Chapter XIII: Introduction (6)

The third figure, in Plate 33, is a sketch of the common Wash or Dash-wheel. The pieces of calico (or other goods) are put into it through the round holes, dotted in the figure; and, by the revolution of the wheel from right to left, are carried up from _a_ to _b_, or nearly so; from whence they drop by their weight to _about_ the point _c_, where they meet the angle formed by the circumference of the wheel and one of the four arms or partitions, by which it is divided. If the wheel go too fast, the line of falling becomes more like the curve _b d_, and the goods strike the circumference too high, and in an oblique direction;--whence the blow is reduced, and the washing becomes imperfect. If, on the other hand, the wheel move too slowly, the pieces _slide_ down the ascending partition (_a_) before it comes to the vertex, and thus only fall from the axis to the lowest point of the wheel;--whence, also, an inefficient stroke. Thus, do these wheels require a moderate velocity: and they are reckoned to do their work best when making from 22 to 24 turns, and giving, of course, four times that number of strokes per minute.

The produce of these wheels is thus circumscribed by a _natural_ cause that cannot be altered--namely, by the law of falling bodies; and my Invention has in view to _elude_ the shackles which confine this process, and to produce a much greater effect in the same space,--the same time,--and with the same expence of workmanship.

To this end (see figs. 2 and 4, of the same Plate) I place two, four, or more boxes _a_, _b_, _c_, _d_, on as many wheels _e f_, toothed on my Patent principle; the latter, in the present case, being about two feet in diameter, and the boxes, in length, three quarters of that diameter: and of _any_ convenient _width_, according to the size of the pieces. The wheels _e f_ are mounted on the strong shafts _C D_, which run, below, in the wheel _E_; and by which, also, they are turned round the common centre, by means of the vertical wheel _F_. Further, in the centre, and between the wheels _e f_, I place the bevil wheel _i_, of half the diameter, in which the main shaft runs loosely, and which is itself fixed to the upper frame work, so as not to turn at all. The three _Patent_ teeth at _e i f_ shew that these wheels are to geer into each other on that principle: and it is likewise seen that this whole mechanism is included in a set of rails, of an octagonal form, for the purpose of preserving the men from danger, while in the act of charging and discharging the boxes. And here it is worthy of _some_ remark, that this process must be _easier_, and more quickly performed, with these _open_ boxes, than through holes made in the _vertical_ side of a Dash-wheel, on the usual principle.

To account, now, for the sloping position of the shafts _C D_, and the consequent slope of the boxes, they are thus placed, in order that the goods may not drag too much on the bottoms of the boxes, when passing from one end of them to the other. Instead of this, they are, in fact, _thrown_, by the centrifugal force, from the inner angle _h_ (fig. 2) to some point _k_ up that side of the box which is then outwards; where they strike, and then _fall_ into the contiguous angle under _k_, to be again projected thence, after one revolution round the common centre; for, it should here be remembered, that, by the given proportion of the wheels, the circulating wheels _e f_ turn on their own axes exactly one half round, for every whole revolution round the common centre _A B_.

To elucidate this still further, I have outlined, at _A_ fig. 1, the central wheel _i_, of fig. 2, together with _one_ of the excentric wheels _B_, and the lines _a b_, _a b_, &c., representing the boxes, are _supposed_ to be wires with the balls _b b_, &c. sliding on them, as is usual in some experiments on the _Whirling Machine_--(See “FERGUSON’S LECTURES,”) Of these _wires_, I have given the true directions in 12 positions of the wheel _B_: the epicycloid _b b b_, &c., shewing the steps by which the ball _b_ is brought _toward_ the common centre, during _three quarters_ of the revolution; and also the position of the wire on which it slides: where it is evident that the ball _b_ has a tendency to preserve it’s station, at the _first_ end of the wire, until the latter takes the position _b b c_, when it forms (or nearly) a tangent to the curve, and is, at the same time, at right angles to the _radius of motion_, _A b d_. From this moment, then, the ball is free to leave the centre, and to fly off in a tangent with the velocity with which the curve itself is generated at that point. We might, thus, during the rest of it’s flight, seek it somewhere in the line _b f g_; but, as the wire _continues_ to change it’s position, and _must_ turn half round on it’s own axis, by the time it arrives at _B b_, or describes a quarter-circle on the common centre, it will again overtake the ball--and, giving it a curvilinear direction, will finally carry it to it’s other extremity, at or near the point _B_--where it’s motion first began: and thus shall we give as many strokes to the ball, as _half turns_ to the wheel _B_; or, in other words, as many _dashes_ to the cloth, as we give turns to the boxes, round the common centre.

By this process, then, substituted for that of the common Dash-wheel, we can increase almost indefinitely, the number of passages of the cloth from one end of the boxes to the other; and the force of the _dash_ will be as the squares of those numbers; since (as FERGUSON expresses it) “a double centrifugal force balances a quadruple power of gravity.” If, then, with four boxes we turn this machine 60 times in a minute, we shall have 240 strokes in that time, instead of about 90 given by a common Dash-wheel; and this difference might be more than doubled, if so desired: for should, then, the stroke be found too severe, the boxes might be shortened, so as to lessen it’s violence, though preserving all it’s frequency.

There are _two_ other objects that present enough analogy to this _Washing_ process, to be here mentioned. The first is the operation of _Fulling_, as applied to woollen cloths in general. That process, I fear, is not performed at present in the best manner possible; and I feel persuaded that the centrifugal motion might be applied to it with advantage--whether as to quantity of produce, or perfection of effect: and having thus said, I shall leave the idea to the riper judgment of my manufacturing readers.

The second object I shall just introduce is, that of _Kneading Dough_, for bread, by the same centrifugal agency. It is well known, that an ingenious _baker_, of Paris, invented, some time ago, a method of _kneading_; which consists in letting the lump of dough fall successively from the four sides of a square box, revolving on a horizontal centre. As this idea seems to have succeeded _perfectly_, I offer the Centrifugal System, as tending to quicken, almost indefinitely, such a process; and I particularly recommend it to the attention of Government, and of all _large_ establishments as a mean of doing well and rapidly, _by power_, what is frequently done slowly and ineffectually, by the usual methods. _Verbum sat._

OF
AN HYDRAULIC LAMP
_For the Table_.

I call this an Hydraulic Lamp, to distinguish it from the Hydrostatic Lamps, commonly so named: and I think the distinction proper, because this Machine acts in a different manner. It’s principle will be seen in a moment, by turning to the 5th figure, of Plate 33. If, there, we pour oil (or any liquid) into the bent tube _A D G_ at _A_, the first effect will be to raise it to _C_, in the rising branch _B C_; and from _C_ it will trickle down the branch _C D_, leaving _the air, there, to occupy it’s own place_. Continuing to pour, slowly, more oil into _A_ the trickling oil in _C D_ will ultimately fill the rising tube _E D_, expelling the air before it; and, now, the weight to balance the column in _A B_ will be _both_ the columns _B C_ and _E D_; whence, of course, that column will rise as far above _C_ as _C_ is above _B_; that is, half-way between _C_ and _A_. Here, _there would be_ a small deduction to be made, if the height _B C_ were considerable; but, as it is only supposed to be about a foot, the compression of the air in _C D_, &c., (being about 1/3 of a foot or 1/90 of an atmosphere) may be neglected. Continuing, then, to pour oil into _A_, we shall again fill, _not_ the descending tube _E F_, but the rising tube _F G_; whose column will thus be to be added to those _B C_ and _E D_; so that now the column _A B_ will rise to _A_, and _there abide_, as long as the mouth _G_ is kept full, or nearly so.

The above is the principle of the Lamp announced in the title; whose effect depends, then, on the number of _bends_ made in the tube _A D G_, which number (whatever be the _form_) it would be well to make rather greater than smaller, as the height _B C_, &c., might be so much the less, compared with the whole height of the column _A B_; by which means, also, a smaller difference in the level of the column _below_, would _return_ the oil necessary for the consumption of the wick _above_.

I have given this idea what I think a better form in fig. 6. Instead of the bent tube _A G_, of fig. 5, _this_ form supposes a series of _air-tight cups_, embracing each other; one half of them with their mouths opening _upwards_, and the other half with _theirs_ opening _downwards_. They are shewn, by a section only, in this fig. 6; where _a b c_, _c b a_, present the under cups, forming one piece with the outer surface of the bottom vessel _d a c_, _c a e_: and, while speaking of this part of the Machine, I would just indicate it’s cover _d e f g_ put on like the lid of a snuff-box, and carrying a case or tube _f g_, the use of which will be mentioned in a moment. To proceed, then, the upper vessel is shewn by the edges of it’s cups seen immediately over the _figures_ 1 2 3, 4 5 6, placed between the _letters_ _a b c_, &c.--These inverted cups make also _one body_ with the moveable cover shewn between _d_ and _e_, and to which is soldered the tube _h i_--which, sliding in the case _f g_, keeps this inverted vessel steady. Where note: that there is an _inner_ tube soldered into the tube _h i_, through which alone the oil rises, and which can hardly be made too small, since it has only to supply the consumption of a lamp--namely, a few ounces of oil in a whole evening. We may, finally, take notice of the weight placed _under_ _f g_, upon the said inverted vessel, and which helps to counterpoise the oil in the rising tube _h i_; which tube, as before observed, may be as many times _higher_ than the distance _a d_ or _e a_, as there are rising columns between the cups _a b c_ and those 1 2 3, &c.

I am not wholly prepared to say what portion of the oil it might be best to re-elevate by the pressure of the aforesaid weight _f g_; but, if it were a considerable part of that contained in the central compartment _c c_, _that_ column would be shortened in proportion; and the reservoir at _i_ would, doubtless, feel the want of it to preserve it’s level. I think, therefore, it might be well to use, below, a _cup_ or two more than sufficient, so as to raise the main column higher than actually wanted; and to coerce this rising tendency, by a small stop-cock in the rising branch, to be _gently_ opened at the will of the person using the lamp. I cannot say I have exhausted this subject; either in these respects, or as to it’s technical capabilities. But I have fully _tried_ this method of raising oil above it’s level; and used, for some time, a lamp made on this principle, and which is still in my possession: and, at some future time, I intend to bring forward an Hydraulic Machine, founded on the same principles.

OF
A MECHANICAL ESSAY,
_To derive Power from expanding Metals_.

It is not supposed that this Essay can lead, immediately, to any result of magnitude; but it is thought to be a subject capable of further extension, and thus, finally, of future usefulness. Were this process only sufficient to supply a single house with water, at a small expence, the labour bestowed on it would not be altogether in vain.

By General Roy’s experiments, cast iron (and steel) expanded by 180° of heat (or, by passing from the freezing to the boiling point of FAHRENHEIT) 0.013 of an inch per foot.

Supposing, then (Plate 34, fig. 1), the tubes _A B C_ to be 20 feet long, their whole expansion will be 0.26 hundredths of an inch. But, as the tubes are placed in the figure, the _half_ tubes _A D B D_ act together on the sphere _D_, and, both together, drive it in the direction _E D_, _more_ than as the above expansion, in the proportion of the line _E D_ to that _A D_. Taking, then, one half only of the above expansion = 0.13 hundredths of an inch, _that_ must be augmented in the ratio of the sine of 60 degrees to radius, or in that of _A D_ to _E D_. I, therefore, multiply this decimal 0.13 by the fraction 1000/866, which gives 1300 to be divided by 866, or very nearly 0.15 for the expansion, in the direction _E D_, occasioned by the two half bars _A D B D_: and the same is true at the other angles _F_ and _G_.

Again, to find the expansion (and _contraction_) of the bars _a b c_, we must compute their length as compared with the half tubes above-mentioned; and that length is to 10 feet (the half tube _A D_ or _B D_) as 866 is to 1000 = 11.54 nearly: the expansion of which is thus found:--if 10 feet expand 0.13, what will 11.54?--Answer, 0.15. Now, as the machine acts by the _heating_ of the pipes _A B C_ simultaneously with the _cooling_ of the bars _a b c_, we must add the former expansion to this _contraction_, which gives us 0.30, or _three tenths_ of an inch for this combined effect at the three angles of the Machine. And, _supposing_, now, any pair of bars to act directly against each other, as at _H I K_; and that, further, the bars be stretched until the angle with the horizon be only 2 degrees, then the vertical motion at _I_ will be to the horizontal (arising from the expansion aforesaid) as 1000 to 35, the sine of 2; that will be, in round numbers, 28 times as great, or 28 _times three tenths of an inch_ = 8.4 inches, which is the _stroke_ of this Machine in these dimensions.

In this calculation, I have not forgotten that the vertical and horizontal motions are _nearer alike_, when the bars are not drawn so tight at _K H_; that is, when the joint _I_ is lowered. But it is equally true that, when the joint _I_ rises still more, the difference between these motions is _still greater_; so that, as a medium effect, I think we may reckon on an _eight-inch stroke_ in the present case.

The question now recurs, of what _strength_ are these strokes? Are they sufficiently powerful to produce a useful effect with so _short_ a motion? This I cannot say from experience; but, from the known strength of iron and steel, their power, in these dimensions, must be _very great_. A few more observations may occur in the course of the enlarged description we shall give of the Machine itself.

_A B C_ are three pipes of cast iron, well turned at the end, and having conical points of iron, well steeled, let into them, so as to have no tendency to _bend_. _a b c_ are three steel bars, placed in troughs, so as to be heated or cooled by water poured into the latter. Or, these troughs _may_ be exchanged for tubes, to admit heated or cooled air, according to the means used to cause these mutations. In a word, although I have represented these bars as contained in troughs, I intend to finish my description, on the supposition that they are _tubes_, because I intend to suppose the Machine worked by _air_ instead of water.

To proceed: at _d_ is an opening _under_ the tube _B_, into which air enters, and _C_ is an opening _on_ the top of the tube which emits the same air, the three pipes being made to communicate by means of a short junction-pipe at each of the angles _D_ and _G_. Here, then, the fire-place _f g_, fig. 2, must be noticed: the use of which is both to heat and cool the Machine; and the following are the means:--This little instrument contains fire in it’s middle compartment, and that fire draws _air_ into the part _f_, and drives it out of the part _g_. It also _turns_ on a centre-pin, seen in the figure. This chaffing-dish, then, is placed at _i d_, and there serves a double purpose. When it’s pipe _g_ conveys heated air into the pipes _B A C_ (and _out_ at _C_), it heats those pipes and expands them; but, at the same time, the pipe _f_ of this instrument draws cold air through the three tubes _a b c_, in which are the steel bars that require to be _contracted_: both which operations conduce alike to the above-described effect. By these means, the weight _w_ is raised, and (for example) water sucked into the pump _X_. But, turning the fire-place half round, we reverse this effect. The _hot_ air is now drawn, out of the pipes _A B C_, and _cold_ air drawn through them, by which they are _cooled_; while the hot air, from the fire, is thrown through the pipe _g_ into the tubes _a b c_, and passing through the chimneys _k l_, there heat the bars and expand them,--both which operations concur in _letting down_ the weight _E_, and thus, in forcing the water of the pump to whatever destination was previously assigned it.

OF
A MACHINE,
_For Making Laces, Covering Whips, &c._

Many people, in these parts, have seen a certain machine, said to have been invented by an inmate of that laudable institution the Liverpool Asylum for Blind People; for the purpose of making laces, covering whips, &c. I hope the similarity of name will not induce any reader to suppose that I have had that machine in view, and am endeavouring to cast it into the shade, or purposely to supersede it. If any person should thus think, I have a _safe_ reply at hand. My own invention (somewhat less perfect than it now is) was made, many years ago, on purpose to serve _an Asylum for the Blind in Paris!_--a reflection with which I shall, at once, close this, perhaps, unnecessary apology.

This Machine is represented in Plate 34, at figs. 3 and 4. It consists of a frame of wood or metal _A B_, on which are _mounted_ the following objects:--1st, on the traverse _B_, a fixed tube, having for it’s base the horizontal plate _a b_, and rising perpendicularly to _near_ _c d_; where it unites with a conical or trumpet-like vessel _c d_, _f e_; the left side of which is shewn in perspective, and the right side in a section only. To this _fixture_ is adjusted the spherical portion _g h_, _h_, prepared to receive several cuts or slits 1 2 3 for the bobbin-slides hereafter-mentioned, to slide up and down in. This leads us to observe the upper fixture _C_, which is a cylinder, terminated downward by a spherical _dome_ _i k_, _k_; also receiving the several cuts 4, 5, 6, into which the aforesaid bobbin-slides pass from the former slits 1, 2, 3, &c. Now it will be seen that the two spherical parts thus fixed, are separated from each other by the circular and horizontal slit _l m_, whose use is to permit the _pipes_ shewn in the section at _n o_, to circulate _all round the machine_, while the bobbin-slides and bobbins _k p_ are sometimes _above_ and sometimes _under_ the said slit _l m_.

Now, then, it becomes necessary to speak of the _cause_ of this passage of the bobbin-slides from the under to the upper parts of the slits 1, 4, 2, 5, and _vice versa_. That cause is in the second dome _q r_, which covers, as far as it rises, the inner dome _f i_, _k h_; and it consists in a serpentine canal, of which a section is given to the left of _q_, and at _s_, _in the section of the principal figure_.

But to make this important piece of the Machine better known, I have drawn it apart, in figure 4, on the _supposition_--that it is a portion of _a cone instead of a sphere_: I say a cone drawn with the radii _t q_, _t r_, according to the dotted line _t r_. The surface then of this cone, is supposed straightened in the lateral figure; and the aforesaid serpentine canal is shewn at _a b c d e_, having the rollers of the bobbin-slides placed in that canal, at the same points _a b c_, &c. Here also, certain dotted lines _f g_, _h i_, &c. shew the _relative_ positions of the slits 1 4, 2 5, &c. of the principal figure, and also of the horizontal slit _l m_: whence it appears, that the revolution of the bent canal, _a b c_, &c. must some times drive the rollers towards _g i_, &c. and sometimes towards _f h_, &c. while the _pipes_ _n o_ pass undisturbedly round the Machine, in the horizontal slit _l m_ of both figures.

The question now arises, _how_ is the circular motion given to the outer dome _q r_ of the principal figure? that dome is _screwed_ to the cone _r v w r_, being itself of one piece with the hollow tube _v w_, on which the wheel _x y_ is fixed. Now, this wheel _x y_, is driven by a vertical wheel _z_, of _twice_ the diameter, for a reason we shall soon disclose.

It remains now, principally, to speak of the drawing-system of this Machine, shewn, in small, at _c_, and of a natural size in fig. 5 of this Plate. That Machine has also it’s own tube _c x′_, working inside of the fixed tube _a b_, &c. and terminated, at bottom, by the wheel _x′_, which turns it by means of the second vertical wheel _x′ z_, fixed on the same axis as the wheel _z_ before-mentioned, and of half it’s diameter.

Supposing then, for the moment, that the mechanism _c_ derives from it’s circular motion, the property of drawing downward the threads from the pipe _n o_, and the bobbin _p_; (being one of the _twelve pair_ distributed round the Machine) we shall now set the Machine at work, for the purpose of viewing it’s operation a little more narrowly. Looking at the two kinds of texture, indicated in the figure below the traverse _B_, we see that on the left composed (in weavers’ language) of a straight _warp_, crossed by an oblique _weft_; and this I believe, is the common texture of _round, small ware_, as usually woven: the slope of the weft being less and less as the number of shuttles diminishes, insomuch that with one shuttle that slope, _might_ become almost invisible. But in the work made on this Machine, where, virtually, there are as many shuttles as threads in the chain, the slope would become very perceptible, too much so, perhaps, to give a desirable appearance to the work; although the rapidity of execution, from the multitude of crossings, would compensate for some imperfection of that kind. But, in fact, this Machine is intended to make a diagonal or diamond texture, as in the specimen to the right hand: and _that_ is the object of the _two_ pair of wheels _x y_, with _z_; and _x′_ with _x′ z_ before mentioned. Their effect is this: when the large vertical wheel _z_, has turned the outer dome and the pins _n o_, once round the common centre, the smaller vertical wheel _x′ z_, has turned the drawing-system _c_, just one half as much round that centre, and thus sloped the threads coming from the fixed slits in which the bobbins move, as much, in one direction, as the _whole_ turn given to the pins _n o_, has sloped the other half of the threads in the other direction, and the result has been the aforesaid diagonal texture.

There are a few other things to be observed by way of closing this article. As the Lace, or Cord is made on the Machine by a turning motion, it must be received below into a turning vessel, or it will be twisted, and thus injured. The vessel _D_, is provided for that purpose; and is turned by a cord from a pulley on the axis of the wheel _z_, coming under two vertical pullies, and acting on an horizontal pulley _F E_, connected with the said vessel; and if preferred, the draught itself might be placed in, or above, the vessel _D_, but it would not, I think, produce so perfect an article.

With respect to the drawing Machinery _in_ the Machine at _c_, there is shewn, a flat surface just under that Machinery. It’s purpose is to serve as a _mover_ for that System: To shew which, in a clearer manner, is the use of the fifth figure. In this figure, the drawing rollers turn in a frame _a b b_, and carry on one of their shafts a cog-wheel _c_ _or_ _d_, by which they receive this motion from the pinion _e_; this pinion being connected with the rowel _f g_, and running with it on a stud _h_, more or less removed from the centre, as circumstances may require. This rowel then, (for it’s edge, formed as in the figure, is _indented_ with sharp teeth across it’s face) runs on the _flat surface_ before indicated, at or near _e_, (fig. 3) and by the rotatory motion received from the wheel _x′_, gives a drawing motion to the rollers, the use of which has already been explained; namely, to draw down the _goods_ as they are formed. It need hardly be observed further, that _any kind of filling_ may be brought down twisted from _C_, to the entrance of these rollers at _c_, and thus be included in the plaited texture; and in fact, the rollers in fig. 5, are shewn (by the dotted lines) as formed to receive an object of considerable diameter, as a whip, &c. that it may be wished to cover. Where I remark, that this lozenge form of the grooves _O_, is not given without a motive: the grooves are thus formed (the cylinders being supposed capable of opening by a springy movement) in order that, if desired, they may draw the body downward, so much the faster, as it’s diameter increases--and thus keep the covering threads at the same angle in every case. I shall only add, that these movements can be permanently determined by wheels, when the rowel _f g_, acting on the horizontal surface _c_, has fixed the real velocities of draught required for a given purpose.

This Machine then, is capable of excellent results, and of a speed almost inconceivable: since at every turn, if there are _twelve_ bobbins _p_, and twelve pipes _n o_, it makes twenty-four passages of the threads among each other, answering, in some cases, to an _inch_ in length of the fabricated texture; so that, counting 120 turns per minute, (which is moderate) we have 2880 passages, and 120 inches of work in a minute; equal to 200 yards per hour--a quantity which does not yet limit the produce of this Machine.

OF
A BATTING MACHINE,
_For Cotton, or_ FINE _Filaments in general_.

This Machine is represented in figs. 1 2 3 of Plate 35. It is composed of a frame _A B_, on which are placed two sets of rollers _a b_, _c d_, round which is stretched an endless feeding cloth, on the upper surface of which the Cotton is laid by the attendant. Across this frame _A B_, is fixed a strong board _C D_, having a ledge or _bridge_ at each end, over which are tightened the cat-gut strings 1 2, 3 4, &c. Moreover, across this board, is fixed on proper bearings, (placed either straight or diagonally) the axis _e f_, furnished with any proper number of _iron fingers_ 7 8, &c. which _spring_ the cords 1 2, 3 4, &c. every time they pass by them: where it may be observed, that by the varied _forms_ of the ends of those fingers, the vibrations are made to be vertical, horizontal, or oblique, at pleasure. In fig. 2, these fingers are seen from one end of their axis _e f_--and in figs. 1 and 3, they are shewn sideways: and in the latter figure, the strings are shewn as small circles between _e_ and _f_, with the feeding cloth _a c_, stretched under them.

The following then, describes the effect of this Machine: The Cotton being laid on this feeding cloth near _B_, is gently drawn under the vibrating cords at _g h_: for while _this_ takes place by the action of the handle at _e_, the pulley _f_ by the cord _i_, gives a slow motion to the cylinder _B_, and by it to the feeding cloth _B A g h_. The Cotton then passes under the strings toward _B A_, and is greatly agitated in the passage; and when arrived at _A_, it falls into any proper receptacle--whence it is taken to undergo the succeeding operations of the factory. I would just mention, finally, that the axis _e f_, though here supposed to be turned by the handle _e_, would, _of course_, receive it’s motion from a proper _power_; set on, or stopped by the usual methods.

OF
A HORIZONTAL WIND MACHINE,
_For raising Water in large quantities_.

This Invention has for it’s object, to make a more abundant use of the wind’s agency, _at a given expence_, than is usually done: and the means, generally, are to avoid a part of the expence lavished on the foundations or fixtures of wind-mills, and _yet_ to carry _more sail_ than that system admits of. Machines of this nature, are chiefly used in low marshy countries, where there is much water to be raised, and little solid ground to build on. My idea here, is to found the whole on the water, and to make that element the medium, and as it were the _centre_ of every motion.

Let us then suppose already constructed, the _long_ and narrow boat _A B_, figs. 4 and 5 of Plate 35:--and that there is contained in the middle of it’s width, a cylindrical _pipe_ of iron, (or a square wooden box) of equal length, serving as a pump, by means of a spherical or square piston _a_ or _b_, drawn from end to end by the means soon to be described. The cost of such a pump-barrel would not be _great_, though it should be of considerable length--(even 300 feet would not cost so many pounds). Now, at each end of this vessel _A B_, there would be raised a vertical part of equal size _C D_, surmounted by a caster, (_E F_) turning, horizontally, on a hollow centre, _through_ which a rope would pass from the aforesaid piston, (_a_ or _b_) to the boat or ship _S_, which is the _primum mobile_ of the System. This boat would further be made to carry as much sail as possible, and to encounter as little resistance as possible from the water. It’s properties of carrying sail, might even be enlarged, by the use of one or more _out-riggers_, as is done in various eastern countries.

It would be proper, likewise, to give the vessel a rudder at each end, and to reverse her motion by changing the sails, _without tacking_. This is also represented in the two figures 4 and 5: and, in the present case, the vessel is rigged with three masts, and three large sails nearly square, yet somewhat _deeper_ on the lee side than to windward, to make the sails the more governable, though as large as possible. Supposing now, all these things arranged, and the rope _N O_ fastened to or near the middle of the vessel, and to the aforesaid piston over the pullies of the casters _E F_; _then_, if the vessel sails in the _long ellipsis_ 1, 2, 3, 4, the _sum_ of the two portions of rope _N, O_, will be always the same; and, the wind coming from _a_, in the direction of the arrow, she will sail advantageously from 1 to 4, or the contrary, carrying the piston from end to end of the pump; and thus exhausting it at every passage; and filling it again from the _lower_ water.

To recapitulate--and bring the several parts again to view; _S_, in both figures, is the vessel, supposed of the best form for carrying _much_ sail: _E F_ are two casters with their pullies; _p q_ are two pullies at the bottom of the vertical barrels _C D_, _under_ which the rope passes to the piston at _a_ or _b_, &c. In fine, _q r s_ are the three sails, and _t v_ the two rudders, by which the vessel is steered in either direction, so as to keep it’s wind without causing _too much stress_ on the rope _N O_. This consideration involves another, which must now be cleared up: namely, _how_ can this mechanism be made to produce the same effect in every direction of the wind? I answer, the whole System must be _moored_ at one end _A_, in the strongest manner; while the opposite extremity _B_, shall have liberty to veer round that point, as a centre, through 90 degrees of a circle; _some one position_, between which extremes, will suit every wind, _on this condition_, that the vessel by it’s rudders, keel, &c. be able to keep her ground, although the wind should come from the _convex_ side of the ellipsis; a thing by no means impossible, though less desirable than the state first represented.

Thus it appears, that I expect the favourable result of this System from two sources: the first, (but _least_) from the length of this pump, which permits much water to be raised without much agitation; and second, from the _quantity of sail_ it is possible to carry by this method, compared with the sails of a wind-mill. My idea is, indeed, that since the power of the wind is so boundless, we ought to use it more liberally than we do: and I am persuaded, that _ten times_ as much work might be done _at a given expense_, by such means as these, as can be done by the usual methods.

Before I quit this subject, I would just observe, that there are _many_ situations in which this powerful agent might be made useful, in conjunction with water power, as applied, perhaps, to encreasing works, and being itself incapable of proportionate extension. Thus, there are _many_ water mills (used for various purposes) that are obliged to _wait_ the re-filling of the mill pond; and which, therefore, lose much time, although the _wheel_ would be capable of doing even more work than is actually wanted. In fact, it _often_ happens, that the worse the supply of water, the better is the wheel: for _this_ has been sometimes thought a mean of making up the deficiency. In such a case then, a cheap wind apparatus might double or triple the effect of the wheel, and the produce of a given establishment. But it will be objected, that the wind is an uncertain helper! and thus less fit to be resorted to. This I acknowledge; but still say, that could it be used when only a _breeze or a zephyr_, it’s utility would be much extended; and _this_ is another consequence of a system founded on the application of _much sail_ to a given purpose. Still however, as nothing absolutely conclusive can be said on so _variable_ a subject, I shall not now lengthen this discussion.

OF
A FLAX-BREAKING MACHINE.

It is important, in _most_ machines, to avoid oscillatory motions:--which uniformly protract _the time_ of an operation, or require a greater _power_ to perform it. This consideration has given rise to the form and properties of the Machine I am about to describe.

In Plate 36, figs. 1, 2 and 3, represent this production. The first is an elevation; and the second is a plan, serving to shew the manner of _feeding_ the Machine. To speak first of the second figure--_A B_ is a pulley, (shewn at large in fig. 1, and marked with the same letters;) it’s use is to receive the endless cord _C D E_, which is composed of three strands, like the apparatus of a peruke-maker; these strands being divided at _F_, and passing there over three pullies placed at a proper distance on the same shaft _F_. These pullies are gently turned by that shaft, and carry with them the afore-mentioned triple cord, _to_ which, in the passage _toward_ the Machine, have been _woven_ small handfuls of flax, by the same process as the barber uses to fasten the hair of a wig; one difference however obtains: the flax is knit to the cords at it’s _small_ end, and within a few inches of it, so that the root-ends hang pendent, and when that part of the cord enters beyond the pulley _E_, those ends hang round the large pulley _A B_, against the grooved surface of the outer rim: The method of grooving this drum is better shewn in fig. 3: and it should be noted, that the smaller drums _C D_, are grooved in a similar form, their diameters being such as to divide exactly, in _some_ ratio, the outer cylinder _E F_. In fig. 1, two _portions_ of these handfulls of flax are represented by the waved lines _m n_, drawn between the cylinders _C D_, and the section _E F_ of the said outer cylinder; where it is evident, that if these cylinders had, in that place, teeth like those of fig. 3, these handfulls of flax would appear _bent_--which is indeed the process by which the wood is broken, and the filament divested of it. It appears also by the figure 1, that the cylinders _C D_, run on centres, fastened _only_ to the pins of the cross piece _o p_, (shewn by dotted lines in fig. 2.) These cylinders I say, are thus mounted, that there may be _no centres below_, to gather up the flax or wood, and thus embarrass the motion of the Machine.

Adverting then, a second time, to the second figure, the flax is fastened in small handfulls, to that part of the endless cord that goes _toward_ the Machine; namely, _F E_, and taken off from that part which _comes from_ the Machine behind the pulley _A B_: so that the triple cord before mentioned, there consists of _three cords_, and passes round the separate pullies at _F_. The flax being thus taken off at _M_, is handed to the charger at _N_, and _re-fixed_ to that cord by it’s other end--so as to be finished by a second passage. It would be superfluous to add, that the waved form of the grooves in the cylinders, is intended to break the flax at _every_ point of it’s passage before those grooves as conducted by the large pulley _A B_, (in the centre of which the main shaft _turns_ without giving _it_ any of it’s own motion) the said pulley _A B_, being turned, as before stated, by the triple cord from the _slow_ motion of the pullies _F_ in the figure.

OF
A BOWKING MACHINE,
_To accelerate and equalize that process_.

Having heard it observed by some Calico Printers, that there is more or less of _inequality_ in this process as usually performed; and that some parts of the goods are exposed to be more acted on than the _inner_ parts, I have thought the following Machine would be useful, both to equalize and accelerate that operation.

In figs. 4 and 5 of Plate 36, _A B_ is a hollow cylinder, running on two gudgeons _C D_, with a very slow motion, and thus, requiring _very little power_. One of these gudgeons _C_, is hollow, for the purpose of receiving steam from a boiler, like those at present used. The cylinder _A B_, is double, both around it’s circumference, and at it’s ends, (see _a b_, _c d_, figs. 4 and 5). It is also furnished with one or more doors _E_, through which to introduce the goods; and which doors are afterwards closed with screws, like those mentioned in the article “Washing Machine,” of the third Part. The goods being put in, with the usual doses of alkaline liquor, &c. the steam is introduced through the gudgeon into the interstice _a b_, and thence through proper openings into the body of the wheel, and between the cylindrical partitions _a b_, _c d_, &c. By the steam, the water acquires a boiling heat; and by the motion of the wheel, is carried up in the boxes _a b_, &c. to the top, whence it falls through proper holes upon the goods; thus keeping them _wet_, and steaming them at the same time. The figures shew the division of the liquor into several jets 1, 2, 3, &c. which are constantly falling on the goods, as the process requires. The 4th. figure shews further, the effect of the turning motion of the cylinder _A B_; namely, that of changing the position of the articles; and offering, successively, every part thereof to the steam and flowing liquid: and thus, I presume, must the Bowking process become more rapid and equal, than that which takes place in a Bowking-keer, unaccompanied with such a motion.

OF
A PRINTING MACHINE,
_For two Colours_.

This Machine occupies a great part of Plate 37. It is represented in figs. 1 and 2; the first being an inside view of one of the cheeks; and the second, a view endwise--represented as broken in the middle, to gain space in the Plate. As far as possible, both the parts are marked with the same letters.

To begin with fig. 1, _A B C_ is the cheek: being a kind of shallow _box_ with edges to strengthen it and give it thickness for the _steps_ _a b_, &c. These steps are strongly fixed to the screws that slide in the boxes _A B_, and the nuts of which, are seen at _c d_. The screws enter, besides, into the heads of the perpendicular levers _D F_, _E G_, against which these nuts press to _set_ the cylinders, by their steps _a b_, against the _bowl_ _H_. This pressure of those cylinders _a b_ is a _modified_ effect: for the levers _D F_, _E G_, are drawn inward by the pulling bars _I K_; which, meeting in the centre of the Machine, are pressed downward by the hanging bar _L_, to which are suspended the scales and weights _M_, these being more or less heavy according to the wish of the _Printer_. It were well to mention a circumstance of some importance connected with this subject:--If the bars _I K_ form together an angle _very_ obtuse, the power of pressure is immense; and the weights at _M_ might be the lighter: But, then, the _degrees_ of pressure at different angles of the bars _I K_ would vary too much, if any excentricity of the cylinders _a b_, occasioned any motion. It is therefore best to use a sensible angle between the bars _I K_, together with a weight at _M_, so much the heavier; by which means these motions will be the more mild and manageable. Proceeding with the description: _e f_ are two hooked screws, by which the pulling bars _I K_ are raised, when necessary, so as to increase the _nip_ in any corner of the Machine, without affecting the rest. It should be observed also, that the steps _a b_, have dove-tailed slides screwed to them from under the rim, and in it’s thickness, to make them move more correctly, when pressed horizontally by the nuts _c d_. The upper works of this Printing Machine are not greatly different from those of the common one. In one respect, however, I think them superior. The roller, prepared for the returning blanket, is mounted in a frame _g_, (fig. 2) which moves on a pin in the centre of the Machine, insomuch that _one_ screw and nut _h_, suffices to regulate this return. This then, is an improvement, as the printer has but one operation to perform instead of two. The use of the piece-roller is the same as usual; and the goods are carried down on stretching bars, &c. exactly in the same manner.

But a more important property of this Machine remains to be noticed, The two cylinders _a b_, are made to press diametrically across the centre of the bowl _H_; so that it’s shaft suffers no friction from that pressure. And hence, this _two_-coloured Machine requires no more power to work it, than a common machine for _one_ colour.

A further property of this Machine deserves attention; but for want of room on the Plate, we are obliged to describe it by means of _dotted_ lines on the face of the present figure. At _a b_, and at _H_, we have dotted _three_ toothed wheels, of which one is keyed on each of the mandrels, while the central one is placed in a frame, forming part of _a slide_ _N_, (fixed on the plate _N_ of fig. 2) and by which this wheel is moved up and down at pleasure. Here it is evident, (see again fig. 1) that if this central wheel rises, it will turn the mandrel _a_, backward; and the mandrel _b_, forward: and this is a peremptory method of increasing or lessening the distance between any two points on the cylinders; or in other words, of fitting the colours of one cylinder into those of the other--an operation which is thus performed by a single movement; while in other machines it is necessary to go on both sides of the machine to produce the same effect. In a word, this process is completed in a few moments, by turning backward or forward a _nut_ like that _h_, applied to the screw placed against the side of the Machine, as at _P Q_.

But we have another important property to speak of. The colours on the two cylinders must be _fitted in_, laterally, as well as longitudinally: and the Machine performs this by an easy method. At each side of the Machine (see figs. 1 and 2) is fixed on a centre _i_, a short lever _k l_, the bent end of which (_l_) rises just to the brass step which carries the mandrel of the cylinder _a_, and is formed so as to push that step _inward_, when it’s end _k_ is pressed _outward_; which latter motion is occasioned by the screw _m n_, which goes all across the Machine, and performs the same office on either side as wanted. This then, is another economy of time and pains; this setting being usually done by passing round the Machine, from one side to the other.

Finally, _R S_ shews one of the cross-bars by which the two cheeks are connected. They are formed as portions of a hollow cylinder, and screwed to the cheeks through flanches, the breadth and form of which give considerable strength to the Machine; which is further strengthened by the bars _T V_ and _W X_, in it’s upper parts.

In the above description of this Machine, (in which the parts common to other machines are omitted) I have endeavoured to avoid all invidious comparison: and have only said what my additions appear to warrant, and what, I am persuaded they will justify, when this Machine shall be compared with others, placed in the same circumstances _for the sake of liberal comparison_.

OF
A MACHINE
_For clearing turbid Liquors_.

I confess, I again stand on a kind of forbidden ground; and am uncertain to what _degree_ this Invention will justify it’s title. Yet I think myself safe in expecting it will produce an useful effect. But the fact is, I never _fully_ proved it: the apparatus with which, more than twenty years ago, I was trying the System, having broken in the experiment--which I then had no opportunity of resuming.

I had then, as formerly, asked myself a question, viz: “will not the centrifugal force of a _heavier_ body, suspended (without chemical action) in a _lighter_ fluid, increase the subsiding tendency, and _quicken the clearing process_?”. I then thought “yes,” and do not yet see why it should not. But not having any absolute _fact_ to build my conclusions on, I must leave the whole matter to time and experience; and crave the candour of my readers in favour of my somewhat bold assumption.

This Machine then, which _is to_ purify muddy liquors by motion, is thus composed: a perpendicular axis _A_, (Plate 37, figs. 3 and 4) turns very swiftly, surmounted by a conical cap _B C_, so formed, as to receive and _lodge_ in it’s thickness, four or more vessels _a b_, _f e_, which hang on pins _c d_, near that centre and have the liberty of leaving it by the centrifugal force, round the said pins, until lost in the thickness of the cap above mentioned; where they turn on the common centre, without suffering any resistance from the surrounding atmosphere. This conical cap _B C_, &c. is made as light as possible, by protuberant ledges, but it’s solid _form_ would be restored by lighter substances fixed between the arms, so as to add _little_ to the friction or resistance of the whole mass. Any turbid liquor then, being introduced into any pair of these vessels while in the position _g h_, fig. 3, and put into swift motion, will have it’s muddy particles thrown from the centre, and (I presume) soon deposited at the greatest possible distance from that centre: since, although the centrifugal force will add, in the same degree, to the tendency outwards of the particles of the _liquid_, and make them _gravitate_ more towards the circumference; _that_ force will _not_ render the liquid less _fluid_--which, therefore, will suffer the _clearing_ process to take place _sooner with motion than without it_; and this is all I dare advance in the present state of my knowledge on this subject. Thus have I again reckoned on the kind forbearance of my readers, and risqued a little more of “the bubble reputation.”

My readers will supply one remark I had omitted--which is, that if bodies heavier than the fluid, recede faster from the centre _by_ this motion, than without it, _lighter_ bodies will approach toward the centre, and be there collected for the same reason--another cause for which, will doubtless be the pressure occasioned by this centrifugal force in the revolving fluid.

OF
OPEN CANALS,
_As Hydraulic Machines_.