and composed of groups or bundles of fine London.—19th November, 1882. 4d.    I wire, each group being spread out at the ends of the

This consists in bringing into contact with the ¹    ’

materials to be bleached, either previous to, or at the same time as. or subsequent to their treatment with chlorine or an hypochlorite, or both, nitrate of soda or nitrate of potash in solution, or a suitable combination of the same.

5367.    Coating Iron with Lead, J. A. Graham, London.—10th November, 1882. 4d.

This consists in coating iron with a covering of lead of any desired thickness, by treating the surface to be coated with chloride of zinc, and raising the temperature of such surface to or above the melting point of lead, whereby the chloride of zinc is caused to fuse on the surface, after which a suitable quantity of lead is applied thereto and allowed to remain thereon until it has solidified.

5368.    Boiler for Digesting, Rectifying, Ac., J. A-Graham, London.—10th November, 1882. 6c?.

The boiler is formed with a chamber at top, separated from the body of the boiler by a perforated disc or diaphragm of lead, also with a chamber at bottom similarly separated from the body and fitted with a pipe connected to suitable apparatus for forcing or injecting liquid or gaseous matters into the body of the boiler.

-y;

■ esses

the form of an acid sulphite.

Railway

-I

rs

CDS

Dtfri )

i?

suitable turntable, in combination with one or more ladles for transferring the metal from the furnaces located near the turntable to the converters, adapted to be moved vertically by suitable cranes, one or more spiegeleisen cupolas located near the turntable, and one or more ladles for receiving the metal from the converters, all arranged and operating substantially as shown, for the purpose set forth. 277,869. Microscopic Illuminator, Edward Bausch, Rochester, N.Y.—Filed January 24th, 1882.

Claim.—(1) In combination with the body A and stage C of a microscope, an electric light E, and adjustable devices, substantially as described, con. necting said light rigidly with the microscope

[2 77,86 9 1

on a

st cured in the

575. Ships’ Sleeping Berths, IF. R. Lake, London.— required relation to the axis of the instrument and

2nd February, 1883.— {A communication from the the objects upon the stage, and thus maintained while Huston Ship's Berth Company, Incorporated, Boston, permitting the instrument to be moved and adjusted,

as usual.

SELECTED AMERICAN PATENTS.

From the United States' Patent Office Official Gaztte.

rfi

in

SB

kj

CONTENTS.

page

The Engineer, June 15th, 1883.

The Elwell-Parker Accumulator. (Illustrated.) 447 Graphics on the Art of Making Calculations

by Drawing Lines. No. I...........

Portable Electric Testing Apparatus ..    ..448

The Edinburgh Waterworks...... ••

The Port Elizabeth Waterworks......

The Peterborough Waterworks......

Annealed from Unannealed

449

449

449

5152. Machinery for JlAirOFACTURiNO Paper Tubes for Ring Throstle^ J. C. Mewburn, London.— “A9th October, 1882.—{A communication from M. Schaffihauser, Alsace.) 2d.

These tubes have to be made of a hard, thick paper, and to facilitate the pasting together of such paper two coats of paste are applied, one as the paper enters

5410. Lubricator Attachments for

Engines, &e , P. M. Justice, London.—14th November, 1882.—{A communication from R.J. Hofmann,

New York.) 2d.

The object is to effect an uniform and constant steam feed of lubricant to locomotive engines, and it consists principally of a constant steam feed lubrication m con-nection with an engine subject to variable work. Also of an automatic valve and an arrangement of steam

pipes in relation to the lubricator, the boiler and the .    ....    *    ,o\ rm.« „nm.

cylinders, whereby the back pressure of the steam in COre, as and for the purpose set forth. (31 The com the cylinder is made to regulate the flow of steam bination, with a cyhndncalarmaturecore, of conductors which carries the lubricant to the working parts.    composed of groups or bundles of fine wire wound lon^

5428. s™P„ck,», H.    if,,,    ^SSu

November, 1882.—{Complete.) 2d.    I ... interposed between the groups or bundles

IP

VsS5»

Distinguishing Metals ..

Letters to the Editor—

Strains on Shear Legs........

Compound Armour-plates at Spezzia Boiler Explosion near Barnsley ..

Royal Society Soiree........

J. E. McConnell..........

English’s Boring Machine. (Illustrated.).,. .. 45j Leading Articles—

Ventilation of the Metropolitan District

Railway ...........

Continuous Brakes in Australia Eastern Coaling Station ...

On the Action of Chlorine on Certain Metals 458 Solubility of Arsenous Sulphide in Water .. 45. Professor Tyndall and the Board of Trade.. 4^y Foreign Ships and British Trade....... ⁴».

Abstracts of Patent Specifications. (Ulus.) .. 463 Paragraphs—

United States Lighthouse Lamp ......

Exhibitions as Aids to Engineering Progress .. 450 Local Surveyors and Inspectors of Nuisances ...

The Gas Institute...... ........

Launches..................

Smoke Abatement ............

Association of Municipal Engineers and Surveyors 454 Dinner of the Students of Inst. Civil Engineers Royal Commission on Technical Instruction .. 4j»

„ 450

450

„    .. 450

450

_    _ 451

„ _ 451

455

. .. 455

4-5

.. 457

457

458

459

460

450

450

453

4 .vi