parts of this plan may be applied with profit. The mode of framing the decks, for instance, might be used to save lodging-knees in vessels built in other respects in the usual mode. Other parts of it might be applied to the strengthening old vessels, which, by this means, might be made to last many years, after they would otherwise have been unserviceable.

The principles of this method of building are capable of being extended still further than they are in the vessel here described: the triangular framing may be even adopted to the construction of fore and aft ribs, so that I could have them constructed also of small timber, if required. Thus, by this means, the former barrier to the increase of size in ships is removed, as it no longer now. depends on the size of timber; and ships of any dimensions required may be formed, of any strength requisite, of small timber.

Before concluding this paper, I take the opportunity to offer to notice another matter of some consequence, though in an inferior degree; which is a capstan that I have contrived, so as to deliver off the messenger as fast as it receives it, without requiring to stop, to raise, or shift the messenger; and this it performs without any of the complicated means used in most other methods for the same purpose, or occasioning any additional friction, which most hitherto made public do. It is also so easily formed, that any good shipwright could make it.

I also beg leave to caution the public against some patents taken out since the date of mine, particularly one a full year after, which directs the use of diagonal ledges in the framing of decks, and which, in other respects, seems to be an intended imitation of my patent. Now as one of the chief parts of my invention consists

in the use of triangular framing in the deck-framing and elsewhere; and as it is an utter impossibility to use diagonal pieces in frame-work without producing triangles, I leave every one to judge of the risk that will be run in adopting such evident infringements of my right.

Any farther information relative to the advantages to be expected from my patent method of constructing large ships from small timber, I will give with pleasure to any who have serious motives for the enquiry, or answer post-paid letters, directed to No. 9, George'sstreet, Minories, where I am now ready to receive proposals for superintending the construction of other vessels on the same plan.

I am, Gentlemen,

Your very humble servant,

J. W. BOSWELL.

Description of a self-acting Water-Closet; invented by T. W. Esq. of Batheaston, and communicated by Mr. BENJAMIN HOOKE, Optician, Fleet-street.

With an Engraving.

A, Fig. 5, Plate XVI. the reservoir.

B, a copper or leaden cylinder, having an inverted valve at the top, and an upright valve at the bottom, which are connected with each other, and to the end of the lever C, by a wire or chain. The cylinder is terminated at each end by brass flanches, which unite it to the parts fixed above and below by screws; by removing which the cylinders may be detached, and the valves new-leathered, &c.

D, the seat of the closet, fixed at one extremity by hiuges, and having a wire or chain fixed to the other

extremity

extremity against the side wall, which passes through the pipe E (soldered into the reservoir), over the wheel or crank F, to the lever at G.

I, the weight or counterpoise, of about three or four pounds.

K, the basin, communicating with the cylinder B at the side, and the stink-trap L and soil-pipe M beneath. N, an air-pipe, leading from the cylinder to the open air.

O, a male and female screw, fitted to the wire by swivels, to regulate its length.

The Operation.

The counterpoise operating powerfully on the upper valve prevents the escape of any water from the reservoir into the cylinder; but on a person sitting down, the seat D is depressed about an inch, when the wire or chain, passing over the wheel to the lever at G, raises the counterpoise, and opens the upper inverted valve, and closes the lower one, which prevents the water that rushes into the cylinder from making its escape into the basin, But on the person's rising from the seat, the counterpoise again closes the upper valve, and permits the contents of the cylinder to rush into the basin by the opening of the lower valve.

N. B. The air-pipe N is soldered into the reservoir, and united to the cylinder by a swivel-screw. It should be made at least of inch-pipe, to admit air sufficient to enable the water to escape with its full force.

The basin should not be of the kind which admits the water obliquely, and gives it a circular motion, as in this case the water, being checked, has not sufficient force to drive the soil clear of the basin.

New