652. Lightning Arrester.—Why has there been no improvement in the ancient, unsightly, and expensive lightning rod? This is the more remarkable since electricity is so much better understood now than formerly. Invent a cheap means of arresting the deadly fluid, and of turning it into a harmless channel.
653. A Window Cleaner.—One which will do the work as well as human hands, and at the same time do away with the peril of life and limb while cleaning the outside of high windows.
654. Safety Rein.—A third rein attached loosely to the others, but capable of being drawn tight under the horse’s chin, thus throwing his head back and stopping him when disposed to run.
655. The Rope-Grip.—A grip which will take a firm hold of a rope of any size and not abrade the hand as in the ordinary method of descending by a rope.
656. Scissors Guard.—An attachment to the scissors which closes over the parts when not in use, and thus prevents accidents to or by children by their unskilful use.
657. The Double Pocket.—A pocket in two parts, the lower part easily opened by the owner, but of sufficient difficulty to baffle pickpockets.
658. Fire Extinguisher.—Now we will give you the secret of a fire extinguisher that will do more with the same amount of chemicals used than any patented fire extinguisher in the world. A small demijohn is filled with a substance that looks like water, but sells for the price of brandy. Half a dozen of these demijohns scattered about a building will protect it from conflagration, for it contains a liquid which is the most inimical to fire that is known. A gallon of it thrown on the flames will subdue any ordinary fire, and yet—here is the secret—it is nothing but aqua-ammonia.
Section 19. Money in the Laboratory.
659. Fly-Killer.—There is needed some powerful chemical that will destroy flies the moment they enter the house, and yet be harmless to man. He will become richer than Crœsus who shall give us the much needed boon.
660. Artificial Egg.—The art of chemistry is now so far advanced that a clever student of the science ought to compound an egg which will be so cheap and such a clever imitation of nature, as to enable him to make money by his skill.