Part 5

_Mr. Editor:_ I had a little curiosity to hear what the press said of this periodical; but as yet I have not seen any notice, except the brief one in your columns. As a general rule, it is inexpedient for an association to publish a periodical. Instead of being an expression of the society, it almost unavoidably becomes the organ of a clique, and renders the patronage of an otherwise liberal organization subservient to private interest. In the columns of the "N. York Farmer" was first advocated the formation of the N. Y. State Agricultural Society. Among the first acts of this society was the issuing of an agricultural paper at _twenty-five cents_ per annum. This was scattered over the whole country to the injury of those who had been pioneers in publishing agricultural papers. The Society could not sustain it without loss. It was sold to an individual on condition that he would publish the proceedings of the Society. The price was quadrupled. It was soon found that a periodical having a general circulation, could not devote much space to a local society, however noble and prosperous. Necessity led to the columns of the daily press, and to the issuing of a yearly volume of Transactions. This will be the result of every prosperous association. If the proceedings are worth publishing, the press will spread them over the whole face of the civilized world. A collection of the most important and well-digested papers in a yearly volume, is more in accordance with the dignity and usefulness of a national association. Besides the injustice done to other periodicals previously in existence, the association adds nothing to its reputation by the undertaking. There are three or four individuals at the American Institute who have a hankering for the control of a paper. It is very easy to see that the publishing of a weekly paper by the Institute would be a suicidal act. All the Institute has to do is to make its proceedings interesting, and the widest publicity will be given as a matter of course.

It was natural to suppose that with such an array of editors, editorial committee, and of associate professors, the "Eureka" would have done credit to the age, and claimed a rank, in point of literature, with other monthlies. But candor leads me to say, I do not recollect of having read a select journal with so many violations of correct writing. With the exception of two or three articles, the whole number abounds with school-boy violations of the English language. Redundancy and the want of appropriateness in the use of words are the most common errors. Circumlocution and want of precision are common; and in many sentences all these and other violations occur, rendering it almost impossible to guess at the meaning. Independent of "_inflexibly_ in advance" on the cover, the first sentence in the announcement on the first page is an instance of ambiguity and careless construction. In the first article, on the same page, are several sentences indicating the same carelessness. The article describing Hoe's cylinder press is a collection of badly-constructed sentences. If your limits permitted I would give a whole column of illustrations. The following sentences have so many faults I cannot Italicise. They may serve to exercise your juvenile readers.

"We intend to pursue the publication of the list hereafter, future and past; that is in our next number will appear those of August 20, and follow for one month; also the list for one month prior to the 21st of June."

"A material or composition, of a very cheap character, has been invented, and hard, strong and compact as flint." "From this, streets of any grade may be formed, and in such a way as to entirely to secure a permanent and level surface to its proper grade and arch".

Three fourths of the sentences forming the article on Dr. Lewis' Railroad are very faulty.

"Hutching's Propeller. It consists of forming a set of oars, and by cams upon themselves, and a foundation-plate with cams to match, cause the oars to revolve of themselves, when the main wheel, composed of these oars, revolves."

"A patent is pending for the invention of a wheel, in which Mr. Wm. Hulme, of Paterson, N. J, has made an invention."

"Russ's Pavement, There is no doubt it will make a good road in comparison with our present streets, as far as surface goes; but we must confess our incredulity of the entire success of this plan. We do not like the ideal method of getting at the water-pipes, &c. of the city."

The Report on Rider's Iron Bridge is by another and different pen. I will pass by "_protracted_ from beneath upwards," &c., and give a few more quotations.

"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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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*

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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.

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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.

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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.