THE NEW YORKSCIENTIFIC AMERICAN:

_Published Weekly at 128 Fulton Street, (Sun Building, ) New York. _

BY MUNN & COMPANY. 

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RUFUS PORTER, EDITOR. 

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TERMS. --$2 a year--$1 in advance, and the remainder in 6 months. 

[Illustration: hand pointing right] _See Advertisement on last page. _

=The New Roman Road. =

[The present Pope has given his consent to build railroads in hisdominions, which the former Pope was averse to. The following linesare predicated on his consent. ]

 Ancient Romans, ancient Romans-- Cato, Scipio Africanus, Ye whose fame's eclips'd by no man's, Publius Æmilianus, Sylla, Marius, Pompey, Cæsar, Fabius, dilatory teaser, Coriolanus, and ye Gracchi Who gave so many a foe a black eye, Antony, Lepidus, and Crassus; And you, ye votaries of Parnassus, Virgil, and Horace, and Tibullus, Terence and Juvenal, Catullus, Martial, and all ye wits beside, On Pegasus expert to ride; Numa, good king, surnamed Pampilius, And Tullus, eke 'yclept Hostilius-- Kings, Consuls, Imperators, Lictors, Prætors, the whole world's former victors, Who sleep by yellow Tiber's brink; Ye mighty names--what d'ye think? The Pope has sanctioned Railway Bills! And so the lofty Aventine, And your six other famous hills Will soon look down upon a 'Line. ' Oh! if so be that hills could turn Their noses up, with gesture antic, Thus would the seven deride and spurn A Roman work so unromantic: 'Was this the ancient Roman Way. 

 With tickets taken, fares to pay, Stockers and Engineers, perhaps-- Nothing more likely--English chaps Brawling away, 'Go on!' for Ito, And 'Cut along!' instead of Cito; The engine letting off its steam, With puff and whistle, snort and scream; A smell meanwhile, like burning clothes, Flouting the angry Roman nose? Is it not Conscript Fathers shocking? Does it not seem your mem'ry mocking? The Roman and the Railway station-- What an incongruous combination! How odd, with no one to adore him, Terminus--and in the Forum!'--[Punch. 

=Good Advice. =

Somebody lays down the following rules to young men in business. Theywill apply equally well to young and old. 'Let the business of everyone alone, and attend to your own. --Don't buy what you don't want. Useevery hour to advantage, and study even to make leisure hours useful. Think twice before you spend a shilling; remember you have another tomake for it. Find recreation in looking after your business, and soyour business will not be neglected in looking after recreation. --Buyfair, sell fair, take care of the profits; look over the booksregularly, and if you find an error, trace it out. Should a stroke ofmisfortune come upon you in trade, retrench--work harder, but neverfly the track; confront difficulties with unflinching perseverance, and they will disappear at last, and you will be honored; but shrinkfrom the task, and you will be despised. '

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In Russia, coffins are generally brown, but children have pink, grownup unmarried girls sky blue, while other females are indulged with aviolet color. 

[Illustration: Barnum's Safety Apparatus]

INTRODUCTION. --Much has been said of late in and about New York on thesubject of the adoption by steamboat proprietors of some apparatusthat will in some measure secure the passengers against suchcasualties as have occurred on board the Excelsior and several otherboats. There have been a great variety of inventions introduced forthe purpose of preventing explosions; but from the best information wecan obtain on the subject, we are of the opinion that Mr. Barnum'sapparatus takes a general preference over all others. It consists ofan arrangement of machinery, partly within the boiler, and which isconstructed on such a self-regulating principle as to keep up a supplyof water within the boiler, without any attention from the engineer;and in case that the apparatus itself should become impaired or ceaseto operate regular, the engineer becomes instantly notified thereof. 

EXPLANATION. --It is inexpedient for us to give a full and minutedescription of the several points and peculiarities of the mechanismof this apparatus; but we may so far explain as to say that ahorizontal lever inside of the boiler, being mounted on a pivot nearits centre, and connected to a buoy or float at one end, asrepresented in the engraving, (a part of the surface of the boilerbeing omitted for that purpose, and not, as some might infer, torepresent the apparatus attached to a boiler already burst by anexplosion. ) One of these floats is placed within a small enclosed boxwithin the boiler, that it may be secure from the effect of foam whichsometimes pervades the surface of the water in a steam boiler. --Thislever, near its bearing, is connected to a short valve-rod, whichgoverns the valves in a small valve-chamber, whereby the steam isoccasionally admitted to operate a small steam engine, placed directlyover the boiler; and this engine puts in motion a pump, by which thewater in the boiler is replenished. This engine, it will beunderstood, is never put in operation except when the water in theboiler becomes too low: and when the water rises, the elevation of theencased float closes the valve and stops the engine. The ball on theend of the lever acts as a counterpoise to the float, (which is ofstone) that it may be freely influenced by the rising or falling ofthe surface of the water. 

The small engine constructed by Mr. Barnum for this purpose, is welladapted to its place, and has several peculiarities whereby thevalves, and consequent reciprocal motion of the engine are regulatedwithout the use of a crank or fly-wheel: but of these we cannot atpresent give a minute description. The whole of this apparatus evincesmuch scientific ability of the inventor, Daniel Barnum, Esq. , residentat present in this city, and who has received many certificates fromthe first scientific men in the Union, in commendation of hisinvention. 

=A Piggish Parvenue. =

A proud porker, fancying that it was degrading to his dignity to rootin the gutter, came upon the sidewalk, and full of his consequence, promenaded from morning till night, leaving his humbler companions tomunch corn, husks and potatoe parings. He fared as people usually do, who from vanity assume a station they are not qualified to fill. Inthe gutter he would have lived in unnoticed enjoyment. On the walk hegot kicked by every passenger and bitten by every cur, till hungry andbruised he was glad to return to his proper station. --[Ex, paper. 

=Wanting Workmen back Again. =

The proprietors of the cotton mill in Schuylerville, N. Y. , whoreduced the wages of their hands, a week or two since, says theSchuylerville Herald, twenty-five per cent. , are now, and have beenfor several days, endeavoring to induce them to return to their work, at the old wages; but they are too late, as most of them are engagedto work in other mills. 

=Hard Climbing. =

A man in Orange county was found one night climbing an over-shot wheelin a fulling mill. He was asked what he was doing. He said he was'trying to go up to bed, but some how or other these stairs won't holdstill. ' There are many unlucky wights who are laboriously endeavoringto climb fortune's ladder on the same principle. 

=Power of Imagination. =

An amusing incident recently occurred at Williams College, which isthus related by a correspondent of the Springfield Gazette:

The professor of chemistry, while administering, in the course of hislectures, the protoxide of nitrogen, or, as it is commonly called, laughing gas, in order to ascertain how great an influence theimagination had in producing the effects consequent on respiring it, secretly filled the India rubber gas-bag with common air instead ofgas. It was taken without suspicion, and the effects, if anything, were more powerful than upon those who had really breathed the puregas. One complained that it produced nausea and dizziness, anotherimmediately manifested pugilistic propensities, and before he could berestrained, tore in pieces the coat of one of the bystanders, whilethe third exclaimed, 'this is life. I never enjoyed it before. ' Thelaughter that followed the exposure of this gaseous trick may beimagined. 

=True Policy. =

Under all circumstances there is but one honest course; and that is, to do right and trust the consequences to Divine Providence. 'Dutiesare ours: events are God's. ' Policy, with all her cunning, can deviseno rule so safe, salutary and effective, as this simple maxim. 

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Six thousand pounds of Saxony wool have been purchased in Pennsylvania, at sixty-two and a half cents per pound. 

A LIST OF PATENTS

_Issued from the 20th of July to the 28th of July, 1846, inclusive. _

To M. W. Obenchain, of Springfield, Ohio, for improvement in CardingMachines. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To Russell Wildman, of Hartford, Ct. , for improvement in Machinery forforming Hat Bodies. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To William Sherwood, of Ridgefield, Ct. , for improvement in CarpetLooms. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To Richard Garsed, of Frankford, Pa. , for improvement in OperatingTreadle Cams in Looms for Tweeling. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To James Ives, of Hamden, Ct. , for improvement in Locks for CarriageDoors. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To Jacob Peebles, of Concordia, La. , for improvement in BrickCisterns. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To Jacob Shermer, of New Valley, Md. , for improvement in WinnowingMachines. Patented, 20th July, 1846. 

To George Levan, of Gap, Pa. , for improvement in Doubling and Twistingand Reeling. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To Joseph Stevens, of Northumberland, N. Y. , for improvement inFences. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To James Boss, of Philadelphia, Pa. , for improvement in Ever PointedPencils. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To Richard C. Holmes and Jonathan J. Springer, of Cape May C. H. , N. J. , for improvement in Machinery for Steering Vessels. Patented 20thJuly, 1846. 

To Daniel Hoats, of Mifflingburgh, Pa. , for improvement in ThreshingMachines. Patented 20th July, 1846. 

To Tappan Townsend, of Albany, N. Y. , for improvement in WarmingRailroad Cars. --Patented 24th July, 1846. 

To Elizur L. Booth, of Canandaigua, N. Y. , for improvement inThreshing Machines. Patented 24th July, 1846. 

To Allen Eldred, of Oppenheim, N. Y. , for improvement in PotatoePloughs. Patented 24th July, 1846. 

To Amos L. Reed, of Pittsburgh, Pa. , for improvement in Feeding NailPlates. Patented 24th July, 1846. 

To Joseph Greenleaf, of North Yarmouth, Me. , for improvement inWashing Machines. Patented 24th July, 1846. 

To James Atwater, of New Haven, Ct. , for improvement in Door Locks. Patented 24th July, 1846. 

To Richard Flint, of Meriden, Ct. , for improvement in Rat-Tail Files. Patented 24th July, 1846. 

To Addison Smith, of Perrysburgh, Ohio, for improvement in MagneticFire Alarms. --Patented 24th July, 1846. 

To Charles F. Johnson, of Oswego, N. Y. , for improvement in TurretClocks. Patented 28th July, 1846. 

To H, D. Reynolds, of Mill-Hall, Pa. , for improvement in SmutMachines. Patented 28th July, 1846. 

To Charles Edward Jacot, of New York City, for improvement in LeverEscapements. Patented 28th July, 1846. 

To Ross Winans, of Baltimore, Md. , for improvement in LocomotiveCarriages. Patented 28th July, 1846. 

To Jonathan Knowles, of Lowell, Mass. , for improvement in Children'sChairs and Wagons. Patented 28th July, 1846. 

To Moses Miller, of Fort Ann, N. Y. , for improvement in Sleighs. Patented 28th July, 1846. 

To William Hatch, of Medford, Mass. , for improvement in Spike and NailMachines. --Patented 28th July, 1846. 

[Illustration: Variety]

=Old Bachelors. =

 They are wanderers and ramblers--never at home, Making sure of a welcome wherever they roam. And ev'ry one knows that the bachelor's den Is a room set apart for these singular men-- A nook in the clouds, of some five feet by four, Though sometimes, perchance, it may be rather more, With skylight, or no light, ghosts, goblins and gloom, And ev'ry where termed, 'The Bachelor's Room. '

 These creatures, they say, are not valued at all, Except when the herd give a Bachelor's ball. Then drest in their best, In their gold broidered vest, It is known as a fact, That they act with much tact, And they lisp out 'How do?' And they coo and they woo, And they smile, for a while, Their fair guests to beguile; Condescending and bending, For fear of offending, Though inert, And they spy, They exert, With their eye, To be pert, And they sigh And to flirt, As they fly. 

 And they whisk, and they whiz, And are brisk, when they quiz. 

 For they meet, Advancing, To be sweet, And glancing, And are fleet, And dancing, On their feet, And prancing. 

 Sliding and gliding with minuet pace, Piroueting and setting with infinite grace. 

 And jumping, And racing, And bumping, And chasing, And stumping, And pacing, And thumping, And lacing. 

 They are flittering and glittering, gallant and gay, Yawning all the morning, and lounging all day, But when he grows old, And his sunshine is past, Three score years being told, Brings repentance at last. 

 He then becomes an odd old man: His warmest friend's the frying pan; He's fidgety, fretful and weary; in fine, Loves nothing but self, and his dinner and wine. 

 He rates and he prates, And reads the debates:

 Despised by the men, and the women he hates. 

 Then prosing, And pouring, And dozing, And snoring, And cozing, And boring, And nosing, And roaring, Whene'er befalls in with a rabble, His delight is to vapor and gabble. 

 He's gruffy, And musty, And puffy, And tusty, And stuffy, And rusty, And huffy, And crusty, He sits in his slippers, with back to the door, Near freezing, And grumbling, And wheezing, And mumbling, And teazing, And stumbling, And sneezing, And tumbling, And curses the carpet, or nails in the floor. 

 Oft falling, Oft waking, And bawling, And aching, And sprawling, And quaking, And crawling, And shaking, His hand is unsteady: his stomach is sore, He's railing, Uncheery, And failing, And dreary, And ailing, And teary, Bewailing, And weary, Groaning and moaning, His selfishness owning. Grieving and heaving, Though nought is he leaving. But pelf and ill health, Himself and his wealth. 

 He sends for a doctor, to cure or to kill, Who gives him advice, and offence, and a pill, And drops him a hint about making his will, As fretful antiquity cannot be mended, The mis'rable life of a bachelor's ended. Nobody misses him, nobody sighs, Nobody grieves when the bachelor dies. 

=Wellman's Illustrated Botany. =

We have received the October number of this incomparable work, andfind it equal in all respects to its "illustrious predecessors. " Amongthe flowers presented in full colors, by way of illustration, wenotice the Scarlet Pimpernel, China Aster, Blue Hepatia, CerusSpeciosus, Agrimonia Eupatoria, besides several other sketches ofbuds, sections, &c. We esteem this work worth at least double thepublishers' price, --$3 per annum. Published at 116 Nassau street. 

=Literary Emporium. =

We have hitherto neglected to notice the September and October numbersof this serious, rational and elegant periodical. Each number isembellished with beautiful portraits, landscapes and flowers, andcontains the most useful and interesting reading matter, as well aschoice poetry and occasional music. Terms $1 per annum. By J. K. Wellman, 116 Nassau street. 

=A Delicate Compliment. =

Washington was sometimes given to pleasantry. Journeying east on oneoccasion, attended by two of his aids, he asked some young ladies at ahotel where he breakfasted, how they liked the appearance of his youngmen! One of them promptly replied, 'We cannot judge of the STARS inthe presence of the SUN!'

=Fatal Deer Fight. =

The skeleton heads of two deers, their antlers so closely interlockedthat they cannot be disengaged without violence, were found about amonth ago by a gentleman while hunting in Nassau county, East Florida. The ground for a quarter of an acre was completely cut up by theirhoofs. 

=A Provoking Blunder. =

The letter bags for the steamer Cambria, despatched from this city, and containing upwards of ten thousand letters for Europe, was takenfrom the Boston Post Office by a country stage driver, throughmistake, and the Cambria was compelled to sail without them. They werereturned to this city. 

=Curious Needlework. =

A complete map of the State of Pennsylvania, wrought in lace--in whichthe town, counties, rivers, &c. , are all distinctly shown, each countybeing worked in a style of lace different from those adjoining--isbeing exhibited in Baltimore, and commands much admiration. 

=The Credit System. =

We infer, from certain polite hints and intimation, in the'Massachusetts Farmers' and Mechanics' Leger, ' that that paper iscirculated on trust. If so, the publishers are in no danger of wantingbusiness for some years to come. 

=Charcoal Road. =

The citizens of Yazoo, Miss. , have determined to make a charcoal roadover the valley swamp of that place. Sixty hands cutting timber willburn and spread the coal over two miles in thirty days--theembankments being already thrown up. 

=Quick Work. =

The Baltimore Sun says--'A communication was made from _Buffalo toBaltimore_ last week, and an answer was received at the telegraphoffice in the former city in about _two hours_!'

=Oregon Currency. =

By an act of the Oregon Legislature, wheat is made a lawful tender, inpayment of debts or taxes, at the market prices, when delivered atsuch places as it is customary for the merchants to receive it. 

=Suffering by Success. =

It is reported that a gentleman congratulated Mr. Polk on havingcarried all his measures through Congress. Mr. Polk replied, 'Yes, Ihave carried all of them through, and am the weaker for the passage ofeach one of them. '

=A Rich Ore. =

The Detroit Advertiser, in an article upon the nature of the ores inthe Lake Superior region, remarks that Messrs. Robbins and Hubbard, ofthat city, have recently assayed a specimen of native copper from LakeSuperior, and found in 12 ounces of copper, not only 1-3/4 ounces ofpure silver, but several grains of gold!

=Musical. =

The gross receipts of a late musical festival at Birmingham, amountedto $56, 000. The excitement was caused by performing Mendleson'sMessiah, which we learn is to be brought out in this city. 

=Singular Accident. =

The steamboat Highland having got aground near Turkey Island, on theMississippi, a large tree, three feet in diameter, fell directlyacross the boat, smashing the cabin, breaking the connecting pipe, andseriously injuring the pilot. 

=Combined Accomplishments. =

Mr. S. Lover, who recently arrived in this city, is said to be a goodpoet, a good painter, a good musician, full of wit, anecdotes andpleasantry--it is impossible to pass a dull evening in his company. 

=Marriage of Rossini. =

This celebrated composer was married at Bologna, on the 16th ofAugust, after a courtship of 16 years, to Mademoiselle Olympe Bearrienof Paris. It may change the turn of his muse. 

=Great Luck. =

A poor Englishman, with a wife and family living in St. Louis, hashad a fortune of $265, 000 in money, and a family estate worth$115, 000, recently left him by a deceased relative. 

=Zinc Mines. =

There are several mines of zinc in New Jersey, one of which is said toconsist of a deposit 600 feet in length, and is thought to contain oreworth $2, 000, 000. 

=A Monstrous Woman. =

The Ohio State Journal says that there is a woman in Pickaway county, in that State, who weighs 46 pounds!

=Old Boy. =

A southern paper advertises a runaway boy, _thirty-six years of age_!

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By a recent telegraphic arrangement, the papers in Albany, Troy, Utica, Syracuse, Auburn, Rochester and Buffalo, are furnished withreports from New York twice a day, --at 2 and 8 P. M. 

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The Connecticut river is reported to be lower than it has been knownwithin the remembrance of the oldest inhabitants. It is reduced to amere brook. 

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A company formed in Boston has commenced operation on a copper mine inCumberland, R. I. About 4000 lbs. Of ore were taken out a few dayssince, and yields about 20 per cent. 

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The Hon. Louis McLane gets a salary of $5000 a year--nearly $100 perweek--for holding the office of President of the Baltimore and OhioRailway Company. 

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An imperial _quarter_ of Indian corn, in 480 pounds, which is equalto eight bushels of sixty pounds each. We suppose some of our readerswould like to know about that. 

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A solution of copper is an excellent wash for purifying sinks, andremoving all unpleasant effluvia. Two or three applications will beeffectual. 

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We are informed that the steamer Buffalo is making arrangements forthe adoption of Barnum's Safety Apparatus. 

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Two iron steamboats, of 70 tons each, are to run between Philadelphiaand Reading, Pa. , carrying freight and passengers. 

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The editor of the Cincinnati Commercial says that he has a project forconnecting the old and new worlds by telegraph. 

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Twelve hundred and thirty-four miles of magnetic telegraph arereported to be in actual operation in the United States. 

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An association of capitalists at Worcester county, Mass. , areexploring a vein of copper in Greenfield. 

=The True Ornament. =

 'The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. '

 BY MISS E. J. ANDREWS. 

 I ask not for the glittering wreath, Of India's sparkling diamonds rare, To deck my brow, while oft beneath, There throbs a heart with heaviest care. 

 I ask not for the gilded chain, Of perishing and worthless gold, To clasp my neck, while oft in vain The heart's best sympathies unfold. 

 Oh! give me not the worthless dust, For which vain, anxious mortals toil, To treasure up where moth and rust, Doth soon corrupt the hoarded pile. 

 I covet not the gay attire, In which vain beauty oft appears, Oft that which wondering crowds admire, Needeth far more their heartfelt tears. 

 But there's an ornament I crave;-- To grant, vain world, it is not thine, It floateth not o'er yon proud wave, Nor yields it me earth's richest mine. 

 Oh, may it be a guileless heart! In heaven's own sight of priceless worth! Where nought corrupting e'er hath part, Pure, as the source which gave it birth. 

 _A spirit meek and pure within;_ May this, alone, my life adorn, Unsullied by the touch of sin, Though subject to the proud world's scorn. 

 This ornament, O God of Love! 'Tis Thine, and Thine alone, to give; Oh, may I its rich beauties prove, And in its full possession, _live_!

 _Bethel, Conn. _, 1846. 

=Female Piety. =

The gem of all others which enriches the coronet of woman's character, is unaffected piety. Nature may lavish much on her person; theenchantment of her countenance, the grace of her mind, the strength ofher intellect; yet her loveliness is uncrowned till piety throwsaround the whole the sweetness and power of its charms. She thenbecomes unearthly in her desires and associations. The spell whichbound her affections to the things below is broken, and she mounts onthe silent wings of her fancy and hope to the habitation of God, whereit is her delight to hold communion with the spirits that have beenransomed from the thraldom of Earth and wreathed with a garland ofglory. Her beauty may throw a magical charm over many; princes andconquerors may bow with admiration at the shrine of her beauty andlove; the sons of science may embalm her memory in the page ofhistory; yet her piety must be her ornament, her pearl. Her name mustbe written in 'The Book of Life, ' that when the mountains fade away, and every memento of earthly greatness is lost in the general wreck ofnature, it may remain and swell the list of that mighty throng whohave been clothed in the mantle of righteousness, and their voicesattuned to the melody of Heaven. With such a treasure, every loftygratification on earth may be purchased; friendship will be doublysweet; and sorrow will lose their sting; and the character willpossess a price far above rubies: life will be but a pleasant visit toearth, and entrance upon a joyful and perpetual home. And when thenotes of the last trump shall be heard, and sleeping millions awake tojudgment, its possessor shall be presented faultless before the throneof God with exceeding joy, and a crown of glory that shall never wearaway. Such is piety. Like a tender flower, planted in the fertile soilof woman's heart, it grows, expanding in its foliage, and impartingits fragrance to all around, till transplanted, and set to bloom inperpetual vigor and unfading beauty, in the Paradise of God. 

=Iron Ore. =

One of the most valuable beds of iron ore ever discovered has beenfound in the northeast corner of Dodge county, Wisconsin, and is saidto yield ninety per cent. The deposit is 30 feet thick. 

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'Pursue your calling with diligence, and your creditor shall notinterrupt you. '

NEW INVENTIONS. 

=Lewis's Reversible Faucet Filters. =

Highly favorable as our opinion may be of the several excellentfilters which have been introduced, we cannot avoid giving apreference to the one recently invented by Mr. S. H. Lewis. Itconsists of a very neat faucet, calculated to be attached to a commonCroton or other hydrant, and in connection with the faucet key, is acircular chamber, three inches in diameter, within which is a circularfilter consisting of a quantity of cotton cloth, flannel sponge orporous porcelain (which is preferred) compressed between twoperforated metallic disks: and the faucet key is so constructed thatby turning it to the right, the water is permitted to flow through thefilter in one direction; but its course is reversed and it is made toflow in the opposite direction through the filter by turning the keyto the left. The filter is thus cleansed at pleasure without anytrouble, on examination of the filter or chamber. They may be seen at28 1-2 Broadway. 

=West's Cheap and Convenient Filter. =

For the thousands of families in this city whose houses are notfurnished with the Croton water-pipes, a neat portable filter, recently invented by Mr. N. West, of this city, is as near perfection, in convenience and utility, as could be furnished for the low price of_one dollar_, and should find a place in every house or shop where theCroton water is used. It consists of two conical pails, one within theother; the first is furnished with an efficient filter at the bottomthereof; and the other has a faucet, by which the water is drawn offas occasion requires. They may be found at 156 Delancy street. 

=Improved Yoke for Oxen. =

This yoke is constructed with sliding blocks attached to the underside of the beam of the yoke, near each end, and each sliding block isattached to the beam by bolts which pass through mortises so that theblocks may be made to slide occasionally to the right or left. Tothese blocks are attached the bows, the position of which are adjustedby gauge screws; and by the sliding of the blocks, the distance of theoxen from each other may be regulated. The middle of the yoke isfurnished with a draught staple or eye-bolt which is moveable andregulated by a hand screw at the top, whereby the _pitch_ of thedraught it regulated. Invented by David Chappel, and entered at thePatent Office, Sept. 3d. 

=Another Improvement In Stoves. =

Messrs. Hartshorn, Payson & Ring entered at the Patent Office, September 3d, an improved stove, in which they claim the combinationof the common wood stove and cylinder coal stove, so that the coal maybe burned alone, and the draught so arranged as at the same time toheat the wood stove with the same heat, and if wood alone should beburned, then the draught should be so managed and arranged as at thesame time to heat the side radiators and coal cylinders. A minutedescription of this improvement, is not, in this place, essential. 

=Iron Shingles. =

We have never been able to understand the reason why iron has so longbeen neglected as a covering for roofs, but are gratified to learnthat Mr. Wm. Beach, of Troy, N. Y. , has invented and patented a modeof using cast iron plates for covering roofs. They are about one footsquare, and are made to fit one into another, so as to render the roofwater tight, by applying white lead to the joints. It can be affordedat 16 cents the square foot, and probably may be so far improved as tocost no more than slate, and will be much more permanent and safe. Wesee no difficulty in dispensing with white lead, however, and makingthe seams tight without it. 

=Improvement in the Railroad Track. =

This improvement was entered Sept. 5th, by John F. Rogers. What heclaims is the combination of the balance beam with the centre beam, bymeans of the recesses in the centre beam, spring plates, having tubesthereon on which the springs rest, and attached to the beam by bolts, by which a compact and secure connection is formed, while all thenecessary flexibility is preserved. 

=THE GREAT FAIR. =

The American Institute appears emblematical of the genius of ourcountrymen--unsubdued even by conflagration, and looking uponobstacles as incentives to redoubled effort. Contrast the smokingruins of Niblo's with Castle Garden, having its whole amphitheatreenriched with a tastefully arranged collection of the most variedproducts of American arts and manufactures, and behold an evidencethat we even inherit perseverance, enterprize and skill. We here seethe embodiment of the excellence of greatness of our country--anunerring index of our future advance--if it be not that the signs ofthe times indicate that madness in our rulers which precedes andforebodes heaven's wrath. But it cannot, it must not be, that theblood of _labor_ shall cry from the ground of America. It must besheathed, it must be protected. Protection is nature's first law. Expose the bleating flocks to the hungry beasts of the forest; cut thewings and pluck the feathers of her whom nature teaches to protect herbrood from cold and rain; say to the mother to leave her babeunprotected and in free competition with all the elements ofdestruction, sooner than refuse the protection of our Government tothe hitherto flourishing American manufactures. 

Castle Garden, or more correctly Castle Clinton, is at the southernextremity of our city. It was built for a fort--is of a circular form, of solid mason work, surrounded by the waters of the bay--connected tothat ornament of the city, the Battery, by a long bridge. This bridgethe managers have covered with a roof, and thus secured a veryeligible and spacious apartment for the exhibition of carriages, sleighs, carts, farming implements and machinery in great variety. Thence the ingress suddenly opens into view the whole interior, creating the most lively and pleasing emotions. 

In the columns of the Scientific American we shall endeavor to givethose details that will, we trust, interest our readers and promotethe cause of American improvements. 

=BATHS. =

After leaving the bridge, the passage way to the interior of theCastle is ornamented on both sides with a pleasing display ofBaths--the immersion bath made of tin and of iron, and these combinedwith the showering apparatus. The shower baths are variouslyconstructed, and some of them are of finished workmanship and costlymaterial. Stebbin's Patent Furniture shower Bath presents itself firstin the form of a very convenient washstand, with all its out fit; itis next easily converted into a work stand; with equal dispatch itassumes the form of a shower bath, furnished with every requisite. Weregard this as an ingenious piece of furniture, that will greatlyincrease the use of the shower-bath, and thus add to the health of thecommunity. 

=SOFA BEDSTEADS. =

Much ingenuity has been expended in combining the Sofa and Bedstead. The first that attracted our attention was that manufactured by Mr. John A. Robson, 30th st. And 8th Avenue. It is on the double conespring, so constructed that using it as a bed does not affect thecushion, and vice versa. The matrass or bed is 4 by 6 feet, without anintervening bar. It is exceedingly simple, of admirable contrivance, and of moderate price. 

=CUTLERY. =

The display of American Cutlery is rich, affording a most gratifyingevidence of the progress of the useful arts among us. Our neighbors, J. C. Nixon & Sons, in the Sun Buildings, feel quite confident thatthey will, as usual, carry off the premiums, particularly for theirmuch celebrated tailor's shears. In the manufacture of engravers'tools; they challenge not only all America, but the worlditself. --They manufacture for customers, from whom their articles havederived their just and solid reputation. 

(_To be Continued. _)

=Improved Steam Printing Press. =

We have recently seen a model of a new Steam Printing Press, theinvention of Mr. Wm. W. Marston, a young and ingenious mechanic ofthis city. A mass of other matters prevents our giving a descriptionat present; we shall probably procure an engraving, however, andpublish a full description in a few days. 

=Information to persons having business to transact at the PatentOffice. =

OF MODELS. 

(_Continued from No. 2. _)

SEC. 26. The law requires that the inventor shall deliver a model ofhis invention or improvement when the same admits of a model. Themodel should he neatly made, and as small as a distinct representationof the machine or improvement, and its characteristic properties, willadmit; the name of the inventor should be printed or engraved upon, orfixed to it, in a durable manner. Models forwarded without a name, cannot be entered on record, and therefore liable to be lost ormislaid. 

SEC. 27. When the invention is of 'a composition of matter, ' the lawrequires that the application be accompanied with specimens ofingredients, and of the composition of matter, sufficient in quantityfor the purpose of experiment. 

ON GRANTING ANEW LOST PATENTS. 

SEC. 28. The third sec. Of the act of March 3, 1837, provides:

'SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That whenever it shall appear tothe Commissioner that any patent was destroyed by the burning of thePatent Office building on the aforesaid fifteenth day of December, orwas otherwise lost prior thereto, it shall be his duty, on applicationtherefor by the patentee, or other persons interested therein, toissue a new patent for the same invention or discovery, bearing thedate of the original patent, with his certificate thereon, that it wasmade and issued pursuant to the provisions of the third section ofthis act; and shall enter the same of record; Provided, however, Thatbefore such patent shall be issued, the applicant therefor shalldeposit in the Patent Office a duplicate, as near as may be, of theoriginal model, drawings, and description, with specification of theinvention or discovery, verified by oath, as it shall be required bythe Commissioner; and such patent and copies of such drawings anddescriptions, duly certified, shall be admissible as evidence in anyjudicial court of the United States, and shall protect the rights ofthe patentee, his administrators, heirs, and assigns, to the extentonly in which they would have been protected by the original patentand specification. '

PROCEEDINGS ON APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS, AND ON APPEALS FROM DECISIONSOF THE COMMISSIONER. 

(Act of 1836, Section, 7. )

SEC. 29. 'That on the filing of any such application (consisting ofpetition, specification, model, and drawings, or specimens, ) and thepayment of the duty hereinafter provided, the Commissioner shall make, or cause to be made, an examination, of the alleged new invention ordiscovery; and if, on any such examination, it shall not appear to theCommissioner that the same had been invented or discovered by anyother person in this country prior to the alleged invention ordiscovery thereof by the applicant, or that it had been patented ordescribed in any printed publication in this or any foreign country, or had been in public use or on sale, with the applicant's consent orallowance, prior to the application, if the Commissioner shall deem itto be sufficiently useful and important, it shall be his duty toissue a patent therefor. But whenever on such examination it shallappear to the Commissioner that the applicant was not the original andfirst inventor or discoverer thereof, or that any part of that whichis claimed as new had before been invented or discovered or patented, or described in any printed publication in this or any foreign countryas aforesaid, or that the description is defective and insufficient, he shall notify the applicant thereof, giving him briefly suchinformation and references as may be useful in judging of thepropriety of renewing his application, or of altering hisspecification to embrace only that part of the invention or discoverywhich is new. In every such case, if the applicant shall elect towithdraw his application, relinquishing his claim to the model, heshall be entitled to receive back twenty dollars, part of the dutyrequired by this act, on filing a notice in writing of such electionin the Patent Office; a copy of which, certified by the Commissioner, shall be a sufficient warrant to the Treasurer for paying back to thesaid applicant the said sum of twenty dollars. But if the applicant, in such case, shall persist in his claim for a patent, with or withoutany alteration his specification, he shall be required to make oath oraffirmation anew, in manner as aforesaid; and if specification andclaim shall not have been so modified as, in the opinion of theCommissioner, shall entitle the applicant to a patent, he may appealto the Chief Justice of the United States Court for the District ofColumbia, who may affirm or reverse the decision of the Commissionerof Patents, in whole or in part, and may order a patent to issue; orhe may have remedy against the decision of the Commissioner ofPatents, or the decision of the Chief Justice of the United StatesCourt for the District of Columbia, by filing a bill in equity in anyof the United States Courts having jurisdiction, as hereinafterexplained. 

(_To be continued. _)

=Consolation for the Christian. =

'Eye hath not seen; nor ear heard; neither have entered into the heartof man, the things which God hath prepared for those that loveHim. '--1 Cor. Ii: 9. But it is said in the words following, that Godhath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. In this, we are not tounderstand, that the excellent things spoken of, are _communicated_ tomen; but that by the aid of the divine Spirit they are enabled toreceive such sublime and brilliant ideas of the glorious things whichare prepared for them, that they are filled with sublime andunspeakable joy, though they find it utterly impracticable todescribe these things to another, so as to be understood. It is likethe new name which no man can know, but him to whom it is given: andalthough, in the solicitude of those who have been favored with a viewof these things, to represent them to others, the most full andexpressive forms of language have been put in requisition, it has inevery instance failed to convey the least correct idea on the subject:because no man can see, or in anywise appreciate the excellence ofthese things, without the aid of the Spirit of Truth. But to those whoobtain such enlightened views--and every man may, or might, obtainthem, --the glorious things prepared are as the 'pearl of great price, 'which, when a man hath found, he is ready to sacrifice all thingselse, --riches, honors, friends, pleasures, reputation in the world, oreven life itself, --to obtain it. Neither Adam nor Eve, in theirsinless, paradisaical state, could have had any correct idea of suchdelectable and glorious excellence of blessings as are prepared forthese who become 'joint heirs of the Son of God, ' through the blood ofa crucified Saviour: for, had they been capable of seeing or imaginingsuch things, they would never have fallen. There can be no questionbut that the glorious consolation of the faithful and obedientbelievers, will incomparably, not to say infinitely, excel that of theprimitive state of man, or anything which could have been by manattained, if the blessed SON had not suffered. Let the most brilliantand soaring imagination exert its most strenuous and happy efforts inconceiving, arranging and representing to itself the highest possiblestate of bliss and glory, and it will fall as far short of the realityof the immortal state of the glorified saints, --the salvationpurchased by the suffering of Christ, --as a mere shadow of the mostbeautiful picture comes short of the rich coloring of the original. And this fact is well known to those who have had the beauties of the'world to come' revealed to them by the divine Spirit. Thesestatements may appear strange to those who are accustomed to look uponthe popular _reverend clergy_, fashionable church members and wealthydeacons, as choice specimens of the saints of the Lord. The true, andmost favored saints, are generally found among those who are subjectto poverty and tribulation, in this world. But these blessings of thegospel are free for all who will conform to the requisitions plainlyexpressed by our Savior, and recorded by the evangelist, andpracticable by all who are willing to forsake all things else, for thesake of this great and everlasting salvation. 

 * * * * *

A cotton manufacturer in New-Haven lost his operatives, last week, byattempting to reduce their wages. 

=THE COLOR PRINTING MACHINE. =

[Illustration:]

INTRODUCTION. --There have appeared, in modern times, but few machines, to which more importance apparently attaches, than to the one herepresented. It is well known that the best paper hangings, orroom-papers command from $1 to $1, 50 per piece, of eight yards, whilemost of those of American manufacture are sold for 25 to 50 cents perpiece; and this difference is occasioned by the difficulty and extralabor of applying a great variety of different colors. But by means ofthis machine, seven, twelve, or even twenty different colors, may beaccurately applied by one operation, and with less labor than isrequired to print with a single color, by the ordinary method; andthus the manufacturer will be enabled to sell, for 50 cents, suchpatterns as ordinarily cost a dollar or more, to either import ormanufacture them. 

EXPLANATION. --The first row of gear wheels, A B, are attached to theends of a row of cylinders, each cylinder being 30 inches long, and 3inches in diameter. These cylinders support a broad, endless apron orbelt, which passes over the whole series, and supports the strip ofpaper as it passes through the machine to receive the colors. Thesecond series of wheels, C D, are attached to cylinders of the samedimensions of those in the first row, and are connected to each otherby intervening pinions, whereby a uniform velocity is maintainedthrough the whole series. The peripheries of this row of cylinders arecut in figures, according to the design of the pattern to be worked. The figures are left prominent, so as to come in contact with thepaper upon the apron, as the cylinder revolves; the surface betweenthe figures, being cut away to the depth of one eighth of an inch. Each of these printing cylinders contains sections of the figures tobe printed, and is calculated to work a different color from theothers; and the sections of figures on each cylinder are calculated tomatch those of the others, so as to complete the entire figure in allits colors on the paper. The entire machine is put in operation by aband, passing over the band-wheel, H. The third row of cylinders, E F, are distributing cylinders, which are put in motion by mere contactwith the series below, and receives the several colors from the smallcylinders in the upper rows, and distributes the same upon theprominent figures of the printing cylinders. The fourth series, I J, are called the receiving cylinders, because they receive the colorsfrom the hoppers or reservoirs, M N, and impart them to the seriesbelow. The cylinders of the third and fourth rows, are covered withcloth, and the bottom of each hopper is so nicely fitted to itsrespective cylinder, that but a small quantity of each color (whichpasses through an aperture at the bottom of the hopper) adheres to thecloth periphery of the cylinder. The colors ordinarily used consist ofvarious pigments, ground and mixed in water, with a solution of glue. The principles of this mode of color printing have been satisfactorilytested, though the entire machine has not yet been constructed: andany person who may be disposed to construct and enjoy the exclusiveuse of this invention, may have the most favorable terms. 

NEW INVENTIONS. 

=A New Brick Machine. =

Messrs. Culbertson, McMillen & Co. Of Cincinnati, have recently put insuccessful operation, a new machine, a description of which is givenin a Cincinnati paper, as follows:

'A frame of fourteen moulds, one brick to each is drawn by the powerof steam between two press rollers, the lower one of which enables theframe to support the pressure of the upper roller, and being runthrough backwards and forwards equalizes the pressure over the entireface of the brick. These, after undergoing in this mode a pressure ofnearly one hundred tons to each brick, a pressure which covers clay, apparently perfectly dry, with a coat of glossy moisture, are raisedabove the surface of the mould by parallel levers, and are thendelivered over to a bench or table by self-acting machinery, whencethey are taken in barrows to the stacker at the kiln. 

The dry clay is shoveled into a hopper, and if more of the material ispressed into a mould than serves to make a brick, a knife which rangeswith the surface of the mould, shaves off the surplus. 

Two hands shoveling, two more taking off, and one at the barrow, constitute a gang of five persons who turn out from 30, 000 to 35, 000per day of ten hours. As brick makers' days are from sun to sun, saytwelve working hours per day, during the season, from 46 to 50, 000bricks, per day, may be made by a single machine. This is, however, byno means the most important feature in the invention. 

In the ordinary mode of making bricks, the manufacturer cannot beginoperations for the season, until the spring has so far advanced thatworking in wet clay will no longer chill his moulders' hands. On thesame account, he loses also morning hours, until the advance of summerenables his hands to put in the whole period of daylight. He loses, also, sometimes days together--from the entire stoppage of hisoperations in the rainy weather, which forbids the bricks being putout to dry. In making press brick, all these difficulties areobviated. As a theory, operations in this mode can go on throughoutthe entire winter, frost never extending into solid clay; but as apractical business, it can be conveniently carried on two monthsearlier and one month later than in the ordinary mode. Pressed brick, made by these machines, are also stronger than their competitivearticle, the last of equal hardness in burning, always giving waywhen struck by the pressed bricks, as I have witnessed. Indeed, itcannot be otherwise, the one being porous and the other as compact asthe enormous pressure employed can make it. 

The machine, it must be apparent, offers peculiar advantages inturning out brick without occupying the ordinary brick yard spacenecessary for spreading wet brick out to dry. It affords great economyin time, owing to its operations being independent of frost or rains. To every new and thriving place commencing the making of bricks, itdispenses with the necessity of bringing skilful workmen from otherplaces--in short, it enables every man to be his own brick-maker. Under these considerations, I anticipate an extensive sale of thesemachines, especially for places at a distance. 

=Marble Saw Mills. =

We are informed that a large mill for sawing marble is in course oferection at Brandon, Vt. The marble in that vicinity is principally ofa beautiful white, and of a fine texture, though not very hard. 

=Railroad Locks. =

It is reported that locks for elevating railroad trains, from onelevel to another, are coming into successful use in France. It appearsto us to be much behind the age, since, by certain Americaninventions, an ordinary train may be elevated 100 feet in fiveminutes, by the engine alone. 

[Illustration: The Vertical Propeller. ]

We have alluded to this subject in a former number, and now presentone of the several plans which have been introduced within the presentyear, although we are not fully authorised to give the name of theinventor of this particular plan. We have preferred to represent thepaddles and crank unconnected with an apparent vessel or sectionthereof, but must require the reader to suppose that the line A B isthe level of the railing of the boat, and that the crank-shaft Eprojects from the side, while the crank-pivot governs the motion ofthe walking bar D E, and with it the paddles, which are supposed to bejust now dipping in the surface of the water. It will be understoodthat the motion of the walking bar being circular, and that of theheads of the paddles being vertical and nearly rectilinear, the motionof the blades of the paddles must be elliptical, inclining to thehorizontal; and that the position of the paddles is kept so nearlyvertical that they will meet with less resistance in entering orleaving the water than those of a common paddle wheel, while theatmospheric resistance to be encountered thereby is much less. Thereappears no reasonable doubt that this plan might be made to succeedwell on a larger scale, though it is very doubtful whether any of thesteamboat proprietors can be persuaded to adopt it until it has beenmore thoroughly tested by experiment. 

=A Great Astronomical Discovery. =

A late number of an astronomical journal published at Altona, nearHamburg, contains a long article by Dr. Maedler, director of theDorpat Observatory, Russia, well known to the astronomical world, inwhich he announces the extraordinary discovery of the _grand centralstar or sun_, about which the universe of stars is revolving, our ownsun and system among the rest. 

This discovery, the result of many years of incessant toil andresearch, has been deduced by a train of reasoning and an examinationof facts scarcely to be surpassed in the annals of science. 

He announces his discovery in the following language: 'I thereforepronounce the Pleiades to be the central group of that mass of fixedstars limited by the stratum composing the Milky Way and Alcyene asthe individual star of this group, which, among all others, combinesthe greatest probability of being the true Central Sun. '

By a train of reasoning, which I shall not attempt to explain, hefinds the probable parallax of this great central star to be sixthousandths of one second of arc, and its distance to be 34 millionsof times the distance of the sun, or so remote that light, with avelocity of 12 millions of miles per minute, requires a period of 537years to pass from _the great centre_ to our sun. 

As a first rough approximation, he deduces the period of therevolution of our sun, with all its train of planets, satellites andcomets, about the grand centre, to be _eighteen millions two hundredthousand years_. 

=Ocean Steam Navigation. =

The 'Ocean Steam Company, ' which has the patronage of the UnitedStates Government to the amount of $400, 000 per annum, are getting onrapidly with the first steamship of their line. She is to be completedand commence running on the first of March next. 

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN

NEW YORK, OCTOBER 10, 1846. 

=Employment. =

It is dangerous for a man of superior ability to find himself thrownupon the world without some regular employment. The restlessnessinherent in genius, being thus undirected by any permanent influence, frames for itself occupations out of accidents. Moral integritysometimes falls a prey to the want of a fixed pursuit, and the man whoreceives his direction in active life from the fortuitous impulse ofcircumstances, will be very apt to receive his principles likewisefrom chance. Genius, under such guidance, attains no noble ends, butresembles rather a copious spring conveyed in a falling aqueduct, where the waters continually escape through the frequent crevices, andwaste themselves ineffectually on their passage. The law of nature ishere, as elsewhere, binding, and no powerful results ever ensue fromthe trivial exercise of high endowments. The finest mind, when thusdestitute of a fixed purpose, passes away without leaving permanenttraces of its existence; losing its energy by turning aside from itscourse, it becomes as harmless and inefficient as the lightning, which, of itself irresistible, may yet be rendered powerless by aslight conductor. 

=The Editor. =

Write--keep writing--is the motto of an editor. If he has no ideas, hemust dig for them; if he has but little time to arrange them, nomatter, the work must be done. Sickness may come upon him; want maystare him in the face, but he must cogitate something for the dearpublic. Perhaps in his darkest moments, he indites a paragraph thatcheers thousands. When almost desponding, his words may put courageinto the hearts of millions. Who would be an editor? Yet he has muchto encourage him. If he can call no time his own, he is not rustingout, or in unprofitable society. A faithful contributor of the publicpress, is a man of great influence. No person has more power thanhimself. He instructs tens of thousands, and leads them to virtue, tohonor, to happiness. No man will have more to answer for than theconductor of a corrupt and vacillating press. 

=A Mountain in Labor. =

The workmen, says a Paris paper, are still busily engaged inexcavating Montmarte in quest of holy vases and other riches said tohave been deposited there in the early days of the French revolutionby the orders of the Lady Superior of the Abbey of Montmarte. --Twoworkmen, who were at the time charged with transporting the wealth tothe place designated, were never after seen, and it is supposed thatthey were sacrificed to the necessity of the secret. The Superior, ather death, bequeathed the secret to a lady friend, who, in turn, onher death bed, divulged it to her daughter, then thirteen years ofage. The child, now a sexagenary, disclosed it to the municipality. Her statements have thus far been found scrupulously correct. The_cesarian_ operation is actively going on, an excavation of 50 feethaving been made, and the mountain's speedy deliverance of a mine ofwealth is anticipated. May it not prove a mouse!

=That Editorial Committee. =

We are informed that the Editorial Committee of the NationalAssociation of Inventors have by _their own request_ been dischargedfrom the supervision of the new periodical which has recently appearedunder the title of 'The Eureka. '

=News by Telegraph. =

The news by the Great Western which arrived on Wednesday week, waspublished within four hours in Boston, New Haven, Springfield, Albany, Utica, Rochester, Buffalo, Philadelphia and Baltimore. 

The following beautiful extract we find in a recent number of the NewYork Sun. It is from the pen of Mr. C. D. Stuart, the ablecorrespondent of that paper, now in London. 

 "On remarking to an Englishman, that I did not see here in London as at home, the artizan, the drayman, the laborer of every kind, with a newspaper in his pocket, which at intervals in his toil he could glance at and be as learned in the condition of his country and the world as the man of fortune, he replied--"No, they have something better to do, they attend to their work. " Here lies the rub, and it may be a fear of the sedition of thought that has put these close hampers upon the English press. It would seem by such an argument that the differences of condition are not induced by unholy oppressions, by the trampling for ages of one class upon another until servitude became almost a birth-right--and the law of strength that proved itself in barbarous times the "Supremacy" had at last from concession so long made, become the law of human justice and divine right. The steer may work under his yoke an appointed time, the slave bow mutely through his whole life, but the freeman--has he so fallen, that while the lord revels in his "club-room" and reads not only papers, but gilt edged and velvet bound books, he forsooth being a common "poor devil" not able to enjoy a tithe of his unearned luxury--has something better than reading to do. Let him dig then! There are those in the young republic whose spirit begins to animate the world, who, though they toil, remember, that it was said in the beginning to all men, "thou shalt earn thy bread by the sweat of thy brow, " and will read freely as they drink in the common air, and enjoy the common light. There are classes in England intelligent no doubt beyond any other people in the world--classes that enjoy the means of making themselves so, but as a mass they will in no-wise compare with their progeny, the Anglo-Saxons. All that they have here in the main we have got, and our wits have not been blunted by a contact with the wilderness, and the difficulties of founding an empire "in the Woods. " I see now more clearly than ever where our faults lie; contrast exposes them; but they are all twigs upon the rising trunk, which the keen knife of national experience, age, and the calm that must succeed the rush and tumult of our giant and boisterous infancy will cut off. --With greater pride than ever, however much I may like the Old World, and especially England, I look over the Ocean to America for an exemplification of what the world has not known, an _Earthly_ paradise for humanity. --It is but three quarters of a century, remember, since we were nationally born: give as the fourteen hundred years that have nursed and cultivated this Island, and where is the limit of our perfection and strength? On either side of that Mississippi back-bone of ours to the Oceans, and as far north and south as freedom and knowledge can pierce, America must be a garden and a goal, filled with every excellence and beauty, beyond which there can be no advance. We shall not live to see it, but it will come, only let us pull careful and steady. We have been Dickens'd and Trollop'd, and it should do us good. Nothing but the grandeur that lies germinating in our heart provokes this idle spleen from our neighbors, and the moment we cool down and think and curb ourselves the rest is secure. "

=New Glass Factory. =

Erastus Corning & Co. Are about establishing a factory near the ferryat Troy, for the manufacture of all kinds of glass ware. The work isfast progressing, and in about four weeks they will commence blowing. It will afford employment to a large number of men, and will, nodoubt, meet with that success which it certainly merits. 

=Result of Observation. =

The editor of the New Haven Herald sets it down as a fact in naturalhistory, proved by his experience for years, that when a travellerrides up to a toll gate, the keeper--if a man, invariably brings out abox, or a handful of change; but if a woman, she comes out and takesthe traveller's coin, and then goes back for the change. 

 * * * * *

Snags and other obstructions in the Western rivers, are nowdenominated _Polk stalks_. 

=The Science of Astronomy. =

DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY. 

Mercury, the nearest planet to the sun, is a globe of about 3140 milesin diameter, rotating on its axis in 24 hours and 5 1-2 minutes, andrevolving round the central luminary, at a distance of 37, 000, 000 ofmiles, in 88 days. --From the earth it can only be seen occasionally inthe morning or evening, as it never rises before, or sets after thesun, at a greater distance of the time than 1 hour and 50 minutes. Itappears to the naked eye as a small and brilliant star, but whenobserved through a telescope, is horned like the moon, because we onlysee a part of the surface which the sun is illuminating. Mountains ofgreat height have been observed on the surface of this planet, particularly in its lower or southern hemisphere. One has beencalculated at 10 3-4 miles in height, being about eight times higher, in proportion to the bulk of the planet, than the loftiest mountainsupon earth. The matter of Mercury is of much greater density than thatof the earth, equalling lead in weight; so that a human being placedupon its surface would be so strongly drawn towards the ground asscarcely to be able to crawl. 

Venus is a globe of about 7800 miles in diameter, or nearly the sizeof the earth, rotating on its axis in 23 hours, 21 minutes, and 19seconds, and revolving round the sun, at the distance of 68, 000, 000 ofmiles in 225 days. --Like Mercury, it is visible to an observer on theearth only in the morning and evening, but for a greater space of timebefore sunrise and after sunset. It appears to us the most brilliantand beautiful of all the planetary and stellar bodies, occasionallygiving so much light as to produce a sensible shadow. Observed througha telescope, it appears horned, on account of our seeing only a partof its luminous surface. The illuminating part of Venus occasionallypresents slight spots. It has been ascertained that its surface isvery unequal, the greatest mountains being in the southern hemisphere, as in the case of both Mercury and the Earth. The higher mountains inVenus range between 10 and 22 miles in altitude. The planet is alsoenveloped in an atmosphere like that by which animal and vegetablelife is supported on earth; and it has consequently a twilight. Venusperforms its revolution round the sun in 225 days. Mercury and Venushave been termed the Inferior Planets, as being placed within theorbit of the Earth. 

The Earth, the third planet in order, and one of the smaller size, though not the smallest, is important to us, as the theatre on whichour race have been placed to 'live, move, and have their being. ' It is7902 miles in mean diameter, rotating on its axis in 24 hours, at amean distance of 95, 000, 000 of miles from the sun, round which itrevolves in 365 days, 5 hours, 50 minutes, and 57 seconds. As a planetviewed from another of the planets, suppose the moon, 'It wouldpresent a pretty, variegated, and sometimes a mottled appearance. Thedistinction between its seas, oceans, continents, and islands, wouldbe clearly marked; they would appear like brighter and darker spotsupon its disc. The continents would appear bright, and the ocean of adarker hue, because water absorbs the greater part of the solar lightthat falls upon it. The level plains, (excepting perhaps, such regionsas the Arabian deserts of sand) would appear of a somewhat darkercolor than the more elevated and mountainous regions, as we find to bethe case on the surface of the moon. The islands would appear likesmall bright specks on the darker surface of the ocean; and the lakesand mediterranean seas like darker spots or broad streaks intersectingthe bright parts, or the land. By its revolution round its axis, successive portions of the surface would be brought into view, andpresent a different aspect from the parts which preceded, '--(Dick'sCelestial Scenery, 135. )

The form of the earth, and probably that of every other planet, is notstrictly spheroidal; that is, flattened a little at the poles, orextremities of the axis. The diameter of the earth at the axis is 56miles less than in the cross direction. This peculiarity of the formis a consequence of the rotatory motion, as will be afterwardsexplained. 

[Illustration: LATEST NEWS]

=Late Foreign News. =

The steamer Hibernia arrived at Boston on Saturday last, thirteen daysfrom Liverpool. 

The British Government and people have manifested so much violentopposition to the marriage of the youngest son of Louis Phillipe to asister of the Queen of Spain, that the celebration of the nuptials hasbeen postponed for the present, if not forever; and there is apparentdanger of a rupture between England and France on this account. 

In Spain, Don Carlos having escaped from imprisonment, it is expectedthat a serious insurrection will immediately take place. 

Property to the amount of $800, 000 has been destroyed by incendiaryfires at Leipsic. A line of electric telegraph has been put inoperation between Brussels and Antwerp. 

Twenty thousand bales of cotton were sold at Liverpool on the 14th ofSeptember. 

=Latest from the Army. =

According to recent intelligence by private letters, Gen. Kearney hastaken quiet possession of Santa Fe, notwithstanding the considerablepreparations which the Mexicans had made to defend it. Gen. Armijo hadassembled 5000 troops to defend the Canon Pass, but on account of thedisaffection and insubordination of his officers and men, he wasconstrained to retreat on the approach of a few companies ofAmericans. 

Gen. Taylor had advanced steadily, though slowly on Monterey, and hasprobably ere this, taken possession, notwithstanding the strong force, and full supply of well mounted cannon, concentrated to oppose him. Should he prove successful in this, it would seem that Mexico isdestined to fall under the protection of the United States, whetherour Government desires it or not. What can we do? The Mexicans willneither treat nor fight; and although our armies move as slow aspossible, they cannot well avoid progressing through the country intime, and are bound to furnish protection as far as they go. We shallsee. 

=The Sea and Wave Roaring. =

The steamer Great Western, which arrived at this port last week, reports having encountered one of the most terrific storms ever knownon the Atlantic Ocean. Capt. Mathews is said to have remarked that atthree different times the ship was approached by seas of suchmagnitude and power that he thought destruction inevitable; butunexpectedly each broke just before reaching the vessel. Thepassengers assembled in the cabin where they joined in religiousservice, and in the solemn administration of the Lord's supper. Theirlives were preserved, but some of them appeared to forget theirobligations to their preserver very quick after getting safe on shore. 

=An American Slave in England. =

Douglas, who escaped from slavery and found his way to England, hasreceived marked attention from the nobility and gentry of England. Hehas attended their soirees, occupied the most honorable positions attheir dinner parties, rode in their carriages, flirted with theirdaughters, walked arm in arm through their gardens with lords, viscounts, counts and mayors of cities. 

 * * * * *

Many of the girls employed in the mills of the Nashua Corporation, have refused to work by candlelight. They may be right. 

THE =SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN=. 

 Persons wishing to subscribe for this paper, have only to enclose the amount in a letter directed (post paid) to

 MUNN & COMPANY, Publishers of the Scientific American, New York City. 

 TERMS. --$2 a year; ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCE--the remainder in 6 months. 

 _Postmasters_ are respectfully requested to receive subscriptions for this paper, to whom a discount of 25 per cent will be allowed. 

 Any person sending us 4 subscribers for 6 months, shall receive a copy of the paper for the same length of time. 

Observations on the more recent Researches concerning the operationsof the Blast Furnace in the Manufacture of Iron. 

BY DR. J. L. SMITH. 

The great difference existing between metallurgical operations of thepresent day, and those of a former period, is owing chiefly to theameliorations produced by the application of the science of chemistryto the _modus operandi_ of the various changes taking place during theoperations, from their commencement to their termination. 

Copper and some other metals are now made to assume forms in thechemist's laboratory, that formerly required great artistical skillfor their production--the chemist simply making use of such agents andforces as are at his command, and over which he has, by closeanalytical study, acquired perfect control. Our object, at present, isonly to advert to the chemical investigations more recently made onthe manufacture of iron, treating of those changes that occur in theore, coal and flux, that are thrown in at the mouth of the furnace, and in the air thrown in from below. For most that will be said onthis subject, we are principally indebted to the recent interestingresearches of M. Ebelman. 

The importance of a knowledge of the facts to be brought forward, inthis article, will be apparent to every one in any way acquainted withthe manufacture of iron. It will be seen that the time is not fardistant when the economy in the article of fuel will amount in valueto the present profit of many of the works. The consequences must be, that many of those works that are abandoned will be resumed, andothers erected in localities formerly thought unfit. 

It is well known that the blast furnace is the first into which theore is introduced, for the purpose of converting it into malleableiron, and much, therefore, depends upon the state in which the pigmetal passes from this furnace, whether subsequent operations willfurnish an iron of the first quality or not. 

In putting the blast furnace into operation, the first step is to heatit for some time with coal only. After the furnace has arrived at aproper temperature, ore, fuel and flux, are thrown in alternately, insmall quantities, so as to have the three ingredients properly mixedin their descent. In from 25 to 48 hours from the time when the ore isfirst thrown in, the entire capacity of the furnace, from the tuyer tothe mouth, is occupied with the ore, fuel and flux, in their variousstages of transformation. 

In order to explain clearly, and in as short space as possible, whatthese transformations are, and how they are brought about, we mayconsider:--1. The changes that take place in the descending mass, composed of ore, fuel and flux. 2. The changes that take place in theascending mass, composed of air and its hygrometric moisture, thrownin at the tuyer. 3. The chemical action going on between the ascendingand descending masses. 4. The composition of the gases in variousparts of the furnace during its operation. 5. The causes that rendernecessary the great heat of the blast furnace. 

1. _Changes that take place in the descending mass, composed of ore, coal and flux. _--By coal is here meant charcoal; when any otherspecies of fuel is alluded to, it will be specified. In the upper halfof the fire-room the materials are subjected to a comparatively lowtemperature, and they lose only the moisture, volatile matter, hydrogen, and carbonic acid, that they may contain; this change takingplace principally in the lower part of the upper half of thefire-room. 

In the lower half of the fire-room, the ore is the only material thatundergoes a change, it being converted wholly or in part into iron ormagnetic oxide of iron--the coal is not altered, no consumption of ittaking place from the mouth down to the commencement of the boshes. 

From the commencement of the boshes down to the tuyer, the reductionof the ore is completed. Very little of the coal is consumed betweenthe boshes and in the upper part of the hearth; the principalconsumption of it taking place in the immediate neighborhood of thetuyer. 

The fusion of the iron and slag occurs at a short distance above thetuyer, and it is in the hearth of the furnace that the iron combineswith a portion of coal to form the fusible carburet or pig-iron. It isalso on the hearth that the flux combines with the siliceous and otherimpurities of the ore. This concludes the changes which the ore, coaland flux, undergo, from the mouth of the furnace to the tuyer. 

If the fuel used be wood, or partly wood, it is during its passagethrough the upper half of the fire-room that its volatile parts arelost, and it becomes converted into charcoal. M. Ebelman ascertainedthat wood, at the depth of ten feet, in a fire-room twenty-six feethigh, preserved its appearance after an exposure for 1 3-4 of an hour, and that the mineral mixed with it preserved its moisture at thisdepth; but three and a half feet lower, an exposure of 3 1-4 hoursreduced the wood to perfect charcoal, and the ore to magnetic oxide. The temperature of the upper half of the fire-room, when wood is used, is lower than in the case of charcoal, from the great amount of heatmade latent by the vapor arising from the wood. In the case ofbituminous coal, Bunsen and Playfair find that it has to descend stilllower before it is perfectly coked. 

After the wood is completely charred, or the coal become coked, thesubsequent changes are the same that happen in the charcoal furnaces. 

_To be continued. _

=ANIMALCULAE IN WATER. =

[Illustration:]

The fact is generally known that nearly all liquids contain a varietyof minute living animals, though in some they are too small forobservation, even with a microscope. In others, especially in waterthat has been long stagnant, these animals appear not only in hideousforms, but with malignant and voracious propensities. The print at thehead of this article purports to be a microscopic representation of asingle drop of such water, with the various animals therein, and someof the inventors and venders of the various improved filters for theCroton water, would have no objection to the prevalence of the opinionthat this water contains all the variety of monsters represented inthis cut. But the fact is far otherwise; and it is doubtful whetherthese animals could frequently be detected in the Croton water, withthe best solar microscope. Nevertheless, the fact is readily andclearly established that the Croton water contains a quantity ofdeleterious matter, which is arrested by the filters; and, on thisaccount, we cheerfully and heartily recommend the adoption of filtersby all who use this water, from either the public or private hydrants. To this end we would call the special attention of our city readers tothe improved filters noticed under the head of "New Inventions. "

=Length of Days. =

At Berlin and London the longest day has sixteen and a half hours. AtStockholm and Upsal, the longest has eighteen and a half hours, andthe shortest five and a half. At Hamburg, Dantzic, and Stettin, thelongest day has seventeen hours, and the shortest seven. At St. Petersburg and Tobolsk, the longest has nineteen, and the shortestfive hours. At Toreno, in Finland, the longest day has twenty-onehours and a half, and the shortest two and a half. At Wandorbus, inNorway, the day lasts from the 21st of May to the 22d of July, withoutinterruption; and in Spitzbergen, the longest day lasts three monthsand a half. 

=Excitement of Curiosity. =

The editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer, having been one of a recentexcursion party on the opening of a new section of railroad, remarkson the occasion, 'It is really amusing to see the sensation a train ofrailroad cars produces on all animate beings, human and brute, for thefirst few times it passes over a section of road. We saw herds ofcattle, sheep, and horses, stand for a few seconds and gaze at thepassing train, then turn and run for a few rods with all possiblespeed, stop and look again with eyes distended, and head and carserect, seemingly so frightened at the tramp of the iron horse as tohave lost the power of locomotion. Men women and children also seemeddumbfounded at the strange and unusual spectacle. As the cars camerumbling along early in the morning, they seemed to bring everybodyout of bed, all eager to catch a glance as we whirled past. Old menand women, middle-aged and youth, without waiting to put on a rag inaddition to their night gear, were seen at the doors, windows andround the corners of log huts and dwellings, gaping with wonder andastonishment at the new, and to them grand and terrific sight. '

[COMMUNICATED. ]

At the last special meeting of the National Association of Inventors, called to hear the report on the rights and duties of the Editors ofthe Eureka, on a resolution offered by one of the Editorial Committeewho had been dissatisfied by the proceedings of the 'Acting Editors, 'and refused to attend their sittings, it was reported that the 'ActingEditors, ' had exceeded their authority, and a majority of theEditorial Committee resigned and a resolution was passed that theresignation should be published in the Eureka, but it has notappeared. Mr. Kingsley, one of the 'Acting Editors, ' spoke at the saidmeeting of having consulted counsel who had declared that theAssociation were under a legal obligation to furnish Messrs. Kingley &Pirsson with matter for publication in the Eureka, and on theunderstanding that they had advanced money they were allowed to havethe first use of the reports and advertisements of the Association. But as they in effect refuse to publish a resolution of greatimportance to the reputation of all the parties interested, it isleft for the public to decide whether the 'Acting Editors' are in anyrespect entitled to the name they have assumed for their paper. 

ONE OF THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE. 

HUMOROUS. 

=To my Sweetheart. =

 You're a broth of creature, In form and in feature, -- It's myself that now tells you that same, And sure, by my troth, I'll not be very wroth. If you'll plaze me by changing your name

 What a swate little wife, As a partner for life, My darlint, 'tis you might be living; And I'm just the boy, To wish you much joy, When your heart it's to me you'll be giving. 

 I'm half dead--botheration! With sad consternation-- Of your flirting it is that I'm speaking; So plaze to be thinking, When you're winking and blinking. It's my own honest heart that you're braking. 

 The divil a haper, Will I stand of a caper, -- 'Twould kill me to find you deceiving; By my sowl and I'd die, And that same is no lie, Before I'd be kilt by me grieving. 

 Then spake but the word. My nate little bird, That you're niver a man's but mine; And straight to the praist, It's myself that'll haste, To make you my _swate waluntine_!

 [_Teddy Magowan. _

=Boys and Men. =

A youthful volunteer, the other day, out in Arkansas, was taunting amarried gentleman, who had a wife and three small children dependingupon him, for not rallying to the standard of his country, soon afterthe requisition upon that State arrived. 'Tom, ' said our friend, 'you_boys_ can whip the Mexicans, but should old England take a hand inthe pie, _I'll_ join, for it will require _men_ to whip the English. '

=Trusting too Long. =

We recollect that a weekly paper was started, some years ago, in oneof the Western States, the terms of which were $2, 50 in advance, $3 atthe end of the year--to which the editor jocosely added in aparagraph, 'and $5 if never paid. ' We think that most of hissubscribers took the paper upon the latter terms, since it has beennon est. He played a joke upon himself. 

=Business Stand. =

A Frenchman, being about to remove his shop, his landlord inquired thereason, stating, at the time, that it was considered a very goodstand for business. He replied, with a shrug of the shoulders, "Oh, yes, he's very good stand for de businis; by gar, me stan' all day, for nobody come to make me _move_!"

=Plain Directions. =

Represent me in my portrait, said a gentleman to his painter, with abook in my hand reading aloud. Paint my servant also in a corner wherehe cannot be seen, but in such a manner that he may hear me when Icall him. 

=Homogeneous. =

Joe Snooks, seeing some farmer's boys employed, some at hoeing andothers at mowing, in the same field, remarked that they were a_hoe-mow_-geneous set of fellows. 

 * * * * *

The Louisville Journal, philosophizing on the recent commencement ofseveral newspapers, gives the following poetic remark:

 'Income and ink'em, Although you may link'em, Are not such first cousins as some folks may think'em. '

 * * * * *

We did not expect to mention large peaches again; but the LouisvilleJournal speaks of a lot which measured nearly _twelve inches_ each, incircumference. 

=Proposition of a New Patent Law. =

The following remarks and proposition, which we copy from the 'Farmerand Mechanic, ' was written by a prominent member of the NationalAssociation of Inventors, and expresses the sentiments of a largemajority of the members of that Association. No person who carefullyexamines the subject, can fail of seeing that the cause of justice andequity, as well as the advance of improvement, would be promoted bythe substitution of the principles therein expressed, in place of someof those embraced in the existing patent laws of the United States. 

"We advance the principle, which may be novel to some, that if theinventor apply genius, time, toil, and capital, to produce anything hemay consider valuable, he has the same right to the exclusive use andenjoyment of it as the man who may apply time, and toil, and capital, without genius. That the application of genius does not divest him ofany right enjoyed by all others in society. 

It is true, the creations of genius are sometimes intangible, but thatis no objection; all rights are abstractions, until embodied inconstitutions and laws, and rendered practical by penalties. 

If an inventor can define the limits of his claim, he is entitled toprotection in it just the same as when a deed is put on record, limiting the boundaries of a lot of ground. All rights to realproperty are traced back to original discovery and occupancy, and nowall the inventor desires, or nearly all, in any patent law, is asimple registry, just as we find in our Halls of Record. TheCommissioner of Patents should be called the Register of Patents. Indeed, grants of land, as they are termed, have frequently beenregistered by the name of patents, in our Halls of Records, so strongis the analogy, if not perfect similarity. 

Then what should be the Patent Law? We answer, by sections, at once. The first should be declaratory of the rights of inventors, asfollows:

SEC. 1. The application of capital, time, skill and ingenuity, to theproduction of new and useful discoveries, shall be protected under the5th article of the Amendments to the Constitution, which forbidsprivate use without the consent of the owner, and for public usewithout just compensation. 

SEC. 2. Should any invention or discovery be deemed of greatimportance to the general prosperity, its value shall he appraised onthe requisition of the Secretary of State, which value, whichascertained, as hereinafter provided, shall be paid to the inventorfrom the Treasury of the United States, and, until this payment shalltake place, the discovery of any inventor duly qualified to take out apatent, shall remain his property, and inalienable without his consentor the consent of his legal representatives. 

SEC. 3. Any inventor or discoverer who may desire a patent for anydiscovery of his own, shall make oath or solemnly affirm thereto, andany specification, drawing or model, he may see fit to deposit withthe Register of Patents, shall be received by him and recorded, as amatter of evidence of original right. 

SEC. 4. There shall be no salaried Examiners of Patents, but eachpatentee may contract on any terms he may see fit with any PatentAgent or Examiner, to examine the Records of the Patent office, on thepayment of ten dollars fee for the use of the books and privilege ofthe Patent Office, and no more fees than this first $10 shall becharged on any single patent, excepting five dollars each for everyrecord of transfer of rights or parts of rights. Nor shall the fees beraised until it may be discovered that they will not support theexpenses of the Patent Office. And it is provided, no expenses for theimprovement of agriculture, or any purpose foreign to the business ofthe registry of Patents, and the necessary books and buildings, andsalaries of the register, librarian and two clerks and door-keeper, shall be charged upon the Patent Fund. 

SEC. 5. The Commissioner of Patents shall give advice of a scientificand legal character as he may be desired and qualified to do, toinventors. He may guaranty the originality of any invention at his ownrisk, at any price be may agree upon with any inventor to givecertificates thereof, and this shall not interfere with his regularsalary. But it is provided that the Commissioner shall not in anymanner prevent others from examining and guarantying the originalityof any invention for which a patent may be desired. And it is alsoprovided that any Commissioner, Register, Clerk, Attorney, Examiner orAgent, who may give a guaranty or warrant of the novelty of anyinvention shall be held responsible in costs on any information to befiled by any party who may feel himself aggrieved, to rescind thepatent which may not be an original invention of the claimant soguarantied. 

SEC. 6. To rescind a patent, any party feeling himself aggrieved mayfile information in the District Court of the United States, of thedistrict in which the patentee resides, notifying the patentee of suchinformation filed, with what the former intends to prove, and wherethe patentee may discover the evidence relied upon by the informer, onwhich, the patentee may surrender his patent without costs should heso elect. But should the patentee determine to stand trial, he shallplead to such information within twenty days, denying the allegationsof the informer, on which the trial shall proceed in its regular orderon the calendar, and the patentee, if found wilfully and knowingly amonopolizer of the public rights, shall suffer costs and thereasonable expenses and counsel fee of the informer. And if suchinventor shall make oath he has not been enabled to examine the proofson which the informer relies to rescind his patent, he shall beallowed such further time as the court having jurisdiction mayprescribe. And the court may make an order to the informer to exhibitfully his evidence of priority of invention, and no other evidencethan has been exhibited to the inventor excepting rebutting, shall beintroduced on the trial to rescind the patent. 

SEC. 7. The Commissioner of Patents shall collect and keep in thePatent Office all the scientific works published and useful forreferences, and pay the expenses of the same from the patent fund. Butthe Commissioner shall not subscribe for more than three copies of anypublication for the use of the office as aforesaid out of the PatentFund. 

SEC. 8. The application of any known machinery or matter ofcombination of machinery, or matter to new purposes or old purposesafter a new method, or any means by which useful results are to bemore advantageously produced than formerly, shall be the subject of apatent. 

SEC. 9. A method, plan, design, or any new and useful idea, which canbe defined, shall be the subject of a patent. 

SEC. 10. A simple change of form shall not entitle any one to evadethe patent of any inventor by a new patent. 

The above are the principal improvements desired by inventors. Somethink it not well to ask for all they want at once, but we thinkdifferently, for it will be said hereafter, when new amendments aredesired, 'Gentlemen, you petitioned for the very provisions you nowseek to have annulled. Your own committee was here at Washingtonassenting. ' What answer will there be to this? None can be madewithout confusion of face for having over assented to a wrong. 

We do not desire to censure the committee charged with the mission toWashington. --They have thought to act prudently and for the greatestgood. We differ only on the real expediency of the case. We do notbelieve that such men as Benton, Calhoun, and other kindred spirits, ask or desire anything but what they think is right. 

They will not sacrifice their reputation against a body of men to whomthe Republic owe so much, and who have so long suffered in silence. The law as it now stands, is an improvement on the former law, andconsidering how low was the state of morals in former times respectinginventors, such sentiments as have been advanced by Judge Woodbury, and which are in spirit the same as the above, are destined ultimatelyto prevail. And those who choose to record their names in oppositionare free to do so, as are also the tribe of persecutors who in allages have stoned the prophets. 

The principle endeavored to be followed throughout, is that of thecommon and statutes laws respecting the rights to real property. Itmay tend to create litigation, as to claims which are now refusedentirely, but if no litigation or less is the grand desideratum, whynot establish a dictatorship at once? The _ipse dixit_ of one man willthen prevent all argument. But the rights of property and jury trialin all cases are ours by the constitution--and equally are we entitledby the constitution to the pursuit of happiness and wealth in ærialregions as on the common earth--and if we may not be divested of ourother property without certain laws and a fair jury trial, why shouldwe be of patent property? And if patent agents presume to beguilehonest inventors, why should they not be held responsible? They mayrefuse to back their operation by a guaranty, but then the inventorhas a right to know it, and to know he has a remedy, should they do soimproperly. The Clerk of one of our Courts guarantied the searches ofone of his Clerks as to a piece of real property, and had to pay someten thousand dollars, and why should it not be so. 

When a tailor makes a coat he warrants it to fit, and when a surgeonsets a leg unscientifically he is also responsible in damages to hispatient, and as is an attorney for negligent practice. Holdingexaminers responsible will leave the patent office open to the filingof new claims at the same time that it will prevent a world oflitigation, favoritism and corruption. 

We are not striking at our present worthy Commissioner, Mr. Burke. Weare friendly to him. But the more honest a man may be, the sooner willhe find himself displaced, if the office he holds may be used to graspa vast amount of patronage and property. '

ADVERTISEMENTS. 

[**hand pointing right]This paper circulates in every State in theUnion, and is seen principally by mechanics and manufacturers. Henceit may be considered the best medium of advertising, for those whoimport or manufacture machinery, mechanics tools, or such wares andmaterials as are generally used by those classes. The fewadvertisements in this paper are regarded with much more attentionthan those in closely printed dailies. 

Advertisements are inserted in this paper at the following rates:

One square, of eight lines one insertion, $ 0 50 " " " " two do. , 75 " " " " three do. , 1 00 " " " " one month, 1 25 " " " " three do. , 3 75 " " " " six do. , 7 50 " " " " twelve do. , 15 00

TERMS:--CASH IN ADVANCE. 

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GENERAL AGENTS

FOR THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. 

New York City, Geo. Dexter " " Wm. Taylor & Co. Boston, Messrs. Hotchkiss & Co. Philadelphia, Messrs. Colon & Adriance. 

LOCAL AGENTS. 

Albany, Peter Cook. Baltimore, Md. , S. Sands. Cabotville, Mass. , E. F. Brown. Hartford, Ct. , E. H. Bowers. Lynn, Mass. , J. E. F. Marsh. Middletown, Ct. , Wm. Woodward. Norwich, Ct. , Safford & Parks. New Haven, Ct. , E. Downes. New Bedford, Mass. , Wm. Robinson & Co. Newark, N. J. J. L. Agens. Patterson, N. J. , L. Garside. Providence, R. I. , H. & J. S. Rowe. Springfield, Mass. , Wm. B. Brocket. Salem, Mass. , L. Chandler. Troy, N. Y. , A. Smith. Taunton. Mass. , W. P. Seaver. Worcester, Mass. , S. Thompson. Boston, Jordon & Wiley. Newark, N. J. , Robert Rashaw. Williamsburgh, J. C. Gander. 

TRAVELLING AGENTS. 

O. D. Davis, John Stoughton, John Murray, Sylvester Dierfenorf. 

CITY CARRIERS. 

Clark Selleck, Squire Selleck, Nathan Selleck. 

Persons residing in the city of Brooklyn, can have the paper left attheir residences regularly, by sending their address to the office, 128 Fulton st. , 2d. Floor. 

=AMERICAN AND FOREIGN PATENT AGENCY. =

No. 23 Chambers street, New York. 

JOSEPH H. BAILEY, Engineer and Agent for procuring Patents, willprepare all the necessary Specifications, Drawings, &c. For applicantsfor Patents, in the United States or Europe. Having the experience ofa number of years in the business, and being connected with agentleman of high character and ability in England, he has facilitiesfor enabling inventors to obtain their Patents at home or abroad, withthe least expense and trouble. 

The subscriber, being practically acquainted with all the variouskinds of Drawing used, is able to represent Machinery, Inventions, orDesigns of any kind, either by Authographic Drawing, or inIsometrical, Parallel, or True Perspective, at any angle bestcalculated to show the construction of the Machinery of Designpatented. 

To those desiring Drawings or Specifications, Mr. B. Has the pleasureof referring to Gen. Wm. Gibbs McNiel, Civil Engineer, Prof. Renwick, Columbia College, Prof. Morse, Jno. Lee. 

Residence, No. 10 Carroll Place; office, No. Chambers street. Oct10 tf

 * * * * *

BLACK LEAD POTS!--The subscriber offers for sales, in lots to suitpurchasers, a superior article of BLACK LEAD POTS, that can be usedwithout annealing. The price is low, and founders are requested tomake a trial. SAMUEL C. HILLS, 45to2ndv6 Patent Agent, 12 Platt street. 

STATE OF NEW YORK. 

Secretary's Office, Albany, July 24, 1846. 

To the Sheriff of the City and County of New York: Sir--Notice ishereby given, that at the next General Election, to be held on theTuesday succeeding the first Monday of November next, the followingofficers are to be elected, to wit:--A Governor and LieutenantGovernor of this State. 2 Canal Commissioners, to supply the place ofJonas Earll, junior, and Stephen Clark, whose terms of office willexpire on the last day of December next. A Senator for the FirstSenatorial District, to supply the vacancy which will accrue by theexpiration of the term of service of John A. Lott on the last day ofDecember next. A Representative in the 30th Congress of the UnitedStates for the Third Congressional District, consisting of the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th Wards of the City of New York. Also aRepresentative in the said Congress for the Fourth CongressionalDistrict, consisting of the 6th, 7th, 10th and 13th Wards of saidCity. Also a Representative in the said Congress for the FifthCongressional District, consisting of the 8th, 9th and 14th Wards ofsaid city. And also a Representative in the said Congress for theSixth Congressional District, consisting of the 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th Wards of said City. 

Also the following officers for the said County, to wit: 16 Members ofAssembly, a Sheriff in the place of William Jones, whose term ofservice will expire on the last day of December next. A County Clerkin the place of James Connor, whose term of service will expire on thelast day of December next, and a Coroner in the place of Edmund G. Rawson, whose term of service will expire on the last day of Decembernext. 

 Yours, respectfully, N. S. BENTON, Secretary of State. 

 * * * * *

Sheriff's Office, New York, August 3d, 1846. 

The above is published pursuant to the notice of the Secretary ofState and the requirements of the statute in such case made andprovided for. 

 WM. JONES, Sheriff of the City and County of New York. 

[Illustration: hand pointing right]All the public newspapers in theCounty will publish the above once in each week until election, andthen hand in their bills so that they may be laid before the Board ofSupervisors, and passed for payment. 

See Revised Statutes, vol. 1, chap. Vi. Title 3d, article3d--part 1st, page 140. Aug18

=BRASS FOUNDRY. =

JAMES KENNEARD & CO. Respectfully inform their friends and the publicthat they are prepared to furnish all orders for Brass and CompositionCastings, and finishing in general at the shortest possible notice. 

N. B. All orders for Rail Road, Factory and Steamboat work from anydistance, will be thankfully received and attended to with despatchand on reasonable terms. 

[Illustration: hand pointing right]Patterns made to order. JAMES KENNEARD & CO. Oct. 10 3m* 27 1-2 Chrystie st. New York. 

[Illustration: hand pointing right]NOTICE--R. C. WETMORE & CO. RETURNtheir thanks to the Fire Department & Police, for the zealous exertionsused by them in saving the property in the store No. 85 Water street, at the fire this evening. 

R. C. Wetmore & Co. Desire especially to acknowledge the aid of hishonor the Mayor, in preserving their books and papers. 

Tuesday Night. 

PROSPER M. WETMORE, Navy Agent, begs to return his gratefulacknowledgment to his Honor the Mayor, the members of the FireDepartment, and Municipal Police, for the assistance rendered him insaving all the books and papers of the Navy Agency from the fire thisevening, Tuesday night. 

NOTICE. 

The Office of the Navy Agent is removed for the present to the backoffice of the store No. 11 Broad street. 

PROSPER M. WETMORE, Navy Agent. [Illustration: hand pointing right]All city papers please copy, andsend bill. O10 3t

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NEW IMPROVEMENT. --M. H. Mansfield, of Mifflintown, Juniata Co. , Pennsylvania, has invented a new CLOVER HULLING MACHINE, which is oneof the best inventions of the kind now in use. This machine will hullforty bushels of seed per day. Persons wishing to manufacture them canprocure the right on moderate terms from the inventor. For furtherparticulars, address. 

MARTIN H. MANSFIELD, oct. 3 3t* Mifflintown, Juniata Co. Pa. 

 * * * * *

COPPER SMITH!--The subscriber takes this method of informing thepublic that he is manufacturing Copper Work of every description. Particular attention is given to making and repairing LOCOMOTIVEtubes. Those at a distance, can have any kind of work made todrawings, and may ascertain costs, &c. , by addressing L. R. BAILEY, cor. Of West and Franklin sts. , N. Y. 

N. B. --Work shipped to any part of the country. 

45to2dv18*

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=ELECTRICITY. =

SMITH'S CELEBRATED TORPEDO, OR VIBRATINGELECTRO MAGNETIC MACHINE

--This instrument differs from those in ordinary use, by having athird connection with the battery, rendering them much more powerfuland beneficial. As a curious Electrical Machine, they should be in thepossession of every one, while their wonderful efficacy as a medicalagent, renders them invaluable. They are used with extraordinarysuccess, for the following maladies. 

=Rheumatism=--Palsy, curvature of the Spine, Chronic Diseases, Tic-doloureaux, Paralysis Tubercula of the brain, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, sick-headache. 

=Toothache=--St Vitus dance, Epilepsy, Fevers, diseases of the eye, nose, antrum, throat, muscles, cholera, all diseases of the skin, face, &c. 

=Deafness=--Loss of voice, Bronchitis, Hooping cough. 

These machines are perfectly simple and conveniently managed. Thewhole apparatus is contained in a little box 8 inches long, by 4 wideand deep. They may be easily sent to any part of the United States. Tobe had at the office of the Scientific American, 128 Fulton st, 2ndfloor, (Sun building) where they may be seen IN OPERATION, at alltimes of the day and evening. 2

 * * * * *

GOLD PENS!!--In consequence of the increased facility afforded bymachinery for the manufacture of my GOLD PENS, I am enabled to furnishthem to the Trade, at a much less price than they have heretoforeobtained them through my Agent. 

Those purchasing direct of the manufacturer will have the doubleadvantage of the lowest market price, and the privilege of returningthose that are imperfect. In connection with the above, I ammanufacturing the usual style of PENHOLDER, together with my PATENTEXTENSION PENHOLDER with PENCIL. All orders thankfully received, andpunctually attended to. A. G. BAGLEY, sept. 25 tf 189 Broadway, N. Y. 

=Engraving on Wood. =

NEATLY AND PROMPTLY EXECUTED AT the Office of the Scientific American, 128 Fulton st, three doors from the Sun Office. Designs, DRAWINGS ofall kinds for PATENTS, &c. , also made, as above, at very lowcharges. 1

[Illustration: CURIOUS ARTS]

=Labor to make a Watch. =

Mr. Dent, in a lecture delivered before the London Royal Institute, made an allusion to the formation of a watch, and stated that a watchconsists of 992 pieces; and that 40 trades, and probably 215 personsare employed in making one of these little machines. The iron of whichthe balance wheel is formed, is valued at something less than afarthing; this produces an ounce of steel, worth 4 1-2 pence, which isdrawn into 2, 250 yards of steel wire, and represents in the market, 13_l. _ 3_s. _; but still another process of hardening this originally afarthing's worth of iron, renders it workable into 7, 050 balancesprings, which will realize, at the common price, of 2_s. _ 6_d_ each746_l_. 5_s_, the effect of labor alone. Thus it may be seen that themere labor bestowed upon one farthing's worth of iron, gives it thevalue of 950_l. _ 5_s_, or $4, 552, which is 75, 680 times its originalvalue. 

=Mule Boats. =

This kind of conveyance is, we believe, peculiar to the IllinoisRiver, for we never remember to have seen one belonging to any otherstream. A year or two since, we were perfectly astonished at beholdingthe first one that ever arrived in this port; but now they are ascommon as the species usually termed _broad horns_, and theirappearance creates about as much surprise and curiosity among the morearistocratic order of steam and sail. A genuine mule boat is notunlike an ocean steamer, as they are susceptible of being propelledboth by steam and wind; with this difference, the mule-boat steam isgenerated upon the tread-mill plan, and by the united exertions ofsome half dozen quadrupeds, generally of the long-eared kind. To thistreading or pulling apparatus are attached cylinder, pitt-man, boilers, &c. , in the shape of some three or more cog-wheels, andimmediately connected with them is a couple of shafts, which give arotary motion to a couple of water-wheels, one on each side, and whichusually propel a keel about 100 feet in length, and of about 75 tonsburthen; over it is a roof and covering, usually called a cargo box, to protect the inside from the weather, and the whole making anappearance similar to an Ohio river keel boat, with the exception of aspace left her to operate in. The difficulty and danger attending themanagement of a boat propelled by steam, is upon the mule boatentirely dispensed with. 

There is no firing up, or blowing up; all that is necessary, whenwishing to commence a journey, is to start, and when tired of going, all that is to be done is to stop the mules; in giving a lick ahead, they are all made to bounce at once, and in giving a lick back, theyare turned around and made to pull the other way: and should the windprove favorable, by means of a mast, with which they are allprovided, sails can be hoisted, and the the double power of mules andwind be put in requisition. This description of boat is getting to bequite fashionable on the Illinois and tributaries, and some two orthree extend their trips to this city. They are a great benefit in lowwater, as they are of exceeding light draught, and the running of themis attended with but trifling expense. We learn that several new onesare in a state of completion, on the line of the Illinois, intended asregular traders up the Sangamon river, and from the head of navigationon the Illinois to this city. There is nothing like enterprise, or amule boat on the Illinois, in a low stage of water, to getalong. --[St. Louis New Era. 

=Discovery of Glass. =

'As some merchants, ' says Pliny, 'were carrying nitre, they stoppednear a river which issues from Mount Carmel. As they could not readilyfind stones to rest their kettles on, they used for this purpose someof these pieces of nitre. The fire, which gradually dissolved thenitre, and mixed it with the sand, occasioned a transparent matter toflow, which in fact was nothing less than glass. '

=Pumping the water out of Lake Michigan. =

It is well known to our readers that, by an arrangement with theEnglish bond holders, the State of Illinois has given over to them theunfinished canal, from the waters of Lake Michigan, at Chicago, to theIllinois river. --They are about completing it, but the principaldifficulty now is, to supply it with water, owing to the level of thelake being _eight_ feet below the bottom of the canal. To overcomethis, the present company, after various propositions, finallybethought themselves of raising the water of the lake, so as to supplythe canal. They went to Messrs. Knapp & Totten, of this city, andfurnished them with a data to calculate whether it could be done, andwhat force and what machinery would accomplish it. These gentlemensoon furnished an answer to build some powerful machinery for thatpurpose, --a steam engine and _eight_ pumps of four and a half bore andsix feet stroke. We are glad to hear that this eminently scientificfirm have been selected to execute this order. Their shop andmechanical force are not excelled by any establishment in the UnitedStates. --[Pittsburg Gaz. 

=The Self-Regulating Ventilator. =

[Illustration:]

Explanation:--This is a cheap and simple but scientific apparatus forregulating the air-vent of a common, cheap stove, according to thetemperature of the atmosphere in the room in which it is located. Thedraught door is a plain iron door, hung by a common hinge joint at theupper end; and to the front of the hinge is attached a piece of brasswire, which extends vertically nearly to the top of the room, and isconnected at B to a horizontal brass wire C D. This is the onlyapparatus required, but must be so adjusted as to allow the door to beclosed, or nearly so, when the temperature is about right. If thetemperature rises above that point, the horizontal wire willimmediately expand so as to allow the door to close. But as soon asthe temperature begins to fail, the wire contracts and opens the vent. On this principle the apparatus will readily find a medium, and thereremain, varying only occasionally to accommodate itself to thevariations of the quantity of fuel in the stove. The entire expense ofthis apparatus, exclusive of the stove, will not exceed 50 cents. Itis generally conceded that a large portion of cases of colds, coughs, &c. Are occasioned by irregularities of the temperature ofsitting-rooms but with this plan of regulation this evil may tieavoided without any material expense. 

=New Paper Mill. =

Mr. C. C. P. Moses has erected a line brick building, 75 by 38 feet, three stories high, on the site of the old foundry, at Dover, N. H. , $12, 000 to $15, 000. The rooms are constructed and furnished in acomplete manner for carrying on the paper making business in all itsdepartments. The works are nearly completed, and will be in operationin five or six weeks. 

=New Mill at Lowell. =

The Merrimack Company have in progress of erection the largest mill inLowell, and which is calculated to employ from 300 to 400 operatives. The building is nearly finished, and the machinery is to embrace thelatest improvements in this or any other country. 

=Machine Shop. =

A new machine shop is about commencing operation in Norwich: abouthalf a mile northeast from the railroad depot. The building is 100 by40 feet, and is calculated to employ 60 hands in the manufacture ofsteam engines and manufacturing machinery. The work at this shop willbe finished in the best style and at moderate prices. 

=Ornamental Kites. =

[Illustration:]

This month being considered as one of the best for flying kites, wemay indulge our young friends with an article on that subject. Theprinciple on which kites are made to ascend by the action of the wind, is too well understood, even by children, to require explanation. Weshall merely introduce and describe some fancy models of kites, whichare not often seen. The pattern, fig. 1, which is the figure called astar, is very easily made. The frame consists simply of the strips, orrods of light wood; spruce timber, willow twig's--and interlocked, asshown in the cut; so that each rod shall pass alternately over andunder the other rods at each intersection. These rods being lashedtogether at the points, the whole frame is covered with white oryellow paper, and the twine is attached to three of the angles of thestar. 

The eagle, fig. 2, is but little more difficult; a rod extends fromthe beak to the tail, and is crossed by another which extends from tipto tip of the wings. The rods being lashed together, a small thread isdrawn from the place of the head of the eagle, to the two extremitiesof the wings, and thence to the leeward end of the centre rod. Thisthread should be white or light blue, and will not be visible whenaloft; but the form of the eagle should be made of black, dark orbrown paper. The paper eagle must be sewed to the several threads, andtwo or more threads may extend from the wings to the centre rod tosupport the feathers of the wings. The eagle kite appears curious, but is not so elegant as

The Rose, fig. 3. To construct this figure there must be four lightrods of wood, made to cross each other in the centre, being therelashed together, and thus constituting eight arms. From the end ofeach arm, a thin strip of light wood or reed, is bent in a curved formto the next arm on either side: the bow being lashed to the arms. Thisframe is covered with white paper, which is to be afterward coloredwith rose color, with the yellow centre. The twine must be fastened tofour of the arms, and the tail of the kite should be covered withgreen paper, which by the contrast, will have a pleasing effect. 

=Rochester Edge Tools in England. =

Some time since, a Mr. Ash, an extensive manufacturer of Mechanics'Tools at Sheffield, England, sent to this country for patterns of thelatest improvements, and amongst the rest, ordered a variety fromMessrs. Barton & Belden of Rochester, which were promptly forwarded. On their arrival there, it seems that their make gave such universalsatisfaction, that they were immediately copied, and the fact thatthey came from this country made prominent, by stamping upon them'Rochester Pattern. '

=An Animal Curiosity. =

Travellers state that there is on the island of St. Luce a cavern, inwhich is a large basin twelve or fifteen feet deep, at the bottom ofwhich are rocks. From these rocks proceed certain substances thatpresent at first, sight beautiful flowers, but on the approach of ahand or instrument, retire like a snail, out of sight! On examination, there appears in the middle of a disk, filaments resembling spiders'legs, which moved briskly round a kind of petal. The filaments, orlegs, have pincers to seize their prey, when the petals close, so thatit cannot escape. Under this flower is the body of an animal, and itis probable he lives on the marine insects thrown by the sea into hisbasin. 

 * * * * *

The first clock that ever measured time was made for the Caliph ofBagdad. This art was afterwards lost for several centuries. 

=Skate Runners. =

At Drontheim, in Norway, they have a regiment of soldiers, calledSkate Runners. They wear leg gaiters for travelling in deep snow, andgreen uniform. They carry a short sword, a rifle fastened by a broadstrap passing over the shoulder, and a climbing staff seven feet long, with a spike in the end. They move so fast in the snow that no cavalrycan overtake them, and it does little good to fire cannon balls atthem, as they go two or three hundred feet apart. They are very usefulsoldiers in following an enemy on a march. They go over marshes, rivers and lakes at a great rate. 

=A Receipt to make Peach Wine. =

Take four or five bushels of ripe juicy peaches, mash or bruise themin a tub, and pour them into a barrel, large enough to contain them, and place it in a cool place. At the bottom of the barrel, beforeputting in the peaches, some clean straw must be placed to prevent thepumice from filling up the spigot. The head of the barrel must becovered. In about three days the Peach Wine is ready for use. Draw itoff, from the spigot, and if care and attention have been adopted, adelicious beverage will be produced. 

=A Novel Enterprise. =

An expedition, which promises the most important results both toscience and commerce is at this moment fitting out in England, for thepurpose of navigating some of the more important unexplored rivers inSouth America It is to be under the command of Lord Ranelagh. Severalnoblemen and gentlemen have already volunteered to accompany hislordship, and the enterprising and scientific band, it id said, willsail as soon as the necessary arrangements shall be completed. 

THE NEW YORK

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