STEPHENSON, TO STEAMBOAT COMPANIES. PROFESSOR RAFINESQUE, of Philadelphia, offers Builder of a superior style of Passenger Cars for Railroads No. 264 Elizabeth street, near Bleecker street, to sink, even by the bursting of boilers, or striking against New-York. snags, sawyers and rocks. This will save many boats, much property, and the lives of hundreds every year. Those who neglect this easy improvement, deserve to be neglected and deserted by the public as unmindful of safety. Apply, post paid. which are like Benjamin Lay's book: the headl SIR JMM & F RAILROAD COMPANIES would do well to examin these Cars; a specimen of which may be seen on that part o the New-York and Harlæm Railroad, now in operation. J25 if RAILROAD CAR WHEELS, BOXES AND TOWNSEND & DURFEE, of Palmyra, ManuAND OTHER RAILROAD CASTINGS. facturers of Railroad Rope, having removed their establishment to Hudson, under the rame of Durfee, May & Co. offer to Also, AXLES furnished and fitted to wheels complete supply Rope of any required length (without splice) for in-at the Jefferson Cotton and Wool Machine Factory and Fourclined planes of Railroads at the shortest notice, and deliver dry. Paterson, N. J. All orders addressed to the subscribers them in any of the principal cities in the United States. As to at Paterson, or 60 Wall street, New-York, will be promptly atAlso, CAR SPRINGS. the quality of Rope, the public are referred to J. B. Jervis, Eng.tended to. Also, Flange Tires turned complete. M. & H. R. R. Co., Albany; or James Archibald, Engineer Hudson and Delaware Canal and Railroad Company, Carbon dale, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Hudson, Columbia County, New-York,{ January 29, 1833. ALBANY SEED-STORE AND HORTICULTURAL RE- NOTICE TO MANUFACTURERS. SIMON FAIRMAN, of the village of Lansingburgh, in the county of Rensselaer, and state of New-York, has invented and put in operation a Machine for making Wrought Nails with square points. This machine will make about sixty 6d nails, and about forty 10d nails in a minute, and in the same proportion larger sizes, even to spikes for ships. The nail is hammered and comes from the machine completely heated to redness, that its capacity for being clenched is good and sure. One horse power is sufficient to drive one machine, and may easily be applied where auch power for driving machinery is in operation. Said Fairman will make, vend and warrant machines as above, to any persons who may apply for them as soon as they may be made, and on the most reasonable terms. He also desires to sell one half of his patent right for the use of said machines throughout the United States. Any person desiring The greatest care and attention has been bestowed upon the further information, or to purchase, will please to call at the machine shop of Mr. John Humphrey, in the village of Lan-growing and saving of Seeds, and none will be sold at this estabA29 tf RM&F lishment excepting those raised expressly for it, and by experi singburgh.-August 15, 1833, encedseedsmen; and those kinds imported which cannot be raised to perfection in this country; these are from the best houses in Europe, and may be relied upon as genuine. TO RAILROAD COMPANIES. PROFESSOR RAFINESQUE, of Philadelphia, will undertake to build CARS that will carry along their own railway, and may be used on level M'Adam roads. They will save ten millions of money to be wasted on 1000 miles of iron railroads to be laid in the United States within a few years, and dispense with tracks and double tracks. These Cars may be drawn by horses or steam. He claims to have discovered them ever since 1825, by his caveats filed in the Patent Office || SIRJM M & F Apply, post paid. INCOMBUSTIBLE ARCHITECTURE. INCOMBUSTIBLE dwelling-houses and buildings of all kinds devised or built in New.York, or any part of the United States, as cheap as any other combustible buildings Actual buildings and houses rendered incombustible at a small additional expense. SHIPS of all sorts, and Steamboats, rendered incombustible, and not liable to sink, at a small expense. For sale, 10,000 lbs. of ANTIGNIS, or Incombustible Varaish, at one dollar per lb. Apply to C. 8. RAFINESQUE, Professor of Hist. and Nat. Sciences, Chemist, Architect, &c. in Philadelphia, No. 59 North 8th street. A pamphlet given gratis. References in New-York.-Mr. Minor, Editor of the Mechanics' Magazine; Messrs. Rushton & Aspinwall, Druggiate Editors in the city or country, copying this advertisement, will receive a commission on any contract procured by their 81 RJ MM &F meanu. RAILWAY IRON. Ninety-five tons of 1 inch by 200 do. I do. 40 do. I do. 800 do. 2 do. do. 800 do. 24 do. do. soon expected. cing plates, nails The subscriber having resumed the charge of the above establishment, is now enabled to furnish tra ders and others with FRESH GARDEN SEEDS, upon very favorable terms, and of the growth of 1883, warranted of the best quality. It is earnestly requested whenever there are any failures here- SURVEYORS' INSTRUMENTS. Compasses of various sizes and of superior quality, Leveling Instruments, large and small sizes, with high mag-fair terms. Instruments repaired fwith care and promptitude. nifying powers with glasses made by Troughton, together with a large assortment of Engineering Instruments, manufactured and sold by E. & G. W. BLUNT, 154 Water street, J31 6t corner of Maidenlane. ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING For proof of the high estimation on which their Surveying Instruments are held, they respectfully beg leave to tender to the public perusal, the following certificates from gentlemen of distinguished scientific attainments. To Ewin & Heartte.-Agreeably to your request made some months since, 1 now offer you my opinion of the Instruments The subscriber manufactures all kinds of Instruments in made at your establishment, for the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-: his profession, warranted equal, if not superior, in principles of road Company. This opinion would have been given at a much J to suit. construction and workmanship to any imported or manufac-earlier period, but was intentionally delayed, in order to afford 250 de. of Edge Rails of 36 lbs. per yard, with the requisite tured in the United States; several of which are entirely new:a longer time for the trial of the Istruments, so that I could chairs, keys and plus. Wrought Iron Rims of 30, 33, and 36 inches diameter for among which are an Improved Compass, with a Telescope at- speak with the greater confidence of their merits, if such they tached, by which angles can be taken with or without the use should be found to possess. It is with much pleasure I can now state that notwithstanding Wheels of Railway Cars, and of 60 inches diameter for Loco- of the needle, with perfect accuracy-also, a Railroad Goniom motive wheels. Axles of 24, 2, 24, 3, 3, 34, and 34 inches diameter for Rail-eter, with two Telescopes-and a Levelling Instrument, with the Instruments in the service procured from our northern ci Goniometer attached, particularly adapted to Railroad purpo-ties are considered good, I have a decided preference for those wayCars and Locomotives of patent iron. WM. J. YOUNG, manufactured by you. Of the whole number manufactured for the Department of Construction, to wit: five Levels, and Are The above will be sold free of duty, to State Governments Mathematical Instrument Maker, No. 9 Dock street, Philadelphia. of the Compasses, not one has required any repairs within the and Incorporated Governments, and the Drawback taken in last twelve months, except from the occasional impertection of part payment. A. & G. RALSTON. a screw, or from accidents, to which all Instruments are liable They possess a firmness and stability, and at the same tigie a neatness and beauty of execution, which reflect much eredit on the artists engaged in their construction. THE AMERICAN STEAM CARRIAGECOMPANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, respectfully inform the public, and es pecially Railroad and Transportation Companies, that the have become sole proprietors of certain improvements in the construction of Locomotive Engines, and other railway carriages, secured to Col. Stephen H. Long, of the United States Engineers, by letters patent from the United States, and that they are prepared to execute any orders for the construction of Locomotive Engines, Tenders, &c. with which they may be favored, and pledge themselves to a punctual compliance with any engagements they may make in reference to this line of business. They have already in their possession the requisite apparatus for the construction of three classes of engines, viz. en gines weighing four, five, and six tons. The engines made by them will be warranted to travel at the following rates of speed, viz. a six ton engine at a speed of 15 miles per hour; a five ton engine at a speed of 18 miles per hour; a four ton engine at a speed of 22 1-2 miles per hour. Their performance in other respects will be warranted to equal that of the best English engines of the same class, with respect not only to their efficiency in the conveyance of burthens, but to their durability, and the cheapness and facility of their repairs. The engines will be adapted to the use of anthracite coal, plne wood, coke, or any other fuel hitherto used in locomotive engines. The terms shall be quite as favorable, and even more moderate, than those on which engines of the same class can be procured from abroad. All orders for engines, &c. and other communications in reference to the subject, will be addressed to the subscriber, in the oity of Philadelphia, and shall receive prompt attention. By order of the Company, WILLIAM NORRIS, Secretary. 888. a The following recommendations are respectfully submitted Both Levels and Compasses are in good repair. They have fact needed but little repairs, except from accidents to which I have found that thy patterns for the levels and compasses have been preferred by my assistants generally, to any other in use, and the Improved Compass is superior to any other decription of Goniometer that we have yet tried in laying the rails all instruments of the kind are liable. on this Road. I can with confidence recommend them as being worthy the Superintendent of Construction of the Baltimore and Obio I have examined with care several Engineers' instruments or's Compasses; and take pleasure in expreseing my ophion of your Manufacture, particularly Spirit levels, and surveyof the excellence of the workmanship. The parts of the levels appeared well proportioned to secure facility in use, and accų. racy and permanency in adjustments. This instrument, more recently improved with a reversing These instruments seemed to ne to possess all the modern improvement of construction, of which so mary have been made within these few years; and I have no doubt but they will give every satisfaction when used in the field. WILLIAM HOWARD, U. . Civil Engineer. Baltimore, May 1st, 1832. To Messrs Ewin'and Heartte-As you have asked me to give my opinion of the merits of those instruments of your maud. tacture which I have either used or examined, I cheerfully state that as far as my opportunities of my becoming aquainted with their qualities have gone, I have great reason to think well of the skill displayed in their construction. The neatness of their workmanship has been the subject of frequent remark' by my self, and of the accuracy of their performance I have received satisfactory assurance from others, whore opinion I respect, and who have had them for a considerable time in use. The efforts you have made since your establishment in this city, to may want in our line, deserve the unqualified approbation and qur warm encouragement. Wishing you all the success which your enterprize so well merits, I remain, yours, ke. B. H LATROBE, Civil Engineer in the service of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail!' road Company. A number of other letters are in our possession and might be introduced, but are too lengthy. We should be happy te submitthem upon application, to any person desirous of peras ing the same. 53 NE-light cloudy – s-light Weather, Remarks, &c. ney would, we believe, go a begging for good notes at 10 per cent. per annum. We are aware that many, very many, are of precisely the contrary option; and so long as this idea is supported, nay, tolerated by the community, just so long will we have "hard times." distant heavy thunder a. m.-at 4 p. m. a severe thunder shower The operations have been principally in Tennessee and Alabafrom a to w-at 7 p. m. wind w to N-high all night* -wind high all day and night clear-night cloudy-Red River at a stand cloudy-snow at 9 a. m. to 1 p. m., one inch deep-night clear 66 -snow left in the shade, where the the sun shone all gone NE-light cloudy-pumpkins froze 66 6 8 52 9 SK-light 66 66 44 8 COTTON.-The market has been very lively since a few days, and sales to about 16,000 bales, including portions of every description, have been made at to cent. per lb. advance. ma Cotton, at 9 a 10 cents per lb. for parcels round. The stock of Tennessee is very small, while that of Alabama is abundant. Of Louisiana and Mississippi there is little left for sale, and fine parcels of these descriptions, in particular, are very scarce. The market has assumed a more healthy appearance than formerly; and, but for the extremely unpropitious weather, would be very animated. SUGAR continues to command former rates of 5 a 74 cents per lb. for that of good quality in the city. MOLASSES is in the usual good demand, and prices remain without change, 20a21 on plantation, and 23a334 in town. FLOUR-The price remains without change,and the demand fair. PORK is in good demand, and a fair business has been done at the rates quoted. VOL. III. OF THE RAILROAD JOURNAL AND ADVOCATE OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS is published once a week in quarto form, with 16 pages to each number, at $3; or in semi-monthly form, of 32 pages, stitched in a cover of colored paper, at $4 per annum, in advance. The first and second volumes of the Journal may be had in two parts to the year, either stitched in covers or bound in boards, at the subscription price, with price of binding, in one part, 50 cents, in two parts $1 per volume. Those in covers may be sent by mail to any part of the country, the same as a magazine. Published at No. 35 Wall st., New-York, by D. K. MINOR, Editor and Proprietor. THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE AND REGISTER OF INVENTIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS is now just commencing its second year. It will be continued in a manner altogether superior to that of the It has drawn forth many valuable corresfirst year. pondents, in different parts of the country, with the assistatance of whom, and those who may hereafter contribute to its columns, together with the ability of Mr. JOHN KNIGHT, formerly, and for several years, proprietor and publisher as Editor, the proprietor has no hesitation in saying that of the LONDON MECHANICS' MAGAZINE, who is engaged it will be found worthy of an extended circulation and a liberal support. The first year,or two first volumes, having been stereotyped, may now be had either in numbers, or bound in boards-either at wholesale or retail. Price $1 50 per vol. in numbers, or $1 75 in boards, or $3 per annum. A liberal discount made to the trade, Published by the proprietor, D. K, MINOR, at No. 35 Wall st. N. Y. There are no transactions from stores in Howard street Flour P. S.-I wrote you particularly on 3d Jan-ket appears to be without change. uary, ultimo. [We are much obliged to our worthy correspondent for a continuance of his communications and regret, to say that the one above referred to, of 3d January, has not been received, more especially on account of the interruption it causes in our thermometrical record.-ED.] COMMERCIAL RECORD. Report of the New York Market, Thursday, March 27, 1834. ASHES-Pots continue in tolerable request at 4 30, while Pearls ure only in moderate request at 4 60. COAL-Sales were made of unbroken Schuylkill! by auction at 4 37a4 50. COFFEE-Sales of Laguira green at 11 1.2 cts. COTTON-There is a little more demand for home use, and prices are sustained. Sales of Upland at 11a12 1.2, and New Orleans 12 1.2a13 1.2 cts. FLOUR-Has advanced full 25 cents a barrel since Saturday. Sales of common brands Western at 5 dells.: Howard st. 4 87; Philadelphia 5; and New Orleans at 4 50. GRAIN-Is dull; some sales of Ohio, via. New Orleana Whoat at 1 dollar. MOLASSES-Considerable sales since our last, of New Orleans at 30 cts.; Porto Rico 30a32, and Havana 24 cts. No change in the prices of Sugar or Spirits. No There is but little doing in any kind of Grain, and the mar. Whiskey in hhds. we quote at 21 cents in large lots, and 21 ets in small lots. The wagon price of bbls is 2) cts, exclusive of the barrel. ume may be had either stitched in a cover, so as to be BAGGING--Dundee, and Inverness, 42 inch 24 a 25; Tow number, or 96 extra pages to the volume. GRAIN. There have been pretty extensive sales this week. [From the New Orleans Price Current, of March 8.1 REMARKS. The past week has been obscured by a daily and regular succession of rain and fog, the streets are again coesting reading upon agriculture, &c. vered with liquid mud, and we are reminded occaeionally, in the course of twenty-four hours, of changes indicative of All Letters and Communications for the above pub. the four seasons. It is hardly necessary to add, that out door affairs are retarded in consequence; freight cannot be trans-lications, may be addressed, free of postage, to ported to the shipping without much risk of injury, and that| shower. The Mississippi is at about the same stage last noalready deposited on the Levee occasionally is caught in a ticed, three feet below high water mark. Of the times in genBEEVES-420 head in market, including 50 left eral, we cannot say more than repeat former remarks the AN INTERESTING AND USEFUL MAP. over from last week. The cattle were of fair quali- themselves any trouble about the matter; and, though we beery of "Hard times!"' is in the mouths of nearly all who give. Upon which is delineated nearly all the Railroads ty, and the demand about the same as last week. 375 lieve them to be hard enough, yet, if our private opinion can now chartered in the U. States. It is designed to show were sold at an advance of 12 1.2 cis pr cwt on for.shed any light on the subject, we are free to say that they have the present contemplated connexion of the different lines, mer prices. Prime sold at $7 50; good, $6 50a87; of accommodations by the Banks is certainly a great drawback connect with them. It may be had either in sheets, price been rendered doubly difficult by idle clamor. The curtailment as well as where others may hereafter be constructed to ordinary, $5 50a7-average, 6 62 1-2 per cwt. to our commerce, and has reduced the prices of Stocks, &c. SHEEP-There was but a small supply in market, below what we thought could be the contingent of a proba- $1 25, or put up in morocco for pocket maps, price $1 50, and sales were rather dull. Some were sold at from bility; but, if those who have cash idly hoarded, could find or on rollers at $2 25, in any quantity, by applying to the firmness to invest it, (and a better opportunity never presented subscriber. D. K. MINOR, 35 Wall street. $3 to 6, according to quality. itself since we have known the city,) in one short month, mo New-York, April 2, 1835, AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, AND ADVOCATE OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT No. 35 WALL STREET, NEW-YORK, AT THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE. D. K. MINOR, EDITOR.] Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad; Wabash and Erie Ca CONTENTS: page 193 Internal Improvements, No. V. By F. Το the Editor of the American Railroad Journal, and Advocate of Internal Improvements. SIR,-Animated discussions have at va ERIE AND KALAMAZOO RAILROAD.-We are happy to learn by the following letter from one of the commissioners, that $48,000 of the capital stock of this company has been taken, leaving but forty shares of $50 each, to make up the full amount necessary to make a good rious times taken place, in relation to the par..198 wooden railroad from Port Lawrence to Adri-ticular plan that is best adapted as a general an.-[Miami of the Lakes.] The New York Canals; Influence of Color; Migration of Fishes and Birds; Fanning Mill, &c., &c.......197 Literary Notices.. Foreign Intelligence.. Summary Poetry-To M ; Advertisements, &c... Foreign Varieties, &c. ... .199 200 202 .203 .205 207 203 AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, &c. which is $40,000. means to promote and facilitate internal commerce; and although systems have been explained, and theories investigated, in the most lucid and elaborate manner, they have been too frequently characterized by party influence, to produce any other effect than that of exciting animosities to the prejudice of the true interest of the cause. "ADRIAN, March 6, 1834. "The books for receiving subscriptions to the capital stock of the Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Company were opened here as per notice, on the 4th instant. On that and the following day there were 960 shares subscribed, The stock finds a more ready market than was anticipated by the warmest advocate of the road. This tells well It is not believed that any one particular for the intelligence and enterprise of the inhabitants of the counties of Lenawe and Mon- plan can with propriety be recommended as roe. People of every profession, trade, and bu-most fit to subserve the general interest of the siness, have taken stock. Can there be any doubt that a railroad will be built, when so many unite their strength and say it shall go on? Your favorite theory of wooden railroads will therefore soon be put in practice." The writer of the following letter will excuse us, we trust, for publishing it without his consent. The truth is, we are driven, these country. The circumstances which should hard times, to adopt all honorable means in our power to extend its circulation, that we govern the mind in the choice and adoption of may receive back the money it has cost us. If such plan are principally of a local character, and entirely independent of general rules. we can do that, by a collection of what is now due from those who have heretofore taken it, Canals, railways, turnpikes, have each their the sale of copies now on hand, and an extenBy a gentleman of this place, recently from particular province, their particular sphere of sion of its circulation, we will never say a Columbus, we are informed that the Wabash action. Each, according to circumstances, posword more about having thus far received no and Erie Canal bill had a few days before the sesses, relatively, certain capabilities and adcompensation for our own services in superin- and sent to the Senate, where, after some tri- the other two; and for which alone it should time of adjournment been passed by the House vantages, for which it claims precedence over tending it. One cannot afford to work for no-fling amendments, it also passed, and that be selected as most likely to conduce to the thing unless his expenses are defrayed: and we there was no doubt that the Senate's amendshould not have been obliged to do o, if all ment would be concurred in by the House improvement of the section of country it may who have patronized, had paid us. without opposition. The bill, as we are inform- be intended to benefit. ed verbally, provides for the immediate survey LIVERPOOL, Feb. 20th, 1834. by engineers, under the direction of the ComSIR,-I am requested by Mr. Vignoles to sub-missioners, of both banks of the river from the scribe for a sett of the Railroad Journal, with Indiana line to the foot of the rapids, and also the back numbers complete, for the Institute an examination of the bed of the river as low of Civil Engineers in London, and another for down as the head of the rapids, with a view to the Board of Public Works of Dublin, which a slack water navigation, if it should be deem may both be sent as you have hitherto sented expedient. One of the main causes of error, and one that has been productive of more injury than any other, may be traced to the prejudice that has so unreasonably existed in the minds of the people, against the employment of men of science in the construction of important public works. It is disgraceful to find the interests his copies. He says they will all prefer hav- Three gentlemen to be appointed by the go- of men of this class, even when possessing a ing them in semi-monthly parts, stitched in a vernor, to select and appraise the lands belong-large share of practical knowledge, prejudiced wrapper, as you have sometimes sent them; Iing to the canal, which lands are to be brought by the very thing which ought, in the eyes of should also prefer mine in that way. I have, into market as early as practicable, and sold an enlightened community, to have advanced likewise, at the solicitation of Doctor Lardner, for cash, provided that none shall be struck them; to find their services slighted and put to ask you to send two copies of all the back off at a less price than $2 50 per acre, nor less aside to give place to those who, professing to numbers, and to continue him as a subscriber. than its apprised value; and no canal land act independently of all theory and scientific On seeing my copy, he expressed the utmost can be entered at private sale until two pub-principle, and ignorant of every thing except astonishment that such a work should be public sales shall have been held. The proceeds the few practical rules indispensable in their lished in America, and I dare say he will be of these sales are to be applied without unne- vocations, happen to enjoy the unenviable dis the means of your procuring additional sub-cessary delay to the construction of the canal.tinction of being mere practical men. It is scribers. You will please to forward me your It is expected that the engineers will be on only by the lights of science that we can ever bill, which shall be immediately paid., the route as soon as the ground is well settled. nope to estimate with any degree of accuracy Your obedient servant, We shall publish the canal bill as soon as the combined actions of different causes, and FRANCIS B. OGDEN, we have the good fortune to lay our hands on by a correct knowledge of its principles that Consul of the U. S. at Liverpool.lit.-[Miami of the Lakes.] we can avoid making improper applications Farther Illustration of the Principle of Mr. SIR,-The following remarks, in elucidation of the principle of my Caloric Engine, will, I feel confident, not be unacceptable to your many scientific readers. To arrive at a clear understanding of the of established laws, and be enabled to draw le- sure. In this experiment, of course, the op-hour, the proportion becomes one to three hungitimate conclusions from particular premises.posing resistance of the medium through which dred and sixty; and if to a half a mile per hour, one to fourteen hundred and forty; or, It is not imagined by any reflecting person the body passes is abstracted. that knowledge of this kind can possibly mili- These practical results were still, however, in other words, a traction equal in force to 100 tate against a correct conception of plans, and highly satisfactory, as placing the ability to lbs. can thus at that rate draw a mass of the a judicious arrangement of details. Were it propel carriage son railroads at a suitable speed, enormous weight of 1,444,000 lbs. This asreasonable to suppose, even for a moment, the for the more rapid dispatch of business, beyond tonishing fact does not only exist in theory, encouragement of any such ridiculous notions, a doubt; and as showing the striking relative but has actually been proved in practice, upon many convincing instances might be adduced difference in the force requisite to produce the our own lakes. A single horse has been known But be-to draw, at the rate of one mile per hour, a raft F. as evidence to maintain the contrary position, same degree of speed upon canals. -that without its assistance no engineer can fore go.ng further, let us examine a little into weighing two hundred tons. We find hope to attain to eminence in his profession. the nature of this latter resistance. Prony, Tredgold, and Smeaton, were all, in this to be governed by totally different laws: some sense, practical men; but to an exten-that it increases with the square of the velosive practice they united a profound knowledge city. It is the resistance of the medium through of all the different branches of mechanical sci-which the body passes, and is occasioned by ence; and who have contributed more than two causes,-the cohesion of the particles and Thus, if a body they to the general diffusion of knowledge, the inertia of matter. under the different heads to which their atten- move through a fluid at different velocities, the tion was directed. We are persuaded that it resistance will increase with the increased is only from the exertions of such men (and ma-number of particles struck in a given time; ny such may be found in this country), that we which, of course, will be determined by the advantage gained by the new mode of emcan possibly escape falling into the snares space run through in that time. If, therefore, ploying heat adopted in this engine, it may that are laid by designing men to dupe the un- triple number of particles be struck, the re-not be amiss to pause for a moment to consistance will be triple; but it increases further So much has already been written on the with the force with which the body strikes the sider how heat is at present made use of relative value of railroads and canals, that the particles, and this being proportional will be when employed to actuate that universal insubject is indeed well nigh exhausted; and also at a triple rate, making the whole resist-strument of mechanical power, the steam although little or nothing, it is believed, can be ance nine-fold: i. e., par:ly in the ratio of the engine. Is it necessary to the effect produced, adduced further to strengthen our position, velocity, and partly in the duplicate ratio of that the heat should be absorbed or deenergy but what has been hundreds of times reitera-that velocity. stroyed, or in any way diminished in ted from every quarter of the Union, still it The only apology offered for these tedious If this question can be answered in the necannot be passed by, consistently with the ob- and uninteresting details, is the circumstance ject in view and in justice to the cause we up- of their being addressed to the unenlightened-gative, then it will be quite logical to assume that the power of the steam engine forms hold, without a brief notice of some of the to those whose occupations may preclude them but a fraction of that which the combustion characteristics by which these formidable ri- from bestowing much care and reflection upon vals, if such they must be considered, are subjects of this character. It is a desideratum of a given quantity of fuel is capable of prochiefly governed. That of friction, as it has admitted by all who have the interest of the ducing. Well, then, let us suppose a quantity of proved a fruitful source of disputation among country at heart, that a correct knowledge of theorists, claims particular attention, as the fundamental principles be so generally diffused steam, of known volume and pressure, to be basis on which most of the arguments are throughout every class of society, that each admitted into a vessel containing cold water founded; and although the experiments from and every individual member thereof may be of a given weight and temperature; the ele. which our information on this important topic enabled of himself to pass judgment on the vation of temperature which will be prois derived have been conducted with the great-relative merits and demerits of the various duced will, of course, afford an accurate est care and precision, the results differ so schemes presented for public approbation; wary. a and ? widely in character, and present so many ma- to detect the fallacies of those whose wilful measure of the quantity of heat contained terial opposing points, that the laws establish- misrepresentations have so often before led in- in the steam previous to its condensation. ed from the conclusions drawn from the one to error. Almost every instance that has oc- Suppose, now, that an equal volume of steam, have ever been invalidated by those drawn curred where serious injury has resulted from of equal pressure, as in the first instance, is from the other. It was long looked upon as a ill-advised and ill-concerted undertakings, has admitted under a piston, working in a cylin. fundamental principle, that the friction of roll- been characterized by a total ignorance of the der, and subjected to a proportionate load; ing and sliding bodies was the same for all velo- commonest rules of hydro-dynamics. Many that piston will, of course, move until all the cities, and consequently, that any body being unhappy examples might be adduced to illus- steam has been admitted, and by its motion acted on by a constant force barely sufficient trate this observation, but we forbear, in the exert a force proportionate to the pressure to overcome its friction, together with the re- hope that the experience derived from the past of the steam and the volume displaced. Let, sistance of the atmosphere, would, like a fall will so regulate the actions of the future as to ing body acted on by gravitation, proceed with render their recurrence, unless wilful, next to then, the steam be discharged from under the piston into the vessel of cold water, under a motion continually accelerated, and in-impossible. Howcrease beyond any assignable limit. But to return to our subject. It appears from similar circumstances as in the first supposiever startling this assertion may have been at the different nature of these resistances, that tion, and it will be found that the same eleits first appearance, it yet found many to coun- the rate of velocity on canals is confined to vation of temperature will take place as when tenance its introduction, and claim its admis-a very low limit, whereas the rate of that on the steam was not previously employed to sion as a truth deserving unlimited credit. railroads may be increased to any height that raise the piston. We thus find that the proHere was a fine field for speculation; and to will not prove injurious to the road and carthis apparent paradox may be traced the foun- riage. On the other hand, however, it is to duction of mechanical force by heat is unactain head from which has emanated all the be remarked that this very principle, which is companied by any loss of heat.* enthusiastic hopes and extravagant expecta-harped on as an insuperable objection to the But, in the steam engine, this remarkable any advan. tions which have characterized the railroad further use of the canal, actually endows it circumstance is not productive of mania during the last few years. Fortunate-with advantages that are altogether unattaina-tage, for although nearly all the heat genera. ly, however, for the cause of science, men have ble on railroads. We shall endeavor to ex-ted in the boiler is unquestionably conducted been found sufficiently sceptical to question plain this in as few words as possible. The to the condenser, that heat cannot from the truth of this absurd position. Morin, sat-relative good effect produced at different veloci- thence be brought back to the boiler again isfied in his own mind, that his predecessors, ties, in round numbers, stands very nearly for the purpose of raising steam, having in Vince and Coulomb, had been laboring under thus: One to three in favor of canals at a vethe effect of some undefinable error, determined locity of two and a half miles per hour; equal the condensing process been diffused amongst to sift the matter until he discovered the cause. at a velocity of five miles per hour; and one a large quantity of matter, and brought to a Having prepared an apparatus for this pur- to three in favor of railroads at a velocity of ten much lower temperature than the steam.† pose, he varied the velocity from the lowest miles per hour. Now, reasoning from these pre up to ten feet per second; the rubbing surfaces mises it can be made to appear that a force of from some tenths of a square inch to nearly traction on a canal equal to one hundred pounds, five hundred square inches; and the pressures will be amply sufficient to move a mass equal from ninety to twenty-five hundred pounds. to ninety thousand pounds. A horse travel On these grounds the inference seems incontestible, that the steam engine is not constructed on a correct physical principle, inasmuch as it consumes a greater quantity of that precious commodity, fuel, than is neces Losses by radiation need not here be taken into ac All the experiments made within these limits,ling at the slow rate of two miles per hour can and they were repeated many times, agree in draw with ease thirty tons in a boat weighing character, and prove, what is more consistent fifteen tons. This gives us at once a proportion with our ideas, and reconcileable with our ex-of one to nine hundred as the amount of re-count, for they do not affect the theory. perience, that the friction of surfaces moving sistance opposed to the motion of a vessel this produces a saving of fuel of only one-thirteenth part on each other is entirely independent both of ve- through the water at two miles per hour. of the whole quantity consumed hence thirteen-fourlocity and surface, and proportionable to the pres-Now, reducing this velocity to one mile perteenths of the heat generated is constantly wasted. † Of course, every boiler is fed from the condenser, but : force obtained. fig. 2, and the thermometers at C and D will be affected just as above described, except that more time will be required before the temperature at D is brought to the full height, and that less heat will ultimately escape at B. Thus it may be proved theoretically, that any quantity of fluid air or gaseous matter can be heated up to a high temperature, independently of the quantity of heat actually generated for that purpose. Although this is apparently a paradox, it is not so; for by referring to the illustration in figs. 2 and 3, it will at once be seen that the circulating fluid is of a high temperature only when passing the point D, and that it gradually diminishes in temperature as it recedes, and gradually increases as it advances towards that point. However, for the purpose of obtaining mechanical force this is quite as advantageous as if the fluid retained its high temperature when it escapes; for at the point Dis the heated fluid admitted into the working cylinder, and from thence passed off into the casing X. The manner in which this is done, your diagram of the Caloric Engine, in a former number, fully explains. Fig. 3 represents the form of an apparatus used in practice; its operation is precisely the same as in fig. 2, and thermometers placed at A, C, D, and B, will indicate temperatures proving the increase of tempera sary for the production of the mechanical by the furnace per minute will be accurately ture and transfer of heat in a similar manner. ascertained by calculating what quantity of The cold fluid is forced into the furnace It is well known that all fluid substances, heat is required to raise 20 cubic feet of air through a number of small tubes, Z, and the the gases particularly, expand very conside. from 60 up to 100°. Now suppose the same hot air is passed off through the vessel X, rably by being exposed to the action of heat, furnace, with its metal tube y, to be represent-called the regenerator. The currents, both and that, if kept in a state of compression ed by fig. 2, but instead of having the bef- in this vessel and in the tubes, are broken in previous to being heated, their expansive lows attached to the metal tube, suppose a peculiar manner, so as to produce a coner, and that in the same proportion as the in- nite length, and let this pipe be inclosed in solutely necessary for effecting a rapid transforce will, at a given temperature, be great them to be attached to a pipe, A C, of in stant intermixture of particles, which is abcrease of density. That an engine might a casing, X; suppose, further, this casing to fer of heat. But to such an extent has this be worked by means of such expansion or be surrounded by a perfect non-conductor of object been attained by the contrivances indilatation, will be readily admitted by any heat, and instead of allowing the hot air to stituted, that hot air, constantly passed at the one reflecting on the subject, without refer- pass off directly, as at B in fig. 1, let it be rate of 6 feet per second, through a pipe 14 ring to the diagram or sketch of the Caloric conducted from the metal tube y, through inch bore, fourteen feet long, and entering at Engine, given in a recent number of your the pipe D, into the casing X, and pass off Magazine. I will, therefore, not detain your at B. Then let thermometers be inserted in readers by detailing the manner in which the pipes at A, C, D, and B, the bellows bethe motion is practically produced by the ing worked at the same speed as before, and dilatation of the heated medium, but confine an equal fire kept up. At the commencemyself to the theory of the contrivance, by ment, the thermometer at A and at C will, of which a nearly unlimited quantity of the im- course, both indicate 60°, but the thermomepelling medium, (gaseous or fluid,) may be ter at C will very soon begin to rise, on acheated to any required temperature, by the count of the heat conveyed into the casing X; [From the Mechanics' 'Magazine.] consumption of a small quantity of fuel.* but any increase of temperature at C will, We have received the following communicaLet fig. I (see the accompanying engrav- of course, cause an increase of temperature ing) represent a furnace having a metal tube, at D. This again will still further increase tion from the agent of Mr. Harris, respecting y, conducted through the centre of its flue, the temperature at C, and so on in continued his invention, and on the same day the letter We have often to be acted on by the heat in its passage to succession, until the thermometer at D indi- from our friend Archimedes. yi rent of equal magnitude, been brought down a temperature of 300°, has, by a counter-cur to 85°, the counter-current at the same time entering at 72°. J. ERICSSON. I remain, sir, yours, &c. the chimney; let a pair of bellows be at-cates a temperature nearly equal to that of stated that our columns are open to controvertached to the pipe, y, at A, for the purpose the hot air in the beginning of the flue lead-sy on scientific subjects, if conducted without of keeping up a constant current of airing from the furnace: any further increase personalities, and we cheerfully insert both arthrough that pipe; and let a thermometer be of temperature, of course, cannot take place. ticles. We hope to receive other letters on the inserted into it at A, and another thermome. Now, since the quantity, or rather weight, same subject.-[ED. MEC. MAG.] ter at B. Now, suppose a regular fire to be of air forced through the metal tube y is the kept up, and the bellows to be regularly same as in the first proposition, and the power worked so as to blow, say 20 cubic feet of of the fire likewise, this latter proposition, cold air into the pipe y per minute: if it then illustrated by fig. 2, incontrovertibly proves be found that, whilst the thermometer at A that the temperature to which the air may be indicates 60°, the thermometer at B will brought is made perfectly independent of continue to indicate 100°, it follows, as a the quantity of heat generated in the furnace. matter of course, that the heat transmitted But the quantity of air to be heated will also be equally independent of the quantity of heat generated: for suppose that, in the The journal cited in my last communication having, first proposition, the draught be checked so for an "Air Engine," it will be well to direct the attention as to diminish the consumption of fuel, of your readers to the fact, that various gaseous and even then the 20 cubic feet of air constantly cirfluid substances, capable of considerable dilatation by heat, are equally applicable for using the heat over and culated per minute will be raised about 10°, over again, and for the reason that the impelling agent may instead of 40°; but apply the contrivance be varied, while, in every case, caloric is indispensable, has for bringing the heat back, as illustrated in by some strange oversight, mistaken the Caloric Engine the term Caloric Engine been chosen. Harris' new Patent Twin Steamboat. To the His invention admits of many advantages not enumerated in the following letter. Among them are, security of the inner wheels in a hea vy sea, double wheels for river navigation, &c. A model of the construction may be seen at |