INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME II.
With our best bow, we present ourselves before our friends and the public, in a new dress, from head to foot, and though conscious of appearing rather plain and quaker-like, we can assure our friends that in this, we conform to the newest fashion, and have no doubt of being treated civilly by as large a portion of the public, as if we had appeared with more gay feathers in our cap, with starched ruffles and gilt buttons and trimmings. In this, however, we would not be understood to boast, of any peculiar evidence of taste of our own, as we have been induced in this instance, to submit wholly to that of our tailors, who it must be conceded, understand these things much better; while we have only to regard alertness and independence of movement, with a little vivacity, and intelligence of conversation.--Our general principles, and rules of self-government will continue according to our original pledge, and the policy pursued in our first volume: we shall endeavor to encourage and excite a spirit of enterprise and emulation in artists, manufactures and mechanics, while we present such instruction and useful intelligence in arts and trades, practical science and new discoveries, inventions and improvements, as will add to the facilities of enterprise, and conduce to the prosperity and independence of the working class in particular. And that we may furnish an acceptable family newspaper, we shall continue to give in a brief and condensed form, the most useful and interesting intelligence of passing events,--not omitting a small portion of serious matter, suitable for Sunday reading, but avoiding the disgusting and pernicious details of crime, with which too many of our public journals abound, and which evidently produces a deleterious effect on the morals of the community. With regard to political and sectarian subjects, however, we feel much inclined to change our style of neutrality so far as to advocate all parties, sects and denominations, each in its turn, which course may be more in accordance with our own maxim of "enlightening and pleasing," than either growling policy, or the affected indifference and cold inattention which tends to produce a reciprocity of coldness, and pleases none. On the subject of policy and rules, we might say more; but having already said twice as much as we at first intended, and finding ourselves near the bottom of the scrap on which we scribble, we have only to find some suitable form of sentence wherewith to round off this subject; and for this purpose, without wishing to be suspected of any motives of interest, we would gently and respectfully suggest to our readers the propriety of advancing the intelligence, enterprise and consequent prosperity of the community, by introducing and recommending to the patronage of all, this same Scientific American.
[Advantage of Low Fares.]
During the month of July, 1845, when the fare between New York and Boston was reduced to the "ruinous rates" of only two dollars, the receipts on the different routes were $45,208; but during the corresponding month of the present year, with the fare up to four dollars, the receipts have been only $35,963: being nine thousand two hundred and forty-five dollars less for a single month, than when the fares were at half-price.
[Avalon Railroad Iron.]
The Covington Manufacturing Co. at their Avalon works, near Baltimore, are now delivering, under their contract, the iron for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This iron is made exclusively of the best quality of Baltimore charcoal pig iron. The fixtures by which it is manufactured are of the most approved description, and embrace several original improvements, by means of which nearly every bar is made perfect.
[The Magnetic Telegraph.]
Line to Burlington, Vt.--A movement appears to be in progress in Vermont for establishing a line of telegraphic communication from Springfield or Albany to Burlington. Much confidence is expressed by some of the Vermont papers that the enterprise will be carried through.
It is stated that the Magnetic Telegraph will extended from Washington city to Richmond, and completed before the middle of December next.
Telegraph to Canada.--It affords us great satisfaction, says the Montreal Herald, to learn that there is a great probability of the "lightning lines"--the Electric Telegraph--being extended from the great cities of the United States to Montreal and Quebec. A gentleman is now in town, and has submitted proposals to the Board of Trade for making an immediate commencement with this most, important public work. This line is expected to be extended to Montreal from Saratoga, to which place a line is already in operation.
The line between New York and Buffalo having been recently completed, the following is reported to have been the first telegraphic conversation on the occasion.
General Chat by Lightning.--At one o'clock, P. M., precisely, the Telegraph Line connected through the whole distance from New York to Buffalo, 507 miles.
Upon turning the adjusting screw of the magnet by Prof. Morse, all things were found right, and Prof. Morse sent his compliments to all the operators on the line.
The first to answer was Albany.
"The compliments of the Albany Office to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood."
"Utica Office wishes to be remembered to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood."
"Auburn Office sends compliments to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood."
"Buffalo sends compliments to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood, and presents Lake Erie to Old Ocean."
"Rochester Office sends compliments to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood, and presents Erie Canal to Croton Aqueduct."
"Auburn presents State Prison to the Tombs."
"Syracuse sends compliments to Prof. Morse, and asks how are the Yorkers."
"Troy says, Now give me a chance. Compliments to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood; and now for business, if there is any."
"Utica asks, Need we keep dark any longer?"
"Troy answers, No. Announce it to the four winds that Buffalo and New York are no longer separated--they talk to each other by lightning."
This entire dialogue occupied somewhat less than five minutes!
Setts of thirty-six numbers of the last volume of this paper, may be had for one dollar--very cheap. Any one desiring them may enclose the amount to the publishers.
[Advertising In London.]
A new and "improved" mode of advertising has been introduced in London; which is to furnish laborers, carmen, &c. with while frocks or jackets, on the backs of which are printed in large characters, the advertisements of hotels, tradesmen, &c. The wearers of the bills are generally allowed a small compensation.
[Deerfield Bridge.]
The railroad bridge at Deerfield, Mass., is said to be a splendid affair. It is fifty feet above the traveled stage road bridge, and nearly eighty feet above the waters of the river. The piers are already erected, and nearly ready for the superstructure.
The Artesian well at South Boston has been sunk to the depth of nearly 400 feet. The boring machine is worked by steam power, and progresses about 12 feet per day.
Some impudent doctor says that tight lacing is a public benefit; for it kills off the foolish girls, and leaves the wise ones for good wives and mothers.
An exchange remarks--"When we see a man kick a horse, we say at once, that he never need come to court our daughter, for he should not have her if he was worth a million."
[Information Wanted.]
Mr. Editor,--I have a saw-mill which draws thirty-six square inches of water, under thirty feet head. I wish to build another below with only twenty feet head of water. How many square inches aperture will be required to discharge the same quantity in the same time? If some of your correspondents will give me an answer, they will much oblige me. R. C. Navarino, Sept. 7, 1846.
We shall have no occasion to depend on correspondents for the intelligence above required. Thirty-six inches of aperture under thirty feet head, will admit the discharge of 660 cubic feet of water per minute; the velocity of the water being forty-four feet per second. Under twenty feet head the velocity is only thirty-six feet per second, and consequently forty-four inches aperture is required to discharge an equal quantity.
Rule in Hydraulics: (never before published.) To ascertain the velocity of water issuing through an aperture under a given head: Multiply the head in feet by 62, and the square root of the product will show the velocity in feet per second.
[Railroad Intelligence.]
Old Colony Railroad, from Boston to Plymouth, Mass., has for some time past been in full operation, and is doing a fair business.
The whole amount of the stock of the Michigan Central Railroad--$2,000,000--has been taken up, and of course the enterprise will go forward.
On the first day of the opening of the subscription books for the stock of the New York and Boston Railroad, the people of Middletown took shares to the amount of $350,000; and they expect to go up to half a million.
The Cheshire N. H. Railroad is going ahead rapidly, the grading and bridging on every part of the line being in progress. This road is to be carried over the Connecticut River at or near Bellows' Falls.
The stock of the Wilton N. H. Branch Railroad is said to be all taken up.
A General Meeting of the proprietors of the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway was recently held at Montreal. It appears by the report of the board of directors, that 5,364 shares had been taken up, amounting to about £1,200,000. All parties appear to be confident that this road will be constructed and in operation at an early day.
The Little Miami Railroad having been opened to Springfield, is doing a fair business, and adds important facilities to trade in that section.
The directors of the New York and Erie Railroad are said to be "going on with it in the right way to accomplish the great object of the undertaking." Contracts are already made for the construction of the road as far as the valley of the Delaware. Proposals for grading 133 miles more are advertised for, which will carry the road to Binghampton, 270 miles from New York.
It is asserted that of all single marriageable ladies who reached Oregon last season, two-thirds were married before the first of March.
Alexandria has decided on re-annexation to Virginia, by a vote of 633 to 197. Probably some of her citizens want to be Governors and Representatives.
The arrival of the new steamship Southerner in Charleston, 57 hours from New York, excited much admiration. She brought 125 passengers; and was pronounced decidedly the handsomest vessel seen in those waters.
The price of flour at Buffalo, on the 18th inst., was $3.70 per barrel. Corn, 49 cents per bushel.
Mr. J. B. Gough, who has been for some time seriously indisposed, has nearly recovered his health, and returned north.
Gold is imported from St. Petersburgh to London, at the rate of $500,000 per month.--The mining business in Russia is increasing.
The Boston Common Council charge $600 per annum for the licenses of the Howard and National Theatres, with the condition that spirituous liquors shall not be sold, and no female admitted unless in company with a male.
[Arrival of the Cambria.]
The steamship Cambria arrived at Boston on Friday, the 18th inst., thirteen days from Liverpool. From the news by this arrival, we select the following brief items:--not very interesting, but better than none.
The man Henry, who lately attempted to shoot the King of France, has been tried and condemned to work in the galleys for life.--During his trial, he expressed a wish to be condemned to death, but the request was not granted.
The Bank of England has reduced its rate of interest to 3 per cent., whereby greater facilities are given to trade to counteract the depression likely to proceed from other causes.
The British ship America recently arrived from the coast of Mexico and Peru, liberally laden with specie, the amount whereof is stated at six millions of dollars, which, in silver, would make nearly two hundred and fifty tons.
The Queen of Spain, Isabella, has decided to marry her cousin, the Duke de Cadiz; thus putting to rest a subject which has long agitated the circles of royalty in Europe.
Late news from the east furnishes the report that robberies and piracies are of hourly occurrence in the immediate vicinity of Hong Kong. An ordinance had been promulgated in China for the relief of debtors.
The Cambria brought 133 passengers, among whom were Hon. Washington Irving, our late minister to Spain, and the celebrated "Cruikshanks," the caricaturist.
[The Mexican War.]
The latest news from Mexico, and from our army, represent affairs in a most quaint and ludicrous light, with regard to the policy and movements of all parties. The average progress of the army of invasion appears to be about three miles a day, with no opposition, nor prospect of any; while the Mexicans are tame as bullfrogs, showing no disposition to either fight or run. Gen. Parades having got sick of his job, has suffered himself to be imprisoned at the approach of Santa Anna, who has returned and resumed the government without opposition. Mr. Polk having sent an embassy, virtually asking permission to "give it up," has been refused a hearing, unless he will first withdraw our troops from the Mexican territory; while the Mexican army appointed to combat and conquer Gen. Taylor, remains at ease and content at Mexico, calculating, probably, that the longer they wait, the less distance they will have to travel to encounter the Yankees. Whether our President will call off Gen. Taylor with the American troops, before they reach anywhere in particular, remains to be decided.
[Trade to Santa Fe.]
The trade to Santa Fe is said to be much greater this year than ever before. Thirty-nine companies of traders have gone out this season, taking with them four hundred and thirteen wagons, which are in the charge of about eighteen hundred men. The value of the goods carried out by these traders, is estimated at nearly a million of dollars.
A large mastiff dog picked up a favorite lap dog in the upper part of the city last week, and ran off with it. He was pursued by a mob, and after a severe chase, the terrified pet was recovered and brought back rejoicing.
[THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN.]
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Postmasters are respectfully requested to receive subscriptions for this paper, to whom a discount of 25 per cent will be allowed.
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[The Harbor of Havana.]
Our engraving represents a view of the harbor of Havana, which is one of the most commodious in the world, communicating with the sea by a channel little more than half a mile in length, and from 300 to 350 yards wide; its depth varying from eight to ten fathoms. The harbor itself is an oblong basin, surrounded by heights which usually shelter it from the wind.
Havana is a place of considerable strength, and, besides the walls and ditches which surround it, the city is defended by six strongholds, called the Moro, the Cobanas, No. 4, the Atares, the Principie and the Putna. The first and last serve to protect the entrance of the harbor, the second is a sort of citadel and the others are so placed as to cover the approaches by land. The line of fortification, embraces a sort of irregular polygon of an eliptical form, the greatest diameter of which is 2,100 yards, and the smallest 1,200 yards in extent. The entrance between the Moro and Putna, castles is about 1,500 yards long, and in its narrowest part 350 yards wide. In the arsenal of the Havana, there have been built 49 ships of the line, 22 frigates, 7 packet ships, 9 brigs of war, and 15 schooners of war.
The town is built on the western side of the basin, near the channel, on a kind of promontory. The suburbs, or barrios esta muros, cover more ground and contain a larger population than the city itself, and yet they are so intimately connected with it, that the first of the houses in the suburban street, stands on the very edge of the glacis.
The streets are narrow, crooked, and generally unpaved, but they contain some well-built houses. There are, too, several good buildings among the churches, one of which contains the remains of Christopher Columbus. The other large edifices, as the Palace of the Government (shown to the right of the engraving,) that of the commandant of the marine, the arsenal, the post-office, and the building used for the manufacture of tobacco, are less remarkable for their architecture than for their solidity. Besides these, the city contains nine parish churches; six other churches, connected with hospitals and military orders; five chapels or hermitages; the Caza Cuna, a foundling hospital; and eleven convents, four for women, and seven for men. The other public establishments are the University, the colleges of San Carlos and San Francisco de Soles, the Botanic Garden, the Anatomical Museum and lecture rooms, the Academy of Painting and Design, a school of Navigation, and seventy-eight common schools for both sexes. These places of education are all under the protection of the Patriotic Society and the municipal authorities. The charitable institutions consist of the Caza de Beneficiencia, for both sexes, a penitentiary, a Magdalen Asylum, and seven hospitals--one of them contains a lunatic asylum. There are, besides, three theatres, an amphitheatre for bull fights, plaza de toros, and several public promenades, such as the Alameda and the Paseo Nuevo; In Turnbull's "Travels in Cuba," published by Longman & Co., London, 1840, the city is said to contain 3,671 houses within the walls, all built of stone; and in the suburbs, 7,968, of various materials. The number of private carriages for hire amounted, in 1827, to 2,651, and they are certainly now more numerous. In the same year, the population was 122,023--the whites were 46,621; the free negroes, 15,347; the free mulattoes, 8,215; the negro slaves, 22,830, and the mulatto slaves 1,010.
Turnbull, speaking of the Real Caza de Beneficencia, says: "Girls are not admitted to the institution after 10 years of age; and, being entirely supported there, they are completely separated from their parents and their families, until the time of their final removal from the establishment has arrived. They are taught the various branches of needle-work and dress-making, and receive such other instruction as may sufficiently qualify them for becoming domestic servants, housemaids, cooks or washerwomen. They are not suffered, by the regulations, to remain in the house after the age of twenty-one: but, before that time, it is the duty of the junta, or committee of management, to endeavor to procure employment for them earlier in a private family or in some house of business. Should the circumstances of the parents have improved during the stay of their daughter at the institution, they are not suffered to take her away until they have paid her previous board and education at the rate of fifteen dollars a month; but if the girl herself has acquired property by inheritance, or is able to improve her condition by marriage or otherwise, independent of her parents, she is suffered to leave the house without any payment; and, in the event of her marriage to the satisfaction of the junta, a little dowry is provided for her, amounting to $500, from a fund created from prizes in the lottery, the produce of tickets presented to the institution. Six such marriages had taken place, and dowries bestowed from this fond in the course of a single year." This lottery business shows the spirit of gambling so largely developed in nations of Spanish descent. The Mexicans are noted for it, and Santa Ana, who spent his exile in Cuba, and recently sailed from Havana for Vera Cruz, indulged in the propensity to a great extent. But he had two strings to his bow, and whilst playing his fighting cocks was also playing for an empire, and has won the game. How long he will hold it remains to be seen.
HUMOROUS.
[A Very Long Nose.]
A gentleman having put out a candle by accident one night, ordered his waiting man (who was a simple being) to light it again in the kitchen, adding--"But take care, James, that you do not hit yourself against anything in the dark." Mindful of the caution, James stretched out both arms at length before him, but unluckily, a door that stood half open, passed between his hands and struck him a woful blow upon the nose. "Golly gracious!" muttered he, when he recovered his senses a little, "I always heard that I had a very long nose, but I never thought it was longer than my arm!"
[Sol. Smith.]
The American Sentinel, speaking of "Sol. Smith, the Lawyer, Actor, Preacher," &c,. remarks--"We want a few more of such men," To which a Dayton (Ala.) paper replies--"You'll not get them. There are none others like him. He is the first and last of his genus, a solitary specimen of a strange combination of character. Even in the physical way Sol. will be hard to match, for he is tall as a May-pole, and crooked as a pump-handle."
The True American says that when John C. Calhoun takes snuff, every man in South Carolina sneezes.
[A Profitable Hoax.]
Recently at the Copper Mines on Lake Superior, a "greenhorn" asked some miners to show him where to dig; they offered to do it, provided he would treat to a quart of "prairie dew," which he did, and they set him to work under a shady tree, in mere sport. Before night he struck a "Lead," and the next sold out for $4000.
[Reforming.]
"Well, how are you this morning?" said one old rowdy to another.
"Well, sir, quite well--never was better; I'm another man, sir."
"Ah! Then who pays those old accounts of yourself that was?"
"Don't remind me of my sins, I'm reformed man. I was sinful in contracting such debts, and I must now atone for my error by not paying for them."
Yankee Hill is most outrageously puffed by some of the Albany papers. It is even insinuated that he is employed in part by a combination of tailors to cause the citizens to split their coats and other garments with laughing,--for the benefit of the trade.
Isaac Hill of the N. H. Patriot, concludes that the new tariff law is not seriously affecting the manufacturing interests, because he lately saw two loads of machinery going into the country. He must be a sage.
Some scoundrel has run away with the wife, children and furniture of a Mr. Reynold, residing in Allegany county, leaving nothing but an empty house with the rent unpaid. Really too bad.
[Wrong Side Up!]
The appearance of many things and circumstances, like the above cut, depends on the view we take of them: and be it remembered that when a man's head is inverted, to him all appear wrong side up. Hence arises most of the complaints, grumbling and murmurings, about the times, the weather, the government, the people, &c. To one who possesses, or is possessed of a malignant, peevish disposition himself, most of the conduct of others, and the times and circumstances in general, will to him appear wrong side up, and he will not infrequently find his own calculations up side down. Could we at once, view each circumstance in all its different bearings, we should generally see some things that would paliate others, and thus render the whole at least tolerable: and most of the jarring and clashing in the world would thus be avoided. But by far the better way is to take of each and every thing a view the most favorable. This course is evidently peaceable, else politicians and sectarians could not so uniformly applaud every act of their favorite sect or party, and as uniformly oppose and deprecate those of their opponents. Every man who habituates himself to viewing things in the most favourable light, will find this course the most conducive to his own happiness, while it contributes much to that of his neighbors and associates. Look at the bright side of every thing, and hold every picture right side up.
[Importance of Humility.]
Dr. Franklin once received a very useful lesson from the excellent Dr. Cotton Mather, which he thus relates in a letter to his son:--"The last time I saw your father was in 1724. On taking my leave, he showed me a shorter way out of the house, by a narrow passage, which was crossed by a beam over head. We were still talking, and as I withdrew, he accompanying me behind, and I turning towards him, he said hastily, "Stoop, stoop!" I did not understand him till I felt my head hit against the beam. He was a man who never missed an opportunity of giving instruction; and upon this he said to me: 'You are young and have the world before you. Learn to stoop as you go through it, and you will miss many hard thumps.' This advice, thus beat into my head, has frequently been of use to me.
And I often think of it when I see pride mortified, and misfortune brought upon people by their carrying their heads too high."
"An ambassador" is defined as a man sent abroad to lie for the good of his country. To compensate them for the wear and tear of conscience, the country allows him a larger salary than any other subordinate they employ.
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Communicated
[The Eureka: or Journal of the National Association of Inventors.]
(We had not intended to say any thing on the subject of the "Eureka" in this number, nor until the second number of the work should have been issued: but finding that a great degree of dissatisfaction exists in the minds even of those who are represented in that paper to be the supporters and conductors thereof; and having received an implied request for the insertion of the following communication, we would not refuse it, although we doubt whether the Eureka will ever reach its third number, whether its contents are subjected to public criticism or not.)
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 fur 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.
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.]
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.
[ADVERTISEMENTS.]
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.
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*
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.