"Inventors scarcely ever receive the compensation due their however distinguished merit, either pecuniary or laudatory. The originators or first conceivers of the most momentous plans of utility and comfort are oftenest the most grossly neglected and overlooked."

"Shortly after these details reached the U. States, by Professor S. F. B. Morse, of New York, who was at the time of the discovery residing in Paris."

"This committee give their services for the promotion of good to the cause of Invention and Science, without any consideration other than this."

"Almost all other branches of knowledge have their magazines and journals, and other means of diffusing information, so that in their departments hardly a desideratum is left to be supplied; while the Inventor, as such, has almost no channel through which he may legitimately appear before the public." "An editorial committee was accordingly appointed for the supervision of this department, and to whose inspection all matter of the journal, previous to publication, will be submitted."

All the previous articles have been descriptive. We now come to our argumentative, on Novelty in Inventions. The reasoning powers of the writer may be learned from the following:

"Thus we conclude that the novelty of an invention consists in making something 'useful to society,' and that in an original and novel way, so as to embody the great principle of invention." Or, as far as the writer has informed us, the novelty is the useful, the useful is the original and novel, and the original and novel are the great principle, and the great principle is the novelty or something else.

"We offer an explanation, not an apology for the want of a more full variety of scientific matter."

"Fisher's Magazine publishes a complete list, comprising the Railroads of the U. States, as far as they are completed, and as far as particulars are known."

"The French government has patronized an exploration of the island of Cyprus, for the purpose of exploring its architectural remains."

Under the head of "Editors' Table," I subjoin the principal and most important sentence:

"In this department we have but little room, and in this case it is, perhaps, well we have little, as it is seldom much in the way of articles for notice, are placed before an editorial corps before the appearance of the first number."

With the exception of three or four articles, the whole number is discreditable to The National Association of Inventors. A second number should not appear until the editors have had the benefit of at least one term in the preparatory school of Columbia College.

Sept. 15, 1846. S. F.

* * * * *

A heron measuring over six feet from tip to tip of his wings, and nearly four feet from beak to toe, was lately captured in Whately, Mass. His beak was six inches in length.

* * * * *

The print works of East Greenwich, R. I. engaged in printing mousseline-de-laines, are preparing to close business and shut up.

* * * * *

WORTHY OF ATTENTION.—"We wonder at the foolish practice of the Chinese, in the uncomfortable form and pressure of their shoes, while at the time, the construction of our own is often but little better. If shoes were made in the shape of our feet so as to exert an equal pressure on every part, corns and bunions would never exist."—[N. Y. Organ, Sept. 19, 1846.

[Symbol: right Index] The above truthful and judicious remarks emanating from the able editors of the above valuable Journal, should strongly present itself to the minds of every person having an eye to the comforts of life. To those who have given a trial of the Superior Boots and Shoes manufactured with DICK'S Patent Elastic Metallic Shanks, information would be needless; for they could not be induced to purchase elsewhere. But we would respectfully ask attention of the entire Boot and Shoe wearing community, to call at 109 Nassau street, being assured that it gives the proprietors great pleasure to impart every information for the ease and comfort of the UNDERSTANDING, and also with regard to their entirely new mode of taking the measurement of the foot, to give an equal pressure on every part.

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ADVERTISEMENTS.

[Symbol: right Index] THIS paper circulates in every State in the Union, and is seen principally by mechanics and manufacturers. Hence, it may be considered the best medium of advertising, for those who import or manufacture machinery, mechanics tools, or such wares and materials as are generally used by those classes. The few advertisements in this paper are regarded with much more attention than those in closely printed dailies.

Advertisements are inserted in this paper at the following rates:

One square, of eight lines one insertion, $ 0.50 " " " " " two do., .75 " " " " " three do., 1.00 " " " " " one month, 1.25 " " " " " three do., 3.75 " " " " " six do., 7.50 " " " " " twelve do., 15.00

TERMS:—CASH IN ADVANCE.

GENERAL AGENTS

FOR THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. New York City, GEO. DEXTER. " " " WM. TAYLOR & CO. Boston, Messrs. HOTCHKISS & CO. Philadelphia, Messrs. COLON & ADRIANCE.

LOCAL AGENTS

Albany, PETER COOK. Baltimore, Md., S. SANDS. Cabotville, Mass., E. F. BROWN. Hartford, Ct., WM. WOODWARD. Lynn, Mass., J. E. F. MARSH. Middletown, Ct., WM. WOODWARD. Norwich, Ct., SAFFORD & PARKS. New Haven, Ct., E. DOWNES. New Bedford, Mass., WM. ROBINSON & CO. Newark, N.J., J. L. AGENS. Patterson, N.J., L. GARSIDE. Providence, R. I., H. & J.S. ROWE. Springfield, Mass., WM. B. BROCKET. Salem, Mass., S. CHANDLER. Troy, N.Y., W. SMITH. Taunton, Mass., W. P. SEAVER. Worcester, Mass., S. THOMPSON.

TRAVELLING AGENTS

V. D. DAVID, JOHN STOUGHTON, JOHN MURRAY, SYLVESTER DIERFENORF.

CITY CARRIERS

CLARK SELLECK, SQUIRE SELLECK, NATHAN SELLECK.

Persons residing in the city or Brooklyn, can have the paper left at their residences regularly, by sending their address to the office, 128 Fulton st., 2nd floor.

* * * * *

GOLD PENS!!—In consequence of the increased facility afforded by machinery for the manufacture of my GOLD PENS, I am enabled to furnish them to the Trade, at a much less price than they have heretofore obtained them through my Agent.

Those purchasing direct of the manufacturer will have the double advantage of the lowest market price, and the privilege of returning those that are imperfect. In connection with the above, I am manufacturing the usual style of PENHOLDER, together with PENCIL. All orders thankfully received, and punctually attended to.

A. G. BAGLEY.

sept 25. 1* 189 Broadway. N. Y.

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SHERWOOD'S MAGNETIC MACHINE,—Is warranted to be greatly superior to every other manufactured, by whatever imitations or pretensions foisted upon the public. No premium has ever been obtained over this machine at the American or any other Institute, as has been falsely represented. It imparts the magnetic forces more continuously, with less violence to the sensations of the patient, and with more permanent efficacy, than any other invented, while the cures it has actually effected are incomparably more numerous. It is compactly fitted, together withs it batteries, wires and other appliances in neat cases, of several sizes, and powers, at $10, $12, $14, and $16 each. Each case is accompanied with a Manual, (eighth edition, pp. 234, 8vo.) in the English or French language, according to order, containing specific direction for the new method of using the instrument, and which alone can render it effectual. H. H. SHERWOOD, M.D. 102 Chambers st. sept. 8 to2*

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GENERAL PATENT AGENCY.—The subscriber has established an agency at his warehouse, 12 Platt street, New York, for the protection and general advancement of the rights and interests of Inventors and Patentees.

The objects of this agency are more particularly to aid and assist Inventors and Patentees in effecting sales of their inventions and of goods and wares made therewith—and also for the sale and transfer of Patent Rights.

Arrangements have been made with a lawyer familiar with the Patent Laws, who will attend to the legal branch of the business upon reasonable terms. Satisfactory references will be given. Applications may be made to the undersigned personally, or by letter, post paid. SAMUEL C. HILLS 45-2dv6* General Patent Agent.

* * * * *

ENGRAVING ON WOOD.

NEATLY AND PROMPTLY EXECUTED AT the OFFICE OF THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, 128 Fulton st, three doors from the Sun Office. Designs, DRAWINGS of all kinds for PATENTS, &c., also made, as above, at very low charges.

* * * * *

COPPER SMITH!—The subscriber takes this method of informing the public that he is manufacturing Copper Work of every description. Particular attention is given to making and repairing LOCOMOTIVE tubes. Those at a distance, can have any kind of work made to drawings, and may ascertain costs, &c., by addressing

L. R. Bailey cor. of West and Franklin sts., N. Y. N. B.—Work shipped to any part of the country. 45to2dv18*

* * * * *

BLACK LEAD POTS!—The subscriber offers for sale, in lots to suit purchasers, a superior article of BLACK LEAD POTS, that can be used without annealing. The price is low, and founders are requested to make a trial. SAMUEL C. HILLS, 45to2ndv6 Patent Agent, 12 Platt street.

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ELECTRICITY.

SMITH'S CELEBRATED TORPEDO, OR VIBRATING ELECTRO MAGNETIC MACHINE—This instrument differs from those in ordinary use, by having a third connection with the battery, rendering them much more powerful and beneficial. As a CURIOUS ELECTRICAL MACHINE, they should be in the possession of every one, while their wonderful efficacy as a medical agent, renders them invaluable. They are used with extraordinary success, for the following maladies.

RHEUMATISM—Palsy, curvature of the Spine, Chronic Diseases, Tic-doloureaux, Paralysis, Tubercula of the brain, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, sick-headache.

TOOTHACHE—St Vitus dance, Epilepsy, Fevers, diseases of the eye, nose, antrum, throat, muscles, cholera, all diseases of the skin, face, &c.

DEAFNESS—Loss of voice, Bronchitis, Hooping cough.

These machines are perfectly simple and conveniently managed. The whole apparatus is contained in a little box 8 inches long, by 4 wide and deep. They may easily be sent to any part of the United States. To be had at the office of the Scientific Americcan, 128 Fulton st, 2nd floor, (Sun building) where they may be seen IN OPERATION, at all times of the day and evening.

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THE BALL OF THE BEARS.

As Stanilaus Augustus, the last king of Poland, was a tool of Russia, and did not enjoy any consideration, the Polish grandees played him many tricks. Prince Radziwill came to court in a carriage drawn by six wild bears;—the horses of course, were extremely frightened; in consequence of which, some accidents happened. The king pointed out to the prince the impropriety of his conduct. Radziwill added, that the bears were not cross, as whip, gold, and patience can put in order every thing; He added also, that, sometimes the ace beats the king at cards, and paid liberally the damages. After some time, he gave a splendid party, to which he invited all the ambassadors, and all the leading personages in Poland, and displayed extraordinary luxury. The dancing was kept up in several drawing rooms. After the supper, he conducted a select parly to a separate apartment—where, to their astonishment, they found four girls of uncommon beauty, richly dressed, in company not with four gentlemen, but with four enormous bears!—which, after the first outbreak of music, began to dance with the girls all the figures of French quadrilles, with the utmost accuracy, and with as much ease as if they were highly educated gentlemen. At first the guests were alarmed; but, seeing the extra ordinary tameness of the beasts, struck with amazement, they seemed to have been pleased with this extraordinary sight. After the dance was over, their bear-ships conducted themselves with the utmost propriety, and, at a sign from the keeper, each of them made a bow to his lady, and withdrew to another room. For some time, nothing was talked of at Warsaw but that singular ball.

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ALL IS NOT GOLD THAT GLITTERS.

A lady, at a ball lately given in Calcutta, attracted the attention of all, and excited the jealousy of many, in consequence of the splendor and brilliancy which her diamonds shed upon her person and all around her. At length that curiosity which is the moving spring of woman's actions, could be no longer resisted by her female admirers, who at the close of the ball, instituted a rigid examination of the nature of those incomparable brilliants, when, to their astonishment, they found that they were no more or less than so many fire flies, which the envy of the ball-room had secured in gauze bags, and which as she moved about, fluttered, and thus threw out their varied brilliant hues.

* * * * *

The Odd Fellows procession to the dedication of their new Hall at Philadelphia, says our exchanges "came off on Thursday". We suppose the procession "came off" this way, as we saw a part of it passing through this city.

* * * * *

A young lady by the name of Emma D. Tower, sixteen years of age, has been missing from her parents and home in Providence, R. I., since the 11th. Her parents are distressed with anxiety to find or hear of her.

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PAINTING IN IMITATION OF ROSE-WOOD.

(By the particular request of a "Mechanic" in Cherryfield, Me.)—In this art the process is various according to the circumstances, and the ground on subjects to which it is applied. In painting common chairs, the ground is prepared by a coat of paint composed of ivory black and rose-pink,—equal quantities, ground in a mixture of equal parts of linseed oil, drying japan and spirits of turpentine.—When this is dry, the graining color, consisting of three parts of rose-pink with one of vermillion, ground in a mixture of oil, japan and spirits of turpentine, is applied with a common flat graining brush. Fancy boxes and cabinet furniture are painted by a different process, by which a better imitation is produced. The ground is prepared by one or more coats of white lead changed two or three shades with yellow ochre. When dry, a thin staining of burnt terra-de-sienna ground in water, containing a very little sugar or gumarabic is laid on the work, and while this continues moist and flowing, the graining is applied. The graining should consist of a mixture of black and rose pink, ground in the staining compound. This must be varnished when dry, with copal varnish. Some prefer, however, to grind the staining and graining in oil, diluted with spirits of turpentine. The learner must have some sample pieces of varnished rosewood before him when graining.

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INDIA RUBBER.

The substance called India Rubber, or Caoutchouc, was not known in Europe until the beginning of the eighteenth century. It was originally brought as a great curiosity from South America. Europeans continued ignorant of its origin until a deputation of the French Academicians undertook a voyage to South America in 1735, for the purpose of obtaining the correct admeasurement of a degree of the meridian. These philosophers did not confine their attention to the one great object of their pursuit, but among other interesting discoveries made themselves acquainted with that peculiar substance—caoutchouc. These Academicians discovered at Emeralds, in Brazil, trees called by the natives heve, whence flowed a juice, which, when dried, proved to be what is called India Rubber. The heve was also found growing in Cayenne, and on the banks of the Amazon river. It has since been discovered that caoutchouc may be obtained from another species of tree growing in South America, called jatropha elastica. If these trees are punctured, a milky juice flows out, which, on exposure to the air, thickens into a substance of a pure white color, having neither taste nor smell. The hue of the caoutchouc of commerce is black in consequence of the method employed in drying it. The usual manner of performing this operation is to spread a thin coating of the milky juice upon the moulds made of clay, and fashioned into a variety of figures. These are then dried by exposure to the heat of a smoke-fire: another layer is then spread over the first, and dried by the same means; and thus layer after layer is put on, until the whole is of the required thickness. While yet soft it will receive and retain any impression that may be given to if on the outside. When perfectly dry the clay within is broken into small fragments by percussion, and the pieces are drawn out through the aperture which is always left fur the purpose. The common bottle of India Rubber, therefore, consists of numerous layers of pure caoutchouc, alternating with as many layers of soot.

The natives of those parts of South America to which these trees are indigenous, convert the juice to a variety of purposes. They collect it chiefly in the rainy season, because, though it will exude at all times, it flows then most abundantly. Boots are made of it by the Indians, through which water cannot penetrate; and the inhabitants of Quito prepare a kind of cloth with it, which they apply to the same purposes as those for which oil-cloth or tarpaulin, it used here. This, no doubt, is similar to the cloth now prepared with this substance in America, the use of which yields so many important advantages.—Youths' Gazette.

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COMMUNICATION ON ATMOSPHERIC RESISTANCE.

The following letter has been on hand several weeks, but deferred on account of a constant press of matter by which the limited space in our former small sheet was crowded. Our respected correspondent has consented to excuse the delay.

Providence, —— 1846.

Friend Porter: In January last, I addressed a few lines to you, asking information in regard to an article entitled Atmospheric Resistance, in the New York Mechanic, of December 11, 1841. In your answer, you say if the full surface is 30,000 square feet to each wing, (which makes 60,000 square feet,) only about half of one horse power would be required to sustain this weight, and I understand you, virtually to say, that they must be ten times as large, in order that the strength of one man be sufficient to work this and elevate himself together with the apparatus, if it were not too heavy. Now, this makes 600,000 square feet. This is rather more than 774 feet square: rather large sized wings. One would suppose that they might lift rather heavy, if they were very light, being 387 by 774 feet each. Now, to me this is entirely incomprehensible, and I should like an explanation, if this calculation is correct, how it is that an eagle which sometimes weighs nearly thirty pounds, can elevate himself, with so much ease, and even carry with him nearly his own weight, using a pair of wings, which if they were five feet long and two feet wide each, would make but twenty feet of surface. Thus, you will see, is no where in proportion to the weight even of the eagle alone, (which we will suppose to weigh twenty pounds,) that the wings bears to the 150 pounds, while on the other hand, it is near in proportion to the surface of the wings of a pidgeon and its weight. Nor can I comprehend why it would require so much power, the eagle though he exerts himself considerable in rising, no doubt, does not seem to use power any where in the proportion that you have thought would be required supposing the wings to be made in the same proportion to the 150 pounds that his wings are to his weight, his beats are not so quick but what they can be very easily counted.

By answering, you will much oblige,

your friend, YANKEE.

In answer to the foregoing, we would remind our correspondent, that in his former communication, he proposed a limited weight of apparatus, and in our answer, it was far from our intention to allow an additional weight on account of the requisite extent of surface. With regard to the philosophy of the flight of the eagle, it must be borne in mind that atmospheric resistance is as the square of the velocity downward and the only way in which the phenomenon of the flight of the eagle can be reconciled with the laws of mechanical science as established by experiment, is by supposing the velocity of the wing downward to be equal to 70 feet per second, whereby a resistance would be encountered equal to 12 pounds per square foot of surface to the wings. It is a fact, however, that kites, and hawks are often seen to continue suspended in the air several minutes without any apparent motion of the wings; but by what law or theory the feat is accomplished, natural philosophy has ventured no other conjecture than that the bird is endowed with the faculty of suspending occasionally its ordinary subjection to the laws of gravity. If any observing theorist will give any more rational conjecture on the subject, we should be glad to have him examine it.

* * * * *

It is proposed and urged by the papers in several States, to have a thanksgiving day throughout the Union, on the 26th of November.

* * * * *

"As dull as a hoe," is a very common phrase, and implies that hoes are necessarily or ordinarily dull. But it is advisible for farmers to keep their hoes sharp, as they regard a saving of labor.

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THE CONICAL WINDLASS.

Various methods have been heretofore described, for raising heavy bodies, or producing for other purposes, a great force,—usually miscalled power—by the application of a comparatively small force: but no method is known, more unlimited in its effect, or more simple in construction; than the conical windlass. It consists of a simple horizontal windlass, with a crank at one end, as shown in the engraving. The windlass is made in a conical form, being a little larger at one end, than at the other; and if the friction of its bearings be relieved by the ordinary friction rollers, it will so far multiply the force applied, as to break a double inch-rope, by the power of one man at the crank. An endless rope, or one of which the two ends are spliced together, is passed five or six times round the small end of the windlass, and down under a single pulley below: then, as the windlass is turned by the crank, the rope is constantly given off from one part, while the circumference is greater. Now it is plain, that if the windlass is one-fifth of an inch larger in circumference, at the point at which the rope is taken up, than at the place where it is given off to the pulley, that whatever may be appended thereto, will be raised one tenth of an inch by each revolution Then, if we suppose the crank lever to be fifteen inches, the handle will travel about 100 inches, in each revolution, which gives a power, or increase of force, of 1000 to one. Therefore, if 100 pounds of power be applied to the crank handle, it will be sufficient—minus friction—to raise a weight of 100,000 lbs. The only inconvenience in this apparatus, and which prevents its coming into more general use, is, that it is too limited in the extent of its motion, in consequence of the travelling of the rope from one end of the windlass to the other. Thus, if the windlass be but twenty-five inches long, and the rope one inch in diameter, it will admit only twenty revolutions, without renewing. Yet, in many cases, in which an article in required to be raised, or moved but a few inches, the conical windlass will be found preferable to any other method.

* * * * *



REQUISITE STRENGTH OF STEAM BOILERS.

Our correspondent S. B. cannot comprehend that the strength of iron for a cylindrical boiler should Be in direct proportion to the diameter thereof, in order to sustain an equal pressure per square inch; wherefore, we must reason with him on the long scale. The cohesive strength of good iron is 64,000 lbs. per square inch; and of course, a strip of boiler-iron plate 1/8th inch thick will sustain 8000 lbs. If a boiler made of thin iron is 14 inches in diameter, or 44 inches in circumference, each inch of its length will contain 44 square inches, and either half thereof will contain 22 inches, and as the pressure on this portion is sustained by at least two inches of width of plate,—one inch on each side,—it follows that it will sustain a pressure of at least 700 lbs. per square inch, in the direction of circumference. If the diameter is double, the number of square inches will be double, and will require double the thickness to sustain equal pressure. With regard to the pressure endwise, the area of a cylinder head 14 inches in diameter is 154 inches, and the strength of the 44 inches of circumference would be sufficient to sustain 352,000 lbs., which, divided by the area, is 2,275 lbs. per square inch. If the diameter is 56 inches, the circumference being 172, would sustain a pressure endwise of 555 lbs. per inch. Thus it will be seen that if the cylinder were even 20 feet in diameter, the iron would better sustain the pressure on the head that on the periphery. With regard to the requisite strength of the cylinder's head, if they are made in a semi-spherical convex form, they will require no more thickness of plate than the cylinder: but if they consist of plane disks, the thickness thereof should bear the same proportion to that of the periphery that the area in square inches does to three times the circumference. But in general, no other rule is observed for the thickness of the heads, than to make them extravagantly heavy, without much regard to theoretic calculation.

* * * * *



BAGLEY'S GOLD PENS.

Do our readers wish to hear any thing more about them? If so, they have only to inquire of any one of the many thousands of writers who have used these pens six months or more, and can hear the fact attested, that these are decidedly the cheapest pens (at $4) that can be any where found. Mr. Bagley has recently patented a neat, elegant, and excellent improvement in the pen-holder, which "takes the shine off" all precedents. Should our readers find a real good article in this paper, they may know it was written with one of Bagley's pens. Nuf ced.

* * * * *



THE HUMMING BIRD.

A gentleman who resided some time on one of the West India Islands informs us that while he was once travelling along the bed of a deep ravine overhung with thick vines, he was actually startled by the immense numbers of humming birds which hovered over and about him. They hovered about him as if actuated by curiosity alone. They were of various kinds and colors, some of them being nearly as large as sparrows, while others were but little larger than a bee. Some were of a dingy green, or a light brown, while others seemed gaudily arrayed in plumage as brilliant and variegated as the rainbow. They would approach within arms length of his face, and pausing in their flight, with their little wings, in rapid motion, would stare at him as if they wondered what possible business he could have in those remote wilds; but they exhibited no symptoms of terror, not having been taught by experience to fear the cruelty of man.

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THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN:

Published Weekly at 128 Fulton Street., (Sun Building,) New York.

BY MUNN & COMPANY.

The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is the Advocate of Industry and Journal of Mechanical and other Improvements: as such its contents are probably more varied and interesting, than those of any other weekly newspaper in the United States, and certainly more useful. It contains as much interesting Intelligence as six ordinary daily papers, while for real benefit, it is unequalled by any thing yet published. Each number regularly contains from THREE to SIX ORIGINAL ENGRAVINGS, illustrated by NEW INVENTIONS, American and Foreign,—SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES and CURIOSITIES,—Notices of the progress of Mechanical and other Scientific Improvements, Scientific Essays on the principles of the Sciences of MECHANICS, CHEMISTRY and ARCHITECTURE,—Catalogues of American Patents,—INSTRUCTION in various ARTS and TRADES, with engravings,—Curious Philosophical Experiments,—the latest RAIL ROAD INTELLIGENCE in EUROPE and AMERICA,—Valuable information on the Art of GARDENING, &c. &c.

This paper is especially entitled to the patronage of MECHANICS and MANUFACTURERS, being devoted to the interests of those classes. It is particularly useful to FARMERS, as it will not only apprise them of IMPROVEMENTS in AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, but INSTRUCT them in various MECHANICAL TRADES, and guard against impositions. As a FAMILY NEWSPAPER, it will convey more USEFUL Intelligence to children and young people, than five times its cost in school instruction.

Being published in QUARTO FORM, it is conveniently adapted to PRESERVATION and BINDING.

TERMS.—The Scientific American is sent to subscribers in the country at the rate of $2 a year, ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCE, the remainder in 6 months. Persons desiring to subscribe, have only to enclose the amount in a letter, directed to

MUNN & COMPANY,

Publishers of the Scientific American, New York.

[Symbol: right Index] Specimen copies sent when desired. All letters must be POST PAID.



TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES:

[Symbol: right Index] is used where the text had a picture of a hand with the index finger pointing right.

Obvious typographical errors have been corrected without comment, except in those articles where they were intentionally presented.

THE END