Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB
[graphic]
[ocr errors]

require or deserve national encouragement. A designer, I grant, is neither a machinemaker nor a machine-worker, but he is a machine-user, and, therefore, he can never know his business well without some knowledge both of mechanical science, or, as I may call it, dynamics, and also of the practical

First Steps to Geometry.

(Continued from page 86.)

PROBLEM XV.

working of machinery; but, to make this AN arc A c being given to complete the cirknowledge complete, there should be added to cumference.

it the elements of statics, for questions of equilibrium very often arise in discussing the composition of forces. I may be told that these have no relation to art; but I beg it to be understood that I am writing on the education of designers and not on the education of artists. Flower patterns are among the most common and popular forms of design, and a knowledge of botany is absolutely necessary to their effective production. I have seen groups produced by English designers in which the flowers of spring and autumn were absurdly blended, the natural characteristics of the plants utterly lost, and the harmonies of nature, which art may imitate but cannot mend, thereby effectually destroyed. The climbing of the convolvulus affords an admirable archetype for patterns, and has, therefore, been often copied in design; but one sticks on his convolvulus stem the flowers of the ranunculus, and another gives to the climbing plant the form of prehension which belongs only to the creeping or the pendant plant. The blunders of this kind are without number

"Velut ægri somnia, vanæ Finguntur species: ut nec pes, nec caput uni Reddatur formæ."

For these vane species I would venture to propose the species and genera of natural science-that is, of NATURE herself, sciences being merely the classification of observed facts. Some portion of zoology would be useful, for in many designs animal forms are introduced, and, what is not less important, animal substances supply many of the materials on which design is to be exercised."

[blocks in formation]

These are plain words, and, what is more, ference in proportion as 7 is to 22 nearly, The diameter of a circle being to its circumplain sense; nothing looks worse in design than ignorance-in fact, it renders the whole divide the diameter A B into seven equal parts; ridiculous; and what is intended to strike the draw a line c D, on which set off three times observer with its beauty merely excites a the diameter A B plus one-seventh of the same feeling of pity for the artist and contempt for diameter, and the right line c D will be equal his handiwork. We shall return to this to the given circumference, as required. subject.

BOTANIC GARDENS.-For a proof of the value of botanical knowledge, we cannot do better than refer our readers to our leading article this week. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are now open daily; the pleasure gardens on Sundays and Thursdays, and we earnestly recommend our readers to pay them frequent visits. The pupils of the various Schools of Design have now a good opportunity of improving themselves in this department, as Botanic Gardens are now open in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Chelsea, Hull, Oxford, and Cambridge. We hope it will not be lost sight of,

(To be continued.)

SILICEOUS SOLUTION FOR THE PROTECTION or STONE-WORK.-M. Kuhlmann's process consists in mixing fifty-six pounds of the impure carbonate of soda, denominated barilla, and twenty-eight pounds (and gradually more if necessary) of any clean siliceous grit-sand (or scrapings of flint-made roads, well washed from extraneons matter) in ten gallons of water until this sand shall cease to be dissolved even by a strong heat applied for some few hours to the vessel. To apply this solution, dressed or sculptured blocks should be immersed in it while clear and hot, or brushed over with it cold prior or subsequently to their being set up.

On Fresco Painting.

resists moisture, must be employed, as it is necessary to detach the cloths first used by tepid water, after the back of the painting is fastened to its new bed. Count Balbi, of Venice, fastened cloth to the wall with a paste composed of beer and flour, and rivetted it to the irregularities of the surface with the assistance of a hammer composed of bristles.

(Concluded from page 87.) Selection of Lime for the Ground-work of the Fresco Painting. There is not, perhaps, a single point in the whole process of fresco painting of more importance than this one, for Cleaning Frescoes.-On this subject, Coron it depends the durability of the picture to nelius says that if, after fifty or a hundred be painted. The lime required is that which is years, it should be found that the dirt had as near as possible pure carbonate of lime, accumulated to a great extent, the surface without any intermixture of foreign sub-could be cleaned with bread. The mouldy stances. The lime of this description found in England is only procurable on Durdham Down, near Bristol. Its analysis is as fol

lows:

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]

It would be useless in this place to give the detailed descriptions and analyses of the various foreign limes, although we may mention that, among the most generally esteemed are those of Travertine, Genoa, and Munich.

Slaking and Seasoning the Lime.—At Munich, the following plan is pursued:- Fill a pit with clean burnt brimstones, and then, having poured in a sufficiency of water, stir them until the whole be reduced to an impalpable consistence. When this has been effected, spread clean river sand over the surface, about a foot or more in depth, so as to keep out the air, and, finally, cover over the whole with earth. Most of the other methods generally agree with this; but with regard to the period for which the lime is to be suffered to remain in this state some difference of opinion exists some say three and others eight years. Mr. Buss, however, states that our plasterers are of opinion that a few months are amply sufficient to extract the injurious tendencies of lime.

Removal of Frescoes. For this purpose Mr. Gruner adopted with success the following plan:-First clean the wall perfectly, then pass a strong glue over the surface, and by this means fasten a sheet of fine calico on it. After having been rivetted to the irregularities of the wall, the calico must be afterwards, in like manner, covered with glue, and on that fasten common strong linen. In this state, heat must be applied, which will cause the glue even on the fresco to sweat through the cloths and to incorporate the whole. The whole may be left in this state two or three days (the time required may vary, according to the heat of the weather). The superfluous cloth extending beyond the painting must now be cut off, so as to leave a sharp edge. The operation of stripping or rolling off the cloth must be commenced at the corners above and below, and, at length, the mere weight of the cloth and what adheres to it will assist to detach the whole, while the wall behind will appear white-every particle of colour remaining attached to the cloth. To transfer the painting again to cloth, in completing the operation above described, a stronger glue, which

appearance which sometimes shows itself is to Professor be removed with a wet sponge. Hess remarks that, if frescoes were painted in the open air in London, the rain would be the best picture-cleaner, which would certainly seem to imply that frescoes may be washed without fear of injury. Mr. Barker gives the following directions:-"To clean fresco from smoke, I know of no mode so simple and efficacious as to wash the surface with pure water, using a soft sponge in the operation." Mr. Wilson states that, in Genoa, frescoes are cleaned with vinegar. Carlo Maratti employed wine with success.

Review.

The Household Book of Practical Receipts. Edited by W. E. Hall, Esq., Mrs. G. W. M. Reynolds, and Mrs. Pierson. London: Dicks, 7, Brydges-street, Covent-garden.

At the present time, when popular science may almost be said to rule both the intellect and literary outlay of the working man, it is pleasing to observe such works as the one now under notice contributing, not their mite, but a really vast fund of useful information for his edification. The 'Household Book of Practical Receipts" contains a great deal more than its title would seem to import; true it is that, as a domestic book of reference, its value is immense; but the scientific information of a practical nature that it contains will fully entitle it to be placed, in a humble garb, on the bookshelf of the poorest savant, while, in a richer one, it will be an indispensable work in the library of every Mechanics' Institute. The plan upon which it is conducted adds much to its present value. The receipts are not given under any peculiar classification, but are entirely ruled by the wishes of correspondents, who, desiring for particular ones, signify the same to the editors, when, if at all procurable, they are immediately supplied. Altogether, it is a work worthy of every success. We would, however, suggest that a regularly classified index would enhance its value when completed.

DECORATION OF THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.-A long list of subjects which the commissioners intend to offer as matters of future competition for the decoration of particular rooms in the new houses will be shortly announced.

Notices to Correspondents.

GENERAL NOTICE. As we intend this Work to contain as large a quantity of Information concerning! Artistic and Scientific Progress as possible, the Secretaries) of London and Provincial Mechanics' Institutes are requested to forward Copies of their Reports, Lectures delivered, &c., which will meet with Immediate Attention.

CROSSES.-The use of crosses was exceedingly various in the olden time; but were most frequently employed to mark the spot where any singular instance of God's mercy had been shown, and yet more frequently as a memorial of the traveller murdered by robbers, or of any one who had met with a violent death, and who, from his rank in life, or the peculiar circumstances of the case, excited a more than usual interest. They were also erected where the corpse of any great personage had rested, when being carried to the grave, for in those days the We cannot undertake to return Rejected Commudead were prodigious travellers, and we often find them removing more than once or twice from what in their case would be erroneously called the final resting-place. One object of these rests was that they might pray for the soul of the departed. Occasionally crosses were erected in church-yards, to remind the people of the benefit vouchsafed to us by the cross of our Saviour; and in yet earlier times they were raised at most places of public concourse, or at the meeting of three or four highways.

nications. All Letters must be Prepaid. We shall be happy to receive any Contributions of a practical description relating to any of the subjects purposed to be treated on in this Work.

Part III. of the DECORATOR'S ASSISTANT, in an embellished Wrapper, is now ready, price Sevenpence. Parts I. and II. still continue on sale. In consequence of the great and increasing demand for the Back Numbers of the DECORATOR'S ASSISTANT, Subscribers are respectfully requested to complete their Sets without delay.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Advertisements will be received for the Wrapper of this Work according to the following Scale of Prices:

Under ten lines
Quarter-page

Half-page.
Whole page

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

Ls. d. .050

0 10 0

0 18 0

1 10 0

All Advertisements must be sent early in order to insure

insertion.

METAL GILDING.-The relative merits and peculiarities of the three modes, namely, by amalgam, by galvanic action, by mere immersion, have been rather curiously brought to light by the simple test of nitric acid applied by M. Barral. The article, when attacked by dilute acid, yields a pellicle or scale of gold pure on the inner surface if electro-gilt, or by immersion; but if by amalgamation, of a reddish brown colour, showing that the coating|T. B. (Cork).—The Glossary which we are now publishing is has been united with the substance of the article by a double amalgamation, so that the old process is a more solid one than the new; but then the pellicle of the old process is full of minute but distinct holes, through which the mercury had been driven off, while the pellicle of the new is quite opaque and solid, so that the latter is much better adapted to vessels in domestic use liable to the action of acids, while the former will probably stand mechanical wear and tear with much more hardiness and endurance.

ORNAMENTING WOOD IS THE LATHE.-The method consists in forming a composition of shellac and resin, to which various coloured powders are added, whilst the composition is in the melted state; such, for instance, as redlead, vermilion, Prussian blue, indigo, king's yellow, yellow ochre, lamp-black, &c.; each colour being formed into a separate mass or ball, to be used in the following manner:— When the wood is turned into shape, and running swiftly round in the lathe, a ball of the desired colour is held against it, in the place desired to be coloured; the heat produced by the friction quickly melts a portion of the coloured mass, which adheres to the wood, and is then to be spread and diffused over its surface, and polished, by means of a piece of cork held against it. The edges of the coloured rings are then brought into an accurately defined shape by means of the turning tool; and then another colour may be applied to the wood in a similar manner, and so on, until the designed effect is produced.

the first of the description that has ever been attempted. Any omissions that may occur will be supplied in an appendix. H. RICHARDSON (Norwich). We have in preparation a series of popular papers on Chemistry.

A WELL-WISHER (Leeds).-We shall at all times be glad
to receive extracts from valuable or scarce books on any of
the subjects connected with Decoration or the Arts and
Sciences.

N. B.-M. Levol states that the chloride of silver is decom-
posed by being boiled in a solution of potash in which a
fittle sugar has been previously dissolved; the sugar
gradually reduces the metal in a short time, carbonic acid
gas being disengaged. After due washing, the metal is
obtained in the pulverulent state.
A MASON'S APPRENTICE.-Mr. A. Nesbit's "Treatise on
Practical Mensuration," 12th edition, price 6s., boards;
published by Longman and Co. The "Complete Treatise
on Practical Arithmetic," by John Abram, is a very good
SUBSCRIBER-Our correspondent requires "the ingre-
one; puolished by Darton and Clark, Holborn-hill.

A

dients of colour best suited for maple-wood imitating." Can any of our readers supply him with the information? T. G. PAINTER (Hulme). The dissolving views are produced by the junction of two "magic lanterns," simultaneously acted upon by a vivid and powerful light known as the oxy-hydrogen light. There is no difference in the painting of the glasses.

J. SYDNEY.-Any information upon the subject will be
acceptable.

x. Y. Z-An article on the subject shortly.
Z. A.-About twenty-eight numbers.
D. H.-You will find an illustrated article on the Electric
Telegraph in No. 2, p. 11, and No. 3, p. 19.
QUESTIONS TOO TRIVIAL OR INAPPROPRIATE.-J.

D. M.,

Marcus, V. H. T., L. L. L., R. F., H. H., D. M. CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED.-K. S., C. H., C. M. ERRATUM.-In page 83, column 1, line 12 from top, for

“was” read “war."

London: Published at the Office of the SPORTSMAN'S MAGAZINE, 17, Holywell-street, Strand (where all communications to the Editor are to be addressed); and to be had of all Booksellers.-Saturday, August 7, 1847.

Printed by W. COOLE, Lumley Court, Strand.

An Illustrated Glossary of Technical
Terms used in Architectural and
Enterior Decoration.

(Continued from page 90.) BALLOON, a round ball or globe placed at the top of a pillar, or the like, by way of acroter or

ing edges of the inclosed panel.
edge of the frame adjoining to the correspond-

BEAD MOULDING, one of the ornaments

employed throughout all the periods of Saxon architecture.

BEAM, a strong and generally square piece of timber, employed as a support for floors, roofs, &c. The following are the technical terms by which it is known according to its positions or uses-A tie beam, the lowest cross beam of a trussed roof; a straining or collar beam, a beam extending betwixt a pair of opposite rafters; a camber beam, when terminating the upper part of a truss.

BEAK-HEAD, an ornament employed in very

crowning. They are chiefly employed in early Gothic architecture representing a Elizabethan architecture.

BAND (in architecture)," any broad and not very deep flat member or moulding. Also the set of mouldings encircling the centre of the pillar in early English edifices. A tablet or string course around a tower, &c.; as we say, a band of trefoils, or other ornaments.

head and terminating in the beak of a

BARTIZAN, a projecting turret of a small bird.

[graphic][merged small]

size, and only capable of holding one or two archers.

A

below the corona, between that and the frieze

BAY-WINDOW, a window placed in the bow (marked A in the engraving). of a building.

BELVEDERE (signifying the beautiful, as "Apollo Belvedere"), an observatory built on the roof of a house; or any small ornamented building on high ground in a garden intended for the same purpose.

BEVIL, a portion of a flat surface smoothly cut off so as to form a regular angle, either

[graphic][merged small][merged small][merged small]
« ZurückWeiter »