VOL. XXIV., NO. 12 ... [New Series.] Twenty-sixth YearNEW YORK, SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1871.Contents:(Illustrated articles are marked with an asterisk.)[*Knots and Splices]175[Influence of Cold on Iron and Steel.]176[Oak Graining in Oil Colors]176[Knots and Splices (Explanation)]177[Hartford Steam Boiler and Insurance Co.'s Report]177[*Improved Spiral Spring for Railway Carriages]178[*Portable Writing and Copying Case]178[How Walking-sticks are Made]178[Flowering of the Victoria Regia]178[Jute]178[Ventilation of the Liverpool Tunnel]178[*Impregnating Wood with Tar, etc.]178[*Boardman's Combined Tool]179[*Belt Tightener]179[Some Things I don't want in Building Trades]179[*Action of the Reciprocating Parts of Steam Engines]179[*Answer to Practical Problems]179[Reciprocating Parts of Steam Engines]179[Test for White Lead]180[How to Build a Chimney]180[Crystallized Honey]180[Rambles for Relics.—No. 2]180[Silk Culture]181[*Universal Boring Machine]182[*Combined Trunk and Rocking-chair]182[Cosmetics]182[*Smith's Infant Dining-chair]182[The Medicines of the Ancients]182[*Barnes Ventilator for Mattresses]182[Exhibition of the National Photographic Association]182[A Scientific and Technical Awakening]183[The Sherman Process]183[Rubber Tires for Traction Engines]183[Central Shaft of the Hoosac Tunnel]184[A Museum of Art and Natural History]184[Report of Judges, American Institute Fair.—The Allen Engine]184[Lyceum of Natural History]184[Warming and Ventilating Railroad Cars]184[The Mineral Resources of Missouri]185[Scientific Intelligence]185[American Institute of Mining Engineers]185[Consumption of Sugar, Coffee, and Tea]185[Unpleasant Discovery in the Patent Office]185Substitute for Albumen in Photography 185[Louisiana State Fair]185[Test for Purity of Water]185[New Books and Publications]185[Business and Personal]186[Answers to Correspondents]186[Applications for the Extension of Patents]186[Recent American and Foreign Patents]187[Queries]187[Inventions Patented in England by Americans]187[List of Patents]187