but the mixing in the frames is the preferable way: from ten to twenty-five per cent. may be used, according to the quantity of the soap used. From the harden. ing quality of this saponaceous jelly, whale oil and palm oil may be substituted in the room of tallow, and good hard soap made at much less expense.

Mr. WILLIAM SUMMERS, of New Bond street, for a Method of raising hot Water from a lower to an upper Level for Baths, Manufactories, and other useful Purposes.Dated November 1,

1814.

To carry into effect this improvement, Mr. S. places a boiler or caldron, made perfectly water-tight, in a situation below the level of that of the vessel intended to be afterwards filled therefrom with hot water. This boiler or caldron is to be provided with a fire-grate, fixed beneath it, or can be attached to a distinct stove, and a supply of cold water must be conveyed to such boiler from a cistern or other reservoir, for the purpose of being there heated. He elevates the water, (after it is rendered sufficiently hot,) either by application of the natural principle and property which invariably impels water to seek the same level as that of its source or head, or by means of the engine, commonly denominated a forcing pump. He generally adopts the former mode in preference to the use of the forcing-pump, because the latter is attended with a greater degree of expense and trouble. In order to raise the fluid by its own unaided action, the cistern or reservoir must be situated higher than the vessel to be filled with heated water; and such reservoir may be supplied by some one or other of the methods now in fre quent use for raising cold water. It may be useful to observe, that this convenience is already, in many instances, furnished by the several water-works companies, who supply for their employers cisterns placed on the tops of manufactories and dwelling houses. From the reservoir so elevated, let a metal or earthen pipe descend to the boiler, and let a similar pipe be conducted thence to the point where warm water is required, which must (as before stated) be below the level of the cistern. The cold water is then received through the descent pipe into the caldron. It becomes speedily heated therein to a boiling pitch, or any less degree, and will re-ascend through the other pipe till it reach the same level with the reservoir, or find a previous

aperture at which to discharge itself. The warm water may therefore be drawn off at any part of the extent of the ascent-pipe below the level of the reservoir, by inserting in that part a common cock. As soon as the boiler is filled with water to be heated, and before the fluid be permitted to rise through the ascent-pipe, the cold-water pipe must be stopped. This may be effected either by a stop-cock placed any where in the pipe in which the cold water descends, or by a common ball-cock. In the latter case a smaller cistern should be attached to the side of the reservoir into which the water should be received in the first instance through the cock before it pass into the descent pipe, and in which the ball of the cock will freely operate. This smaller cistern, or (where it is not used) the reservoir itself, must be open on the top, (as must also the ascending or hot-water pipe,) in order to permit the escape of the steam. When it is not considered practicable or expedient to adopt the method of elevating warm-water, last described, the forcing pump should be employed. In this case he connects the boiler, by means of a branch pipe, with what is called the raising pipe of the pump; and by a cock he stops such raising pipe just above the spot at which the branch pipe of the boiler is inserted into it. The boiler is then filled from the reservoir, and heated; and a volume of cold water being by the action of the pump forced into the boiler, the hot water is displaced, and driven to the same height in the ascent pipe to which that engine would have operated without the addition of his apparatus.

Messrs. MANDER, MANBY, and VERNON, Furnace-man, of Wolverhampton, for making the Cinder, Scoria, or Slagg, produced in the smelting or refining of Iron, into Forms that may be used for any Purpose to which Brick, Slate, or Stone, may be applied.-Dated May 31, 1813.

They receive the slagg, cinder, or scoria, by whatever name it is or may be called, that flows from the furnace or furnaces, finery or fineries, used in smelting iron ore, and refining iron, into moulds, (previously heated,) formed suitable to the purpose for which the matter (which they call patent iron stones,) is de signed, and then gradually cool them in annealing flues, ovens, stoves, or chambers, before they take the matter so formed out of the moulds.

Other

1814.]

Other Patents lately granted, of which we

solicit the Specifications.

JAMES JAMESON, of Colebrook Terrace, Islington, in the county of Middlesex, mer chant; for certain improvements in the construction of fire-arms, and the locks of firearms.-Dated March 9, 1814.

MATTHEW MURRAY, of Leeds, in the county of York, engineer; for methods and improvements in the construction of hydraulic presses, for pressing cloth and pas per, and for other purposes.-Dated March 12, 1814.

JAMES BARCLAY and WILLIAM CUMING, of Cambridge, in the county of Cambridge; for improved wheels and axletrees for carriages.-Dated March 12, 1814,

330

JOHN SLATER, of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, manufacturer of coachsprings and patent steam-kitchens; for an improvement in a steam-boiler, and apparatus for the purpose of washing, steaming, cleaning, and whitening cloaths, cloathing, and cloths, and for warming or heating closets, laundries, and other rooms, by the same. Dated March 12, 1814.

MARC ISAMBARD BRUDENELL, of Chelsea, in the county of Middlesex, civil engineer; for a method of giving additional durability to certain descriptions of leather. -Dated March 12, 1814.

We invite Patentees to favour us with copies of their Specifications.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

ON

N Feb. 24, and March 3, a long but interesting paper by Dr. Herschell was read, detailing the result of many years observations on the sidereal and nebulous appearance of the heavens. The Doctor began by relating his observations on the relative magnitudes of the stars, considering those of the first magnitude to be equal to our sun; determined the magnitudes and changes in the appearance of a great number of fixed stars; gave a history of the alterations which he has no ticed in the aspect of the sidereal heavens, during the last thirty years; and described those stars which have increased in magnitude, or brilliancy, have lost or acquired surrounding nebule, or have had wings, tails, or other peculiarities. He seems inclined to believe, from his observations, that new sidereal bodies are in a constant and progressive state of formation; that nebulous appearances gradually assume a globular character; that the heavens are not infinite, and that stars have a compressing power." "He considers the origin and progress of sidereal bodies to be nearly in the following order: first, vague and indistinct nebula, like the milky way; secondly, detached or clustered nebulæ, which consolidate into clusters of stars; thirdly, these stars becoming more definite, appear with nebulous appendages in the different forms of wings, tails, &c.; and lastly, that all are finally concentrated into one clear, bright, and large star. Dr. H. concludes that the progressive discovery of nebula will be equal to the improvement of our telescopes, and that in proportion as we are possessed of more powerful space-penetrating instruments, will our knowledge of the sidereal hea vens be extended. Many of his latter

observations directed to ascertain the absorption or condensation of nebula were made on stars which he had before described in his numerous papers in the Phil. Transact.; others were made on those whose places have been determined by foreign astronomers.

On March 10, Mr. Seppins, one of the surveyors of the navy, in a letter to the President, described his new system of ship-building; he observed that notwithstanding the rapid progress in all the arts and sciences, no improvement in naval architecture has taken place during many years. In order to make the simple, but great improvement which he has introduced more intelligible, he began by describing the old structure of ships, of their keel and ribs, or timbers placed at right angles, and the bottom and decks composed of parallel planks. According to the new construction, on which three ships have already been built, and four more are building, the timbers are crossed with diagonal girders at angles of 45, so that the whole frame is rendered much stiffer or more inflexible, and all parts of the structure made to bear their due portion of the pressure at the same time. The first advantage of this plan is the prevention of what is called hogging, or having the centre become convex on the upper, and concave on the lower side. Mr. Seppins fills up the space between the timbers with pieces of wood taken from old ships, made in the form of wedges, which are reversed, driven in tight, paid with tar, and made impervious to water, so that should an outer plank start, the vessel will be in no danger of sinking, as in the old system. This methad not only adds greatly to the stiffness and strength of the vessel, but also pre

vents the timbers and flooring from becoming a prey to the rot occasioned by moisture and stagnant air. Mr. S. ex poses the notion of ships being elastic, and contends that they are stronger and better in proportion as they are non-elastic, and capable of resisting pressure in whatever direction it may be applied. Considerable advantage he also considers must attend his plan, from the superior stiffness and strength of the decks, composed of frame-work with diagonal binders, so that the deck, instead of being a series of parallel boards, having very little connection with each other, and susceptible of being detached in any emergency, will present a continuous mass of timber, having its grain placed in all directions best adapted to make the greatest possible resistance to any external force. There are many other minor improve ments in this new method, such as obviat ing the necessity of much iron work, so that no extra-weight is occasioned by the filling-up between the timbers; less ballast is required; much old ship timber can be used with advantage; and lastly, in the construction of a 74-gun ship, 178 trees, of 50 feet each, are saved.

On March 17, a paper by Dr. Alex. Crichton was read, containing an account of his experiments on the vitality of organized matter. The author having observed that organized bodies are influenced by laws very different from those of chemistry, that living matter overcomes affinity and gravity, and that whenever life ceases, the decomposition of organized bodies commences,seems thence to infer that there are two kinds of matter, or that organized mat. ter still retains some latent vitality, notwithstanding its chemical decomposition. To ascertain this point, he made a varie ty of experiments on different vegetables, on dried barks, flowers, &c. using decoctions of vegetable matter exposed to the action of oxygen and other gases in glass tubes over mercury, and in all of them, except a decoction of liquorice root, he discovered traces of vitality or fructifica tion in a few days. The leaves of flowers he always found yielded the greatest quantities of organized or vitalic matter.

THE AFRICAN INSTITUTION. ON the 23d of March this association met at the Freemasons' Tavern, in Queen-street, for the purpose of hearing the annual report, and electing its various directors and officers, according to the constitution of the society. His Royal Highness the Duke of Glocester took the chair at one o'clock,

It

This day was rendered memorable, and most gratifying to every real friend of humanity, by the accession of Mr. Whitbread to the number of able, virtuous, and illustrious characters, who were al ready included in the association. has long been a matter of serious lamentation, the very little that has been effected for the benefit of Africa, though so much has been publicly promised, and we are persuaded sincerely intended, by the African Institution. Indeed, there has been reason to believe, there was some latent evil existing in the direction, in consequence of persons having an influence there, who had formerly managed the commercial concerns of a trading company, which dissolved just previous to the formation of the African Institution; but it may be confidently expected that the valuable, though late acquisition of Mr. Whitbread, will be followed by measures for the immediate benefit of oppressed Africa, commensurate with the known ability and disinterested zeal of this independent statesman. This expectation is fortified by a dependence on the sentiments expressed by Mr. Whitbread in his very impressive speech delivered on his admission into the society. He concluded by assuring the illustrious president and members of the Institution, that his regret at not having been an earlier associate was so deeply felt, that he could not give it adequate expression; but that as he had come late among them, he must only be doubly laborious to complete his share of the great work, in which those had been engaged whom he addressed. At this period of the civilized world, it was a wish that every good man must fervently entertain, that of desiring the total abolition of slavery throughout every nation in the whole habitable world. He assured his hearers, that his most zealous exertions should be speedily, and he trusted successfully, made in parliament to put forth all its energies to effect the radical destruction of slavery in all its modes. The registering of slaves in all the British colonies and dominions, would, he persuaded, tend effectually to prevent the illegal importation of negroes into any place under British authority. Much (he said) might be done in the life of man for the melioration and happiness of the suffering negro, by the efforts of the Institution of which he was now a member; but when he considered the succession of generations to whom most substantial blessings might be transmitted from the humanity of England, he should

was

1814.]

ever feel proud and happy to exert him self in his public capacity, to forward the great object of the total extirpation of slavery, and the benevolent aim of the general civilization of Africa.

Such were the sentiments, and such the pledge of Mr. Whithread; and on this pledge may safely be grounded the fullest expectation, that Africa will find, in the exertions of this gentleman, a friend who will not rest satisfied till he sees the actual accomplishment of those promises and professions which have been so long held forth towards this unhappy portion of the globe.

The report delivered by Mr. Harrison, the secretary, embraces more real in terest than any of the former reports. It holds out the prospect of great and, we hope, effectual exertions being made to induce Spain and Portugal to renounce the slave-trade; and it encourages us to believe, that measures will be at length seriously taken to improve the civil and moral state of the black population of the British possessions on the windward coast of Africa, who are now suffering all the wretchedness attendant on ignorance, poverty, idleness, superstition, and vi ciousness.

With respect to the appeals now before the Lords of Appeal, in the cases of

A

041

the Portuguese vessels condemned at Sierra Leone for trading in slaves, in violation of the tenth article of the treaty existing between England and the Prince Regent of Portugal; it is hoped the construction placed by the African Institution will be confirmed, and that Portugal will be obliged to restrict her slave commerce exclusively to her own territories in Africa, and not be allowed to extend it indefinitely to every part of the coast, where they have been in the habit of renting, for a short period, lands of the native chiefs. We are glad to learn from the report, that the unhappy dis turbances in the colony of Sierra Leone, with the Maroons, in consequence of the operation of the militia laws, have subsided, and that many of the Maroons who had been obliged to leave their homes, have at length returned.

Much indeed shall we rejoice to see the prospects held out by the African Institution, completely realized for the good of the inhabitants of Africa; and we have no doubt that the ability and disinterested benevolence of Mr. Whit. bread, and those of his associates, who act on his principles, will before long enable Africa to assume more respectability, and to enjoy more happiness than it has ever yet done.

IN APRIL.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

CATALOGUE of a Miscellaneous Collection of Books, New and Secondhand, on Sale at the Prices affixed, by John Cawthorn

Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown's Catalogue of Rare, Curious, and Valuable Books, in which are comprised nany Articles of great Splendour and unCommon Occurrence. Part III. 1s.

BIOGRAPHY.

Some Account of the Life and Writings of Mrs.Trimmer, with Original Letters, and Meditations and Prayers, selected from her Journal. 2 vols. 18s.

Memoirs of a celebrated Literary and Political Character from 1742 to 1757. 8vo. 7s. 6d.

BOTANY.

An Epitome of the Second Edition of Hortus Kewensis, for the Use of practical Gardeners; to which is added, a Selection of Esculent Vegetables and Fruits, cultivated in the Royal Gardens at Kew; by W. T. Aiton, Gardener to his Majesty. 12s.

CLASSICS.

Celsus Targæ, cura Adami Dickinson. 12mo. 9s.

MONTHLY MAG. No. 254.

COMMERCE.

DRAMA.

EDUCATION.