The principal mechanical merit I conceive this Machine to possess, lies in the facility it gives of taking a stream of water as high, and discharging it as low as possible: and both nearly in the direction in which it naturally flows. Of the advantage it possesses in keeping the water a long time from falling, I shall not now speak, as it would require more discussion than this work comports; and, moreover, the Plate confines us to a somewhat contracted representation, which I hope my readers will excuse.
[Plate 48] [fig. 3], A B is the section of the wheel, and C D a small portion of it’s circumference—which shews the form and position of the floats a b c, &c. E is a floor on which the upper water flows, and from which it falls thinly on to the wheel—whose motion is purposely made as slow as possible. The water then, occupies one half of the wheel’s circumference, falls by a gentle slope and finally leaves the wheel at d, whether it there touches the lower water, or not. This wheel is allowed to be incapable of using to advantage a large stream of water—but is doubtless fit to employ a small stream, in the best manner.
OF
A VESSEL,
To assist in taking Medicine, &c.
I have hesitated a moment to describe this method of helping the weak, in body or mind, to conquer their aversion to medicine—several persons having threatened me with a larger dose of ridicule than I am prepared to swallow. But surely, if we can only conquer a child’s timidity, so as to induce him to take, speedily, what his health requires, we shall not do a thing altogether laughable. We shall, perhaps, preserve a beloved child to the solicitude of a mother! and perhaps—a citizen to his country! If then, some laugh, more will approve; and I therefore continue the promised article.
