Chapter VI: MISCELLANEOUS.--Geological Notes.--A Geological Congress.--The (4)

Daniel J. Davis, Red Boiling Springs, Tenn.--In this invention two wheels revolve upon the journals of the axle. Upon the end parts of the axle are attached the rear ends of side bars, the forward ends of which are bolted to the outer sides of the forward ends of the plow beams. The forward ends of the beams are bolted to the ends of the front bar, to the center of which is secured the forward end of the central bar. To the beams are attached the plows for opening furrows to receive the seed as it passes from the conductor spouts. The lower ends of the spouts or tubes pass in through the sides of the plows, so as to conduct the seed into the bottom of the furrows before they have been partially filled by the falling in of the soil. The dropping plate is concaved around its dropping holes, and is provided with a plate that may be adjusted to cover one set of dropping holes to drop the hills twice as far apart as when both sets of holes operate.

IMPROVED ANIMAL TRAP.

Thomas N. Hughes, Muddy Creek, Tenn.--This trap is for animals of all kinds, as rats, mice, and larger animals, as foxes, minks, coons, etc., that are allured by bait, and is automatically set again by the animal caught, to be ready for the next animal attracted by the bait. It is divided by a longitudinal partition into two main sections, in which the working parts are disposed. The entrance at the end of one section has a drop door, which is arranged back of the same, resting, when closed, on side strips in inclined position, and being supported on an upright arm, of a centrally pivoted treadle door, at the bottom of the trap, when the trap is set. The treadle door is only required to swing sufficiently on its pivots to release the drop door from the arm, suitable seats at the under side of the trap, at both sides of the treadle door, preventing the door from swinging farther than necessary. The bait is placed, in a grated receptacle, near the treadle door, and entices the animal to pass in, so as to close the drop door when it arrives at the part of the treadle door near the bait. The back end of this section is perforated or grated to admit light, which attracts the frightened animal and induces him to pass toward the light. The top part of the trap may be grated to admit air, and the glass door at the end made to slide, to admit the taking out of the animals for killing them.

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NEW MISCELLANEOUS INVENTIONS.

APPARATUS FOR THE HYDRATION OF CHLORINE GAS.

William Maynard, New York city.--This invention relates to an improved construction of apparatus for the hydration of gases, and more particularly chlorine gas for the manufacture of chlorine water for use in the industrial arts of bleaching, etc. It consists mainly in a case having an inlet for the water above, an inlet for the gas below, and provided with an intermediate water percolating medium; combined with a reservoir located below the level of the case and having a water-sealed communication therewith, which reservoir receives the hydrated gases, and which water seal prevents the heavy gas in the case from passing out through the bottom inlet. The case for the percolation of water and the absorption of the gas is made of conical shape, with the largest diameter at the bottom, to produce the greatest absorption of the heavy gas when first admitted; while horizontal partitions, or shelves, in said case are provided with upwardly projecting tubes which hold a permanent surface of water on the said partition or shelves. The tubes permit, by their peculiar shape, the water to pass down on one side and the gas up on the opposite side of said tube, while their alternating arrangement in the alternating shelves gives a zigzag and long continued passage to the gas and water in moving in opposite directions through the case.

IMPROVED PROCESS OF PREPARING GAS FUEL.

Martin N. Diall, Terre Haute, Ind.--This inventor saturates wood by immersing it in any hydrocarbon oil for from six to twelve hours, as required by the nature of the wood, so that it may take up the necessary quantity of oil for the required strength of gas. The wood is then immersed in a bath of water, for taking up a quantity of water outside the oil, and is then charged in the retorts, the same as coal, and distilled in the same way. By this process the inventor claims that he produces fixed gas equal to coal gas, much faster, and with less expense, the wood and water furnishing the hydrogen, and the oil furnishing the carbon.

IMPROVED FISHING LINE LEADER.

Welmer T. Jahne and Anthony Moors, Jersey City, N.J.--This consists of a leader made of spring wire, bent into V form, provided with a swivel and eye at its middle part, and with eyes or loops at its ends to receive the line and snells. By this construction the snells and hooks will be kept apart however the line maybe thrown, and however they and the leader may be turned about by the tide or current. The device is one well calculated to meet with a favorable reception from fishermen.

IMPROVED ABDOMINAL CORSET.

Christina Lascell, Newark, N.J.--The object of this invention is to furnish an improved abdominal corset, which supports the weight of the abdomen in a perfectly comfortable and easy manner, and throws the strain on the shoulders and hips of the wearer. The corset is adjustable to the varying conditions of the abdomen, does not interfere with the motion and different positions of the body, and is readily put on and taken off. It has adjustable elastic shoulder straps, and opening at the sides by lacings and elastic bands and buttons. The front part of the corset is stiffened by a stay that slides in a pocket to provide for stooping. A central front and lacing admit the front part of the corset to expand. The lower extension part of the corset has short stiffening stays, and it is connected independently of the upper stays by short side lacing and elastic straps to the side or hip parts of the corset. A hernial band extends from the lowermost part of the corset-extension between the legs to the rear, and is attached by adjustable hip straps to the sides of the corset.

IMPROVED FIRE ESCAPE.

John F. Werner, New York city.--The terrible disaster in the Brooklyn theater is serving as a stimulus to induce the invention of devices looking to the prevention of a like occurrence. The present inventor has devised a new fire escape for theaters, concert halls, and other public places of amusement, by which the space at the upper parts of the entrances, halls, or vestibules of the buildings is utilized for the purpose of forming additional passage ways for the persons in the buildings, to be used in case of fire for the more convenient and less dangerous exit of the same. The invention consists, mainly, of a movable floor, suspended by chains, pulleys, and weights, near the ceiling of the entrances, and lowered in case of fire. It is supported on projecting rests of the side walls, at suitable height above the floor. Sliding extensions and swinging stairs and rear sections connect with the ground outside of the door, and with the staircases of the gallery, so as to form separate exits above the regular entrances.

IMPROVED ELECTRO-MAGNETIC DENTAL PLUGGER.

James E. Dexter, New York city.--This invention consists, first, in a magnet having a centrally bored iron core, surrounded by a magnetic coil, which is enveloped by an iron shell that is concentric with the central core, and is attached to a flange formed on the lower end of the said central core. One side of both shell and core are split for the purpose of obviating residual magnetism. The invention also consists in combining a spring yoke, a vibrator, and a spring contact piece, as hereinafter particularly described. The third part of this invention consists in the arrangement of the key for completing the circuit, which is made with an insulating exterior, and is provided with one of the termini of the magnet coil, and bears against the side of the key to insure a constant contact of the surfaces. The various parts of the plugger are combined, so that pressing the key with the finger makes the circuit, and a succession of regular strokes is produced, the force of which may be varied by an adjusting screw.

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NEW MECHANICAL AND ENGINEERING INVENTIONS.

IMPROVED COTTON GIN.

Joseph W. Thorn, Iuka, Miss., assignor to himself and M.W. Beardsley, of same place.--In this machine there is a new construction of the brush drum for simplifying the same, and facilitating the application of the brush wings, so that they can be readily taken off and put on; also, an arrangement of the ribs between the saws for facilitating the separating of the seed from the cotton without breaking and injuring the fiber. There are also ingenious devices for preventing the seed from gathering and clogging at the ends of the saw drum.

IMPROVED SAFETY CHECK FOR ELEVATORS.

Nathan H. Fogg, Boston, Mass.--When the car is suspended normally from the rope, the rubber balls, arranged in sockets near the lower part of the car, are supported on their seats in a state of rest; but the instant that the rope breaks or gets detached from the bolt the action of a spiral spring throws an actuating plate downward, and levers and ball-carrying rods upward. The balls are thus thrown off their seats and wedged between the inclined sides of the pockets and the guide posts of the elevator so as to stop thereby the car.

IMPROVED COMBINATION LOCK.

Achille Parise, Naples, Italy.--This is a new combination lock for doors, trunks, safes, etc., that admits of a large number of combinations, and may be opened and closed quickly. It consists of sliding tumbler plates, having longitudinal slots and a number of perforations placed at different relative positions to the slots of each tumbler. The trunks are connected by screw set pins attached to face slides, and passing through any one of the perforations, admitting the setting of the tumblers and opening of the lock by outer projections or buttons of the slides to fixed exterior guides.

IMPROVED MACHINE FOR WIRING AND BINDING HATS.

Mari A. Cuming and Judson Knight, New York city.--This is a machine for binding hats, felt skirts, and similar articles, by a uniform and parallel pressure on the rims, and by facilitating the applying and taking off of the articles from the machine, and accomplishing the cutting of the binding or braid and wire in a reliable and improved manner. Pressure rollers attach the binding and the wire, if one is required, in connection with a grooved gage that is supported on a seat of the shaft of the lower pressure roller. The wire is guided by annular recesses or chamferings at the rear circumference of the pressure rollers and the groove of the gage. The gage is so connected to its seat that it may be turned and another guide groove of the same be exposed to face the pressure rollers, so as to adapt the same for a variety of work.

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BUSINESS AND PERSONAL

_The Charge for Insertion under this head is One Dollar a line for each insertion. If the Notice exceeds four lines, One Dollar and a Half per line will be charged._

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Manufs. of Scissors address J.W.D.E., Harmony Grove, Ga.

For Sale--36 in. Lathe, $4.00; 72 in. Lathe, $4.50; 10 in. Pratt Whiting Shaper, $2.75; 35 H.P. Loco. Boiler, $300; 12 in. Lathe, $65; at Shearman's, 132 N. 3d St., Phila.

Iron Tubing--Wanted, a yearly supply of 1-4 in. light Iron Tubing. Address P.O. box 1250, New York city.

Baxter's Adjustable Wrenches--The best for Farmers, Householders and Mechanics. Greene, Tweed & Co., 18 Park Place, N.Y.

For Sale--Baldwin No. 4 Foot Lathe and fittings; in perfect order. Address P.O. Box 196, Clinton, Mich.

National Steam Pump--Simple, durable, economical. Reduced price. National Iron Works, N. Brunswick, N.J.

Manufs. and dealers in Cotton Gins, Grist Mills, and Rice Hullers and Polishers, address with terms, Y.L. Ridley, Liberty, Texas.

For Sale--Patent Combination Fruit Press, Filter and Funnel. An indispensable article in every household. For circulars, address G.A. Newsam, 118 3d Pl. Brooklyn.

Mill Stone Dressing Diamonds. Simple, effective, and durable. J. Dickinson, 64 Nassau St., N.Y.

Will purchase or introduce, on a reasonable royalty, some good, useful article. Address, with description and full particulars, A.E. Lowison, Boston, Mass.

Mechanical inventors familiar with Envelope Manufacturing. L.J. Henry, 615 Kearny st., San Francisco, Cal.

Set of Mechanical Curves, as illustrated in Sci. Am. Supplement, No. 50, mailed on receipt of $5.25, by Keuffel & Esser, New York.

Hyatt & Co.'s Varnishes and Japans, as to price, color, purity, and durability, are cheap by comparison than any others extant. 246 Grand st., N.Y. Factory, Newark, N.J. Send for circular and descriptive price list.

Lightning Screw Plates. A perfect thread at one cut adjustable for wear. Frasse & Co., 62 Chatham St., N.Y.

Wire Needle Pointer, W. Crabb, Newark, N.J.

Power & Foot Presses, Ferracute Co., Bridgeton, N.J.

Superior Lace Leather, all sizes, cheap. Hooks and Couplings for flat and round Belts. Send for catalogue. C.W. Arny, 148 North 3d St., Philadelphia, Pa.

F.C. Beach & Co., makers of the Tom Thumb Telegraph and other electrical machines, have removed to 530 Water St., N.Y.

For Best Presses, Dies, and Fruit Can Tools, Bliss & Williams, cor. of Plymouth and Jay Sts., Brooklyn, N.Y.

Water, Gas, and Steam Pipe, Wrought Iron. Send for prices. Bailey, Farrell & Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Walrus Leather and supplies for polishing Iron, Steel, and Brass. Greene, Tweed & Co., 18 Park Place, N.Y.

Hydraulic Presses and Jacks, new and second hand. Lathes and Machinery for Polishing and Buffing metals. E. Lyon, 470 Grand St., N.Y.

Solid Emery Vulcanite Wheels--The Solid Original Emery Wheel--other kinds imitations and inferior. Caution.--Our name is stamped in full on all our best Standard Belting, Packing, and Hose. Buy that only. The best is the cheapest. New York Belting and Packing Company, 37 and 38 Park Row, New York.

Steel Castings from one lb. to five thousand lbs. Invaluable for strength and durability. Circulars free. Pittsburgh Steel Casting Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.

M. Shaw, Manufacturer of Insulated Wire for galvanic and telegraph purposes, &c., 259 W. 27th St., N.Y.

Shingle, Heading, and Stave Machine. See advertisement of Trevor & Co., Lockport, N.Y.

For Solid Wrought iron Beams, etc., see advertisement. Address Union Iron Mills, Pittsburgh, Pa., for lithograph, etc.

Articles in Light Metal Work, Fine Castings in Brass, Malleable Iron, &c., Japanning, Tinning, Galvanizing. Welles Specialty Works, Chicago, Ill.

See Boult's Paneling, Moulding, and Dovetailing Machine at Centennial, B. 8-55. Send for pamphlet and sample of work. B.C. Mach'y Co., Battle Creek, Mich.

Wanted--Novel and practical invention, by a reliable house, for manufacturing. Address Post Office, Box 25, Chillicothe, Ohio.

Chester Steel Castings Co. make castings twice as strong as malleable iron castings, at about the same price. See their advertisement on page 125.

Hand Fire Engines, Lift and Force Pumps for fire and all other purposes. Address Rumsey & Co., Seneca Falls, N.Y., U.S.A.

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NOTES & QUERIES

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S.J.S. will find good recipes for laundry soaps on pp. 331, 379, vol. 31. For toilet soaps, see p. 289, vol. 28.--B.F.T. will find directions for putting a black finish on brass on p. 362, vol. 25.--J.C.S. will find directions for coloring a meerschaum pipe on p. 90, vol. 36.--A.B. will find a good recipe for Babbitt metal on p. 122, vol. 28.--G.A.D. will find directions for coloring butter with annatto on p. 187, vol. 31.--L.O.J. will find something on iceboats sailing faster than the wind on p. 107, vol. 36.--J.M.L. will find directions for clarifying cotton seed oil on p. 91, vol. 36.--D.V. will find a good recipe for shoe polish on p. 107, vol. 36.--A.B. will find directions for japanning on metal on p. 408, vol. 30.--T.S.D. will find recipes for all kinds of colored fires on p. 203, vol. 34.--G.S.C. can fasten his paper labels to wood with flour paste.--W.R.B. will find directions for dyeing billiard balls on p. 88, vol. 34.--G.W.M. will find directions for making raisins on p. 59, vol. 34.--T.F.T. will find something on burning petroleum in steam boilers on p. 165, vol. 30.--S.B.U. will find some illustrations of lathes for turning spokes, tool handles, etc., on p. 88, vol. 36.--W.E.P. will find a formula for safety valves on p. 330. vol. 32.--A.O. will find directions for removing mildew on p. 138, vol. 27. For mending rubber boots, etc., see p. 203, vol. 30.--W.C.L. will find directions for preserving eggs on p. 306, vol. 34.--R.M.G. will find a recipe for root beer on p. 138, vol. 31.--W.F.H.'s plan for a refrigerator might answer. See p. 251, vol. 31.--J.C. can remove the wool from pelts by steeping the skins in water, and hanging them up till the wool putrifies. Then scrape with a blunt knife. For cleansing wool, see p. 6, vol. 32.--W.H.J. will find a recipe for a cement for marble on p. 344, vol. 32.--T.B. can gild his steel scabbard by following the directions given on p. 106, vol. 34.--A.H.B., J.A.C., W.H.H., J.F.P., D.S., J.N.H., J.P., F.F., M.N., M.C., R.C., K.S.W., T.J., and others, who ask us to recommend books on industrial and scientific subjects, should address the booksellers who advertise in our columns, all of whom are trustworthy firms, for catalogues

(1) R.H.C. says: We have a slate roof which leaks very much. I have not discovered any defect in the way in which it was put on; it appears to be perfect. The pitch may be too low, and the rain may be driven through by the wind on this account. Is there any wash, paint, or cement that might be used for the purpose of remedying this defect? A. There is an india rubber paint which is used to make leaky roofs tight, but we have not learned of its being applied to slate roofs.

(2) C.C.B. says: I am making a small steam engine. The cylinder has, inside diameter, about 1 inch with 2½ inches stroke. What would be the most suitable material and dimensions for the boiler? A. Make one 10 or 12 inches in diameter and 18 inches high, of 1/8 inch iron. You can carry 60 lbs. steam pressure.

(3) M.C. says: I have had charge of some greenhouses that were erected about four years ago; they are thoroughly heated, and all the pipes have a thick coat of black paint. The houses never gave any satisfaction, no matter how healthy the plants were in the fall. Soon after the fires were lighted both leaves and flowers began to drop, and some plants died. My predecessors attributed it to gas getting into the houses. Upon inquiry I found no gas was there except when the pipes were hot, and that the hotter they were the worse it was. In my opinion, the cause of the trouble was a strong smell of paint from the pipes. Since then I only keep heat enough to save the plants from freezing. A. From your statement there is no doubt that the paint used on the pipes was an imperfectly purified coal tar. Such tar contains a great number of hydrocarbons--naphtha, naphthalen, anthracen, phenol, several organic alkaloids, hydrosulphuric and hydrocyanic acids, etc., all of which are more or less volatile at the temperature to which they must have been subjected. These exhalations have proved fatal to plant life when in sufficient quantity. We do not know of a better remedy than that of removing the cause. Painting the pipes with a strong solution of washing soda and lime would, in a measure, prevent the escape of the most objectionable constituents into the air, by forming with them compounds non-volatile at any temperature to which they are likely to be subjected in contact with the pipes; but the former would be the surest plan.

(4) C.D.W. asks: The roof of the new Illinois State House, as well as the stylobate cornices and upper portion of the dome, are covered with zinc. It has been on about three years, and I am told is materially affected by oxidation. The theory is that zinc, though subject to oxidization, has the peculiarity that the oxide does not scale off as from iron, but forms a permanent coating impervious to the action of the atmosphere. Some mechanics, however, assert that neither zinc, copper, nor lead will withstand the action of our atmosphere, as bituminous coal strongly impregnated with sulphur is almost the only fuel used. It is claimed by some that the sulphurous acid in the atmosphere tends to corrode zinc so as to make it worthless for roofs or gutter linings. A. Are you sure that the roof and gutters in question are not of galvanized iron, iron coated with zinc? This is the material most commonly used for that purpose at the present time. Zinc has been found to be too brittle for the strain to which it is subjected, in such cases, by the expansion and contraction induced by changes of temperature. A slight oxidation will adhere to the surface, but an acid deposit from the atmosphere will penetrate the coating in points and deteriorate the metal.

(5) N.J.S. says: I have a floor of ash and black walnut which has been oiled with raw linseed oil once. How can I finish it so as to get a hard, smooth finish that will not be scratched by boot heels nor be sticky or retain the dirt as a waxed floor does? A. Oil raises the fiber of black walnut and gives it a rougher surface than when free from it. To polish any wood, it is only necessary to fill the pores well, and then rub it down to a smooth surface. Thus painters prefer to put on a coat of shellac varnish first, before oiling walnut and other hard woods. For fine floors, a thin coat of liquid wax is applied as a finish.

(6) A.J.S. asks: What is the best plan for putting up a cheap dry house of lumber, for drying (by steam) white oak, hickory, and other lumber used in wagon and buggy making? A. Make as tight a house as possible with tongued and grooved siding-boards, floors, roof, etc., and provide a stack of steam pipe containing 1 foot of heating surface to every 50 cubic feet of air contained in the building. Set the steam pipe in compact shape and enclose it with a casing of galvanized sheet iron open at the top; supply cold air from outside of the building by a boxed conduit to the bottom of this stack. The air when heated will rise and diffuse itself into the room, and as it cools will fall to the floor; provide registers in the floor, through which it may escape into other boxed tubes under the floor leading to an upright chimney discharging above the roof. Let a smoke pipe from the boiler enter the chimney and extend up inside the flue far enough to heat the same. The change of air is necessary to dry the lumber. The size of the house of course will depend upon the quantity of material required to be stacked up into it at any one time.

(7) G. asks: 1. How do you calculate the amount of pipe of a given size to warm a room of a given size? A. One square foot of plate or pipe surface is generally taken as sufficient to heat about 70 cubic feet of air in dwellings. 2. What allowance should be made for doors and windows? A. The said foot of surface will heat, in accordance with varying conditions, from 40 to 100 cubic feet of air, and allowance should be made for extra exposures, to correspond with that scale. A steam pressure of 5 lbs. is sufficient for heating purposes. 3. What is meant by the terms direct and indirect radiation, in giving capacity of steam generators for heating houses? A. Direct radiation is used when the pipes are located in the room, and indirect when they are located in a chamber in the cellar, to warm air which is conducted to the room by air pipes.

(8) D.M. says: After reading L.S.W.'s reply to J.B.C., p. 75 (6), vol. 36, I think the following demonstration will be more acceptable to J.B.C.: Imagine three spheres of which the given circles are great circles, and a plane tangent to the three spheres. Any two of the spheres may be conceived to have been generated by the revolution of two of the circles about the line joining their centers. During such revolution, the lines tangent to the two circles describe a conical surface. We have, therefore, three spheres and three conical surfaces. Now the plane, which is tangent to the three spheres, is also evidently tangent to the three conical surfaces; and therefore the vertices of those conical surfaces are all in the tangent plane. Now those vertices are the points (1), (2), (3). But the same points are also in the plane passing through the centers of the three spheres, which is the same with the plane of the paper on which the figure is drawn. Those points, being in two planes at the same time, must therefore be in the intersection of those planes, that is to say, in a straight line.

(9) C.W.H. asks: Can dyeing or coloring be done in cold water? A. Many of the coal tar colors may be used in this way: For animal fibers--wool, silk, | etc.--the affinity of these colors is so great that, in most instances, no mordants are necessary. The baths are usually made slightly acid. With vegetable fibers, however, a fast dye is not assured without mordanting. Some of the finer goods are prepared by treating with steam coagulated albumen (animalizing), gelatin, various tannates, tin salt, alum, and other metallic salts. The following is, the usual method of treatment, except with goods intended for very light shades: Pass the goods through a strong decoction of sumac or other tannin solution for an hour, and afterwards for an hour or two through a weak solution of stannate of soda; wring out, dip into a dilute solution of sulphuric acid, and rinse well in water. The goods are then ready to be passed through the color bath, slightly acidulated. For different tints, these baths are worked at different temperatures.

(10) F.W. says: I wish to lay the face tier of a brick wall in black mortar. How can I make the coloring material and mix it? A. Some prefer to use red mortar and afterwards pencil the joints with black. Color the ordinary white mortar with Spanish brown for red mortar, and with ivory black for black, by mixing in enough of the color in a powdered state to give a good deep tone.

(11) H.A.S. asks: 1. How many prisms are required in a spectroscope to detect mineral elements in presence of all the ash ingredients of organic bodies? A. If we understand you, one 60° prism will answer. 2. What is the best and cheapest form of apparatus to heat such compounds for examination? A. Mix the substance with a little pure hydrochloric acid and glycerin, and introduce into the flame on a coil of platinum wire.

1. Has soup prepared by dissolving meat bones in a Papin's digester ever been known to produce ossification of any of the soft tissues? A. We have never heard of such a result. 2. Has it ever been known to produce a new crop of teeth in toothless persons? A. We have no data as to such a fact.

I have seen a statement that May 19, 1780, was so dark a day that candles were necessary everywhere; and I have heard that another occurred about the year 1820. Has any scientific explanation ever been given of this phenomenon? A. The darkness on the days you mention were the result of solar eclipses. They occurred on days of unusual cloudiness. Perhaps the darkest day in modern history was that caused by the total solar eclipse in the year 1806.

(12) A.B. says: 1. I have built a boat 15 feet long and 4 feet 6 inches wide. How large a boiler and engine do I require to work her to best advantage? She is 22 inches deep from top of rail to top of keel. A. Cylinder, 2½ x 3 inches; boiler, 20 inches in diameter and 3 feet high. Propeller, 18 to 20 inches in diameter, and of 3 feet pitch. 2. How fast ought she to run? A. Probable speed, 5 miles an hour in smooth water.

(13) L.L. asks: 1. Does it make any difference in what position a watch is in when running? A. For watches adjusted to temperature and position, it does not make much difference. 2. When not being carried, what position should it be left in? A. In the case of ordinary watches, we imagine that the wear will be rather more uniform when they are in a vertical position. 3. If a person sleeps in a cola room, would a watch be better under his pillow than on a table or hung up in the same room? A. It is best not to subject them to great changes of temperature.

(14) W.G. says, in reply to C.W.W., who has an engine, of 2-5/8 inches bore and 4 inches stroke, which runs slower with increase of pressure: Having had much experience with small engines and boilers, I will state that I have had the same difficulty when using an upright tubular boiler, and discovered the following to be the cause: The upper portions of the tube superheat the steam to such a degree as to prevent lubrication on the valve and piston surface by condensation, and thereby reduce the speed of engine. Even with increased pressure, this effect will be more appreciable when the area and travel of slide valve are in excess.

(15) J.M.T. asks: Is there friction between two bodies while at rest, or only when one or both are in motion? A. Both when at rest and in motion.

Why does a balloon rise in the air? A. See p. 64, vol. 32.

(16) S.J.S. asks: 1. How are augers twisted? A. By special machinery. 2. How are twist drills made, and are they single or double grooved? A. They are double grooved or double twisted, and are cut out in a milling machine.

Can weights, springs, or water from a tank be used to any advantage to run a lathe? A. No.

How much do iron and brass, in rods or bands, expand in length when heated to red heat? A. Iron about 1/8 inch per foot, brass 1/10 inch.

Is the pressure of the air to be added to the weight of water in the bottom of a vessel in estimating the pressure on the bottom? A. No.

Does a watch or clock run faster when just wound up? A. No.

Is it not moisture in the air that makes it heavier, and so affects the barometer? A. Yes.

Is the pressure in a siphon equal throughout, or is it greater in the upper end? A. Equal throughout.

Will it take more power to run two millstones in opposite directions than it will to run one at the same speed, the other being stationary? A. Yes, it will take double the power.

1. How are common screws made? A. In lathes, with tools and dies. 2. How can I make wooden screws perfectly smooth? A. By using keen tools.

What is the simplest way of cutting a square hole in a bar of iron? A. Drill a round hole and square it out.

(17) G.E.C. asks: Could I have a brick range 2×3 feet, built on a platform about 1 foot from floor, with two compartments, to be heated with petroleum, the lower one to be used as an oven, the upper one to have a stove top to set cooking utensils on, and have a ventilating pipe run from each compartment of the oil receptacles into the place in the chimney where the stove pipe usually goes, to carry away any gas or smoke? I want the oil receptacles to be arranged to be drawn out, to be filled and trimmed, and I would like four burners to heat an oven 22 inches square, as hot as the same oven could be heated with wood. A. We doubt the propriety or the economy of substituting oil for wood, but something may be done to make the atmosphere of kitchens more endurable in summer, and permanently so in warm climates. A double faced range could be made and set in the center of the thickness of the chimney, with the space above the top of it open to the exterior of the house; a very slight structure, simply having a good floor and roof and open around the sides, and built against the chimney as an extension to the house, would answer for a summer kitchen, while the ordinary kitchen inside the house could be used in winter. The transposition could be made by a pair of iron sliding doors shutting off the kitchen not in use; and these doors could be transferred from one side of the chimney to the other when the change of season required it.

(18) A.X.A. says: In your issue of December 2 is a recipe in which "insoluble acid chromate of lime," and gelatin are to be used; and in a succeeding number of your paper the modes of preparing the insoluble acid are given. I have made the acid according to your directions, but the result of my manipulation of the recipe is a failure. You say: "Take of insoluble acid chromate of lime one part, and of gelatin five parts;" but you do not say what further is to be done. Will the acid dissolve the gelatin, or must warm water be added? In my experiment the acid would not dissolve the gelatin, and I had to add considerable warm water before it would do so. A. Dissolve the bichromate of lime in the smallest possible quantity of warm water, and filter; then add the gelatin, previously softened by immersion in cold water. Heat the mixture over a water bath until the gelatin is completely dissolved, stir well, and use while hot. The recipe should have stated that this cement was best suited for glassware. The bichromate of potash or of ammonia will answer nearly as well as the lime salt.

(19) E.C.N. asks: How must a stove be constructed to burn pea coal, for heating outbuildings? Is there any way of constructing a draught below the grate of any common heating stove, sufficiently strong to do without an extra long chimney? A. Use a broad grate to spread the coal out well, so as to avoid the necessity of heaping it up much; make the opening for the draft some distance below the grate, and regulate by the usual slide dampers in the lower and upper doors.

MINERALS, ETC.--Specimens have been received from the following correspondents, and examined, with the result stated:

F.R.R.S.--The substance you send is carbonate of iron. It is held in solution in the water by the large excess of carbonic acid which the water contains. On boiling the water the carbonic acid gas is expelled and the iron salt is precipitated from solution. The removal of this and some other objectionable salts which the water very probably contains, may be removed by the addition of the proper quantity of clear lime water to it--the lime in this instance will combine with the excess of carbonic acid and fall to the bottom together with the carbonate of iron. To determine the precise quantity of lime water requisite, add the reagent (saturated solution) to a small portion (of known volume) of the freshly drawn water, in small quantities at a time, and with constant stirring until no further precipitate forms. Then by a simple operation in proportion the quantity of the reagent necessary for the purification of a given quantity of the well water may be easily determined. An excess of the reagent must be avoided. This impurity would probably prevent the successful working of an injector.

W.S.W. asks: How is the best rosin, used on violin bows, prepared?--W.F. asks: What is a simple method for washing clay for brick and tile making?--E.S.D. asks: What is the best kind of wood to construct a guitar?

* * * * *

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.

The Editor of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN acknowledges, with much pleasure, the receipt of original papers and contributions upon the following subjects:

On Rheumatism. By A.R.E.
On Postage Stamps. By E.B.
On Boiler Explosions. By G.B.B.
On Reaching the North Pole. By J.H.S.
On Heating Street Cars. By P.T.
On a Hybrid Fruit, By R.S.B.
On an Air Vessel. By J.T.R.

Also inquiries and answers from the following: E.B.M.--F.F.F.--N.B.H.--B.B.--O.F.--R.V.J.--F.M.--N.B.C.--C.F.E.--W.T. --C.W.C.--T.F.--C.A.S.--S.N.M.--J.R.D.--P.J.D.S.

* * * * *

HINTS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Correspondents whose inquiries fail to appear should repeat them. If not then published, they may conclude that, for good reasons, the Editor declines them. The address of the writer should always be given.

Inquiries relating to patents, or to the patentability of inventions, assignments, etc., will not be published here. All such questions, when initials only are given, are thrown into the waste basket, as it would fill half of our paper to print them all; but we generally take pleasure in answering briefly by mail, if the writer's address is given.

Hundreds of inquiries analogous to the following are sent: "Who sells a tool for truing up a crosshead wrist? Who sells tools for refitting steam valves without unscrewing them from the pipes? Who sells spoke-turning lathes? Who makes machinery for freeing wool of burrs and dirt? Where can tungsten, or tungsten steel, be procured, and at what price? Who sells silicate of alumina and silicate of potash?" All such personal inquiries are printed, as will be observed, in the column of "Business and Personal," which is specially set apart for that purpose, subject to the charge mentioned at the head of that column. Almost any desired information can in this way be expeditiously obtained.

* * * * *

OFFICIAL.

INDEX OF INVENTIONS FOR WHICH LETTERS PATENT OF THE UNITED STATES WERE GRANTED IN THE WEEK ENDING January 18, 1877, AND EACH BEARING THAT DATE.

[Those marked (r) are reissued patents.]

* * * * *

A complete copy of any patent in the annexed list, including both the specifications and drawings, will be furnished from this office for one dollar. In ordering, please state the number and date of the patent desired, and remit to Munn & Co., 37 Park Row, New York city.

* * * * *

Abdominal corset, C. Lascell 186,258
Acoustic telegraph, T.A. Edison 186,330
Advertising card, H. Mahler 186,209
Air compressor, J. Clayton 186,306
Air compressor, W.F. Garrison 186,336
Animal trap, T.N. Hughes 186,252
Annealing furnace, H.B. Chess 186,404
Atomizer, W. Kennish 186,208
Axle tree, trussed, J.B. Brewster 186,227
Barbed fence, C.F. Washburn 186,389
Bee hive, G.W. Akins 186,223
Belt shipping attachment, R. Denmark 186,318
Blotter and paper clip, C.B. Farrington 186,288
Bone black, cooling, C. Doscher 186,327
Book back, metallic, I. Reynolds 186,216
Bottle and basket, E. Cusenier, Sr 186,311
Bottle for hair dye, T. Divine 186,321
Bottle stopper, E.B. Requa 186,270
Bread cutter, G.B. Heath 186,248
Brick and tile lifter, Braislin & Wood 186,303
Broom, W.M. Jackson 186,254
Brush handle, I.L. Landis 186,399
Buckle, G.F. Eberhard 186,329
Buffing roll, L.S. Graves 186,205
Butter press, W.S. Alexander 186,224
Button, D. Wilcox 186,392
Call bell, A.C. Gould 186,338
Car axle lubricator, R. Macdonald 186,354
Car coupling, O. & M. Crum 186,313
Car coupling, J.W. Skeele 186,373
Car roof, H. Aldridge 186,188
Car roof, H. Aldridge 186,189
Cards for fibers, making, Yates & Kellett 186,396
Cartridge, J.P. White 186,220
Chamber vessel, J.C. Moore 186,264
Clamp for ratchet drills, L. Beland 186,225
Cloth, folding and scouring, R.D. Nesmith 186,363
Clothespin, W.S. Davis 186,314
Clutch, A.B. Bean 186,296
Coffee pot, W.W. Stevens 186,378
Combination lock, A. Parise 186,268
Combination lock, G. Winter 186,393
Combination tool, I.U. Malphurs 186,259
Combustible, J.B.D. Cassinelli 186,294
Corn planter, W. Gilman 186,203
Corn planter, J.L.G. Schmidt 186,275
Corn planter and cultivator, E.C. Gage 186,244
Corn popper, G.P. Sisson 186,279
Corset, J. Mayer, 186,210
Cotton gin, J.W. Thorn 186,383
Cotton holder, dental, T. Cogswell 186,307
Curtain fixture, Collins & Saltsgaver 186,198
Curtain fixture, J.B. Marshall 186,357
Dial telegraph, J.H.C. Watts 186,283
Door and gate fastener, J. Gibbs 186,337
Door hanger, W.E. Warner 186,388
Door retainer, R.E. Dietz 186,319
Drop light, J.A. Evarts 186,332
Egg beater, G.P. Sisson 186,278
Egg carrier, L. Inglee 186,253
Electric gas lighting, C.H. Hinds 186,343
Electro harmonic telegraph, E. Gray 186,340
Electric dental plugger, J.E. Dexter 186,234
Elevator, safety check, N.H. Fogg 186,241
Fabrics, winding up, G.E. Jones 186,256
Feed apparatus, punching, J. Morgan 186,212
Feed bag for horses, G.C. Booth 186,301
Fence post, P.J. Rickard 186,271
Fire place, H.F. Watson 186,390
Fire place heater, J.K. Dimmick 186,320
Fire place, portable, T.C. Nativel 186,361
Fish scrap, treating, S.L. Goodale 186,204
Fly fan, H.B. Baker 186,292
Fly fan, W.R. Fowler 186,243
Folding chair, B F. Little 186,353
Friction wheel, E. Brauer 186,304
Fruit or paint can, W.H. Fowler 186,333
Furnace, evaporating, J. Kitchen 186,349
Furnace, smelting, G.W. Swett (r) 7,468
Gang plow, W. Fruhling 186,335
Gang plow, E. Peak 186,269
Gas and air carbureter, Boomer & Randall 186,302
Gas governor, J.R. Blossom 186,299
Gas, manufacturing, J G. Hunt 186,207
Gas retort cover, A. Schwarz 186,276
Gate, D. Scherer 186,274
Gill net, D.W. & S.H. Davis 186,232
Grafting machine, E. Walters 186,219
Grain binder, J.M. Rosebrooks 186,272
Grain separator, O.J. Chubbuck 186,230
Grain separator, T.J. Doyle 186,235
Grubbing machine, I. Burley 186,228
Hand truck, H.R. Ferris 186,237
Hat bodies, washing, T.C. Beatty 186,295
Hats, wiring and binding. Cuming & Knight 186,312
Hay tedder and side rake, Huber & Snell 186,346
High pressure hot air engine, O. Stenberg 186,377
Hook for drawrods, M.B. Eskine 186,236
Hoops, racking, S. Parker 186,365
Horse power, traverse pinion, J.A. Field 186,238
Horseshoe, weighted, E.E. Seixas 186,277
Hose nozzle, M.S. Curtis 186,310
Hot air furnace, J.C. Sanborn 186,217
Hydraulic motor, J.M. Bois 186,195
Indexer, J. Suter 186,382
Indicator for liquids, I. Levi 186,400
Insects, destroying, J.B. Margarit 186,260
Iron fence, Nellis & Guttridge 186,362
Key board, musical, B. Bishop 186,298
Knob roses to doors, W.A. Barlow 186,194
Lamp burner, H.H. Doty 186,201
Lamp chimney, S.W. Fowler (r) 7,463
Lathe chuck, metal, J.H. Harris 186,245
Leather-covered nut, L.T. Smith 186,375
Letter scales, J.V.H. Nott 186,267
Lifting jack, C.F. Davis 186,315
Lifting jack, F.M. Lottridge 186,402
Lifting jack, D.M. Ross 186,368
Lighting alarm clocks, H.J. & W.D. Davies 186,317
Limekiln, J.W. Devling 186,233
Lock for drawers, etc., G.W. Baker 186,192
Locomotive engine, W. Wells 186,285
Loom, L.J. Knowles 186,350
Loom, Smith & Skinner 186,374
Looms, preparing warps for, W. Heaton 186,249
Molasses gate, S. Barker 186,193
Multifold pipe coupling, E.A. Leland 186,351
Muzzle bit for horses, A.J. Short 186,371
Newspaper file, P.E. Sloan 186,280
Odorless air closet, G.R. Moore 186,266
Odorless receptacle, G.R. Moore 186,265
Oiler, S.S. Newton 186,364
Ordnance, S. Crispin 186,308
Ore and coal jigger, G. Schmauch 186,370
Ores, process of treating, G.D. Wyckoff 186,222
Paper box, R.H. Foster 186,242
Paper, cloth, etc., machine for cutting, E. Allen 186,190
Paper cutting machine, P. McAleer 186,262
Paper dish, S.E. Harlow 186,247
Paper folding machine, L.C. Crowell 186,309
Paper, folding, S.D. Tucker 186,384, 186,385
Pasting machine, T. Goodall 186,339
Piano forte attachment, E. Zachariae 186,397
Pins, dowels, etc., cutting, F.H. Kane 186,348
Pipes bursting, preventing, A. Bujac 186,305
Plaiting machine, E.S. Harding 186,246
Plane irons, adjusting, J.A. Traut 186,281
Plate for stoves, N.M. Simonds 186,372
Plow attachment, D.W. Hughes 186,344
Plow stock, R. Weber 186,284
Powder, compensating, Miltimore & Totten 186,211
Printing telegraph transmit, G.M. Phelps 186,215
Pulleys from shafting, drawing, H.F. Casterline 186,229
Pulverizing machine, A.B. Lipsey 186,401
Pump, G.R. McCrum 186,358
Quilting frame, H.T. Davis 186,316
Railway brake apparatus, H.F. Knapp 186,257
Railway car, S.R. & O.V. Wallace 186,387
Rake, self-cleaning, V.W. Blanchard 186,300
Refrigerating car, J.M. Ayer (r) 7,467
Refrigerator, G.H. Crisfield 186,200
Refrigerator, J.W. Stewart 186,376
Registering fare box, J.C. Strong 186,380
Reversing valve, engine, Bevins, Weis & Phillips 186,297
Riding saddle, J.C. Miller 186,359
Rotary engine, D.R. Harder 186,342
Sad iron, Baker & Asbury 186,291
Sample garment, L.E. Warner 186,282
Saw set, C. Heinen 186,250
Saw table, G.E. Burt 186,196
Screw for piano stools, G.W. Archer 186,191
Seat, reversible, J.E. Rugg 186,273
Seed planter, D.J. Davis 186,231
Seed sower, J. Pearce 186,214
Seeder and cultivator, W.A. Van Brunt (r) 7,466
Separating germs from grain, C.A. Duprez 186,328
Sheep shears, Porterfield & Malin 186,366
Sheet metal can, J.S. Field 186,239
Shirt stud, C.H. Field 186,202
Shot cartridge, J.P. White 186,391
Sock and stocking, J.L. Krauser 186,398
Socket for scythe shanks, M. Smith 186,218
Sofa bedstead, H. Compes 186,199
Spark arrester, W.S. Hudson 186,345
Spark arrester and consumer, T.E. Roberts 186,367
Spinning frame, G. Draper 186,325
Spinning frame, ring, G. Draper 186,324
Spinning frame, ring, W.F. Draper 186,322
Spinning machine, G. Draper 186,323
Spring back wagon seat, J.W. Wood 186,394
Spring bolt for sliding doors, etc., A. Hance 186,341
Spring for wagons, auxiliary, A.W. McKown 186,263
Stalls, cutting, J.M. Goff (r) 7,469
Stencil plate, Wright & Bryant 186,395
Stove, M.L. Wood 186,286
Stove pipe, A.B. Allen 186,290
Straw cutter, D. Maxwell 186,261
Tempering steel, etc., G.F. Simonds (r) 7,464, 7,465
Tension regulator, G. Draper 186,326
Ticket case, S. Strandgaard 186,381
Time attachment for locks, J. Sargent 186,369
Time lock, E.J. Woolley 186,221
Toothbrush, S. Woolverton 188,287
Toy card shooter, C.W. Frost 186,334
Tubular gang saw, J.A. Balch 186,293
Underground telegraphs, W. Mackintosh 186,355, 186,356
Valve gear of engines, link for, J.H. Luther 186,403
Vapor burner, W.C. North 186,213
Variable cut-off, J. Fish 186,240
Vehicle wheel, H. Mounts 186,360
Vehicle wheel, G.F. Almy 186,289
Velocipede, Stineman & Halloway 186,379
Vent clearer for wash bowls etc., J.S. Hawley 186,206
Ventilator, J.B. Hill 186,251
Vessels, lessening draught of, E. Ellison 186,331
Wagon end gate, T.L. Black 186,226
Water closet trunk, E.A. Leland 186,352
Weaning bit for animals, J.P. Israel 186,347
Weather strip, E.C. Underwood 186,386
Whirling toy, J.H.Jenkins 186,255
Wrench, P. Chapin, Sr 186,197

* * * * *

DESIGNS PATENTED.

9,700, 9,701.--CHAINS.--D.A. Beam, Newark, N.J.
9,702.--BRACKETS.--O.F. Fogelstrand, Kensington, Conn.
9,703.--BOTTLE.--A.T. Francis, Paterson, N.J., et al.
9,704, 9,705.--CARPETS.--A. Heald, Philadelphia, Pa.
9,706.--CARPETS.--D. McNair, Boston, Mass.
9,707, 9,708.--CARPETS.--T.J. Stearns, Boston, Mass.
9,709.--BRONZE.--J.W. Tiemann et al., Darlington, N.J.
9,710.--SHIRT FRONT.--S. Weill, New York city.
9,711.--DESK.--J.H. Frink, Detroit, Mich.

[A copy of any of the above patents may be had by remitting one dollar to MUNN & Co., 37 Park Row, New York city.]

* * * * *

ADVERTISEMENTS.

* * * * *

Inside Page, each insertion 75 cents a line. Back Page, each insertion $1.00 a line.

_Engravings may head advertisements at the same rate per line, by measurement, as the letter press. Advertisements must be received at publication office as early as Friday morning to appear in next issue._

* * * * *

WATER WHEELS.

More than four times as many of Jas. Lefell's improved Double Turbine Water Wheels in operation than any other kind. 24 sizes made, ranging from 5 3-4 to 96 in. diam. under heads from 1 to 240 ft. Successful for every purpose. Large new pamphlet, the finest ever published, containing over 30 fine illustrations, sent free to parties interested in water power.

JAS. LEFFEL & CO.,
Springfield, O., and 109 Liberty
St., New York City.

* * * * *

STEEL CASTINGS,

From 1-4 to 10,000 lbs. weight. An invaluable substitute for expensive forgings or for malleable iron castings requiring great strength. Send for circular and price list to CHESTER STEEL CASTING COMPANY, EVELINA STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

* * * * *

GEORGE C. HICKS & CO., Baltimore, Md. CLAY RETORTS, TILES, FIRE BRICKS, &c. Terra Cotta Pipes of all sizes.

* * * * *

CHEAPEST ROTARY HAND CORNSHELLER IN THE U.S.

Guaranteed to be the simplest, cheapest, most durable, effective and the best. Buy it. Try it and be convinced. Samples $1.00. Large profits to agents. Address Harrisburgh Pa., Family Cornsheller Co. Lock Box 9.

* * * * *

Y.A. FAY & CO.

CINCINNATI, OHIO U.S.S.

WOOD WORKING MACHINERY.

Woodsworth Planers and matchers, Daniels & Dimension Planers, Universal Wood Workers, Band & Circular Re-Saws, Ripping, Edging & Cross-Cutting Saws, Molding, Mortising and Tenoning Machines, Band & Scroll Saws, Carving, Boring, Shaping, Friezing & Sand Papering Machines, Wood Lathes & Machinery for Furniture, Car, Wheel & Agricultural Shops. Superior to any in use. Prices reduced to suit the times.

* * * * *

DAYTON CAM PUMP.

THE ONLY PUMP IN THE MARKET DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED ESPECIALLY FOR BOILER FEEDING.

Are Pumping water at 268° F. No Dead Centers. The Steam Valve is a plain Slide Valve identical to the slide valve of a Steam Engine, but derives its motion from a cam. Speed can be regulated to suit evaporation. Pumping Returns from Steam Heating Apparatus a specialty.

Send for Circular.

Smith, Vaile & Co., DAYTON, OHIO.

* * * * *

WANTED THE SOLE MANUFACTURE for England, of one or two Patent Articles in demand by steam users. Advertisers have good manufacturing premises, and a first-class connection among steam users in England and the Continent. Apply in first instance by letter to P.S.B., care of Mr. G. STREET, Advertising Offices, 30 Cornhill, London, E.C., England.

* * * * *

A NEW YEAR'S GIFT

A $5 NEW YEAR'S GIFT

GIVEN AWAY!

To Every Reader of This Paper!

Consisting of the beautiful and valuable Steel Engraving, entitled

"CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE!"

In an American edition, issued by W.W. Bostwick & Co., Publishers, 177 and 179 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, O., and furnished to every READER OF THIS PAPER FREE.

The retail price of the English edition of this Engraving is $12.00 PER COPY. It illustrates one of the most remarkable incidents in the life time of our Savior. The subject is taken from Luke, Second Chapter, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50th Verses. Its size is three feet long and two feet wide, and has over 30 FIGURES REPRESENTED.

It is the best Premium ever given away. W.W. Bostwick & Co. will supply every Reader of this paper with the valuable and appropriate Engraving of "Christ in the Temple" as a New Year's Gift.

A NEW YEARS GIFT

Readers will therefore please cut out the following Certificate and send it to W.W. Bostwick & Co., Publishers, 177 and 179 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, O., for redemption, together with 25 cents to pay for postage, wrapping, roller, and mounting the Engraving. Cut Out this Readers' Certificate. It is worth $5.00.

CERTIFICATE.

On receipt of this Certificate, together with 25 cents to pay for postage, roller, wrapping, and mounting, we will send the beautiful Engraving, three feet long and two feet wide, entitled

"CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE,"

To every Reader of this paper, by mail, postpaid. Send for Engraving at once, stating name in full, P.O. address, county, and State, Address all orders to W.W. BOSTWICK CO., PUBLISHERS, 17. & 17 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, O.

Readers of this paper will be allowed this New Year's Premium Gift, and all orders must be accompanied with above Certificate, which be sure to cut out and send with directions for mailing to W.W. BOSTWICK & CO., PUBLISHERS, 177 AND 179 WEST FOURTH STREET, CINCINNATI, O.

A NEW YEAR'S GIFT COPYRIGHT SECURED

* * * * *

A MAN OF A THOUSAND.

Having discovered, in a manner which might be considered almost providential, a positive cure for consumption and all Lung Complaints, I feel it my duty to make it known in a practical manner by furnishing a sample bottle, free of charge, to all sufferers, my only hope of remuneration being that the medicine will perform all I claim for it. The ingredients are of the choicest herbal products and perfectly safe; will be sent FREE TO ALL. Address at once. DR. O. PHELPS BROWN, 21 Grand St., Jersey City, N.J.

* * * * *