COCKS'S MACHINE FOR MAKING LONG AND CIRCULAR BLOCKS OF INDIA RUBBER.

Sir, I take the liberty to transmit for your publication a sketch of an iron box for making long, and circular blocks of india rubber. The rubber, when prepared, is pressed into the box, and kept there until porperly hardened. It is then removed and cut into circular slices three quarters of an inch thick by a common saw, without teeth; a sharp edge is given by means of a file; these pieces are then cut into tapes and finally into threads.

Since the completion of this box, I am told that it is an infringement of a patent granted to a Mr. Keen; if this be the case, or if a patent has been granted to any other person for the same invention, or for a similar purpose, the fact was altogether unknown to me when I designed the before-described machine, which is certainly original as far as I am concerned. If I have been preceded by Mr. Keen or any one else, I shall be obliged by being so informed in your valuable Journal.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
W. P. COCKS.

Tottenham, Sept. 6, 1838.

Fig. 1. The box, composed of two halves, a a. bb, ears on each side through the bottom of which bolts are put to secure the iron cross piece, fig. 5, h. C, interior of the box; d d, iron hoops to keep the halves firmly together.

Fig. 2, a a, sides of the ear; b, bottom of the ear with a bolt hole an inch in diameter.

Fig. 3, a a, iron hoops 1 inch broad, inch thick: b, an hinge joint; c c, ears; d, a thumb screw passing through the ears, to lighten the box.

Fig. 4, a circular piece of hard wood made accurately to the bore of the box, a, with a stop b on its top for the cross bar of iron 2 inches broad, and 3 of an inch thick; c, the holes in the bar d correspond with the holes in the ears. When properly pressed the top is secured by means of the screws and nuts. Vide Fig. 5.

Fig. 5; a a, section of the box; bb, ears; c c, knobs of an inch thick, to prevent the slipping down of the hoops; d, space occupied by the rubber; e, the circular wooden top; f, the bottom of the plunger shod with copper; g g, screws; h, bar of iron for securing the top.

ON FIRE-ESCAPES-REPLY TO MR. J. D. PARRY.

Sir,-With every disposition to give Mr. J. D. Parry's description of "an excellent fire-escape," kind and judicious consideration, I must be permitted to observe, that his ideas upon the subject generally, are somewhat crude, and that he might peruse the numerous articles on fire-escapes which have appeared in your last 20 volumes, with manifest advantage.

The parish of St. Pancras has certainly attained most unenviable distinction for the number of its fatal fires. One life has been lost in Mr. Parry's immediate neighbourhood in the interim of his writing the communication dated Sept. 4th, and its appearance in your 787th Number, and it is only a few months since two lives were lost at a fire in the same district.

With respect to the particular invention alluded to by Mr. Parry, I beg to inform him that these escapes were made (and I believe invented) by a rope and twine merchant, living, up to within a recent period, in King-street, Snow-hill; who had a print for many years exhibited in his window, showing the application of the canvass trough escape.

Although this escape might have passed for "an excellent one 20 years ago, it is at this time superseded by many better contrivances, most of which, have at different times been described in your pages. The canvass trough is somewhat expensive, it is bulky and cumbersome; it also demands considerable dexterity and presence of mind in the parties employing it, and after all, its real efficiency depends very much upon external assistance-for Mr. Parry's plan of a steadying-weight is altogether impracticable. This escape is wholly inapplicable to all houses having deep shops run out over what was originally a garden plot in front, or such as are surrounded by iron spiked railings-objections which are equally fatal to the new mode of affixing the canvass trough beneath a ladder.

As an internal or domestic fire-escape, the most conveniently deposited, and most simple and efficient in use, is the plain belt and rope running through a pulley, the hook of which is attached to an eye-bolt previously provided, in a few seconds. A communication is thus instantly formed, the parties in danger may

descend, or assistants may ascend with the greatest ease and rapidity. If apparatus for this purpose is not simple in its construction, and easily comprehended by the party in danger, as well as by those whom chance may bring to their assistance, it is very likely to increase the danger by increasing the confusion of ideas. The simplicity of this apparatus is its chief characteristic, and it has been pronounced by all who have used it, the best extant. As an external escape the same apparatus affixed to the portable laddertop, surpasses all other inventions in the several points which really constitute

an excellent fire-escape." As escapes of this description (by Merryweather) are rather numerous in Mr. Parry's neighbourhood, I hope the interest he feels in this subject will induce him to take an early opportunity of inspecting them, and then judge for himself between this, and any other inventions for the same excellent purpose.

The fishing-rod elevator, after being tried in 20 or 30 different ways, by as many would-be inventors,seems at length to be entirely abandoned, having given way to more effectual methods of communication not depending upon the efforts of the persons in jeopardy. Mr. Parry is very much out in his estimate of the weight of a rod or pole capable of bearing a person descending; there are two or three of Ford's spar-fire-escapes in the south-western district of St. Pancras, capable of reaching from 30 to 34 feet high, an inspection of which would enlighten Mr. Parry considerably on this branch of the subject.

It is a very frequent, though a very absurd practice, to attempt a sort of comparison between deaths by burning and those by drowning; the fact is, the two cases present no parallel, and do not admit of comparison. Man can, if he pleases, become familiar with water, he may by practice attain the art of floating, swimming, diving, and also habituate himself to remain for a considerable period of time submerged beneath the surface. Again, should animation be suspended by accidental immerson, there is every chance, within certain limits, by prop r treatment, of restoring the vital action. But with the other element, fire, it is impossible to be on similar terms; it is not possible to become familarized to the effects of fire-nor can the suffocat

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ing influence of its pernicious attendant, smoke, be supported many minutes. The contact of the dreadful element itself rapidly destroys the organization of the human frame, and this effect carried but to a comparatively short extent, death is perhaps lingering, but inevitable, and the torture excessive. No course of treatment, however skilful or judicious, can subsequently restore the vital spark.

A writer in the Morning Herald a few months since, describing the last anniversary dinner of the Royal Humane Society, took occasion to observe that "so far as the preservation of that precious gift of the Creator, 'human life, can be rescued from destruction by water, we have made some progress; but, in the means of escaping from the opposite de vouring element, fire, we seem not at all to keep pace with the advancement of the age in general knowledge. We have, it is true, many machines called 'fire-escapes,' as we suppose par excellence, but we have no list of persons rescued by them to lay before our readers."

Now it happened, singularly enough, that on the very day Grandmamma put forth this cynical lament, a meeting was held at the Freemason's Hall, Great Queen street, Lincolns-inn-fields, Lord Teignmouth in the chair, at which upwards of 20 medals were given to policemen, firemen and others, who in the most gallant manner, at great personal risk, had saved the lives of several persons during the present year. In several instances their preservation had been accomplished by means of the portable fire-ladders (including one whole family in Goodman's Fields, rescued by Loader of the fire-brigade), "the sway and spring of which," says Grandmamma, “ are so great, that there can be no safety for human beings attempting to escape by them"! As these proceedings, if reported, would have entirely confuted the old lady's logic of the preceding day, she took especial good care to burke the account of the meeting, so that she might continue to exclaim, we have no list of persons rescued to lay before our readers!"

The subject itself is fraught with diffi

Loader received two medals at this meeting, for his successful and heroic conduct upon two occasions, in preserving lives from fire. This young man is a credit to his country, and one of the brightest ornaments in the intrepid corps to which he belongs-may he have many equals !

culties, and sufficiently discouraging without such pitiful taints as the foregoing, being periodically put forward by the public press. Do what you will, make fire-escapes the most perfect things in existence, be the police as numerous and as watchful as possible, still in spite of all provisions, loss of life by fire will occur. It will sometimes happen, as it has more than once of late, that life will be extinct before discovery of the fire is made, what ground is there for reproach in such cases,—what power but that of the Omnipotent could avert the calamity?

The Royal Humane Society have hitherto most pertinaciously resisted all applications for extending their efforts to counteract the baneful effects of fire, and from the numberless instances in which they must necessarily have failed, and thereby, to a certain extent, have incurred the odium of the ignorant, they have wisely, if not humanely, declined interfering.

It is

Notwithstanding these disheartening circumstances no expedient should be left untried that seems likely to abridge the number of these tragedies; the attention of the ingenious should still be directed to improve the mechanism, and the best energies of the humane, to ensure the application of suitable escapes. gratifying to know that great improvements in these matters have, within the last few years, obtained throughout the metropolis; and we do not often now read such horrifying tales of assistance implored in vain, as the daily press of seven years since presented too often to our gaze. I remain, Sir, yours respectfully, London, Sept. 27, 1838.

WM. BADDELEY.

FIRE ENGINEERING-RESCUE SERVICE

Sir,-Your indefatigable and valuable correspondent, Mr. Baddeley, in his unceasing efforts to perfect a system for extinguishing fires, is evidently actuated by the ardent desire of conferring a benefit on the public; but however sincere and disinterested his views may be, and however extensive his experience and knowledge, he is not infallible; and, as at the present time several honorary firebrigades are either on the point of being formed, or but yet in their infancy, I take the liberty of soliciting the insertion of a few remarks on the rules laid

down by that gentleman in No. 786 of your Magazine.

The cause of the errors into which Mr. Baddeley has fallen, appears to be either his not knowing the regulations observed in properly organised corps, or the inaccuracy of the description given by Mr. Ober of the continental "bags." It is extremely easy for any one in the constant habit of addressing the public to lay down principles and rules, which may, to the generality of readers, appear extremely plausible, and "dictated by sound sense and past experience;" but those who have made fire engineering either their study or profession, are well aware that these theories do not at all times accord with practical exigencies. Before I make any direct observation on the contents of the letter in question, allow me to offer a short exposé of the principles which corps of this description on the Continent observe, as respects the rescue of persons and property from the flames.

1st. A number of posts are established in the town, according to its size and locality; besides which, small detachments are stationed at proper intervals and positions. The men on guard are always ready; regularly exercised and instructed; well officered, and in perfect discipline.

2nd. The first post, or detachment, that arrives at a fire (which arrival ought to take place in five minutes at farthest after the alarm) will reconnoitre the position of the fire, and ascertain the contents and principal localities of the building. The next step must entirely depend on the circumstances of the case; if there be any life in danger, the rescue of the inmates should supersede every pecuniary consideration; if not, the air should be excluded as much as possible by shutting the doors, windows, &c. if possible, and water directed so as to preserve the partitions and other communications. Upon the arrival of other detachments or posts, the service is divided into three divisions, each under the superintendence of an experienced officer. 1st division, rescue of property, &c.; 2nd division, attack of the fire; 3rd division, supply of water and other necessaries,-the whole under the command of a superior officer.

3rd. The rescue division observes the following orders (varying them according to circumstances as ordered by the

Figs. 1 and 2 represent a ladder, the upper extremities of which are curved and strengthened by iron straps a a, terminating in solid iron points; in the middle of the ladder are joints b, which enable it to be folded up for convenience of transport (when opened two bolts retain it in its proper position). The length of the ladder when open is about 8 feet; it is light and portable, and costs in Paris about forty francs, (17.12s). The manner of its application is as follows: One man places his back against the wall of the house under the window of the

b

first floor, and taking the ladder by the lower extremity hooks it on to the sill of the said window, another man ascends and enters into the room, the other follows him and stands on the sill of the window (being held by the belt by the man inside), he then lifts the ladder and hooks it on the sill of the next upper window; this is repeated until the required story is attained; they then throw down the end of a small line to which the persons below fasten the end of the sac de sauvetage, or "bag." Fig. 3 represents this latter apparatus, which con