From the above it will appear evident, that the beams a, a, a, had to support a much greater weight than the beams b, b, b, &c., and consequently they required to be made of proportionably greater strength. They were made stronger, but, unfortunately, from inadvertency, or rather from want of knowledge, they were strengthened in the wrong place, and instead of adding the additional strength to the bottom flanch, which is always subjected to the greater strain, it was given to the middle of the beam, where it was not required.

It is well known, or it ought to be known, to every person giving instructions for the form and construction of iron beams, that the strength is nearly a proportional of the section of the bottom rib or flanch, and according to Mr. Hodgkinson's experiments, a bottom flanch of double the size will give nearly double the strength.

These facts having been proved by direct experiment, it is important to all those concerned in the construction of fire-proof buildings, in which the lives of the public and the property of individuals are at stake, that the form of beams, and the section of greatest strength, should be perfectly and thoroughly understood, and those unacquainted with the subject we would beg to refer to Mr. Hodgkinson's paper on the strength of iron beams, in the 5th vol., second series, of the "Memoirs of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester."

In ordinary cases we should not have troubled the jury with these remarks, but in cases of such importance as the present,

where the lives of so many persons have been sacrificed to defective knowledge and skill in the construction of buildings, wherein considerations of such importance are involved, we have considered it our duty thus publicly to direct attention to the subject, not only as regards the present case, but respectfully to urge upon the proprietors of mills, and of other buildings containing workpeople, the necessity which exists for a more secure and perfect system of building, and for a further developement of the principles upon which fire-proof edifices are founded. If this suggestion is properly received and acted upon, we have reason to believe that we should not again have occasion to investigate occurrences of so lamentable and so distressing a nature as the pre

sent.

We have already observed that the beams a, a, a, in the preceding sketch, when strengthened, not, however, in the bottom flanch, but in the middle part of the beam, where they are thickened, and where it was absolutely of no use, had the same quantity of metal been given to the lower flanch, these beams (the weakest in the building) would have carried nearly double the weight, and thus, by a proper and judicious distribution of the metals, the building, as well as the lives of the people, would have been saved. These observations apply to all the other beams of the mill, which are also defective as respects their strength.

In computing the weights upon each beam, it was found that those supporting the arches of 10 feet 6 inches, and those of 11 feet 6 inches span, had to support a load

350

(without machinery) respectively of 10 and 11 tons, and those sustaining the ends of the longitudinal beams were acted upon with a load of 13 tons. Now, if we take the sections of these beams and calculate the weights necessary to break them, when laid upon the middle, it will be found that the breaking weights for the beams a, a, a, and b, b, b, &c., will be nearly the same, or about 9 tons. This is the breaking weight of an average quality of iron, and allowing for the difference of metals, it could not be raised much above 10 or 10 tons; the breaking weight would therefore be about 10 tons when the beam is loaded in the middle, and 20 tons when equally distributed over the whole surface of the projecting flanch of the beam.

Having ascertained the bearing powers of the beams, we shall next compare their strength with the actual loads they were called upon to sustain, and in making that comparison, it must be borne in mind that the two beams a, a, next the side wall, had their loads unequally distributed, which reduced their bearing powers to 5 tons. Now, the load which these beams had to support was 13 tons, 8 tons being supported on a single point on one side, and 5 tons distri、buted over the surface of the opposite flanch on the other. From this it will be seen that the actual loads was to the breaking weight as the numbers 13.75 to 15, or as 1 to 1.09, being within a mere fraction, or 1.10, of absolute destruction.

Viewing the subject in this light, and taking the above calculations as data, we are no longer at a loss as to the cause of the accident; even supposing the arches to have stood, it will appear obvious that so close an approximation of the breaking weight to the actual load was extremely unsafe, and that under such circumstances no precautions could have prevented the rupture of the transverse beams a, a, a, whenever they happened to be subjected to the slightest impact or any vibratory motion tending to disturb the parts under strain, and eventually still further to lessen their diminished powers of resistance.

Irrespective of the weakness of the iron beams, which we consider as the primary cause of the accident, we would beg to advert to the tie-rods, which, although sufficient in number and strength, were not judiciously placed as respects their position for resisting the strain of the arch. Their maximum part of tension is at the bottom flanch of the beam; but that being inconvenient, they should on no account be placed higher than the soffit of the arch, and in this position they would perforate the neutral axis, and give sufficient security to the arch

without injuring the strength of the beam; instead, however, of approaching this point, they were on the top of the beam, and 18 inches from the bottom flanch.

As respects the arches, we found the versed sine or rise of the arch too low; on most occasions they are 14 to the foot, but, in order to insure perfect security, we should advise, in all future buildings of this description, that the rise be 1 inch to every foot of span. In this case they were only a small fraction above an inch, having a rise of only 12 inches in a space of 11 feet 6 inches.

On viewing the columns, several imperfections were observed in the variable thickness of the metal, but in other respects the pillars were satisfactory, and presented no features of weakness indicating danger from those parts; 1 inch more in diameter, with the same weight of metal, would, however, have given greater security and greater strength.

We cannot close this report without reverting to the anxious solicitude of Messrs. Radcliffe, and the strong desire evinced by those gentlemen to have every part of the structure upon the first and strongest principle; and we should imperfectly discharge our duty if we neglected, on this occurrence, to bear testimony to the superior strength of all parts of the building, except those we have just described, and on which it could not be expected they could form an opinion.

In conclusion, we have great pleasure in stating, that it appears to us that no pecuniary considerations whatever were present to the minds of Messrs. Radcliffe in the due and perfect construction of their mills.

After the preceding report had been read to the jury,

Mr. Fairbairn commented on the passages which had especial reference to the critical state of the building previous to the accident, and the consequent imminent danger of the mill. He and Mr. Bellhouse agreed in the opinion, that the vibratory action spoken of in the evidence, and produced by the causes set forth in the report, would be inevitably calculated to loosen the arches, and the whole would come down in a mass. The weakness of the beams, however, might be considered the primary use of the accident.

A juryman observed, that it had been stated that the beams had been tested with a weight of 20 tons, and he was desirous of ascertaining, from the practical knowledge of the professional gentlemen then present, whether such a process might not permanently injure the beam subjected to a trial of the kind?

Mr. Fairbairn said it certainly might have

that effect; but explained the ease with which the extent of injury might be estimated. If, he observed, the beam did not restore itself-if its elasticity were not discovered to be complete, after subjecting it to such a test, it would not be trustworthy; the beam should return nearly to its former state, or proof would most undoubtedly be afforded that permanent injury was sustained.

Verdict." Accidental Death, caused by the falling of the building; and the jury are unanimously of opinion that the causes of the accident are fully pointed out by the able report of Messrs. Fairbairn and Bellhouse."

PATENT LAW CASES.

First Extension of Patent under the last Privy Council Act.

JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY

COUNCIL, NOV. 7, 1844.

Present, the Vice Chancellor of England, Vice Chancellor Wigram, Dr. Lushington, Mr. Baron Parke, and the Right Hon. J. Bosanquet.

Re Earl of Dundonald.*

Lord DUNDONALD appeared in person to support the prayer of his petition. His lordship explained the nature of his invention-stated that he had expended a large sum of money on it, and that it would require several years before he could expect to receive any remuneration; he therefore prayed their lordships for an extension of the patent for such a term of years as they might think proper.

After some conversation between their

A

*The reader need hardly be reminded that it was at the instance of the Earl of Dundonald that the late Privy Council Act (which will be found at length in our Magazine of the 17th August last), extending the period for which letters patent may be renewed, from seven to fourteen years, was passed; and he will not, therefore, be surprised that his lordship should have been the first to avail himself of it. As little will it surprise any one who is acquainted with the merits of rotary engines in general, and Lord Dundonald's in particular, that there should have been no opposition to his lordship's application. "Mr. Henton, engineer," it will be observed, gave it as his opinion, that the Dundonald rotary, was "the most valuable improvement in machinery which had been projected for the last forty years"! May we ask who this Mr. Heuton is? Who ever heard of him before? Could nobody be found to give evidence on behalf of his lordship who was known to, and looked up to by, the public as an authority in such matters? Where were the MaudsJays, the Fields, the Seawards, the Rennies, the Millers? One important lesson we may deduce from this case, and that is, that since the Privy Council have seen fit, on such slender evidence as that of this" Mr. Henton, engineer," to extend Lord Dundonald's patent for the full term of fourteen years, there can scarcely ever occur a case hereafter in which the like extension can be decently refused. Rare times for patentees!

351

lordships, the VICE-CHANCELLOR inquired whether his lordship would object to give evidence on oath as to the expense he had been put to, and other questions it might be necessary to ask?

Lord DUNDONALD: No objection what

ever.

His lordship was then sworn, and, in answer to questions by the Vice-Chancellor, said, that he was certain he had expended between 12,000l. and 14,000l. in carrying out his invention, and that he had not been reimbursed a single shilling; that attempts were now making to imitate his invention, and therefore he made this application.

The VICE CHANCELLOR: It appears your lordship has spent a large sum in carrying out this invention; is it likely to injure any one if carried into operation?

Lord DUNDONALD: Certainly not, my lords.

Mr. HENTON, engineer, was then examined. He thought that if the patent was carried out, it would be very advantageous to the public, and perfectly safe. He considered it the most valuable improvement in machinery which had been projected for the last forty years.

Mr. WADDINGTON (who appeared as counsel for the crown) said, he had no objection to the application, as, by the terms of the specification, the Crown, if it thought proper, could avail itself of the merits of the invention. He considered the success of the noble lord's invention of national import

ance.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR: I am of opinion that this is a proper case for the extension of a patent. What time will be sufficient to recompense his lordship? Will seven years be adequate?

Mr. HENTON: I should say not, my lord; it will take some years before any profit can arise. The Lords of the Admiralty have had the invention submitted to them.

Another consultation took place between their lordships, after which,

The VICE-CHANCELLOR (addressing Lord Dundonald) said, We are unanimously of opinion, that as your lordship has been put to great expense, without at present having received any remuneration, your application not being opposed by the Crown, and as it appears likely to be one of great advantage, and attended with safety to the public, the term of your patent ought to be extended; we shall, therefore, recommend her Majesty to extend the patent for the term of fourteen years.

COURT OF CHANCERY.

Thorneycroft and Gladstone v. Jones. In this case a Bill had been filed by the plaintiffs, who are the proprietors of the

patent for the scrap iron cutting machine described in the Mechanics' Magazine, vol. xli. p. 2, against the defendant for an infringement of the invention, and a motion was about to be made for an injunction, when the defendant abandoned all opposition, and agreed to take a license from the plaintiffs for the use of their machine.

COURT OF EXCHEQUER-MONDAY, NOV. 11. Sittings in Banco.

Russell v. Ledsam and others.

In this case, which was an action for an infringement of a patent for welding iron tubes, and the trial of which had occupied Mr. Baron Alderson several days on two different occasions, (see Mechanics' Magazine, vol. xl, page 445,) Mr. KIRBY now moved for a rule nisi for liberty to enter up a verdict for the defendants on the seventh and ninth issues, pursuant to leave reserved by the learned judge who tried the cause for a new trial, on the ground of the verdict being perverse, and against the evidence; and to arrest the judgment, on the ground of the new patent granted to Mr. Russell, as assignee" of the original inventor, having been granted contrary to law.

66

The Court was pleased to grant a rule nisi on all these points.

Copper trade with India.-It appears from a statement in the Swansea Journal, that in "the years 1835-6, 1836-7, and 1837-8, the importation of this article amounted on an average to the value of 2,575,000 rupees (257,5007.), but the last of these years had so heavy a proportion as to cause a glut in the market, which was felt to some extent till 1841, when the average of three years was 2,126,000 rupees, or 212,6001. The trade then recovered rapidly, the average of 1841-2 and 1843-4 being 3,243,000 rupees, and the proportion of the latter year amounting to no less than 12 lakhs, or 420,0007." The writer goes on to observe that as "the only use to which copper is as yet turned, is in manufacturing the domestic utensils of the Hindoos, who no sooner emerge from abject poverty, than they hasten to exchange their earthenware for dishes, and water-pots of brass," an increase in the demand for copper, shows an improvement in the social condition of the natives, which opens further prospects for British commerce.

Pickled Eggs.-In the counties of Hants and Dorset pickled eggs constitute a very prominent

feature in the farmhouse store-rooms, insomuch that they would be considered by the industrious housewife but indifferently furnished without them. The mode in which the good dames pickle them is simply thus:-At the season of the year when their stock of eggs is plentiful, they cause some four or six dozen to be boiled in a capacious saucepan until they become quite hard. They then, after removing the shells, lay them carefully in large-mouthed jars, and pour over them scalding vinegar, well seasoned with whole pepper, allspice, a few races of ginger, and a few cloves of garlic. When cold they are bunged down close, and in a month are fit for use. Where eggs are plentiful, the above pickle is by no means expensive, and as an ascetic accompaniment to cold meat, it cannot be outrivalled for piquancy and goût.

Atlantic and Pacific Junction Canal.—A communication between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, through the American Isthmus, would be of incalculable importance to the whole commercial world, but the difficulties opposing such an undertaking are greater than have, at first sight, appeared. Of the three parts at which a division of the isthmus has been proposed, that of Panama seems, at first, most favourable, as it is the narrowest; but, besides its bad climate, scanty population and meagre resources, it has been estimated that the work would require the co-operation of several nations and an expenditure of some 8,000,000%. At Nicaragua the distance is greater, but is intersected by a vast lake; yet the winding river of St. John, with its rapids and the mountain-chain towards the south, requiring, as some have stated, a tunnel to be driven through granite and porphyry, present great obstacles. The territory of Tehuantepec is considerably wider, but according to a survey just published, the practicability of the work is in an inverse ratio to the shortness of the distance, so that while it appears impossible at Panama, and immensely difficult at Nicaragua, it is comparatively easy at Tehuantepec. The advantages at this point are in the lagoons and extensive plains, good climate, a well-peopled coun try, rich soil, and abundant resources, the course of the Coatzacoalcos river, and its northerly situation favourable for vessels on their return from the Pacific.

Fatal Shell Experiments.-On Tuesday last a dreadful accident occurred on Wimbledon-common to an old soldier of the name of James Taylor, while assisting Dr. Ryan, of the Royal Polytechnic Institution, in a series of experiments on a new explosive shell, the invention of Mr. Buckingham. The shell is one of a peculiar construction, having no fusee, and resembling in its external character the common cannon ball. The inventor, however, professes to have so perfect a control over the missile, that by merely changing the position of the shell, as it is placed in the gun, it may be made to explode 1, 2, 3, or even fifteen minutes after it has been fired. Four or five dozen of these shells were fired during the morning under the direction of Dr. Ryan, who had been retained professionally to watch the results. Two of them, which ought to have exploded each a few minutes after leaving the gun, having remained quiet upwards of two hours, it was supposed that a failure had occurred. Dr. Ryan having left the ground to return to town, Mr. Buckingham and James Taylor proceeded to remove the unexploded shells. One of these had been already in the hands of two or three persons, when Taylor took it for the purpose of washing the earth off its surface. He was in the act of stooping when the shell burst, carrying away both the poor fellow's hands, and wounding him most dreadfully. Some faint hopes are, however, entertained of his recovery.