which a very rapid and effectual condensation of the steam, with the advantage of continually returning to the boiler the same water, or nearly so, is effected." And if he be not satisfied with this proof of his having been rather hasty in his proceedings, I would recommend him to travel a little farther northward, and he will find what he terms his method, principle, or process, has been in use for forty years in Messrs. Lock, Blackett, and Co's., white lead and shot manufactory, Gallowgate, Newcastle; where may also be seen the very ingenious method in which they have availed themselves of a principle, the refrigeration of shot, by allowing it to drop into a pit or "well," instead of letting it fall from a tower or garret."

66

When Mr. Howard has from ocular demonstration or unquestionable authority rendered himself able to disprove my statements, I may, if called upon with courtesy, answer his various questions; but if he do not diminish very considerably the authoritative tone he has thought proper to assume, he may call, but I will not answer-leaving the question to the judginent of those who may have examined the drawings accompanying our specifications, openly avowing that I think my method infinitely more simple and convenient than Mr. Howard's; and observing, that to lose temper is no sign of being in the right.

I remain, Sir,

Your most obedient servant, WILLIAM SYMINGTON. 1, King William-street, Sept. 30, 1836.

NOTES AND NOTICES.

Cannons. We long since stated (says Galignaui) that a commission had been sent to England and Scotland, with a view to examine the superio ity of the iron cannon manufactured there over the brass ones at present used in the French service. The Report was, we learn, favourable, but the Government have resolved not to determine the question until after a course of experiments made under the direction of a commission appointed for that purpose. They have invited the Swedes and English to the trial, with nine cannon of different dimensions cast after patterns sent from France. The Belgian Government having judged that Belgian iron would well bear the competition with that of England and Sweden, has also entered the field as a competitor, and several cannons cast at Liege have been sent to La Fere, where they are to be proved

Alarm Lamp. A gun-maker of Easingwold, Yorkshire, has invented an alarm-lamp to replace spring guns, which it is no longer legal to make use of. The inventor states, that the lamp may be placed against a tree or post in a stack-yard, or in any place where property is kept; and if any one comes within its limits, it lights up and fires fifteen or twenty reports, which may be heard at some miles' distance. When used for preserves, it may be made to send up a skyrocket, to show in what direction the poacher may be found. It is described as being perfectly free from danger to servants or others having the care of it, but said to be calculated when it goes off to strike terror into the breast of the most audacious depredator.

Railway Travelling by Wind.-Since the opening of the Durham and Sauderland Railways, a novel experiment has been tried upon the line, which proves the practicability of railroad vehicles being propelled by wind. A temporary mast and sail were erected on a vehicle, which was set going at an easy rate. On the sail being trimmed to the wind, the speed increased to the rate of ten miles an hour. A train of five coal-waggons was afterwards attached, but no additional sail hoisted.

Peat Tiles for Druining.-A Mr. Calderwood, of Blackbyres, Fenwick, has invented a spade to cut peat tiles in a most expeditious manner. These tiles are shaped something like a clay tile, and on moor-lands will answer the purpose equally well. In such districts clay is not to be had, and the expense of carting tiles would be heavy. With the newly-invented spade a farmer may cut two or three thousand tiles a day, expose them to dry inthe sun, and lay, them in his drains within a few yards of the place where they were cut. When properly dried, they will be porous, and will not soften with wet. Mr. Calderwood would confer a benefit on the agriculture of the country by making public a description of his invention. Scotch Paper.

Mr. Crosse's Galvanic, Experiments.-We have just been informed, says the Plymouth Gazette, that Dr. Simon of this city has been favoured with the following communication from Mr. Crosse "Since I left Bristol I have formed red sulphuret of silver and crystallised arsenate of copper; and caused the magnetic needle to be deflected eleven degrees from the north by à pair of cylinders com posed of copper and zinc, with water alone."

British and Foreign Patents taken out with economy and despatch; Specifications, Dis claimers, and Amendments, prepared or revised Caveats entered; and generally every Branch of Patent Business promptly transacted.

A complete list of Patents from the earliest period (15 Car. II. 1675,) to the present time may be examined. Fee 2s. 6d.; Clients, gratis. Patent Agency Office,

Peterborough-court, Fleet-street.

LONDON: Published by J. CUNNINGHAM, at the Mechanics' Magazine Office, No. 6, Peterborough-court, between 135 and 136, Fleet-street. Agent for the American Edition, Mr. O. RICH, 12, Red Lion-square. Sold by G. W. M. REYNOLDS, Proprietor of the French, English, and American Library, 55, Rue Neuve, Saint Angustin, Paris.

CUNNINGHAM and SALMON, Printers,
Fleet-street.

BRAITHWAITE'S STEAM FLOATING FIREENGINE.

We have much pleasure in being able this week to lay before our readers a description of Mr. Braithwaite's floating fire-engine, referred to in our note to the article on the "House-burning System," extracted from the Spectator into our 684th Number, and mentioned as having been submitted to the Associated Fireoffices, but its adoption declined by them. Although it must be acknowledged, as our indefatigable and respected corre spondent, Mr. Baddeley, observes, that fires are sometimes extinguished by the common fire-engine, under the manageinent of the Fire-Brigade, yet the effect of these manual machines must be small in comparison to that of a flood of from four to five tons of water per minute; which Mr. Braithwaite assures us can be delivered by the engine now described.

It will be seen, that the machinery of the floating steam fire-engine is so arranged, that the power of the engines can be at once changed from propelling the vessel to working the pumps. Thus its locomotion does not depend either upon wind or tide; although its power can, of course, be used with greater efficacy when a high tide permits its close approach to the burning building. In cases of accidents from fire amongst shipping, its aid would be invaluable; and we are surprised that ship-owners have not, as yet, perceived the protection which would ensue from the addition of one, at least, to each of the different sea-ports of the kingdoin.

The steam can be got up, and every thing ready for working, in twenty minutes from the time of the alarm being giren. The gearing of the couplingboxes is then connected with the paddle wheels, by which the vessel is propelled until it arrives in the vicinity of the fire, when the gearing is altered, and the engines brought in connexion with the pumps.

In our front-page engraving, fig. 1 is a section, and fig. 2 a plan of the floatingengine. A is the boiler (on Braithwaite and Ericsson's patent principle); B, the exhauster; C, the steam-cylinder; D, the water-pumps; E, the air-vessel; F, the paddle-box; GG (fig. 2), are the coupling-boxes, or gearing, for engaging

The boat is of wrought-iron, and with the machinery, water in the boiler, pumps, air-vessel, and every thing complete, weighs 37 tons. The engines being 30-horse power, will propel the boat, drawing 2 feet water, at the rate of about 9 miles per hour. The length of the boat, 80 feet; height, 11 feet; breadth of beam, 13 feet; under decks, 7 feet, 4 inches.

The necessity of any further remarks of ours upon the subject is precluded by the following letter of Mr. Braithwaite's to the Editor of the Spectator, in answer to the article before referred to, in that pub lication. We fear there is too much truth in the short and pithy note of " Observer," which follows Mr. Braithwaite's the sting is in the tail." -iz

"To the Editor of the Spectator'

An

." A steam fire-engine which performed wonders: what has become of it ?"-Vide Spectator 11th Sept.

"Mr. Editor,-I will tell you what has become of it; but first permit me to give you a short history of its existence, as without it you cannot be in a situation to deal out even-handed justice as between me (the projector and inventor) and the Fire Insurance Companies, who have failed to avail them◄ selves of it, as a means more sure than any other now in application for subduing fires.

"Having taken out a patent for an im proved method of generating steam, I was induced, amongst other uses which it suggested, to attempt the construction of a steam fire-engine; and succeeded in perfecting one of ten-horse power, capable of delivering, with unexampled effect, ninety tons of water per hour. I then invited the Directors of the different fire-offices to witness its effects; who, on seeing it in operation, one and all

We have here merely referred to the different parts of the apparatus; a further elucidation of its mode of working will be found in the description of Braithwaite's steam fire engine in Mech. Mag., No. 340, and of the "Comet' fire-engine, built also by Mr. Braithwaite for the King of Prussia, No. 478.

expressed themselves astonished and delighted. Some, fearing an engine of such power would require more water than could be supplied to it, suggested that one of less power, and more portable, would be more serviceable. Up to that time I had expended about 17007. in perfecting it; but, nothing daunted, I adopted the suggestion, and constructed another to be drawn by two horses; and which, by appointment, was taken to the Regent's Canal Basin. In thirteen minutes from the fire being first lighted, the steam was up at 50 lbs. pressure; and the whole in operative delivery, projecting a column of water a distance of 130 to 140 * feet, and 80 feet high, at the rate of 45 tons per hour. Nothing but satisfaction was expressed by all. Shortly afterwards, the Argyll Rooms being on fire, offered an opportunity for practically displaying its merits. The weather was extremely severe; and whilst the ordinary engines were soon frozen and rendered incapable of working, my engine continued for five hours so efficiently to per*. form its task, that but for its presence property to an immense amount must have been destroyed. Then came the fires in Wellsstreet, Charles-street, Soho, the English Opera-house, Messrs. Barclay and Perkins' brewery. at each of which it was at work, and at many others of less magnitude. The superior merits of the steam fire-engine over every other, all admit; but to myself, beyond the thanks of owners of property on the spot, and the liberal treatment, I am happy thus publicly to acknowledge, I and all my people received from the hands of Messrs. Barclay, Perkins, and Co., and one sovereign given to my men (who attended at a fire with my e engine) by Mr. Braidwood, Superintendent of the Fire-Brigade, I have neither received reward nor encouragement-nay, until the New Police was introduced, nothing but ob3 structions and annoyances. My last effort was, by the advice of some influential friends, to prepare drawings and estimates for a floatengine on the river. I did so; and, at the instigation of some of the Directors, I submitted them to the Committee managing the new Fire-Brigade establishment; who, after some few days, returned them to me by Mr. Braidwood, the Superintendent, with the following letter:

• 768, Watling-street, 14th Sept., 1835. Sir, I am directed by the Committee for managing the London Fire-engine establishment, to return you their best thanks for the sight of the plans you have been kind enough to favour them with; and to inform you that they do not deem it advisable to execute them at present; but, should they do so at any future time, they will be most happy to have your valuable assistance.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obedient servant, JAMES BRAIDWOOD, Superintendent. Braithwaite, Esq.'

"On the above statement I will make no comment; leaving the public themselves to judge of the whole matter. As things at present are, I am minus about 35001. by my invention.

Now, for the answer to your question as to what has become of the engine? Finding I must expect no support from the fire-offices, I have been applying it, rather than permit it to remain idle, to various purposes of pumping; and at the time of the fire in Tooley-street, it had been home but a few days, and was undergoing slight repair. Will the fire-companies say why they have not adopted it? An answer to this question is as much due to the public as to me.

"I am, Sir, your obedient servant, "J. BRAITHWAITE. "P.S.-The Floating Fire-engine you call by my name, I claim no merit in, for in its construction I had nothing to do; mine being a steam fire-engine, whilst that requires the labour of forty men, constantly relieved every ten minutes, to work it effectually.

"To the Editor of the Spectator." "Mr. Editor,-It is well for you you were not born in the days of Herod, or you would most surely have been cut off with the other innocents. Do you really imagine the firecompanies wish all fires to be put out quickly? No, no-they are not such fools as you take them for. Are you not aware that property destroyed, not insured, is a godsend to them -the timid flocking by wholesale the next day to effect insurances? I am sure, from your very simplicity, you are not a Director of any of the Companies 'yclept fire-insurance. "Your obedient servant,

"AN OBSERVER." "[Mr. Braithwaite's letter comes in timely proof that An Observer is right, and that we are- innocent.'-ED.]"

ON MACKINTOSH'S ELECTRICAL THEORY
OF THE
OUTLINES
UNIVERSE, AND
OF ANOTHER THEORY. BY COLONEL
MACERONI.

Letter I.

Sir,-In common, I dare say, with the far greater portion of your readers, I have derived much satisfaction from the perusal of Mr. Mackintosh's papers on the Electrical Theory of the Universe. After reading his two first letters, I stated to you my intention of offering some re. marks on the same subject. Since then I have thought it expedient to await the further development of Mr. Mackintosh's ideas.

2

For these m many years past I have, through the process of observatiou, comparison, experiment, and meditation, arrived at many of the convictions ex-pressed by Mr. Mackintosh; and I have arrived at others which greatly differ from those generally inculcated in the schools, but more or less approaching to Mr. Mackintosh's theory.

Before I enter into the more immediate purport of this letter, I will advert to a very minor point, in which I do not agree with Mr. Mackintosh, at least, not to the extent to which he takes it. In No. 676, he says, that "he is, as well as the astronomers, much perplexed in their endeavours to account for the brilliant appearance of the moon and planets, and cannot conceive it to result from the reflection of the sun's rays from mere earthy matter." In No. 160 of the Mechanics' Magazine, may be seen an article of mine, "On the Light and the Atmosphere of the Moon;" but as Mr. Mackintosh, and others of your readers, may not be able to lay their hands on that Number, I will just repeat an outline of the observations I make therein on the subject of reflected light. First, allow a ray of solar light to enter a room, otherwise as well darkened as possible, through a small hole in a windowshutter. Let the end of the ray fall into a hat, suspended on the opposite side of Then let the observer remark

the room. the effect of every fly, or minute particle' of matter called dust, which passes through the ray. It will be difficult for him to conceive that the particles he sees are not eminently luminous in their own natures, such will be the refulgence of their appearance! Again, let him furnish himself with a bull's-eye lantern, and walk out into the open fields on a dark night. He will find the luminous rays quite invisible, except when they strike upon any object, such as a hedge, a tree, &c. In a stage-coach, if he sits with his back to the horses and to the lamps, which cast their light forwards, he will be entirely in the dark, except when the coach passes a wall or a hedge; and if he would wish to read or see the hour by his watch, he can only do so by the projection from the coach-box of a flap of a coat or a wisp of straw in front of the lamp, so as to reflect the light back to the place which he occupies. Many other trials might be suggested,

but the hole in the window-shutter and the "bull's eye" lantern, properly used, will supply competent evidence of the extraordinary effects of reflected light. Any person standing on the top of a very high mountain, such as the cones of Etna or Vesuvius, and the heavens being cloudless and free from mist, if he turn his back to the sun, he will scarcely be able to see the hour by his watch, unless he so places his hand, or hat, or some other object before him, so as to reflect the light. of the sun upon the object. A room, with its window towards the north, does not receive near so much light on a perfectly cloudless day as when there are many clouds floating along, which serve to reflect the light in all directions. During the most brilliant eruptions of Vesuvius, accompanied with a flow of lava at a perfectly white heat, 'I have been on the mountain, which has been suddenly enveloped in clouds. Upon this occurring, we find ourselves surrounded on all sides with an equal glare; and but for the knowledge of the ground, and the continued explosions, it would be impossible to distinguish from which side of us the light proceeds, intense and refulgent as it is, far more than the conflagration of the largest city in the world.

The principle of merely reflected light is sufficient for the phenomena of the Moon, and of Venus, Mars, Mercury, Vesta, Pallas, and Ceres. But with respect to the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and the Georgium Sidus, which are so much further removed from our and their sun, as to cause that paternal luminary appear to them not much bigger than they appear to us, it is probable that, in virtue of their greater bulk, they possess a luminous property of their own, by reason of a cause which I shall perhaps be able to show in this communication, in its sequel.

The objection I have made to Mrs Mackintosh's ideas on the reflected lightTM of the moon and planets is scarcely worthy of being recorded; but as the subject may be very easily enlightened by the little experiments I propose, I have restated them for the benefit of those who may choose to try them.

With respect to Mr. Mackintosh's "electrical theory of the universe," f shall now proceed to state what have been my ideas on that subject ever since the year 1817. In that year I had the